November 2020
Promoting your local area
THE
SWANAGE
Oracle
All major credit & debit cards accepted & DEVELOPERS LTD
ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN
* New Pitched Roofs * Flat Roofs * Conservatory Roofs * Stone Roofs * Roof Repairs * Lead work * Chimneys Removed & Repaired * Roof Ventilation * UPVC Fascia, Soffit, Guttering, Windows & Doors * Extensions * Loft Conversions * Plastering * Damp Proofing * Carpentry * Bathrooms & Kitchens LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS • 30 YRS EXPERIENCE • FULLY INSURED • WORKS GUARANTEED • FREE SURVEYS & QUOTES
01929 46 33 49 / 47 28 09 • 07799 26 11 05 / 0800 567 7614 • www.purbeckhomeimprovements.co.uk
Brought to you by
Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area
www.purbeckpublications.co.uk
2
Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
SALE OFF
ER
29% off
Autumn Sale • •
Space saving Fully insulated Fully automatic No maintenance Reduced draughts So simple to operate Simple key fob operation All doors fitted with bottom safety edge system in compliance with trading standards regulations
Full range of colours Single/Double doors all made in our Bishops Waltham factory
WE SURVEY WE MANUFACTURE WE INSTALL NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire & Dorset
01962 600777
info@skandoor.co.uk | www.skandoor.co.uk
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3
Leaks Tree Care undertakes all tree and hedge work, this includes: crown reduction, crown thin, crown lift, dead wooding, tree felling, section felling, pollarding, hedge trimming, hedge laying and tree planting. We also offer tree inspections for peace of mind.
Contact Rob on
T: 07519 664197
E: leakstreecare@gmail.com
www.leakstreecare.com Natural Gas, LPG and Oil qualified and registered engineer • All aspects of Plumbing and Heating undertaken • Boiler and Cylinder Installation / Service & Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design & installation
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
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Introduction
4 Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston!
The Swanage Oracle
We will look back on these confusing times wondering how we ever got through! It is vital right now to keep ourselves, our families and friends, safe and well, whilst trying to keep the economy afloat. What a job! More than ever the local trades and services here inside your community magazine need you. If we are sensible, protect ourselves, use face masks and wash our hands regularly, isolate if we are unwell, then we will be able to keep going. The companies here are all following the protocols required to continue to provide their services and keep their businesses alive.
Edition 143
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone:
01929 408080
Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the December edition: 9th November 2020
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 Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the 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.
Stephen, myself and the team here all hope you are fit and well, and are continuing to find some things to smile about. Future planning is good for you. It permits us a goal, takes us beyond the immediate stops and worries, and gives us something to look forward to. What are your plans? What would you like to do in just a year’s time? On a more immediate basis, can the advertisers here inside help you with that dream kitchen, bathroom, landscape garden or even help you plan to move house? We do hope we are able to help you with this future, and immediate planning. The index at the back of the magazine shows you all our loyal advertisers. If there is someone or something you are looking for and they are not here, please give one of us a call. I am sure we can help you! We wish you a good month of November. I think this month we can really appreciate all that was done so many years ago to keep our freedom. We salute those who lost their lives to save us.
Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi
Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital
101 0800 072 7282 0800 111999 01929 422282
Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg. Purbeck Distict Council
08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561
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5
WINTER SPECIAL
ÂŁ5 entry per person to the Gardens (includes a hot drink)
Book online to save disappointment www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk This offer will run from November 2020 to February 2021. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Please check our website for opening times as we are closed some afternoons through the winter.
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QUIRKY
BY MICA BALE
With Dorset now well and truly thrust into the heart of autumn, where could be better to enjoy this season of golden leaves than in one of the most beautiful counties in Britain? From some of the freshest oysters in Britain to a particular stone globe, certainly, Dorset is one of the finest places, come rain or shine.
Did you know that Dorset can boast its very own oyster farm? Located in Portland, the Crab House Cafe’s oyster beds offer a rare glimpse into the county’s history as there has been a heritage of oyster farming since as far back as when the Romans left their mark on Britain. Today, different methods of oyster cultivation have been employed, combining an ancient art with modern innovations and certainly offering some of the freshest oysters in Britain! It couldn’t easily be said that any one of Britain’s hills were due any particular acclaim however there is a special hill in Dorset that is worthy of exactly that. The Golden Cap is justifiably entitled as it is the tallest point on the South Coast standing at more than 190 metres. Aside from such an achievement, the Golden Cap is a haven for both flora and fauna and due to its height, gives one of the very best views of the Dorset coast and countryside.
