The Swanage
Oracle
s
a
s
The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Swanage
Delivered FREE around the town
December/January 2015
In this issue: Win a meal for two at the Bull & Boat Suttles ‘go pink’ for Breast Cancer Awareness Ann Montini meets the Stars: Nicky Campbell Local Business Directory NCI pay their yearly ‘crab’ rent for St. Aldheims Dorset Wildlife Trust: Helping wildlife in the winter National Trust in Purbeck Fairtrade in India Purbeck Events
Special Gifts —Christmas joys at Georgian Gems
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01929 408080
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THE GRAND HOTEL New Years Eve Gala Dinner
Designed & Printed by Hierographics.co.uk Designed 01929 & Printed 554454 by Hierographics.co.uk 01929 554454
-bye. l stay ard to t The y safe
ÂŁ55.00 per person With Live Music from
The Reptiles
01929 423353 www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
01929 423353 www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
We still have availability for Christmas Day lunch & Christmas parties. Festive Sunday Lunches will be served on every Sunday in December Booking Essential! Don’t delay... Call our reservation team today on
01929 423353 reservations@grandhotelswanage.co.uk
www.grandhotelswanage.co.uk
Swanage Oracle
4
Dear Swanage Residents,
Introduction
The Swanage Edition 79
Oracle
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney and Martin Budden at Purbeck Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the January 2015 edition: 19th December 2014
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
It is that busy, exciting time of year again. Can you believe it? I am really not at all ready, but it will all happen whether I get a move on or not, so I guess I had better get cracking! I also have a one of those ‘big’ Birthdays coming up...sushhh...it is the big 50 and we are having a party to celebrate. It is a good excuse to let our hair down for the evening. Having been ‘accused’ all my life of being way older than I am, (it all started at the age of 15 when a policeman said I was endangering my daughter’s life by not having lights on our bikes. This was in fact my nearly 8 year old sister at the time...) it was really refreshing to have two people look surprised when they heard my age recently. But maybe they thought it should be my 60th Birthday?! We have to laugh don’t we. Well now is the time to finalise the house, finish the decorating, get the new cooker, set up the spare room for guests, and yes... cook the turkey! Family and friends is what this time of year is all about, whatever your beliefs, so I do hope all goes well for you and you get some time to relax and make the most of your time off. Please continue to use The Swanage Oracle. The index at the back gives you all there is inside. If you know of a club or society that needs help or support in any way, then please let us know as we promote local community activities for free. The lucky winner of the prize wordsearch in November was T J Warren. We hope you have a wonderful meal at The Bull and Boat! Very best wishes,
Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital
101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01929 422282
01929 408080
Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg. Purbeck Distict Council
08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561
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Doors-Windows-Locks KITCHENS • BEDROOMS • INTERIORS
PLUMBING • TILING • BATHROOMS
Glass repairs & Sealed units replaced uPVC & Timber Windows & Doors supplied & fitted uPVC Fascia - Soffits - Gutters installed Locks Opened - Replaced - Upgraded Window restrictors & Child locks fitted Handles - Hinges - Letter Boxes Seals & Gaskets Replaced Snapped keys extracted
Tel: 01929 481496 Mobile: 07796 237351 60 High St, Swanage T: 01929 475793
Email: landerrmi@gmail.com FENSA - MTC - CRB checked
Swanage Oracle
Community News
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FREE PARKING IN SWANAGE Come and Shop For Your Christmas Gifts in Swanage! Free Parking for Christmas shopping will be available in the Town Council’s Car Parks as follows:Main Beach (off Victoria Avenue) & Broad Road (above the Pier) Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th December 2014 & 3rd January 2015
Residents’ Permit Holders:Recreation Ground and Co-op every day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Residents’ Car Park (Horsecliff Lane) – Time restrictions apply Main Beach & Broad Road – Winter Time Only Organised with Swanage & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Swanage Car Parks are provided by Swanage Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Swanage BH19 2NZ 01929 423636
01929 408080
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£5 O 0 FF
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Custom Creations is a family run business with over 40 years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of fitted and freestanding furniture. Our policy is to provide beautiful furniture whilst offering the best in Customer Service, along with a 25 year guarantee.
ad ve rt
Example shown 2100mm Sliding Door Wardrobe. £1,045 inc VAT and Fitting. 2 Designer split doors with mirror and wood inserts, available in a wide variety of colours. Interiors include 4 drawers and a combination of shelves and hanging, all handmade in our Dorset workshop. • Home Office • Bedrooms • Lounge Units • Storage Solutions
Call us now on 01202 823231 to arrange your FREE, no obligation design consultation. Please come and see us at our showroom. Monday - Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm Sunday: By appointment Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6YS
www.customcreations.furniture Swanage Oracle
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8
. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin
This month’s star is
Nicky Campbell Ann Montini meets Radio & TV star Nicky Campbell who reveals all about his new album “We’re Just Passing Through“, which is out now. For more information see: www. robbinscampbell.com Ann – Nicky, new album, so tell me all about? Nicky – “The album is called ‘We’re Just Passing Through’ and this is because it’s what we both felt when writing the album... it’s been fun, but also personal too.” Ann - The great Kate Robbins, how did you two get together? Nicky – “I sent her my first album, she loved it, and we started talking ideas and songs and, then bingo, we were writing which is wonderful.“ Ann – How have your peers been with you since this new career? Nicky - To them it’s new, but to me it’s something I have been doing all my life really, but yes, a great many are pleased for me, and the rest, well I will let the music do the speaking.“ Ann – What is your favourite track on the album so far? Nicky – “We both love ‘Tell My Heart’. It was a fun song to record, and the lyrics well they do tell a great story, and many people have fallen in love with this track already.“ Ann – You recently appeared on “Who Do You Think You Are“ enjoy the experience? Nicky – “It was a great experience and makes you very humble really... learning about your past is a great thing, I would highly recommended it, and it kind of places you as a person.” Ann – Now your hit show “Long Lost Family“ very emotional too. Nicky – We are just very privileged to be present at this very private time for some of these families, and yes you do get caught up in the moment, but I try to hold back, as its they and not I the focus should be on.“
01929 408080
Ann – Your favourite kind of music is…? Nicky – “I like so many styles from big band to jazz and even punk, but for me I think that whole era of Rat Pack, style and great songs, for sure is the area you would want to return too...” Ann – If you could go back in time and duet with someone, who would that be? Nicky – “Frank, Dean, Johnny Rotten, I would love to mix it all up... we are so lucky we have such a history here to dip into, so for me it would have to be a mega mix of voices.“ Ann – You appeared in the singings show “Just The Two of Us“ with soul legend Beverley Knight ... daunting? Nicky – “She is superb and well it was a worry, knowing I would have to sing with her, but she is a great teacher, and really imparted so much love and knowledge with the show... I was very lucky to have her with me.“ Ann – So what is next for you then? Nicky – “We hope to do some live shows with the new album, and then more of the same, radio TV and music, but yes always music, it’s such a part of my life. “
Ann and Nicky at Westminster Live Studios in London • Photo: Maycon Pictures
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CQC assessment highlights safe and caring services “At follow up inspection we found that all services we visited were caring.” “We found a clear commitment to quality improvement at all levels of the organisation and more robust quality assurance processes.” “We found some exceptional examples of care and attention provided by staff at all levels and disciplines across the organisation.” “The trust has taken steps to ensure that patients received timely care and that they and their relatives were treated with dignity and respect.” Care Quality Commission These are just some of the many positive comments made by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its report about our services, after a follow-up inspection of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in August 2014. All four compliance actions that were in place, following our initial inspection in October 2013, have now been lifted. Basil Fozard, Medical Director, said: “I would like to start by thanking colleagues for all of their hard work which has been recognised in such a positive way by inspectors. It reassures us that the improvements made over the past year are making a difference. “While it’s important that we do recognise the huge progress made in the past year, the follow-up inspection is part of a longer improvement journey to ensuring we provide consistently high quality care across all areas of our hospitals.” Leadership within the organisation has been a crucial focus for the Board of Directors in ensuring we provide quality care for all patients. Our nursing leadership is more focused with the appointment of 14 matrons. We have also appointed over 30 consultants since October 2013. We have been engaging with staff and patients to develop, and begin to embed, a new set of values. Our staff say they
feel better engaged, more supported and part of a learning culture. Together we are creating the right culture that promotes excellent care for every patient, every day, everywhere. Director of Nursing, Paula Shobbrook, added: “We would also like to thank our patients and the public for continuing to tell us when we get it right - this is appreciated by our staff – and when we could do better. This has informed our improvement and will continue to do so in the future as we make the changes that we need to. Over the last 12 months we have: • launched our pressure ulcer prevention and management strategy (PACT - Pressure Area Care Together). • focused on dementia training for our staff • more robust security arrangements are in place (in A&E) • improved management and flow of patients through the hospital • new clinics for emergency care • launched a new privacy and dignity policy which includes a set of pledges to our patients which are communicated on our wards • worked with Healthwatch Dorset to hear the experiences of patients and the public • improved Friends and Family Test scores from patients who are asked if they would recommend our hospital to their friends and family • used complaints and patients stories for learning and improving services • displayed positive and negative feedback on each ward together with what we have done in response to the feedback • Ward 22 became a short stay elderly care ward and has reduced the length of stay for patients by five days. The number of timely discharges rose from 61 in December 2013 to 186 in February 2014 Log on to www.rbch.nhs.uk/cqc to read more about the report and watch interviews with members of our staff. You can keep up to date with all our news and information about your hospitals at www.rbch.nhs.uk or on Twitter @RBCH_NHS
Swanage Oracle
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Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Helping wildlife in the winter As natural habitats decrease, gardens have become of ever increasing importance to preservation of many of our native species. Gardening for wildlife in the winter is easy, and only requires a few simple steps.
The most obvious one may be feeding birds, providing you don’t have any cats in the house. In the winter, foods with high fat content are the best option. Invest in good quality bird feed, and add nutritional variety and colour to your winter garden by planting some berry producing plants as well. Even a balcony will do - place seeds and water throughout the winter and many a passing bird will be grateful. Keep the feedings regular until mid -spring, in order for the birds not to waste valuable energy by visiting your garden or balcony in vain. A permanent water supply is essential and the ideal solution is a shallow bowl of clean water on the ground - again, only if you don’t have cats! A hot water saucepan on an icy pond will prevent it from freezing over; otherwise cover the pond so that hedgehogs cannot fall in. Keep a variety of food sources in your
Hedgehog
by Steve Davis
garden; a mixed hedgerow is an excellent source of food and protection for wildlife, and self-clinging ivy provides food and a safe home for wintering insects. Piles of dead leaves and twigs are ideal winter homes for hibernating animals, but keep an eye out should a hedgehog be lured out of hibernation by unseasonably warm weather – if you do find one, it is best to contact a professional for help. Also, make sure to keep your garden free of household rubbish, wire mesh and other potential traps for wildlife, and you’re all set for the joy of Making Wildlife Welcome in your garden this year. For more advice and support about winter wildlife gardening, you can pledge to ‘Make Wildlife Welcome’ from £3 a month by joining Dorset Wildlife Trust, and receive Kate Bradbury’s The Wildlife Gardener book for free.
Goldfinch
by Steve Davis
01929 408080
Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ mww or phone 01305 264620 for more information. By Niina Silvennoinen
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Swanage Oracle
Community News
12
Local Solar Energy Installer puts Dorset firmly on Renewable Energy map with prestigious Award The ‘Renewable Energy Advocate Award’ puts Dorset firmly on the map for quality solar installation. Nominated by leading industry solar inverter manufacturer, Enphase Energy UK, NGPS Limited of Poole in Dorset picked up the award for the South and South West at a prestigious event held at Birmingham’s NEC Arena. The event was organized by one of the UKs most influential solar energy magazines, Solar Power Portal, and the awards ceremony was a celebration of the UK solar industry during their Solar Energy UK Exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC. Enphase Energy UK pioneered a breakthrough in the field of solar inverter technology with the introduction of the micro inverter. This meant an entire solar panel system would no longer be controlled by just one inverter, as each panel is able to host its own and be controlled individually. This has enabled a large degree of flexibility for shaded or dust prone roofs as the entire system is not compromised. The technology also enables the option of a split roof installation in the case of smaller roofs, and energy production is greatly enhanced as the panels can begin generating earlier in the day than a traditional system, and later into the evening. NGPS is one of the largest installers of Enphase micro inverters in the South West and now installs the product as standard on their solar photovoltaic systems. Nick Good: “We were delighted to be one of just two companies in the South West to be nominated, and naturally pleased to be presented with an award. We work hard to provide our customers with the very best technology in the marketplace, as well as best practice in all aspects of our
01929 408080
business. This has been our philosophy, and I would suggest the reason for our success for more than twenty years. It is rewarding for our efforts to be both recognized and commended by a leading manufacturer in the marketplace in which we operate.” Using Enphase, both the customer and NGPS are able to see what the system is producing. Nick Good: “Any problems, albeit rare, and we would more than likely spot this before the customer. This is because Enphase enables remote monitoring, and our technical surveyors are also able to demonstrate the energy production of neighboring properties when a new customer is looking into the cost savings of a system for themselves. Enphase also adds the benefit of a 25 year warranty and enables even more homeowners to benefit from solar energy. It most certainly means better performance so our customer can reap a greater return on their investment and an even faster payback. And a happy customer makes the job even more rewarding for us as a business.”
Nick Good of NGPS with the award
w i n n e rs
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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers. We have helped hundreds more homeowners overcome their fear of rising ENERGY BILLS. We have won yet another prestigious Installer Award for the South West. And we want to help even more Dorset homeowners like you...
Solar Electricity
Follow us on
A Solar Photovoltaic Panel System has never been more affordable. While still qualifying for a 20 year government grant in the form of the Feed in Tariff (FIT). Prices have reached their lowest point as manufacturing requirements cap further reductions. To take advantage of a 50% reduction in electricity costs and government payments before they run out, the time is right to end the misery of energy price rises and reap a 10-12% return on your investment.
Enphase Micro Inverters as Standard on all NGPS Systems A breakthrough in solar technology has seen the use of Enphase Energy UK micro inverters increase in recent years. With a 25 year warranty, Enphase micro inverters are our preferred solution for optimised energy generation to speed up payback on your solar energy investment. Looked at solar before? Enphase is the answer for small roofs and those prone to shading or dust.
Do you generate excess Energy from existing Solar Panels? For just £375 we will fit an i-Boost to your system, diverting excess energy into the generation of FREE hot water.
Renewable Energy Heating & Hot Water With the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant, payable over 7 years, there has never been a better time to replace your boiler with renewable energy options such as Air Source, Ground Source or Biomass Heating. These highly efficient systems will outlive a traditional boiler several times and offer the most intuitive and highly efficient solution for 24/7 heat and hot water.
Solar Thermal Install one of the oldest renewable energy systems in the UK - Solar Thermal, for nine months FREE Hot Water.
Why customer’s have put their trust in us for over 20 years We provide local support. We operate under strict code of conduct for the electrical & renewable energy industry. We have a Technical team, not salesman. We do not cold call. We don’t sell on the day or take deposits. You receive a quote in the post and pay at the end of your installation. We do not use Contractors, our installation teams are all employed and have been with the company for several years. We sit on a government advisory panel.
CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills. For an appointment call 01202 736812 You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
Swanage Oracle
Community News
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Suttles Went Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Isle of Purbeck and Poole based Suttles supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October, including Breast Cancer Care’s ‘Pink Fridays’ for the third year in a row, raising £1004 through staff and customer donations. Suttles’ lorry drivers and their lorries were turned pink for the fundraising; office staff brought in cakes to raise money and had a ‘dress down’ day; plus Suttles’ trade customers kindly offered donations as they collected their aggregates from Suttles’ Mannings Heath depot. According to Breast Cancer Care, every 10 minutes someone hears the devastating news that they have breast cancer. Breast Cancer Care’s free Helpline and information-packed website offer a friendly ear and expert guidance to anyone dealing with the turmoil of this life-threatening illness. They also offer support across the UK with a range of opportunities to meet others in a similar situation, helping people every step of the way. Office manager, Sue Holland, coordinator of Suttles’ fundraising month, said “Sadly most of us know
Suttles staff ‘wearing it pink’
01929 408080
Suttles’ lorry drivers with their ‘pinkified’ lorries! of someone who has been affected by breast cancer, so it’s a really worthwhile cause to support. Each year we’ve raised more than the previous year so we’d like to say a big thank you to our staff and customers for being extra supportive this year! I’m also personally overwhelmed by the response of our customers at our Manning’s Heath collection site, who donated over £800 alone! We’d also like to thank Sign Images of Swanage for donating the lorry and vans’ pink signs, plus Site Safety of Ferndown for donating the pink hi-vis jackets worn by our staff.” The Suttles group has been part of the local stone industry since the 1930’s as stone merchants and quarry owners, introducing its sheet piling division ‘Suttle Projects’ in 2008. They are based in 3 locations across the Isle of Purbeck & Poole, and are a local employer of over 60 people. For further information about Suttles, call 01929 439444 or go online to www.suttles.co.uk
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Swanage Building SERVICES KITCHENS
EXTENSIONS
Call for a no obligation quote
Tel: 01929 426079 Mobile: 07966 395188
LOFT CONVERSIONS
DRIVES / PAVING
www.swanagebuildingservices.co.uk
Swanage Oracle
REFURBISHMENTS
SPECIALISTS IN . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refurbishment Kitchens Extensions Alterations Loft Conversions Carpentry Decorating Block Paving Hard Landscaping Drainage Mini Digger & Driver Hire UPVC Windows, Facias & Soffits
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Community News
NCI pays rent of one crab a year! The St Albans Head station of the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) today paid the annual rent for its base in a former coastguard lookout that is now owned by the Encombe Estate. When Mr James Gaggero, who bought the estate for £20m five years ago, renewed the lease in 2012, he said that he would be content with rent of one crab a year. Dirk Aldous, the Station Manager, made the presentation and said that the weather had been so bad lately that crabs had been hard to come by, so he first presented Mr Gaggero with a soft toy in the form of a crab. However, he went on, the Salt Pig in Wareham, which specialises in local produce, had come to the rescue at the last moment and had acquired two crabs, which he handed over to Mr Gaggero. There was another surprise for Mr Gaggero when Mr Aldous then gave him a framed photograph of the Crab nebula, taken from the Hubble telescope. It was,
he said, a token of gratitude for Mr Gaggero’s interest in the station as its Patron and for his generosity towards it as landlord. In accepting the rent and gifts, Mr Gaggero praised the work of the station in helping to protect local fishermen and recreational users of the inshore waters around St Albans Head. He emphasised that it depends on members of the public both for contributions and for volunteers to man the station.
LAST POSTING DATES - UK Thursday 18th December
2nd class and Royal Mail signed for™
Saturday 20th December
1st class and Royal Mail signed for™
Tuesday 23rd December
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (WAS AIR MAIL) Wednesday 3rd December Asia, Far East (including Japan), New Zealand
Thursday 4th December Australia
Friday 5th December
Africa, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East
Monday 8th December
Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece
Tuesday 9th December Canada, Poland
Friday 12th December USA
Saturday 13th December
Western Europe (excluding Greece, Poland)
01929 408080
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The Michael James Music Trust The Trust has been established to advance education in music, particularly music performed in a Christian setting for the enrichment of worship. The Trust gives grants to assist those truly dedicated to music who, without help, might never be able to achieve their goals. Grants are made to organ scholars, lay clerks, singers, instrumentalists and cathedral choristers. Selected award winners are invited to take part in an annual concert in Wimborne Minster. The Trust is funded by annual concerts, by donations and personal covenants or capital gifts. Based in Wimborne Minster, the charity has a local representative in Brian Barker, proprietor of the quaint and attractive jewellers, Georgian Gems, in Swanage High Street. If you would like to support the Trust or find out more please contact Brian at Georgian Gems. The Trust was inaugurated after the death of Michael James from cancer at the age of 30. He was a most talented organist and musician, educated at the City of London School, and a Temple Chorister. He received his early musical training from Sir George Thalben-Ball. Michael was a student of the Royal College of Music, Organ Scholar at Durham University and later at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was the Assistant Director of Music at Canford School and Assistant Organist of Wimborne Minster in Dorset. He conducted
Swanage Oracle
MICHAEL JAMES B.A., F.R.C.O, (CHM) A.R.C.M.
the Blandford Choral Society and gave concerts and recitals in London, Venice, Stuttgart and the USA. He was appointed Assistant Organist at Rochester Cathedral, but died before he could take up this important post. Michael was a master of his art. Those who knew him personally were aware of his religious faith. He combined music with that faith and was in inspiration to his peers. We know he would have endorsed the creation of a Trust to advance Church music and singing in all its many facets. To share music, to advance music and to help others make music was, to Michael, as important as his own career. Although Michael James’ life was cut short, the Trustees sincerely hope that others may be inspired by him and benefit from your donations which will further music to the greater glory of god.
Reg. Charity No. 283943
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Purbeck Events
Purbeck Events for December 2014 Date
Event Name & Type
Time and Location
All Month
Wareham’s Street Markets
Thursday: East Street 8-1pm Saturday: The Quay 8-2pm
All Month
Wareham Farmers Markets
2nd and 4th Thursday Wareham Town Hall
All Month
Wareham Home Producers
Thursdays URC 8.30am-11am
Contact Details
All Month Wool Market
D’Urberville Hall Thurs 10am
All Month
Purbeck Producers
2nd Saturday Commercial Road, Swanage
7 & 14
Festive Carol Service Sing-Along
Farmer Palmers 3pm
9
Christmas Fayre
Wareham Day Centre 1.30-3pm £1
12
Carol Train (Swanage Railway)
Swanage Railway
01929 425800
12
Kimmeridge Keilidhs
Kimmeridge Village Hall 7.30pm 10.30pm
01929 480737
12
Swanage Town Band Christmas Concert
St. George's Church, Langton Matravers
12
Broadmayne Community Markets
St Martin's Hall, Broadmayne 2-2.30pm
13
Belvedere Singers Christmas Concert
Lady St Mary's Swanage, 7.30pm
13
Wareham Choral Society Christmas Concert
Lady St Mary Wareham, 7.30
13
Rod Stewart Tribute Night + Dinner
Greyhound Corfe Castle £24.95
01929 408080
01202 622022
01305 853765
01929 480205
19 Date
Event Name & Type
Time and Location
Contact Details
14
Wareham Christmas Celebrations
Wareham Town Cross
01929 552740
14
Jurassic Jaunts/ 11.30am. (Phone 07790 474478 for Tyneham & surrounding 07790 474478 start details) area
14
Canzonetta 10th Anniversary Concert
All Saints Church, Swanage, 3pm
15
Wiggle Purbeck Hill-ASaurus Cycle Ride
Herston Campsite, Swanage 7.45am
02392 413242
16
Wiggle Bitter Beast Cycle Ride
Tank Museum, Bovington
02392 413242
17
Swanage Town Band Christmas Concert
Swanage Methodist Church, 7.30pm
20
Carols by Candlelight, Purbeck Village Quire
4pm, in aid of Christian Aid
20
Elton John Tribute Night The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle + Dinner £24.95
01929 480205
21
Winter Solstice
Studland
01929 450500
21
Winter Solstice
Corfe Castle 7.15am £10
01929 481294
25
Christmas Party
Parish Hall 12noon-4.30pm
01929 556761
27
Winter Warm Up
Swanage Railway
01929 425800
28
Jurassic Jaunts/Wessex 11.30am (Ring 07790 474478 for Rideway near Blandford start details)
7790474478
31
The Land Girls (New Years Eve Party)
01929 480208
Castle Inn, Corfe 7pm onwards £24 95
All the information has been compiled by Discover Purbeck Information Centre (01929 552740) and Swanage Tourist Information Centre (01929 422885) www.visitswanageandpurbeck.com and is correct to the best of our knowledge
Swanage Oracle
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Food & Drink
Naturally good...
CURRIED CELERIAC SOUP WITH PARSNIP CHIPS Ingredients for 6 servings: 2 medium sized celeriac (celery root) ½ a white or yellow onion (diced) 2 sticks of celery (diced) 1 clove garlic (minced) 50 g unsalted butter 1 litre vegetable stock 250 ml double cream 1 tsp medium curry powder Pinch of smoked paprika Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 small parsnip 6 tbsp. crème fraiche
Method: 1. Use a sharp knife to remove the rough outer skin of the celeriac and then wash to remove any dirt. 2. Cut the celeriac into 1 inch cubes and place into a large heavy bottomed saucepan along with the diced onion and celery and cook on a medium heat with the butter for approximately 5 minutes without allowing it to color. This helps to release the flavors of the vegetables. 3. Next add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and continue to simmer for approximately 20 minutes until all of the vegetables are tender. 4. While the soup is cooking add the curry powder and paprika. 5. Once the vegetables are fully cooked remove the pan from the heat and use a stick blender to puree the soup until thick and creamy. At this point stir in the cream and taste the soup for seasoning, make sure you add the right amount of salt and pepper to help bring out the flavors of the soup. 6. If you like your soup a little spicier, then add some more curry powder. 7. To make the parsnip chips peel the parsnip and then use a vegetable peeler to slice the parsnip into thin long strips, deep fry in hot vegetable oil for 2 minutes until crispy and then drain onto paper towels and season with a little sea salt. 8. Place the soup back on the stove for a couple of minutes to make sure it’s piping hot. 9. To serve spoon the soup into bowls and then drizzle with a generous spoonful of crème fraiche and top with a sprinkling of parsnips crisps and freshly chopped parsley or micro shoots.
Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com
01929 408080
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Swanage Oracle
Community News
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FAIRTRADE IN INDIA I wonder what pictures come to mind when India is mentioned. Elephants? Cricket? The Taj Mahal? Poverty and the work of Mother Teresa? Or maybe the glitzy world of Bollywood with sleek and suave young people beaming down from massive billboards advertising films During a three week visit to the country I saw a very different India from that usually seen by the tourist. I had the privilege to be part of a Fairtrade Tour starting in Dehli, moving on to Moradabad and Varanasi and ending in Kolkata. As well as experiencing the sun rise and set on the River Ganges and visiting various tourist sites, the main purpose of the tour was to see how Fairtrade is working in India. As a longstanding Fairtrader for Traidcraft, I had a particular interest in seeing how some of the crafts I sell from the catalogue were actually made and the benefit Fairtrade is having on the artisans who make them. Overall we visited four different centres, two larger ones (Tara Projects and Noah’s Ark) and two smaller ones (Manjeen and Shanti Crafts), all of which supply Traidcraft with some of their craft. Tara, based in Dehli and Noah’s Ark in Moradabad oversee many small groups of artisans helping them to develop skills to produce good quality traditional craft work. Working conditions are safe and hygienic and wages fair. Training is given in record keeping and accountability. Many of the workers are women who are thus empowered to break the cycle of poverty in which they had been living and enjoy a better quality of life for themselves and their families. At Tara we saw small groups sitting cross legged on the floor making some really beautiful jewellery while at Noah’s Ark metal work crafts were made. Here we saw recycled bicycle chains made into photograph frames, metal shaped into spice racks and fire guards ( one of which someone has just ordered from me!) and sets of cutlery which would look elegant
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on any table. In addition to overseeing the craft work, Tara and Noah’s Ark run various social projects like health care programmes and small schools. We visited one small school at which the children were sitting cross legged on the floor, rote learning English and working from Maths books. A far cry from English classrooms!
The smaller centres, Manjeen and Shanti were no less interesting. Manjeen was run by a man and his wife operating in a very poor area of Dehli and yet employing women who made exquisite jewellery and beautiful pashminas and scarves. Shanti was the only village enterprise we visited, again family run. It specialised in using decorated and shaped goats’ hide to make, for example, small boxes, purses, pencil and spectacle cases. Again many women were employed sitting cross legged on the floor carefully painting the design on to the goat’s hide, using
23 dye from vegetables, later to be stitched together using an old Singer sewing machine! This just gives you a taste of what I experienced: there is so much more. But what struck me the most was that Fairtrade is so much more than giving a fair wage. It is about empowering people who have been born in a poverty trap to move out of that and enable them, through traditional craft work, to regain dignity, self- respect, pride in a job well done and lead a good quality of life, all of which in this country we take for granted. This may all seem very distant from our way of life but in fact we are a vital part of the process. These people need us to use our wealth to support them by buying the craft they make. Traidcraft publish a catalogue twice a year in the Spring and Autumn and I am currently taking orders for Christmas presents.
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If you would like to look at a catalogue and see more of these crafts then please contact me; Judith Holmes 01929 553025 judith801@btinternet.com or you can visit the Traidcraft stall in the Parish Hall, Wareham from 10am-12noon every Saturday. Tara’s motto is ‘Let’s go strong with Fairtrade for a better world’ which I think sums it all up.
Money Saving Tips
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Martin
LEWIS Don’t forget your holidays! Don’t forget your holidays. No I’ve not got all romantic with a yearning for sun kissed memories, I’m still on-message about saving money.
putting it in your overseas wallet (yes, I'm that nerdy). If not, there are two tricks to changing it back for the best deal:
If you took a break over the summer, some simple checks could help you save money now and for future holidays (a nice thought to get over the back-to-work blues). So here’s my holiday hangover checklist.
- Use my the buyback comparison at www.travelmoneymax.com to find best rates - Find a friend/colleague who's going where you went, and offer to exchange with them. Use the spot FX rate at www.xe.com and you both win.
Flight delayed by over 3hrs this summer (or any time since 2008)? EU reg 261/2004 means you're entitled to £100-£480 per person compensation, regardless of the cost of the trip, even for flights going back to 2008, if it: - Was an EU flight - ie, any from an EU airport or to one if an EU airline. - Arrived over 3 hours late or was cancelled. - Was the airline's fault, which covers pretty much anything barring extraordinary circumstances such as air-traffic strikes, bad weather and volcanoes.
Free templates, help and what to do about airline excuses (eg, "there's a court case") in my www.mse.me/flightdelays compensation guide. And the results can be large, as Pat contacted us, "Read your info and decided to contact Etihad about our 14.5hr delay from Heathrow to Sri Lanka in 2011. We've received a total of £2,010 between four of us... great". Shocked by bank/card currency charges on your statement? Fight back. My dad called me outraged at the 'new' foreign exchange charges on his bank statement for using his card abroad - nearly £50 in total. Yet banks and credit card providers have always levied these (and I've always nagged him to sort it, but he's my father, he'll never listen to me, I hope you will). The shock comes from the fact banks have now been forced to split charges out on statements, not hide them in the exchange rate. Most debit and credit cards add 3% loads, so £100-worth of euros costs you £100 plus a £3 charge. Instead grab a specialist load-free credit card just for spending abroad as they give near-perfect, bureaux-beating rates every time, in every country.
Stung by hefty insurance when picking your car hire up? Let me guess, you booked cheap car hire, turned up and they fear-sold you into paying 10 euros a day extra for car hire excess insurance? It happens all the time. The way round it is to get a standalone policy before you go (you can even get an annual policy to cover the whole year's hire). To find the cheapest, use www.moneymaxim.co.uk. Full help on cutting costs in www.mse.me/carhire. Run up card debts on your holiday you can't pay off in full? It's never a good idea, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. If you can't clear the debt this month and you're paying hefty interest, then ensure you do a balance transfer to slash the cost, so your repayments clear the actual debt not just service the interest. Full help and best buys at www.mse.me/bts. Check your passport and EHIC sell-by dates now. Thousands were hit by passport office delays this year, causing some to miss their breaks. If your passports nearly at renewal, do it now while you've plenty of time before you next go (you’ll get the extra months added on). It's one less thing to sort, and once it's done, you're good for the next ten years. While you're at it, check the 'valid by' date on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - if it goes before your next holiday renew it now. The big rule for renewing though is DONT GOOGLE - for both these, imposter sites unnecessarily charge you more than you should pay. Instead the official sites to use are www.gov.uk/ renew-adult-passport and www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/ Healthcareabroad/EHIC.
Check the PAO number on your suncream before throwing it away. The period after opening (PAO) number will be on the bottle - many are safe to use up to 18 months later, provided they're stored right - so don’t chuck it unnecessarily. Got Euros, dollars or even colón left over from the summer? Changing currency back is very expensive, especially for small amounts. So if it's a country you'll revisit even in a couple of years, it's likely best to hold onto it (worth
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@MoneySavingExpert
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COAL SNOW CHIMNEY SLEIGH TREE PRESENT SANTA CLAUS CRACKER REINDEER RUDOLPH
This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 30th December and send to: December Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________
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Gardening Tips
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Grass Roots
quickly and at a sub conscious level. In fact the decision was made so fast that few realized that there was a decision to be made or that they had made it. All they knew was that this particular garden was just an amusing talking point with nothing in it that they could relate to.
I think this reaction occurred because the elements of the modelled garden did not match up to the criteria that DON’T TRY TO BE TOO CLEVER WITH YOUR GARDEN every single person has, at a sub conscious level, as to what should be found in a garden. It is generally I read this statement the other day that ‘Gardens are considered that these expectations of a garden are not just plants’ which got me thinking about the formed by and based on childhood experiences or contribution that plants do bring to the garden. I’ve surroundings but even though this makes the criteria seen many different styles of garden in my time, from of individuals vastly different, every single person the ones that have just a single plant in them to those expects to see plants in one form or another in a with thousands. So can you have a garden without garden, regardless of what else is or is not there, plants? because plants are a part of nearly every single type of outside environment on earth. Although I know of no official description of a garden, I believe that plants are the defining element. A The upshot of this is that you have a very specific garden without plants, even just weeds, is incomplete criteria at a sub conscious level of what should be in and not seen as a garden in the eyes of the majority. your garden, which you must stick to if you want it to A greatly illustrative and somewhat whacky example be enjoyable. Beware of buying that ‘novelty’ of this was seen in James May’s show garden at the something if it doesn’t fit in with your sub conscious 2009 Chelsea Flower Show. James May, presenter of criteria and if that sounds like I’m stating the obvious, the BBC’s TV programme Top Gear, presented a full just think back to some of the purchases you’ve made sized show garden made entirely of children’s in the past. modeling clay. It was very well done, with each plant, flower, rock, bench and even water feature crafted to This is an extract from Sally Tierney's forthcoming its correct size, through accurate observation and book ‘Your Enjoyable Garden - The 3 essential steps to careful construction, but no one, not even for one start and keep a garden that is always enjoyable and second, looked at it in the same way as the other, beautiful’, available January 2015. living, show gardens. What made this show garden even more interesting was watching the reaction of the people who were looking at it. It was quite clear from the majority of their body language that they had made their decision about whether it was a ‘real’ garden or not very
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Written by Sally Tierney MSGD BSc (Hons),. She specializes in making the most of the space in small to medium sized gardens through the use of good design and the right plants. She passionately believes that no garden should become a burden on its owners and so she goes to great lengths to design a garden that fits in with the client’s life style, not the other way round. You can see pictures of successful gardens on her website here www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk
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Household �ps A shiny loo
Purbeck Railway Circle Friday 16th January 2015
“Railway to Portland 1865 - 2015”, a slide presentation by Brian Jackson preceded by the PRC Annual General Meeting. Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, Harmans Cross. 7.00 for 7.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME. For more information please phone 01929 554765.
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National Trust News
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National Trust in Purbeck As you may have read in the press recently, we’ve bought more than 200 acres of internationally important heathland at Slepe Heath, near Arne, as part of a conservation vision taking inspiration from the novels of Thomas Hardy. The £650,000 acquisition forms the largest area of lowland heath purchased by the National Trust in a decade and was made possible by a generous legacy intended for the purchase of unspoiled countryside or coastline in Dorset. It forms a strategic bridge between Hartland Moor, which we already look after along with English Nature, and the RSPB Arne reserve. It also supports rare birds including Dartford warblers, nightjars and woodlark. Slepe Heath rises 30m above its low-lying surroundings and boasts panoramic views taking in Corfe Castle, Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills. It is protected under the international RAMSAR convention covering globally important wetlands, under EU law as a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation, and under UK law as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The former forestry plantation will now be incorporated into the surrounding wild landscape to form one of a series of protected heathland habitats stretching from Studland in the south to the River Frome in the north. The vision is inspired by Hardy’s fictionalised Egdon Heath, the setting for The Return of the Native and an important feature of the Wessex landscapes which figure prominently in his novels. “It is a place where people can touch a bit of wildness,” said National Trust Purbeck General Manager Laurie Clark. “Egdon Heath can be experienced here. Dorset’s heathland is among its crown jewels in terms of both wildlife and landscape. The acquisition of
Slepe Heath allows the National Trust to build on its success in protecting it forever, for everyone.” Simon Ford, National Trust Wildlife and Countryside Advisor for South West England, said: “Slepe Heath is a key part of the jigsaw in one of the most extensive areas of lowland heath remaining in Dorset. “With careful management, it will be possible to restore internationally important heath with the wonderful species of plant, bird and insect that are associated with it and to link it to the surrounding National Nature Reserve and SSSI”. Conservation grazing by cattle is key to protecting both Hartland Moor and Arne. The Slepe acquisition means they can now be united into a single grazing area, as envisaged under the Wild Purbeck Nature Improvement Area announced by the government in 2012. Wild Purbeck is one of 12 Nature Improvement Areas across the country, designated with the aim of bringing significant benefits to nature conservation at a landscape level. The Wild Purbeck partnership comprises Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dorset County Council, Country Land and Business Association, Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, the Forestry Commission, Kingston Maurward College, National Farmers Union, Natural England, National Trust and the RSPB. Lowland heaths such as Slepe are protected under British and international law due to the wide range of plant and animal species they support as well as their cultural and historical importance. As well as Hartland Moor, the National Trust also manages Studland and Godlingston Heaths in Purbeck. All three are national nature reserves. Jon Bish, Communications Officer
Slepe Heath, National Trust
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Photo: National Trust/Will Wilkinson
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SWANAGE AUTO CENTRE LTD.
MOT TESTS WHILE YOU WAIT
REPAIRS & SERVICING
Also supply & fit tyres and exhausts
Tel: 01929 424358
1d Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate, Swanage
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials BMC Digital Services............................................. 3 Appliance Repairs Thompson Group Service...................................... 29 Aquarium Supplies OSAquatics........................................................... 32 Bathrooms C+C Plumbing & Bathrooms................................. 27 Bedrooms Custom Creations................................................. 7 Ivamy Designs....................................................... 5 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds......................................................... 3 Builders Swanage Building Services................................... 15 Cafes Cafe Bijou............................................................. 32 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Community News Adventures of Nellie............................................. 22 Ann Montini meets the Stars: Nicky Campbell..... 8 Beginner’s Guide: Spring bulbs............................. 26 Dorset firmly on renewable energy map.............. 12 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Helping winter wildlife....... 10 Fairtrade in India.................................................. 22 Free Parking in Swanage for Christmas................ 6 Grass Roots: Don’t try to be too clever................. 26 Last postal dates................................................... 16 Martin Lewis: Don’t forget your holidays............. 24 Michael James Music Trust................................... 17 National Coastwatch Insitution pays rent............ 16 National Trust in Purbeck..................................... 28 Naturally Good: Curried celeriac soup.................. 20 Suttles ‘go pink’ for Breast Cancer Awareness..... 14 Computer Services AJV Computing..................................................... 15 Whizzbits.............................................................. 21 Domestic Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 21 Electricians J. Taylor Electrical................................................. 15 Events Purbeck Events..................................................... 18 Purbeck Railway Circle......................................... 27 Fitted Furniture Custom Creations................................................. 13 Florists Woolbridge Flowers.............................................. 32
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Fruit & Veg Deliveries Crawfords Feed..................................................... 29 Funeral Directors James Smith.......................................................... 11 Garage Services Swanage Auto Centre........................................... 29 Woolbridge Motorcycles...................................... 32 Garden Services Purbeck Arborists................................................. 5 Hospitals Bournemouth & Poole NHS Trusts........................ 9 Hotels & Restaurants Bull & Boat........................................................... 15 The Grand Hotel................................................... 3 Kitchens Custom Creations................................................. 7 Ivamy Designs....................................................... 5 Locksmith & Key Cutting John Hagans......................................................... 3 Motorcycle Servicing & Repairs Woolbridge Motorcycles...................................... 32 Oven Cleaning David Chalmers.................................................... 21 Plumbers C+C Plumbing....................................................... 5 Gasways Heating.................................................. 11 Heatwise........................................................... 2, 31 Property Maintenance Swanage Building Services................................... 15 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin............................... 21 Puzzles & Competitions Prize Wordsearch.................................................. 25 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services................................. 13 Shoe Repairs John Hagans......................................................... 3 Takeaways Skippers Fish & Chips............................................ 32 Taxis DMB Cars.............................................................. 31 Tool & Plant Hire Sydenhams........................................................... 2 Tree Surgeons Purbeck Arborists................................................. 5 Windows & Doors Doors-Windows-Locks.......................................... 5
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WOOLBRIDGE CENTRE EAST BURTON ROAD, WOOL, BH20 6HG Local businesses serving the community
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