The Dorchester Directory - February 2022 by Modern Magazines

DIRECTORY

FEB 2022

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THE DORCHESTER Directory

Edition 35

So, we made it through January! These certainly are interesting times and I think it is crucial we all help each other as much as possible. The news is full of accusations, problems and negativity. Let’s not allow ourselves to be brought down with it. A smile can make all the difference. Saying Hello to passers-by could make someone’s day. A friendly phone call to a friend or family member may be just what they need. Let’s start a campaign to, every day, make someone else smile. How about it? Our loyal advertisers could really help you improve your home, garden or indeed have a treat for yourself. They definitely smile when you call them, as they love to help you. When you have good news about any of our advertisers, please let me know. I could print it in the magazine for others to read! Let’s be positive about our local trades and services – they are here for you. 14th February is Valentine’s Day of course, so what a great excuse to make another smile with a card, flowers or indeed just a hug! We have all been so lacking those all-important hugs recently. Here is a big hug from me to you. I thank you for all your loyal support of our local trades. Have a wonderful month of February and let’s look forward to the Spring, which is not that far away. Very Best Wishes,

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enquiries@modernmagazines.co.uk Copy deadline for March edition: 7th February 2022 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 ant retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.

A publication by

Debbie, Stephen, Hayden & Daichi 4

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Brewery Square businesses raise over £4,500 for local charities Dorchester’s Brewery Square and its retailers took part in a number of events throughout 2021, raising a total of £4,541.26 for various local charities. Through live music performances, raffles and more from Brewery Square’s busy events calendar, collections took place over the course of the year to help those in need. Charlotte Spracklen, Centre Manager at Brewery Square, said: “We are incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful retailers who regularly get involved to raise money for such worthy causes. Brewery Square is always striving to bring the community together through our events and we’re all so proud to have such generous visitors get involved.” Dorchester Art Gallery took part in fundraising activity for both Weldmar Hospice and Children in Need in 2021. Georgia Heggs, Sales Director at the gallery raised money for Weldmar Hospice in aid of her father-in-law, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Georgia ran 62 miles throughout January 2021 to raise money for the hospice, where staff have been providing her father-in-law with palliative care. A prize raffle was hosted for Children in Need, with a Pudsey sculpture by British artist Doug Hyde to be won.

collecting money for local organisation Diverse Abilities by providing collection buckets at each of their events held throughout the year. The Square’s ongoing support for the charity has enabled them to continue supporting children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Vinyl Van hosted a Fresh Food Soundsystem event, raising money for Dorchester Fresh Food Bank. The event included an evening of live music hosted by Simon, the founder of the food bank. Vinyl Van also regularly provides prizes for local schools and charities including Dorset Carers and Thomas Hardye. In addition, the store offers young people and local musicians support through a dedicated work experience scheme and offering a platform to perform and showcase their skills. Charlotte added: “The community spirit of Brewery Square is something we are all immensely proud of and the money raised in 2021 is a testament to that. We hope to bring even more successful events to the district this year and help even more of our community in need of support.” For more information about Brewery Square, visit: www.brewerysquare.com

The Highbrow Clinic raised money for the Kingfisher Ward at Dorchester Hospital, to contribute towards specialist training for staff to provide support to young people battling eating disorders. The clinic held a prize raffle, offering treatment packages to winners. Throughout 2021, Brewery Square has been 6

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IRONWORK OF DISTINCTION LIMITED SPECIALIST IN TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY FORGEWORK

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QUIRKY FACTS by Mica Bale Where did January go? It seems like no time at all has passed since that month had just arrived and we were delving into another fistful of fun facts to get us through the cold winter months. Now the shortest month of the year is here and hopefully soon spring will be upon us. Until then, why not enjoy another handful of Dorset's quirky facts?

PHOTO: Tom Bastin, Wikipedia Commons License

Did you know that it is nearly seventy years since Princess Margaret visited Bridport and stood to give a speech outside the Town Hall to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the town receiving its royal charter? Reportedly thousands of locals as well as many visitors came to visit Bridport to catch a glimpse of the Princess. Today visitor to Bridport can enjoy a glimpse of the town’s fascinating heritage at the Town Hall which itself is a relic from a bygone era, having been built in the latter 1700s and now enjoying Grade 1 listed status.

Did you know that it is 135 years since the Victoria Community Hospital in Wimborne was founded? Built in recognition of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the small community hospital was an intimate aﬀair, with room for just nine patients. Better known as a cottage hospital, a rent of ﬁve shillings each year was exacted and it was to be opened to the poor of the parish, cared for by a sole matron who worked tirelessly to attend to the ailing. Reportedly, despite the honour behind its opening, the cottage hospital was exactly that and reportedly the operating theatre doubled as the bathroom, no doubt causing many a shock.

3 8

Interestingly, the pretty parish of Colehill has evidence that it has been occupied since at least as early as 2000 BC. From ancient history to modern times, the small settlement has played its part in a very special slice of modern day history, that of being home to the inventor of the world wide web, Tim Berners-Lee. Little did the earliest occupants of Colehill know of the modern day inventors and inventions that would come millennia after themselves! To advertise in this magazine, call 01305 443266

Did you know that Bournemouth boasts some of the oldest beach huts in the UK? Built in 1909, the beach huts were the first to be opened to the public. With around 2000 beach huts in the area, reportedly the oldest of them all is hut number 2359 which is commemorated with its very own blue plaque!

Built in the 19th century, it would be easy to assume that Dorchester’s Keep Museum was a remnant from centuries ago. Designed to look like a Norman keep, the museum is a fitting stronghold for the preservation of th history of so many of the county’s military regiments. First used as the barracks of the 39th Dorchester PHOTO: Nigel Reeve Regiment of Foot, today the Keep is known for its memorabilia and research records for countless soldiers and officers. Among its collections and resources are war diaries, records, photographs, medals and artefacts that offer a fascinating insight for family research or indeed a snapshot into Dorset’s military heritage through the ages.

ENJOY THIS FEATURE IN EVERY ISSUE!

4 Did you know that Bournemouth boasts some of the oldest beach huts in the UK? Built in 1909, the beach huts were the first to be opened to the public. With around 2000 beach huts in the area, reportedly the oldest of them all is hut number 2359 which is commemorated with its very own blue plaque!

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Puzzle Page

Quick Crossword 1

Across Clues: 1. Apparent (8)

14. Behaving stupidly (7)

7. Sergeant (5)

17. Spoken (4)

8. Precious stone (7)

18. Large tent (7)

9. Applying heat to ore (7)

21. Ugly creature (7)

10. Unemployed (4)

22. Particular requirement (5)

12. Wellbeing (7)

23. Expression of approval (8)

#012

7 8 9 10 11

Down Clues: 1. Black and white bird (6)

11. Conclusion (7)

2. Obscure (8)

13. Almond biscuits (8)

3. Unsuccessful (4)

14. Pale, oval nuts (6)

4. Balancing (6)

15. Immune (6)

5. Gravel (4)

16. More than one (6)

6. Guy ___ Australian actor (6)

19. Competition (4)

7. Nail resin (7)

20. ___ Kournikova Former Tennis player (4)

16 17

20 21

22 23

Guess the Love Song

Word Ladder

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

LOVE

WARM ANSWERS: (LOVE, MOVE, MORE, WORE, WORM, WARM)

‘And I didn’t want to write a song, ‘cause I didn’t want anyone thinking I still care.’

‘Like a river flows, surely to the sea…’

‘Say you don’t need no diamond ring and I’ll be satisfied’

‘Love can touch us one time’

‘And I said, Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone’

‘My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues’

‘Well open up your mind and see like me’

‘The one you should call, was standing there all along’

‘You know I’m just a fool who’s willing to sit around and wait for you’

10. ‘Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it better’

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Bursting the bubble?

Underneath the easy-going niceties (and some immaculate clobber) that make Phil Spencer such a perfect ﬁt for light entertainment, lurks a ruthless edge. You couldn’t become a prominent property expert, nor last two decades on Channel 4 hit show Location, Location, Location without ﬁrm, singular views on the state of the housing market.

“There is often a perception in the housing market that the experts are totally clued up on what’s to come, but we’re keeping things schtum!” begins the 51-year-old presenter. “The truth is we’re as in the dark as anyone else at times; yet the task in hand is to examine the detail, listen to ﬁnancial announcements and spot the trends. “If you can do that, then you can give yourself a pretty good steer on what’s to come.”

thing is, the use of the world bubble implies that it can pop, and I don’t agree, even if the price rises that took place in 2021 cannot continue indeﬁnitely. “It will be interesting to see how 2022 plays out, but as ever in the UK, when you have a real housing shortage, to the point where I don’t remember a single year when enough houses have been built to meet

Certainly, in these postlockdown days, the housing market in some areas has never looked better, with accelerated growth and a buoyancy that many feel cannot sustain itself.

