December 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 • •
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
The Swanage Oracle Edition 144
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone:
01929 408080
Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the January 2021 edition: 7th December 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.
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston! Stephen, myself, Julie, Mel, Heather, Chris and Jannike would like to wish you a good Festive Season. At the time of this writing we are still on the second Lockdown and though it has been nowhere near as restricted as the first one, we do not know for sure how Christmas will be for us all. By the time you receive your magazine we will have that answer, I hope. Our very loyal and reliable advertisers are so grateful for all your support this last year. Let’s face it, it has been a challenge for all of us. Our local trades and services have needed your calls and bookings like never before. You have delivered, and many, many of the companies inside these pages are in fact very happy to tell you they are busy and want to thank you sincerely for this. In return to say, ‘Thank You’, our centre pages contain our Christmas Sponsors this year with proceeds going to Julia’s House Hospice. This is such a worthy cause we are delighted to support them. Please continue to call our advertisers here and do say “Hello” from us! We are here to help. Right from my first magazine which I started all the way back in 2005, pushing Hayden around in his pram, my purpose was to bring good, local businesses to your doorstep as well as give you some local data to be able to back up your local community. As soon as more events start happening again, we will be able to shout all about it! So, 2021 is just around the corner. Whatever you do this Christmas we wholeheartedly wish you all the Very Best. Keep well, stay safe and relax with a glass of mulled wine.
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
RECORDS WANTED
POP * ROCK * REGGAE SOUL * PUNK * JAZZ Good Condition Only * Cash Paid
Tel: 07831 266478 rogerhuntbds@yahoo.co.uk
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QUIRKY BY MICA BALE
From an interesting event in the height of the English Civil War to a special treat for King George III, Dorset has had many interesting chapters in its long history. This winter might well prove to be just another page in the journal of time but here are five more interesting facts from around Dorset to celebrate the county’s interesting past and even more interesting future. Did you know that in the old Dorset dialect, there are at least eight words for mealtimes? Ranging from the more recognisable ‘luncheon’ to the slightly less identifiable ‘nammet’ or perhaps the ‘nuncheon’, the Dorset dialect is a vital part of the county’s heritage and certainly offers an interesting mealtime conversation!
Did you know that in 1645 the English Civil War touched the lives of the village of Child Okehampton in a very unusual way. An independent unit of around two thousand men decided to attack both the Royalists and the Parliamentarians. Known as the ‘Clubmen’, their endeavour was actually to prevent further conflict between the warring parties. Their skirmishes resulted in Cromwell imprisoning at least three hundred of them however it could almost be said that there was a touch of amusement when he was later quoted as describing them as ‘poor, silly creatures”.
Of course Dorset is known for its delightful dishes however, rumour has it that George III himself was responsible for the creation of the Royal Portland Pudding! Reportedly, the king, during his frequent visits to Dorset, would especially ask for the rich fruit pudding. It was reported in a local publication of the day, that: “George III, during his visits to Weymouth, had several times made a tour of the Isle of Portland; and on those occasions he made the ‘Portland Arms’ his headquarters, and used to finish his day by dining at the house. The then landlady had a recipe for making a certain famous Portland pudding, and the King never failed to order this pudding, in honour of the island”. Although not unique, Dorset can boast some of the finest examples of where natural history meets humans. The holloways in the county have been created by thousands if not millions of Dorset locals having traipsed through the beautiful countryside and thus created delightful sunken pathways similar to tunnels, exposing tree roots and millenia of Dorset’s Jurassic geology. Perfect for a winter walk!
Holloways to wander...
PHOTO: FINN HOPSON
DRAWING BY STANLEY WOOD
PHOTO: JONATHAN BAKER
Although it might be a little difficult to go abroad for some winter sports, restrictions allowing, Dorset still has some great local activities including a range of different ski slopes and winter activities to enjoy. Perhaps even a game of socially distanced snow ball fights is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy Dorset in its wintry wonderfulness!
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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
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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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 Servicing & Mechanical Repairs Accident & MOT Repairs Waxoyl Treatment
Telephone:
• Stage Payments For Restoration • Collection & Delivery By Arrangement
01202 625050
Welding (Poole) Ltd
www.trickettweldingltd.co.uk
Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our past, present and future customers! Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
10
?
1. Where in the world would you expect to find a car with the vehicle registration code ‘V’?
5. Which was the first James Bond film to feature Roger Moore in the title role?
2. In which children’s book did a spider called Charlotte and a pig called Wilbur appear? 3. Which Mexican artist produced works entitled ‘The Broken Column’ and ‘Diego and I’?
