July 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
Summer 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
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
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 and Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design and installation
Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Introduction
4
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers, Ulwell and Durlston!
The Swanage Oracle Edition 139
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone:
01929 408080
Email:
info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the August 2020 edition: 13th July 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 are delighted to bring you the July issues of our Local Modern Magazines. We like to keep you up to date with local, community data as well as bring you great trades and businesses right to your doorstep. The companies inside are raring to go and would love to hear from you. Many have ‘virtual’ lines in place, so you can look online or speak over the phone to get the advice and help you need. Those trades that can come to your house are fully equipped with the Government guidelines and protective gear to keep themselves and you safe. These are trying times all round, so please do keep your local magazine in mind when looking for good local services to help you. Let’s keep our local community thriving, despite the current circumstances. Please do mention us when making those all-important calls. If you have any local data that you would like others to know about, then do give us a call. This is free to local clubs and societies. We are here to help. Do enjoy reading our new “Educational Pages” which this month are all about the human body! Wishing you a great month of July. May the ‘new normality’ settle in soon!
Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi Cover photo: Robin Boultwood
Useful Numbers Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Swanage Hospital
101 0800 072 7282 0800 111999 01929 422282
Train Enquires Wilts & Dorset Bus Wessex Water Emerg. Purbeck Distict Council
08457 484950 01983 827005 0845 600 4600 01929 556561
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
5 We’re with you every step of the way 24 hr service available on 01929 422445 or email: office @jamessmithfunerals.co.uk or find out more at www.jamessmithfunerals.co.uk
We can support all of your funeral needs and will guide you through this difficult time with professional advice, care and empathy
Funeral arrangements
Memorial masonry
Funeral plans
Our number one priority is looking after you
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
QUIRKY BY MICA BALE
Although Dorset might well be experiencing its strangest summer in history, the beau ful coastline and landscapes that make the county so special are s ll as breathtaking as ever. From the various bird species that have been enjoying Dorset’s skies to an impressive collec on from Ancient Egypt, here are another five facts from around Dorset. Writers, painters and poets have long flocked to the Dorset coast to be inspired and interes ngly Lyme Regis’ iconic Cobb harbour wall actually featured in the works of one of Britain’s most popular female writers. The Cobb which is thought to date back at least to the early 14th century has featured in various films and literature but for Austen fans, it will be remembered as the landmark where Louisa Musgrove in Persuasion took a rather unfortunate tumble. Austen herself enjoyed visi ng Lyme Regis and reportedly went to the town on several occasions, no doubt enjoying a stroll down the Cobb herself, though perhaps watching her foo ng more than her character did! Did you know that the beau ful Kingston Lacy House is home to the largest private collec on of ancient Egyp an artefacts in the UK? The collec on was personally compiled by William John Bankes who travelled to Egypt in the early 19th century and came back from his exci ng adventures with many fascina ng finds. As well as the impressive collec on, visitors to Kingston Lacy House and Garden can enjoy many other historical artefacts including several pain ngs by such icons of the art world Reubens and van Dyck. To learn more about this des na on, visit their website; www.na onaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
With Dorset, along with the rest of the country, cau ously emerging from the restraints of lockdown, the local wildlife has been enjoying more peaceful days and various species have delighted many wildlife enthusiasts and twitchers with increased sigh ngs. The beau ful and colourful Great Spo�ed Woodpecker, Red Kites, some rather sleepy Tawny Owls and even a pair of Roseate Terns are just some of the birds that have been making appearances throughout the county.
Long before community awards and rewards excised to praise the endeavours of towns and villages, se�lements relied on the highly esteemed words of the likes of Daniel Defoe to draw a�en on to their landmarks or local wares. Defoe was known to be as condemning as he was complimentary and thankfully Stalbridge was to receive his praise when he commented that the se�lement, known for its tex les once produced the ‘finest, best and most prized stockings in England’ even if he did lament that the ‘trade now is much decayed by the increase of the kni�ng-stocking engine’!
Don’t miss the next edi on!
Interes ngly, were you aware that Sir Ernest Debenham, the grandson of the businessman William Debenham of department store Debenham, purchased the Dorset village of Brianspuddle in 1914? A�er purchasing the village, Sir Ernest decided to both expand the village and also improve the facili es, notably by having every co�age being complete with a toilet and a large garden.
8
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
9
Full range of rural services
DRAIN UNBLOCKING • Toilets • Sinks • Baths • Showers • Sewers • Soakaways • Camera Surveys • Drain Repairs & New Installations
Heatcare (UK) Ltd is a local family run, OFTEC and Gas Safe registered, plumbing and heating company! Heatcare are able to cater to your needs be it services, repairs or installations and we are able to carry out these services in both domestic and commercial sectors. Along with offering these services in Oil, we can also offer the same in LPG and mains Gas, again, in both domestic and commercial fields. • Worcester Accredited Installers • Up to 8/10 year warranties on oil/gas boilers • Oil tank replacements and new installations • 10 month interest free credit on all Worcester boilers To book your service or free no obligation quote contact us on
01305 853970 or 07557 990715 or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com
Visit our website:
www.heatcareukltd.com
Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
24/7
01929 666 226 www.dorsetdrainunblocking.co.uk
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
10
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
11
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
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
J Taylor Electrical • • • • • • • •
Tel: 01929 408080
info@purbeckpublications.co.uk
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
Call John on
Swanage 422989 or 07966 167978
E: johntaylor294@gmail.com
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Wildlife News
12
Talking about Wildlife...
Summer wildlife At Dorset Wildlife Trust we know summer is here with the arrival of the li�le terns and the barn owl chicks. Some of nature’s most exciting displays are about to start… At Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve in Weymouth, the barn owls have already started to rear their chicks. At the time of writing, 5 of 7 eggs have hatched and under the careful watch of their parents, are thriving. Barn owls have been roosting in the box which is specially built into the Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, since 2010. Last year, we had the most amount of chicks fledge ever (five!), and this year is already looking promising. All this is despite the decline of barn owls nationally. The Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, which the barn owls hunt for voles and other prey on, seems to have plentiful food stocks. Lack of habitat and nesting space are the main challenges for barn owls, so it’s great that our nature reserve can provide both for these majestic creatures. Watch them live on our webcam, sponsored by Dorset Tea, at www. dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/raptorcam. Over at Chesil, the li�le tern project is in full swing, with the first egg appearing on 20th May, nestled in the iconic pebbles of Chesil Beach. Each summer these li�le Little Tern near Chesil Beach Photo: Angela Thomas
Barn Owl at Lorton
Photo: Paul Williams
birds arrive in Dorset, migrating from Africa for the summer, to breed on the beach, which is the South West’s only colony. Last year, they broke records with breeding numbers, and despite their numbers dropping to their lowest in 1997, careful management of the habitat by volunteers has ensured their continued survival and growing numbers. Li�le terns are the smallest of the UK terns and are a fast flying graceful li�le bird with a black cap on their head and a yellow bill with a black tip. You’ll hear them before you see them – with their distinctive ‘creeking’ call. They are ground nesting birds, so the Chesil li�le tern project, led by RSPB, concentrates on protecting the colony from predators and reducing disturbance. Before the birds arrive, an electric fence is put up around the colony, and a hide is constructed for the wardens and volunteers to monitor the birds 24 hours a day, and scare off any avian predators. The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre has a viewing pla�orm to view these birds, who are hunting for fish in the fleet lagoon. Bring your binoculars! You can also keep track on Twi�er (@Li�le_ tern17) for the latest li�le tern news. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk By Sally Welbourn
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
13
MALLWOOD ROOFING LTD
• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS • TRAILER HIRE
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
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 Ser vicing 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
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
14
Welcome back to all our clients both existing... and future! The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for everyone to have Power of Attorneys in place. For the many who have either contracted the virus or had to isolate for a prolonged period, having registered Power of Attorneys would have helped them immensely in the management of their affairs during this time. So
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is a legal document by which an individual gives another person(s) authority to make certain decisions on his or her behalf. You are not giving away any of your money or property to anyone else – your Attorney is just authorised to deal with those assets for you when you wish them to, or when you are unable to. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) continues in effect even if the person giving the power becomes mentally incapable of dealing with their affairs. A lasting power of attorney is not to do with what happens when you die. Nor does it prevent you from continuing to make decisions and dealing with your own affairs for so long as you are capable. Your Attorney(s) can only ever act in your best interests.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):
1. “Property and Affairs” which allows your Attorney the power to deal with your property and finances. 2. “Health and Welfare” which allows your Attorney to make welfare and healthcare decisions on your behalf, but only when you lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself. Indeed, the pandemic has also highlighted the very real need for everyone to have a current Will, irrespective of their financial standing or age. Now is the time: to learn the lessons from this pandemic. Now is the time: to put appropriate protection in place. Now is the time: to give yourself the peace of mind in knowing your affairs are in order. The good news is, this is not as complicated or expensive as it sounds. Dorset and Wight are your local trusted provider of affordable Lasting Power of Attorneys and professionally drafted Wills. You have undoubtedly heard of us Now is the time: to call us. Telephone 01202 065953 or 01983 623900 or visit: www.dorsetandwight.co.uk
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
15
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 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
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Learning
THE HUM
Different organs can work together to perform a common func on, like how the pa organ system. Groups of organ systems work together to make complete, func onal
SKELETAL SYSTEM
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
The skeleton is the central structure of the body and is made up of bones, joints and car lage. The skeleton provides the framework for muscles and gives the body its defined human shape. Altogether the skeleton makes up about 20% of a persons body weight. The adult body has 206 bones!
The muscular system is an organ system consis ng of s ke l e t a l , s m o o t h a n d cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body, maintains posture and circulates blood throughout the body. The muscular system makes up approximately 40% of a persons body weight.
NERVOUS
The nervous coordinates m sensory info transmi ng s from differen body. It environmen that impact t works with th system to res events.
g all about
MAN BODY
arts of your diges ve system break down food. We refer to an integrated unit as an l organisms, like us! There are 11 major organ systems in the human body.
S SYSTEM
system is a movement and orma on by signals to and nt parts of its detects ntal changes the body and he endocrine spond to such
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The circulatory system is made up of vessels and muscles that control the ow blood around the body. This process is called circula on. The main parts of the system are the heart, arteries, capillaries and veins. It is also responsible for carrying oxygen and essen al nutrients to cells.
The diges ve system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the en re body. Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointes nal tract (GI tract).
Community News
18
STAR GAZING Welcome to the monthly Stargazing Page! Each month I’ll be describing astronomical events that are happening overhead in our beau�ful night skies. The majority of them are viewable just by stepping out at the appropriate �me and looking up, but some may require a par�cular vantage point (e.g. a clear view to the west). A cloudless sky is (usually) required! Some viewings will benefit from using binoculars or a small telescope if you have one, but most observa�ons can be enjoyed without either. For your safety, please remember to wait un�l the sun has set before observing the night sky. Interna onal Space Sta on The Interna�onal Space Sta�on (ISS) is usually visible at some point during the night, but o�en at unsociable hours. Unfortunately, all flyovers in July occur at 10pm or later, but if you can manage to stay up that late, and the skies are partly clear, you will be rewarded with some high, bright glimpses of the Space Sta�on. Excellent sigh�ngs are predicted for July 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th and 26th. These occur around 10.15pm, rising from a roughly westerly direc�on, passing overhead in some instances (July 20th), and se ng towards the east. (Please note these �mings and direc�ons are correct at �me of going to press and are subject to change. For up-to-date informa�on on visible ISS overhead passes please visit www.heavens-above.com. Mercury In late July, Mercury will be visible for those willing to rise around 4.30am. It will be extremely low on the horizon towards the ENE, and hard to spot in the dawn light. Venus Now shining as the Morning Star (known to the ancient Greeks and Egyp�ans as ‘Phosphorus’, meaning ‘Dawn bringer’ or ‘Bringer of light’), early risers will no�ce Venus shining brightly in the east. If you are able to surface early from your slumber around 4am on July 17th and have a clear view of the horizon to the east, you will be compensated with a deligh�ul view of Venus, the Moon and the Vshaped Hyades star cluster, which represents the head of the Bull in the constella�on of Taurus.
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
19
Mars The red planet is visible a�er 1am towards the ESE. The red planet will be placed for easier evening viewing later in the year. Saturn & Jupiter Both gas giants are now visible in our evening skies, rising in the SE a�er 11pm. A stunning vista is visible a�er 11.30pm on July 5th, when the two planets form a triangle with the Full Moon, making them easy to iden fy (see diagram). Jupiter and Saturn both benefit from being viewed through binoculars or a telescope, where you may spot the larger moons of both planets, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter’s cloud belts and its Great Red Spot (the largest an cyclonic storm in the solar system, which has been raging for over a hundred years). These two planets will not rise high in the sky so a clear view to the south is required. A stroll along our beau ful cliff top on a late summer evening is the ideal place to spot these planets. (If viewing through binoculars or a telescope, observe later at night as heat haze or sea mist frequently disrupt seeing condi ons). Moon This month’s full moon on July 5th is tradi onally known as the Buck Moon to Na ve American tribes, as it coincides with the me of year when male deer start to regrow their velvet antlers. July’s full moon also goes by the names Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, and the Wart Moon.
SATURN
MOON
VENUS
HYADES STAR CLUSTER
View E on 17 July 2020 at 04:00am BST
JUPITER
FULL MOON
View SE on 05 July 2020 at 11:30pm BST
Don’t miss our next star-gazing feature!
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Community News
20
Local boy replicates channel swim to support local hospice charity A 10 year old boy from Poole is replicating swimming the English Channel by completing 2817 lengths of his pool at home to raise money for Forest Holme Hospice..
Fraser Burnet, a pupil at Dumpton School in Wimborne, decided during these difficult times to raise money to help others in need and wanted to honour the memory of his Daddy and Grandpa, who passed away two years and one year ago respectively. He has even managed a personal best of 140 lengths in one day.
around 1,000 adults each year across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck, with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. The hospice is part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by Forest Holme Hospice Charity, who need to raise an additional £850,000 each year to help enhance the NHS provision at the hospice and ensure that Forest Holme is there for patients and their family and friends during the most difficult time of their lives.
So far Fraser has raised nearly £2,000, which is going to be generously match-funded by Teleost Cayman Ltd and Ancora Software. Fraser, said, “An enormous thank you to you all, it will keep me going on my long swim, which I estimate will take me just under two months to complete, if I average 50 lengths a day. Please sponsor me, as Forest Holme are unable to do their own fundraising during this time and they need to continue their marvellous work.” Forest Holme Hospice provides individually tailored quality palliative care and support to
Fraser Burnet draped with flags www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fraser-burnet
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
21
stepping over into the EV world, what is it like? Well I can tell you it’s definitely not something we should be afraid of. Electric vehicles are here to stay and are a viable alterna�ve to your everyday oil burners! The Tesla Model 3 is the latest model (alongside the Model Y) to come out of the huge 5.3 million square foot factory in Fremont, California. This car really puts Tesla on the map by appealing to a much wider audience than it’s bigger brothers, the Model S & X, and that’s due to one simple fact….the price. It starts from only £40,000 which may flip the stalk down twice un�l you hear sound like a lot, but when you compare it a subtle bong, sit back (whilst keeping to the other models in their por�olio, you your hands on the wheel) and enjoy can really tell Tesla have made a conscious autonomy. Who would have thought in effort to develop something more 2020 we would have a very capable affordable for the masses, whilst keeping self-driving car, granted it’s more suited quality high. With incredible lease deals to motorways but the car really is available, owning a Tesla is now a realis�c capable of keeping you and your family prospect for many people, and why safe. Onboard you’ll find 8 high wouldn’t you? The Model 3 Standard defini�on cameras which con�nually Range Plus boasts a range of 235 miles, scan the road around you. All the coupled with incredible performance, informa�on from these cameras is superb technology and a very engaging displayed on the HUGE 15 inch screen, drive. The car effortlessly corners, even along with Google Maps, Spo�fy, and with all power to the rear wheels it s�cks pre�y much the en�rety of the cars to the road like an AWD and the “oncontrol system. Want to find out more? demand” accelera�on is like hi�ng a light Check out my YouTube channel by switch, it really is incredible. This car visi�ng h�ps���bit.ly�2AQkXtz. Like & however has two personali�es, when subscribe to see more automo�ve you’re done enjoying the performance, content. Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
The Adventures of Daichi
22
The Adventures of Daichi
The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Oh, my goodness what incredible times we are living in! Daichi the Dashing Dude, our funloving campervan was driving us mad, instead of driving us off to exciting places to visit, for the last few months. I am sure you can only imagine how he felt when Boris said it was ok for him to go out on the road again! Wild horses wouldn’t stop him. In fact, that is where he took us… to see the wild ponies, horses and cattle in the New Forest. This area is so beautiful… the space, the greenery, the wildlife. Gorgeous. We packed Daichi with a healthy picnic and off we set. All smiles, including the Dashing Dude with his ‘bright white teeth’ all shining. It was a lovely day with the sun
Mare and foal in the New Forest
Daichi is all smiles at the seaside
ablaze. I think the horses were quite astounded at the amount of people walking around and disturbing the land that had become their own, and theirs alone, recently. I am sure a few looked at us in resentment as if to say, “Could you leave us to it please?” There were many foals too, all looking rather healthy, staying close to the safety of their mothers. Such a delight to watch. The expanding space of our very special New Forest is such an inspiration. The rolling countryside has a calming effect. Everything seems in control, tranquil and suddenly the stress of the news and the negativity falls away. Things do not seem so bad after all. Daichi highly recommends a therapeutic trip to the countryside to blow away any pessimistic doom and gloom.
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
23
Switching off the news on the TV is also a good idea. Dancing our way through the winding New Forest lanes we arrived at out destination, Lepe Beach. Now a different view of the wide expanse of sea and the Isle of Wight which seems so close. There was even an ice cream van! After weeks of being ‘locked up’ it is amazing what we can suddenly get very excited about. I have not felt like that since I was six and wanted an ice cream! It is the small things in life that make a difference and how we appreciate these even more now. Oh yes, and the toilets were open too! We were safe. How funny is that! A picnic in Daichi was a must. His little fridge comes in really handy and though we had prepared a flask of coffee this time, his whistling kettle will come in useful again very soon. So, there we were, the three of us, with a stunning sea view and good food.
Quality family time!
Relaxing on the beach...
The campervan-life really has its perks. We love it. Of course, we had to get out and sit on the sand and watch the rolling waves gently cruising towards us. There actually was a cruise ship moving out to sea, having been moored in Southampton harbour. I wonder where it was going? That is something else we miss… you can’t beat a good cruise. One day we will be back to some semblance of normality. I do not know when that will be, but in the meantime we have our wonderful Daichi The Dashing Dude who is delighted to ‘sail’ us away to wherever we want to go, or wherever he decides to take us. If you have any ideas where to visit, then we would love to hear from you. Family fun is what Daichi is all about. We do hope you are able to get out and about too. It is so good to do! Where will Daichi take us next? See in our next issue… By Debbie Corney
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
24
“
I was an incredibly picky eater as a child. I remember wan ng to like tomatoes because they were such a lovely bright colour but s ll I wouldn’t eat them! It was only a�er my mother started growing them at home that I finally plucked one straight from the plant and popped it, warm from the sun, into my mouth - delicious!
”
Would you like to see your youngsters spending more me outdoors and get them ea ng healthy foods too? What be er idea than to involve the kids in growing their own?
While we’d all love a string of willing, young, helpers on the vegetable plot you do have to be realis c. Children can have short a en on spans, will only want to do the jobs that appeal to them, and usually expect quick results. Us adults on the other hand tend to be stuck in our ways, place great importance in doing things slowly and methodically and don’t usually take well to sudden changes of plan! So how can you encourage your li le ones, without boring them out of the garden, or having them dig up your row of prize leeks? If it is at all possible give children a space that is completely their own on the plot. Get hold of some good quality child size tools and encourage their a empts even if it isn’t quite what you’d have done - if digging holes and making mud pies is more in their line than neat rows of seedlings perhaps they could create a wildlife area? A shallow dish sunk into the ground can be used by birds, frogs, toads and hedgehogs, and a log pile will be home to all sorts of insects plus providing a possible hedgehog home. Giant sunflowers are great fun, especially if you have a growing compe on, and wild flower seeds can just be sca ered and will, in me, encourage useful insects and birds - natural pest control! Keen young growers can browse seed packets or catalogues to see what takes their fancy. Quick growing crops are a good sugges on radishes and salad leaves pop up in no me at all and should give them almost instant sa sfac on! Sweet young carrots are likely to
tempt even picky eaters, as are those lovely li le cherry tomatoes. Fruit, such as strawberries and raspberries is usually popular, and if you haven’t got any of your own planted yet you can always get them enthusias c by having an a�ernoon out at the pick your own farm. Ready grown plug plants can be good for helping them to set up an ‘instant’ plot - take a trip out to the garden centre to see what is on offer. If you already have seedlings started, then they could have the choice of some for their own plot. Finally, don’t forget ‘indoor’ growing ac vi es too clean out the bo om half of a boiled egg and draw a face on it. Fill it with co on wool soaked in water and sprinkle on some cress seeds - in just a few days the egg man will be growing hair and not only can they cut his hair but they can eat it too!
Get growing!
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
25
CAMERAS & BINOCULARS WANTED
By Private Collector ANY Age, Format, Quantity or Quality - Collections Of ANY Size - Lenses Of All Types - Clockwork Cine ALSO Wanted 8mm, 16mm, 35mm - BEST PRICES PAID - WILL COLLECT - ANY DISTANCE CONSIDERED Please Call Keith On
01202 862886 • COVID-19 SAFE COLLECTIONS •
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.
Tel: 01929 481496 Mobile: 07484 186617 Email: dwlocks@outlook.com
FENSA, MTC - CRB CHECKED. GGFI INSURANCE-BACKED GUARANTEE
Did you get it right? Check out the answers below!
1 2 3
5
6
4
9
8
7 10
1) Wallpaper & extra le er ‘R’ • 2) Brushes & extra le er ‘O’ 3) Stepladder & extra le er ‘L’ • 4) Paste bucket & extra le er ‘L’ 5) Scissors & extra le er ‘E’ • 6) Paint & extra le er ‘R’ Extra word: Roller
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Food & Drink
26
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
27
�r�E"f
fRIRlS'-'tl
Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01929) 270081 - Swanage www.wessexaerials.co.uk
Near Corfe Castle (on main A351)
Tel: 01929 480098
Brighten your garden! Large selection of Perennials Shrubs – Roses – Basket Plants Summer Bedding Plants Vegetable Plants – Herbs many interesting & unusual!
Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV
Composts – Bamboo Canes Pots & General gardening goods
Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.
Lots of local produce, including: Free Range Eggs – Bread – Cakes Honey – Jams – Chutneys Ales – Cider and Wines
For prompt and friendly help call Alan on:
Fresh meat from GWR Hole & Sons
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
Pet and Animal feeds & accessories Large selection of Wild Bird Feed, Feeders & Nest boxes
Computer Problems? 01929 480529 or 07710 835905
www.ajvcomputing.co.uk
20kg Wild Bird Seed - £10.95
COVID-19 Precautions: STILL OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-4pm
Limited number of people in shop you may be asked to queue For latest news, check www.nordenfarm.com Ample Parking and Assistance with Loading Home deliveries also available
Household tips Tricky Thread If you’re having trouble trying to get that pesky end of your sewing thread into the eye of the needle, why not use hairspray? By spraying the end of the thread with just a bit of hairspray it will make it much easier to attach the thread to the needle.
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Community News
28
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
29
6 FINISH
10 Min run, jog or walk Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
30
Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Oracle... Aerials Wessex Aerials........................................................... 27
Funeral Directors James Smith................................................................ 5
Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................................................... 3
Garage Doors Garolla....................................................................... 31 Skandoor..................................................................... 2
Builders Jim Baggley Building Services..................................... 8 Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.................................................. 25 Carpenters Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Community News Adventures of Daichi................................................. 22 Colouring page.......................................................... 28 Dorset Quirky Facts.................................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Summer Wildlife...................... 12 Education Pages: The Human Body........................... 16 Home Workout.......................................................... 29 Kids Page................................................................... 10 Local boy replicates channel swim to support local hospice charity.............................. 20 Motoring: Testla Model 3.......................................... 21 On Your Plot: Tomatoes............................................. 24 Recipe: Green Frittata................................................ 26 Stargazing in Dorset.................................................. 18
Garden Services All Grass Landscapes.................................................. 8 Home Care Services Bluebird Care.............................................................. 5 Pest Control Terminator Pest.......................................................... 8 Plumbers CM Plumbing & Heating............................................ 13 FXR Heating & Plumbing............................................ 3 Heatcare..................................................................... 9 Purbeck Plumbing, Heating & Drainage.................... 11 Property Maintenance Purbeck Home Improvements.................................... 1 Total Woodwork - Peter Albin.................................... 11 Removals & Storage Purbeck Self Storage.................................................. 11
Computer Services AJV Computing.......................................................... 27
Roofing Mallwood Roofing..................................................... 13
Dental Services deWaal Specialist Periodontics.................................. 32
Solicitors Humphries Kirk.......................................................... 32
Drainage Services All Drains Cleared...................................................... 19 Dorset Drain Unblocking............................................ 9
Trailers Wessex Trailers.......................................................... 13
Driveways County Block Paving.................................................. 31
Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care........................................................... 3
Electricians J Taylor Electrical....................................................... 11
Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors............................................... 2
Farm Shops Norden Farm Shop..................................................... 27
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills................................................. 15
Foot Care Services West Dorset Mobile Foot Clinic.................................. 9
Windows, Doors & Conservatories Doors, Windows & Locks........................................... 25
To advertise in The Swanage Oracle, please call: 01929 408080
31
County Block Paving
Ltd SINCE 1990
Block Paving Tarmacadam
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
Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
Purbeck Publications Promoting your local area
Call us on 01929 408080 or visit www.purbeckpublications.co.uk