Issuu

e h T

ORACLE

THE

DEC 2021 SWANAGE

Oracle

VIEW ONLINE

AGGREGATE SUPPLIERS

Hamworthy Depot Dawkins Road Now Open

Small & Large Deliveries 1-20 tonnes Grab Loads 4, 6 & 8 wheelers

Decorative Aggregates Top Soil is our speciality!

01258 857465

info@mbwilkes.com

www.mbwilkes.com

Dawkins Road, Hamworthy, Dorset BH15 4JP Head Office: Henbury Quarry, Old Market Road, Corfe Mullen BH21 3QZ

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET (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 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

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

THE SWANAGE Oracle

Edition 156

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

01929 408080

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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

A publication by

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi 4

SALE OFF

15% off

Winter Sale • •

Space saving Fully insulated Fully automatic No maintenance Reduced draughts So simple to operate Simple key fob operation All doors fitted with bottom safety edge system in compliance with trading standards regulations

Full range of colours Single/Double doors all made in our Bishops Waltham factory

WE SURVEY WE MANUFACTURE WE INSTALL NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED Covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire & Dorset

01962 600777

info@skandoor.co.uk | www.skandoor.co.uk

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

Swanage Disabled Club has moved and exceptional caring volunteer drivers and escorts.

We now hold our meetings at All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, Swanage. We meet weekly - one week is for those who still like to knit/crochet, do puzzles, play Scrabble (or similar) or dominoes - the next week is more social with occasional speakers or discussions, with lots of humour. Always a cuppa too. If anyone would like to join us we can provide transport from your home and back. We have specially adapted buses for wheelchair/rollator users

For any further information please contact Daphne Saville 01929 425241 Did you know that we can also help if you have a hospital appointment, be it Bournemouth or Poole, or more locally for Dr's and Flu/Covid Jabs. This has to be a pre-booked service (not a taxi) and we do ask for a donation towards costs. For any further information please contact Robert/Sue Payne 01929 423729

Thank you, thank you and thank you! Swanage Disabled Club would like to thank residents and visitors alike who came to our Sea-front stalls and supported us. We were fortunate to raise £1,600 over 5 days during August. We were so lucky with the weather too. As mentioned previously we are now meeting every Monday at All Saints Church Hall, new members would be very welcome and we can also oﬀer transport from home and back again. Contact Daphne Saville 01929 425241 Also we are back helping out with Booster Jab transport - please ring Robert/Sue Payne on 01929 423729 to book. Donations gratefully received. 6

Now some very good news...

We have been chosen for Grant Funding thro’ the Co-op Community Fund from 25th October 2021 - Oct 2022. So please if everyone would like to support us, then always remember to swipe your Co-op membership card to help towards our ﬁnal donation and tell your friends to think of us too.

We have been an organisation in the community for many, many years and take great pleasure in supporting the residents of Swanage and surrounding villages.

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

www.dorsetandwight.co.uk

LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own. Wills: £140 each - Single Power of Attorneys: £150 each

Special Offer 1: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple £570 (save £30)

Special Offer 2: All four Lasting Power of Attorneys & two Wills for a couple £840 (save £40)

Special Offer 3: A complete Property Protection Trust, Wills and all four Lasting Power of Attorneys for a couple - Limited time offer £999 (save £501) Are you concerned about care fees and other risks?

Special Offer 4: The “Ultimate” Family Protection Package includes All Trust Wills and LPAs for a couple - Limited time offer £1,279 (save £881)

If you are concerned about care fees and protecting your children’s inheritance from divorce and other risks.

We are specialists in providing for the elderly or less mobile. Everything is dealt with in the comfort of your own home. Members of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.

EXPERTISE • EXPERIENCE • EMPATHY Dorset 01202 065953 Hampshire - 01264 252900 Isle of Wight - 01983 623900 All subject to deliberate deprivation guidelines

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

*One use of code per customer UK Royal Mail Delivery

@skipalot

HEALTH & WELLBEING

www.skipalot.co

SAVE

al Speci r fo r e ﬀ o rs e d a re

20%

Use discount code*

MM2021

continue to the next challenge, and so the pattern continues. This is brain and body exercise on another level! And it really requires so little to get started. In addition to these brain boosting benefits, skipping is also burns an incredible amount of calories, improves coordination, strengthens bones, lessens injury risk and improves heart health from the day you get started!

h Watc a st n I r u o ials r o t Tu

Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

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

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

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

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

Find the answers on Page 26

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

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

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

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

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

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

REFRESHINGLY HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY At Humphries Kirk Solicitors we like to keep it simple, and we like to keep it personal. It’s an approach that has served us and our clients well for almost 300 years.

Get in touch with our experts. Bournemouth 01202 421111 Cranborne Chase 01258 840507 Crewkerne 01460 279100 Dorchester 01305 251007

Parkstone 01202 715815 Poole 01202 725400 Swanage 01929 423301 Wareham 01929 552141

www.hklaw.uk

Family Run Business since 1970

(Formally Phillips Groundworks & Landscapes) Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

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

Another culinary empire Dorset can boast is Rossi’s ice cream who can trace their roots back to 1930s Weymouth. Having already established an ice cream parlour in Essex, Rossi’s came to Dorset in 1937. A prominent premise was found on The Esplanade where the parlour remains today, featuring original 1930s interiors. And of course, the Rossi family also gave us Status Quo. 14

PHOTO: WELLCOME IMAGES

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

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

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

PHOTO: WELLCOME IMAGES

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

Talking about Wildlife...

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

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

Crimson Waxcap

Fabulous Fungi

Photo: Nick Tomlinson

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

Near Corfe Castle (on main A351)

Tel: 01929 480098

Winter essentials: Logs – Seasoned Hardwood Coal – Kindling – Calor Gas LOCAL: Meats – Veg (inc 25kg Pots) Bread – Cakes – Honey – Jams – Chutneys Free range eggs – Ale – Cider – Wine Large Range Of Wild Bird Feed & Feeders Equestrian Feed & Accessories Animal & Pet Feeds Winter bedding plants – Shrubs Compost – Terracotta pots

• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS

01929 462534 WADDOCK CROSS, DORCHESTER, DT2 8QY Please visit our eBay shop for the best prices search ‘Wessex Trailers’

Click link on our site www.wessex-trailers.co.uk

Plus lots lots more – come and see for yourselves

Large Selection of Christmas Trees

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE IN DORSET

Sawn & Potted - from Sat 27th Nov Mistletoe Tree Lights

We have a highly experienced team providing holistic financial planning and Wealth Management services in Poole and Bournemouth, and Dorset and South Hampshire, specialising in

Holly Wreaths Tree Stands

Lots of Christmas Gifts - interesting & unusual!

• • • • • • • •

Wealth management Tax-free savings Pensions & retirement planning Pension Transfer advice Inheritance tax planning Life & illness cover Mortgage advice Equity release

Providing independent financial advice in Dorset since 2004

Tel: 01202 622223

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Apex CB Financial Planning Ltd, Suite 2 Jellicoe House, Admiralty Park, Station Road, Holton Heath, Poole BH16 6HX Apex CB Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registration no 507964. Registered in England company no. 0508293.

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

Spot the Difference Can you find all 7 differences?

Find the answers on Page 26 18

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

Is your Classic in need of some expert attention?

• • • • •

Georgian Gems Est 1970

Restorations, Servicing & Mechanical Repairs Accident & MOT Repairs Waxoyl Treatment Stage Payments For Restoration Collection & Delivery By Arrangement

Wishing a Merry Christmas to all our customers

Tel: 01202

625050

28 High St, Swanage, BH19 2NU Items for verbal valuation, proceeds to RNLI £2 per item.

Welding (Poole) Ltd

Tel: 01929 424697

Purbeck Chiropractic McTimoney Chiropractic is a gentle and effective treatment for the whole body. It is proven to be effective in treating the following conditions:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain • Muscular aches • Sports injuries • Pain, discomfort & stiffness in joints • Arthritic pain • Plantar fasciitis Effective treatment by an experienced Registered Chiropractor for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. For an informal discussion call Paul on:

07973 308829

Paul Hind

BSc (Hons) Chiro, MSc, MMCA, LRCC

www.purbeckchiropractic.com

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

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

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

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

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

• • • • • • • •

Renovations Alterations Extensions Kitchens Fitted New Cut Roofs Loft Conversions UPVC Windows & Doors Carpentry & Joinery

Need a Plumber? Swanage Based

Wasps • Bees

• Rats Mice • Ants Squirrels •Birds Fleas

All Purbeck areas covered

Mobile: 07831 351 877

Call Chris Hilton

07802 259 885

Installation & repairs. Bathrooms, central heating & general plumbing work undertaken. Fully Insured. 35 years experience. Labour is guaranteed for 12 months. E: candcplumbing@btinternet.com www.candcplumbingservices.co.uk

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

10 11 12

FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26 22

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

POETRY PAGE

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

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

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

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

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

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

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

Let’s Sudoku!

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

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

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

2 5 1 8 9 4 8 5 9 4 1

9 8 4 2 6

FIND THE ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

Computer Problems? For prompt and friendly help call Alan on:

01929 480529 or 07710 835905 E-mail & internet support • Wireless network & printer setup • PC & Laptop repairs • Virus removal Custom-built PCs • Home & Small Business visits No call-out charge • Over 20 years experience

www.ajvcomputing.co.uk

KDL

PLUMBING & HEATING

KDL Plumbing and Heating Immersion heaters • Cylinders

Immersion heaters, Cylinders, Cold Cold tanks • Balltanks, valves • Taps Overflows • Showers • Bathrooms Ballvalves, Overflows, Showers, Bathrooms, Radiator replacement Washing machine and dishwasher Taps, Radiator replacement and more. installation and much more Free estimates and advice given

Free Estimates and Advice

NO CALL OUT CHARGES ADDED NO CALL OUT CHARGES

01202 675016 374156

07475 128249 07475 Mobile 0747 512128249 8249 (01929) 421632

Ref : 22303

LOCALLOCKSMI TH CALL:01 929503000 Swanage Emer gencyLocks mi t h •NoCal lOutChar ge!•1 / 2HourSer vi ce! * •Fr eeHomeSecur i t yCheck! * * uPVCDoor& Wi ndows Spec i a l i s t s ! Ful l yAs s es s ed& Ac c r edi t ed L oc k s mi t hs ! Al l L oc k sSuppl i ed a ndFi t t ed! * wher epos s i bl e * * onceaj obhasbeencompl et ed

Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

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

2 4 3 5 9 7 1 6 8

5 7 6 8 2 1 4 3 9

1 8 9 6 4 3 5 2 7

4 9 8 2 1 5 3 7 6

3 1 5 9 7 6 8 4 2

6 2 7 3 8 4 9 1 5

9 6 2 4 3 8 7 5 1

7 5 4 1 6 9 2 8 3

8 3 1 7 5 2 6 9 4

9 7 2 6 5 3 8 1 4

8 3 4 1 2 9 6 5 7

6 1 5 8 4 7 3 9 2

4 5 8 9 1 6 2 7 3

3 9 1 2 7 4 5 6 8

2 6 7 3 8 5 9 4 1

5 8 3 7 9 1 4 2 6

1 4 6 5 3 2 7 8 9

7 2 9 4 6 8 1 3 5

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

Word Ladder

Make your way from HEAD to TAIL by changing one letter on each step to make a new word!

Tel: 01305 780124 or 01929 270081

E: sales@sf-electrical.co.uk www.sf-electrical.co.uk

HEAD

TAIL ANSWERS: (HEAD, HEAL, TEAL, TELL, TALL, TAIL)

Dorset based electricians with the ability to undertake work from a simple light switch change to a full rewire and anything in between! • Fire Alarm Systems • Landlord Safety Checks • Commercial & Domestic

�r�E"f

fRIRlS'-'tl

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. Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

Spiced Festive Biscuits Introduction

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

Ingredients

For the biscuits

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

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

Method

Top Tip

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

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

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

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

Decorate & name your gingerbread man

CHRISTMAS TREE MAZE

COLOUR THE SHAPES IN THE PICTURE

Yellow

Red

Orange

Purple

Blue

Green

Advertisers Index

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

Home Care Services

Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Jewellers

Builders

Locksmiths

Jim Baggley Building Services ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21 .............................................................................................................................................................. Key Tek 25 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Purbeck Home Improvements 1

Pest Control Services Carpenters

Plumbers Chiropractors

.............................................................................................................................................................. C + C Plumbing 21 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Purbeck Chiropractic 19 .............................................................................................................................................................. FXR Plumbing & Heating 3 .............................................................................................................................................................. KDL Plumbing and Heating 25 .............................................................................................................................................................. NO.1 PHD 32

Computer Services

Property Maintenance

Peter Albin - Total Woodwork .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 .............................................................................................................................................................. Purbeck Home Improvements 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. NO.1 PHD 32

Drainage Services

Removals & Storage Driveways

Roofing Services Electricians

.............................................................................................................................................................. Mallwood Roofing 11 Pinks Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. SF Electrical 27

Soft Furnishings

.............................................................................................................................................................. Helen Biles Studio 11

Farm Shops

Solicitors

.............................................................................................................................................................. Humphries Kirk LLP 13

Financial Advisors

Trailers

.............................................................................................................................................................. Wessex Trailers 17

Foot Care Services

Waste Services

.............................................................................................................................................................. Philip Trim Contractors 9

Garage Doors

Will Writing Services

.............................................................................................................................................................. Dorset & Wight Wills 7

Garage Services

Garden Services

M B Wilkes ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Sunset Developments 13

To advertise in this magazine, call 01929 408080

01935 509984 07982 320172 01305 490400 www.scresins.co.uk

Transform your property with a beautiful & durable resin driveway

Why Resin? • Fantastic looking gravel without loose material moving around • Superior Drainage, water soaks away naturally • Resistant to staining , fully coated making it resistant to oils, petrol etc. • Smooth surface, ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. • Great looking designs, colours available to can mix and match & get the perfect look!

For a free quote, visit our website Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED FAST Drains Internal / External

► ► ► ►

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

High Pressure Jetting Manual Rodding Pipe Laying Non Excavation Relining

► Insurance Work Undertaken CCTV Surveys

► No Additional Charges on evenings and weekends ► Fully Qualiﬁed Engineers covering your area ► Emergency Plumbing Blocked Toilets and Leaks

CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAMRodding 24/7 evenings

01929 498688

► Pipe Laying ► Fully Qualified Engineers ► Non Excavation Relining covering your area ► Emergency Plumbing ► Insurance Work Blocked Toilets & Leaks Undertaken

SENIOR CITIZEN & NHS

DISCOUNTSOUT

CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM 24/7 FOR FREE

01622 617312

HD g N P PLUMBING HEATING & DRAINAGE

1$;/##1

*Trustpilot ouoTEs EXCELLENT: NOV 21

Company No; 11927404, VAT No; 334028724. Reg in England & Wales

CALL

&ADVICE