John Constable may well be best known for his famous paintings of the East Anglian countryside however were you aware that it was in Dorset that the great artist himself spent his honeymoon with his new bride Maria Bicknell? It could be said that it was somewhat of a ‘busman’s holiday’ though as Constable produced several works of Osmington Mills and the surrounding area. It could only be speculated what Mrs Constable thought but certainly, his paintings and the Dorset counryside that inspired them have long continued to delight visitors.
PHOTO: ROMAN GRAC
Enjoying an autumnal walk through the county, you might well be surprised to find one of the world’s largest stone spheres. At home in Swanage, the Great Globe is an impressive structure in itself, weighing a whopping forty tonnes and is made from local Portland stone. The impressive structure was completed in 1887 and surrounding the Great Globe are plaques upon which are different quotations including phrases from the Bible as well as other interesting quotes from both English and Roman manuscripts. Interestingly, after the pretty village of Sixpenny Handley suffered a catastrophic fire in the May of 1892, other communities from around the county were touched by their plight and were said to have donated as many items as they could, including large quantities of clothing. So generous was their gifts that it could be said that a person from Handley could be identified based on how many waistcoats they wore!
Read more quirky facts in the next issue!
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All Grass
Landscapes
We are an independent local company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping.
• Supply & install any size and type of artificial lawn • Any size of hard or soft landscaping, including: lawns, fencing, decking, patios, driveways, etc. • Over 15 years experience
For a free, no obligation quote, please call Will on 01929 503135 or 07522 987090
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DRAIN UNBLOCKING • Toilets • Sinks • Baths • Showers • Sewers • Soakaways • Camera Surveys • Drain Repairs Local family business 24/7
01929 666 226 www.dorsetdrainunblocking.co.uk
Is your Classic in need of some expert attention?
• Restorations
• Waxoyl Treatment
• Servicing & Mechanical Repairs
• Stage Payments For Restoration
• Accident & MOT Repairs
• Collection & Delivery By Arrangement
Telephone:
01202 625050
www.trickettweldingltd.co.uk
Welding (Poole) Ltd
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10
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
11
SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET
Flowers arranged with sincerity
(for private use)
Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents
East Stoke, Wareham
Tel: 07836 369969 E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk
• Weddings & Tributes to loved ones • Bouquets & arrangements for special occasions • Flowers for parties and events
Caroline Finch T: 07966 462974
W: budsofmave.com E: c.f.m.finch@btinternet.com
Call Jeremy Gough for a free home appointment. I live in Swanage and have worked as a blinds expert for over 4 years. I will do the measuring and fitting and bring a range of samples at a time that suits you.
Swanage
Jeremy Gough
07745134571
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Wildlife News
12
Talking about Wildlife...
The Deceptive Cuttlefish The closest most people come to a cuttlefish is when their white ‘bones’ wash up on beaches after rough weather. These are the evolutionary remains of the animal’s shell, as cuttlefish are molluscs, relatives of the snails in your garden. Way back in the evolutionary past, their protective shell was internalised and then evolved into the cuttlefish bone, which is used to provide the animal with buoyancy in the sea. By regulating how much gas the bone contains they can move up or down in the water without having to expend energy on swimming. If you pick one up it feels light. Cuttlefish bones are not the only thing that makes this animal extraordinary. They are recognised as intelligent animals, indeed, research has shown that they can be more intelligent than cats and dogs. Capable of counting at an equivalent level as a 4 year old child, they can also solve puzzles, negotiate mazes and plan ahead. Research has now revealed that these remarkable animals can use deception Common Cuttlefish Photo: Julie Hatcher
