The Swanage
Oracle
April 2019
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& DEVELOPERS LTD ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN * New Pitched Roof coverings - Slate, Stone & Tiles * New Flat Roof coverings - 3 Ply Bituminous Felt & Single Ply * Conservatory Roofs - Glass & Polycarbonate * Lead works - Flat Roofs, Dormers, Chimneys & Flashings * Chimney Removal, Refurbished, Pointing & Re-build * Pitched Roof Ventilation * UPVC Fascia, Soffit & Guttering * Building works - Extensions, Renovations, Loft Conversions, Internal Plastering & Skim, Internal Walls Removed, New Bathrooms & Kitchens Fitted * We can obtain planning on your behalf
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www.purbeckhomeimprovements.co.uk
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Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
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3
Full range of rural services
Heatcare (UK) Ltd is a local family run, OFTEC and Gas Safe registered, plumbing and heating company! Heatcare are able to cater to your needs be it services, repairs or installations and we are able to carry out these services in both domestic and commercial sectors. Along with offering these services in Oil, we can also offer the same in LPG and mains Gas, again, in both domestic and commercial fields. • Worcester Accredited Installers • Up to 8/10 year warranties on oil/gas boilers • Oil tank replacements and new installations To book your service or quote contact us on
01305 853970 or 07557 990715 or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com
Visit our website:
www.heatcareukltd.com
Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
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4
Introduction
The Swanage Edition 125
Oracle
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080 Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the May 2019 edition: 15th April 2019
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.
Proud members of
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston! It is spring time! A time we love as the weather usually gets warmer, the flowers start blooming and there is a sense of hope in the air. (Well maybe that is going a bit too far…) Despite any uncertainties in our political economy we are here to help you. Our loyal, local advertisers are always ready to give advice and get the job done as swiftly and as expertly as they can. From bathrooms to beds, curtains to cameras, electricians to estate agents, garage doors to garment alterations, plumbers to printers, tilers to tree surgeons and even windows to will writing, we have it all here for you at your fingers tips. If there is a trade you are looking for and cannot find it inside, please give us a call. I am sure we can help. “Daichi, The Dashing Dude”, the NEW Purbeck Publications Campervan has finally arrived! He is looking very dapper with his pearl white kimono and he loves to dash around and take us to exciting places right here on the South Coast and beyond. You can read all about his first trip in this issue! Wishing you a wonderful Spring month,
Debbie & Stephen Cover photo: Robin Boultwood
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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The Kitchen & Bathroom Co • We design, supply and install kitchens & bathrooms to suit all budgets and styles • Bath Out - Shower In
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Give us a call... because we really do, do it all! Call Nicky on 01202 870839 or 07788 410808 www.thekitchenbathroomcompany.co.uk
E: nicky.thekitchenandbathcompany@gmail.com • 14 Southern Avenue, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0BL
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Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk
Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.
DOORS, WINDOWS & LOCKS GLASS REPAIRS: MISTED, DAMAGED DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS REPLACED. PVC-U & TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS INSTALLED. INTERIOR DOORS FITTED. PVC-U DOOR PANELS REPLACED. CAT FLAPS FITTED. KEY SAFES FITTED. LOCKS OPENED, REPLACED, UPGRADED. SNAPPED KEYS EXTRACTED. HANDLES - HINGES - LETTER BOXES SEALS - GASKETS REPLACED DOOR & WINDOW RESTRICTORS FITTED.
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6
Community News
DORSET THEATRE GOERS CLUB:
PURBECK BRANCH - URGENT APPEAL This very well loved organisation which arranges trips from the Purbeck area to provincial theatres (generally monthly) is in desperate need of new committee members to continue the smooth running of the club. Following resignations from longstanding committee members, we urgently need a secretary, another person to book theatre tickets and coaches, and someone else to keep the membership records up to date. Computer literacy would
be a most helpful asset. The Committee meets every other month to look at future shows coming up in the region and decide which ones to see, and the work is shared between the whole committee. Without any replacement help, it is likely that the club will have to stop running, so please consider if you can help in any way. To make contact, please email Carol Payne at pearcepayne@talktalk.net or call 01929 425458.
