Valley News May 2020 (Online only edition)

E E FR Issue 157

May 2020

for Whitechurch, Whatcombe, Clenston, Stickland, Houghton, Turnworth & Milton Abbas

BLUEBELLS IN THE WOOD Picture by Graham Case

Helping to inform and unite the Community

Just a name would suffice as God is aware of that person's needs.

At a time of isolation and increasing tensions it is a great opportunity to keep in touch with others at a safe distance and still feel part of Church. Praying that you all remain well in these worrying times.

The Archdeacon's sermon from Easter Sunday Easter Day 2020 Alleluia, Christ is risen! Who would have thought a few months ago when I had the joy of celebrating Christmas with you physically that today I would be joining you to celebrate Easter virtually! It reminds us that presence and the different ways we can be present to one another is at the heart of Easter and the paschal mystery. If the events of the first Easter were taking place this year we can imagine how it might be covered by today's media: Continuing our coverage of this year's momentous Passover festival, we go live to Jerusalem where our correspondent has some extraordinary news: I am broadcasting to you live from the Garden cemetery just outside Jerusalem where we are hearing some momentous news this morning. As dawn broke some women friends of that mis-guided prophet Jesus, the one whom we reported being crucified amid chaotic scenes on Friday, these friends came to anoint his body, only to find - as you can see over my shoulder - that the stone covering the entrance had been rolled away and the body gone! All but one of the women left in shock at this desecration but a Mary of Magdala stayed on weeping and it is what she had to say that has rocked Jerusalem. She claims that the prophet is alive and that he spoke to her, calling her by name! The Temple Authorities have issued furious denials, claiming the prophet's disciples have stolen the body but I have to tell you I spoke to a couple of them - a Simon Peter and John a few minutes ago and they seemed completely non-plussed by the turn of events.

There are unconfirmed reports of other sightings of this Jesus so it is a fast-moving situation and I shall keep you updated as things develop.

If it is true that this prophet has risen from the dead then it is no exaggeration to say that we are looking at a truly life changing moment in human history. This is Antony MacRow-Wood reporting live from Jerusalem, now back to the studio.

Our modern media would have beamed such news around the world in minutes just as it is reporting every twist and turn of Covid-19 because we too are living through our own life-changing moment in history. The whole country in lockdown, self-isolation becoming a new way of life, our hospitals on a war footing, much of the economic life of the country paused. Covid-19 has been humbling for the human race, we are not quite the masters of the universe that we thought we were, and for many these are worrying or worse tragic times. This Easter our hearts go out to those grappling with illness or bereavement and those in our NHS caring for them.

So, it is a strange Easter Day, we can't gather to embrace and celebrate as we would wish. We seem to be stuck in a never-ending Holy Week full of pain and tragedy while the resurrection - some sort of resumption of a more normal life - is still a long way off. It is all the more strange because Spring, that physical resurrection of the natural world that normally resonates so strongly with Easter, is happening all around us but for humanity, it is as if someone has pressed the pause button. We are still waiting and this is time we can use to contemplate and pray for the future.

When we read the resurrection stories we realise the resurrected Jesus was the same but also different. Mary doesn't recognise him until he calls her by name. Jesus manages to materialise inside a locked room and physically eat with the Disciples before disappearing. There is continuity but difference. In the Book of Genesis, God comes walking in the garden in the evening to meet with Adam and Eve when he discovers their disobedience. On Easter Day Jesus is walking in the garden at dawn when he meets Mary, it's a new day, a fresh start, she and we are being offered a fresh start. The price of our sin and shame is paid, there is continuity in that we are the same people but there is difference because we have the opportunity of a fresh start.

Humanity will be offered a fresh start after Covid-19, when the restrictions are lifted we will have choices to make. The re-discovery that there is such a thing as society, that we belong together and need to look out for each other, the countless heart-warming stories of people's love and care for their neighbour, these are things we can CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Editorial Welcome to another online version of the Valley News. Whilst a smaller edition than usual we hope you will find the content of interest.

These are clearly troubled times and, as this editorial is written, the news is very grim as far as the provision of PPE is concerned. We can only hope that this difficulty can be overcome as soon as possible, and there is no problem in maintaining the future supply of this. We are no clearer to learning how long this lockdown will continue, but it certainly feels safer to be isolating than the alternative.

We are very lucky to live here, with the ability to get outside both in gardens and the wider area. Many people have been able to enjoy more walking than usual, and certainly the local woods have been a source of spiritual uplift with a fantastic display of anemones, garlic, bluebells and new beech leaves among the highlights. If you are missing the religious community that has been changed by having to leave our churches closed, you will be able to read in the magazine of opportunities to join in religious services too. And countless times we have heard of how individuals are rising to the challenge that faces us, offering to go shopping or collect medicines for those unable to get out themselves. We really are lucky to be living in this community and we thank all those who are making these offers of help and support. Don't forget how much a social interaction with a neighbour or friend can help - do keep in touch with those who are unable to get out especially.

We had several requests after we published our last edition online if it was possible to download a copy, or (more especially) the crossword page!

It is possible to do this - just go to: https://sites.google.com/site/valleynewsdt11/Home Our thanks go to those who have contributed articles for this month's edition. As things stand, we hope to produce a magazine online again next month, so do let everyone know how to access the online version.

Stay safe and well, and follow the guidance to stay home.

The Valley News Team

The Winterborne Valley & Milton Abbas Benefice The Church is not a Building to be gone to but a Body to belong to.

Thanks to this coronavirus we are discovering that this is true.

We are not even allowed to go into the building, but the Church carries on, partly thanks to an invention called ZOOM. It means that those who join can meet each other on the internet.

We do so every Sunday at 10:30a.m. for about half an hour. We are less formal than the traditional church service. It means that not only can we worship together, but we can see & talk to each other before and after the service. We have now done it on four Sundays, with an extra meditation session on Good Friday. So far we have gone as far as Canada, Australia and USA. Distance is no object.

People from 6 churches get involved. Debbie Albery introduces what we are doing. Our thanks go to Peter & Vivienne Wells, who are learning the intricacies of ZOOM, and we can now download onto You Tube so it can be watched at any time; this includes text to assist those who are hard of hearing. Richard & Angela D'Silva with Richard Marchant assist with music, and those of us who are mystified by the computer. That includes me! We are fortunate to have Local Worship Leaders, our Pioneers, and others who read the Bible & lead prayers.

If you want to join in, below is our contact who will pass on instructions. (If you do not have the internet you can also use a phone.)

Do come and find out more - if you don't like it you can easily turn us off!

Jimmy Hamilton-Brown Online Services - How to join in In response to the suspension of church services for the foreseeable future and to maintain a sense of togetherness in the current situation, we are conducting online services using Zoom Video Communication on Sundays. For those without the internet, it is possible to join the services by dialling in using a landline.

Service Times: Sundays from 10am, formally starting at 1030 a.m.

Please contact Vivienne Wells (882148 or viviennewells1958@gmail.com) for details.

If anyone has any specific prayer requests or concerns please email them to Debbie (debbie.albery@gmail.com) and they will be forwarded to the person saying the prayers.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 choose to cherish and say to each other 'do you know what we want to keep this going, let's live in a kinder more caring society'. Of course, we want to get back to some sort of normality, some continuity with the past but we also opt for difference. We can choose to keep the new and good habits and behaviours we have learned through this crisis.

Crises function like crucibles, they test, refine and purify and this crisis has brought out some of the best in us. Wouldn't it be great if we apply that to the other great crisis humanity faces at the moment, the environmental crisis? It seems less urgent than Covid-19 but potentially no less deadly to the human race in the long run. The beginning of Lent seems a long time ago now but you may remember we were invited by our Archbishop's to use this little booklet 'Care for God's Creation' for a daily meditation and to read the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 'Saying yes to life'. Covid-19 has rather eclipsed it but the new habits we've learned like Zoom conferencing, getting by on far less travelling these can become part of a fresh start. We have learnt that we can take corporate action to tackle an existential problem.

In due course when social isolation ends, when normality is resurrected, let us make the most of this fresh start, let us pray that like the resurrected Jesus there can be both continuity and yet difference.

Let our renewed sense of the gift and preciousness of life extend towards the way we treat each other and let us give expression to that by taking concerted action to live sustainably within God's Creation.

Amen.

names to see what they, and their families, were doing during this traumatic era for the old market town of Milton Abbas.

Wellbeing and Covid19: this is a very difficult time for everybody, and we are all concerned for each other's wellbeing. In a recent book "Historic Landscapes and Mental Wellbeing" by Timothy Darvill, the author suggests that historic landscapes have the potential to improve the lives of those experiencing mental ill-health. There is a therapeutic relationship between people and ancient places. The author is Professor of Archaeology at Bournemouth University and Director of the Centre for Archaeology and knows Dorset well.

There is no better place than Milton Abbas which shows the relationship between people and the landscape - how the beauty and tranquillity of today came about through the hardship, hard work and fortitude of those who came before. The most significant impacts being, of course, the running of the medieval monastery before the Dissolution and Capability Brown's dramatic sweeping away of the old market town in the 18th century. The Abbey, the thatched cottages in the Street and the breathtaking views are the visible evidence today of a dramatic past.

The Milton Abbas Local History Group is exploring the lives of the ordinary families during these events and how they were affected by events beyond their control. Lessons for all of us today.

The one thing we can still do for our wellbeing during the lock-down is to get out and explore the landscape. We suggest that whilst appreciating the wonderful scenery you think about the lives of the people who made it what it is today. To find out more of the history of this place have a look at our website and use the contact page to get in touch https://miltonabbashistorygroup.com.

Milton Abbas and Milborne Surgery

The Valley Gardeniing Club

These are trying times for everyone and we all need to heed the advice given to us to ensure we stay safe and well. The staff at the surgery are doing everything they can to support our patients and continue to provide high levels of care to everyone. We ask that people follow the guidance given at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus and help protect our healthcare teams.

On a more positive note, we are delighted to say that the MATCH committee have agreed to fund a new dermatoscope and lead for Milton Abbas Surgery. This is a tool that facilitates assessment by illuminating and magnifying to reveal layers of skin, whereas examination using the naked eye or a magnifying lens only shows what is on the surface. This tool will assist the GPs in assessment of skin lesions and the support from MATCH to purchase this piece of equipment is very much appreciated.

I hope you're all keeping safe and well in this unprecedented time.

As the lockdown continues, we have cancelled the May talk and that will most probably be the same for the June one.

We've had no official confirmation from Castle Gardens about the Members’ discount evening but I think it's safe to say that this will also be cancelled. We will keep you posted as the situation develops.

Thanks to the internet, we can still enjoy some garden tours.

You may have seen on South Today the Tulip festival at Arundel Castle. Over the next few weeks they will be posting videos and photos online at https://tulipfestival.co.uk/ The National Garden Scheme has a series of garden tours from across the UK at https://ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits/ including a tour of Alan Titchmarsh's garden.

If you're looking for inspiration at home, the RHS has a Grow At Home section our their site https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardeninspiration/grow-at-home Stay Safe everyone and hope to see you all again soon Mark Steele, Chairman

Milton Abbas Neighbourcar Milton Abbas Neighbourcar is continuing to provide a service to our clients although it is noticeable that demand has significantly reduced.

This is due to hospitals cancelling non urgent outpatient appointments and the surgery conducting many more telephone consultations.

While many of our drivers (most of whom are, of course, over 70) have decided not to drive while we are asked to socially isolate and to keep our distance from others (2 non related people sitting in a car is not ideal), a sturdy few are continuing to drive patients to their destination.

Those same few drivers are also supporting Milton Abbas Surgery by undertaking as many prescription deliveries as the surgery would like us to carry out - free of charge!

We wish all our clients a period of safety and wellbeing while the country comes to terms with the dramatic effects of Covid-19.

Nigel Hodder (Transport Coordinator)

Keep Culturally Connected with Artsreach Artsreach are still working to try and bring us comedy, music, drama - even if it's online!

Dorset's touring arts charity Artsreach celebrates its 30th birthday in 2020 but, rather than bringing audiences, artist and volunteers together, the Artsreach staff team and Board of Trustees have had to make some difficult decisions in the current situation, cancelling live performances set to take place in community venues such as village halls.

The team continue to monitor the situation relating to the Coronavirus pandemic, listening to Government and Public Health advice and planning accordingly. The impact of this pandemic on our Country is still unfolding but in the meantime, the Artsreach team continue to work remotely and are exploring how best to support our artists and communities at this time and in the future.

Artsreach is very grateful for the excellent support being given by our principal funders, Arts Council England and Dorset Council. We are working hard to explore what our next programme might look like, and as always, we will do this in communication and partnership with our fantastic team of volunteers across the county.

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Milton Abbas Local History Group Like everyone else we have been hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

We have had to postpone our meetings, exhibition and concert, but we will be back.

However, research does carry on, and our members are still busy.

We are particularly proud of the completion of the transcription of all the Overseers of the Poor Account books which exist for Milton Abbas.

These run from 1771 through to 1836 and have created nearly 60 000 records. This has taken us, or rather a dedicated team of transcribers around the world, about four years. A huge thank you to the twenty or so people who made this possible. We can now search for individual 4

Polly 'Bs'

The Winterborne Stickland Solar Fund Committee would like to remind residents of Winterborne Stickland that funding is available for community projects.

Local lady doing: Holistic Treatments, Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Ear Candling.

Also Beauty Treatments Facials, Waxing, Eyebrow/Lash tinting.

Manicure and Pedicure Nail cutting and Hard Skin Removal.

Appointments available during the day and evenings.

Some treatments can be done in your home.

Applications for funding should be emailed to sticklandsolarfund@yahoo.com Decisions are made every 2 months.

The basic criteria are that ideas should have benefit to the community. A committee of volunteers select successful projects.

Ring Pauline on 01258 880084 / 07760 303332 Gift Vouchers available.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Digital Diary In the meantime, until we can come together to enjoy professional performances once more, we hope that we can brighten your day just a little by keeping you Culturally Connected - many of our touring friends are working hard to keep in touch with us all by releasing lots of lovely creative content online. In response, we have built a 'Digital Diary' on the Artsreach website, which will be regularly updated. The page will be constantly changing so keep checking back and keep sharing it - we've seen some wonderful performances so far. https://artsreach.co.uk/news/digital-diary The Artsreach Team

in November 2019. However, due to the mild winter, weed growth in the river hinders the water flow to the extent that some flooding was experienced outside The Pamela Hambro Hall up until the end of March.

When river levels subside, repair work can begin near the ford for which a licence has been obtained from the Environment Agency. It is not clear which agency is responsible for making good further up Water Lane where significant damage to the verge was sustained when a lorry went into the river.

Streamwatch Swallows arrived in the valleys about 11th April, a few days earlier than reported last year - a promise that summer is on the way. At last there is something more positive to report! Portland Bird Observatory recorded their first sighting of a single swallow on 1st April (not sure whether this was a wind-up being on this day?), however there were further sightings on 3rd /4th April which coincided with the onset of warmer weather and the beginning of our spring. Around the same time another report was logged of a small flock of meadow pipets flying through. A pair of yellowhammers have also been checking out the hedgerow - lovely to see them back.

More exciting news, a red kite has been circling over Water Lane, seen on at least three occasions, one of which was when it was noted quartering the valley for food. It was fun to see a bank vole stroll onto the road, then hurriedly dash to the verge for cover, obviously not pleased to see the red kite above at all ‌ More visitors have been noted by way of two new fox burrows in the hedgerow. There has certainly been more evidence of fox droppings in the area, and food waste containers being toppled. There is also clear evidence of hedgehogs, more so than in recent years. Rats too are about.

With the current difficulties of staying at home and social distancing, garden waste is mounting and collections have been suspended - just be aware that rats will be attracted to compost heaps as will hedgehogs.

Take care with any food stuffs left outside houses and make sure good hygiene practice is observed whilst enjoying garden and river spaces.

Stickland River Management Group

Royal Voluntary Service Knitting a Teddy Bears' Picnic Stuck at home and need something to keep you busy during these weeks of isolation? Why not join in and help us to create a big Teddy Bears' Picnic! You can knit, crochet or sew bears in any way, shape, form or colour you like; or make some food for them to eat; or a blanket to sit on - no limits to your imagination! Think of a sunny summer's day when we will hopefully all be outside again celebrating better times, and let your imagination take over.

We are hoping to display our creations later this year, and then sell the items to raise money for Royal Voluntary Service.

So get started now and let me know what you are making; once we are able to we will either pick your creations up or you can post them to our office in Dorchester.

Any questions please contact Maria Jacobson, Service Manager Dorset Home Library Service, tel. 07786 635154 or e-mail maria.jacobson@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Picture taken by Richard Marchant For some readers it would not have been possible to enjoy a walk along the Winterborne. It is looking particularly pretty at the moment.

Nevertheless, many more folks are walking the lane and enjoying the experience. In several places one can listen to the fast flow of water tripping over the stones that have been nudged into the river over the winter months - very relaxing. Just a word of caution, check that there is firm footing when stepping onto the verge to avoid vehicles, you may find that there is little support due to winter erosion. An added bonus can be found at Houghton Springs Fish Farm where Rainbow Trout and Arctic Char can be purchased - excellent value, really delicious and well worth the culinary experience.

Here is an update on the ground water levels. The table shows the height of water in metres above sea level on the 15th of each month.

The lower marker indicates to point at which springs appear in Winterborne Houghton. The higher marker indicates the peak this year at nearly 140m towards the end of March. With precious little rainfall in the first half of April, levels have reverted back to those experienced

Free eBooks Do you like reading fiction? Did you know that you can get many free ebooks?

Many people these days have a Kindle or similar and are used to reading books on these devices, but perhaps you aren't aware that you can actually get a huge number of books completely free of charge to read on various devices, computers and iPads.

A comprehensive library of books that are out of copyright are available from an online resource called The Gutenberg Project. The web address is: https://www.gutenberg.org These books tend to be the classic books from world famous authors, but an interesting feature is that they list every day the top 100 authors of the day. This can help you to find new books to read, or remind yourself of classics that you've always meant to read but haven't quite got round to. You can read the books online at the website, or download a copy to your device.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Perhaps in these days of lockdown it's time to read (or re-read) 'Far From The Madding Crowd' by Thomas Hardy, among others?

Free books are also available from the three top online book stores - Amazon Kindle Books, Google Play Books and Apple Books (although each requires you to have the appropriate app installed on your computer or device to read them; apps are available from Google Play or Apple App Store. The Apple Books app is only available on Apple devices.) One word of caution: you may need to select carefully from those that are available as there are often books that may not be the kind you would like to read!

Taking Apple Books first, because you can browse for these books from within the app. Go to 'Bookstore' and at the top right of the screen do a search for 'free books'. It's as simple as that. Select from the books one at a time and click on 'Get' and follow onscreen directions. A synopsis of each book is available. You may find that these books are not always as well written or to your taste, but if they're free, you can't really go wrong.

For Amazon Kindle, I find this the best way to search: go to www.amazon.co.uk and using the menu button (the three lines in the box to the left of the Amazon header) click and from the drop-down list select 'Books and Audible', then 'Kindle Books'. You will probably be familiar with this process. Down the left hand side of the screen there is a long list of options. Scroll down the page and select 'Literature and Fiction', and on the next page you will see a list of topics within this section. Select the one that appeals the most - let's take "Action and Adventure' as an example. Click here. All books under this heading appear next. At the top of the list on the right hand side is a 'Sort by' box. From the drop down menu change 'featured' to select 'Price: low to high'. The first books in the many pages will be free. One word of caution here - the list sometimes includes books that are mis-listed as free when they are not! Do check that they are free before you click to buy. An added selection process can be made by selecting the four star & Up rating, this then orders the books with this rating first, and helps choose more 'readworthy' books.

Another way to find free books is to choose Kindle Store from the menu to the left of the search bar, and carry out a search for 'free books'.

Again, this list needs care as occasionally some paid-for books appear in the list. This way of finding free books doesn't allow you to select your preferred reading style as it did before, but it's a little less 'clunky' to access!

For Google Play, go to the website play.google.com and select 'Books' from the left hand menu. Lower down on this page you can access a selection of books that are available free under their policy of offering the first book in a series for free. For other free books, click on 'Top Charts' at the top of the books and scroll down to select 'Top Free'. You can then click on 'See more' on the right and find about 100 books to choose from. Once again, as with all these lists, you will need to select your choice with care.

Whether you choose a classic book, or a modern author you haven't heard of before for a try, I wish you happy reading.

Graham Case

When is an email authentic, and when is it a scam?

Alert emails often contain links to other advice resources and surveys. We are often challenged regarding this as people's perception sometimes is that you should never follow links in emails. When is it safe to follow links in emails and what should you look out for?

Our view is that email is both an excellent communication tool and also a way that companies and individuals can inform you about their latest products and services. However, email is frequently used to deliver unwanted material which is at best, annoying and at worst, malicious - causing considerable harm to your computer and yourself.

It is sensible to be cautious and informed about the risks so you know what to look out for when you have doubts about following a link.

The following information is a superb explanation about issues and risks in emails: https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/spam-andscam-email You will also find some superb advice regarding phishing emails on the action fraud website here: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraudaz-phishing Get Safe Online guidance on email safety includes: Do not open emails which you suspect as being scams.

Do not forward emails which you suspect as being scams.

Do not open attachments from unknown sources.

If in doubt, contact the person or organisation the email claims to have been sent by ... better safe than sorry.

Do not readily click on links in emails from unknown sources.

Instead, roll your mouse pointer over the link to reveal its true destination, displayed in the bottom left corner of your screen. Beware if this is different from what is displayed in the text of the link from the email.

Do not respond to emails from unknown sources.

Do not make purchases or charity donations in response to spam email.

Don't click on 'remove' or reply to unwanted email.

Check junk mail folders regularly in case a legitimate email gets through by mistake.

When sending emails to multiple recipients, list their addresses in the 'BCC' (blind copy) box instead of in the 'To' box. In this way, no recipient will see the names of the others, and if their addresses fall into the wrong hands there will be less chance of you or anybody else receiving phishing or spam emails.

Similarly, delete all addresses of previous parties in the email string, before forwarding or replying.

If you are suspicious of an email, you can check if it is on a list of known spam and scam emails that some internet security vendors such as McAfee and Symantec feature on their websites.

Most Microsoft and other email clients come with spam filtering as standard. Ensure yours is switched on.

Most spam and junk filters can be set to allow email to be received from trusted sources, and blocked from untrusted sources.

When choosing a webmail account such as gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail, make sure you select one that includes spam filtering and that it remains switched on.

Most internet security packages include spam blocking. Ensure that yours is up to date and has this feature switched on.

Dealing With Cold Callers Whilst the current restrictions on staying at home mean that we are less likely to see people going to and fro, it is important to remember that not everyone will comply and rogue traders and fraudsters will seek to take advantage, so we are asking you all to maintain your vigilance.

Spring is the time when many of us start to tidy up our homes and gardens and there may be jobs that require a professional to carry out the work for you and even though it may be tempting to do so, our advice is NEVER deal with cold callers to your home, even if they tell you the work is urgent.

Cold Calling is a favoured method of rogue traders, whose aim is to get as much money from you as possible and the work carried out is often unnecessary, poorly completed or not done at all. Cold callers are often persuasive, but it is difficult to make the right buying choice on your doorstep and you should never be pressurised into making an immediate decision.

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Dorset Police With the current situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), we are living in unprecedented and worrying times. With this in mind, we are doing all we can to keep our officers, staff and communities safe.

We have set up a page on our website to keep you updated on how Dorset Police is responding to the pandemic, including frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new police powers. https://www.dorset.police.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/ FAQs that have been added or updated over the last week include: Can I go surfing for my daily exercise?

Are you going to stop tourists visiting?

Can I drive to my second home?

What are we doing to support those sleeping on the street during the coronavirus outbreak?

What COVID-19 (coronavirus) resources do you have for people who use British sign language (BSL)?

The FAQs will be updated regularly.

You can also read the latest advice and information from the government on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus 8

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 We advise that you wait to have any work carried out on your home, but if you have jobs that you feel should be carried out without undue delay; we recommend that you consult with the Trading Standards, Buy With Confidence scheme. https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/home/ Being a good neighbour is as important as ever, so if there are elderly or vulnerable neighbours living nearby, we ask that you continue to keep a look out for and report any strange or suspicious activity. We also recommend that you print off and display the uninvited traders sticker on your front door. https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/business-consumerslicences/trading-standards/trading-standards-pdfs/dorset-counciluninvited-trader-door-sticker.pdf Get Safe Online Advice Re Coronavirus We all have enough to be concerned about from the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. That's why our online experts have put together some top tips about how to protect yourself, your loved ones, finances and devices from the scams that are currently circulating. As well as advice about keeping yourself and your organisation protected whilst working from home.

To see more about online safety during this uncertain time visit www.getsafeonline.org/coronavirus Please Beware of Bogus Officials We are advised that criminals are posing as Council officials or NHS staff to either gain entry to private residences, or to make monetary gain by charging householders for errands, we would therefore like to advise you once again to be vigilant to these attempts and to say NO to cold callers.

BCP and Dorset Councils do not send anyone to your home to offer services such as shopping or running errands to collect medicines etc. without making a pre-arranged appointment to visit and carry out the service and their volunteers will never enter your home.

Similarly the NHS is not carrying out house to house visits.

Although it is difficult whilst maintaining social distancing, you still need to check the id of anyone calling at your home. Ask them to hold it to a window so that you can view it and if you are still unsure, please ring the organisation to check that the caller is legitimate - use the number on a bill or from the phone book, not a number the visitor provides.

Do not allow anyone into your home unless it is an emergency.

Do not give your bank card to anyone offering to do shopping for you; most shops will allow you to make payment directly to them when you place your order. Volunteers are advised not to take credit or debit cards from the person they are running errands for.

If you need help with essential services because you are unable to get out you can request assistance from your local council.

Dorset Council - Phone: 01305 221000 or email communityresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Unacceptable Campaign Emergency services and other partner agencies across Dorset are working together to highlight the #Unacceptable trend in the number of verbal abuse, assaults or attacks their staff face and the rising number involving threats of COVID-19 infection.

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, police, the ambulance service, the fire service, council, healthcare staff and other key workers have regularly been subjected to attacks where the spread of the virus has been used as a tool to assault or verbally abuse key workers.

Between 16 March and 14 April 2020 there were 40 occurrences of assault on police officers and emergency workers in Dorset. These have included being coughed and sneezed at with the threat of infection and physical attacks. Not all victims’ occupations are recorded and therefore this statistic does not encompass all key workers. However, there were a further five reports of COVID-19-related assaults involving a farmer, gas fitter, workshop engineer and two shop employees during this same time frame.

Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Dorset Police, said: “Our officers and staff, along with other emergency services colleagues and key workers, demonstrate commitment, courage and dedication on a daily basis. They signed up to help protect the public, not to come into work each day with the risk of being assaulted, attacked, verbally abused or

intentionally infected by COVID-19. The impact this can have on them, their colleagues and their families can have serious consequences.

“On 1 April 2020 officers were called to a report of an abusive man in Bournemouth. When cautioned for his behaviour, he coughed at officers and sneezed in their direction before saying “have some of the coronavirus”.

Chief Constable James Vaughan continued: “Coughing and sneezing at officers is particularly abhorrent during the public health emergency we are all facing.

“We will not tolerate assaults on our officers, our emergency services colleagues or key workers. Offenders will be dealt with robustly and we will bring criminal proceedings against those responsible.

“Working with partners, Dorset Police is raising awareness of the risks officers, emergency services colleagues and essential key workers are taking to keep communities running. Any form of assault against emergency service staff or key workers will be dealt with swiftly.”

Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “Our police officers, paramedics and other key workers are heroes who are enabling our county to keep going throughout this unprecedented situation. I’m sure the vast majority of the Dorset public would agree that assaulting these brave men and women, or deliberately coughing and sneezing over them, is a despicable and cowardly act. We will need the help of our key workers more than ever over the coming weeks any assault on them is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council, said: “Abuse of our staff is unacceptable at any time. It is not part of the job to tolerate any form of mistreatment. It is staggering to hear reports of abuse to both council and other frontline staff at a time when many are going above and beyond the call of duty, working in extremely challenging conditions to keep our communities safe.

“Any kind of abuse directed towards these colleagues is completely unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to work with the police to deal harshly with anyone not treating our colleagues with the respect they deserve at this difficult time.”

Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council, said: “It is really sad to hear some of our officers and volunteers have received verbal abuse while carrying out essential work in our towns and villages. They are working hard to keep critical services and support available at this time.

“For example, if you park across a loading bay or on double yellow lines, it may mean essential deliveries to a local pharmacy cannot be made or access for emergency service vehicles is severely restricted.

That’s why we are continuing to enforce these simple traffic regulations.

“Or think of the uniformed care worker who is visiting to help a local resident at home so they don’t take up a valuable hospital bed. They have a vital role to play and need our support, not criticism or abuse.

“Our key workers are following the rules around social distancing to stay safe and help protect our NHS whilst keeping vital supply chains going. Please respect our colleagues as they do their work during these difficult times.”

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters and support staff are working hard with our colleagues to deal with the challenges that COVID-19 presents. They go to work to help their communities in their time of need, but they are people too.

“Our emergency services and key workers do not deserve to be abused in any way for simply doing their job. To be intentionally infected with this virus or harmed in any way is completely unacceptable. This has serious effects, not only on their health and well-being but that of their families and loved ones as well – and we will not tolerate this. My staff and the colleagues they work with deserve to be treated with respect at work, now and in the future.”

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “Our ambulance crews and control room staff are working tirelessly on the frontline to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so proud of and thankful for them all.

“Any verbal, mental or physical assault against an emergency services staff member or key worker is completely unacceptable. Sadly we received 1330 incidents of violence and aggression towards our staff in the last year, which is an increase of 16% on the previous year.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 10

SI TE B E RW R U O K HEC LS OF OU C E S I CE PLEA OR DETA Y SERVI F AWA E K TA

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11

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Unfortunately these incidents have continued during the COVID-19 crisis when our staff are working in an extremely challenging environment to protect and save lives.

“We support whatever action is necessary to protect our staff from harm, and ensure those responsible for any attacks are prosecuted.”

Eugine Yafele, Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It defies belief that there are people who would act in this way, threatening those who are trying to support and protect us all in these current challenging times. No-one, least of all key workers at the frontline battling this virus, should have to face such behaviour and threats. Please respect those who are working so hard to support our local communities.”

Dorset Police is asking people to support the campaign by sharing their #Unacceptable posts on social media. They are also reminding people to follow the national healthcare guidelines to stay at home unless necessary, respect social distancing and maintain good hygiene.

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IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL OUR ADVERTISERS This special online-only edition of the Valley News has been brought out during the Lockdown. We will try to produce another edition next month, all being well, but we wanted you to know that the period of subscription for your advert will be automatically extended when things return to normal: this time while we can only produce an online edition does not count as far as the period of advertising is concerned. We hope that in this way it shows you how much we appreciate your support by choosing to advertise with us.

The Valley News Team

Picture: Graham Case

12

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15

W CROSS R D Compiled by Nick Donnelly There are two sets of clues, Cryptic and Concise, but remember, you cannot mix the clues as the cryptic answers are different to the Concise ones.

Answers will be given in the next edition.

The crossword can be downloaded to print from sites.google.com/site/ valleynewsdt11 CRYPTIC Across 1. Custom clothing (5) 4. Uber employee around sailor's club (3-6) 9. Practiced at home with sweetheart surrounded by jazz style (7) 10. Audibly compares a mix of fungi and plants (7) 11. Worship surrounding drone centre of Benidorm to get dry (10) 12. A female black tennis player (4) 13. One of five in confidence trick looking cross-eyed (9) 15. I was in Bali bicycling at the time, so it wasn't me (5) 17. The town which sounds like its always in front (5) 18. Beating cheat disrupting picnic, for example (9) 19. 501 fish (4) 21. Emergency service cruise escort (10) 25. Also known as public transport vehicle primarily incredible track performer (7) 26. Do strip around camera holders (7) 27. Quietly flexible planting (9) 28. Moderates in drive to gain increases in subsidies (5) Down 1. Abhorred wearing a bonnet missing tango (5)

2. You wrapped in scarves by European riverside shed (9) 3. Temporary residences housing European workers to create permanent residences (9) 4. Hidden poetry contained in recording medium (5) 5. Death in the Afternoon caused by wrong 'flu blight (9) 6. Swing music (4) 7. Struggle with last of law officers opinions (5) 8. Assigning duties means taking one away from boisterous enjoyment (9) 13. Boy with US lawyer in States creates youthful innocent time (5, 4) 14. I ride on ox badly to get form of corrosion (4, 5) 15. One enduring team to get by (9) 16. Fakes initially introduce minor inconsistencies to avoid crags (9) 20. Run about pelt (5) 22. South African river sauce (5) 23. Some French around Slovakia roll top for example (5) 24. Extract of blubber for reversing lamp (4) CONCISE Across 1. Bogus doctor (5) 4. Discount (9)

9. Frightened (7) 10. Sea birds (7) 11. Eagerness (10) 12. Cry (4) 13. Most downy (9) 15. Asian country (5) 17. Joint (5) 18. Adventurous (9) 19. Small stream (4) 21. Making stronger (10) 25. Capital of Cyprus (7) 26. Feeling (7) 27. Show off (9) 28. Herb (5) Down 1. Convulse (5) 2. Really impressed (9) 3. Commotion (9) 4. Distance from centre to circumference of circles (5) 5. Banked (9) 6. Place of refreshment (4) 7. Spanish island (5) 8. Young birds (9) 13. Perfume 9) 14. Complex (9) 15. Winter character (4, 5) 16. Closeness (9) 20. Legal (5) 22. Act of stealing (5) 23. Type (5) 24. Capital of Norway (4)

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