February 2020
Promoting your local area
THE
SWANAGE
Oracle
In this issue... Forest Holme Charity Spring Ball Wareham Choral Society seeking new members Marilyn Baker Concert at Emmanuel Church
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Brought to you by
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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 and Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design and installation • Bathroom refurbishment
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
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Introduction
4
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston!
The Swanage Oracle Edition 135
Happy Valentines to you! We do hope you are continuing to find your local magazine useful and are calling the advertisers inside to get all those jobs done in the house and garden as well as treating yourself to something you want too. It is our pleasure every month to bring you local businesses who can help to make life a little easier for you. If you have any suggestions for improving the magazine or know of a local trade or service who can benefit greatly from some extra promotion, then please let us know.
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone:
01929 408080
Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the March 2020 edition: 10th February 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.
We can look at a marketing plan and design an advert for them, all included in the cost of the advert. If you have a business and want to make yourself much more widely known, then we are here for you. We are also keen to hear any news from you the reader. Do you have local information you would like to promote, maybe a club or society that would like extra members, or support in any way? Do get in touch as we love to hear from you. Let’s continue to make this magazine the place to go for all that is local. Stephen and myself would like to wish you a successful month of February 2020!
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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Flowers arranged with sincerity Weddings & Tributes to loved ones • Bouquets & arrangements for special occasions • Flowers for parties and events
Caroline Finch
T: 01929 427776 M: 07966 462974
E: c.f.m.finch@btinternet.com W: budsofmave.com
New home trial
Swanage residents can now recycle
used cooking oil 1
Collect used cooking oil in a plastic bottle
2
Pop the bottle inside your food waste bin for collection
Never pour cooking oil down the sink or drain
dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/foodwaste Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Community News
6
Forest Holme announce details of Charity Spring Ball Following the success of last year’s 25th anniversary ball, Forest Holme Hospice has announced details of its Charity Spring Ball, which this year will take place on Friday 15th May inside the beautiful grounds of Parley Manor in Christchurch. Tickets are now on sale at an early bird price of £65 (normal price £70), which includes a welcome drink, delicious 3-course meal (with 1/2 bottle of wine), coffee and chocolates. Hosted by Paul Kinvig, the evening begins at 7pm and includes live entertainment, disco and games, as well as a silent auction, mystery boxes and a chance to win a wheelbarrow of wine, plus a few special surprises. The charity will also be arranging coach travel from Poole. Forest Holme Hospice opened its doors in 1994 and since then has provided individually tailored quality care and support to around 1,000 adults each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck, with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and respiratory illness. Paul Tucker, Fundraising Manager at Forest Holme, said, “Last year, because it was our 25th anniversary, we decided to do something special and hosted our annual ball in a marquee within the walled
garden of Upton Country Park. The feedback from our supporters was so positive, we decided to so something similar but this time in the idyllic grounds of Parley Manor. Our focus now is to make sure that the hospice is here for the next 25 years and beyond, so that it can continue to care and support patients and their families during the most difficult time of their lives. The Spring Ball is an opportunity to celebrate the success of the hospice throughout the year whilst supporting the charity and raising awareness. Companies on board for sponsorship so far include The Dolphin Centre in Poole and Wessex Filters Ltd.” The tickets can be purchased individually at early bird price of £65 or for a table of 8 for £520, which are available via forestholmehospice. org.uk/events or contact Hannah via Hannah@forestholmehospice.org.uk or 01202 670644.
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7
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Stay warm this winter!
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With summer now behind us and the cold months upon us your heating is going to become increasingly important! Ensure you stay warm this winter by booking you boiler service now to ensure your heating is ready for festive period, if last winter is anything to go by then you’re going to need it! • Gas and oil services available from fully qualified engineers • Commercial and domestic covered • Efficient and friendly service • Competitive rates To book your service or quote contact us on
01305 853970 or 07557 990715 or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com
Visit our website:
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Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
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Community News
8
Wareham Choral Society Music Director: Hazel Ricketts “Wareham’s choir since 1947” SPRING TERM NEWS Wareham’s singers are currently preparing for their Spring concert, but there is still time to join in the fun. Rehearsals are both fun and instructive, under the baton of our energetic young conductor, Hazel. We’re a friendly bunch of people, who just share a love of singing. Isn’t singing meant to be good for you, too? If you would like to join us, we can promise you will be made very welcome. Don’t be daunted if you are not an experience choral singer, there will be lots of help at hand! Why not join us for a welcome evening on 10 February?
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INVITATION
You are welcome to come along for a good sing followed by drinks and nibbles on Monday 10 February at the United Reformed Church hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Free parking in Sainsbury’s car park opposite.
Dates for your diary Booking: 01202 632678 EXCEPT Workshop on 8 February
8 February 1.40pm Singing Workshop with Simon Lole on Stainer’s Crucifixion at United Church Dorchester. To book please call Briantspuddle Singers 01258 881438 10 February 7.30pm Welcome Evening at United Reformed Church hall Wareham 4 April 7.00pm Spring concert: Stainer’s Crucifixion, Vaughan-Williams’s Five Mystical Songs. Priory Church of Lady St Mary Wareham 4 July 7.00pm Summer concert at Furzebrook village hall 5 December 7.00pm Christmas concert at Priory Church of Lady St Mary
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Rehearsals 7.30pm on Mondays at Wareham United Reformed Church Hall
Tel: 01202 632678 www.warehamchoral.co.uk To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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Gasways Heating 367 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NP ALL HEATING SERVICES INCLUDING: • • • • •
Boilers Installed Full Central Heating Systems Boiler Maintenance and Breakdowns Domestic and Commercial All LPG work undertaken
ALSO ALL GENERAL PLUMBING
T: 01929 427713 M: 07889 409584 www.gaswaysheating.co.uk
Douch Family Bereavement Group
Cindy Weller
Accredited Counsellor, MBACP MNCS
Swanage First Monday of every month at Swanage Town Hall 3pm – 4.30pm PHONE TO BOOK YOUR PL ACE | OPEN TO THE WHOLE COMMUNIT Y
01929 422445 JAMESSMITHFUNERALS.CO.UK
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06/12/2019 14:57
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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
CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED
By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality - Collections Of ANY Size - Lenses Of All Types - Clockwork Cine ALSO Wanted 8mm, 16mm, 35mm - BEST PRICES PAID - WILL COLLECT - ANY DISTANCE CONSIDERED Please Call Keith On
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01202 862886
SELF STORAGE UNITS TO LET
J Taylor Electrical
(for private use)
Insulated, Individually Alarmed for Furniture, Classic Cars or Documents
East Stoke, Wareham
• • • • • • • •
NICEIC approved contractor Established 2002 Friendly Swanage based service From small jobs to rewires Domestic and commercial work Inspection and testing Replacement fuseboxes Electrical control systems for central and under floor heating
Tel: 07836 369969
Call John on
E: mb@malcolmbarnes.co.uk www.purbeckselfstorage.co.uk
or 07966 167978
Swanage 422989 E: johntaylor294@gmail.com
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Wildlife News
12
Talking about Wildlife...
Dorset: A good spot for wildlife As 2020 unfolds, Dorset Wildlife Trust is asking for help from the residents of Dorset, to keep track of wildlife on their doorsteps. The Species of the Month species list for 2020 is shaping up to be a really interesting one, with mammals, plants, birds and insects to spot in your garden, or local green spaces (including nature reserves!). All you need to do to help is let us know when you see something. For February, we’re asking for sightings of the lesser celandine flower – a true sign that spring is on its way. This flower is in the bu�ercup family and is one of the first spring woodland flowers to appear. It’s also a really important early source of nectar for emerging pollinators, such as queen bumblebees, who will need an energy-boost! A�er flowering in May, the plant enters a six-month dormancy. Lesser celandine flowers close at night and this is believed to reduce the rate of grazing by deer and slugs. They also close when it rains for protection – which is why they have been believed to predict the weather! They can be found along streams, in hedgerows and in gardens. Looking ahead to March, as spring starts to pop up everywhere, we’re looking for sightings of the blackcap. With one of the most melodic bird songs, the blackcap is very distinctive, and are nicknamed the ‘mock nightingale’ due to its
Lesser Celandine
Blackcap
Photo: Ken Dolbear
varied song. Not surprisingly, the males have a black cap, and the females have a brown cap. They have a rich, flute-like song and can o�en be heard calling from dense scrub in early summer. They used to be considered a summer visitor, but they are fast becoming known as a resident bird, spending winter in the UK more and more. Some ‘stop over’ in the UK, rather than migrating all the way to the Mediterranean, and possible reasons for this include milder winters and supplementary garden feeding in the UK. Although a woodland bird, blackcaps are frequently seen in gardens and parks, or anywhere with good shrub cover. We hope you’ll enjoy spo�ng new wildlife in 2020 – le�ng us know what you see is useful information for conservationists in Dorset who can identify trends in populations and help create more informed management plans for wild spaces where you live. If you would like to take part in the Species of the Month, you can sign up to receive the enewsle�er and find out which species we’re looking for at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ species-month. By Sally Welbourn
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13
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DOORS, WINDOWS & LOCKS
GLASS REPAIRS: MISTED, DAMAGED DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS REPLACED. PVC-U & TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS INSTALLED. INTERIOR DOORS FITTED. PVC-U DOOR PANELS REPLACED. CAT FLAPS FITTED. KEY SAFES FITTED. LOCKS OPENED, REPLACED, UPGRADED. SNAPPED KEYS EXTRACTED. HANDLES - HINGES - LETTER BOXES SEALS - GASKETS REPLACED SECONDARY GLAZING SUPPLIED & FITTED.
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16
Myth busting with LPAs You may have seen our earlier article on The Reasons to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). However, there are common misconceptions on why an LPA may not be necessary which this article explores further. 1. “I don’t need an LPA because my next of kin can make important decisions on my behalf.” Not true. No-one can act on your behalf or make decisions on your behalf if they have not been legally authorised to do so, not even your next of kin. 2. “My partner and I have joint bank accounts, so we don’t need LPAs.” Not true. This always alarms couples the most, when they are told that even if they have a joint bank account the partner may not be able to automatically access funds to pay for bills, mortgage or general expenses. If one of you were to lose capacity, the bank can remove access and freeze the account until it receives a copy of a registered LPA. This can be an extremely stressful time for the partner. 3. “I have appointed executors in my Will, so they’ll be able to make decisions on my behalf.” Not true. A Will is entirely separate to an LPA. Executors appointed in a Will only have the power or authority to distribute your estate as requested and in line with your Will, on your death. They have no authority to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. 4. “I don’t need an LPA until I become elderly and in ill health.” Not true. An LPA can be made by anyone
over the age of 18 who has full mental capacity. Someone may lose capacity and no longer be able to make decisions due to an accident, being in a coma or mental illness. The sooner you arrange an LPA the better as you will have peace of mind knowing provisions are already in place in the event of the unthinkable happening. If you wait and lose capacity in that time, it will be too late to arrange an LPA and your loved ones will need to apply for a Deputyship Order from the Court of Protection. This not only takes a long time but is also a costly process. 5. “Once my Health and Welfare LPA is registered, it means someone else can make decisions for me and I don’t want that while I still have capacity.” Not true. A Health and Welfare LPA only comes into effect when the donor loses capacity even if the LPA has been registered. All the while you can make your own Health and Welfare decisions you will continue to do so. 6. “Getting an LPA is expensive.” Not true. It does not have to be expensive with Dorset & Wight. (See our prices opposite). The cost of registering an LPA is a maximum of £82 per document. In comparison, if you fail to make an LPA and lose capacity, your family will be left with no other option but to apply for a Deputyship Order. This will cost considerably more.
To put an LPA in place for you or your loved ones, please call Dorset & Wight Wills today…….
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Dorset & Wight Wills Your Local Experts in providing Affordable
LASTING POWER of ATTORNEYS Probably the most important documents you will ever own. Wills: £140 each - Single Power of Attorneys: £140 each
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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. All home visits are completely FREE of charge. Members of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners.
Book your FREE home visit now on 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 Ferndown, Dorset and Isle of Wight
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What’s On 2020… 12th February 2020 Craft-T Unit1, Fairfield Works, Fairfield, C’church, BH23 1QX 3 hours of guided tuition, use of the looms and all materials including yarns and a selection of fibres including organic cotton, bamboo, flax and hemp. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those that have a little experience and would like a refresher. 6.30 - 9.30pm. Price: £65. Contact. 07737 428640.
16th February 2020 February Birds Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, BH19 2JL Join a ranger for a stroll to look for bird life. Fresh air, expert guidance, be prepared for all weather, and take your camera. Time: 10:30am. Cost: £3.
18th February 2020 Half Term Kids Clay Time Moon Studio Ceramics, Hawthorn Farm, Lyndhurst Rd, C’church Come and learn together and support your child to craft their own ceramic works of art. After a short demo of clay modelling techniques it’s time to get
sculpting, squidging and shaping their masterpieces to life. Children will also throw a pot on the wheel. Creations are finished by decorating with colourful under-glaze paints. Imogen will then glaze and kiln fire them, ready for collection around 4-6 weeks later. Cost: £20.00. Telephone: 07543 165304.
19th February 2020 Playful Penguins Corner House, Upton Cross, Poole, Dorset, BH16 5PW Join us for a drop in session to make a playful penguin, listen to a story and play a snowball game. Suitable for children aged 4+ and their adults. No need to book. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer. For: children. Tel: 01202 623744 E: uptonlibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
20th February 2020 Light Up Poole Locations Throughout Poole As night falls, artists and communities will celebrate Poole’s diverse landscape with co-produce light nd sound installations illuminating the historic old town, urban high street, and waterfront. Inspired by the theme “Spectrum”, artists will respond to difference, exploring disability, social
exclusion, age, faith and more. New for 2020 is a “Light Up Family Rave” and a daytime talks programme at the Lighthouse. Lighthouse contact number for tickets to daytime events, 01202 280000.
too. Wareham I can’t wait to see you all again.” You know where to go, when to go, so don’t miss out
22nd February 2020 “Sing From The Heart”
20th February 2020 Marty Wilde & The Wildcats Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH A fantastic evening awaits as Marty and the band entertain you on this stunning musical roller coaster, which has become one of the most acclaimed shows in the country today. Don’t miss this, Marty is still touring the nations concert halls and getting a great reaction from audiences up and down the country. His own show, Born to Rock n Roll, in which he performs with his Wildcats, has received wonderful critical acclaim and has not only attracted his original fans but a whole host of new ones who is just discovering the man and his individual brand of Rock n Roll. The show has acquired cult status and is definitely one not to be missed. Tickets £25 Contact 01202 894858.
21st February 2020 The Soul Man Himself, Alexander Quay Inn, The Quay, Wareham, BH20 4LP Alexander comments.” So looking forward to this. The last show was huge success. Big crowds so get there early. A night of Motown, reggae and soul and some of the cuff audience interference
Allandale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS We are holding a community choir concert on 22nd Feb to raise money for Marie Curie. The concert will see 5 local choirs perform live.Tickets £6 available on Eventbrite.
5th to 8th March 2020 The 33rd Swanage Blues Festival Locations in and around Swanage Pre-order Wristbands & Programmes now at www.swanage-blues.org. Swanage Blues is Independent, Not For Profit and depends entirely on the sale of Support Wristbands (£10) to pay festival expenses.
12th March 2020 Wareham Farmers Market Wareham Town Hall, East Street, Wareham, BH20 4NS From 9am to 1pm. A great opportunity to meet local producers of quality and artisan foods, and take home for yourself local, fresh and high quality foods.
To keep up to date with what’s on in Dorset go to:
www.WhatsOnInDorset.co.uk
Community News
20
MARILYN BAKER CONCERT AT EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH SATURDAY 21st MARCH 2020 at 3pm
Marilyn Baker, the renowned blind Christian singer-songwriter, is coming to Swanage in March to perform a concert. This remarkable lady who travels the country, has a wonderful ministry of singing and telling stories together with her assistant, Tracy, who is deaf. These ladies offer a relaxing afternoon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, on Saturday 21st March at 3pm. The performance will be followed by refreshments and CDs will be available for sale. Tickets are available from Emmanuel Church Office at 160 Victoria Avenue. For more information telephone 01929 427706 or you can email events@emmanuelbc.org.uk or see www.emmanuelbc.org.uk
7. Scrooge-Like (5,8) 8. Treat (8) 9. Infiltrator (4) 10. Beguiled (7) 12. Application (5) 14. Sphere (5) 16. Circular (7) 19. Footwear (4) 20. Capsize (8) 22. Driving Aid (5,8)
1. Withered (4) 2. Charge (6) 3. Raiment (7) 4. Taunt (5) 5. Gland (6)
6. Pre-Smart Phone (8)
11. Gravy Train (5-3) 13. Arbiter (7) 15. Honorary Rank (6) 17. Impending (6) 18. Lichen covered (5) 21. Circlet (4)
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21
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The Adventures of Daichi
22
The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Daichi the Dashing Dude, otherwise known as the Purbeck Publications Campervan, decided to be a Time Machine last month, but instead of casting with Michael J Fox, loved by many in his role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Daichi chose myself and Hayden as the lead roles, to go ‘back to the past’. To Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire in fact. Having travelled all the way from Japan, Daichi wanted to know what it was like here in Medieval Britain. I had not driven Daichi for quite some time, so was a little nervous, as he can get pretty playful and does like to wave at passers by with his window wipers instead of indicating where he is going. This has nothing to do with me forgetting what I am doing of course and that the buttons are the ‘other way round’. In addition to that Daichi chose a route that was on single track roads for some of the time. Really. When we saw the bright white reverse lights of the car in front and its boot springing
Debbie & Hayden at Wardour Castle
Daichi taking Debbie & Hayden to Wardour towards us, I was quick to react and avoided Daichi head butting this car’s bottom. That was not a pretty sight. We arrived safely and as I parked and switched off Daichi’s purring engine, the sliding side door suddenly sprang open and an apple, that had rolled out of the picnic bag, flew out! Literally. Hayden laughed loudly. Daichi really was being playful and had obviously been wrapped up too long in the cold garden. Again, this was nothing to do with me pressing any wrong buttons… I just don’t know how you can think that. Wardour Castle is a delight. Ideal for children to run around and explore, and romantic for us oldies to look longingly at the rolling English countryside and imagine what life was like back in the 14th Century. The ladies dreaming of those long flowing gowns and the men with shoulders back, chests puffed out and manly swords in their hands. I know that is very stereo type and I really am showing my age now. Daichi, who we
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
23 know is very proud, could certainly see himself as a Mediaeval Knight in very shiny armour… The castle in fact was built when we, the English, were busy fighting the 100 Years War in France. Wiltshire was a relatively safe location. Designed as a six-sided house with rooms for guests to specifically impress everyone with its status, grandeur and power. It was a house to show off who John, 5th Lord Lovell really was. How connected he was to High Society and the Crown. Built in the fourteenth century, totally as a lavish home to entertain guests and eat like kings while beautifully placed in the peaceful countryside with a magnificent lake full of fish. No mote or high defences. It does have small, slit windows on the ground floor, but this castle was clearly built for luxury living. You can still walk up the spiral staircase to the top of the fifth floor and marvel at the views. Cooking is not my favourite occupation, but back in those days with two huge fires, spit roasts and huge boiling pans it would have been a hell of a job. No wonder the scullions, seen as the lowest of the low in those days, worked almost naked! Do not try this at home… The Hall were the owners and their guests “Castle’s-eye” view ate on the over the lake other hand
had large windows and an extended door, to show their wealth and sophistication. There was a balcony where the musicians tunefully soothed their Debbie explores opulent guests the grotto below. The class difference is clearly visible. There is a Great Chamber, an inner private room with even higher ceilings, where only the very important guests were invited. Sadly, The Civil War destroyed the building in 1644. There is a new castle nearby, but this magnificent building was left to stand as a romantic ruin for all to admire and now belongs to English Heritage. The Grotto in the secluded gardens is inspiring. Totally man-made in 1792 by Josiah Lane of Tisbury and his father. With nooks and crannies to explore by both the young and the old. There are seats of stone, stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, algae, ivy and an atmosphere. Love it. I can see why Kevin Costner came here to film “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves”! That would have been exciting to see. Daichi was as proud as punch that we had so much fun. Nothing like a bit of history to keep the wheels turning… and Daichi certainly likes to do just that! Where will he take us next? By Debbie Corney
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Gardening Tips
24
a beginner’s
GUIDE Kids
It's never too soon to get children interested in gardening and where their food comes from. Even the fussiest child should be prepared to try a warm, sweet strawberry or raspberry straight from the plant or a handful of peas out of the pod (my Dad often wondered why half of his pea crop had suddenly disappeared although I'm sure he had his suspicions!) At any time of the year, children can start to understand the concept of things growing from seed if you give them a packet of cress seeds and, although they can be grown in a shallow tray, make it even more fun by saving the shells from
their breakfast boiled eggs that have had their tops cut off. Draw a face on the eggshell and fill with peat free compost or even moist kitchen roll and sprinkle with seeds. When it grows the little egg man will have a mop of green hair that they can snip and eat. In the spring, let them have a competition growing the tallest sunflower by learning how to feed and water them. They can keep some dried out seeds for next year and feed the rest to the birds in winter. Although they might shy away from anything green on their plates, they might find plenty of chopped chives, basil, marjoram/oregano and/or thyme only improves their favourite pizza or Bolognese sauce.
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MALLWOOD ROOFING LTD
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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
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Food & Drink
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Tastes so good... Steak and Sweet Potato Chips
February is the month of love. And a beautifully cooked steak is a wonderful way to have a romantic meal a deux, simply and easily. It’s not that hard to dish up a fabulous supper that is sure to please if you follow the simple instructions.
Ingredients 2 x 200g sirloin steaks 350g sweet potatoes 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 50g bag mixed spinach, watercress and rocket Handful of cherry tomatoes 1/3 cucumber, sliced 2 spring onions Coarse ground black pepper. For the dressing 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp rapeseed oil ½ small garlic clove, crushed
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Preheat oven to 200c. Half fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add in the potatoes once chopped and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and return to the saucepan. Pour the oil over and season with a little black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are all lightly coated with the oil and seasoning. Tip the potatoes onto a baking tray and cook for 15 minutes. Turn them all then cook for a further 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. Whilst the chips are cooking, prepare your steak. Trim off any hard fat and then rub all over with the remaining oil. Season with 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper. Using a griddle or non-stick frying pan, put over a high heat and then add the steaks. Cook for about 2 minutes each side or done until your liking. Set aside and mix the salad leaves, cucumber, chopped spring onions into a bowl. Whisk the vinegar, oil and garlic together. Lovingly lay out the chips and steak onto your plates and add the salad to one side. Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.
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Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk
Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.
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
Household Tips Pop a cinnamon stick into your vacuum cleaner to help add a nice scent to your house the next time you do the carpets.
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Community News
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Talbot Village Trust provides funding for Burngate Stone Carving Centre Talbot Village Trust has donated £1,200 to the Burngate Stone Carving Centre to help renovate and refresh the charity’s space.
Burngate Stone Carving Centre, which is based in Swanage, provides traditional stone carving workshops and artfocused courses for children, adults and elderly members of the community throughout the year. It is an educational and charitable trust that provides lessons for people to learn more about traditional stone carving skills. In addition, the centre hosts an art and sculpture exhibition throughout the year featuring the work of local artists. Using Talbot Village Trust’s donation, the charity carried out some muchneeded renovations to its workshop, which had not been updated for a number of years. This work has allowed the centre to display the project work of users in a fresher, brighter area.
provide the best possible experience for our visitors.” Russell Lucas-Rowe, Trustee of Talbot Village Trust, Trustee at Talbot Village Trust, commented: “We are very happy to have contributed to the refurbishment of such a beautiful space. The inside of the building is now as welcoming as the area it is set in. The work that the staff do with different members of the community is so important and valuable, and we are so pleased that they have a newly-updated centre that provides a positive impact on those who attend their classes.” Talbot Village Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet in spring 2020. Please go to www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.
One of the main beneficiaries of the refurbishment were members of the Out of the Blue group, who are affected by a variety of mental health issues such as rural isolation, depression and anxiety. Julia Munn, Trustee at Burngate Stone Carving Centre, said: “We are very grateful to Talbot Village Trust for funding the much-needed renovations of our centre. The atmosphere that our visitors come to us for is a big part of the welcome that we offer. We are delighted to have been able to make our surroundings fresh and tidy, to
J. Munn, D.Quinn and L. Mack inside Burngate Stone Carving Centre
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 27
Funeral Directors James Smith................................................................ 9
Bathrooms & Tiling MPT Tiling & Bathrooms........................................... 21
Garage Doors Garolla....................................................................... 14 Skandoor..................................................................... 2
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions.................................... 31 Builders Jim Baggley Building Services.................................... 14 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.................................................. 11 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11
Home Care Services Bluebird Care............................................................. 25 Pest Control Terminator Pest......................................................... 15 Plumbers C + C Plumbing........................................................... 15 CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 Gasways Heating........................................................ 9 Heatcare..................................................................... 7
Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Beginner’s Guide: Kids............................................... 24 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Dorset: A great spot for wildlife.............................. 12 Forest Holme announce details of Charity Spring Ball................................................... 6 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Marilyn Barber Concert at Emmanuel Church........... 20 Talbot Village Trust provide funding for Burngate Stone Carving Centre.............................. 28 Tastes so good: Steak & Chips................................... 26 Wareham Choral Society............................................ 8 What’s On in Dorset.................................................. 18
Printers The Canvas Printing Company.................................... 7
Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 27
Spectacles Services Williams Harris.......................................................... 15
Drainage Services All Drains Cleared...................................................... 19 Dorset Drain Unblocking............................................ 7
Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 25
Driveways County Block Paving.................................................. 13
Property Maintenance Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Removals & Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11 Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 25 Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32
Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3
Electricians J Taylor Electrical....................................................... 11
Waste Services Dorset Waste Partnership........................................... 5 Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Florists Buds of Mave.............................................................. 5
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 17
Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic................................. 27
Windows & Doors Doors, Windows & Locks........................................... 15
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1 3 UP TO
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Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area
Call us on 01929 408080 or visit www.purbeckpublications.co.uk