The Ladies Club...
Ladies......are you free on the 1st Tuesday of each month? Would you like to listen to speakers on various subjects. Have a chat over a cup of tea? If so, give Jan a call on 01929 424480 or Carol on 01929 425458 for more information. Sorry Gents....... Ladies only in “The Ladies Club�. To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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Fixed quote work
Loft conversions / Cut and truss roofing Dormer and Velux windows 1 & 2 fix carpentry / Kitchens fitted Laminate flooring Replacement fascias & guttering General repair work
Call Peter Albin Mobile 07834 983022 Home 01929 425048
www.totalwoodwork.co.uk
CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED
By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality - Collections Of ANY Size - Lenses Of All Types - Clockwork Cine ALSO Wanted 8mm, 16mm, 35mm - BEST PRICES PAID - WILL COLLECT - ANY DISTANCE CONSIDERED Please Call Keith On
01202 862886
Gasways Heating 367 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NP ALL HEATING SERVICES INCLUDING: • • • • •
Boilers Installed Full Central Heating Systems Boiler Maintenance and Breakdowns Domestic and Commercial All LPG work undertaken
ALSO ALL GENERAL PLUMBING
T: 01929 427713 M: 07889 409584 www.gaswaysheating.co.uk
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Community News
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Talbot Village Trust supports young people in the Purbeck community Talbot Village Trust has presented Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation (PYCF) with more than £13,000 to carry out essential updates to the charity’s youth and community centre.
PYCF was started by a group of volunteers to help young people in Purbeck by managing Wareham Youth & Community Centre, as well as run weekly sessions at Corfe Castle and Wool youth clubs. The charity provides age-related evening sessions and lunchtime access for students at the nearby Purbeck School. Staff and volunteers also organise day trips and residential activities for the local community. The grant received has enabled the education room and other areas in Wareham Youth & Community Centre to undergo some essential improvements and has seen the installation of a new interactive whiteboard, overhead projector and CCTV equipment for security purposes. Joyce Spiller, fundraising and operational Trustee of PYCF, said: “Our young members have said that our club is somewhere that they feel safe, can meet with friends, make new friends, relax and enjoy themselves. We wouldn’t be able to carry on successfully running the club and providing this safe place for
the community, if it wasn’t for the grant we received from Talbot Village Trust. We are so grateful for their support.” Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, added: “Since the youth club members are at the centre of everything PYCF does, it was imperative their ideas for the refurbishment of the education room and other areas were heard. We are thrilled that our donation has meant the centre has been able to make those ideas a reality, for all to enjoy for many years to come.” Talbot Village Trust meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in spring of this year. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.
The team at Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation
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campbell clarke construction ltd
general building carpentry new build landscaping contracting groundworks brickwork a local building company based in the isle of purbeck
07760 108 773
info@campbellclarkeconstruction.com
The Lady Decorator Katie Francis Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Regular Garden Maintenance
Call John on 07494 595864
All aspects of Internal & External Decoration, incl. Wallpapering Based in Isle of Purbeck Free estimates
07780 504986 See website for details
www.decoration-by-design.co.uk
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Puzzle Corner
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Across
Crossword
1 Satiny (6) 4 Agricultural (8) 10 Discharge (9) 11 Rounded subdivisions of an organ (5) 12 River deposits (5) 13 Permissible (9) 14 Put in place (7) 16 Anglo-Saxon slave (4) 19 Partly open (4) 21 South African mongoose-like animal (7) 24 Astonished (9) 25 Disrobe (5) 26 Follow up on (2 words) (5) 27 Truce (9) 28 Genetic endowment (8) 29 Lines up (6)
Down
1 Skid (8) 2 Showing no enthusiasm (8) 3 Poems of heroism (5) 5 A region in northern Israel (7) 6 A weekly gift of money to your children (9) 7 Drink (6)
