April 2020
Promoting your local area
THE
DORCHESTER
Directory
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
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2 ÂŽ
Established Blandford Company
10 YEARS
Full Packing Service Local & Long Distance Full & Part Loads
01258 858564
pitmansremovals.co.uk
Email: info@philiptrimcontractors.com
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3
Stay warm this winter!
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 hea�ng is ready for fes�ve 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:
www.heatcareukltd.com
Upton Farm, Upton, Ringstead, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8NE
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Welcome...
4 Dear Dorchester residents,
The Dorchester Directory Edition 14
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Dorset Publications
Telephone: 01929 408080
Email:
info@dorchesterdirectory.co.uk
Copy deadline for the May edition: 13th April 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 Dorchester Directory 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.
I am sure many of you are at home currently hoping that the virus disappears quickly. What extraordinary times we are in. Please do take care of yourselves and wash your hands often as well as do that extra cleaning… we have all been meaning to do for some time. Spring is actually here! It is possible to enjoy the outdoors where we can. If you are lucky enough to live near the woods, the forest or can find a local route which is pleasant, I highly recommend a daily walk. A spot of gardening is good for the soul too. The fresh air will do us good. In addition to that what suggestions do you have to enjoy the time you have in the home? Do you like sewing, knitting, playing family games, reading a good book or even painting? Maybe we could all turn the TV off for a while and do something creative? I would love to hear from you. What are you doing, that others could get ideas from? Of course, you can read your local magazine! We are here for you. The advertisers are too. Why not go around the house and make a list of jobs that should be done and plan, from the Directory, who could do them for you? A telephone call and conversation with any of the advertisers inside could help give you ideas and give you something to look forward to. This situation will all pass and then we can get back to our daily lives, working together and making things better. Once we are all able to get out and about fully again and have all those clubs, societies, theatres and sports’ groups back in action, we will really appreciate them! Here’s to creating differently in the meantime. Wishing you all well,
Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi
Useful Numbers Dorchester Police 101 Scottish & Southern Energy 0345 071 9710 Transco Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 Dorchester Hospital 01305 251150
Train Enquires First Bus Company Wessex Water Dorchester Library
08457 484950 0345 646 0707 0345 600 4 600 01305 224440
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5
Hall’s
Property Lawyers
The Artificial Grass Installer Your lawn should be a pleasure, not a chore Pet friendly and easy to maintain We fit artifical grass throughout Dorset Senior discounts available
Providing you with a Professional and Personal Service for RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONVEYANCING.
t. 01305 236677 | m. 07505 854734 e. philip@philip-hall.com | w. www.philip-hall.com
Please call for your FREE quotation Contact: Roger Hill 01929 550621 / 07708 923998 35 Ropers Lane, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4QT
Longfield Chambers, 2 Bramble Drove, Broadmayne, Dorchester, DT2 8ED
Find us on Facebook: artificalgrassinstallerdorset
We put the care in hearing care Free Hearing Assessments Fantastic Service and Aftercare Interest Free Payment Plans Choice of Hearing Solutions 60 Day Money Back Guarantee Professional Service Delivered Locally To book a free hearing test with Jon, call Andrea on 01202 877104 119 Victoria Road, Ferndown BH22 9HU wwww.bloomhearing.co.uk
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Community News
6
Dorset Quirky Facts With its picture perfect landscapes and glorious Jurassic coastline, Dorset is certainly a sparkling gem on the crown of Great Britain. From a look at an interesting Dorset cuisine and an insight into the marine life who call the county home, here is another handful of the quirkiest facts from our beautiful county. 1. Did you know how vital Studland Bay is to national seahorse populations? The Seahorse Trust works tirelessly to help study and research these Photo: Neil beautiful creatures Garrick-Maidment and spends much time observing the mesmerizing hippocampi in their natural habitat as well as using photography as a means of identification. After years of campaigning and thanks to the Trust’s hard work and dedication, Studland Bay became a Marine Conservation Zone recently and its new status helps to secure the homes of these jewels of the ocean. 2. Interestingly, although the famed Danish prince Cnut the Great was buried in Winchester, Hampshire’s county town, it was actually in Dorset that he died in the 11th century. Renowned in England’s history as one of the most successful invading royals before the Norman Conquest, Cnut is thought to have died at Shaftesbury Abbey in 1035. 3. It is well known that Thomas Hardy is one of the county’s most famous sons, however were you aware of his important role within Dorset society
when he presided as magistrate at the Shire Hall? On many Photo: Marcin occasions, the Wisniewski 19th century writer served a serious role within the social system of Dorset’s past and it is strongly believed that the writer took much inspiration from his experiences which many say lead to the penning of his famous book Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Today the Shire Hall is open to the public and you can walk in the footsteps of the great author himself. 4. Britain as a nation has a wealth of fascinating surnames and certainly Dorset has its very own collection of unusual family names. According to the 1881 Census records, Dorset could boast some of the most popular surnames as well as some rather quirky ones. According to the census, White was the most common surname and Smith was a close second however names such as Cake, Diffey, Kail and Rideout were among many others also flooding official records in the county. 5. Locals and visitors alike are able to taste for themselves the many different local delicacies that the county has had to offer for many years. One heritage favourite is the Dorset Knob biscuit which is produced by Moores Biscuits, the only biscuit makers to do so. The biscuit’s name is derived from the county’s history of Dorset buttons and reportedly the biscuits were a favourite tea time treat for Thomas Hardy! by Mica Bale
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7
LOW MA
ANCE INTEN
DITED AC CR E PROFESSIONAL
INSTALLATION
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Community News
8
Digital Champion’s bright idea helps Barbara switch and save A lady from Dorchester has benefitted from free digital sessions on how to change suppliers online and has managed to save over £450 a year on energy bills with the first switch. Barbara Scanlon went online at Dorchester library under the guidance of her local volunteer Digital Champion Mike Watson. She visited a price comparison website and worked out that with just a few digital moves she would be over £40 a month better off. Mike has been helping her master a range of digital skills to do household bills and chores online such as paying Council Tax, setting up insurance, joining a loyalty discount scheme, using email, printing and using price comparison sites.
Digital Champions work in communities, usually in libraries, one-to-one with people to help improve their digital skills. They are volunteers who enjoy using computers and have the patience and enthusiasm to show others how to benefit from being online, in this case how to save money. To get help from your own Digital Champion and find out how much you could save, please call us and we will put you in touch with your nearest Digital Champion. Call now 01305 221048 or search online for Dorset Digital Champions.
Mike said: “All Digital Champions are able to help you master the skills to do these essential households tasks online and a whole lot more. Don’t waste time and money, just book a slot to see your local Digital Champion and we will help you every step of the way. It won’t cost you a penny.” To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080
9
SALE OFF
ER
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Spring 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
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10
TEA & CAKES
1) ingic carsug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unscramble the letters on the right to find things to do with Tea and Cakes. Each one has an extra letter: Identify these to find the name of another hot drink you might have instead of Tea.
2) ateplo
3) famcre
4) gefspon
5) eat etpo
6) meja
Extra Letter.
.......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... ..........................
Extra Letter Answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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11
Often copied, never equalled...
nuary 21, 2020
f
fb.com/dorsetecho
DorsetECHO / 23
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
techo.co.uk/news
ften copied, never equalled...
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Wildlife News
12
Talking about Wildlife...
Return of the barn owls The silent flight of a barn owl is a majes�c and wonderful sight for any nature lover. With the features of their heart shaped faces and deep black eyes, they are an unmistakable icon of the countryside in the UK. However, it may surprise you to hear that the odds are stacked against these wonderful creatures, with a long list of challenges and problems they face daily. Firstly, there’s the two things we all need: food and shelter. Declining or unsuitable habitat means that both of these vital elements to their survival immediately puts them at threat. Suitable roos�ng sites, and then good quality unimproved grassland for their prey to live (such as voles and mice) can be hard to come by if the quality of the habitat close to them isn’t good enough. During the breeding season, they need to have a plen�ful food source within 1km of their roost – their chicks can eat their own body weight in food in one night! The next challenge is overcoming the physical limita�ons of the barn owls’ wings, which aren’t waterproof so they can be adversely affected by the weather. They are also unable to store a lot of body fat, and therefore are par�cularly prone to starva�on during prolonged periods of severe weather or when there is shortage of prey. However, there are sites where barn owls can thrive. One of those is Dorset Wildlife
Trust’s nature reserve, Lorton Meadows, in Weymouth, where we have seen many chicks fledge each year as a result of the excellent habitat surrounding the barn owl box. Careful habitat management carried out all year round by DWT conserva�on staff and volunteers means that this site can provide the food and shelter barn owls need to survive. This year we are streaming the latest pair of barn owls which are roos�ng and preparing for breeding, live on our webcam which is sponsored by PFM Associates. You can watch the barn owls here, and hopefully, enjoy many hours of witnessing the true beauty of nature as they raise their chicks at the Lorton Meadows nature reserve. Watch now at: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ wildlifewebcam By Sally Welbourn Communications Officer Barn Owls at Lorton
Photo: Paul Williams
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13
MASTERS IN BLOCK PAVING AND TARMAC
County Block Paving
Ltd SINCE 1990
Block Paving Tarmacadam
Resin Patios
All work fully guaranteed
•
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90% of our work comes from customer recommendations Office: 01202 069925 Mobile: 07437 476 732 Email: countyblockpaving@hotmail.com www.countyblockpaving.co.uk
wardon hill trading post
ANTIQUES • VINTAGE • COLLECTABLES • CRAFT
OVER 60 TRADERS • TEAROOM • DOG FRIENDLY FREE PARKING • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE A37 DORCHESTER – YEOVIL • DT2 9PW OPEN MON – SAT 9-5 / SUN 9-4 SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT • TEL: 01935 83069 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
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
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MONTHLY WALK
Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Walk Length - 2.5 miles / 4.1 km
Ascent - 800 feet / 242 metres Time - 2 hours 0 minutes Grade - easy Author - Lou Johnson Lulworth Cover and Durdle Door are two of the best known features of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This short walk includes some uphill walking but the path is good and well graded. Walk Description: This short walk includes two of the most famous features on the Dorset Coast, namely the circular inlet of Lulworth Cove and the rock arch known as Durdle Door.
le Door is a well The rock arch of Durd of the Dorset known natural feature on coast. Photo: Lou Johns
The path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door can be very busy. This pict ure was taken on a sunny Bank Holida y! Photo: Lou Johnson
The start is the main car park next to the visitor centre at Lulworth Cove (Grid ref. SY 821800). This can be a very busy place during peak times and if you prefer a quiet walk then do avoid peak holiday periods. From the car park take the broad paved path heading uphill westwards towards the coast.All the height gained on this section will be lost as you descend to Durdle Door and as you have guessed will have to be climbed again to return to Lulworth Cove. Reaching the summit of the first hill you get the first good
Lulworth Cove on a lovely summer’s day
view of the Dorset Coast with its fine white cliffs. Stay on the main South west Coast Path to reach Durdle Door where you can descend to the beach to get a better view of the rock arch. To complete the walk return by the outward route to the
car park continuing past the information centre to reach the shingle beach of Lulworth Cove. Almost completely circular the cove provides a sheltered haven for small boats and is a pleasant place to spend some time before returning to the start of the walk.
16
Trust Trickett with your beloved Classic At Trickett Welding, we are proud of our long-standing trading history as the most exceptional classic car specialists in Dorset. As our clients would expect, our team are dedicated to providing a reliable and professional service at all times. We guarantee excellent value for money and ensure that all of our work is completed to only the highest standard. If you’re looking for welding in Poole, or classic car repairs in Bournemouth, your search is over now that you’ve found Trickett Welding. We always carry a stock of cars awaiting restoration/improvement to varying degrees. For the customer
who requires a car restored to their own individual requirements they can select a base car, specify colours and standard required for which we will provide a written quote and time scale (usually 6 months to a year). The customer is more than welcome to visit and inspect progress and see their car evolve into something very special and unique of which they can be proud. Our dedication and genuine passion for classic cars mean that we’re also proud sponsors of Classic Cars on the Prom. Please get in contact today for further information on 01202 625050 or visit our website: www.trickettweldingltd.co.uk
Is your Classic in need of some expert attention?
• Restorations
• Waxoyl Treatment
• Servicing & Mechanical Repairs
• Stage Payments For Restoration
• Accident & MOT Repairs
• Collection & Delivery By Arrangement
Telephone:
01202 625050
www.trickettweldingltd.co.uk
Welding (Poole) Ltd
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17
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)
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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. 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
www.dorsetandwight.co.uk
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Puzzle Corner
18
Pop the kettle on... 4 6
3
8
4
5
9
8
4 7
9 8
1
3
3
6
2
8
2 7
1
6
1
Across 8 Rubber wheel (4) 9 Keyboard instrument (5) 10 X X X X (4) 11 Tremblors (6) 12 Cornhusker state (8) 13 Winking (8) 15 Customs duty (6) 17 Proceeding in small stages (7) 19 Varnish (7) 22 Respite (6) 24 Step (8) 26 Marrow squash plant (8) 28 Enrol (6) 30 Leg joint (4) 31 Step (5) 32 Latin for "Will be" (4)
9
5
Crossword
Down 1 Place (4) 2 Summoned (8) 3 Dwarf ornamental tree (6) 4 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 5 Cliquish (8)
6 Pack up and leave (6) 7 A euphemism for "Hell" (4) 14 Big (5) 16 A cloak (5) 18 Ails (8) 20 Deceased (8)
21 Where administrative workers work (7) 23 Irritated (6) 25 Do to excess (6) 27 Vases (4) 29 The founder of a family (4)
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19
Let us turn your Dreams into Reality
0
% Finance
Available
Visit us today...
Ferndown Depot Unit 4, 13 Cobham Road Ferndown Ind. Estate Ferndown, BH21 7PE Bournemouth Depot Unit A, Robert Rose House, Elliott Road, Bournemouth, BH11 8JS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Visit our stores today! Let us turnone your of Dreams into Reality www.sandandgravel.uk.com
01202 874207
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fRIRlS'-'tl
Email: sales@wessexaerials.co.uk Phone: (01305) 813010 - Weymouth (01305) 470055 - Dorchester www.wessexaerials.co.uk
• TRAILER SALES • TRAILER PARTS & SPARES (next day delivery) • TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS • TRAILER HIRE Suppliers and Installers of: Aerial - Satellite - CCTV Wi-Fi points for domestic and commercial situations.
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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20
Introducing... St Jude’s Care St Jude’s Care is a family run, registered Home Care provider based in Weymouth. We provide ‘AwardWinning’ care to our clients by the hour which is known as Domiciliary Care, or 24 Hour Live-In Care. As we talk to prospective clients about their care, we are always surprised at how little is known about Live-In care in the community of Dorset and surrounding areas. People simply do not know of this option available to them.
Our Care Team is Nurse Led and our Care Managers have a wealth of experience in the sector which is passed on to families and will ultimately benefit the client. We can assist with low care needs, right up to high and complex care.
The benefits of Live-In Care are vast and are well publicised in the ‘Better at Home Report’. Clients are able to stay in their own home and surroundings which is very important, and not be faced with a Care Home as their only option. The cost of weekly Live-In Care is comparable with that of Care-Home fees and are sometimes cheaper. Clients benefit from companionship, personalised one-to-one care, assistance to be able to do the things they enjoy, a qualified carer to act swiftly and prevent illness and potential hospital admissions, prevention of falls in the home and general assistance with day to day living.
Tel: 01305 779888 • www.stjudescare.co.uk
Why not give us a call and chat through how the service works. We can arrange a full care needs assessment at a time that suits at no charge.
St Jude’s Care is an exceptional Award Winning provider of home care throughout Dorset
We specialise in Domiciliary Care by the hour in the areas of Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester. This can be for personal care, companionship and reassurance, assistance with meals and medication and help with domestic tasks or shopping. We also provide a Hot Meal Delivery Service providing freshly cooked meals delivered to your home on china plates, ready to eat. Available in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester postcode area of DT1 only. St Jude’s Care are specialist providers of 24 hour Live-in Care, throughout Dorset. This is a real alternative to a Nursing Home and enables you to remain independent, enjoying the comforts and familiarity of your own home. Please call us on 01305 779 888 or email enquiries@stjudescare.co.uk Visit our website: www.stjudescare.co.uk
To advertise in The Dorchester Directory, please call: 01929 408080
21
07516 473023
www.thegasmanservices.com
Domestic Gas
Commercial
• General plumbing • Boiler installations • Boiler service & breakdowns
Oil
• Central heating fault finding • Landlord gas safety checks • Gas appliance health checks
LPG • Full appliance strip & service • Central heating power flush • Free estimates
If you require assisance, please don’t hesitate to call...
J A Construction (Dorset) Ltd
General Building, Specialists in Extensions, Purbeck Stone Renovations, Walling, Roofing, New Builds & all types of Ground Work. Site and Garden Clearance. Also available for Plumbing, Electrics & Carpentry.
Tel: 01929 554249 Mob: 07973 388 190 sales@jaconstruction.co.uk www.jaconstructiondorset.co.uk
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Adventures of Daichi
22
The Adventures of Daichi
The Dorset Publications Camper Van Daichi has a brand new very colourful kimono! His playful character wanting all to have fun and live a little (despite all the news recently) is now clearly visible. Daichi, the Dashing Dude, the Dorset Publications campervan has one purpose in life and that is to make you smile. He may well be made of metal, but he has a life of his own and last month was in full spirit when he skipped his way to the Isle of Wight in his new shiny suit. He had children waving at him and a surfer gave him his ‘shaka’ hand signal, which is a ‘surf signal of approval or greeting’, carrying his surfboard off the beach at Shanklin. In fact, Daichi was so excited about his trip that we caught the earlier ferry and got onto the island an hour ahead of time. We love the Isle of Wight and you may remember that Nellie, Daichi’s grandmother also took us there a few years ago. We had booked a house on the cliff top at Luccombe, between Ventnor and Shanklin. This time the weather was cold, wet and windy.
View from the balcony over Shanklin Bay
Daichi on the Garage Deck of the ferry There had been storms, trees had fallen, and many would think we were mad. That’s us. But we are British after all. We were lucky with the crossing. Two days earlier people had been on the ferry for 14 hours waiting for the rough seas to calm down. Funnily enough because we actually arrived earlier than planned, for some reason I kept being a day ahead of myself, which was great as I gained a day every day. Daichi shot me into the future! We had booked through AirBnB. The wooden house on the cliff top was idyllic. Truly. Situated at the end of a track, with only the coastal path winding into the distance, overlooking the misty grey sea with Shanklin Bay in all its glory clearly visible. Exactly what we wanted. Pure peace. The serenity we craved... well just for a little while. Daichi even had his own ‘room’ in the garden to protect him from the wind and the rain. A wooden open car port, he just fitted in. The first night was spooky I have to say as everything went pitch black and I mean pitch black as soon as we switched off the lights. Daichi was all alone outside and I am sure he got scared, so much so that he switched on the light outside to protect
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23 himself. I woke up, also a bit scared I have to say to see a light appear from nowhere. Nothing to do with a moving fox, I am sure. It was Daichi shuddering in the dark that did it! With the howling wind, swaying trees and lashing rain, who could blame him? Despite having been to the Isle of Wight several times now, we had never been to Osborne House. Can you believe it? We are English Heritage members, so for the three of us the whole year’s membership was nearly paid for in this one trip. I learned a lot about Queen Victoria and Albert. The staff are most interesting and they love to talk about what they know. I had no idea how Queen Victoria had been so protected as a child. She could not go out or even go up and down the stairs without someone holding her hand. Her mother was particularly over-protective and when she came to live at Osborne House with them, the Queen made sure she had a room right at the other end of the building. Albert was very talented and designed the house from scratch. It was in fact a new build and totally built as a family home. An escape from London, though dignitaries and even the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill did visit and have meetings there at times. Despite the weather we managed to have a picnic on the beach that Queen Victoria so loved. What a special place. You can almost “feel” Victoria’s presence as you wander around. Daichi was seriously (well playfully) impressed.
Crazy Golf with the pirates!
Osborne House from the gardens Robin Hill Country Park has some very cool events. We were lucky enough to see the Chinese New Year celebrations with dancing Dragons, Chinese food, lanterns and lights. It turns out that I am a Dragon (according to the Chinese Zodiac), but to some there is no surprise there! Then of course Daichi had to take me to Isle of Wight Pearl on the west coast. A girl just has to do some shopping every now and then. The grey water pearl earrings were an early Mother’s Day present and lovely they are. We had fun in Shanklin at the crazy golf. Stephen won another game at the end on the last shot when he rang the bell, so we had to go back the next day to play again, but this time on the dinosaur side, as opposed to the pirate side we had played the day before. You can’t beat a game of crazy golf. Prior to that I had helped Hayden with his Spanish homework. It is his big exam year this year, so mocks were planned. I don’t speak Spanish, but his cue cards were fun trying to ask the questions and listening to his responses. We did laugh, which is what family time is all about. Going away even for just a few days has a great way of bringing you together. I am so glad that Daichi came all the way from Japan to help us achieve this. He was beaming with full lights aglow all the way home. Where will he take us next... I wonder? By Debbie Corney
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24
Gardening Tips
house & garden
a beginner’s
GUIDE Strawberries
Strawberries can be grown in most gardens but are particularly successful in milder areas with frost free autumns. If space is limited they are very suitable for container growing - in pots, hanging baskets, even window boxes. Best of all is a strawberry tower or terracotta strawberry pot which allows you to grow a lot of plants in one place and has the added advantage of keeping the fruit off the ground and so dirt free. There are early, mid-season and late varieties so you could try a mixture of plants to extend your season. If using a container, use good compost and a slow-release fertiliser and soak the soil before planting. Have some netting ready for when the fruit appears or the birds might
beat you to it! If planting in the garden, you could consider planting through black plastic sheeting, pegged down and the edges buried to stop it blowing away. It’s best to mound up the soil in the centre where the plants will grow so that water will run off either side. Using this method means no weeding is required and you won’t need to put straw or other matting under the plants to keep the fruit clean. It also helps keep in the moisture and encourages early crops by warming the soil. Protect the flowers in spring if frost is expected, with double sheets of newspaper. Replace plants every 2-3 years which can be done cheaply by spreading out some of the runners from a plant and pegging them down. Once they have rooted and are growing well, lift carefully, detach from the parent plant and transplant to a new plot.
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Mannings Heath Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NQ Email: info@cottees.co.uk • Website: www.cottees.co.uk Please mention The Dorchester Directory when responding to adverts
26
Community News
Double Premiere for New Dorset Show Choir Coro Bonhomie is a newly formed theatrical show choir and its first show will also be the premiere of a new musical, ‘Mutiny on HMS Bounty’, to make it a double premiere. The group’s name projects its ethos, a choir that is friendly and approachable. The group’s first show will be under the expert and experienced direction of Sonia Gilson. Sonia is well known in Dorset for her productions over many years in local venues, including the Lighthouse and Tivoli Theatres. The group’s Musical Director is Dorset based Lee Redwood, an accomplished musician, writer and performer. The new show has been written by Ron Dawson, author of the popular Dorset children’s adventure stories of ‘Scary Bones the Skeleton’. Following on from the successful staging of his ‘Lest We Forget’ National Children’s WW1 Remembrance Concert at the NEC, Ron turned to creating this musical retelling of the world’s most famous which took place on board HMS Bounty in 1791. The mutiny was the climax of a clash between Fletcher Christian and the Bounty’s brutal Captain, William Bligh. To tell the story Ron has used some of the most well-loved and wellknown pieces of classical music from such composers as Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Chopin and Wagner, supported by some of his own compositions. The ‘Double Premiere’ will be staged on the 28th October (Half Term) at The Layard Theatre in Canford with
matinee and evening performances. Local singers and performers are being recruited to take part in the show. All voices are sought and auditions for principal roles begin with rehearsals in April. Rehearsals will held on Tuesday evenings, 7.30 -10.00 pm, in Broadstone, with some Sunday sessions as the show approaches. This is an exciting opportunity to join a new show choir and to take part in the premiere performance of an exhilarating new show. Experience is not as important as a willingness to learn. Initial meetings of the choir begin in April with rehearsals and auditions for Principal parts later in the month. For full details and to apply telephone : 01202 732734 or email : clunky489@ gmail.com.
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28
Food & Drink
Tastes so good... Hot Cross Buns
A traditional Easter, springtime treat, why not bake a batch to share with friends, neighbours and colleagues? Delicious served either warm with butter or just plain, at any time of day.
Ingredients for 12 servings 1. Dough 500g Strong Bread Flour 7g Easy bake yeast 275ml whole milk 50g Butter (unsalted, cold, diced) 1 medium beaten egg 75g Unrefined golden caster sugar 1 ½ tsp salt 2. Toppings 75g Sultanas 2 tsp Mixed Spice 100g Plain white flour 50g Mixed peel 50g Apricot Jam 2 medium egg yolks
MIX: Boil the milk in a pan, remove from heat then add the butter. Leave to cool until warm. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and then add the milk and beaten egg, stirring with a wooden spoon. KNEAD: On a lightly floured surface, knead the mixture for approx. 10 minutes. RISE: Lightly grease the large bowl, place the dough in the bowl then cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size – this could be up to two hours dependent on how warm the room is. SHAPE: Sift the mixed spice over the dough, then knead in the sultanas and mixed peel. Slice into 12 even sized pieces, roll into balls and place, well-spaced, on a lined baking tray PROVE: Cover the dough again, and leave until doubled in size again. Preheat oven to fan 180C/200C/Gas 6. BAKE: Score a cross on top of each bun with a sharp knife. Mix the plain flour with a tbsp. of water at a time to form a paste. Use a piping bag to pipe crosses on the buns on the cuts you made. Bake the buns for around 11-15 minutes or until golden.
3.
GLAZE: Melt the jam, sieve then brush apricot glaze over buns and leave to cool on a wire rack.
4.
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All Grass Landscapes
We are an independent local company that specializes in all aspects of landscaping.
• Supply & install any size and type of artificial lawn • Any size of hard or soft landscaping, including: lawns, fencing, decking, patios, driveways, etc. • Over 15 years experience For a free, no obligation quote, please call Will on 01929 503135 or 07522 987090
Near Corfe Castle (on main A351)
Tel: 01929 480098 Spring is arriving... Large selection of Roses, Shrubs, Perennials, Bulbs, Flower & Vegetable Seeds, etc Terracotta Pots – Ornaments Composts – Bamboo Canes General gardening goods
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Ample Parking and Assistance with Loading
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30
Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory... Aerials Wessex Aerials....................................................... 19 Auctioneers Cottees................................................................... 25 Blinds, Curtains & Shutters Ashley Blinds.......................................................... 3 Broadview Shading Solutions................................31 Builders & Carpenters J A Construction..................................................... 21 Jim Baggley Building Services................................ 9 Purbeck Home Improvements............................... 1 Care Services St Jude’s Care......................................................... 20 Community News Adventures of Daichi............................................. 22 Beginner’s Guide: Strawberries.............................24 Digital Champion’s bright idea helps Barbara switch and save..................................... 8 Dorset Police: Doorstep Crime...............................27 Dorset Quirky Facts............................................... 6 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Return of the barn owls......12 Double Premiere for New Dorset Show Choir........26 Kids Page............................................................... 10 Monthly Walk: Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.......14 Puzzles................................................................... 18 Tastes so good: Hot cross buns..............................28
Garden Services All Grass Landscapes............................................. 29 ColourFence........................................................... 7 The Artificial Grass Installer................................... 5 Hearing Services Bloom Hearing....................................................... 5 Landscape Supplies Dorset Soils & Aggregates.....................................19 Mobility Products & Services Active Mobility....................................................... 11 Plumbers Heatcare................................................................ 3 The Gas Man......................................................... 21 Property Maintenance Jim Baggley Building Services................................ 9 Purbeck Home Improvements............................... 1 Removals & Storage Pitman Removals & Storage.................................. 2 Solicitors Hall’s Property Lawyers......................................... 5 Humphries Kirk...................................................... 32
Drainage Services All Drains Cleared.................................................. 9 Dorset Drain Unblocking....................................... 29
Trailers Wessex Trailers...................................................... 19
Driveways County Block Paving.............................................. 13
Tree Surgeons Leaks Tree Care...................................................... 13
Farm Shops Norden Farm Shop................................................. 29
Vintage & Collectables Wardon Hill Trading Post....................................... 13
Garage Doors Garolla................................................................... 25 Skandoor................................................................ 9
Waste Services Philip Trim Contractors.......................................... 2
Garage Services Trickett Welding..................................................... 16
Will Writing Services Dorset & Wight Wills............................................. 17
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To book your free home appointment call 01202 679012 or visit www.broadview.co.uk
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