“I have always been a ﬁrm believer in home ownership. There is no greater cementing of security than in bricks and mortar.”

“I hear the words ‘property bubble’ used a lot; I have done for years,” he smiles. “The the government target, prices will increase.” Phil Spencer’s caution when it comes to making bold statements is perhaps reﬂective of the fact the expert has, in the past,

been a victim of the vagaries of the housing market and its intrinsic link with economic circumstance. His company, Garrington Home Finders Ltd, went into liquidation in 2009 as the ﬁnancial crash took its toll, yet the Kent-born consultant still steadfastly believes that getting on the housing ladder is beneﬁcial to all.

For people already with mortgages, Spencer also has some guidance. “I’d encourage them to look for opportunities to add value to their properties,” he says. “Don’t rely on the market doing that for you. I believe the market will continue to rise in the long-term, but in order to generate equity and to help fund a second move you need to beat the market, to outperform the market, and the only way of adding value to a house is making it bigger or better.”

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Talking about Wildlife...

Birds of a feather...

At about 4pm on a cold winter’s day, the sky may come alive with the shape of birds ﬂocking together, with the sudden deafening sound of chi�er most spectacular sights is approaching

of starlings. It may surprise you to know that starlings are actually becoming a less common sight in the UK, so seeing a f l o c k o f t h e m i s a wo n d e r f u l t h i n g . birds from Eastern Europe and even species from the far northern regions, Scandinavia. Birds can move easily and quickly, so they make the most of an annual trip to the UK, with an abundance of food, and a warmer climate to enjoy. their survival this �me of year, as their main advantage is literally their

Photo: Stewart Canham

safety in numbers and they can distract predators with the sheer size of the group, making it hard for them to focus on just one bird when there’s so many, so close together. Large groups of birds can also stay warm, and hunt together, increasing their chances of survival. Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves are an excellent place to witness these special wildlife sights this winter, but in your own garden, by leaving out water and food for birds. Winter is a need all the help they can get! Find out more about DWT reserves at: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ reserves and share your photos and videos with us at: www.facebook.com/ dorsetwildlife or www.twi�er.com/ dorsetwildlife. By Sally Welbourn Team - Dorset Wildlife Trust

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

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Increasing numbers of homeowners are choosing to hold their properties as tenants in common to reduce inheritance tax and help protect their share from care fees The Property Protection Trust Will package is based around how you hold the ownership of your home. All good estate planning nowadays considers the difference between owning your home as joint tenants or as tenants in common. If you own your home as Joint Tenants; when one of you dies the ownership of the home passes by the Law of Survivorship and not by your Will. Therefore, the surviving partner will automatically own 100% of the property. This sounds right to most people. BUT should the surviving partner need care in the future, the Local Authority can take everything they own (including their home) to pay for the care fees, leaving just £14,250 to be inherited by children and grandchildren.

There is an alternative.

Nowadays many couples choose to own their home as Tenants in Common where each partner will own 50% of the family home. This provides for many benefits. Firstly, it allows you to legally leave your share of the property in your Will to whoever you wish. A properly written Will can ensure that your half of your house will eventually pass to your children even if your widow re-marries. Unmarried cohabiting couples or relatives living together can also use this means of ownership as a way of minimising their Inheritance Tax exposure. It can also help with long-term care costs. If one of you is still living in your home the Local Authority can’t include its value in the means test if one of you has to go in to long-term care. This also applies if the husband or wife still living at home dies while the other is in care as their share will go into the trust.

Dorset and Wight are your local experts in Property Protection Trust Wills. 16

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A Design for Life… The Kevin McCloud Column Designer, writer and television presenter, Kevin McCloud leapt into our consciousness with his vastly successful Grand Designs show on Channel 4. This month, the affable architectural business owner reveals his top tenets for architectural life and living happily. It’s an architect’s job to ﬁgure out what are the important things in our lives; it’s to organise space and light and volume that we live in, and to provide the best possible experiences for us to ﬂourish. When you think of it like that, architecture comes with a very simple a set of objectives really, doesn’t it? I think it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of those things. We are inspired and driven and teased almost by what see on the television and in magazines. We are made to suppose that bigger is better, when in reality it really isn’t. I often encourage people to look after the very basic elements

of what comprises our homes – things like storage, things like views up to the sky. I try to steer them away from mass or complication, because the fact is the more stuff we ﬁll our lives with, the more there is to go wrong. In the same manner, happiness really doesn’t reside in numbers - it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. And so if you can’t afford somewhere big don’t worry, it’s a false God. A big place won’t bring you happiness - what brings you happiness in the end is relationships with human beings. Ultimately, good architecture is a reﬂection of your soul, rather than an extension of your being. You should design your space so that it complements who you are as a person. I have seen many houses on Grand Designs that take seemingly normal people into wild expressions of contemporary ambition – it’s like they have epiphanies in the design process of a build and have convinced

themselves that they are ready to undergo an entire image change in the construction of their home. Ultimately, what generally happens is that once they’ve lived out that fantasy for six months or a year or however long, they realise they didn’t want that level of change after all, and ﬁnd themselves making adjustments so that their living space begins to come back round to being a bit safer, a bit more sanitised, a bit more comfortable. That’s not to say we shouldn’t reach out and be ambitious – just be ambitious in terms of what’s true to yourself, rather than true to what you’ve seen online. Be pragmatic, be disciplined and connect to those very primal desires you have, rather than those of fantasy and outrageous aspiration. Focus on the boring stuff ﬁrst - it will actually serve you well.

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

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kateearlastro@gmail.com

Welcome to the February Stargazing Page. Highlights this month include the best opportunity to see Orion high in the sky, and the last chance to see Jupiter in our early evening skies until later in the autumn.

International Space Station

The ISS can be spotted in the evening until the 4th. Viewing then switches to the morning skies from the 19th. To establish exact timings please refer to www.heavens-above.com or a similar webpage for up-to-date information, remembering to set the location to your observing area.

Mercury

The innermost planet can be seen low in the southeast just before dawn for the ﬁrst two weeks of the month.

Venus

After many months in our evening skies, Venus takes a turn at being the ‘morning star’. It will be dazzlingly bright in the southeast from 5.30am onwards. The Greeks gave Venus the name Eosphorus, or Phosphorus when it appeared in the morning sky, and Hesperus when it shone as the evening star. They did not realise that these two objects were actually one and the same planetary body.

A. How many dwarf planets are there? B. Which planet has a mass 2.5 times greater than all the other planets added together? C. Which planet orbits the Sun on its side like a rolling ball? D. Is Saturn the only object in our Solar system to have rings?

Answers:

WRITTEN BY KATE EARL

Quick quizlet:

A. There are 5 dwarf planets – Pluto, Ceres, Makemake, Eris and Haumea B. Jupiter C. Uranus D. No. All the outer Solar System giant planets have faint ring systems, and rings have also been detected around dwarf planet Haumea, and asteroid 10199 Chariklo.

STAR GAZING

Betelgeuse

Bellatrix

Orion Nebula

Rigel Saiph

Orion The Hunter

View south February 8.30pm

Mars

Mars can also be seen just before dawn, rising around 5.45am.

Jupiter

The Solar System’s largest planet is visible low in the southwest after sunset, but by mid-February it becomes very hard to spot in the Sun’s glare. A pair of good, steadied binoculars will reveal up to four pinpricks of light close to the giant planet. These are the four Galilean Moons; Io, Europa, Callisto and Ganymede.

Venus

Mars

Saturn

The ringed planet is too close to the Sun to be viewed this month.

Moon

February’s full moon occurs on the 16th. A crescent Moon joins Jupiter low in the southwest on the 2nd and 3rd. 22

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View SE on 27 February at 6.15am Please add in a reference tree or building as has been done before to show the horizon (top of blackline). The colour of the sky is hard to get right, but anything that suggests ‘nearing dawn’ would

Quick quizlet: A. How many dwarf planets are there? B. Which planet has a mass 2.5 times greater than all the other planets added together? C. Which planet orbits the Sun on its side like a rolling ball? D. Is Saturn the only object in our Solar system to have rings?

Betelgeuse

Bellatrix

Orion Nebula

S Rigel

Saiph

Orion The Hunter

View south February 8.30pm

Answers:

Venus

Mars

View SE on 27 February at 6.15am Please mention Modern Magazines when contacting advertisers 23 Please add in a reference tree or building as has been done before to show the horizon (top of blackline). The colour of the sky is hard to get right, but anything that suggests ‘nearing dawn’ would

Waving the wand for children with disabilities Merlin’s Magic Wand donated a number of Magical Days Out tickets to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, enjoyed by children with physical and/or learning disabilities and their families during 2021. Days out have included trips to Chessington World of Adventures Resort, SEA LIFE Weymouth, and LEGOLAND Windsor, and the charity also provided contributions towards the hire of coaches for each trip. Merlin’s Magic Wand aims to make fun accessible by providing complimentary tickets and travel grants to help families create longlasting memories and take valuable time out from their stressful daily routine. Erin Woods, charity manager from Merlin’s Magic Wand, commented: “Merlin’s Magic Wand is an international children’s charity that has been creating magical experiences for children who need them most for over 13 years. With the support of our partners, colleagues, beneficiaries, and friends, to date we’ve been able to create over one million magical experiences with our three magical programmes.”

of its services including Project My Time, for children ages eight to 18; Awesome Nights, a youth club for teenagers with special education needs; Coping with CHAOS, providing play sessions for the whole family; and STARs, Diverse Abilities’ newly launched sibling support service. Clare Rochford, Children’s Team manager, added: “We are honestly so thankful to Merlin’s Magic Wand for supporting us each year, it really does make a huge difference to the families we work with. The daily challenges these families face often make these sorts of days out a daunting experience, and by being able to facilitate these trips means we can take the stress out of the whole process.” Visit diverseabilities.org.uk for more details about the charity’s services for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.

Diverse Abilities has been supported by Merlin’s Magic Wand since 2016, and the charities work together to provide fun days out and activities for families through a selection 24

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I’m a Dementia Friend You can join me at: dementiafriends.org.uk

Would you like a home visit for advice about making a Will, or Lasting Power of Attorney?

Call Christine on: 07860 772274 or email: christine@winterbornelegal.co.uk Christine is a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly, Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a Dementia Friend

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General Knowledge Crossword #012 1

30 31

Across Clues: 1. Dissolve (4) 5. Brown, ﬁzzy (4) 7. In organisation with (9) 9. Doubled reeded instrument (4) 11. Proposal (5) 12. A valved brass instrument, bass pitch (4) 14. Condition (6) 17. Draw (6) 19. Listing (5) 20. Spirit which can be controlled (5) 21. Retro music player (6) 23. Natural substance; increases endorphins (6) 24. Skin condition (4) 26. Blueprint (5) 28. Obtain (4) 30. Paraphrase (9) 31. End of prayer (4) 32. Wickedness (4)

Down Clues: 1. Crispy mexican pancake (4) 2. Ripple (4) 3. Department (6) 4. Title of an emperor of Rome (6) 5. Small unit of money (4) 6. Region (4) 8. Recline (3) 10. Motion and force of projectiles (9) 13. Female dancer (9) 15. Hanging organ on an animal (5) 16. Circular ornament, decorated with jewels (5) 18. Mushrooms (5) 22. Invade (6) 23. 90-180 degrees (6) 24. Bluish-green (4) 25. Receive (4) 27. Atmosphere (3) 28. Impolite (4) 29. Small area of water (4)

Answers: Across: 1. Thaw, 5. Cola, 7. Affiliate, 9. Oboe, 11. Ideas, 12. Tuba, 14. Clause, 17. Raffle, 19. Index, 20. Genie, 21. Stereo, 23. Opioid, 24. Acne, 26. Chart, 28. Reap, 30. Rephrased, 31. Amen, 32. Evil. Down: 1. Taco, 2. Wave, 3. Office, 4. Caesar, 5. Cent, 6. Area, 8. Lie, 10. Ballistic, 13. Ballerina, 15. Udder, 16. Crown, 18. Fungi, 22. Occupy, 23. Obtuse, 24. Aqua, 25. Earn, 27. Air, 28. Rude, 29. Pool.

Tiny Wonders Six subtle lifestyle adjustments that can elevate you to a place where physical fullness feels a step closer. ONE - Embrace fats - So while bacon, sausage and cake remain off the radar, ‘good fats’ such as avocado, olive oil, nuts and fish should be incorporated into meals and snacks as a great method for boosting a base level of fuel and energy within the body. TWO - Water carrier - The human body requires around two litres of water each day to function at optimal efficiency. In simple terms, measured and efficient intake of H2O means more energy, better complexion and even weight loss, given that drinking the pure stuff suppresses hunger.

THREE - Movement - Whilst it sounds straightforward, getting up and moving around is something that’s simple, yet we neglect to do it so often. Regular movement means profound and important improvements to overall health. FOUR - Sleep Getting shut-eye is the fullest and most accomplished system for the body’s ability to recharge its batteries. The recommendation is for 7-9 hours of sleep every night, with lack of sleep not only impairing body function and mental alertness, but also raising the chance of obesity.

FIVE - Simple supplements Rather than being a cheat for good health, supplements can provide us with timely and measured boosts for all the vitamins and minerals we may be missing from our regular diets. SIX - Dr Feelgood - As much as the initial focus should be on securing the framework of who we are – our bodies – embarking on projects that provoke mental stimulus and satisfaction are just as important.

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The Queen in Decades

Buckingham Palace announced recently that it was already beginning plans for Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, even though she is still over four years from that milestone.

Even now, at 95, Elizabeth still undertakes her seemingly endless list of public and private duties with consummate ease, and to begin the long process of

preparations in the lead-up to her century milestone in 2026, we have compiled a collection of images of the Queen on every decade of her life.

At 20 - Princess Elizabeth in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, seen here with her mother Queen Elizabeth.

At 10 - Princess Elizabeth, right, arriving with her sister, Princess Margaret, at the Royal Tournament, Olympia.

At 40 - The River Severn was at its full tide of 46ft as the Queen opened the world’s seventhlongest bridge with Mrs Barbara Castle

At 30 - Harry Primrose, the 6th Earl Of Rosebery, With Queen Elizabeth Ii At Epsom On Oaks Day

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At 50 - Queen Elizabeth II visits Associated Newspapers in Fleet Street, London, in 1976

At 60 - Queen Elizabeth II with David Attenborough, ﬁlming the Christmas Message in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace

At 70 - Queen Elizabeth II out and about in her Range Rover

At 90 - Queen Elizabeth II is accompanied by Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, as she unveils a portrait of herself by artist Colin Davidson at Crosby Hall in London

At 80 - The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament in November 2006

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Spring into life with a good read The final bitter throes of winter will soon pass, so how about some optimistic, non-fiction reading as February comes into view? Books Do Furnish a Life by Richard Dawkins Including conversations with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Steven Pinker, Matt Ridley; Books Do Furnish a Life is divided by theme, including celebrating nature, exploring humanity, and interrogating faith, bringing together Richard Dawkins’ forewords, afterwords and introductions to the work of some of the leading thinkers of our age. Published by Penguin on February 10th Small Island by Phillip Parker The shape and location of Britain’s landmass has not always been the same, with an identity that’s always been on the move. But, by knowing more about the 12 pivotal moments that occurred over a 2,000-year period, we can not only gain a full sense of our British history, but also an understanding of where we are heading, and that’s what Philip Parker reveals brilliantly across 12 defining maps. Published by Michael Joseph on February 17th A Bit of Me: From Basildon to Broadway by Denise Van Outen Denise Van Outen, original 90s ‘ladette’, West End star and primetime TV

favourite, reveals for the ﬁrst time the true story of grit and graft beneath the famous Essex sparkle. In this refreshingly candid memoir, Denise speaks openly and sensitively about her rollercoaster career, from The Big Breakfast in her early twenties to a decade grafting through theatre jobs and children’s TV shows. She describes her challenges offscreen and behind the headlines, as her heart was broken in a very public relationship, with her every move printed in the tabloids thanks to her phone being tapped. Moving to the US to play Roxie Hart in Chicago was a lifechanging experience, restoring the star’s ability to confront and move on from self-doubt, betrayal, invasions of privacy and professional struggles. Published by Ebury on March 3rd

What’s Black & White & Read All Over by Gyles Brandreth So… what is black and white and read all over? An embarrassed penguin, a sunburnt elephant, a newspaper! The reaction to these jokes can circumnavigate the whole spectrum of comedy, from hearty chortles to room-ﬁlling groans. In many senses, writer, broadcaster and former politician Gyles Brandreth is going for the latter in this collection with a smorgasbord of some of the best and worst jokes ever (plus a few riddles to keep readers on their toes). From ‘Knock, knock’ to ‘Waiter waiter’, with some funny elephants and giraffes thrown in for good measure, there’s also a bit of expert joke advice, so you can show others just how funny you can be! Or not… Published by Penguin on March 3rd

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Greenfingers… the Alan Titchmarsh column He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist and all-round horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh talks about how our gardens can move us to a place of peace. While gardens mean different things to all of us, it’s when I venture into these tranquil spaces that I truly get a sense of their calming and healing power, and I ﬁnd that hugely enriching. Most gardens and landscapes naturally come with a real feeling of gentleness – from the choice of ﬂowers and plants, to gentle sweeps and curves that guide the eye onwards, to a softness and subtlety that may be a world away from some of the physical or emotional struggles we are going through; and I feel it is this dramatic contrast that really transports someone back to a place of comfort, even if just for a little while. What is also really important for me when I visit gardens

at hospices and hospitals, is the reminder that these spaces are not just for those who are residents. They also give hope, clarity, peace and a sense of calm to visiting families and, most importantly, the people who work there. Certainly, with everything that has happened over the past couple of years with Covid, and the realisation that we need to consider and protect workers and staff who look after us, I would like to think those on the frontline can wrestle back their own sense of contentment when soaking up the fresh air and beauty of a garden, where they can move away from a job that’s very hard and emotionally draining. I would like to see more attention given to gardens and outdoor spaces in our health institutions, and in workspaces in general. They are more important than we imagine.

Simple sweeps of ﬂowers, plants and foliage are inspiring; the sight of an olive tree can move our minds to far-off places; and we all know how calming a cascade of water can be. It’s all very peaceful and there’s nothing complicated or frenetic. Gardens are evolving, living things that are always changing – in fact they’re much like us in that respect! For me, on those days where I feel everything’s a bit fraught and frantic, and when I just can’t get to grips with anything, I go to sit in the garden or potter about to ﬁnd myself, and it really works! Life is a compromise, and you can’t always be on top of things, but gardens truly prove to me the healing qualities that exist within nature, and we’re so fortunate to have them.

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Creature Comforts Presenter Kate Humble, on the natural beauty all around us, and how protecting is something we all need to invest in. It’s hard not to feel a sense of pride in Great Britain when you talk to Kate Humble. With her infectious enthusiasm for all things natural, backed up by an encyclopaedic knowledge of British wildlife, the former Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Lambing Live presenter positively exudes a love for animals and wildlife that have made her one of the nation’s most well-loved personalities. But the aptly-named Humble is adamant that it’s the animals, and not her presence, that made her various TV commitments – and plethora of seasonal spin-offs – such a massive hit with viewers across the UK. “As much as I love and will always love going to other parts of the world and ﬁlming and seeing and spending time with other wildlife, no one ever gets bored of the British countryside, be that the rolling hills, a simple stream, or a blue tit. “I think the reason is that almost anybody – wherever

they live – can look out of their window and see a beautiful animal in its natural habitat, and what has become very obvious over the years, across various programmes, is that people almost feel a sense of ownership over those creatures that we follow, and that they follow themselves at home.” Her most recent book, Thinking on My Feet: The small joy of putting one foot in front of another, took a rather more holistic view of our natural environment, and focused more on her incredible ability to immerse both herself and fans in the virtues of the British countryside “I think helping people love, respect and enjoy the countryside is more important now than ever before,” she says. “Never before have there been so many restraints on or rivals to people’s time; so while we hear a lot about protecting our

wild spaces by not overrunning them with tourism, at the same time it’s really important to get people out there, both for their own mental health and so that they can contribute to the rural communities that, in turn, support smaller wildlife projects.” And whether we live next to a great expanse of green, or are city-based and require a more dedicated trip to a green space, there is so much we can do around us. “As the seasons start to change, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can help wildlife ﬂourish in your local area,” Humble explains. “We rely on wildlife for enjoyment and beauty, and wildlife relies on us for sustainability in more ways than you would imagine. If we help each other out, we both beneﬁt.”

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Jamie Oliver’s Chai Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Introduction

There has been a tradition in recent years to let our Christmas ﬂavours and tastes extend into the new year, and I really like that. After all, why should it be that we can’t enjoy turkey in spring, or add brandy butter to our desserts in summer. Dates are one of those fruits that count as another festive ﬁller that seems to be forgotten about during other times of the year, but I don’t see why – they’re sweet, full of texture and actually really versatile. So as we work our way through winter, why not extend that homely, rustic feeling with this date and toffee pudding. It’s warm, tasty and reassuring; and unlike Christmas, it won’t cost you the earth!

Ingredients

(serves 6)

• 150g unsalted butter (at room temperature), plus extra for greasing • 500g self-raising ﬂour, plus extra for dusting • 500g dried pitted dates

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C and place a tray of water in the bottom (this creates steam to keep the pudding moist), then butter and ﬂour a 25cm tin. Now chop the pitted dates, and zest the orange.

the date mixture, then pour into the Bundt tin.

• 1 orange • 2 chai tea bags • 20g of bicarb • 350g dark brown sugar • 5 large free-range eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 50g golden syrup • 75g black treacle For the Toffee Sauce • 125g double cream • 50g unsalted butter • 50g dark brown sugar • 30g golden syrup • 1 lug of brandy

2. Boil 400ml of water, turn the heat off, then add the tea bags and infuse for 3mins. Boil again, whisk in the bicarb and add the dates. Leave to one side to cool to room temperature. 3. Next, cream the butter and sugar in a food processor until light and ﬂuffy. Now whisk the eggs, vanilla, orange zest, golden syrup and treacle and pour into the butter mixture in stages, beating until smooth each time. Sieve the ﬂour and fold gently into the batter. Stir in

4. Bake for one hour, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 5mins. 5. Pop all the sauce ingredients in a small pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Simmer for 5mins, stirring, then remove from the heat. 6. Finally, invert the pudding onto a platter and baste with a little of the sauce. Serve with clotted cream and the remaining sauce on the side.

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Puzzle Page Answers Quick Crossword Solution #012 Answers:

Across: 1. Manifest, 7. Sarge, 8. Gemlike, 9. Smelter, 10. Idle, 12. Welfare, 13. Asshole, 17. Oral, 18. Marquee, 21. Monster, 22. Niche, 23. Attagirl. Down: 1. Magpie, 2. Nameless, 3. Fail, 4. Seesaw, 5. Grit, 6. Pearce, 7. Shellac, 11. Closure, 13. Amaretti, 14. Almond, 15. Exempt, 16. Plural, 19. Race, 20. Anna

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Advertisers Index

Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your magazine... Blinds, Curtains & Shutters

Garden Services

Roofing Services

Corbin Fencing ................................................................................................................................................................... 31 ............................................................................................. Mallwood Roofing 35 ................................................................................................................................................................... Ironwork of Distinction 7 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Ashley Blinds 3 ................................................................................................................................................................... Sunset Developments 39 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Hillarys Blinds 13 ................................................................................................................................................................... The Fencing & Gate Co. 27 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Just Shutters 15

Solicitors

Humphries Kirk LLP ............................................................................................. 19 ............................................................................................. Winterborne Legal Services 25

Gifts & Collectibles

................................................................................................................................................................... Wardon Hill Trading Post 35

Builders

Trailers

............................................................................................. Wessex Trailers 35

Holiday Accommodation Drainage Services

................................................................................................................................................................... The Location Collection 33

Dorset Drain Unblocking ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ NO.1 PHD 2

Tree Surgeons

............................................................................................. Leaks Tree Care 35

Mobility Products & Services Driveways

................................................................................................................................................................... Active Mobility 11 County Block Paving ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Oltco Weymouth & Yeovil 20-21 TV Sales & Servicing ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Southern Counties Resins 13 ............................................................................................. Sound & Vision 4 U 5

Plumbers

Heatcare UK Limited ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................................... KDL Plumbing and Heating 37 Electricians ................................................................................................................................................................... NO.1 PHD 2 Waste Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ SF Electrical 15 ................................................................................................................................................................... Trussler Contractor 27 ............................................................................................. Philip Trim Contractors 19

Foot Care Services

Residential Care Homes

Will Writing Services

Garage Doors

Garolla ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Skandoor 5

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