8 Imbedded (6) 9 Attack (6) 15 Ended a meeting (9) 17 Making a shrill sound (as in bagpipes) (8) 18 Machines used to fasten papers together (8) 20 Glowing (7)
21 Women of refinement (6) 22 A tomb or shrine (6) 23 Stationary part of a motor (6) 25 A plant used to make rope (5)
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Quality Hand Made Curtains, Blinds & Soft Furnishings
BESPOKE SOFT FURNISHINGS Local Purbeck Workroom - Personal Service - Free Consultation
T: 01929 761717 - M: 07843 367547 - E: info@duckandrabbitinteriors.com www.duckandrabbitinteriors.com
Natural Gas, LPG and Oil qualified and registered engineer
• All aspects of Plumbing and Heating undertaken • Boiler and Cylinder Installation / Service and Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design and installation • Bathroom refurbishment
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
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12
Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Get Dorset Buzzing! This spring, Dorset Wildlife Trust is embarking on its biggest ever campaign to get over 2,000 people in Dorset doing at least one thing to help pollinators in their garden, and help Get Dorset Buzzing. But, why are we so concerned? It’s widely known that bees are in decline, yet they are arguably one of the most important insect groups on earth, helping to carry out the process of pollination which is responsible for one in three mouthfuls of food we eat, including chocolate, coffee and strawberries. But it’s not just bees that you will see flitting between flowers in your garden; butterflies, hoverflies, moths and some beetles also carry out the pollination process, so it’s important that we create much needed space for them all to thrive. One of the main reasons for the decline of bees and other pollinators is loss of habitat. Wildflower meadows used to provide prime pollinator habitat, but we’ve lost 97% of them since the 1930s. The good news is that there’s something we
Bumblebee at Kingcombe Photo: Catherine Bolado
can do to help. Our gardens and local green spaces are potential mini nature reserves, so if we can provide the space and the food, they will come! Everyone who signs up to the Get Dorset Buzzing campaign, sponsored by our friends at the Gardens Group and Wessex Water, will receive a free pack in the post or online, with everything they need to get started, or try new things if you’re already welcoming wildlife into your garden. The pack will include wildflower seeds, an information booklet and a wall planner with inspiration and advice on what to grow and when and we’ll also send you personalised emails with discount vouchers and links to videos and blogs from our wildlife gardening experts at DWT, Dr George McGavin, our President, and Kate Bradbury, who writes for BBC Gardeners’ World. We can’t wait to welcome people into our new community and hear about the progress we’re all making to Get Dorset Buzzing. Sign up: wtru.st/gdb7 By Sally Welbourn
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Wills, Property Protection Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorneys We discuss the difference between legal professionals and the benefits of home visits for clients. We are often asked what is the advantage of using a member of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners (SWW) over a more conventional high street solicitor. There are many good reasons, here are just a few: 1. Members of SWW are fully trained specialists in the field of will writing and estate planning. All have professional indemnity insurance, are regulated and adhere to the SWW code of practice. 2. Members also provide clients with the convenience of attending them in their own home and at a time that is suitable. 3. Taking instructions in the privacy of the client’s home is not only about convenience. In the absence of such a service many
people who need a Will or Power of Attorney’s would go without if they were housebound, elderly or frail and could not get to a high street solicitor. As a member of SWW, Dorset & Wight Wills has a totally transparent pricing policy. Our prices are clearly shown in all our adverts and we will send you a full pricelist with confirmation of your FREE home visit appointment. We offer various packages to make the whole process of getting your affairs in order both simple and cost effective. It is estimated that 67% of people in the UK do not have a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney in place. With almost 1 million people living with dementia and the total growing yearly, perhaps now is the time to call Dorset & Wight Wills on 01202 065953 or 01983 623900.
