The Swanage The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Swanage, Studland Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers & Ulwell
Delivered FREE by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in BH19 postcode area
Oracle
September 2017
& DEVELOPERS LTD ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING & BUILDING WORKS UNDERTAKEN *New Roofs *Flat Roofs *Stone Roofs *Conservatory Roofs *Roof Repairs *Loft Conversions *Renovations *Lead Work *Chimney’s Removed/Repaired *Fascia’s, Soffits & Guttering *Velux Windows *New Builds *Plastering *Internal Walls Removed *Extensions *Plans submitted on your behalf
LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
FULLY INSURED • WORKS GUARANTEED www.purbeckhomeimprovements.co.uk
FREE SURVEYS & ESTIMATES 01929 46 33 49 / 47 28 09 07799 26 11 05 / 0800 567 7614
2 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
Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
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3
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
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4
Introduction
The Swanage Edition 106
Oracle
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Purbeck Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080 Email: info@swanageoracle.co.uk
Copy deadline for the October 2017 edition: 18th September 2017
Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Swanage Oracle does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.
Proud members of
Dear Swanage, Studland, Worth Matravers, Langton Matravers and Ulwell! We certainly have had a rather wet summer which is a shame. We always hope for sun and are well known across the globe for our conversations about the weather. It is so changeable after all! Nellie, The Purbeck Publications travelling van, made the most of it for us and with our good old British attitude we did have plenty of fun. We hope you did too. For those of us with children and grandchildren it is ‘back to school’ for yet another year. Hayden has moved up to Upper School which is very exciting. We managed in all our activities over the summer to redecorate his bedroom and put in a new bed with a nice homework desk underneath, so no excuses now! Let’s see if that works. I am sure it will. Dare I say the nights will be pulling in soon and we will be wrapping up warmer and maybe even putting the fire and heating on. Now is the time to make sure all is in good working order, so do make those allimportant calls to the experts who can check it out for you. There are many trades people who could help inside so please do use them. They love to hear from you and it makes all our hard work worthwhile. The lucky winner of the meal for two at The Bull & Boat was Ross Martin. Well done to you! Do fill in this month’s wordsearch as you could be the lucky winner this coming month. Oh yes, Nellie has written a fun puzzle book with stories of some of her exploits. If you would like a copy please give her a call. The details are inside. Happy September! Best Wishes,
Debbie & Stephen Corney 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
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5
For all your Domestic & Commercial Demolition & Asbestos Clearance...
Safe and smooth demolition and removal of old sheds and garages. Get rid of the eye sore and create a space to enjoy this summer! Using the highest quality machinery and a team of experienced workers, the job gets done right! Safe and secure transfer of any asbestos waste with all essential documentation. Waste transfer permit held.
Tel: 01202 511151 www.pro-dem.co.uk
33 Richmond Park Avenue, Queens Park, Bournemouth, BH8 9DN Please mention The Swanage Oracle when responding to adverts
6
Community News
Swanage Painting Club Exhibition Some of Swanage’s most talented artists put their work on display throughout Carnival week. More than 500 people visited Swanage Painting Club’s annual art exhibition at the Catholic Church Hall in Rempstone Road during the week 29th July to 6th August and sales of original art work, prints and cards was high. Local artist Tony Kerins agreed to judge the Derek Charters Award themed ‘Seaside’ pictures and we are
David Wright winner of the Derek Charters Award
Carol Hicks with her commendation
delighted to announce the winner as David Wright. Carol Hicks was commended and the public vote for their favourite painting went to Ann Beesley. Our painting group starts again on Thursday September 7th 9.3012.30 at the Catholic Church Hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage. All very welcome to join, just turn up on any Thursday or ring our Secretary Jane Wilby on 01929 427078 for more information.
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7
COMPETITIVE CONSTRUCTION Dorset Ltd
E: compcondorset@gmail.com
Experienced local builder specialising in:
Listed Building Work Extensions Loft Conversions New Builds Renovations All trades handled
Tel: 07973 400 297
19 St Martins Lane, Wareham, BH20 4HF
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Community News
8
Further opportunity to help shape the future of Purbeck An additional public consultation is to be held on the plan which will determine development for the next 16 years in the district. Purbeck District Council is currently updating the Purbeck Local Plan. The updated plan will determine where development can take place in the district, including locations for new homes and jobs. This brings significant challenges for the Council in seeking to preserve the beauty and diverse landscape of Purbeck, whilst also providing for future needs and enabling local communities to thrive. Following previous consultations in 2015 and 2016, the Council will run a further, district-wide consultation to help inform the plan. The consultation is likely to take place later this year and will provide an additional opportunity for everyone to submit their views on potential future development in the district. Following the last consultation in 2016, Purbeck District Council has been working on updates to evidence related to the plan. Once the studies have been completed, the Council will be able to confirm the exact date of the consultation, hopefully in late 2017. Councillor Barry Quinn, Deputy Leader of Purbeck District Council, said: “The Local Plan is an important
document that will help shape the future of Purbeck, so it is important we get it right. “There will be an opportunity for people to submit their views to help shape the plan. These views are important to us and we will be encouraging everyone with an interest in the future of the district to take part.” The Council is planning to send information about the consultation to all households in the district, enabling as many people as possible to get involved. Councillor Quinn continued: “We will be including information about the consultation in our Council magazine, About Purbeck, giving every household the opportunity to respond. As well as opportunities to submit views in writing, people will be able to share ideas with others through local meetings”. See further information about the Local Plan Review at www.Dorsetforyou.gov. uk/purbeck-local-plan-review, email the Council at localplan@purbeck-dc. gov.uk or telephone 01929 556561. Cllr Barry Quinn, Deputy Leader, Purbeck District Council
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9
Custom fitted furniture handmade in Dorset.
A family run business with over 40 years experience.
Wardrobes Lounge and Media Units Angled Units Home Offices Storage Solutions for every room
Call 01202 823231 for your free, no obligation design consultation
www.customcreations.furniture Showroom open hours: Mon - Fri: 9am – 5.30pm | Sat: 9am – 2pm | Sun: By appointment Unit 1, Enterprise Park, Blackmoor Road, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, BH31 6YS
Design inspired by you.
IDEAL SKIP HIRE Skips from 2 - 40yds SAND, GRAVEL HARDCORE, SHINGLE & TOP SOIL Available loose or in 25kg & 1 ton bags Delivery or collection
Trade & DIY Customers Welcome
A Fast, Friendly & Efficient Service
TEL: 01929 422980
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Community News
10
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11
Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE Heatcare UK LTD are OFTEC and Gas safe qualified and registered. We are able to cater for all of your oil heating needs including commercial, on top of providing our expert knowledge and services in both mains gas and LPG.
• Service checks available • No call out charge • Fast response • All work guaranteed • Increased warranties on Worcester products • Heating • Plumbing • Leadwork To book your service or work contact us on
01305 853970 or 07557 990715
or email us at heatcareukltd@aol.com Visit our website:
www.heatcareukltd.com And don’t forget to like us on Facebook!
Household Tips Can’t get garlic or onion odour off your hands? Wash them using a blob of toothpaste for freshly fragranced fingers!
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12
Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Wildlife in Autumn Whilst most of us might be dreading the thought of the seasons changing, autumn can offer up some exciting wildlife spectacles and activity for us to observe and learn about. As the days start to get shorter, wildlife in our woods and gardens gets busy. Autumn is a time of bustling activity; preparation of food reserves and nestling for winter, and, for some, for hibernation. Many a nature lover’s favourite, the dormouse, generally hibernates from October to April, in a hidden nest on the ground. Whilst this tiny creature gains weight from 25 to 40 grams in preparation for its long period of inactivity, this is an extremely vulnerable time for the species and not all survive it. For bird watchers, autumn is a wondrous time: due to its temperate climate, Britain is an internationally important destination for many migrant birds. As summer favourites such as swallows, nightingales and house martins depart, fieldfares, geese and waders, along with many others, arrive in their huge flocks on our shores, creating fantastic aerial spectacles. Brownsea Island at Poole Harbour is ideal for bird watching, and has an added
Red Squirrel
Photo: Stewart Canham
Dormouse
Photo: DWT
bonus of a population of red squirrels which can be spotted busily scurrying around the island, storing away their winter nuts and seeds. Don’t forget to check the woodland floor, too, for colourful autumn fungi. Looking after your garden with wildlife in mind at this time of year is crucial, and the good news is, too much tidying up is not a good thing! Hedgehogs, toads and minibeasts all need safe winter quarters; a pile of wood, leaves and sticks in a secluded corner of your garden equals a five star hotel for many wintering species. Be mindful to check November bonfires before lighting, though, for hibernating hedgehogs. Finally, it is not only fauna that can be enjoyed in the autumn; flora will be in bloom as well - join our wild friends and enjoy the many fruits of hedgerow harvest from blackberries to crab apples. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s busiest time of year for practical conservation work starts in the Autumn and Winter. If you’re interested in getting involved with volunteering, phone Susanna on 01202 692033 to find out what’s happening near you in Dorset. By Niina Silvennoinen
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13
C
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
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Community News
14
Vulnerable families enjoy day out thanks to generous fundraisers support workers, Jess Noble-Gresty, A group of families supported by worked very hard to arrange the trip BCHA services enjoyed a day out at and even enlisted her father to drive Monkey World recently thanks to the one of the mini buses on the day. generosity of local fundraisers. Jess said, “We are extremely grateful to BCHA is a Bournemouth-based everyone who helped fundraise for us specialist housing provider, which and also to Monkey World for helping helps homeless and vulnerable people us organise the trip. For these families, access the right housing, health, a day out like this is so precious and learning and work opportunities. the children had a fantastic day seeing It supports over 10,000 people every all the monkeys.” year across the South West to take BCHA is always looking for new control of their lives and equips them members of staff or volunteers, as to find a way forward, which includes well as donations, to support its work supported homes for people who supporting people who are homeless. find themselves homeless after facing For more information go online relationship breakdowns, addictions, to www.bcha.org.uk or call 01202 unemployment, domestic violence 410500. and deteriorating mental and physical health. The day out, which took place during the park’s 30th anniversary celebrations, was almost entirely funded by a local group of fundraisers, who work tirelessly throughout the year to support BCHA, particularly to enable children affected by homelessness to enjoy activities. (L-R) BCHA support staff Hayleigh Carling, Kathryn Goulding, and Jess Noble-Gresty One of BCHA’s child
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15
Man and Cherry Picker for Hire Our cherry picker reaches up to 50ft Property Repair & Maintenance Exterior Painting Chimney & Roof Repairs Tree & Hedge Work SoďŹƒt, Fascia & Guttering Building Surveys & Electrical Installations Roof, Gutters & Solar Panel Cleaning Covering Dorset & surrounding areas
PURBECK ACCESS Call us on:
01929 426797 07561 200 342
www.purbeckaccess.co.uk
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Bay Window:
3 part with Georgian bar: £975 3 part without Georgian bar: £925
All our prices are displayed online Visit our website and get your quote:
Puzzle Corner
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Pop the kettle on... 4 2
6
6 3
8
5
2
6
Across
5
1
4 2
4
3
2
7
9
7 9
7
1
1
Crossword
1 Diabetics inject this (7) 5 A country near Holland (7) 9 Complaint (9) 10 Make use of (5) 11 Not varying (7) 12 Stewards (7) 13 Like a serpent (9) 15 Fortune tellers (5) 17 Requires (5) 19 Strict (9) 22 Windpipes (7) 25 Sanitary practices (7) 26 Selected by ballot (5) 27 Commences (9) 28 Burn slowly (7) 29 Chuckled (7)
Down
1 Entry (7) 2 Induce or provoke (9) 3 Cuddly (7) 4 Convents (9) 5 Desolate (5) 6 Jumpers (7)
7 Picture (5) 8 Assaults sexually (7) 14 Terran (9) 16 Being a force of nature (9) 17 Indigenous people (7) 18 Burnt with a hot liquid (7)
20 Shrewish (7) 21 Plaited (7) 23 Relative magnitudes (5) 24 Bake eggs in their shells (5)
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19 • All aspects of Plumbing and Heating undertaken • Boiler and Cylinder Instillation / Service and Repair • Landlords Gas Safety Certificate • Central Heating System design and installation • Bathroom refurbishment
Natural Gas, LPG and Oil qualified and registered engineer Call Rory on: 07980 805157 / 01929 761688 Email: rory@fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk www.fxrheatingandplumbing.co.uk
Need some advice? Call into our Wareham office on Thursdays between 9.30am and 4.30pm to speak to our Financial Planning and Business Advisers for an initial, ‘no obligation’ consultation. ‘Financial Thursdays’ are for you to call in and enquire about any Business or Financial Planning matters. Our services include: Investment Advice • Pensions Advice • Tax Planning and Trusts • Inheritance Tax Planning Equity Release • Long Term Care Planning • Business Planning and Business Support Services
For more information please call our Wareham office on 01929 551551 or visit www.wardgoodman.co.uk St Mary’s House, 24 North Street, Wareham, BH20 4AG
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20
J Taylor Electrical • • • •
NICEIC approved contractor Established 2002 Friendly Swanage based service From small jobs in the home to rewires 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
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
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Get your copy... Today! The Nellie always loves to have fun! This little book is full of puzzles, games and places to go here in wonderful England!
Only
£4.99 inc P&
P
Adventures of NELL for older adul
ts who are you
IE
ng at heart...
There is a prize crossword you can fill in and send to Nellie. All the other answers are at the back of her book. By She would love to make you smile, so and N please give us of coursee!llie, a call or send in the slip below to obtain your very own copy.
D Coerbnbeiye
21
Places to visit Fun puzzles toin rural England over a cup of tekeep you entertain a or coffee! ed...
Do relax and enjoy over a cup of tea, or coffee! I would like to order ____ copies of “The Adventures of Nellie” at £4.99 each. Please call Nellie on 01202 894397 to pay by card or enclose a cheque (made payable to “Purbeck Publications Ltd”) and send this form to: The Adventures of Nellie Name: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, Address: ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, ______________________ Please The SwanageTelephone: Oracle when responding to adverts BH22 mention 0JR ______________________
Adventures of Nellie
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The Adventures of Nellie The Purbeck Publications Camper Van Well Nellie has been really busy this summer. We did think we might have to fit sails to her as there was so much rain but us Brits have a resilience with the attitude of “the show must go on no matter what”. We did just that. Do you remember those holidays long ago hearing the raindrops on the caravan roof, playing cards with Mum and Dad as it was too wet to go out? We had intended for quite some time to take Dad to Norden Farm near Corfe Castle to fish the carp lake I was so excited about some time ago. Thursday Mum and Dad arrived from Hull all raring to go. Friday morning, the set-off day… and the heavens opened! Stephen and I decided, no way, we will never camp in this. Dad however had a different idea. (I think Nellie had had a word with him…) “Let’s get the stuff in the van Deb and see what it’s like when we get there.” He said determinedly. Stephen and I looked at each other. Were we mad? Poor Mum looked confused.
Grandad really means business!
Grandma catches the rare rays by Kombi So, Nellie who is an all-weather girl, grinned like a Cheshire cat as her engine sparked into life and she sprung into step. We were off. When we arrived, the rain had stopped. In fact, it didn’t rain the whole time we put up Kombi Ex, the awning. Result. Dad was smiling. He was also itching to see the pond (fishermen are like that you know, you can’t hold them back), so off we went to see what the water was like. Now, having had rain like that, the pond was very murky, chocolate brown and that doesn’t help the catching of big carp. Oh dear. Dad was still not to be disheartened and out came to rod...and everything else! Not a bite. We did see a few carp floating very slowly on top of the water but I think they were gasping for air actually, through the muddy liquid, and they were not at all interested in eating. As soon as the bait got anywhere near them, they casually swam away. They knew what game we were playing, and they were totally nonchalant about it. Time for us to eat instead then. Nellie took us into Corfe Castle where we had a great pub meal and then, as I did say
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23 we are mad, a walk around the outside of the castle in the pouring rain which had started again. There was something really satisfying about that, as if we were defiantly disagreeing with the weather, with sheer determination to enjoy ourselves despite it. That is so British… and I love it! Nellie is Japanese, but has lived here a long time now and has totally adopted this crazy firmness of purpose. Hayden even got creative with his camera on his phone, focusing in on near objects with the castle in the background. With the mist around the castle, it was all very mysterious and peaceful. It is amazing what fun you can have if you ‘go with the flow’ and look at what can be done as opposed to concentrating on the problems, or stops. Nellie is a big believer in that. The next morning was glorious… until 11am. Nellie’s whistling kettle came out, the bacon sandwiches were delicious (if I say so myself) and we sat in wonderful sunshine hearing the birds singing and a few children playing nearby. Nellie was in her element and was fully satisfied with herself, as without her we would never have been there. Dad tried again with the fish, but got the same response. Complete rebuff. Very disappointing for him, but he is a long-term fisherman, now in his 83rd year having started fishing at a very early
Hayden’s artistic castle shot
It’s never too wet for ice cream! age, and has seen it all with regards to fresh water fishing. He is quite a pro, still fishing in matches up North where they live and regularly catches 30-70lb of fish. Just not on this occasion unfortunately. Later we met my sister and her hubby and we went into Swanage to have good old fish and chips. It rained again but umbrellas and coats have their purpose too. Games back at the campsite were hilarious. We played snakes and ladders! With today’s technology it is easy to forget the simple things and boy did we laugh. Nellie tooted her horn and it all got quite competitive. The last day we went for a drive. In fact we did a rather large circle, going into Wareham to have lunch by the river, then to Poole, across the ferry over to Studland (Dad was hoping we would go to the nudist beach, but Mum did hold him back this time) and had dinner at the very popular Scott Arms in Kingston. Another wonderful day. So, I suppose the moral of the story from Nellie is look at what can be done and keep that British determined attitude to have fun, no matter the weather! Where will she take us next? By Debbie Corney
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24
Where is the promised relief for small businesses? In April this year, over half a million companies started paying higher business rates. A relief fund of £300 million was promised by the Chancellor Philip Hammond to assist those small businesses which had been hit the hardest. This increase resulted in an escalation of up to 50% on their interest rates which is a hard pill to swallow for any business, let alone those in the SME sector. It is debatable when this relief will be paid, even though these businesses starting paying the higher rates in April. In April the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that there would be no delay in providing the relief to small businesses and that “it’s going ahead, exactly as planned. Councils are free to start using the scheme and helping local businesses.” Unfortunately, this has not happened (although it could be argued that there was a general election which could have contributed towards the delay), as a vast majority of those effected businesses have not seen any of this relief. It has been reported by Mike Cherry, the National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, that “55% of small businesses told us they were planning
to reduce, postpone or cancel investment in their business. Additionally, 19% of those businesses affected by increased rates said they may ultimately consider closing down or selling their business as a result of the hikes in their bills.” To assist with these delays, the Federation of Small Businesses, acting as a facilitator, wrote to the Communities Secretary requesting his Department to step in and urge local Councils to implement their local relief schemes without further delay. One question which needs to be asked is when exactly will these reliefs come? Mr Cherry has further predicted that, “looking at the current timetable, businesses won’t get any relief for another month or two at the earliest.” For further information about relief for small businesses or debt recovery please speak to Angie Loveless, Debt Recovery Manager on 01929 500322, email: angie.loveless@battens.co.uk Or visit our website: www.battens.co.uk @BattensSol
www.battens.co.uk
Specialist Legal Advice and Solutions for whatever life brings - at home or at work Office now open in Wareham - Drop in clinic at the office every Monday from 10am until 1pm
t Wills, Trusts & Estates t Tax Planning t Family Matters t Personal Injury t Matrimonial t Moving Home t Employment t Landlord & Tenant t Agricultural Matters t Debt Recovery t Dispute Resolution t Construction t Planning t Business Services t Commercial Property Address: 12 West Street, Wareham, BH20 4JX Tel: 01929 768720 Email: enquiries@battens.co.uk
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25
The Swanage Oracle
U Q C X Y C K I E F C V G H E
N Y C M B A S K E T J N E H Y
P J C S A O Q R D A O K O S O
C C E S H X L H A D D L A O R
P H Q A T S E V R A H W B T M
V T F C G K Z V P L E N T Y M
S Q R D X X G S F N F E K Y M
B F U Z E D K C Y N M Q J J L
Z G I M Q A L H B B F U U A O
L W T T R J P O F R Z I T P G
W G C P E B B O N Q Z N M U D
I J R I I M Z L B H M O R W A
E N O Y P E N Q A B R X U N G
C I P A D J O G I L X F T Q V
I Y T K N M E D D G L L Y Z J
HARVEST AUTUMN ROALD DAHL PLENTY SCHOOL FRUIT EQUINOX BASKET MOON CROP
This month, the prize is a meal for two at the Bull & Boat in Swanage, so please complete this page by 29th September 2017 and send to: September Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Swanage Oracle, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________
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Prize Wordsearch
Prize Wordsearch
Gardening Tips
26
On Your Plot Herb Gardens
Nature tends to dictate what we do in the garden and sometimes it’s just too late to plant those seeds, too early to prune that bush and incredibly you are already on top of the weeding. So what can you do to fulfil that urge to work the land? Why start a herb garden of course!
Jobs for September :-
• If you are growing pumpkins for Halloween, you need to support the fruit as it swells and raise it up to keep it off the wet ground and deter slugs. Restrict each plant to no more than three fruits. • Clear up finished crops, clean and store any supports or netting for future use. • Keep planting winter lettuces for a supply of fresh leaves right through autumn. • Fancy fresh strawberries next year? Now is a good time to get new plants established. • Add support to Brussels sprouts by drawing up earth around the stems, or using canes. Most activity on your plot is tied to the seasons, but this month we take a look at one project that can be started off at almost any time of the year - your own herb garden. As we’ve taken to growing more and more of our own food so we have found ourselves getting increasingly interested in trying out new recipes to make the most of all those lovely fresh flavours. Recipe books abound in our kitchen and they all have one thing in common - the use of herbs, and what a variety of them there is! Whether you’re looking for a sprig of fresh mint, a handful of rosemary, or some chopped chives what could be better than being able to choose and harvest them right outside your own back door? Choosing the right site for your herb garden is important, and outside your back door is often a good place to start! Planting near the kitchen makes it easy to pop out for a few fresh leaves when you are cooking, and many of us have a patio which can easily become home to a variety of container grown herbs. Herbs can make an
attractive, fragrant and tasty addition to your borders, or you may prefer to opt for a permanent herb bed. If this is the case you will need to give some consideration to containing the growth of some of the more vigorous varieties. This can be done by dividing the bed (a cartwheel design made with bricks is very attractive), or by using pots sunk into the ground. Herbs comprise of both annual plants, that germinate, grow, flower and die within the year, and perennials that will grow on from one year to the next. Whatever you plant, you will need to find out which type it is and the conditions that it favours. The more hardy perennial types such as thyme, rosemary or mint may be happy outside all year round. One of the advantages of using containers is that tender varieties can be moved under cover during the worst of the winter and even tender annuals like basil can have their season extended by lifting plants to pot up and keep on the kitchen windowsill as autumn approaches. Most types of herb can be raised from seed, but for a quicker start browse the farmers market, garden centre, or even car boot sales for plants that are ready to go. One of the great things about a herb garden is that it can be continually evolving. Look upon it as just the start of a collection, that will grow with time. Adding a new variety can be as simple as picking up a plant that takes your fancy on a trip out and adding a new pot to your collection. As well as using herbs fresh from the garden, you can dry leaves by hanging in bunches and then storing in an airtight container, or use ice cube trays to freeze chopped up leaves with a drop of water. Store the cubes in polythene bags, great for adding to a stew in the middle of winter!
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27
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28
Community News
The Rotary Dorset Bike Ride: For families and the hardened cyclists The 6th Rotary Dorset Bike Ride in aid of Cancer Research UK is to be held on Sunday 17th September. The ride caters for all levels from the family to the hardened cyclists with 8 routes from just 10 miles up to the challenging Dorset 102 mile Etape. The event is very well organised with plenty of marshals, excellent signage with refreshment stops along the way. We have full back up support including first aid, bike repair or pickup in case of problems. The start and finish is at Longthorns Campsite (next to Monkey World) where there is plenty of parking, and onsite catering plus free massages for riders afterwards. The event has so far raised in excess of £150,000 for Cancer Research UK and other charities. Although raising sponsorship is not compulsory we hope riders will raise funds for cancer and there are rewards and prizes for those that do, including free cycle jerseys and T-Shirts, plus 6 months membership to the Springfield Leisure club in Wareham.
Flapjacks, Corbens Estate Agent, Dorset Golf and Country Club, Monkey World, Harvest Fine Foods, White House-guardianships, Comax, Dorset tea and local supermarkets. The event is being organised though the Rotary Club of Westbourne with help from other local Rotary clubs. To enter go to www.dorset-bike-ride. co.uk or search for Rotary Dorset Bike ride. Entry fee in advance is £20 for 70-102 mile routes and £15 for shorter routes, children FREE for the 10-38 routes otherwise half price for longer routes, plus children get a FREE ticket to Monkey World if they pledge to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. Thanks to our sponsors, all the entry fees go to Cancer Research UK. For more information email david. king@dorset-bike-ride.co.uk or ring 07973 189395.
We would like to thank the sponsors Bloorhomes, Actavo, Longthorns Campsite, Springfield Country Hotel, Dorset
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