to get what they want – something that only a handful of species, including ourselves, are known to do. Cuttlefish communicate using the colours and patterns on their skin, which they can change instantaneously. This is especially used in courtship, when males compete for a female. Male cuttlefish have been filmed displaying female patterning on one side of their body (where a competing male can see it) whilst at the same time displaying to the female on their other side that he is an interested male. By deceiving the male cuttlefish into believing it is a female and therefore no threat, it avoids a physical battle, whilst at the same time giving the female his ‘come hither’ signals. While divers regularly encounter and interact with cuttlefish in our coastal waters, most people do not have the opportunity to meet these most interesting of animals. However at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre in Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset Wildlife Trust had a baby cuttlefish in its aquarium. It is one that washed ashore as an egg and subsequently hatched in the aquarium where it grew rapidly ready for release last year. If you wish to visit, the Centre is open daily from 10.30am until 5pm from April to October. Find our more information about the centre: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ wild-seas-centre By Julie Hatcher
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MALLWOOD ROOFING LTD Fixed quote work Replacement Doors Laminate Flooring Decking Truss & Cut Roofing General Carpentry General Building Maintenance
Call Peter Albin
Mobile 07834 983022 Home 01929 425048
www.totalwoodwork.co.uk
C
A local family business with over 45 years experience. High Performance Felt, Cold Applied Liquid Systems, Single Ply Membranes, Tiling & Slating. All new work fully guaranteed. Full Public Liability Insurance. For a no obligation quote call Matt:
01202 020063 / 07950 972289 www.mallwoodroofing.co.uk
M PLUMBING & HEATING Local Gas & Heating Engineers
• Boiler/Fire Servicing • Landlord Gas Safe Inspections • New Boiler Replacements • Power Flushing • Unvented Hot Water Cylinder Installations • Bathrooms, Shower Rooms, Wet Rooms 180993 • Design & installations
Tel: 01929 550160
M: 07790 056396
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14
Let their care be your Legacy Turn a kind thought into real support for families like Noah’s Going into lockdown has been upsetting for all of us. That feeling of isolation and loneliness tinged with fear about the future. So imagine what it’s like for a mum with a seriously ill child. Eleven-year-old Noah has lifethreatening epilepsy which can strike at any time and when it does, he needs to be rushed to hospital. He nearly died during lockdown after suffering a seizure that lasted for 18 hours. It was a terrifying experience for Noah and his family and they were so grateful to have Julia’s House, the Children’s Hospice charity, by their side. Now Noah is back home having regular visits from our nurses so that his exhausted mum and dad can take a break. “Although their faces are covered by masks and they wear protective clothing, he recognises their voices,” said his mum, Emma. “The Julia’s House nurses are Noah’s safe people. Even in full PPE he is comforted just having them around.”
Noah with his nurses
Noah with his mum, Emma We’ve been there for Dorset families throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Caring for children in their own homes and supporting mums, dads and siblings, even when they are shielding. Our nurses and carers are in regular contact, delivering food and vital medicine. Did you know that one-in-four of our children is funded by Gifts in Wills? These gifts have never been more important now traditional fundraising has been swept away. We know it’s a tough time for many people financially but the wonderful thing about legacy giving is it costs nothing now. You can turn a kind thought today into real support for families in the future. Writing your Will has never been easier. With our new online Will writing service you can write or update your Will for free from the comfort of your own home. Find out more by visiting www. juliashouse.org/purbeck-swanage. A gift of just 1% can make 100% difference to local families like Noah’s.
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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LET HIS CARE BE YOUR LEGACY LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL WITH OUR NEW FREE ONLINE WILL WRITING SERVICE Julia’s House supports the families of children with life-limiting conditions in Dorset and Wiltshire. Our vital lifeline of care provides comfort and reassurance throughout the current unsettling times. 1 in 4 of the children we care for are supported by legacies, and even a gift of just 1% can make a huge difference.
Find out how you can make a life-changing difference to local families and write your Will for free online. Visit juliashouse.org/ purbeck-swanage or call 01202 644220.
BE A LIFE CHANGER JUL632_LEGACY ADVERT_128x185mm_SWANAGE ORACLE_V1.indd 1
12/10/2020 16:08
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16
“Dealing with death is one of the hardest parts of life” This year in particular we at Dorset and Wight have been inundated with enquiries concerning the worry of potential liability for long term care fees, along with an increase in requests for guidance on Lasting Power of Attorney’s.
Surprisingly, over 70% of the adult population still do not have a Will and of the 30% that do, the majority are either out of date due to familial or legislation changes or are basic Wills that do not protect your assets in a way that you actually intended. For instance, protecting your property against care fees and other third party predators by the use of a Property Protection Trust Will provides many benefits for your family’s estate. As long as it is done in advance, and well before you are aware of a need for long term care, it forms part of any sensible estate plan. When considering a Lasting Power of Attorney many people think “I’m not ill, why do I need one?” But they are missing the point. These again are documents that have to be made well in advance of any problems and are equally as important as a Will to have in place. Your Will looks after your wishes when you are no longer with us. Your Lasting Power of Attorney looks after your
wishes while you are still with us, but struggling to deal with your own affairs. This can happen due to age, the onset of a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia, or suddenly due to an accident. Now more than ever people need professional help to put their affairs in order and to ensure that they themselves and their loved ones are protected if the worst was to happen.
This month’s tip No matter what age you are there are many things in our lives nowadays that require you to be able to show photo identification. So even if you have stopped driving and travelling it is worth considering renewing your passport when it expires so that you always have some form of photo ID available. This can save you time and expense in the long run. Dorset and Wight are your local trusted provider of affordable Lasting Power of Attorneys and professionally drafted Wills. You have undoubtedly heard of us Now is the time: to call us. Telephone 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 or visit:
www.dorsetandwight.co.uk
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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Dorset & Wight Wills Your Local Experts in providing Affordable
LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own. Wills: £140 each - Single Power of Attorneys: £140 each
Special Offer 1: Both Lasting Power of Attorneys for a single person £270 (save £10)
Special Offer 2: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple £530 (save £30)
Special Offer 3: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys and two Wills for a couple £798 (save £42)
Special Offer 4: A complete Property Protection Trust, Wills and all four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple - Limited time offer £999 (save £350) Protect your property from paying for care fees and other third-party predators.
We are specialists in providing for the elderly or less mobile. Everything is dealt with in the comfort of your own home.
CALL NOW TO ARRANGE A FREE HOME VISIT Members of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.
Book your FREE home visit on 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 Dorset and Isle of Wight
www.dorsetandwight.co.uk
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18 @SwanageOracle
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19
Near Corfe Castle (on main A351)
Get your garden ready for Winter! Pruning & Hedge Cutting, Bed Clearance Bed Preparation & Planting
Call John on 07494 595864 RECORDS WANTED
Tel: 01929 480098
Winter essentials: Logs – Seasoned Hardwood - Coal – Kindling LOCAL: Meats – Veg (inc 25kg Pots) Bread – Cakes – Honey – Jams – Chutneys Free range eggs – Ale – Cider – Wine Large Range Of Wild Bird Feed & Feeders – Wild Bird Seed £11.50 for 20kg Equestrian Feed & Accessories Animal & Pet Feeds Winter bedding plants – Shrubs Compost – Terracotta pots Plus lots lots more – come and see for yourselves
Large Selection of Christmas Trees
Sawn & Potted - from Sat 28th Nov
POP * ROCK * REGGAE SOUL * PUNK * JAZZ Good Condition Only * Cash Paid
Tel: 07831 266478 rogerhuntbds@yahoo.co.uk
Mistletoe
Holly Wreaths
FREE pick and deliver service for those self isolating Tree Lights
Tree Stands
Lots of Christmas Gifts
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Technology Tips
20
For tech shoppers, November is Gadget Christmas. That’s because the last Friday of the month, the 27th of November, is Black Friday. Black Friday is when online shops and many high street retailers offer amazing discounts on all kinds of products. And the discounts can be massive, with hundreds of pounds off high-end laptops, big TVs and other bigticket purchases.
Xbox One X Expect big discounts on Microsoft’s superb console and Sony’s PS4 too: as their replacements are imminent there will be big savings to be had, especially on bundles with included games. Usually £395, www.xbox.com
The name Black Friday is a little misleading because many of the retailers now run deals the week leading up to Black Friday and/or the week after.
Instant Pot We love the Instant Pot, a programmable electric pressure cooker that’s brilliant for soups, stews, chilli, curries, rice and pretty much anything else you can cook in a pot. It’s usually Amazon’s Black Friday bestseller. Usually £84, www.amazon.co.uk
Many of the deals are genuine, but it’s important to do a little homework because some of them are a little creative. Some deals are rather like the supermarket wine promotions where the price of a £6 bottle of wine is briefly raised to £9; the shop then goes back to the original price and sticks a ‘Save £3.00!’ sticker on it. In tech, the same thing can happen with prices going up just before Black Friday to create a discount that isn’t really a discount. Another common trick is to quote a recommended retail price that nobody sensible ever paid. For example, a TV supposedly reduced from £1,799 to £999 may well have been on sale for £1,099 for the last six months. You’re still getting a saving, but it’s not as exciting as the shop wants you to think.
Big-name laptops If you’ve been looking for a new laptop, you’ll see some great deals on laptops from big names such as Microsoft, ASUS and Lenovo. Some of the best discounts are on the most expensive models but you’ll find good budget deals too. Various prices, www.currys.co.uk
Amazon Echo Amazon’s smart speakers get discounted for every Amazon sale event and Black Friday is no exception. The thirdgeneration Echo delivers surprisingly great sound despite its compact dimensions. Usually £89, www.amazon.co.uk
Technology can help here. Use Pricespy. co.uk to see what other retailers are charging for the same product, and for Amazon deals use CamelCamelCamel. com to look at a product’s Amazon price history to see if a deal is good or just too good to be true. As with any sale, don’t let the prospect of a big discount persuade you to buy something you don’t want or need, and if you pay by credit card make sure you pay it off as soon as you can. The interest on some cards can easily wipe out your Black Friday savings.
Philips Ambilight TV There are always great Black Friday discounts on smart TVs, and some of the biggest we’ve seen were on Philips’ clever Ambilight range, which uses coloured light to make the room match what’s on screen. Various prices, www.philips.co.uk
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
21
35 years experience. Installation & repairs. Bathrooms, central heating & general plumbing work undertaken. Fully Insured. Labour is guaranteed for 12 months. Email: candcplumbing@btinternet.com www.candcplumbingservices.co.uk
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The Adventures of Daichi
22
The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Daichi, the Dashing Dude, is our playful campervan who loves to take us out and dash us away to new and familiar places to have some family fun. Last month he did not disappoint. Many of us had holidays abroad cancelled, so what a great excuse to make the most of our wonderful English South Coast. Daichi was delighted to dash us to Devon for a week, away from it all. I love driving along the coast to Devon, taking in some amazing views along the top around Bridport and then having a stop and something to eat on the beach at Charmouth. Fossil finding at its best. I really know I am on holiday when we stop and look out to sea here. I can relax, unwind and start to leave the stresses behind. Bovisand Beach was where we were heading. We had never been before but as the holiday in Tenerife was cancelled by the flight company just a month prior, I had looked on Airbnb to find this gorgeous view of the sea from the small cottage at the top of the cliff. That was the one. It is all about the view for me. On arriving at Bovisand Beach, which is a stone’s throw away from Plymouth, I was not at all disappointed. It was incredible. You could see for miles. A Navy ship was anchored off the shore, there were swimmers, kayaks, stand up paddle boarders, sailing boats, motorboats and small ferries taking passengers to the idyllic looking villages of Cawsand and Kingsand opposite, across the bay. Truly delightful. In fact, when you sat down in the cottage
Daichi looks out to sea...
Watching the boats go by... and the tide was in it felt like we were on a boat in the middle of the sea - that is all we could see! We were lucky with the weather too. The previous week had been wet and windy, but this week looked much better, and it was! As a youngster, brought up in the North, rock pooling was a major delight. Dad and I used to pick winkles by the bucket load, literally, boil them and have them for tea. “Yum”, I say… “Ugh”, I can hear you say! It is a personal taste. This area had great rock pools and some caves too - when the tide was out. The first day on the beach was great. Hayden was able to get his race board out and practise his run into the sea at great speed (teenage boys…) while I lounged on the beach drinking coffee… one of my favourite occupations! Stephen put on his wetsuit and was off splashing about too. The sea rolled slowly, or not so slowly, back into the small bay and started to fill those rock pools with swishing (I love that sound) seawater and seaweed. There was rather a lot of seaweed due to the previous week’s storms, but that did not put us off. What we did not anticipate was the speed with which the sea crept in… we nearly had to swim our way back to the steps! All good fun. Us Brits do like to be dramatic at times! Back at the cottage we soaked in the sun on the decking overlooking the incredible bay below us. Where we had been sitting was now full of water. Thought
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23 provoking… but I am a bit like that. An hour later, back to the other beach, where there was still some sand to sit on. Hayden could go charging back into the sea again. Watching the sunset, the rippling waves and the glittering sea with another coffee in hand was a great way to end our first day. Another day on the ‘other beach’ was decided and this time I did spend time in the rock pools which had small shoals of speedy fish and dancing seaweed. I could not find a crab! Not one. I was quite perturbed about that, so it gave me something to worry about! I think we must like problems, as we always seem to create them for ourselves. How funny. Three wonderful days on the beach. We were fully ‘unwound’. Now Hayden is a teenager, going into the sixth form, so uniform is no longer a requirement. Primark. He wanted to go to Primark. Wednesday was due to have some rain, so we planned our trip to Drake Circus, the shopping Centre in Plymouth, which of course has a Primark. Daichi, who had been keeping guard all week, was happy to take us shopping. However, I would not recommend a van in Plymouth. It is very difficult to park! The headroom in the multi storeys is not quite enough… and there is little parking for more than an hour anywhere else. Another problem – really!? Have to laugh. Finally, we managed to find a space for a maximum three hours. Primark was fun! I could not believe it. Literally
Rockpooling, whatever the weather!
Boys with their toys! within half an hour all three of us had found what we were looking for… and more… and all at a great price. Since you cannot try anything on at this odd time we are living in, you either like it or you don’t, you buy it, or you don’t. Simple. The times I have spent trying clothes on, for hours, to come away with one item if I am lucky. This time, no choice, take it or leave it. There may be some advantages to some of the restrictions which have at the moment! Not only that, I am now trendy Mum! Leggings, ‘Converse’ looking shoes (I used to call them sandshoes, but that is not cool these days…) and a gorgeous cardigan that looks hand knitted and reminds me of one my Grandma made me a long time ago! Hayden got his red shoes to match his shirt and more skinny jeans too. Stephen even bought shoes and a pair of trousers. Success – we were all smiles! The National Marine Aquarium was another really enjoyable day. What fish, wow! We also went on the Merry-Go-Round, Mary Poppins style, by the sea wall. It just had to be done. A meal out, just passed the Plymouth Lido, which had reopened for the summer, in a restaurant with almost 360 degree views of the sea. What more could we want? The whole week was a hit. Simple fun on our British Isle. Daichi loves to take us away, recharge those batteries and then back to reality, still smiling. It took us over ten hours to travel home as we kept stopping enroute to take in all the different places. Lyme Regis is another family favourite, so we ended our holiday there on the beach, with another meal watching the sun setting before finally driving home. Where will Daichi take us next, I wonder? By Debbie Corney
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Gardening Tips
24
On Your Plot Feeling Fruity
Few flavours compare with that of fruit freshly picked from the garden. Much of the fruit available in the shops (particularly the supermarkets) has been grown for it’s ability to travel well rather than it’s flavour and may have been picked well before it’s arrival on the shelf. If you fancy apples from your own tree, or a bowl of raspberries fresh from the garden, now is the time to act.
Jobs for November :-
• Start to harvest parsnips a�er the first frosts. • Tidy up your greenhouse or polytunnel, wash out pots and seed trays before storing ready for the Spring • Sow hardy peas or broad beans ready for an early crop next year. • Use ne�ng or chicken wire to protect your broccoli and cabbages from hungry pigeons. • If you haven’t already done so, plant garlic and shallots. • If your rhubarb is taking over, li� and divide the crowns before replanting.
If you are anything like me you will spend ages drooling over pictures of bushes dripping with blackcurrants or gooseberries, trees laden with apples, or bowls full of luscious raspberries but struggle to get to grips with the realities of production on your own plot! Patience is a virtue that is definitely required for growing your own, and this is particularly so with fruit trees and bushes. I have to confess to having an inclination to move on with anything that requires more than a few months to give a decent crop, but with most fruit you just have to force yourself to take the long term view and now being the proud owner of a 2 year old gooseberry bush and raspberry canes I can assure you that the waiting is worthwhile! Think carefully about where you will grow your fruit. Trees require lots of space (but are a wonderfully a�ractive addition to your plot) while bushes may be incorporated in your borders, but will probably need some protection if you aren’t going to loose a lot of fruit to the birds.
Late autumn is an ideal time to add fruit to your plot as trees and bushes will be entering their dormant period. It is important to buy healthy plants and to ensure that they are dormant as they will transplant more successfully. If you are ordering from a reputable mail order nursery they are likely to arrange delivery to coincide with the best time for planting. You should also get instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree or bush. Trees such as apple or plum may be gra�ed onto a variety of different rootstocks - this sounds complicated but all you really need to know is what effect this will have on the final size of the tree. If you have limited space it is possible to buy dwarf varieties some of which can even be suitable for container growing. Pollination is also an important consideration, some varieties are self-fertile and do not need a pollinator, while others may require another variety planted close by to act as a pollinator. When planting your tree out it may benefit from staking and protection around the base. One ‘fruit’ that is a li�le different and very easy to grow is Rhubarb. Rhubarb is actually classified as a vegetable, but certainly tastes good used like a fruit in crumbles and pies. November is the perfect time to plant out dormant crowns. Although these can be bought from nurseries Rhubarb tends to spread well when established and needs to be divided every few years so it is o�en possible to obtain surplus crowns from friends or neighbours. Plant your crown with the buds just above the soil and water well the first year. Once the plants have become established you can look forward to harvesting a good crop of delicious pink stems from Spring onwards very welcome as the first ‘fruit’ of the year.
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25
The Lady Decorator Katie Francis All aspects of Internal & External Decoration, incl. Wallpapering
• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS • TRAILER HIRE
Based in Isle of Purbeck Free estimates
01929 462534
07780 504986
WADDOCK CROSS, DORCHESTER, DT2 8QY Please visit our eBay shop for the best prices search ‘Wessex Trailers’
See website for details
www.decoration-by-design.co.uk
Click link on our site www.wessex-trailers.co.uk
County Block Paving
Ltd SINCE 1990
Block Paving Tarmacadam
MASTERS IN BLOCK PAVING AND TARMAC
Resin Patios
All work fully guaranteed
•
Walls Fencing etc. No deposits
90% of our work comes from customer recommendations Office: 01202 069925 Mobile: 07437 476 732 Email: countyblockpaving@hotmail.com www.countyblockpaving.co.uk
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Food & Drink
26
Tastes so good... Parkin cake
A Northern England cake often associated with Bonfire Night, ideally made at least a day in advance.
Ingredients 100g butter 100g soft brown sugar 100g treacle 100g golden syrup 225g plain flour ½ tsp mixed spice ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ¼ tsp salt 1 egg 200g oatmeal 140ml milk
1. Preheat oven to 180c/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a approx. 20cm/8-inch square tin. 2. Gently melt the sugar, butter, treacle and golden syrup in a pan – allow to partially cool. 3. Add the sifted, dry ingredients and mix well. 4. Add the milk and egg and beat well until combined and smooth. 5. Tip into the tin and bake for about 40-60 minutes until firm and a skewer comes out clean. 6. Store in an airtight container for a day or so before slicing and eating for a moist and tasty autumn cake.
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27
Douch Family Bereavement Group
Cindy Weller
Accredited Counsellor, MBACP MNCS
Swanage First Monday of every month at Swanage Town Hall 3pm – 4.30pm PHONE TO BOOK YOUR PL ACE | OPEN TO THE WHOLE COMMUNIT Y
01929 422445 JAMESSMITHFUNERALS.CO.UK
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Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk
06/12/2019 14:57
Computer Problems?
For prompt and friendly help call Alan on:
01929 480529 or 07710 835905
E-mail & internet support • Wireless network & printer setup • PC & Laptop repairs • Virus removal Custom-built PCs • Home & Small Business visits No call-out charge • Over 20 years experience
www.ajvcomputing.co.uk
Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.
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Motoring
28
Volkswagen has improved its electric e-Up! Jack Evans finds out how. What is it? In the race to gain EV supremacy, it seems that many manufacturers have forgotten that often the best application of electric technology is in smaller city cars – such as Volkswagen’s new e-Up! EV, which has been given bigger batteries to improve that all-important range. What’s new? The exterior of the e-Up! doesn’t look particularly different from the car it replaces, with the bulk of the changes being under the skin. As well as boosting the battery count to improve range, VW has added the ability to fast-charge the car. What’s under the bonnet? The e-Up! has an electric motor linked to a 32.3kWh battery. Power reaches the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox, and in total it pushes out 80.5bhp and a healthy 210Nm of torque. The e-Up takes 11.6 seconds from 0-60mph with a maximum speed of 81mph, with a claimed 159 miles between charges. Combined charging system technology gives an 80 per cent charge in just an hour from zero, via a 40kW DC charger. A standard domestic wall box takes four hours, while using a three-pin plug needs around 16 hours for a full charge. What’s it like to drive? The e-Up! is fun to drive, with the zippy acceleration you only get from an EV. The steering and the ride are good too. It’s nimble around town and unflustered even at higher motorway speeds.
forward part of the interior feels uncluttered, the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment, the seats are comfortable and forward visibility is good. Our five-door model granted easy access to the rear of the car and had adequate rear legroom, though headroom is limited for very tall passengers. What’s the spec like? Our test car came in at a reasonable £20,555 after the government’s plug-in car grant. Cruise control, parking sensors at both front and rear and a rear-view camera are standard, while a five-inch colour touchscreen system houses Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio. Volkswagen includes a 16amp charging cable for use at wall boxes and charge points, and a 10amp cable for mains charging. Verdict The plucky e-Up! has hit the nail on the head, and with around 150 miles per charge offers a genuinely usable range. The ability to fast charge means much shorter wait times if you do need to plug in. Most importantly, however, the e-Up! is fun, and that’s certainly an aspect that many EVs have missed from the process of driving.
How does it look? We like the undercover looks of the e-Up! Slim LED running lights up front help differentiate it, while the charging port is where you’d usually find the filler cap. The compact proportions lend the Up! to town driving and it’s a doddle to park. It’s conservatively styled for an electric vehicle but this should appeal to many. What’s it like inside? The cabin of the e-Up! is business as usual. The
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29
Oven & Washing Machine Repairs Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Tumble Dryers, Electric Cookers, Fridges, Freezers.
CMS Electrical Repairs Contact Colin Shailer on
T: 01929 554809 M: 07711 165062
E: colinshailer@gmail.com Tel: 01929 408080
info@purbeckpublications.co.uk
Save your knees and have some fun with Novelty Kneelers! Many shapes (Cat, Rabbit, Frog, Teacup, Teapot, Car) and colours available Great idea for presents and can be personalised with a message up to 25 characters (including spaces)
Size 400mm x 320mm x 25mm approx. • Free P & P Black or White Foam: £8 Coloured (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow) or Multi-coloured (Black with any of the colours) Foam: £10 Coloured or multi-coloured foam with message: £14
Call Gary on 07788 134302 to place your order Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
30
Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 27
Funeral Directors James Smith............................................................... 27
Appliance Repairs CMS Electrical............................................................ 29
Garage Doors Garolla....................................................................... 21 Skandoor..................................................................... 2
Attractions Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens................................ 5 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Hillarys Blinds............................................................ 11 Builders J A Construction......................................................... 28 Jim Baggley Building Services..................................... 8 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1
Garage Services JT Commercials.......................................................... 21 Trickett Welding.......................................................... 9 Garden Services All Grass Landscapes.................................................. 8 Novelty Kneelers........................................................ 29 Parsley the Gardener................................................. 19 Home Care Services Bluebird Care.............................................................. 5
Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.................................................. 27
Painters & Decorators The Lady Decorator................................................... 25
Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 13
Pest Control Terminator Pest.......................................................... 8
Charities Julia’s House.............................................................. 15
Plumbers C & C Plumbing.......................................................... 21 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 No1 PHD.................................................................... 31
Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Dorset Quirky Facts.................................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: The Deceptive Cuttlefish........... 12 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Motoring News.......................................................... 28 On Your Plot: Feeling fruity........................................ 24 Tastes so good: Parkin Cake....................................... 26 Technology Tips......................................................... 20 Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 27 Dentists MouthPeace Dental................................................... 19 Drainage Services Dorset Drain Unblocking............................................ 9
Property Maintenance Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 13 Records Records Wanted - Roger Hunt................................... 19 Removals & Storage Pitmans Removals & Storage.................................... 20 Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11 Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 13 Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32
Driveways County Block Paving.................................................. 25
Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 25
Farm Shops Norden Farm Shop..................................................... 19
Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3
Florists Buds of Mave............................................................. 11
Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic.................................. 9
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 17
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31
CALL 01929 498688 Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
We’re here to support you.. Talk to our knowledgeable solicitors for advice on: Disputes & litigation
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Dorchester
Swanage
Wareham
01305 251007
01929 423301
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hklaw.uk/dorchester
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hklaw.uk/wareham
Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area
Call us on 01929 408080 or visit www.purbeckpublications.co.uk