Do you want to protect your family and loved ones? Probably the most important documents you will ever own. Wills & Power of Attorneys - £140 each
Special Offers: Complete protection Package for a couple includes wills, all Power of Attorneys, Advanced Directives and all copies. £798.00
Complete Lasting Power of Attorney Package for a couple. All four LPAs for £530.00
(A Saving of £112 off normal price of £910)
(A Saving of £30 off normal price of £560)
www.dorsetandwight.co.uk
Book your FREE home visit now on 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 Ferndown, Dorset and Isle of Wight
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14
Community News
Dedicated Purbeck volunteers honoured Volunteers from across the District of Purbeck have received thanks and recognition for their hard work at a ceremony hosted by District Council Chairman, Bill Trite. Seventeen Purbeck towns and villages nominated volunteers who have made an invaluable contribution to the wellbeing of their communities. The individuals were awarded with certificates at the annual event in Wareham. Since 2009, the event has celebrated the determination displayed by the many people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make our towns and villages better places in which to live. The ceremony, held on 12 March 2019, was the 11th Purbeck District Volunteers of the Year ceremony; the outstanding achievements of over 150 individuals and groups have been recognised by the District Council during that time. Councillor Trite, and over 50 guests, heard of the energy, enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the volunteers. After presenting each volunteer with a scroll to mark his or her achievement, Councillor Trite told them: “Sure enough, it’s been another year during which volunteering has become yet more important for keeping the fabric of our society together, for helping those in greatest need, and for maintaining the quality of local life. It’s my privilege to thank you for what you do in Purbeck, and through you to thank all Purbeck volunteers whom you are, in effect, representing. You’re the deserving tip of what is - thankfully - a proverbial iceberg. Thank you for the difference you make. “Estimates I’ve found for the total value of volunteering in England vary between £23bn and £46bn. That’s a big variance, but even if the lowest estimate were the reality, it’s still a huge
figure which wouldn’t be made up by any other means. And the highest rate of volunteering in England is to be found in the south-west.” Councillor Trite continued: “Volunteers are critical to filling the gap between individual and community resources on the one hand, and those provided by the State (central and local government) on the other. Demands on the State are open-ended and governments have traditionally been reluctant to let taxation rip in order to meet it all. Volunteers are therefore essential. “In just over two weeks we shall see the end of Purbeck District Council. I and my colleagues have put down the marker that we want to see this recognition of volunteers continued next year and thereafter, even if Westport House ceases to be used for local government purposes. I promise you that the new Dorset Council will be made to see the value of what has been done here in Purbeck, because it should rightly be extended to other areas rather than be allowed to lapse.” Councillor Trite concluded: “Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves. The ultimate test of character is what you are willing to do for those who can never be of any possible use to you.” Seventeen parishes and towns across the District nominated Volunteers of the Year for 2018.
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15
All Grass
Household Tips
Use toothpaste to clean stains in your sink, bath tub and toilet pan! Rub the toothpaste around with a cloth or an old toothbrush and apply a bit of elbow grease and the stains should come right off. Toothpaste can also be used to clean any silver including jewellery
Landscapes
We are an independent local company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping.
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Supply & install any size and type of artificial lawn Renovate, replace and maintain natural lawns Over 15 years experience One off visits or regular maintenance schedule
For a free, no obligation quote, please call
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
Will on 01929 500450 or 07522 987090 and we will arrange to visit you.
www.ajvcomputing.co.uk
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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Adventures of Daichi
16
The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van “Daichi, The Dashing Dude” has finally made it! The NEW Purbeck Publications Campervan has travelled across barren land and rough seas to get here. All the way from Japan, just to be with us. We love him! He is pearly white and is still wearing his posh kimono. Nellie had long skirts to cover up her rather large thighs, whereas Daichi likes to think he is rather sophisticated, debonair, and has an eye for the girl vans. In fact, “The Dashing Dude” as we have nicknamed him, is a play on words as he believes he is good looking, stylish and fashionable. It is all part of his charm. He also loves to run around and have fun. So, dashing he is, and otherwise known as “Dash” to his friends. Daichi is his official Japanese name, (dai) meaning “big, great” combined with (chi) meaning “wisdom, intellect”. As Daichi is full of himself and a little over confident, this seems rather appropriate. He even speaks Japanese when we switch on his purring, seductive engine. “Ha Dor!” and other words I have yet to discover the meaning of, he expels in a rather high pitched, very cute voice. (Don’t tell him I
Daichi at Portland Bill
Daichi gets the thumbs up! said that, boys do not like it.) We hope you like reading about his exploits and antics as he whisks us to exciting places around England and particularly here on the Southern Coast. Here’s to having some family fun… Our first trip was to Portland just along the coast from Weymouth. We had never been there before, and boy were we lucky with the weather. Dash was extremely happy. So were we. We climbed all the 165 muscle tasking steps up the Portland Bill lighthouse. What views from the top! Currently there is the amazing huge magnifying lamp which shines across the English Channel to warn our ships at sea of potential danger. The lamp will soon be replaced by a more modern system of LED lights. Sad really, but times move on as we all know too well. The majestic lighthouse demanding attention on the clifftop also has that eerie foghorn sound which haunts the waves in times of fog. There have indeed been a massive 113 shipwrecks along this coast, due to its shallow reefs and the strong Portland tidal race. Daichi decided to keep his nifty wheels firmly fixed on the solid ground.
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17 A meal overlooking the crystal blue sea was a well-deserved treat after all that climbing. The café was a welcome sight. We ate outside! Portland of course is famous for its Portland Stone. Dash, knowing what boys are like and having empathy with Hayden our 15 year old active teenager arranged a “Geo Cache” hunt for us to do. Geo Caching is a modern-day treasure hunt. There are hundreds of walks you can find online. Some are still free, but there is now a small charge of around £20 for the year for the keener walkers. It is a fun way to follow coordinates and eventually find a box (the treasure!). The stones enroute, carved by artists, were quite amazing. A Falling man, chairs, hearths, octopus, bear, a whale and lots more. My favourite was the mythical Portland Dog Beast, the Roy Dog. Carved by Damien Briggs, this beast has fiery eyes, one green, one red and it was said that he lived in the Cave Hole where he would drag any travellers passing by, into its watery hideout. Brrr…. It even has the eyes of its victims embedded into its stony fur. Daichi is beginning to wonder about us Brits… We love our legends don’t we. Another way to explore our incredible homeland are Treasure Trails. Again, available online to buy at just £6.99
Daichi helps us to find the “treasure”
The Roy Dog in Tout Quarry Park per walk. Daichi chose the Pirates Graveyard one for us. (Is he trying to tell us something?). This was an intriguing walk along the coast and through the graveyard with skull and crossbones engraved in the stones. Contrary to popular belief, these are not pirates’ graveyards, but just images to ward off the evil spirits in the afterlife. The cove we passed, Church Ope, was gorgeous. We would love to go back there. There are stunning views from all over Portland. It really is a fantastic place to visit. It has seen busier times, with the Naval Base and the famous 18 mile long Chesil Beach where the American troops embarked on their journey to Nazi occupied France in the second World War. My Dad aged 83 told me that he, his Mum and sister regularly travelled to Portland all the way from Hull to see his Dad who was stationed there in the Navy. He remembered a day when a German plane was flying down the coast, being fired at by our anti-aircraft guns from the beach. The exploding shells got closer and closer, until the plane dived and escaped! Today it is a gorgeous stretch of pebbled beach with crashing waves and wonderful sunsets. Daichi is ecstatic to be here with us. He thoroughly enjoyed his first trip and is very excited about where he will transport us to next… where will that be? By Debbie Corney
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18
Food & Drink
Naturally good... Brown butter and beer braised kale with cranberries and pecans
Ingredients for 4 2 bunches of kale 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 120ml beer of your choice 60ml chicken stock 1tbsp reduced sugar dried cranberries (this is optional) 3 tbsp. roasted chopped pecans Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
I absolutely love kale. It’s packed with flavour and nutrients and it’s incredibly quick and easy to cook. Braising kale in beer and brown butter gives the finished dish a really nice nutty flavor and the quick method of cooking ensures that the kale retains its vibrant green colour. 1. First prepare the kale by washing it and then cutting out the stem. It is important to cut out the center stem because it can be tough and chewy. Once you have removed the stems, quickly shred the kale by rolling up the leaves into a cylinder and roughly slicing them. Set to one side. 2. In a large frying pan or sauté pan place two tablespoons of butter and cook on a medium heat until starting to turn a light brown colour. At this stage quickly add the beer and chicken stock and turn up the heat to high. Bring to the boil and then add the kale. 3. Cook the kale for approximately 3 minutes until most of the moisture has evaporated and the kale is nicely glazed. Add the chopped pecans and seasoning to taste. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with the dried cranberries. Chef’s tip: Make sure that the liquid is boiling and the heat is on high before adding the kale, you don’t want to slow cook it because it can lose its vibrant green color if it is stewed for too long.
Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com
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19
10% off your first clean with this advert
01202 705045
ovenking.co.uk - info@ovenking.co.uk Oven and Range Cleaning Hob and Extractor Cleaning Carpet Cleaning End of Tenancy Cleaning All operators DBS checked
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Tel: 01929 550160
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Gardening Tips
20
On Your Plot
April showers to October fun It’s.wonderful.to.see.the.fi.rst.fresh,.local,. asparagus appear for sale this month and if you’ve.a.bit.of.space.spare.on.your.plot.now’s. the.ti.me.to.plant.this.gourmet.crop..Buy.one. year.old.crowns.and.plant.them.immediately. into.well.drained.soil..You.should.be.able.to. take a small harvest next year and they’ll carry.on.cropping.for.up.to.20.years!
Jobs for April :-
• Keep an eye out for late frosts and cover any vulnerable plants • Harden off indoor sowings before planting out • Start off French beans and Brussels Sprouts under cover • Fancy something a bit more exotic? Try growing some peppers and aubergines - sow this month in a greenhouse or polytunnel • Plant an asparagus bed • Earth up potatoes once the first shoots appear Now is the time for April showers and with the weather warming up all the time and some gentle rain you’ll soon be seeing lots of changes on your veggie plot. It’s a time when any indoor space, be it greenhouse, cold frame, or just window sills, is likely to be filling rapidly with young seedlings. If you are thinking of planting some of your seedlings out then don’t forget to harden them off first. You can move the pots outside each morning, bringing them in at night to gradually acclimatise them to the change. Do remember too that late frosts can still happen in April, damaging plants that are unprotected. Watch the weather forecast and if there’s any danger of frost then use fleece or cloches to protect plants where necessary. On the subject of cloches, save any empty plastic bottles that you may have. Cut the bottom off and you are left with a wonderful mini cloche to protect seedlings that are recently planted out. Push the plastic down into the soil firmly and it will keep off not only some of the chill but also any slugs that may have their eye on tasty young leaves.
Are you a fan of Halloween? Pumpkins can be quite expensive come the end of October and then there’s always the hunt for one just the right size. Why not have a go at growing one (or several!) of your own this year? Pumpkins need a long, growing season to ripen well so now is the time to start them off. There’s lots of different varieties, including some giant ones if you want something really impressive to carve. Look out on the packets for ones that are early ripening for the best chances of success. Pumpkin seeds are huge so it’s easy to sow just one to each pot. I’d sow at least 3 plants, if they all germinate and mature it’ll probably be more than you need (they can take a lot of room as they grow) but it’s better to have spare in case you loose some early on - if they all grow well you can always pass one on to a friend or neighbour and have a competition to see who gets the biggest pumpkin! You’ll need to keep your young plant inside until all risk of frost has passed. When it comes time to plant the pumpkin out it will like lots of nutrients in the soil. Dig out a large hole and put in lots of well rotted compost - or you can even plant your pumpkin straight on top of an old compost heap. They’ll bloom with wonderfully exotic looking, huge yellow flowers and it’s wise to consider removing the growing tip once three fruit have set as this will give a better chance for larger, riper, pumpkins. Support the growing fruits on a bed of straw to avoid them dropping off or becoming mushy. Are you enjoying purple spouting broccoli at the moment? You can buy summer varieties to plant now, or try Calbrese (this has the green heads) which is best planted straight into the beds where they will grow.
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21
SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (for private use)
Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents
East Stoke, Wareham
J Taylor Electrical • • • • • • • •
NICEIC approved contractor Established 2002 Friendly Swanage based service Small jobs in the home Domestic and commercial work Inspection and testing Replacement fuseboxes Electrical control systems for central and under floor heating
Tel: 07836 369969
Call John on
E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk
or 07966 167978
Swanage 422989 E: johntaylor294@gmail.com
MALLWOOD ROOFING LTD 8
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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:
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01202 020063 / 07950 972289 www.mallwoodroofing.co.uk
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials............................................................ 5
Hairdressers Philip Mills Hair Design.............................................. 24
Bathrooms The Kitchen & Bathroom Co....................................... 5
Home Care Services Bluebird Care............................................................. 10
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions.................................... 24 Duck & Rabbit Interiors............................................. 17
Kitchens Dream Doors............................................................. 23 The Kitchen & Bathroom Co....................................... 5
Builders Cambell Clarke Construction....................................... 9 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras................................................... 7 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin..................................... 7 Community News Crossword.................................................................. 10 Dorset Theatre Goers Club - Purbeck Branch............ 16 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Get Dorset Buzzing!................ 12 Naturally Good: Brown butter and beer braised kale with cranberries and pecans........................... 18 On your plot: April showers to October fun............... 20 Purbeck District Council helps celebrate local volunteers from across the area............................. 14 Sudoku....................................................................... 21 Talbot Village Trust supports Purbeck Youth Community Foundation........................................... 8 The Ladies Club........................................................... 6
Oven Cleaners Ovenking................................................................... 19 Painters & Decorators The Lady Decorator.................................................... 9 Pest Control Terminator Pest......................................................... 11 Plumbers C + C Plumbing........................................................... 15 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 19 FXR Heating & Plumbing........................................... 11 Gasways Heating........................................................ 7 Heatcare..................................................................... 3 Property Maintenance Cambell Clarke Construction....................................... 9 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin..................................... 7 Removals & Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 17
Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 15
Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 17
Drainage Services All Drains Cleared...................................................... 19
Soft Furnishings Duck & Rabbit Interiors............................................. 11
Electricians J Taylor Electrical....................................................... 17
Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Garage Doors Garolla........................................................................ 2
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 13
Garden Services All Grass Landscapes................................................. 15 Parsley the Gardener.................................................. 9
Windows, Doors & Conservatories Doors - Windows - Locks............................................. 5 GS Windows.............................................................. 24
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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A new look for your old kitchen this Spring... Have you always wanted the kitchen of your dreams, but can’t quite justify paying the expensive price tag that comes with it? Now you can by just swapping the doors and worktops.
Call us to find out more
Kitchen image supplied by Lincoln Customer Sept 2011
Call for a free estimate or visit our showrooms:
185 Lower Blandford Rd, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset BH18 8DH Tel: 01202 695856 or 17 Bargate, Christchurch. BH23 1QD Tel: 01202 483129
www.dreamdoors.co.uk
Find us on
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Rent A Chair If you’re a professional hairstylist with a passion for hairdressing and would like to work in a modern salon, at Philip Mills we are offering the opportunity to rent a chair. This is an excellent opportunity for the right person. If interested please email your details and your CV to philipmillshairdesign@btconnect.com. All in the strictest confidence.
RELAXATION TIME...
Treat yourself to a relaxing conditioning treatment whilst having your scalp massaged and your stressed or dehydrated hair replenished. Enjoy our new massage chair to relax and destress.
* * * * * SPECIAL OFFER * * * * * Book a course of 5 treatments and get a 6th one FREE!
The Swanage Oracle
1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR