The St Leonards & St Ives Directory - December 2021 by Modern Magazines

DIRECTORY

DEC 2021

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THE ST LEONARDS Directory

Edition 60

It has been an unusual two years, that is for sure and here we are in December 2021. I have to admit that I have had some difficulty ‘gearing up’ to the festive season, but I think I have finally decided to let my hair down and enjoy some time with family and friends, which is after all what this holiday period is all about for many. Good company, good food, time to laugh and appreciate each other. Our loyal local trades and services certainly appreciate all your calls and bookings. Each and every one of them wants to wish you a Happy Advertise with us Holiday Season and thank you for all Take your business to new heights your support over this particularly with our affordable advertising challenging time. Without you, some of packages! Supply your own artwork or these companies would have struggled use our in-house design and brand much more, so a big appreciation from expert. To chat to Debbie or the sales all of them! team, give us a call: In the new year we are looking to add more local clubs and societies again, so please let us know if you would like some promotion. We are here to help you. If you have a business that would benefit from our thousands of magazines which go out every month, please give me a call or send an email. I would love to help you. Stephen, myself, Julie, Mel, Tracey, Steph, Chris and Jannike wish you a really special Christmas. May you eat, drink and be merry. Very Best Wishes,

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enquiries@modernmagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for January edition: 6th December 2021 DISCLAIMER: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The St Leonards & St Ives Directory does not oﬃcially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in ant retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

A publication by

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi 4

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Special guests join Diverse Abilities’ Carol Concert Diverse Abilities’ Carol Concert takes place on Wednesday, December 15, at St. Peter’s Church on Hinton Road, Bournemouth, and doors open from 6pm. Speakers at this year’s festive celebration include Valerie Singleton OBE, best known for her time working across television on shows such as Blue Peter, Maggie the Seaside Baker, from this season of The Great British Bake Off, and former Deputy to Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Christine Bueno. Josh Graham, events co-ordinator at Diverse Abilities, commented: “Christmas is just around the corner, and we’re pleased to bring back our magical Carol Concert packed full with carols, Christmas readings, and a special raffle. Come along with friends, family, or colleagues and have a fabulously festive time while supporting children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.” The concert is sponsored by Colten Care, who will be bringing their choir to welcome guests on arrival and providing mince pies for all to 8

enjoy at the end of the evening. Blair Crawford, founder and president of Hope FM, will host the evening and introduce performances from the choirs, including Verwood’s Emmanuel Middle School. Reverend Dr. Ian Terry added: “The human race is richly diverse and that will be celebrated in the Diverse Abilities Christmas Concert that St. Peter’s Church is honoured and delighted to host. It will be a festival of each person’s unique humanity.” Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ carolconcert or call 01202 711502 to book tickets. Adult tickets are £15, child tickets are £7.50, and a family ticket (two adults, two children) is £40, with all funds raised going to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity.

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1. What is the opening line to 'Let it Snow'? 2. Which Christmas carol was originally written in Latin as 'Adeste Fideles'? 3. What type of pudding do the carolers sing about in 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'? 4. Which carol includes the lyrics, 'Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis'? 5. How many types of birds are mentioned in the Twelve Day of Christmas song? 6. In the words of the famous carol 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing', to whom is glory proclaimed? 7. Which Christmas carol is commonly known by the title 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire'? 8. Which famous Xmas song sends 'tidings of comfort and joy'? 9. Which Christmas carol was composed by Rector Phillip Brooks following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he had felt mesmerized by the town in which Jesus was born?

11. Which famous Christmas carol was written as a poem by C. F. Alexander, the same inspirational poet credited with having composed the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'?

12. The famous song 'White Christmas' originally featured in which 1942 musical ﬁlm starring

Bing Crosby, Fred Astair and Virginia Dale? 13. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night'? 14. Christina Rossetti wrote a poem that was to become the basis of which famous Christmas Carol? 15. What is the ﬁnal line of the famous 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' song? 16. Which carol was originally composed by James Pierpoint in 1857 for Thanksgiving? 17. In the words of 'Away in a Manger', what was the Lord Jesus asleep on? 18. Which Christmas carol begins with the lyrics, 'Sleigh bells ring are you listening'? 19. What type of tree is mentioned in the Twelve Days of Christmas song? 20. Which Christmas carol includes the lyrics, 'From now on, our troubles will be out of sight'?

10. Which song repeats the catchy lyrics, 'pa rum pum pum pum'?

Find the answers on Page 46

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company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the St Leonards area

and manager Justin Friel agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Justin a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Forecourt Finesse Here are some of the motor industry’s most aﬀordable, bestrated and attention-grabbing cars to look out for in 2022. Budget - The new Toyota Aygo, will be based on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, boasts electriﬁed powertrains, and while extremely affordable at a price rumoured to be around the £14,000 mark.

sporty electric car launched. It comes with an estimated price tag of around £29,000, and immediately slots itself in as prime competition for the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Nissan Leaf.

It’s designed to look and feel as snazzy as a string of other reliant, comfortable and practical versions that have rolled off the Japanese car manufacturer’s production line over the past decade.

be the ﬂagbearer for the Norwich automotive heavyweights, and what a car to take Lotus forward. It will be a V6 hybrid engine, powered on top of a lighter chassis, with the impeccable handling Lotus pride themselves on. Price range is thought to be close to £85,000.

Mid-range - The 2 Series Coupe for 2022 is heavy rear-wheel drive, and the lightest available model from the German giants. An entry-level price of around £30,000 looks a fair investment given the prestige and reliability that inevitably comes with cars made by the iconic manufacturer, and there will be a choice of either three- or fourcylinder petrol engines. The Coupe is also longer and wider than previous models and comes with the option of no more ﬁnger-poking at the digital display, as new features can be activated wirelessly. Mid-range electric - The Cupra Born will be the ﬁrst SEAT

The manufacturers guarantee a punchy 335-mile driving range with the larger 77kWh battery on the premium model. Premium - The Lotus Emira will sit well beyond most people’s budgets, though it’s worth celebrating this hugely respected brand, with production of its three siblings – the Elise, Exige and Evora – coming to an end this year.

Premium Electric - The Tesla Roadster was expected two years ago. Covid-19 restrictions are said to have had a bearing on that stretched timeframe, but the delays have only heightened the sense of anticipation over the launch. Notably, the 1006bhp+ will enable it to reach speeds of more than 250mph, accelerate from 0-60mph in a frankly staggering 1.9 seconds, while a monster battery size of 200kWh offer it a range of 620 miles. A price of £150,000 makes it aspirational beyond compare, but never say never!

That means the Emira will

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Local Heritage:

CHANGING TIMES Last month’s article ended up dealing with various developments within the Last month’s article ended up dealing civil and ecclesiastical parishes. with various developments within the civilGiven and ecclesiastical parishes. the traditional gatherings of families this time gatherings of year, perhaps Given the at traditional of a few more reminders of perhaps how things families at this time of year, changed even moreofsince a few more reminders how WW2 thingswill jog some memories for our older changed even more since WW2 will residents, giving them an excuse jog some memories for our older to eulogisegiving aboutthem the old times totothe residents, an excuse younger members of their eulogise about the old timesfamilies. to the younger members of their families. In our Parish a period of renewal with a the 1950s and ‘60s In began our Parish period of renewal witnessing extensive began with the 1950sdevelopments. and ‘60s witnessing extensive developments.

William Webb’s home had become William Webb’sHotel homeabove, had become the Struan while his theAshley StruanHeath Hotel Garden above, Estate while his plots Ashley Garden Estate plots a were Heath fast disappearing beneath were fast disappearing beneath a wide variety of bungalow designs, wide variety of bungalow designs, most with at least a third of an acre. most with at least a third of an acre.

Today one can identify some of the earlier properties, as they generally Today one can identify some of the still have overhead electrical earlier properties, as they generally supplies. Later estates were luckier, still have overhead electrical such as those built on Racecourse supplies. Later estates were luckier, Heath. The name dates to the early such as those built on Racecourse th century, with a report of one such 19 Heath. The name dates to the early meeting file dated 1844. century, withon a report of one such 19thrace race meeting on file dated 1844.

Planners occasionally recognised the Planners occasionally recognised the need to preserve the village’s image, need to preserve theon village’s image, at times insisting “red-brick” styled at times insisting onhere “red-brick” styledway new-builds, one seen under new-builds, seen under way in 2017 one onhere Woolsbridge Road. in However, 2017 on today Woolsbridge Road.and 1960s styles However, today styles and large plots are1960s disappearing, to be large plots are disappearing, to beand replaced by modern styles, in-fill replaced by modern styles, in-fill and two-for-one, and cul-de-sacs. two-for-one, and cul-de-sacs. From the outset, Avon Castle itself From the outset, Avon Castleand itself became nine apartments, soon became nine apartments, and soon lost the majority of its land to the lostdevelopers. the majorityThe of outer its land to the estate area developers. The outer estate area began in earnest in the 1960s. The began in earnest in the 1960s. The drive area has retained its larger sites drive area has retained its larger sites of around an acre, later to become of around an acre, later to become sites some very exotic designs sites for for some very exotic designs such as this, all at very high prices. such as this, all at very high prices.

Sandy Lane typifies state of the Sandy Lane typifies thethe state of the estate roads in the mid-1960s. Even estate roads in the mid-1960s. Even developments in new areas developments in new areas hadhad to to await made roads while drainage, await made up up roads while drainage, electricity were being gasgas andand electricity were being laid.laid. 14

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The Grange Estate has managed to avoid attempts since the 1960s by The Grange Estate has managed to developers to impose large numbers avoid attempts since the 1960s by of properties on the area. More developers to impose large numbers recently permission was approved for of properties on the area. More the “Victory Oak”was estate, but only recently permission approved for by doing so on the WW2 hospital site. the “Victory Oak” estate, but only by doing so on the WW2 hospital site. Buses, coaches and eventually cars became moreand convenient means Buses, coaches eventually cars of travel more for all,convenient at the expense became meansofofthe railways. passenger traffic travel for all,By at 1965 the expense of the ceasedBy on1965 the New Forest and local railways. passenger traffic sections of New the Forest Southampton ceased on the and localand Dorchester Tracksand were sections of theRailway. Southampton removed Railway. in 1967, some later Dorchester Tracksparts were becoming the Castleman Trailway. removed in 1967, some parts later becoming the Castleman Trailway.

An Avon Heath Halt platform and the An station Avon Heath Halt platform and all thethat at Holmsley are about station at Holmsley are about all that survives today. The RCBR line survives The Castle RCBRarea linehad throughtoday. the Avon through the Avon Castle area had closed in 1935, and some home closed in added 1935, the andland some home owners to their plots. owners added the land to their plots. The ex-turnpike A31 become dual The ex-turnpike A31 become dual carriageway, beginning as the Spur carriageway, beginning as the Spur Road was built in 1968/9. Today we Road was built in 1968/9. Today we suffer highspeed drivers over our suffer highspeed drivers over our 50mph zone, await 50mph limitlimit zone, andand nownow await thethe implied chaos of road works implied chaos of road works at at Ringwood, here seen midday Ringwood, here seen at at midday in in April 2020, remarkably clear of traffic. April 2020, remarkably clear of traffic.

Turning to some more seasonally appropriate matters, the 1960s Turning to some more seasonally witnessed the deterioration of the appropriate matters, the 1960s 1912 Mission Church. Stirling efforts witnessed the deterioration of the by the parishioners and local clergy 1912 Mission Church. Stirling efforts it going, until saw the by kept the parishioners and 1967 local clergy creation of the new ecclesiastical kept it going, until 1967 saw the parishofwith ownecclesiastical vicar. At last the creation theitsnew parishes matched when toothewas parish with its own vicar. At itlast named “St. Leonards and St. Ives”. parishes matched when it too was named “St. Leonards and St. Ives”.

The old church was demolished in Thelate old1971, church demolished in andwas replaced by a bricklatebuilt 1971, and replaced a brick- in structure. It wasbydedicated builtJanuary structure. It was dedicated arose in 1972, but problems January 1972, problems with the flat but roofs. Gabled arose versions withwere the provided flat roofs. 1981/1982. Gabled versions The old were provided 1981/1982. The old wooden hall was replaced by a wooden wastopped replaced a Churchhall Centre, out inby 1994. Church Centre, topped out in 1994. At the Meeting House this year, At despite the Meeting House this still year, Covid-19 protection being despite Covid-19 protection still being in place, Michael and Jayne Blake are in place, Michael Jayne Blake are back with theirand paintings and greeting back with their paintings and greeting cards on sale. My crib will be there, cards on sale. My crib will be there, with a new model inn and stables. with a new model inn and stables.

Facebook page events. OurOur Facebook page listslists events. BEST WISHES TO ALL A HAPPY MY MY BEST WISHES TO ALL FORFOR A HAPPY SEASON A GOOD NEW YEAR SEASON ANDAND A GOOD NEW YEAR

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Talking about Wildlife...

Fascinating Fungi Fungi don’t fit into the plant or animal kingdoms but into an entire category of their own. The Fungi kingdom is a large group of organisms that includes yeasts, moulds, and, of course, mushrooms. Found everywhere - in the soil, in water, on and within plants, and even in the human body - fungi are essential to life on earth and they have a fascinating biology.

Fungi play an important role within our ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. Without fungi, these recycling activities would be seriously reduced, and we would have a lot more decaying material around our feet. They are important directly as food for us, with many edible mushroom species grown and harvested for sale and some mushrooms and truffles considered as delicacies. While mushrooms aren’t a large proportion of what we eat day to day, fungi are also widely used in the production of many other foods and drinks such as cheeses, beer and wine, and bread.

Crimson Waxcap

Fabulous Fungi

Photo: Nick Tomlinson

Fungi are also vitally important for the good growth of most plants and crops. In 1885, German biologist Albert Bernard Frank coined the word “mycorrhiza” to describe this symbiotic relationship in which fungus grows around plant roots. This gives the plants greater access to water and minerals such as phosphorus and nitrogen and even increases their immunity. In exchange, the plant provides carbohydrates and other nutrients to the fungi. Dorset Wildlife Trust manages many nature reserves to support and benefit all kinds of wildlife, including fungi. In west Dorset, Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock are some of the best places in England to find fungi species, many of them rare, all of them beautiful. The huge variation in geology and plant life at Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve ensures a variety of habitats which allows for a larger variety of fungus species than one would expect in a few hundred acres. By Susannah Lynn, Volunteer

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Reimagining the Matrix Another excellent – if familiar – adventure on the way for Keanu Reeves. Keanu Reeves doesn’t subscribe to cancel culture, and besides, there aren’t too many sins to account for! In fact, if skirting back over past behaviour is a determination of popularity in the years to come, then the 56-year-old Beirutborn star has stored up enough credits to last well beyond retirement. From queuing in the rain outside his own party because he didn’t want to make a fuss to bouncers, to redistributing his movie fees around support staff and special effects workers, through to acts of random kindness to strangers, such as giving up his seat on the New York subway. Add in charitable donations thought to exceed $100m, and the star clearly goes well beyond what is expected of him. “I don’t do things for any other reason than they feel right,” he says. “And that makes me no different to 99% of people out there – good people who give up their time

or their energy for something that doesn’t directly beneﬁt them.” While his behaviour onset is no less community spirited, it’s accurate to say the actor’s feelgood vibes haven’t directly translated into big hits in the past couple of years – his most recent movie being the semi-successful reprisal of Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in the Bill & Ted franchise last year, and John Wick in 2019. “I think I’ve really taken a new view to it all in the past decade,” he says. “I don’t subscribe to the fanfare and the glamour. You’ve seen the way I live – I like basic things, I love motorbikes; I’d rather be out on a gravelly road getting mud on my boots than sat in the back of a limo. That’s just then person I am now. “Of course, I respect in others a desire to go after the bright lights, but I’d rather have a conscience that is more about people and worthwhile experiences, so I guess that leads me to do a lot of the things that I do. I’m not

doing it for any other reason than I want to.” For all the Speed, 47 Ronin and The Day the Earth Stood Still actor’s protestations, he might well be advised to prepare for a bit more press intrusion very soon with an expected triumphant return to form as the character of cybercriminal-turned apparent superhero Neo in the fourth instalment of The Matrix series of ﬁlms. “I am absolutely happy - I always feel I have to be totally committed to doing a role justice, particularly on a sequel, as you run the risk of sullying everything that went before it unless you get it right.” There seems little danger of that…

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12 Days of Christmas Wordsearch Words to ﬁnd: PARTRIDGE DOVES HENS BIRDS RINGS GEESE SWANS MAIDS LADIES LORDS PIPERS DRUMMERS Can you sing the full song? Here are some hints

10 11 12

FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 46 20

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STAR GAZING WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the December Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include a line of bright planets in the early evening, and the chance of spotting elusive Mercury at the end of 2021. International Space Station The ISS can be spotted in the evening from the 1st - 10th, with the earliest sighting around 4.45pm. Viewing then moves to morning skies from the 18th, and anyone wishing to catch Santa returning home will need to look up at either 4.50am or 6.25am on Christmas morning. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Moon December’s full moon occurs on the 19th and is traditionally known by a variety of rather apt names, such as Cold Moon, Snow Moon, and Moon before Yule Moon. A crescent Moon joins the trio of planets in a line between the 6 – 9th. Object of the Month The recognisable ‘W’ constellation of Cassiopeia lies high in the north around 7pm. To locate it, ﬁnd the Plough asterism low in the north, locate the north star using its two pointers, and Cassiopeia is almost directly opposite on the other side of the pole star (see ﬁgure). Cassiopeia is one of several circumpolar constellations viewed from southern England. Circumpolar constellations never set below the horizon, and are visible throughout the night. Cassiopeia is a great place to scan with a pair of binoculars or small telescope, revealing areas of rich star clusters. Jupiter

Saturn

Events The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks on the night of 13/14th December. A bright gibbous Moon will spoil the show in the evening, so you’ll need to wait until the early hours of the 14th to see any shooting stars. Alternatively, try looking northeast earlier in the week when the Moon is less bright. Unusually, the Geminid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through the trail of debris left over by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, and not by a comet. The Winter Solstice takes place on the 21st December; marking the shortest day and longest night.

Venus

View SW on 6th December at 5.15pm Cassiopeia

Mercury A diﬃcult planet to spot as it never strays far from the Sun as viewed from Earth, Mercury is visible during the last few days of December. You’ll need a clear, unobstructed view to the southwest (see ﬁgure).

Capella

Venus Venus is still low in the southwest, but by month end it is setting around 5.30pm. If you have a set of large binoculars or a small telescope, Venus will appear as a tiny, beautiful crescent, which due to its dazzling brightness is best viewed in twilight, rather than against a dark sky.

Vega

North/Pole Star

Mars The red planet is currently quite faint and only just visible before dawn. Jupiter and Saturn As the Sun sets both gas giants are visible in the southwest. Saturn sets by 7.30pm, and Jupiter by 9pm. They form a spectacular line of bright planets with Venus this month (see ﬁgure). 22

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Plough Asterism

View of the northern horizon upwards throughout December

Saturn

Venus

View SW on 6th December at 5.15pm Cassiopeia Capella

Vega

North/Pole Star

Plough Asterism

View of the northern horizon upwards throughout December Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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Let’s Sudoku!

Do you love numbers? Enjoy 2 Sudoku challenges in every issue!

3 9 7 8 1 2 5 3 3 9 7 2 1 6 9 1 2 7 3 1 3 5 9 2 1 5 3 9 7 3 1 5 9 2 5 3

4 1 5 9 2 4 8 1 8 2 2 4 7 9 8 3 2 1 5 4

2 5 1 8 9 4 8 5 9 4 1

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Tech Trends For 2022 Six tech trends that will come to the fore in 2022 – are you ready?! ONE - Affective AI/Affective Computing - Whether you’re aware of its impact on our daily lives or not, Artiﬁcial Intelligence is all around us and in many different forms, from e-commerce to social media, healthcare, wellbeing and consumer habits. Yet Affective AI may be set to take things a few steps further. This leans on emotional or facial data that works its way through deep-learning algorithms to calculate when you are happy or sad. It then delivers media, entertainment and content that can counteract, empathise with or even raise your mood. TWO - 5G - Already one of the most talked about advancements ever, rapid connectivity is on its way with 5G allowing much greater data relay due to the frequency of radio waves being higher. For example, an HD movie that previously took seven minutes to download to your device will now take six… seconds! It means the average person is set to save over 24 hours of download time per month. THREE - Internet anywhere on Earth - Even in 2021 there are peculiar streets, alcoves or parts of the house that just won’t pick up adequate internet signal. Well, Elon Musk, Amazon and a few others have a plan to rid the spectre of poor signal

forever, and things are set to accelerate in 2022. Putting additional satellites in space – Musk’s SpaceX is proposing 40,000, Amazon over 3,000, plus 600 from OneWeb – means incredible connectivity for anyone, anywhere. FOUR - Smart Homes/ Connected Homes - We may already be used to our grandparents asking Alexa to tell the next-door neighbour to leave them alone, but this is just

the beginning for algorithms doing our tasks for us in the home. The next step is increased reliance on functionalities from inanimate devices. So that could be, for instance, your home detecting temperatures dropping or rising and adjusting accordingly, whilst simultaneously making coffee and starting up the RoboVac. FIVE - Cryptocurrency We’ve all read a lot about

cryptocurrencies over the last few years, perhaps without fully understanding what it all means. Yet the soft launch of this digital coin mechanism – an intentional gradual process to prove that the technology worked – is now giving way to a more accelerated, mass-market approach, where advancements in 2022 and the growing invitation for ‘everyday folk’ to invest in these markets. SIX - Blockchain - Similar to cryptocurrency and something else people ‘in the know’ are espousing as the next thing that will revolutionise industry and commerce, the main advantage of blockchain is in its utilisation of a digital ledger which stores information in various places, essentially disabling forgery and fakery. Expect to be hearing a lot more about it in 2022.

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Understanding Investments: Reflections of 2021

It has been twenty months since the COVID-19 pandemic caused world stock markets to crash. Due to the incredible ingenuity and adaptability of humanity, life has returned to a semblance of normality. Sadly, many people have lost loved ones and other’s lives have changed forever. Our deepest sympathies are extended to them. In the world of investments, stock markets have recovered, and many are now ahead of their pre-crash levels. Clients who have ignored commentator’s predictions and speculation, and simply remained focused on their own objectives and priorities, have typically received strong investment returns and their financial planning has remained on track. In our experience, making financial planning decisions in this way is far more effective than trying to predict what will happen in both the investment and wider world. This is because speculator’s reporting via the press is very often wrong. Here are two examples to illustrate: 1. When the pandemic first hit, widespread views were that it would create unprecedented unemployment and financial hardship. Governments responded and now twenty months later the reported issues are the opposite; a shortage of workers and wage inflation. 2. Many commentators talked of a deep recession (like the Great Depression of the 1930s). Whilst there was a technical recession (two quarters of economic decline), the concerns now are around the economy over-heating and the need for interest rates to rise to combat higher inflation. Whilst we have opinions on where we see value and risk in the investment world, and we are able to navigate our client’s investments accordingly, the following common- sense principles should always prevail. Namely: • Keep sufficient cash for short-term needs and emergencies. Short-term is up to 5 years. • Invest long-term money (5 years minimum) with the aim to keep pace or exceed inflation. The level of volatility and risk can be adjusted based on your

own personal preference. • Ensure your investments are Howard Goodship diversified across different asset classes (which react differently to changing economic scenarios). Accept you give up some upside to protect the downside. • Ideally, have your investments managed on an ongoing basis to help control risk and maximise opportunities. A lot can change which may require ongoing adjustments. • Use tax-advantaged wrappers such as Pensions and ISAs and utilise tax breaks such as annual capital gains tax exemptions. • Check the charges you are paying your investment managers and advisers, to ensure they are fair and reasonable. There will continue to be significant noise around inflation, supply chains, employment, unemployment, valuations, over-valuations and interest rates. The important thing to remember is no-one has a crystal ball or any additional powers other than opinion and speculation. Stay focused on what you need your money to do for you and then act if you are comfortable with your own counsel or seek professional advice. Stewart, Kerry, and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, hopefully being able to share it this year with close family and friends. If you want to review your own financial plans, we offer a free, no obligation initial chat and would be delighted to help. Howard Goodship is an Independent Financial Adviser with Lonsdale Wealth Management, 5 Fridays Court, Ringwood.

Tel: 01425 208490

www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk

The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you originally invested. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and do not constitute individual advice.

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Ferndown Probus Club

Ferndown, West Moors, Ashley Heath, St. Ives, St. Leonards, West Parley and District New members will be made most welcome. For further details please ring the Secretary, Alan Stevens, on 01202 876826, or email: alan_stevens@talk21.com Now is an excellent time to meet new people and make new friends. Why not join our members for lunch each month at the Dudsbury Golf Club, Hotel & Spa? Good food, good company and interesting speakers, just what you have been waiting for! Ferndown PROBUS is a members’ club for retired or semi-retired professional men and our aim is to create a positive ambience of fellowship, friendship and fun. We meet on the ﬁrst Wednesday of each month at the Brabant Function Room, Dudsbury Golf Club, Hotel & Spa, Ferndown commencing at 12 noon. Meetings are centred around a three-course lunch, followed by a talk given by invited Speakers covering a diverse range of subjects. Many of our ladies meet for a more informal gathering in the Spikes Bar at the same venue at the same time or arrange to meet at an alternative location. A coﬀee morning is also held at the Brabant Function Room on the second Wednesday of each month for our members and their partners to enjoy a relaxed and sociable get together. Other social gatherings are arranged throughout the year, such as outings to places of interest, restaurant lunches/dinners and trips supporting local events. 30

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Whole Logo Love Like the changing of the tide, the trend for logos and brand visibility seems to ebb and ﬂow as the years go on, and this winter they are really having a moment. At revered Italian fashion house Balmain, Olivier Rousteing paid homage to founder Pierre Balmain with a very modern update on the brand’s iconic labyrinth logo as darling minidresses, jackets and handbags were printed mosaic-like in a seventies inspired palette. Meanwhile, the usually brand-forward Versace dialled back on their ubiquitous Medusa head emblem with a new design called La Greca – less brash perhaps, but no less luxurious. Even bright young upstart Marine Serre has become synonymous with her celestial moon motif which bedecks shoes, shirts and even leggings; proving that the power of the logo is such that names or initials are not a requisite for brand familiarity. Iconography has long been a sign of status, right back to when Coco Chanel revived her fashion brand in 1925 by putting her own name (in the

form of two interlocking Cs) on the outside of her garments rather than tucked away inside on the label. It appealed to her patrons’ loyalty, prestige and sense of belonging, as well as ensuring the Parisian fashion house’s longevity with what

is arguably one of the most recognisable sartorial motifs of all time. By the 1980s, logomania was a fully-ﬂedged social movement whereby if you had it, you ﬂaunted it. From head-to-toe Burberry tartan, Gucci emblem handbags, belts, and key fobs along with more accessible (and affordable) clothing such as Giorgio Armani motif sweatshirts and tees. This branding boom continued through the Nineties

where sportswear giants like Adidas and Nike churned out distinguishable clothing like it was literally going out of fashion. In fact it was only after the 2008 economic crash that aggressive label-wearing became passé along with many other manifestations of outward opulence. Understandable then, that the latest incarnation of logomania is more subtle and understated. In the same why that it is deemed socially inappropriate to use disposable plastic water bottles (naturally, Louis Vuitton and Chanel boast luxurious reusable bottle holders) ‘fast fashion’ – cheap, sweatshopled products churned out with questionable provenance and social responsibility – is an equally distasteful tag. Motifs no longer signify just wealth; instead consumers additionally seek brands which align with their social and moral values. In short, it’s okay to ﬂaunt whichever label your heart desires, and 2022 is set to display this mode of thinking more than any previous year - just ensure it is done with contentment and conﬁdence.

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Spot the Difference Can you find all 7 differences?

Find the answers on Page 46 36

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The health beneﬁts of skipping rope It’s incredible what 12 minutes per day skipping rope can do for your health! Every journey starts with the first step, so with your rope in hand - you can begin at your own pace, in your own space (you can skip anywhere!). Skipping rope does far more for our health than what most would assume. Are you aware than when you skip you are literally exercising your brain too? It’s called ‘Audio Spatial Perception’. What does it mean? Well skipping requires you to develop both the ability to concentrate on how your body is moving and what it should be doing as well as grow the perseverance and endurance to learn and maintain new rhythms of movement. As your communication between brain and body improves with simple movements when you first start out, with perseverance, you will move on to move challenging movements and full workouts. And by that stage, your brain will start training your body to do it with more ease, and you’ll 17 Colour Combinations Available

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A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner discusses the beneﬁts of mixing formal and contemporary, to great effect. Where two or more interior design styles meet, it can be for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s down to ‘making do’ on a budget – there was perhaps never a more popular time for such contrasts of ideas, side by side, than after the Second World War. That necessity to get the country back on its feet in any way possible meant, in design terms, a whole new set of rules were laid down, where the beauty of aesthetics or the complementing of materials and fabrics could, frankly, wait for another day. It was more important to get our spaces back in a liveable condition. On other occasions where very polarised looks are worked in together, it can be because the person with the brief wants

to create something unique, or shock people, or just rip up the rulebook to do something different. In more recent times, I’ve noted that same acceptance to mix things up when it comes to sustainability. Where the environment and eco matters are concerned, there is an understanding that not everything is perfect; not everything needs to, or even should, ﬁt together with precision.

On Grand Designs, we have had both ends of the spectrum - people who are seeking to thatch their roofs, then others looking at solar panels. So when people ask me if there are going to be more futuristic looking buildings in the future, or if the traditional will stay in fashion, for me I think straight away about a whole band of architects who are there trying to evolve a style of architecture that does both. And when you drop in the word sustainability, I think there’s much more leeway, much more margin to perhaps do things that don’t ﬁt as well as we might want them to in the sense of everything matching up to the last piece of fabric.

Mostly, sustainability for me means people are looking both forward, in the sense of caring for and planning for the future, of course. Yet at the same time they are upholding traditional aims, often using an existing template. And that could be anything from the footprint of the house to the setting it is in.

It’s okay to incorporate natural materials with contemporary. It’s okay to mix gothic with country kitchen if what is represented is personal taste and style. And where sustainability is concerned, perhaps we should even be encouraging this new brand of diversity.

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Brilliant Books to gift this Christmas Make your Christmas shopping a breeze with these fantastic reads for all your nearest and dearest. For the foodie: Bringing a double Taste: My Life Through Food whammy of by Stanley Tucci festive cheer with You may know him best from a tale that features films such as The Devil Wears both Christmas and Prada or The Hunger Games unicorns, this sparkly franchise, but more recently storybook is designed actor Stanley Tucci has been to wow and delight. making a name for himself as a Published by Ladybird certified gourmand. For the film Recounting his life fan: in food, from nights Will by Will spent around the Smith and bustling dinner Mark Manson table of his Italian Charting his American family transformation as a child, Tucci from a fearful creates a delectable child in a smorgasbord of tense West life that any food Philadelphia obsessive will find home, to one of irresistible. Published the biggest pop by Penguin stars of his era and then one For the romantic: of the biggest White Christmas movie names by Katie Flynn in Hollywood history, Will’s is Sunday Times bestselling not just a story of success, but author Katie Flynn returns with also one of faith and courage. this heart-wrenching historical Published by Century Books fiction which begins in 1938 For the curious: and stretches across Europe. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! It tells the story of a courageous 2022: All True! German girl named Rozalin All Weird! All Sachs who flees her home Wild! as the Nazi revolution rises, Get ready to encountering love, tragedy astound with and adventure on her way to thousands of becoming a woman. Published strange stories, by Arrow Books unusual feats and hair-raising For the little one: oddities from Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Christmas around the world. Unicorn What young child’s stocking Bursting with would be complete without brilliant facts, everyone’s favourite porcine? fantastic stories

and eye-popping photographs, this all-new edition of Ripley’s is sure to be a hit. Published by Century For the history buff: The Story of the World in 100 Moments by Neil Oliver From much-loved historian Neil Oliver comes a whole new insight on our past, told through 100 remarkable, unforgettable stories. In his brilliant and excitingly ambitious new book, the Coast presenter takes us on a whistle-stop tour around the planet and through a million years, to give us a unique and invaluable grasp of how human history pieces together.

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Sleep Easy Five reasons why plentiful sleep is vital to your health. ONE - Sleep increases productivity - Adults and children alike will struggle to maintain concentration when working if they are deﬁcient in sleep. Scientists suggest we are 30% more productive early in the morning versus late at night, with the replenishment of sleep stimulating the mind and driving focus. For adults, getting eight hours a night is considered to be the premium amount of rest.

Effective sleep means we make better sense of life events, and can approach new tasks with clarity and vigour.

TWO - Sleep boosts your immune system and health - Your immune system is designed to help you fight off illness and disease, but the more efficient it is, the better it will be at doing it. Sleep fuels that efficiency, so getting rest means a smaller chance of catching a cold, the flu, or worse, as well as providing a better response if you are infected.

suggest people who claim to frequently get out ‘the wrong side of bed’ do so because of a lack of sleep, it’s true that poor and negative moods (encompassing anger, sadness, paranoia, frustration, irritability) are connected to insufﬁcient sleep.

Increased rest also means weight gain can be lessened, with reduced burden on your heart, and lower blood pressure.

Best of both worlds - Sleep is one of the few things that relies on both quantity and quality. Time is an essential element, but so is regularity and comfort. Distractions should be minimal and sleeping with lights on is problematic as it makes it difﬁcult for your brain to achieve deeper rest.

THREE - Sleep prevents accidents - Lack of sleep is a big contributing factor to accidents. Restful people are generally more aware and alert, while recent studies show that you’re twice as likely to have a car accident when sleep deprived below seven six hours; and the chance of an accident is doubled for each hour under ﬁve hours.

FOUR - Sleep improves our memories - When we sleep, we dream – this is our mind’s way of processing events and thoughts, which includes storing away and compartmentalising what goes on in our lives.

In contrast, plentiful sleep is directly linked to enhanced wellbeing.

Experts say that failure to sleep and an inability to allow our brains to create order through dreams can even stimulate fake memories because the brain has not had enough time to process real ones. FIVE - Sleep enhances our mood and general wellbeing - While there’s no evidence to

Conclusion - Better sleep, better life. Improving your ability to sleep well and for longer is a positive thing - for your mind, for your body, for your prosperity.

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Answers Page PUB CHRISTMAS QUIZ 1) Oh the weather outside is frightful, 2) O Come, All Ye Faithful, 3) Figgy pudding, 4) Ding Dong Merrily on High, 5) Six types of birds: Partridge, Turtle Doves, French Hens, Calling Birds, Geese, and Swans 6) Newborn King, 7) The Christmas Song, 8) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 9) O Little Town of Bethlehem, 10) Little Drummer Boy 11) Once in Royal David's City, 12) Holiday Inn, 13) The First Noel, 14) In the Bleak Midwinter, 15) You'll go down in history, 16) Jingle Bells 17) Hay, 18) Winter Wonderland, 19) Pear tree 20) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

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General Knowledge Crossword #010 1

9 11

25 28

35 36

Across Clues: 2. Gruesome (7) 6. Pain (4) 8. All (4) 9. Flat plastic, narrow pointed teeth (4) 10. Appendage (4) 11. Pair (3) 13. To and (3) 16. Meals served (7) 19. Circular guitar (5) 20. Shoal (5) 21. Fool (5) 23. Beneﬁt (5) 25. Substance like glass, heated, plural (7) 28. Including (3) 30. Ocean (3) 32. Skin condition (4) 33. Formal promise (4) 34. Leaves used for cooking (4) 35. Ivy league college (4) 36. Insanity (7)

Down Clues: 1. Harshness (4) 3. Small quarters, shop (5) 4. Swim (5) 5. Reverberation (4) 7. Environment (3) 8. Fairy (3) 12. Large noodles, wheat ﬂour (4) 14. Competition (4) 15. To rear (7) 16. Laugh, very pleased (7) 17. Arctic toothed whales (7) 18. Excuse (7) 22. Important symbol (4) 24. Bottom (4) 26. Change, improve (5) 27. Disintegrate (5) 28. Culmination (4) 29. Apply (3) 30. Timid (3) 31. Capable (4)

Answers: Across: 2. Macabre, 6. Ache, 8. Each, 9. Comb, 10. Tail, 11. Duo, 13. Fro, 16. Canteen, 19. Banjo, 20. Reefs, 21. Idiot, 23. Avail, 25. Enamels, 28. And, 30. Sea, 32. Acne, 33. Oath, 34. Herb, 35. Yale, 36. Madness. Down: 1. Acid, 3. Cabin, 4. Bathe, 5. Echo, 7. Eco, 8. Elf, 12. Udon, 14. Race, 15. Upbring, 16. Chortle, 17. Narwals, 18. Absolve, 22. Icon, 24. Arse, 26. Amend, 27. Erode, 28. Apex, 29. Dab, 30. Shy, 31. Able.

Ref : 22302

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about making time for your garden to serve you as a place of creativity and contemplation. It was pointed out to me a few years ago that a lot of my novels contain a sort of yearning for something. That led me to think, maybe I’ve

got a deep in-built craving or hankering. Maybe we all have, and in life we’re all looking for something… something more. I think the lucky ones are those who ﬁnd it and know when they have found it. So where am I going with this? Well, I do sometimes feel a lot of those wants and desires can be arrested by going to a place that gives you quiet contemplation. It was John Lennon who said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy

making other plans”. Well stop being busy, stop making other plans, and for goodness’ sake get out in that garden of yours and enjoy it! You see, a real problem for a number of gardeners is the fact we spend hours, days, weeks and months tending to that glorious bit of land. We shovel, trim, cut, prune and pick until our hands are blistered and our knees are sore, yet omit to actually take a step back, or pull up a chair, or just sit on the blessed grass and soak it all in. Satisfaction in your garden sometimes comes in not gardening; it’s in the ability to stop! So as we get ready for when winter morphs wonderfully into spring, perhaps try to do less, not more.

is all those blemishes and ﬂaws that make nature what it is beautiful. I’ve got two gardens of my own and I’m very proud of them one in Hampshire, and a small coastal plot on the Isle of Wight. They are my achievements, my own little bit of land… but they’re only relevant and special if I remember to spend time in them, enjoying them, and sometimes, you know, doing nothing much at all!

I know that can be easier said than done; there are always jobs to do, and there will be those of us who cannot sit still in the garden - we ﬁnd it difﬁcult to stop, to accept a space how it is, always spotting imperfections here and there. In truth, it

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T T P S D S P P A

Green Meanies

Five considerations and potential changes we can make at home, if we’re serious about helping the planet. ONE - What materials are your furnishings made from or containing? You’re redecorating that front room or bedroom, looking to pick up on the latest trends to make it stylish, homely and aesthetically impressive. But wait, are those soft paint colours and shades environmentally friendly, do they promise they are nontoxic, did you select the vegan option? Even consider whether the materials contained in that wicker chair or sideboard are sustainable. Keep a lookout too for the chemicals and treatments applied to furniture. Some items in the home – mainly those imported – are found to have been treated with chemicals that have been linked with endocrinal interruption - this is when chemicals mimic a natural hormone, fooling the body into over-responding to the stimulus. The message is this - be sure to research the materials you are bringing into your home. TWO - What size is your carbon footprint? Our carbon footprint is created by a wide variety of contributing factors, but recent focus has turned to our laundry habits.

Washing and drying laundry releases more than just dirt into the water and the environment: detergent chemicals and synthetic fragrances, genetically modiﬁed enzymes, carbon dioxide and microplastics. As far as the latter goes, it’s estimated that as many as 700,000 microscopic plastic ﬁbres can be released on every wash!

Lowering our wash temperature to 30°C would help reduce the carbon emissions by the equivalent of 400,000 motor vehicles. THREE - How awesome is your air? Are you someone who has your windows open almost all year round? The assumption may be that your air quality is being optimised, though this is only the case if ventilation is good. Purchasing an air quality monitor that quickly and accurately monitors chemicals, dust and allergens, will tell

you exactly how good your air quality really is. FOUR - Are you an energy monster? The world in 2021 is obsessed with technology, yet the efficiency of our gadgets and devices, combined with awareness campaigns over what we use, has actually led to a 20% decrease in energy consumption over the last decade-and-a-half. Yet if you’re the type of person who leaves lights on when we go out, keeps appliances on standby, or simply runs a dishwasher halffull, more can be done. FIVE - The heat is on Although the winter months will necessitate artificial heating in every single home in the UK, the way we heat the space around us can usually be made more efficient. Keeping your home at a constant temperature is more efficient than bursts of heat, while isolating certain rooms that you use infrequently will ensure heat wastage is minimised, as are bills!

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QUIRKY FACTS by Mica Bale With the wintry weather well upon us, the thought of going outside to explore our wonderful county may not be quite so welcoming as in the warmer months so why not curl up with a hot cocoa, the ﬁre and delve into the next handful of quirky facts from around Dorset?

For generations, tea and biscuits have been a favourite pick-me-up treat and certainly Dorset families have had easy access to these delightful goodies. Moores Biscuits can boast more than 140 years of biscuit making. Today Moores Biscuits are owned by the same family six generations later and are produced just a stone’s throw away from the original bakery. Very moorish indeed!

Another culinary empire Dorset can boast is Rossi’s ice cream who can trace their roots back to 1930s Weymouth. Having already established an ice cream parlour in Essex, Rossi’s came to Dorset in 1937. A prominent premise was found on The Esplanade where the parlour remains today, featuring original 1930s interiors. And of course, the Rossi family also gave us Status Quo. 54

PHOTO: WELLCOME IMAGES

Did you know that poet Thomas Wyatt died in Dorset? Renowned for his alleged aﬀairs with Anne Boleyn for which he was imprisoned in the Tower for some time and nearly executed, Wyatt was also known for introducing the sonnet into English literature. Indeed Wyatt had had a rather colourful life! Although the circumstances of his death at Clifton Maybank House in 1542, it could be said that there was almost a poetic justice to his end in that the vast majority of his poetry was published only after his passing.

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The Dorset Horn sheep is an endangered breed that has been part of the county’s landscape for centuries. Recognised by the Rare Breeds Trust as a breed that is at risk of being lost altogether, the Dorset Horn is recognised for being the only sheep that can breed all year round. It is thought that they were developed after being mixed with the Spanish Merino sheep and rumour has it that several of this breed had escaped from the Spanish Armada ships oﬀ Portland to create this prized if not endangered sheep.

Did you know that Dorset has its very own Fungus Group? Established in 1995 initially in Purbeck though later expanding throughout the county, the group works to look for and identify the various species of fungi that grow in our county. The group has been able to ﬁnd some very rare fungi including the extremely unusual Ganoderma carnosum which has only been identiﬁed in the UK a handful of times! ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

PHOTO: WELLCOME IMAGES

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Beat The Bullies Nearly half UK children will experience bullying at some point, the extent will vary greatly, and it is for parents to approach the subject with stealth and sensitivity if they are to help. Here are ﬁve things to consider where face-to-face bullying is concerned. ONE - Understanding what bullying is - These days, bullying comes in many different forms – physical, verbal, relational and cyber. There is sometimes a ﬁne line between what would be termed ‘poking fun’ and bullying.

To get to the point of understanding motive is a good platform towards bringing about a conversation, and change. THREE - Rehearsing positive mentality Reminding our children of the respect, kindness, self-esteem, conﬁdence, praise and friendship skills that they have will act as valuable reinforcement tools at many points throughout their

be very important. These would include short-term things, such as a reluctance to go to school, clamming up when the subject of bullying is approached, unusual changes to routines or pastimes, and marked changes of behaviour after computer time or a phone call.

The correct classing of the term ‘bullying’ implies it is a deliberate act, it is repeated, and it sets out to create a power imbalance. It can be useful to coach our loved ones in taking a wide approach to teasing and playground ribbing. Research shows that bullies will often begin with verbal harassment, and it is how that ‘victim’ responds that will determine whether or not the aggressor carries it on. Teach them that the best comeback is one that is fearless, direct, short and not antagonistic. TWO - Considering why While the actions of another are out of parents’ control, at least at ﬁrst, it helps to understand what attracts bullies to a child. This could be to do with disability, race, religion, image, allergies or even personal preferences such as a favourite football team or singer.

In the medium-term, this may be increased absence from school, marks on the body and even hunger (if someone is stealing lunch money, for instance).

childhood, not just in the face of bullies. FOUR - Recognising the signs - Few children will actively open up to adults about bullying until the situation is to a level where it is impacting on their everyday lives, so recognising signs can

FIVE - Knowing your options - Gone are the days when situations like this should be allowed to fester, with education authorities bound by antibullying policies and extremely ‘hot’ on both the subject and their responsibilities. Keep a private diary and consider seeking out the bully’s parents, although you may receive a lukewarm reaction.

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Decorate & name your gingerbread man

CHRISTMAS TREE MAZE

COLOUR THE SHAPES IN THE PICTURE

Yellow

Red

Orange

Purple

Blue

Green

POETRY PAGE

A visit from St. Nicholas 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The

prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Source: The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (Random House Inc., 1983)

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Spiced Festive Biscuits Introduction

Rustle up a little festive cheer with these delectable and delicately spiced biscuits, ideal for hanging on your tree or just for brightening up your tea break.

Ingredients

For the biscuits

350g plain ﬂour – plus extra for rolling 200g butter 175g dark brown sugar 1tbsp golden syrup 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 large egg ½tsp ground cinnamon ½tsp ground nutmeg ½tsp ground ginger For the decoration 100g white chocolate (melted) OR 100g icing sugar Sprinkles or silver baubles

Top Tips • Turn your biscuits into tree decorations by making a hole into each one before baking, using a skewer then thread through ribbon once cooled. • This dough can be made ahead by placing in the freezer after having been wrapped in cling ﬁlm to chill. Simply defrost and roll out to bake. • Pre-made icing or chocolate that is ready-to-melt in a tube is a great option for those who feel less conﬁdent using a piping bag.

Method

Top Tip

Decorated biscuits will last several days on a tree or up to a week in an airtight container.

1. Gently warm the butter, sugar and golden syrup over a low heat until it has melted. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl making a well in the centre to pour the wet ingredients into. Mix until a workable dough forms. Once cooled, wrap the dough in cling ﬁlm and place in the fridge for at least one hour to chill. 2. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas mark 5 and line two baking sheets with baking paper. Meanwhile, roll out the biscuit dough onto a lightly ﬂoured surface to around ½cm thick and cut out your biscuits using festive shapes of choice.

Reroll leftover dough and cut until you have none left. Bake for 10-12 minutes until a golden brown. 3. Once cooled, preferably on wire racks, place either melted chocolate or icing sugar – that has been mixed with water to form a thick paste – into a piping bag and use to decorate the biscuits, adding baubles and other decorations while the icing is still wet. Let dry completely before hanging.

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your magazine... Aerials

Electricians

Plasterers

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Financial Advisors

Plumbers

AMH Plumbing & Heating Ltd .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Apex CB Financial Planning 13 .................................................................................................................... AMH Plumbing & Heating Ltd 25 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. K & B Installations 53 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Lonsdale Wealth Management 35 .................................................................................................................... Blue Dot Plumbing 3 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. The Kitchen & Bathroom Co 29 .................................................................................................................... NO.1 PHD 33 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. UltraHeat Plumbing & Heating 1 .................................................................................................................... UltraHeat Plumbing & Heating 1

Foot Care Services

Bedrooms

Property Maintenance

Beds

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Cameras

........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Longham Motor Engineers 32 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Rocky Rock Cameras 61 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... ReversePark 43 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Trickett Welding 41 Tree Surgeons ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... West Moors Vehicle Repairs 35 .................................................................................................................... Alpha Trees & Fencing 39 .................................................................................................................... Apex Tree Surgeons 51 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning .................................................................................................................... Arborgrind 31 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Cleaning Master 31 .................................................................................................................... RHV 21 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Zero Dry Time 17 Garden Services .................................................................................................................... Special Branch 61 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Alpha Trees & Fencing 39

Douglas Hutchins ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Gardening by Peter Gould 3 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... M B Wilkes 59 Waste Services .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1st for Floors & Beds 63 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Novelty Kneelers 24 .................................................................................................................... Philip Trim Contractors 43 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Flooring Elegance 41 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Redwood Landscapes 53 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Kingsland Carpets 49 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Special Branch 61 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Sunset Developments 29 Will Writing Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... United Fencing Supplies Ltd 9 .................................................................................................................... Dorset Wills 45

Carpets & Flooring

Charities

Gyms & Exercise Groups Chiropractors

Window & Gutter Cleaning

Holiday Accommodation Computer Services

Windows, Doors &

.................................................................................................................... Cloudy2Clear Southampton 11 Peacock Computers .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 .................................................................................................................... Dorset Windows Ltd 39 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Tec Check Ltd 17 Kitchens .................................................................................................................... G S Windows Ltd 7 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... Doc's Fitted Furniture 49 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... K & B Installations 53 Drainage Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... The Kitchen & Bathroom Co 29 Worktops .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. NO.1 PHD 33

.................................................................................................................... R & A Fabrications 19

Driveways

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