The Christchurch
Directory
The independent directory of local businesses serving the Christchurch residents of Christchurch, Mudeford, Friars Cliff & Burton
Delivered FREE around the town
August/September 2015
In this issue: Win a pair of tickets to see Classic Clapton at the Regent Centre Search laundhed for community champions LawSpot with Harold G Walker Beach recycling completed Martin Lewis: Childcare Adventures of Nellie
Seaside Award Flag at Highcliffe Beach (see page 16 for full details)
BESPOKE FITTED FURNITURE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
2
Custom Creations is a family run business with over 40 years experience
Call us now on 01202 823231 to arrange your free, no obligation design consultation Please come and see us at our showroom Mon - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm, Sunday: by appointment
Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6YS
www.customcreations.furniture
m
Design Inspired By You
d
o tte fr 0 Fi re g 0 itu . tin rn fit 5 & Fu 9 T £5inc. VA
Sliding Wardrobes | Hinged Wardrobes Home Office | Lounge Units | Storage Units
3
0'' :063 '*345 $-&"/ 8*5) 5)*4 "%7&35
0WFOT )PCT
&YUSBDUPST 3BOHFT
$BSQFU $MFBOJOH &OE PG 5FOBODZ $MFBOT 0WFS 4BUJTรถFE $VTUPNFST B :FBS
XXX PWFOLJOH DP VL
Christchurch
4
The Christchurch Directory Welcome...
Edition 107
Dear Christchurch, Bargates, Fairmile, Iford, Muderford, Somerford, Stanpit, Friars Cliff, Purewell & Burton! Welcome to the even further reaching Christchurch Directory! If you are receiving this for the first time, we do hope that you find the magazine useful. It can be kept by the phone for a time of need. We are here to bring you local news, articles, puzzles and competitions as well as our loyal advertisers who would love to hear from you.
Please grab a cuppa and have a read. There is an article on Holidays, Hotels & Travel. Christchurch Published by: beach recycling is completed. It is all Family Fun at Debbie & Stephen Corney Moors Valley and it’s Childs Play on page 20. Lucy has at Dorset Publications a lovely Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls. Martin Lewis tells us Telephone: all about new Childcare regulations. There are new 01202 894397 loos at the Regent Centre! A 90 year old blind man Email: info@thechristchurchdirectory.co.uk jumps for charity. Don’t miss the Scavenger Hunt for Wessex Cancer. Christchurch beaches win Seaside Copy deadline for the Awards! A Skydive with Tigers raises £3,500. You can October 2015 edition: waddle with the penguins at the Oceanarium and 21st September 2015 Nellie, the Dorset Publications Campervan, took us all Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in the way to The Ashdown Forest where we experienced this publication is accurate, the out first camping trip in pouring rain! publisher cannot accept any liability The index at the back tells you all there is inside. If to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions you have any local data that you would like others resulting from negligence, accident to know about, please send it to us as we would love or any other cause. to help you. If you have a business and would like to The Christchurch Directory does not officially endorse any advertising reach a readership of 20,000 here in Christchurch, material included within the then please give me a call. publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.
We hope that you are having a great summer break,
Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers
Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Christchurch. Hospital
101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01202 486361
Train Enquires Christchurch Council Sembcorp Water Christchurch Library
08457 484950 01202 495000 01202 590059 01202 485938
THE ALTERNATIVE TO MAIN DEALER SERVICE COSTS BMW - Mercedes - Porsche Mini - Smart - VW - Audi
SUMMER SPECIAL
AIR-CONDITIONING HEALTH CHECK & SERVICE
TO INCLUDE: RE-GAS • LEAK CHECK • PRESSURE TEST • ANTI-BACTERIAL CLEANSING OF VENTS & DUCTING
£65.00 + V.A.T.
MAKE SURE YOUR SYSTEM IS WORKING EFFICIENTLY WITH NO BAD ODOURS
• Factory trained engineers to full diagnostic status • Equipment for all ages of vehicles • Service, repairs and electric diagnostics on most makes of vehicle
• Automatic gearboxes • Air conditioning service and repairs • Collection and delivery or loan vehicles free of charge • Mobil lubricants
• Modern new premises • Ample customer parking • New in-house MOT centre OUR COMMITMENT IS TO FAIR AND SENSIBLE SERVICING AND REPAIR COSTS FOR ALL VEHICLES LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Hughes-Workshop-Ltd Please contact our reception:
Phone: 01202 734433
WORKSHOP LTD
15-18 Cortry Close, Poole, BH12 4BQ
www.hughesworkshop.co.uk
Email: service@hughesworkshop.co.uk
Christchurch
5
Community News
6
Chairman of East Dorset launches search for community champions The Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Steve Lugg has launched a search for this year’s community champions from the district. This is the second year of the East Dorset Community Awards and they are bigger and better this year. Cllr Lugg wishes to showcase and celebrate the wonderful community spirit found in the district’s communities and the awards will now comprise three categories. Business Supporting Community - a business that is embedded in the community, and ‘goes the extra mile’ for the community. Young Community Hero - a young person (under 25) that has been, or is, a real ‘hero’ in the nominator’s eyes. East Dorset Community Volunteer - East Dorset’s overall and outstanding community volunteer for the year. Nominations are now open and close on 1 November 2015. Presentations will take place at an East Dorset Community New Year Reception in January 2016.
Anyone can nominate an individual or a business by writing to the Chairman at East Dorset District Council,Furzehill,Wimborne BH21 4HN with a nomination narrative, or by emailing it to kmills@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk by 1 November. Cllr Steve Lugg said: “From attending events and meeting lots of local people, it is clear that there are lots of incredible stories out there! I want to highlight the strength of our communities by recognising special endeavour, on behalf of others.”
Chairman of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Steven Lugg
7
Home Staging from Coral Interiors...
AFTER
...because looks really are everything
BEFORE
Selling, renovating or just fallen out of love with your home? Coral Interiors will give your home the ‘wow factor’.
• Staged homes sell for on average of 10% more than unstaged homes • They sell 50% faster than unstaged homes (Real Estate Staging Association) • Staging pays for itself (especially compared to dropping the price)
So dive into the transformational world of Coral Interiors and see how beauty really can come from within.
G re a t p a c k a g e s to s u i t a l l b u d g e t s
www.coral-interiors.co.uk
Call Helen on 01202 798837 or 07784 469334 to find out more or book your initial consultation.