6. How many sides has a heptadecagon? 7. ‘Suncrisp’, ‘Golden Russet’ and ‘Braeburn’ are all varieties of which fruit? 8. In which country would you find the coastal resort of Lara Beach?
4. What was the name of the character played by John Travolta in the film ‘Pulp Fiction’?
9. In which century was the first ‘Grand National’ horse race? 10. The letters of the word ‘allergy’ can be rearranged to form three other sevenletter words. Can you find all three of them?
Want to see how you did? Answers on Page 28 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...
Fascinating Fungi Fungi don’t fit into the plant or animal kingdoms but into an entire category of their own. The Fungi kingdom is a large group of organisms that includes yeasts, moulds, and, of course, mushrooms. Found everywhere - in the soil, in water, on and within plants, and even in the human body - fungi are essential to life on earth and they have a fascinating biology. Fungi play an important role within our ecosystems, helping to recycle nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. Without fungi, these recycling activities would be seriously reduced, and we would have a lot more decaying material around our feet. They are important directly as food for us, with many edible mushroom species grown and harvested for sale and some mushrooms and truffles considered as delicacies. While mushrooms aren’t a large proportion of what we eat day to day, fungi are also widely used in the production of many other foods and drinks
Crimson Waxcap
Fabulous Fungi
Photo: Nick Tomlinson
such as cheeses, beer and wine, and bread. Fungi are also vitally important for the good growth of most plants and crops. In 1885, German biologist Albert Bernard Frank coined the word “mycorrhiza” to describe this symbiotic relationship in which fungus grows around plant roots. This gives the plants greater access to water and minerals such as phosphorus and nitrogen and even increases their immunity. In exchange, the plant provides carbohydrates and other nutrients to the fungi. Dorset Wildlife Trust manages many nature reserves to support and benefit all kinds of wildlife, including fungi. In west Dorset, Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock are some of the best places in England to find fungi species, many of them rare, all of them beautiful. The huge variation in geology and plant life at Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve ensures a variety of habitats which allows for a larger variety of fungus species than one would expect in a few hundred acres. By Susannah Lynn, Volunteer
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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
Maze Game
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15
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16
Famous Words
Do you know who uttered these famous words? 1
2
If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.
5 Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking.
3
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
4
Who said it?
“If you look at what you have in life, you'll always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life, you'll never have enough.”
8 7 The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
"When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."
e 28
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17
High Performance Felt Cold Applied Liquid Systems Single Ply Membranes Tiling & Slating
av e.c
01202 020063 07950 972289
om
West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic
bud so fm
Weddings & Tributes to loved ones Bouquets & arrangements for special occasions
Nail cutting, corns & calluses Cracked heels, fungal nails Hard skin removal, ingrown nails Thickened nails & more services
Flowers for parties and events
01929 427776 07966 462974
07903 722542 07712 525058
01929 270081
sales@wessexaerials.co.uk
ww
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Suppliers and installers of Aerial - Satellite - CCTC Wi-Fi points for domestic & commercial situations se
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Dear Local Resident, All of the advertisers on this Christmas Greetings page would like to sincerely thank you for your support throughout this incredibly trying year. As a result of your continued calls and bookings these companies are doing well and continue to be here for us. Thank you for being there.
Here at the Oracle, with our very loyal advertisers we would like to thank you for your support of our wonderful magazines. To say “Thank you” in return we are donating 25% of the proceeds from this page to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. We are grateful to the staff and many volunteers who help this great cause!
Ad
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s hu wit 0 e 8 is 080 ert 29
019
4
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Spot the difference!
There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?
www.nickgowman.com
Puzzle Corner
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Let’s Sudoku! Do you love numbers? Enjoy 2 new Sudoku challenges in every issue!
8 1 2 6
2 7 4 3
2 6 8 3 6 7 4 1 6 7 8 2 1 4 3 2 8 9 1 6 2 8 4 7 1 2 7
4 2
7 1 6
1 2 5 2 4 9 8 5 8 7 1 2 6 5 3 2 8 2 7 1 3 1 5 8 2 6 2 6 7 8 8 1 5 9 2 3 1
8 5 1 9
2
Answers on Page 28
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19
Affordable Private Dental Care!!!
WE ARE OPEN Near Corfe Castle (on main A351)
Tel: 01929 480098
We now have a General Dentist offering general Dentistry!!! • New patient exams from £46 onwards • Free kids exams* • Emergency appts available on the day • Root canal treatments from £300 onwards • Crowns from £480 onwards Teeth Whitening, Facial Fillers and much more
SPECIAL OFFER:
FREE Anti Wrinkle & Facial Filler Consultations Visit us at 1 Chalk Pit Lane, Wool, Wareham, BH20 6DW Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
For an appointment, please contact 01929 462269 Email: Wool@MouthPeace.com www.mouthpeace.com
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 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
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20
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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BRAND NEW SHOWROOM
By appointment only. Please visit our website to book in. Unit H, 5 Mannings Heath Rd., Poole, Dorset BH12 4NQ 01202 760760 bythefire@hotmail.co.uk bythefireonline.co.uk
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The Adventures of Daichi
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The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van What incredible times. We do hope you are safe, well and are still smiling despite anything that maybe happening around you. Daichi highly recommends switching the news off for a whole week and doing things that make you happy. Here, the intention is to make you smile, give you ideas of places to visit (if we can now…), and things to do, that are simple, honest family fun. Hopefully, it is a light relief. So here we go… Daichi managed to sneak us back to that coastal village I so wanted to see when we were in Devon in the summer. This time it was October half term, so just before the second Lockdown. In August we had stayed in Bovisand on the other side of The Sound, that deep inlet of sea near Plymouth. While we were there, I looked daily across the blue expanse of water to a curious, small village with a beach. I was fascinated and told Daichi that was where I wanted to go next. He was straight on the case and found a little cottage in Kingsand perfect for the three of us: myself, Stephen and Hayden our son. I have to say I was not sure if Hayden would come this time. He had plans with friends and now at the grand old age of nearly seventeen I feel very privileged that he still likes to get away as much as we do and enjoy our English ‘escapes’. Off we set. Daichi was certainly all smiles, engine roaring and lights aglow.
Volcanic rock formations at Kingsand
Cawsand beach Cawsand and Kingsand are twin villages situated in Cornwall, right on the border with Devon. It is difficult to know where one village ends and the other one starts. For me they are idyllic. Crashing waves literally hit the walls of the houses which line the streets on one side and the beach immediately on the other. Situated on the Rame Peninsula with a very small population I could definitely live there. Not only are there terrific sea views, but the villages are nestled in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park with 865 acres of beautiful forestry and parkland, ideal for walking. It is a haven for dog lovers, walkers, children and simple adults like us. I am not so sure about rather large campervans in brightly coloured Kimonos though! Boy did Daichi have to breath in when navigating those cobbled, winding lanes. Sharp bends and stone walls, which look amazing, are not necessarily good for metal bodies. Daichi was lucky and decided to spend his time in the very safe car park. We had taken the chain ferry at Torpoint at the mouth of the River Tamar to get there. These crossings started right back in 1790 and now have 3 ferries running every day of the year, including Christmas Day. There is nothing like going on a ferry to know you are really going away! Some of us may have missed holidays abroad recently, but you can’t beat a good old English get-away.
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23 The weather of course was very mixed (it was late October after all) with some wind and rain and then one day of a wonderful, mysterious sea-roke which enveloped the cliffs and the houses. Long thick fingers of fog and mist creeping around everything in its midst. I was brought up in the North, so this is very real to me and I love a bit of atmosphere. I think Daichi was ok in his safe place, the car park… Mid-week we took a trip to Whitsand Bay. What incredible chalets there are here! Scattered literally all over the cliffs from the bottom of the bay almost on the beach, right to the top of the overhanging cliffs. What fantastic views over a never-ending expanse of dramatic looking waters. Speaking to the owner of the very welcoming Cliff Top Café, we were told that the chalets had once, and not that long ago, cost £20,000 each but now sell for over £350,000! We wished we had seen them earlier… They are not large and some look more modern than others, but I think you are paying for the ‘pitch’! The day we arrived the sea was totally white. Torrenting waves were pounding on the beach and the unforgiving rocks. We took a walk right down to the front where the RNLI Lifeguards had a station, ready for any problems. We took many photos and videos of the thundering waves and the spectacular scenery. All smiling. Nature really is beautiful and there is something which excites the soul on mesmerizing days like this. After all that excitement we needed a meal and a drink to calm us down and take in the night sea air. Our favourite café had become The Bay, Bar & Restaurant in Cawsand. Right on the sea
Waves crashing against the shore
Chalet overlooking Whitsand Bay front it was perfect for a coffee and a piece of cake, or indeed a full candle-lit evening meal. One lunchtime I had a whole mackerel (head and all) on a bed of salad. You really can tell I am from the North, can’t you? I am definitely my father’s daughter, even if I have lived in the South since I was twenty two… just a “couple” of years ago. Now now… The whole week was really relaxing. One day walking along The South West Coast Path (we did not quite manage all 630 miles of it…) we discovered Pier Cellars, the old torpedo development and testing station. Steeped in history and built in 1888/1889 it had a certain ‘mood’ about it. It is not open to the public, now owned by the MOD and used by HMS Raleigh for training purposes, but looking through the wire fencing I don’t think I wanted to take it any further anyway… Great to see and a bit of our history to set the old ‘grey matter’ thinking. I was pleased to get back to the luscious greenery and still blue waters from on high, on the hills this day. There’s lots more I can say but I am limited with space – you may be relieved. The pink rocks on the beach at Kingsand were fascinating. I am no geologist, but this is volcanic lava apparently! How exciting is that? So Daichi, another great family trip. Hayden did not quite manage to get his board out this time, though you carried it all the way to Cornwall for him, just in case. It just wasn’t quite the weather this time, but boy did we enjoy watching those gigantean waves thrashing the shores. Where will Daichi take us next… I wonder? By Debbie Corney
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24
The quintessentially English country garden has classic, timeless appeal, and although easier to achieve in the countryside can still be recreated at least in part in town. Shrubs make a great backdrop so choose a range of different shapes, textures and shades of leaf colour for that cottage garden feel. For best effect choose mainly or all deciduous shrubs with just a few evergreens. A wooden or metal gate painted white gives the right feel, and when smart, traditional-look fixings and fixtures are painted contrasting black, the look is complete. In a country-style garden the combination of a wide range of types of flower in an even wider range of colours is perfect. Contrasting colours look great as long as there is plenty of greenery in-between. Plant loosely and almost randomly in drifts, with no straight lines anywhere, to give beds and borders a country style, whatever their size. Allow plants to grow closer together so there is no bare earth, and when planting a bed from scratch use hardy annuals to fill in any gaps while the main plants grow, to create a wall-towall carpet of colour. Plants in pots add seasonal splashes of colour, so include temporary plants such as brightly coloured pelargoniums and geraniums or longerterm plants such as bulbs and small shrubs. Choose a pot with an informal, rounded shape, rather than anything too geometric or modern; a terracotta pot works a treat. Have a range of heights in the flower borders, basically with smaller plants in front and the largest at the back, but add in tall, slim plants throughout
to add colour, interest and height variation without blocking your view of their smaller neighbours. The classic choice for this is the purple-flowered Verbena bonariensis. A wall made from brick or stone make a perfect boundary. A drystone wall with variations in the grey and brownish colours of the stone looks great in all weathers, and you can grow plants such as house leeks in some of the crevices. If your garden needs steps, choose stone. It is long-lasting, withstands hard frosts and needs no preservative treatments. Combined with a wall of the same material, steps like this almost look natural, particularly when laid slightly unevenly. Ivy is perfect for covering up unattractive features such as an ugly wall. It grows rapidly and is a useful wildlife habitat, but don’t allow it to grow out of control. Maximise planting opportunities with containers made from natural materials such as terracotta. Positioned on top of a wall they’ll mark the boundary well and bring seasonal colour. Swap the plants around at summer’s end and use winterflowering pansies for colour throughout the year. Plant small, compact plants along the edges of paths and steps to add colour and interest. Small saxifrages look great but won’t swamp the steps either! Visit Pippa’s website (www.pippagreenwood.com) to book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club or as an after-dinner speaker.
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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
WADDOCK CROSS, DORCHESTER, DT2 8QY Please visit our eBay shop for the best prices search ‘Wessex Trailers’
See website for details
Click link on our site www.wessex-trailers.co.uk
County Block Paving & Surfacing Ltd S I N C E 1 9 9 0
Block Paving Tarmacadam
07780 504986 www.decoration-by-design.co.uk
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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26 Ref: 22303
LOCAL LOCKSMITH CALL: 01929 503000 Swanage Emergency Locksmith • No Call Out Charge! • 1/2 Hour Service!* • Free Home Security Check!** uPVC Door & Windows Specialists! Fully Assessed & Accredited Locksmiths! All Locks Supplied and Fitted! *where possible **once a job has been completed
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Tel: 01929 408080
info@purbeckpublications.co.uk
Computer Problems? '-
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Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk
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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27
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 COVID SAFE 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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28
Puzzle Answers
Answers Page PUB QUIZ 1. Vatican City 2. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White 3. Frida Kahlo 4. 17 5. Vincent Vega 6. Live and Let Die (1973) 7. Apple 8. Turkey 9. 19th century (1839) 10. Gallery, largely and regally WHO SAID IT 1. Nelson Mandela 2. Eleanor Roosevelt 3. Mother Theresa 4. John Lennon 5. Steve Jobs 6. Oprah Winfrey 7. Walt Disney
8 4 2 3 9 1 7 6 5
9 1 6 5 7 2 4 3 8
7 5 3 6 4 8 9 2 1
2 9 7 4 1 6 5 8 3
6 8 4 7 3 5 1 9 2
1 3 5 8 2 9 6 4 7
3 7 1 2 6 4 8 5 9
5 6 9 1 8 3 2 7 4
4 2 8 9 5 7 3 1 6
9 7 3 6 2 4 1 8 5
1 2 5 9 8 3 4 6 7
6 4 8 5 7 1 2 3 9
2 9 7 3 1 5 6 4 8
3 8 4 7 6 9 5 1 2
5 6 1 2 4 8 7 9 3
7 1 9 4 3 2 8 5 6
4 3 2 8 5 6 9 7 1
8 5 6 1 9 7 3 2 4
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29 Natalie poked her head around the kitchen door. “I thought I heard a crash.” Colin and Maureen looked at each other in panic. “So sorry Natalie, we’ve had a little accident,” Maureen confessed. “Colin’s dropped your Thermos flask.” By Jackie Brewster
Maureen and Colin watched helplessly as the Thermos flask slid from the table. It hit the kitchen floor with a dull crack. “Christmas is ruined,” Colin said glumly. “Christmas isn’t ruined.” Maureen reached for her glass to calm her nerves. “Not when there’s sherry.” “Perhaps it’s saveable.” Colin gingerly picked up the Thermos flask and shook it. It sounded like wet gravel. “Natalie brought it,” he said. Their guests, Colin’s dad, Maureen’s brother Derrick and his fiancée Natalie were patiently waiting in the dining room for their Christmas dinner. It was a family tradition for everyone to bring something for the meal. Colin’s dad had made the Christmas pudding, Derrick had brought crackers. “What did she bring?” Maureen asked quietly. “I’ve no idea,” Colin said, “she just handed me this when she came in.” It was the first time Natalie had joined them for Christmas day, and the pressure to impress was on because she’d once been a guest on a cookery show on the local radio and never missed an opportunity to mention it.
“It was only cheap,” Natalie laughed nervously. “Just so long as the contents are alright.” Colin shook the Thermos. Natalie looked crestfallen. “I could lend you a pair of slippers,” he offered. Maureen nudged him in the ribs. “But my advice would be not to put your shoes in a Thermos in the first place.” Natalie looked puzzled. “Not shoes, it’s jus,” she frowned, “to pour on the meal.” “Do you mean gravy?” Maureen asked, astonished. “I knew there was something missing!” “I suppose some people call it that.” Natalie sounded offended. “We professional chefs call it jus.” “Why didn’t you say?” Maureen laughed, refilling her glass. “Colin, get the jar of granules out of the pantry and I’ll whisk up some more.” “But it was a special jus,” Natalie protested. “What’s the key ingredients?” Colin asked as the kettle boiled. Natalie blushed. “I used gravy granules,” she said quietly, “with a slug of sherry in it.” “Didn’t I tell you Colin?” Maureen picked up the bottle. “Sherry to the rescue again!”
“What did she say when she gave it to you?” Maureen asked impatiently. Colin thought for a moment. “She said it was shoes,” he said finally. “It’s clearly not shoes though is it?” Exasperated, Maureen took another swig of her sherry. “What are we going to do now?” she said. “What did you ask her to bring?” Colin said. “I can’t remember, can I?” Maureen said. “Let’s look at what we’ve got and see what’s missing.” They looked at the steaming dishes of food on the counter – turkey, stuffing, sprouts and roast potatoes. “Can I help with anything?”
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 26
Home Care Services Bluebird Care.............................................................. 5
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Hillarys Blinds............................................................ 11
Hotels & Restaurants The Bear..................................................................... 5
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Locksmiths Keytek......................................................................... 8 Painters & Decorators The Lady Decorator................................................... 25
Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 13
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Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Dorset Quirky Facts.................................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Fascinating Fungi...................... 12 Gardening Tips: How many kinds of sweet flowers grow................................................. 24 Short Story: The Secret Ingredient............................. 29
Plumbers C & C Plumbing.......................................................... 20 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 No1 PHD.................................................................... 31
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Dentists deWaal Specialist Periodontics.................................. 15 MouthPeace Dental Practice..................................... 19
Fires & Stoves By The Fire................................................................. 21 Florists Buds of Mave............................................................. 11 Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic.................................. 9 Garage Doors Garolla....................................................................... 20 Skandoor..................................................................... 2
Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 13 Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32 Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 25 Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3
Garage Services Trickett Welding.......................................................... 9
Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Garden Services Novelty Kneelers........................................................ 29
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 27
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