Tree and Hedgecare Specialists Local, established family run business ;YLL :\YNLY` HUK ;YLL -LSSPUN [V ): (SS +LIYPZ 9LTV]LK ;76 (WWSPJH[PVUZ 8\HSPÄLK >VYRMVYJL -\SS` 0UZ\YLK (WWYV]LK :OVY[ 5V[PJL >VYR /LKNL 9LK\J[PVU 4HPU[LUHUJL ;YLL :[\TW 9LTV]HS ;YLL :HML[` 0UZWLJ[PVUZ ;YLL 7SHU[PUN Email: broadoaktreecare@msn.com 6 Kings Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1NB
Call for a FREE Quotation
01202 477310
24 Hour Emergency Call Out - Mobile 07990 511416 www.broadoaktreecare.com
Christchurch
Community News
8
Winners of The ESTAS Agent of the Month Announced for June Three agents have been announced as winners of The ESTAS Agent of the Month competition for June. The Tring branch of Estate Agents Nash Partnership won the Estate Agent of the Month title. The Birmingham Central branch for Belvoir won the Letting Agent ‘Landlord’ category and Belvoir Christchurch took the Letting Agent ‘Tenant’ title. Each of the three agents secured their success courtesy of ratings from their clients who completed The ESTAS online survey rating the level of customer service they received from their agent. Daniel Nash, Managing Director of Nash Partnership said “As clichéd as it may sound, our success is due entirely to the superb staff across our whole business. Our sales and letting negotiators, property managers, valuers and administration staff are all proud to share the same goal - to provide an exceptional customer experience from start to finish.” Major Mahill, MD of Belvoir Birmingham Central said “What a proud achievement this is for me and my team. It just demonstrates that customer service is an integral part of our business here and what makes the Belvoir brand here in Birmingham stronger and stronger and now the agent of choice.” Jeremy Clarke, owner of Belvoir Christchurch said “We take the attitude that landlords have entrusted us with their greatest assets – their properties! We instill this in our tenants from day one and encourage them to contact us with any issues. Working this way means tenants are not afraid to contact us and landlords are not surprised by large unexpected bills. Another benefit is that tenants generally ask us to find them their next home and we are then able to present a new landlord with a tried and tested tenant.” Simon Brown, Managing Director at The ESTAS
said “The ESTAS competition pitches the best agents, brokers and conveyancers in the UK against each other to find out who is the ‘Best of the Best’ for customer service. They’re all hoping to be shortlisted for the main ESTAS next April but we think it’s important that firms get recognition throughout the year as they strive to provide the best service they can to their client base”. The ESTAS take place every April and are presented by TV property expert Phil Spencer. Spencer says “I think it says a great deal about an agent who’s prepared to stand up and announce to customers and competitors that they believe in providing the best possible service and they’re happy to prove it. These awards help agencies to focus on customer service levels and that’s why so many take part each year”. For more information about The ESTAS and how your firm can get involved go online to www.theestas.com
Life exists outside of London, the South East and the national press
9
Those of you that follow the property market, and let’s be honest Jeremy Clarke who doesn’t, might be forgiven to think that apart from London and the South East of England nowhere else exists! Whenever there’s an article about house prices rising quicker than Apollo 13 or an article about tenants paying more than they earn to rich landlords you can bet your bottom dollar that the journalist hasn’t bothered to travel very far from his swanky office in the capital. Now I am here to tell you that the property market does exist down here in deepest darkest Dorset and is doing very well thank you! House prices have risen quite a lot over the past year – great news for you if you already own a property but not so good if you’re a buyer trying desperately to get onto the housing ladder. There is, however, an old saying – “every cloud has a silver lining!” So what is the silver lining? Well put yourself in the position of a first time buyer, saving hard for a deposit in a market that is continuing to move upwards. Those folk need somewhere to live and will probably need it for some time. So you could be their silver lining by becoming a landlord; being a landlord has changed a lot over the past few years, gone are the days of slapping some emulsion on woodchip paper but gone also are the days of tenants moving on every 6 months. Nowadays tenants are staying much longer; our average tenancy in a 3 bedroom house is currently over 4 years which means that as landlords the periods of not receiving rent between tenants have reduced dramatically. Yes, prices are higher than they were but so are local rents and with some capital growth I personally think that now is a very good time to become a landlord, couple this with a desperate shortage of good properties (especially houses) to rent and there is a constantly growing demand. Properties are selling quickly, especially those suitable for rental, so if you spot something, call me and I can give you an honest opinion before you buy! Be wary of estate agents selling houses and giving rental advice!!. Jeremy Clarke, Belvoir • Tel: 01202 588920 22a Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL Photo: Richard Lock Photography
Christchurch
10
11
It’s worth HOW much? A special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place soon. The experts of Lockdales Auctioneers will be providing free valuations on Tuesday 15th September, 10am to 2pm, at The Thistle Poole Hotel, The Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HD (free parking available). Valuations will be available for the following types of collectables: Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/ books & maps, cigarette-cards, postcards, pre1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. No appointment necessary. Members of the public will have the option, if they wish, to consign their goods to auction (subject to terms & conditions). Cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided
Christchurch
free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for the public to get a better idea of the services available. We will also be holding an event in Christchurch on Wednesday 16th September. If you have any questions feel free to contact Lockdales’ Martlesham offices: 01473 627110, sales@ lockdales.com. For further information see our website www.lockdales.com.
12
Miss those Wagging Tails? Head to one of our beautiful local beaches at any time of day and you will no doubt see dogs and their human companions making the most of our fantastic location, come rain or shine. Many of these beaches now have designated dog-friendly stretches where a game of ‘Fetch’ can be enjoyed to its maximum and where keen swimmers (two-legged and four-pawed) can paddle or swim in the water together. The benefits of spending time in the company of a four-pawed companion are huge, ranging from improved general health, reduced levels of anxiety and enhanced social interaction with other dog owners. Health psychologist Dr June McNicholas agrees with this final point, observing that the opportunity for social interaction that comes with having a dog is a major reason for the increased health in dog owners while adding that, “For older people, an animal can fulfil the ‘need to be needed’, perhaps after children have left home. In some cases, the social support offered by an animal is greater than the support another human could offer.” Dog ownership obviously brings with it a large amount of responsibility and commitments something that many, for a number of reasons, are unwilling or unable to take on. You don’t necessarily have to own a dog to gain these benefits as many charities are often looking for puppy walkers or dog foster families.
Alexandra Brill took another route and joined dog boarding company Wagging Tails as a dog carer. She now welcomes guest dogs into her home for their holidays when their owners go away and in addition to the health benefits of having dogs around also receives a small payment for looking after her four-legged guests. “For me, dog ownership is not possible, so this is a great way of getting to enjoy all sorts of dogs for times that suit me. I have them at weekends and it works really well – it fits in with my lifestyle and allows me to get my doggy fix!” To find out more about becoming a Wagging Tails carer please visit: www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/carers/bh
Dog lovers wanted: Enjoy the company of a canine guest!
Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday. Whilst owners are away dogs get the love, exercise and companionship of your loving home. To find out more about becoming one of our carers contact us now!
AWARD WINNING HOME DOG BOARDING
Give a dog a holiday! Where happy dogs holiday
Katy Dalton
Phone: 01425 673 928 / 07739 174 014 Email: bh@waggingtailsuk.co.uk
www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/bh/carers A franchise owned and operated under licence by K. Dalton Limited like us facebook.com/WaggingTailsBH
follow us twitter.com/WaggingTailsUK
13
Carpet Vinyl
Wood
Flooring Elegance Unit 5 , John Brown’s Garden Centre, Ringwood Road, Three Legged Cross, BH21 6RD
01202 829662 inspiration@flooringelegance.co.uk www.flooringelegance.co.uk
Christchurch
14 14
Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Keep Bees Busy! Pleasantly humming and buzzing bees don’t just signify sunny summer. Several resident species of bumble, honey and solitary bees in the UK play a vital part in our ecosystem, food chain and economy. All of them feed on pollen and nectar, performing the crucial act of pollination, from flowers to food crops. Conversely, many plants and flowers depend directly on the pollination carried out by bees, as do dozens of crops, including about one third of human food sources. The drastic disappearance of wildflower meadows has greatly impacted the numbers of bee’s country wide. Changes in grassland management over the last century have altered conditions leading to the loss of wildflower habitat, both in Dorset and the UK. Some bumblebee species have already vanished altogether and several others are in decline. Whilst bees are facing severe threats, their plight is no longer an obscure issue, however, but a well-known one, causing widespread concern. Many home gardeners have taken it upon themselves to help bee populations by selecting plants and flowers favoured by bees for their gardens.
Bumblebee
Photo: Ken Dolbear, ���
Honey Bee, Apis mellifera Photo: Ken Dolbear, ���
It’s easier than you may think to create a natural bee friendly habitat. Planting flowers in large patches of similar species means bees don’t have to travel around looking for food. When selecting plants, pay attention to choosing some early and late blooming ones for a good mix; this ensures food sources throughout the summer. Some of the good early ones are Primrose and Lungwort, and for the late ones, choose ivy, honeysuckle and sunflower. You can further help bees by putting up a nesting box to provide a home for them, and this will of course benefit your garden as well. As well as helping bees in your garden, you can also help on a wider scale locally. Dorset Wildlife Trust has just launched its ‘wildflower project’, to help reverse the decline of wildflowers in Dorset. The project will enable the restoration and connection of the surviving plant-rich sites in the county, and create new sites. For more information about the project and to donate, visit: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildflowers By Niina Silvennoinen
15
JC GAS CO
Phone the experts now
01202 723283 Visit us online at www.jcgas.co.uk
COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC, CENTRAL HEATING AND FULL PLUMBING SERVICES
A clean boiler is an efficient boiler.
42 Churchill Road, Parkstone, BH12 2LT
AT
Last special summer offer of the year…
N INC V BO 25 AR R £ LC O EL ECT Y W ET NE E D HO XID NO O M
Free Estimates
SPECIAL OFFER FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY – FULL BOILER SERVICE ONLY
£62
INC VAT (terms & conditions apply)
• Ten years guarantee on Worcester boilers and seven years guarantee on Vaillant boilers installed by JC GAS* • Vaillant and Worcester accredited installers • Installation, repair and maintenance of all gas appliances • Landlord Gas Safety inspections • Full plumbing service • Beautiful bathrooms designed, supplied and fitted by our expert team • Commercial and LPG works
JC GAS keeping you warm whatever the weather. *Terms and conditions apply.
ASK US
FOR DETAIFOLSR
WE CAN DESIGN, SUPPLY & INSTALL THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS PHONE NOW TO ARRANGE A FREE ESTIMATE ASK US
FOR DETAFOILSR
A Beautiful Clean
Domestic cleaning and garden maintenance • No job too big or small • OAP discount • One off cleans • Spring cleans • Regular cleans • Holiday home assistance
07788 454487 01202 477812
www.abeautifulclean.co.uk
Christchurch
16 16
Community News
Three Seaside Awards for Christchurch beaches
Three beaches in Christchurch have again gained Seaside Awards for achieving the highest standards of beach management. Avon Beach, Friars Cliff Beach and Highcliffe Beach are the winners of the Awards, which are judged and presented by the charity Keep Britain Tidy. The Award recognises and rewards beaches in England that achieve the highest standards of beach management and, in the case of bathing beaches, meet guideline water quality. Cllr Margaret Phipps, Porfolio Holder for the Environment at Christchurch Council, said: “Yet again our beaches have maintained the required standard for this award. People coming to use Christchurch’s beaches need to be confident that they will be bathing in a safe environment and these awards assure them that Seaside Award flag flies over Highcliffe Beach they are.”
>ƵĐLJ͛Ɛ ƌĞĐŝƉĞ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ
ŝŶŶĂŵŽŶ ZŽůůƐ
/ŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ ŽƵŐŚ ϯ ƚĞĂƐƉŽŽŶƐ LJĞĂƐƚ ϭ ĐƵƉ ǁĂƌŵ ŵŝůŬ ϭͬϮ ĐƵƉ ƐƵŐĂƌ ϭͬϮ ĐƵƉ ŵĞůƚĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ ϭ ƚƐƉ ƐĂůƚ Ϯ ĞŐŐƐ ϰ ĐƵƉƐ ƉůĂŝŶ ŇŽƵƌ
&ŝůůŝŶŐ ϭ ĐƵƉ ďƌŽǁŶ ƐƵŐĂƌ Ϯ͘ϱ ƚďƉƐ ĐŝŶŶĂŵŽŶ ϭͬϯ ĐƵƉ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ /ĐŝŶŐ ϴ ƚďƉƐ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ ϭ͘ϱ ĐƵƉƐ ĐĂƐƚĞƌ ƐƵŐĂƌ ϭͬϮ ƚƐƉ ǀĂŶŝůůĂ ĞƐƐĞŶĐĞ WŝŶĐŚ ŽĨ ƐĂůƚ
Dŝdž ƵƉ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ĚŽƵŐŚ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ƐŵŽŽƚŚ ďĂůů WŽƉ Ă ƚĞĂ ƚŽǁĞů ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďŽǁů ĂŶĚ ůĞĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŽƵŐŚ ƚŽ ƌŝƐĞ ƵŶƟů ŝƚ ŚĂƐ ĚŽƵďůĞĚ ŝŶ ƐŝnjĞ Ͳ ƚŚŝƐ ǁŝůů ƚĂŬĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ĂŶ ŚŽƵƌ͘ WƵŶĐŚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽƵŐŚ ŽƵƚ ĂŶĚ ƌŽůů ŝƚ ŽƵƚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϱĐŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ͘ ƌƵƐŚ ŝƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐŽŌĞŶĞĚ ďƵƩĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƉƌŝŶŬůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŝŶŶĂŵŽŶ ĂŶĚ ďƌŽǁŶ ƐƵŐĂƌ͘ ZŽůů ƚŚĞ ĚŽƵŐŚ ƵƉ ůŽŶŐǁŝƐĞ͘ Ƶƚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽƵŐŚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ůŝƩůĞ ƌŽůůƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ƉůĂĐĞ ŽŶ Ă ŐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďĂŬŝŶŐ ƚƌĂLJ͘ WƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƌŽůůƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŽǀĞŶ ĨŽƌ ϭϱ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ Ăƚ ϭϴϬΣĐ Žƌ ƵŶƟů ďƌŽǁŶ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĞĚŐĞƐ͘ tŚŝůĞ ďĂŬŝŶŐ͕ ďĞĂƚ ƚŚĞ ŝĐŝŶŐ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƉƌĞĂĚ ŐĞŶĞƌŽƵƐůLJ ŽŶ ĞĂĐŚ ƌŽůů ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƚŚĞLJ ĂƌĞ ƐƟůů ǁĂƌŵ͘ zƵŵ͊
17
Traditional & Contemporary Solutions
Ltd
For a free consultation please contact us: Tel :
Mob :
All aspects of blinds supplied and fitted Specialists in Plantation Shutters, Awnings & Shaped
01202 848 628 07543 963 376
Email : info@tuscanyblinds.com
Conservatories
www.tuscanyblinds.com
Furnish with the best... for a good deal less! Best Can furniture prie ce for miles! s
• Specialists in Cane, Pine and Oak furniture, with 30 years in the trade • Extensive showrooms with great deals on chunky British made beds. • Opposite New Milton Station, with easy parking at rear of showroom.
Tel: 01425 837 050
• All furniture delivered assembled or assembled in situ. • Furniture also made to measure even to fit that awkward alcove.
S & P Furnishers Call or come in and see us today!
www.sandpfurnishers.co.uk
33 Station Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6HR
Christchurch
18 18
Money Saving Tips
Martin
LEWIS &KLOGFDUH
This is an important warning for anyone who pays for childcare. There are major changes due to take place to the system this year – and you need to decide rather soon how they affect you. If you leave it too late, you could miss out on thousands of pounds. Are you eligible for childcare tax credits? The most important start point is to check if you’re entitled to what’s technically called the ‘Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit’ – this is NOT the same as Child Tax Credit. You can usually claim it for children up to age 15, provided you pay for approved (Ofsted or equivalent) childcare. Sadly the eligibility criteria are very complex. So I’ve tried to distil it in a simple rule of thumb: ‘if you’re a single parent working 16+ hours a week, or a couple BOTH working 16+ hours a week, and your total household income is under £46,000, you should definitely check out if you’re entitled.’ Please read this carefully – I’m not saying you are entitled, just that it is worth checking, as this is big money. The average pay out is around £60/week. That’s over £3,000/year. If you’re not entitled to tax credits, decide now which other scheme works for you This is where everything is changing. If you’re eligible for tax credits, you’re likely to be better off getting that. If not, there are other schemes to look at. This autumn, the new ‘tax-free childcare’ scheme launches and the current childcare vouchers scheme that lets many pay for childcare from their pre-tax income will close for new applicants. So if you’re eligible for vouchers, but won’t be for the new scheme, get in quick. - New tax-free childcare scheme: If you’re a single parent who works, or a couple where BOTH work, and you each earn under £150,000, for every 80p you put in a new childcare account, the government will add 20p on top which can be used to pay for Ofsted approved (or equivalent) childcare for under-12s. The maximum the Government will contribute is £2,000 per child per year. Most childminders, after-school clubs are Ofsted approved, as are many nannies. - Current childcare voucher scheme. Here you usually trade in your pre-tax salary for vouchers. For example, a basicrate taxpayer can swap £1,000 of salary, which after tax and National Insurance is only £700ish in your pay packet, for £1,000 in childcare vouchers. So you’re up £300 per £1,000.
The maximum you can get is £55/week per year per parent, which would be a gain of £930 for a basic-rate taxpayer. Any parent can do this, even if their partner doesn’t work, provided your employer offers it (many do, but many don’t). Yet if you’re not signed up to this by the time the new scheme starts, you can’t do it after. So if it’s right for you – sort it soon. - Tax-free childcare vs childcare vouchers. If you’re a couple where only one works, the vouchers win hands down, as you won’t be eligible for the new scheme. Plus, if your childcare costs are low, it’s likely vouchers win due to the tax and National Insurance savings. Yet for the self-employed, those whose firms don’t offer the vouchers, or those with more than one child and high childcare costs, the new scheme wins. This is just the tip of the iceberg – full analysis of which wins at mse.me/ childcare. What about free childcare for three and four year-olds? The Government have announced plans to give working parents with three and four-year-olds 30 hours of free childcare per week. If made law, pilot schemes will start in Sep 2016, though there’s scepticism about whether it’s deliverable. Yet already for at least 38 weeks a year (each week of the school year), if you’ve a three or four-year-old, you’re entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare. Families with a low income may also get free early education for twoyear-olds. Contact your local council to check if your child qualifies at (a good place to start is gov.uk/find-free-early-education). If they do, go to finder.familyandchildcaretrust.org for info on which childcare providers you can use under the scheme. You then liaise directly with the provider to get the free childcare. Is there help for paying for summer schools? If you’ve got older children and work, check whether there are any summer schools in your area that they can go to. Some schools, community centres and youth groups have their own schemes. Most are Ofsted (or equivalent) registered, so if you pay for them, you qualify for childcare tax credit or you can use childcare vouchers to pay for them.
@MoneySavingExpert
fit
OM O R W EN O P SH O W W NE NO
8 W 19 on mm e a to Qu lso p o ar su f y tz pp ou wo ly r e rk & f xis top it tin s g w tha or t kt op
AMAZING KITCHEN & BEDROOM MAKEOVERS Less cost, mess & hassle compared to a complete replacement Local Family Firm
We replace the doors, drawer fronts, handles and worktops
WE ALSO SUPPLY & FIT COMPLETE KITCHENS & BEDROOMS
REPLACEMENT WORKTOPS ‘The stone that fits on top’
We supply & fit
the appliances
magic corners / larders
Made to Measure Doors
new kitchen drawers
sinks & taps
COME AND VISIT US AT OUR NEW SHOWROOM IN HIGHCLIFFE 415b Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5EN.
Tel: 01425 275211 / 07713 114060 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.00pm Sat: 9.30am - 2.00pm info@flairinteriorsltd.co.uk www.flairinteriorsltd.co.uk Christchurch
20 20
It’s All Childs Play
It’s all
CHILDS PLAY $ *UHDW 'D\ IRU D 3URMHFW
Depending upon your outlook, the last week of the summer holidays tends to conjure up sadness or relief. If you, like me, have spent the 6 weeks multi-tasking as you try to be a good enough mum and businesses woman, then the end of the holidays signals a clearer demarcation in roles and the return of dreaded mornings with their rushed routines. For some this is a time of burgeoning costs as the price of childcare, activity clubs, fun (and expensive) days out, new schools and uniforms take their toll. And so, picture the scene, it’s the last day of the holidays – with one child back at school and the other on a non- pupil day - don’t get me started. You’re wondering what to do to keep your little darling happily occupied so that you can end the holidays on a positive note without costing the earth? Well the answer for me and my nine year old son was finding the perfect project. With a passion for all things engineering and discovering how things work and a desire to create a go-kart, the decision was easy. Child-led projects are the answer so there could only be one focus. My task was to facilitate this, a bit like a dedicated gardener, tending a tender young plant in the hope that given the right environment, it will yield flowers and fruit. With this in mind I set about providing optimal conditions for go-kart building – an extra pair of hands, muscle and brains, only if needed, plus possible construction parts to be used. This was his project and his design so crucial to my role was only supporting when needed, without taking over the process. It was important, therefore, to get the right balance between me being available and ‘on call’ for encouragement and support, but not being ‘on top’. With a shed bursting with rubbish and crying out to be sorted, this was the perfect way of being present without being in the way. It also created our very own mini scrapheap challenge, providing a wonderful source of go-kart parts, from reinforcing bars to brackets and wheels! While some things can seem hard work for children, like brushing teeth and tidying-up, others like computer games and TV come easy.
With children typically spending too much time indoors and not enough outdoors interacting with nature and peers, projects like these guarantee fresh air and focus, and this was definitely the case with my son’s go-karting construction. Up and out bright and early before 8 and working through a quick sandwich lunch until tea, he knuckled down with determination to create a base – made from a pallet he’d cut down, wheelbarrow wheels and reinforcing bars, seat and prop – to avoid crushing in the event of the kart flipping. Steering took the form of a series of ropes and pullies as he drew upon his knowledge of sailing and ideas gleaned from Scrapheap Challenge. Problem solving, mastery, focus and a growing confidence were plain to see as he hammered, sawed, prised wheelbarrow wheels off, applied WD40, attached ropes and his go-kart design took shape. Although blessed with the weather I can’t help feeling that my son would still have been as determined and focused on turning his vision into a reality in the rain, cold or snow. As for me and the shed, which looks amazing (fingers crossed it stays that way), I’m ashamed to say that this was a fair weather relationship. With different weather clearing through piles of rubbish, dust and spiders would have definitely lost their appeal, reminding us of course that just like children, us adults like a self-chosen project to get our teeth into. With the go-kart ready for its debut launch, my thoughts turn to the next holiday and project and what part of the house or garden I can clear out?
Sue Gascoyne
Sue is a published author and educational consultant and therapeutic play practitioner. She is the founder and Creative Director of Play to Z Ltd, specialist providers of award winning Sensory Play resources. To find out more about Sue’s latest research and resources go to; sue@playtoz.co.uk www.playtoz.co.uk 01206 796722
Loft Conversions & Extensions
21 All types of external work undertaken Complete makeover or renovations Design drawings & consultations
■ Dormer windows ■ Patios & Decking ■ Loft Conversions & Extensions ■ Porch design & build ■ Planning applications made
Contact Jeff Sippitts
01202 469016 07800 836060
beargeoffery@yahoo.co.uk 10 Rushmere Road, Bournemouth, BH6 5PE Design drawings and planning service Complete makeover or renovations All types of works undertaken
■ Kitchens & Bathrooms ■ Complete installation or makeover ■ House maintenance ■ Specialist joinery ■ Door hanging service Christchurch
Kitchens & Bathrooms
22
..providing the answers
to your legal questions
Every month the solicitors and lawyers at Harold G Walker will be providing answers to your questions about the law. I have been married to my husband for 7 years. I believe that he is having an affair and this has been going on for some time. I have confronted him and he denies it. Our relationship has been over for some time and I now want a divorce. Can I divorce him for adultery? In England and Wales, the only ground for obtaining a divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably which has to then be supported by one of 5 facts. One of those facts can be adultery.
Toni Oxborough Family Law
What are the implications of New Care Legislation? The Care Act 2014 includes the first overhaul of social care legislation in England for more than 60 years. The Bill comes after almost two years of scrutiny, a detailed report prepared by Lord Dilnot and public consultation. The Bill introduces Local Council’s duty to promote people’s wellbeing which will now apply not just to users of services, but also to carers. Councils must now enable people to access independent financial advice and assistance which must be “proportionate” to an individual’s needs and this is to include advocacy where appropriate. People in care will clearly no longer fall into the unknown ether of confusion and befuddlement and it will be interesting to see what sanctions will be placed on Council’s who fail to provide this access to help which is
Adultery is defined as voluntary or consensual sexual intercourse between a married person and a person (whether married or unmarried) of the opposite sex not being the other’s spouse. The most straight forward way of proving adultery is by way of a written confession, however if your husband is denying it, it could be very difficult for you to prove that it has taken place. It is also the case that if you knew your husband had an affair over 6 months ago you cannot then rely on adultery, unless the adultery is continuing. If adultery cannot be proved or you are out of the 6 month time frame, your only option would be to divorce your husband based on his unreasonable behaviour and you can allude to your suspicions about adultery when you give your examples of behaviour. If you wish to commence divorce proceedings, you should take legal advice on the best way forward in your case.
where we as Solicitors may step in as there will be an independent system by which people may appeal against Council decisions on eligibility and funding for care and support. This new legislation will give people in care choice and control of their own lives. It is clearly a move towards involving people in the process in order to make their own decisions and not feel separate from the process. As Solicitors it is important that we fully appreciate and embrace this Act for what it is, safeguarding those in care and putting them first; As this area of law grows and develops so must we.
Daniel Curnock Wills & Probate
Send your questions by email to LawSpot@hgwalker.co.uk
Law Spot is brought to you by Harold G Walker Your Friend-in-Law There is no guarantee that your question will be used and you will not get a personal response. The answers in this feature are for guidance purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
23
Christchurch
24 24
Community News
Waddle this way – the penguins are here! Fans of the seafront attraction, Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium, are in for a treat this summer with the long-awaited arrival of some very special feathered friends. Ten playful Humboldt penguins, have resided in their brand new custom-built exhibit ‘Penguin Beach Encounter’, which has been specifically designed to replicate the birds’ natural habitat with a deep pool, beach and rockery. Visitors will also be able to mingle amongst the penguins in a special interactive walkway. Humboldt penguins are listed on the IUCN Red List species status as Vulnerable and currently protected due to a decline in population. This particular colony of Humboldt penguins were captive bred in zoos and aquariums across Europe as part of an ongoing breeding programme. The Oceanarium built its penguin beach with the breeding programme in mind and includes 12 breeding boxes with the space to house up to 24 penguins. Oliver Buttling, Oceanarium Curator, said: “As Humboldts are one of the world’s most
threatened species of penguin, zoos and aquariums aim to help sustain their populations as part of an international captive breeding programme.” He added: “We want to help educate our visitors about the issues Humboldt’s are facing in the wild such as habitat destruction, over fishing and more unusually their nests are harvested for their droppings which are used as fertiliser.” Dani Farah, who has recently relocated to the UK from Dubai to become the Oceanarium’s new Penguin Keeper, added: “I have absolutely loved getting to know the colony over the past couple of weeks and learning all their quirky traits. Penguins are my true passion I can’t wait to share this love with visitors.” The Oceanarium expansion project has been in planning for five years and the extension costing £1.5 million, is the biggest addition since 1998. For those wanting to meet the penguins, plenty of colourful sea diving ducks and jellyfish, discounted tickets are available from www.oceanarium.co.uk
25
Hoburne Dental Practice welcomes new dentist to the fold The Hoburne Dental Practice team is delighted to announce that dentist Joanna Dorsett will be joining them in September 2015. Qualifying in 2003, Joanna agrees that dentistry is in her blood, following in the footsteps of her parents before her. After working in both her parents’ private practice in Portsmouth, and in practices in Dorset, she also carries out Out-ofHours services for emergency patients since qualifying, expanding her already enviable portfolio. She said: “I’m very much looking forward to becoming part of the Hoburne team. It is such a modern, forward thinking practice with such a good reputation for dental care. There will be new patients to meet and innovative techniques which fully reflect that level of quality so I am really excited about the role.” Owner Peter Willy is also delighted at Joanna’s appointment: “Joanna is a highly experienced and professional dentist with an equally professional
and caring manner. I have no doubt that she will fit well in the close-knit team here and that her patients, both new and old, will welcome her approach too.” Joanna has, over the last 12 years, worked at both NHS and private surgeries throughout the county that shares her name, and is now looking forward to joining the Hoburne practice in Christchurch. She now lives in Poole and is married to Richard. They have two children, Eddie (7) and Zara (4), plus dogs Ben and Harry to keep them busy. When she’s not pulling out her children’s milk teeth, she enjoys sailing, skiing and socialising with friends. Book an appointment with Joanna or any of the Hoburne team now on Joanna Dorsett 01425 277245.
Awarded British Dental Association’s (BDA) Good Practice Scheme for the last ten years - a very rare national achievement and we’re extremely proud of it! Contact us for your FREE Implant consultation Family & general dentistry | Dental Phobia Clinic 0% interest & monthly payment plans | Cosmetic dentistry Teeth whitening & air polishing | Free on-site parking Hoburne Dental Practice, 104 Saffron Drive, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4TG.
Tel: 01425 277245 or www.hoburne-dental.co.uk Not just dental care, but caring dental. Come and see for yourselves.
Christchurch
Community News
26 26
Successful completion of Christchurch beach recycling scheme recognised The beach recycling scheme in Christchurch, which was 12 months in the planning and which took eight weeks to implement, has been completed. The scheme to replenish beaches in Christchurch affected by the succession of storms during the winter of 2013/14 has involved pumping sand and shingle from the large off-shore sandbar (known as an ebb-tide delta) which lies at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour. However before dredging operations could commence, the council’s contractor Earlcoate Construction excavated a new navigation channel to allow uninterrupted access to Christchurch Harbour. Approximately 3,500m3 of sand and shingle was removed during this operation and placed on the tip of Mudeford Sandbank. Christchurch Harbour Association (CHA) then repositioned the green and red navigation buoys to identify the new channel.
Dredging operations produced over 25,000m3 of sand and shingle. Around half of this was transported to Friars Cliff beach, just under a third to Gundimore beach and the remainder levelled out on Avon Beach. The bulk of the project cost will be met from the Environment Agency/ Defra Recovery and Repair Grant in Aid funding. Steve Woolard, Engineer at Christchurch Council, said: “The scheme was brought in under budget which means a saving to the council on its contribution towards the overall cost of the project. “Christchurch beaches have now been restored to the optimum coast protection volumes and levels, and we also have the added benefit of sandier beaches. So there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy our local beach facilities this summer.”
27
AllGlaze
Tel: 01202 488880
Email: allglazeco@ntlworld.com Web: www.doubleglazingrepairsbournemouth.co.uk
DORSET LIMITED
REPLACEMENT CONSERVATORY ROOFS Is your conservatory........ Too hot in the Summer??? Too cold in the Winter? Noisy? Leaking? Not looking good??
BEFORE This conservatory was looking really past its best
We can replace your existing roof with an energy efficient solar controlled, self-cleaning glass or polycarbonate roof.
To fit any style of conservatory
Call 01202 488880
AFTER The new roof gave this conservatory a new lease of life
Queensmead 1 Bronte Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 2LX
Thinking of moving into a care home? We’re here to help Situated in the heart of the Christchurch community, Queensmead provides quality residential care in a home-from-home atmosphere. To request a brochure, arrange a visit or find out more, contact the Queensmead manager, Janine May on
Whether you’re looking for a short respite stay or a new home, we offer a warm welcome, compassionate care, comfort and peace of mind.
01202 485176
queensmead@care-south.co.uk
www.care-south.co.uk Care South is a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.
RESIDENTIAL
|
DEMENTIA
|
RESPITE
Christchurch
|
NURSING
|
Registered Charity No. 1014697
ASSISTED LIVING
|
HOME CARE
Adventures of Nellie
28 28
The Adventures of Nellie The Dorset Publications Camper Van Nellie took us to The Ashdown Forest! It would be a good school project for pupils to compare and contrast our wonderful New Forest with The Ashdown Forest. They are alike in so many ways, yet very different in others. Part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Beauty, The Ashdown Forest is 30 miles south of London situated in East Sussex. Nellie was extremely excited to be going away, with her friends Roxy, Rocky and Mega, the bikes, as well as “Kombi”, otherwise known as …“The Tent”. When we set off the weather was wonderful, glorious sunshine and blue skies. We arrived at our destination around 8pm. We did get stuck in some traffic jams but nothing too horrendous. Stephen and I had booked a site in Crowborough at the Caravan and Camping Club. It is a very clean site, well kept, and certain spots have magnificent views over the hills. The facilities are small but very adequate. We set up camp…. with great anticipation.
Debbie relaxing with Nellie & Kombi
The view from Stone Farm Rocks The following day the rains started and it pretty much rained for the next 3 days! One evening we even had lightening and awful winds. It is quite something lying there wondering if the tent will hold or are we all going to be blown into the sky? What with that and the Gatwick Jumbo 747’s flying low above us, as they were about to land. It was all very exciting! There are other words I could use, but this is a family magazine… I was glad we had bought a decent air bed and had lots of bedding, so we were well wrapped up. The tent does have an inner section for the bedrooms, which did help with some of the leaking that occurred. With driving rain like that, hard for several days solid, it is hardly surprising that some drips do start to fall inside. One night Hayden wasn’t at all happy, but I told him we would all take refuge in Nellie, if the tent suddenly collapsed. That seemed to appease him. Good old Nellie. All in all I think we survived really well and I can
29 29 now say we are hardened campers! Nellie is also recovering well and is starting to smile again. Once the rains stopped we went to climb rocks (well actually I looked at them), that are deemed to be 135 million years old! Nearly as old as I felt with all that worry about the rain. “Stone Farm Rocks” they are called and it is a Site of Scientific Interest. It is owned by the British Mountaineering Council and there are 74 climbs for those adventurous to try. There is actually quite an ‘atmosphere’ around these rocks and I would imagine you could spend an interesting evening in the dark around the bonfire we saw, that had recently gone out. The huge, 5,566,000 cubic metres Weir Wood Reservoir covering a site of 280 acres can be seen from the top of the rocks and it is obvious why this region is known for its outstanding beauty. Awesome. Travelling back we found a lovely organic farm shop, called Plaw Hatch and just had to stop and buy some good, wholesome food. Camping has that effect on you, you suddenly have the urge to be more healthy. It must be all that fresh countryside air!
Hayden feeding one of the goats The Ashdown Forest itself has some wonderful walks, fantastic places to park the car (or van) and wonder at the expanse of picturesque English countryside rolling before you. There are sheep, cows and some fierce looking bulls, though I think they are pretty harmless, as long as you leave them alone. You know who is boss! There are plenty of trees, shrubs and heathland to gaze at. If you like animals, the Llama Park is a great day out. There are family walks that can be done with the Llamas themselves, pony rides for the children, wonderful reindeer, cute looking alpacas, peacocks, pigs, goats, a play ground and a lovely café / restaurant. Oh yes, there is also a fantastic clothes shop with some superb alpaca nightwear. A definite must for the ladies. Nellie loved her day there, and so did Hayden! Where will Nellie go next…?
Some of the cute alpacas at the Llama Park
Christchurch
By Debbie Corney
30 30
Community News
Pop the kettle on... 8 7
4
9
5
2
6
5 8
6
6 5 7
1
7
9
8 4 5
8 4
1
2
8
Crossword
Across 1 Shiver (7) 5 Drops (7) 9 Instances of hard physical labor (9) 10 Absorbs written material (5) 11 French country house (7) 12 Saliva (7) 13 Making better (9) 15 Detected (5) 17 Writing tables (5) 19 A short yet extended ďŹ ctional work (9) 22 Too old (7) 25 Corroding (7) 26 Primp (5) 27 Revering (9) 28 Gabled extensions in the roof (7) 29 Blameless (7) Down 1 Pale cane syrup (7) 2 Some women bat these (9) 3 A small brown heron (7) 4 An expert manner of speaking (9) 5 Electrical safety devices (5) 6 Borders (7) 7 The smallest amount (5)
8 Temporarily expel (7) 14 State leaders (9) 16 Derived from hunches (9) 17 Let fall (7) 18 An Algonquian people (7)
20 Homosexual woman (7) 21 Engrosses wholly (7) 23 Chieftain (5) 24 ModiďŹ es written material (5)
Christchurch Angels A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS IN SOUTHBOURNE & CHRISTCHURCH
WANTED
I.L.Joyce
DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
WANTED
WANTED
WANTED
• Helping and supporting people to use local facilities, activities and resources • Assisting with information and advice regarding other agencies who can provide support • Acting as an advocate when necessary • Helping with paperwork and correspondence • Helping with practical tasks, e.g. getting prescriptions, mowing the lawn, walking the dog on a short term basis • Helping to develop a better social life • Shopping and excursions via Dial a Bus or Age Concern As part of the project there is a list of organisations which may also be able to offer support. A hard copy of the Directory is now available in Libraries, GP Surgeries and other community venues. www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk/ christchurchangels
WANTED
Services of Christchurch Angels are offered to isolated, vulnerable patients registered in all the GP Surgeries in Christchurch and more recently in Southbourne. Given the high number of isolated older people in the area, we are always looking to recruit more Angel volunteers across Christchurch and Southbourne. You will get the chance to meet new people, make friends and gain confidence; the chance to use your individual talents and skills to benefit your local community; an enhanced CV; attend training sessions in the knowledge that you have made a difference to someone’s life – a real feel good factor. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Linda Green on 07443 476798. The kind of things a volunteer Angel can help with are: • Visiting people in their homes and providing regular contact if needed
Carpentry & Joinery
Work undertaken on existing properties and new builds Small or large jobs 30 yrs experience
WANTED
WANTED
WANTED
Quality work guaranteed
Christchurch
Fully insured Call Ian for estimates & advice
Tel: 07827 972492
31
Community News
32 32
Kids can have a Summer Blast in Christchurch and East Dorset Kids in Christchurch and East Dorset won’t be bored over the summer holidays as a publication from the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership lists a whole host of holiday activities.
For those wishing to explore other attractions, the Moors Valley Railway, Go-Ape and Wimborne Model Town have programmes of activities to enhance your visits.
‘Summer Blast 2015’ gives a colourful and complete listing for all ages at a variety of venues throughout the area.
The Sting in the Tale Festival of Stories will be once again be bringing a programme of storytelling at venues in and around East Dorset and Christchurch. This year a special storytelling premier will be taking place on Wimborne Square involving aliens, rockets and town trails so look out for ‘Welcomes Alien Visitors to Earth ’ (WAVE).
Youngsters who enjoy sport and adventure can find swimming timetables and sporting courses at local Leisure Centres: QE Leisure Centre, Ferndown Leisure Centre, Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Verwood Hub and Potterne Park. Get the Wimbledon fever and take part in tennis activities at either Christchurch Tennis Club or Wimborne Minster Tennis Club. Activate Coast and Countryside is encouraging children to get outside and be active with an offering of fun activities including surfing and mountain biking. Nature lovers can find out about everything going on at Moors Valley Country Park and adventures at Edmondsham Forest School. Lovers of arts, crafts and historical activities will be interested in finding out about events at Walford Mill Crafts, Highcliffe Castle and Priest’s House Museum.
Summer Blast 2015 can be downloaded from www.dorsetforyou.com/summerblast or picked up for free from any of the participating venues.
33
BSc (Hons) Horticulture • Landscape design • Project planning • Planting schemes • Garden Makeovers
• Block paved driveways • Natural stone paving • Walls and brick detail • Free first consultation
07718 993119
GARDEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
DAVID BURGESS
web shop 01202 474752
office@idealforms.co.uk
Now you can buy online . . .
our off y 10% order ! first r code Ente
NT
PT DVA
• business cards • leaflets/flyers • brochures • presentation folders • business stationery • posters • sticky notes & blocks • invitations
• great prices • superb quality • fast deliveries
www.orderlink.co.uk/idealforms www.idealforms.co.uk
Christchurch
34 34
Regent Centre News
New Toilets and Refurbished Coffee Bar Stop Press: TripAdvisor award the Regent their Certificate of Excellence.
Patrons of the Regent in Christchurch will be relieved to hear that the work on the new toilets at the Centre has been successfully completed on time, following the closure of the Regent Foyer and Auditorium for 12 days between Monday 6 – Friday 17 July. In addition, the Foyer Coffee Bar has also had a complete makeover during the closedown period, having been enlarged with new facilities and with more space to allow for a greater variety of confectionery, popcorn and hot and cold beverages. Flushed with the success of the renovations, the Management are certainly aiming high and the new loos at the Regent promise to be the best in Christchurch! It is interesting to think that when the Regent was built in 1931, indoor toilets were still a luxurious rarity with many houses still only having an outdoor privy to retreat to! Once again the Regent as the leading public building in Christchurch will be boasting the latest in WC comfort and technology for the benefit of all its patrons! The new toilet facilities serving the Foyer and Auditorium will include a doubling of the number of cubicles in the Ladies’ loos from the existing three to six cubicles; additional facilities in the Gentlemen’s toilets; improved
access for the Disabled Toilet and eco-friendly, sensor operated taps, lights and loos in all the new facilities. The entire project for the new toilets and coffee bar will come to approximately £100,000 including the cost of the twelve day closure. The project has been financed from the Regent Development Fund, which is derived from ticket sales for shows, concerts and films. 50p of every ticket sold at the Regent is a contribution to the Regent Development Fund and now that money is being used to improve facilities for the community. In addition generous donations from the general public, a £2,500 donation from the Bournemouth Airport Community Fund and a £200 donation from the Twynham Forest Group of Women’s Institutes have also been used to help fund the new toilets and Foyer coffee bar. Regent Centre Manager, Greg Rawlings, welcomed the opening of the new toilets: “It’s been worth every penny to have these new toilets up and running for our patrons. Their comfort and enjoyment is of paramount importance to all of us here at the Regent. All of our hard work is certainly paying off, because we have just heard that we have been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for achieving consistently outstanding reviews from visitors to the Regent.”
35
The Christchurch Directory Prize Wordsearch
L X O Y U E U C E B R A B K T
U W C G Q D P M L D K Z B O O
R S T R A W B E R R I E S R W
M E F Z P R O O S D C X R A E
C G M B U S R M M R X D U N L
G H R O D J M P E R K L E N T
H D B C K I O A W V P S I V N
G Q I H P S M Q L B M W C Q Y
I X C E T T C L E V A R T R T
B U V C S V G M N P W X S N O
B E A C H I J Y U Z N C Q Z V
X R I N V A N G S P Z O Q O A
D M U M P U Y N K B Q L P D S
B D T X U K F C E B R E E Z E
Q E H I F P E U Q T W A S C S
PIMMS TRAVEL BREEZE POSTCARD TENNIS STRAWBERRIES CREAM BARBECUE TOWEL BEACH
This month, the prize is a pair of tickets to see Classic Clapton at the Regent Centre on Sat 12th September at 7.30pm, so please complete this page by 25th August 2015 and send to:
August/Sept Prize Wordsearch Name: The Christchurch Directory, Address: 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone:
Christchurch
______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________
36 36
on your Gardening Tips
PLOT Hoarding
It’s hard to remain excited when you’ve had courgette at every meal for a week, and marvellous though raspberries are there is a limit to just how many you can eat at once. Take a bit of time to store your harvest and you can be enjoying home grown right through the winter. Jobs for August:Water regularly - try to water either in the evening or early mornings. If you are growing main crop potatoes, watch out for signs of blight. Brown patches on the tops and edges of leaves are usually a first sign. Pinch out the tops of runner bean stems that are outgrowing their supports. Keep harvesting courgettes!
those
Sow turnips and oriental salad plants such as Pak Choi and Chinese Cabbage Strawberry runners that were potted up in June to produce new plants can be planted out now.
If all has gone to plan (that’s a big if!) then August should be a very satisfying month on your plot, with your hard work being repaid by ample harvests of a good range of fruit and veg.
Blanching and then freezing works for loads of vegetables. Key to success is to cool quickly after blanching so have a bowl of cold water at the ready and don’t forget to label what you are freezing!
The reality tends to be that the excitement of seeing your crops grow and ripen is initially followed by much enjoyment of the first fruits of your labour which can soon be replaced by a panic stricken ‘What the heck do I do with all these’! Certain crops (courgettes and tomatoes spring to mind) can almost guarantee this sequence of events!
Another option, and one that can work well for all those tomatoes, is to find a good recipe that you can cook, freeze and use later (how about a wonderful pasta sauce with your own tomatoes and home grown basil?). Even ‘difficult to freeze’ veg such as courgettes can either be incorporated into a sauce, or blanched, frozen and then added to a stew at a later date.
Sharing with friends and neighbours is great but very often they will have a glut of exactly the same thing at just the same time. What is called for are some simple ideas for storing and preserving your produce. It may be a long time before you are harvesting fresh peas or raspberries again but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be enjoying your home grown produce throughout the winter - it just takes a little planning and now is the time to do it.
Cooking and freezing can work well for fruit too - apple or rhubarb are good stewed and frozen all ready for use in a crumble or pie. If you have a truly wonderful fruit crop then why not arm yourself with a good recipe book and get started on some jam making? It’ll be delicious on your toast in the morning, and what better gift than a pot of homemade raspberry jam?
Onions (and garlic) that have been lifted and left to dry can be plaited and hung in a cool, dry place. Net bags, or tights, also work if you don’t fancy plaiting. Potatoes can be stored in boxes or paper sacks in a dark, dry building but you should check them regularly, removing any that show signs of rotting. A good size freezer is a real boon for making the most of your produce.
It’s amazing how many books there are that tell you how to grow your fruit and veg, but how little information there is on just how to store it all! One wonderful little book, that deals with just this question is ‘How to store your garden produce’ by Piers Warren. It’s packed with information about how to store just about anything and a great addition to any gardeners library. Happy harvesting!
37
Baggies
Baggies is a restaurant and coffee house located in Christchurch High Street with over 20 years of experience. RE S TA URANT & COFFEE HOUSE We have an extensive menu of freshly cut sandwiches, shop baked baguettes, succulent wraps, crisp salads and soft rolls, wholesome soups, assorted pastries, homemade burgers sourced from Dorset farm and selection of fresh handmade cakes to eat in or take away. Freshly cut sandwiches • Pastries We host a broad range of buffet and catering options tailored to your Shop baked baguettes • Crisp salads choice, from hot bacon butties for Soups • Wraps • Homemade burgers your breakfast meetings, office lunch packs, business lunches through to elaborate function buffets for family 43 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS dw 2015 90x128 14/5/15 17:51 Page 1 celebrations.
Tel: 01202 490229
Christchurch
38 38
Community News
90 year old blind man skydives for charity Richard White from Bournemouth is one of 18 people jumping out of a plane on Saturday to raise money for Dorset Blind Association. Each jumper on average will raise enough to support one blind person for a year. Jumpers include five visually impaired people, four staff and five volunteers of Dorset Blind Association, will jump from a plane at 10,000ft over Old Sarum airfield in Salisbury to help fund the charity’s work. The charity works with individuals to help them lead a full and happy life; for some this can be providing a friend to take them out for a walk, for others it can be a little more exhilarating like jumping out of a plane! For the charity’s members sight loss doesn’t have to mean missing out in life, and visually impaired people of all ages are getting involved. The charity works with people from all over Dorset, to help them achieve their individual goals. For another of the skydivers Dan, 25, from Weymouth it is pursuing a career in the catering industry. For 90 year old Richard it is living an active and independent life even though he has sight loss.
There are an estimated 30,000 people with serious sight-loss in Dorset and Dorset Blind Association wants to help more of them, with the help of local fundraisers. It costs £325 per year to support somebody with sightloss with a support worker, social clubs and a befriender. These services are literally lifechanging for those who receive them. As with all of DBA’s fundraising events, the skydive includes people with sight-loss. There will be five visually impaired jumpers including Jean who is 83 and young couple Dan and Shani who met through one of the Dorset Blind Association’s young social clubs ‘Socialeyes’. Dorset Blind Association promotes exciting activities for those with sight-loss all around the county with the ethos that ‘losing your sight doesn’t have to mean missing out’. The impact of these activities goes further than meets the eye, with members reporting increased confidence to move forward with other aspects of their lives such as seeking employment - or in Dan and Shani’s case romance! www.dorsetblind.org.uk
RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF AT LEAST 10% 39 PER YEAR , GUARANTEED FOR TWENTY YEARS
A 4 Kw Solar PV System Consisting of
16x
25
All Black Mono Modules
YEARS ON THESE PANELS!
Using a Solar String Inverter
20
YEARS ON THE INVERTER!
Fully installed to MCS standards including VAT & Energy Performance Certificate for
£6000
This system facing South will produce a feed in tariff of over £550 a year and reduce the import bill by at least 33%. The feed in tariff is tax free and index linked. subject to a FREE no pressure site survey NGPS_NEW_Sunflower_NEW.pdf
12/6/11
21:07:33
NGPS
ELECTRICAL & RENEWABLES
Christchurch
Call us today for a free site survey
01202 736812 www.ngps-ltd.co.uk
40 40
Consumer Tips
James
WALKER Holidays, hotels & travel – what to do if it all goes wrong We all hope that our getaways are a truly relaxing experience. Whether they’re long or short, luxurious holidays or bargain breaks, we want our time away to be as enjoyable and hasslefree as possible. Unfortunately, as many people who are on or have been on a half-term holiday will know, your time away often doesn’t go as smoothly as we’d wish. Travel disruption, flight or train delays, bad accommodation, poor service or terrible food can all conspire to put a dampener on your holiday experience. But what can you do about it? Well, you should always seek redress for any service that doesn’t live up to its promises or meet (reasonable) expectations. That’s why at resolver.co.uk this week we’ve taken a look at ways you can get some redress and sweeten the bitterness of a holiday gone bad. Flights If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, then you are potentially entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances. Flight delay compensation is based on how late after the scheduled arrival time your flight arrives. Flights that qualify for compensation • Any flight that has a UK or European departure and arrival airport • International flights departing from UK/Europe but longer than 3500km and delayed in reaching its destination by more than three hours • International flight arriving into UK/Europe with a UK-based or European airline, delayed in reaching its destination by more than three hours and for a flight longer 3,500km • You are only able to claim compensation if the delay was the airline’s fault, something within their control Ferries It can be hugely frustrating if your ferry is late. Thankfully, due to new EU regulations, you are now entitled to a refund in certain circumstances. You should also expect to be given refreshments if you have had to wait around. The ferry company is obliged to inform you of the cancellation within 30 minutes of the scheduled time of departure and to keep you informed of further arrangements. • Before your trip, ensure you have adequate travel insurance that includes cancellation and curtailment cover in case of an issue. • Monitor weather reports before your crossing and check to ensure there are no cancellations. • You are entitled to compensation if your ferry is delayed
unless it is caused by poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances • If you cannot resolve your issue with a ferry company then you can take your case to ABTA for independent assessment Hotels If you booked your accommodation in the UK, then you have protection under the Supply of Services and Goods Act. This means the service they give and the quality of the room must be reasonable and services delivered with reasonable skill. The key word in this is ‘reasonable’. Reasonable is based on a number of factors, but the key one is what you paid for your room. The higher the star rating or the higher the room rate, the higher your expectation of quality should be. As described The hotel should have the facilities that they describe so if they say they have a swimming pool then they should. If not available then you have a reason to raise an issue. Keep a record If you experience an issue then collate as much information as possible. Your smart phone is a great way to do this; take photos or videos at the time of the issue as well as any receipts or records of money you had to spend. If unresolved If you cannot resolve the issue while you are staying at the hotel, then you should raise the issue within 28 days of returning home. When you email the hotel through resolver, try to attach as much supporting information as possible such as your invoice, photos etc to help express your issue clearly to the hotel. Booked through a travel agent/website If you booked through a travel agent or website, you should still raise your issue with the hotel directly. They do need to ensure the information provided is accurate. If you feel the issue was caused by the website’s or travel agent’s mis-booking then you should raise the issue with them and not the hotel. Where the travel agent is a member of ABTA, if your issue cannot be resolved then you need to escalate the issue to ABTA. Paid by credit card If you paid by credit card even if it was only the deposit and you spent more than £100 on your credit card then you can make a claim against your credit card company. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act the Credit Card company is jointly liable and you can make a claim from them. Consumer Champion – the man who helps you resolve your consumer complaints! www.resolver.co.uk/
41
Scavenger Hunt in the New Forest
Sunday 27th September 2015 10am - 2.30pm Start at: Waterside Cancer Support Centre, 25 St John’s Street, Hythe, Southampton, SO45 6BZ End at: The Mayflower Bar & Restaurant, King’s Saltern Road, Lymington, SO41 3QD Cost: £40 per car Details: On Sunday 27th September 2015, Wessex Cancer Trust are holding a Scavenger Hunt around the New Forest. Starting at Waterside Cancer Support Centre in Hythe at 10 am, come along with your car and friends and follow the clues around the New Forest until you reach The Mayflower Bar & Restaurant in Lymington. £40 per car, and exciting prizes to be won! How many will you find…? Contact: Rachel Rawlings on 023 8067 2200 or rachel.rawlings@wessexcancer.org.uk wessexcancer.org.uk/events/scavenger-hunt
AIRLINE AIRIEST AIRLIFT
A
A
A
Do you run or support a local community group or club? We are more than happy to help local community groups or clubs to get the news out to local residents by including press releases, regular event notices or other information. We can include this information free of charge in The Christchurch Directory, which is delivered to houses in Bargates, central Christchurch, Mudeford, Friars Cliff and Burton. Simply email your information to: info@dorsetpublications.co.uk or call Debbie on 01202 894397
Christchurch
Community News
42 42
Skydive with the Tigers raises over £3,500 for the John Thornton YAF Fourteen fearless participants took part in a ‘Jump with the Tigers’ early on Sunday morning at Airfield Camp Netheravon, raising more than £3,500 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF). The JTYAF has a special link with the Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team and the charity was privileged to be able to offer their supporters the opportunity to jump out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft at 13,000 feet safely attached to their highly experienced military instructors. Local celebrity ‘Stig’ (Chris Morson) was one of the first to take to the skies and he was followed by Arwel Jones, Mark McManus, Tasha Kenny, Hilary Khankashi, Alan Wherley, Jim Hall, Jo Collins, Jackie Doran, Honor Heath, Lewis Wilson, Vasco De Oliveira and Paul and Jake Waters. After landing from his 13,000 foot drop, an exhilarated Lewis said, “It was just brilliant, I absolutely loved it. If they would let me do it again I’d be straight back on the plane!” T h e J T YA F w a s extremely grateful to the ‘Tigers’ for making the whole day such
a fantastic experience for their supporters. The Tandem Skydivers themselves were however the stars of the show and displayed huge amounts of courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in adversity, the very values that the JTYAF is founded on. A huge thank you must go to them all, not only for their fantastic achievement but also the incredible amount of sponsorship raised, which will make a huge difference to the lives of local young people. Money is still coming in and all participants are still accepting donations. If you would like to donate please visit the JTYAF website at www.jtyaf.org. If you would like to receive details for next year’s event please contact Pete on 07792 121 645.
www.jtyaf.org
43
Locked out of your house or flat? Looking to upgrade your locks?
24/7 Mobile Locksmith Local company with over 35 years experience. Friendly and reliable service. Rewires Downlights Fuseboards Extra Sockets Testing & Inspection
0647&'4 .#4/X n +4' .#4/ +056#..#6+10 n servicing Security and garden lighting Part P Approved
For a FREE estimate and advice
Tel: 01202 670003 OR e-mail sales@defaltd.co.uk visit www.defaltd.co.uk National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
Swans Painting & Decorating Services Friendly, Local, Reliable Tradesman Interior & Exterior Work Experienced at Paper Hanging
T: 01202 251958 M: 07836 476699
E: robinswanston@gmail.com
Christchurch
• • • • • • • •
Boarding & burglary repairs All locks supplied & fitted Emergency door opening Local, fast & friendly No call out charge CRB checked Fully insured No VAT
For a free, no obligation security survey or other locksmith services, contact Mark on:
T: 07851 874999 E: crosskeyslocksmiths1@hotmail.co.uk
44 44
Community News
Family-friendly events this summer Moors Valley Country Park, near Ringwood has just announced its summer programme of family-friendly events. Designed especially for children and families to enjoy, the packed programme includes bushcraft, cycling, fishing and plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with nature. Special events this summer include an evening visit from the Mizan Travellling Planetarium on Tuesday 25 August and a Twilight Safari on Wednesday 26 August. Alongside these a new programme of ‘Wildlife Wednesdays’ will run all summer long featuring a different activity every week. With guest appearances from a range of experts, Wildlife Wednesdays will include a spider walks, small mammal trapping and a bee walk, providing the perfect opportunity to get the whole family interested in the natural world. As well as events, there is plenty to keep the whole family happy and entertained at Moors Valley. The Park is home to a miniature steam railway, Go Ape’s Tree Top junior course, and a play trail featuring stunning play sculptures as well as playgrounds, cycle hire and acres of forest and meadow to explore. Until September the Park is also hosting the Superworm Trail. Perfect for younger children, this self-guided activity trail is based on the popular children’s character from Julia Donaldson’s book and trail packs include a copy of a limited edition Superworm mini-book to enjoy as you stroll around the Moors Valley Lake. You can find out more about all the events and attractions at Moors Valley Country Park & Forest and book online at www.moors-valley.co.uk.
45
Boilers, Radiators & Central Heating Bathroom Design & Installation Power Flushing Service & Maintenance Leaking Taps, Etc. Solar Hot Water Friendly, Expert Advice 301918
24HR EMERGENCY CALLOUT
T: 01202 280487 M: 07779 246417
www.partytubhire.co.uk
26 Crescent Court, 33 Chine Crescent, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5LA
v
Why do we make the same mistakes over and over again? FIND OUT. BUY AND READ
DIANETICS
THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH by
L. RON HUBBARD Available at your local bookstore or at Hubbard Dianetics Foundation
42 High Street, Poole, Dorset. BH15 1BT bournemouth@scientology.net 01202 257788 © 20 CSI.
Christchurch
Price:
£1 .00
46
Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory... Auctioneers Lockdales..................................11
Denture Services Dorset Denture Clinic................ 3
Painters & Decorators Swans Decorating.................... 43
Bedrooms Custom Creations..................... 2 Flair Interiors............................19
Domestic Cleaning A Beautiful Clean......................15 Time for You..............................13
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................. 3 Tuscany Blinds..........................17
Drainage Services Drain & Plumbing Solutions......23 First Choice Drainage............... 1
Pet Services Muddyford Mutts.................... 43 My Dog Days............................15 Wagging Tails...........................12
Builders & Carpenters I L Joyce....................................31 JRS Building & Joinery...............21 RJW Carpentry..........................23
Electricians Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms....43
Carpets & Flooring Flooring Elegance.....................13 Chimney Sweeps Oliver Chimney Sweeps.............45 Chiropractors Paul Harris................................33 Coffee Shops Baggies.....................................37 Community News Adventures of Nellie.................28 Beach recycling completed.......26 Consumer Champ: Holidays & Travel....40 Dorset Wildlife Trust...................14 Family Fun at Moors Valley......44 It’s Childs Play: Project Days.....20 LawSpot....................................22 Lucy’s Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls....16 Martin Lewis: Childcare............18 New loos at the Regent Centre....34 90yr old blind man jumps.........38 On your plot: Hoarding.............36 Scavenger Hunt for Wessex Cancer....41 Search for community champions.... 6 Seaside Awards for beaches.....16 Skydive with Tigers raises £3,500....42 Summer Blast in East Dorset....32 Waddle this way: Pengiuns.......24 Dentists Hoburne Dental Practice..........25
Furniture S & P Furnishers........................17 Garage Services Hughes Workshop.................... 5 Garden Services
(See also Tree Surgeons)
David Burgess Garden Design....33 Hearing Aids & Services Kellear Hearing.........................22 Hot Tub Hire Party Tub Hire...........................45 Jobs Distributors Wanted.................31 Interior Designers Coral Interiors........................... 7 Kitchens Custom Creations..................... 2 Dream Doors............................47 Flair Interiors............................19 Letting Agents Belvoir!..................................... 9 Locksmiths Cross Keys Locksmiths..............43 Lofts Loft Services..............................23 Oven Cleaners Oven King................................. 3
Plasterers Spillers Plasterers.....................13 Plumbing & Heating Engineers Bournemouth Plumbing Solutions....45 Drain & Plumbing Solutions......24 First Choice Plumbing............... 1 J C Gas......................................15 Property Maintenance JRS Building & Joinery...............21 RJW Carpentry..........................23 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.................................30 Honeycomb...............................41 Kids Page..................................10 Prize Wordsearch......................35 Sudoku......................................30 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services.....39 Residential Care Homes Care South: Queensmead.........27 Solicitors Harold G Walker.......................48 Stationers Ideal Forms...............................33 Tree Surgeons Ashley Tree Surgeons................33 Broadoak Tree Care.................. 7 Volunteer Organisations Christchurch Angels..................31 Windows, Doors & Conservatories Allglaze.....................................27 Dorset Windows.......................37
47
Up to 40% less than a new fitted kitchen
ST R NO YLE AN NEW W S & GE AV C O AI OL F LA OU BL RS E
with made to measure replacement doors
Transform your tired kitchen in just a few days from start to finish Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.
• Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • From doors to complete kitchens • Free Estimating and planning • Installed in 1-2 days by professionals
Visit our showrooms; 185 Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone, Poole BH18 8DH. Tel 01202 695856 17 Bargates, Christchurch. BH23 1QD. Tel 01202 483129
www.dreamdoors.co.uk Christchurch
View our credentials at
Your Team of Specialists in Christchurch Daniel Curnock Wills & Probate
Toni Oxborough Family Law
Arthur Scaife Christchurch
Arthur Scaife Conveyancing
Dee Woodcock Cath Porter Employment Family
Laura Molloy
Arthur Scaife Conveyancing
Broadstone: 01202 692448 Verwood: 01202 823308
Broadstone
Harold G Walker Your Friend Friend--in in--Law hgwalker.co.uk
Christchurch: 01202 482202 Wimborne: 01202 881454
The Christchurch Directory 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR