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November 2026 Volume 24, Issue 4
SOBO Beach wins 11-month reprieve Review: Nusara Thai, Wimborne
Big Christmas festivities coming to Broadstone and Ferndown
Bay City Rollers to play The Tivoli
Remembrance
Sunday
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Poole waves farewell to Barfleur p5 our magazines are 2003
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Volume 24 • Issue 4 • November 2026
Dear Readers!
Lights on and heating up in the morning, welcome to autumn proper. While it might be dark and gloomy out, there’s the seasonal “delights” of Halloween and Bonfire Night lighting up the horizon before the festive season kicks into high gear, having started sometime in June for the marketing people of this world. We can get through it, folks, with a little stoicism and care for pets, neighbours and family. After pausing for Remembrance Sunday, we look to the staggering line-up of festive events. We apologise that Dorset View can’t get to them all, but will try to attend as many as possible. Now that it’s my job to scour these occasions, I can sadly claim not to be familiar with Broadstone Parade or Carols on Mudeford Quay, and it has been years since I saw Christchurch Lights beaming across the town, so I've added them to my to-do list. On the plus side, with a late/post-teenage family at home, the commercialisation of Christmas is something we can largely skip, but the quest for meaningful gifts remains a challenge, advice for and from the wider Dorset View readership welcome (letters@dorsetview.co.uk).
Geoff Spick
DORSET VIEW
Ben Pulford managing director ben@dorsetview.co.uk Louis Pulford creative director louis@pulfordpublicity.co.uk Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk
NEWS DESK
01202 233441 Geoff Spick editor geoff@dorsetview.co.uk Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Emily Brown pre-press administrator emily@dorsetview.co.uk Janine Pulford editor-at-large janine@dorsetview.co.uk
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The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine
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LOGISTICS Mike Talbot
Autumnal carpet in West Moors ©CatchBox
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Dorset View is independently published and distributed free to homes and businesses in selected areas of Dorset and Hampshire. Views or opinions expressed in Dorset View are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information about a service does not imply recommendation. All purchases made through this publication are done so entirely at your own risk. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Dorset View and should not be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. The company’s privacy policy can be read at www.dorsetview.co uk
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SOBO Beach wins 11-month reprieve After weeks of community outcry, a 10,000-signature petition and impassioned words from social and political leaders, Southbourne’s SOBO Beach has won a stay of execution. The news provides 11 months for people who haven’t discovered the venue to enjoy it, for a seaside coffee, brunch or dinner. And, for communities to continue to meet there and for the many charities and events to exploit the attractive base in an amazing location. A full council meeting on 13 October concluded that a smooth transition to a new business was better than leaving the site vacant for up to a year or more. A temporary licence has been approved and will see SOBO
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Beach remain open, while the original tender for a new business is investigated for transparency and public value. Councillors voted 35 in favour, 16 against with nine abstentions to approve the lease extension. Leader of the Council Millie Earl said: “I have an amendment to the recommendation set out by Cllr Herrett which we’ve come up with since cabinet, and since we’ve had huge representations from passionate residents. They also voted 32 to 17 in favour, with 11 abstentions for the new preferred bidder. “The preferred bidder has expressed to us the importance of keeping the site community focused, active and accessible. They are committed to working with the council to ensure
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a collaborative and smooth transition that is in the best interests of everybody. This includes a fixed term lease of 11 months (1 November to 30 September 2027) to provide continuity.” SOBO owner Rich Slater commented online after the
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news: “A thank you, from all of us at Team SOBO to every single person who has signed, shared, spoken up, shown up, sent a message or simply let us know what SOBO means to you - thank you. We’ve felt that love more than we can put into words.”
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Poole waves goodbye to the Barfleur By Geoff Spick | images © Dorset View British eccentricity and love of the nautical world was on show recently as Barfleur left her Poole base for the last time, leaving early on Monday 12 October. The Brittany Ferries' vessel was making her last run to Cherbourg before switching to an Irish route. From around 7.30am, people were lining the car park by the Sandbanks chain ferry. Clad in waterproofs and under umbrellas, they waited patiently for the 8.30 departure, after some three decades of loyal service from Barfleur. As cast-off neared, the crowd had swelled, looking for the blue and white funnels, and the majestic vessel to glide into view through the murky low clouds and persistent drizzle. By 8.50 as she came into view, the crowd was in the hundreds, and helped deliver a memorable send-off,
waving and cheering, and blowing horns. In the channel, the honour guard flotilla flashed lights and sounded their horns in return. People also gathered on the Studland side of the bay, thoroughly exposed to the elements. All of which came after the ship had enjoyed a heartfelt send off from those at Poole Quay and on the calmer waters near the harbour. Many well-wishers stayed in place until Barfleur, looking a little rusty down the flanks, vanished into the Poole Bay murk, heading for the Normandy coast, churning up the water as she picked up speed. The economics behind operating Barfleur had made the route untenable, with Brittany Ferries reporting a 70 per cent drop in passenger numbers (from
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547,000 in 2002 down to 165,000 in 2025) and a 94 per cent drop in freight, as well as broader financial pressures. Condor Ferry services to the Channel Islands will continue. And in 2027 DFDS will add earlier services to its Jersey-Poole fast ferry route, opening up five weeks earlier on 24 March 2027, for around 50 extra sailings, due to strong passenger growth.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Law Spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors
Christmas card competition
Protecting your future starts earlier than you think - Advertisement feature -
By Jamie Blinko, Private Client Solicitor Many people assume that a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is something to consider later in life. While LPAs are often associated with retirement and ageing, they can be just as important for younger adults, professionals, homeowners and parents. An LPA allows you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. Loss of mental capacity can happen at any age through serious illness, stroke, road accidents, brain injuries or unexpected
medical emergencies. As a result, LPAs can be just as relevant for people in their 30s, 40s and 50s as those in later life. Despite growing awareness, most adults do not have an LPA in place. More than 85% of UK adults have not made one, despite over six million LPAs being registered across England and Wales. There are two types of LPA: A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows your attorneys to help manage bank accounts, property and other assets. This can be particularly important where finances are held in one person’s sole
name, as family members may otherwise be unable to access funds or deal with important matters if capacity is lost. A Health and Welfare LPA enables your attorneys to make decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements and daily welfare if you are unable to do so yourself. Without an LPA, families may need to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which can be costly and stressful. We believe LPAs should be viewed as an essential part of life planning for adults of all ages. Contact our team to learn more.
Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
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West Moors Town Council’s Christmas Card Competition has returned. It’s open to all children who live or go to school in West Moors, and the winning design will be the face of the official Council Christmas Card. They’ll receive 20 of their own printed cards, plus an arty prize for them and two runners up. Pupils should drop their A4 designs (portrait or landscape) into the Council Office by 20 November, with the child’s name, age and a parent/guardian contact number on the reverse.
Budget consultation
People living in the New Forest District Council area have until 10 November to give their views on the authority’s budget saving proposals. Due to increasing inflation, resulting in rising costs of running services and changes to the way government funding is distributed, the council is forecasting a £1.25 million budget gap for 2027/28. Visit: https://newforest.govocal. com/en-GB/projects/budgetconsultation-for-2027-28.
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Food waste bio-gas site opens at Parley Eco Sustainable Solutions’ biogas plant at the Parley site is officially open after construction started in 2024. The facility can handle over 50,000 tonnes of food waste from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and surrounding areas every year. Costing just under £20 million, the plant creates biomethane which is fed directly into the local gas network at the rate of 900 cubic metres an hour, enough to heat around 7,000 homes. The plant, which sits in a 40acre Eco Park, has six full-time operators. It was commissioned earlier this year. Eco Sustainable Solutions began life 31 years ago as a small green waste composting operation with two people and a pitchfork and has grown to a business employing 53 with an annual turnover of over £20 million. Simon Boyd, Vice-President of Dorset Chamber, opened the new anaerobic digestion facility, he said: “This couldn’t come at
a better time because we need a mix of energy. This energy resource works 24 hours a day whether the wind blows or not or the sun shines or not. It’s a good addition to that mix that we need to get as a country so that we can bring down energy costs that are affecting all businesses.” Justin Dampney, Eco’s Managing Director, said: “The official opening of our new biogas facility marks a significant milestone in Eco’s 30-year history and is a proud achievement for everyone involved. “This facility, which has been developed as a response to the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, operates around the clock and has the capacity to recycle more than 1,000 tonnes of food waste every week. This material is transformed into renewable biomethane injected into the gas network, along with a nutrient-rich biofertiliser, for agriculture; both are particularly useful given the current climate.”
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The ‘Tartan Army’ to play The Tivoli By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Even if the pop songs ‘Bye Bye Baby’ and ‘Shang-aLang’ don’t ring immediate bells with you, Stuart Wood, one of the original members of the Bay City Rollers says everyone will have a fun evening at their concert at the Tivoli on Friday 13 November. The ‘Keep On Rollin’ tour, which includes many dates in the UK as well as in Ireland and Germany, will continue until next year. Stuart, who joined the tartan teen band in 1973, says audiences get a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they perform all their timeless classics and more
in an action-packed show. He said: “The band has been going since the 70s but we have had our quiet spells. We didn’t break up.” He recalled that in the early days they received a hysterical reaction from fans. “We stopped recording in 1981 and were dormant until a reunion in 1985. And then we played in festivals.” Although many of their audiences are comprised of people who remember them from their heyday, Stuart says that they get younger people too as original fans bring along their children and grandchildren. “The youngest we had was five years of age,” he said. Stuart, who is known as Woody, released an autobiography entitled ‘Mania’ last summer, which is proving to be very popular, giving a true and accurate reflection of his life
to date and the trials and tribulations of Rollermania. Last summer the band released a new single for the Bay City Rollers musical called ‘Rollers Forever’, which is Woody’s love letter thanking the fans for their support over the years. In 2024 the band, which has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide, released its first studio album since the late 1970s called ‘Keep On Rollin’.’ The Bay City Rollers returned to the charts and the UK’s top 20 with their release of ‘Shang-A-Lang 50’ in June 2024, marking 50 years since the original release. “We sell records in Japan, Australia and the USA. They are popular songs and we’ve never tried to be anything else,” said Woody. So get out your tartantrimmed clothes and scarves and prepare to welcome ‘the Tartan Army’.
Stuart Wood photo by Natalia Aronowicz
Tickets available from https:// www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/ events/bay-city-rollers/
Seasonal garden tasks - Advertisement feature -
With the changing of the clocks from summer to winter, the days in the garden become filled with chores Raking and removal of fallen leaves and twigs from lawns, beds and borders is essential for preventing fungal diseases and decay. Piles of leaves and fallen fruits are beneficial for wildlife through winter. Harvest the last of the fruit and vegetables, leave the winter greens and leeks for winter and spring harvesting. Sow any winter vegetables, ideally under cover in cloches and frames. Start to prepare the ground for next year by digging over and adding organic composts. Transfer tender bulbs and tubers such as dahlias and cannas to frost-free places to be stored until next spring.
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Tender palms, trees and shrubs can be wrapped in fleece, or if potted, moved to sheltered parts of the garden. Pruning of hardy trees, shrubs, roses and perennials can be start once the leaves have fallen, to enhance their shape and encourage flowering. Clean and store all your garden tools and machinery properly to ensure longevity. There is still time to plant spring bulbs, some of which include violas, pansies, wallflowers, primroses and polyanthus. Sit back and enjoy autumn, with winter colours and sunsets over a tidy garden. @dorset.view
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Campaign to help pay heating bills With the high cost of heating very much in the news as we approach colder weather, Dorset Community Foundation has launched its 16th annual Surviving Winter appeal The appeal raises money to distribute £200 grants to pensioners and, people aged 60 and over with a disability, who are living in fuel poverty. The Surviving Winter funding also helps the Citizens Advice Dorset energy team identify people at risk so they can offer the grants, as well as a range of other support.
“There are around 500 avoidable excess winter deaths each winter in Dorset, with national research estimating that more than a fifth are attributable to cold homes, and in 2026 we think this is unacceptable,” said DCF chairman Tom Flood. Donate to the appeal at dorsetcommunityfoundation.
org.uk or send a cheque or bankers draft, made payable to Dorset Community Foundation, to The Surviving Winter Appeal, Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF.
People can also donate through a BACS Transfer via: Charities Aid Foundation Bank, Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number:00083897 (Please use reference SW) or call on 01202 670815.
Members of the Citizens Advice energy team launching the 16th Surviving Winter appeal
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An ideal Farewell Barfleur gift for all Dorset lovers By Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole
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‘Downstream Dorset, River Tales and Local History’ is a colourful journey of exploration and discovery along the many rivers and streams flowing through the beautiful county of Dorset. Mary van Coller and her husband, Ryan, have visited towns and villages along each river, verifying facts, listening to people’s stories and taking many colour photographs. ‘Downstream Dorset’ reveals the meaning of place names and relates fascinating tales about people and events both past and present. The book can accompany you when exploring Dorset, or you can sit and enjoy reading the many anecdotes with a cup of coffee. Plus, 20 per cent of proceeds are donated to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
This month saw the end of an era, with the final sailing of the Barfleur from Poole. For more than thirty years the ferry provided a direct link between Poole and Cherbourg, becoming a familiar sight in the harbour and an important connection for local businesses, visitors and families alike. While many residents will miss the ferry itself, its loss also raises important questions about the challenges facing our local economy and port. Although a number of factors were cited for her decline, Brexit appears to have contributed to the reduction in passengers and the almost total loss of freight traffic in recent years. Local farmers have told me that export paperwork has increased dramatically since the UK left the EU, to the point that many have stopped exporting altogether. Hauliers face restrictions on British drivers working in Europe,
while local manufacturers have found it harder to compete with mainland European rivals. These challenges are not the whole story. Pressure on household budgets and rising operating costs have created further challenges. But taken together, they have created a difficult environment for services that once seemed an established part of life on our coast. What matters now is not looking backwards, but making sure Poole is in the strongest possible position for the future. That is why I have been working with local stakeholders and port representatives to press the case for restoring a cross-Channel connection. I raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister in Parliament and have secured a meeting with ministers, urging them to do everything possible to improve trade with our nearest neighbours and support routes
such as this one, particularly as the UK enters a new round of negotiations with the EU on trade, security and youth mobility. Poole Harbour remains a fantastic environmental and economic asset. The loss of the Barfleur is disappointing, but it does not define the future of the town. I will continue working with businesses, the port and government to restore those connections.
Welcome to Elevare - Advertisment feature -
By Elevare Chiropractic At Elevare Chiropractic, we believe feeling your best starts with looking after your body. Our friendly, welcoming clinic in Ferndown provides personalised chiropractic care for people of all ages, whether you’re experiencing discomfort, wanting to move more freely, or simply looking to stay active and well. We take time to understand you, your lifestyle and your goals, providing clear advice and care tailored to your individual needs. From busy professionals and parents to active retirees and sports enthusiasts, we’re here to help you move, feel and function at your best. We’re proud to support our local community and look forward to welcoming you to Elevare.
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The decisions we make on Dorset’s roads By David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset There is something very ordinary about getting into a car. We do it to get to work, take the children to school, visit friends, do the shopping or simply get home. Because driving is such a normal part of our daily lives, it can be easy to forget that every journey comes with responsibility. The decisions we make on the road do not just affect us. They can affect a passenger sitting beside us, someone walking along a pavement, a cyclist travelling ahead or another family coming towards us. As Police and Crime Commissioner, road safety is something I hear about regularly from communities across Dorset. Whether it is concerns about speeding in a village, dangerous driving on a rural road or the risks faced by more vulnerable road users, people want to feel safe on the roads where they live. The reality is that sometimes a very small decision can have a very big consequence. That is the thinking behind my “One Decision” road safety campaign.
Rather than simply telling people what not to do, I want to encourage us all to think about the positive choices we can make every time we travel. The evidence shows this matters. The Government’s 2026 Road Safety Strategy states that around nine in 10 collisions have human driver error as a contributory factor. We cannot prevent every collision, but we can control many of the decisions we make ourselves to hopefully help reduce them. It might be choosing to take your foot off the accelerator because the road ahead is wet. Perhaps you put your mobile phone in the glovebox before starting the engine. You may make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt, however short the journey. Or perhaps you have been drinking and make the decision to leave the car where it is and get a taxi or bus home. The same applies to drugs and medication. Never drive after taking illegal drugs, and do not drive if prescribed or over-the-counter medication is affecting your ability to drive safely. If you are unsure, check the advice
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that comes with your medication and seek professional guidance. None of these decisions take very long. But they can give you more time to react, reduce the severity of a collision or prevent one from happening altogether.
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WIMBORNE
Mayor’s Musings
2026 High Contrast Cinema A Great Year brings Casablanca for Wimborne to Wimborne
High Contrast Cinema, a volunteer-run community project based at the Allendale Centre, brings Bogie to town. On Friday 6 November, audiences can experience In a Lonely Place (1950), Nicholas Ray’s haunting film noir in which Humphrey Bogart delivers one of his most acclaimed and unsettling performances. On Friday 4 December there’s an extra-special screening of Casablanca (1942), the timeless wartime romance that cemented Bogart’s place in cinema history and remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved classics. To add an extra touch of magic to the evening, audiences are invited to get into the spirit of the era with 1940s-inspired attire, whether that’s a full period costume or simply a Bogie-style fedora. Matt Clark of the High Contrast team says: “Each season provides us with an opportunity to bring people together around vintage films that still feel alive on the big screen, and we’re especially excited by this one.”
2026 is proving to be a great year for Wimborne Minster. Dorset Council awarded Wimborne the Town of Culture status, following a competitive process. Wimborne’s story began over a thousand years ago, and this year it’s being told in a new voice. Town of Culture celebrates the traditions, festivals and landmarks that define Wimborne, while reimagining them for today. From Roman roads to digital murals; from folk festivals to experimental soundscapes; Wimborne blends the familiar with the unexpected. It’s about connection across generations – giving history a heartbeat and heritage a future. Wimborne becomes a town that looks back with pride and forward with imagination. We have really worked hard to make this year a special one for residents and visitors. Highlights include: • Belonging – a production by Wimborne Community Theatre at Kingston Lacy in September which captured the hearts and minds of over 600 spectators. As one said: ‘Well done for last night’s show – well constructed and put together with clear moving themes. The backdrop of the house was stunning, and I loved seeing scenes appear from darkness, the puppets, the soldiers, jeeps, lanterns – so beautiful all around.’ • Folk Festival where a stage was provided for two days for young performers to show their talents. 17 Micro-commissions where artists were provided with funding to stage an event from poetry readings to exhibitions. • Craft Workshops such as lantern-making for children. • Leigh Park Estate event which led to a street procession. • Youth Festival with workshops and events. Councillor Jeff Hart Mayor and Chairman of Wimborne Minster Town Council
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WIMBORNE
Wimborne Green Festival highlights environmental interest
Two people from the Bee Circus buzzed into town
The Men’s Shed design in the grounds of Wimborne Library
By Marilyn Barber | photos © Dorset View The Planet Wimborne Green Festival had a successful opening on Saturday 10 October, with hundreds of visitors flocking to the Minster Green to visit the many stalls. With its theme of ‘Be in nature, Be creative, Be well’, the week-long Festival which ran until 17 October, linked with Wimborne’s vision as Dorset Town of Culture 2026 to encourage collaborations, connections and creative community in and around the town. Celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock, well known for TV programmes Ground Force, The Joy of Gardening, Charlie’s Garden Army and
Garden Rescue, was the keynote speaker at the finale event, presenting ‘Gardening for Wildlife and Wellbeing’ at Queen Elizabeth School.
Niki Harper from Wilding Wimborne
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education / the future relies on what we learn today.
Two Dorset schools to work together for scholarships An independent day and boarding school in Blandford and a state-funded comprehensive school in Ferndown are to work together to offer scholarships for high-potential pupils. Bryanston School and Ferndown Upper School have announced a collaborative partnership and the key element will be the establishment of the Ferndown/Bryanston Scholarship Programme. This will provide several scholarship places for pupils from Ferndown Upper who
demonstrate exceptional potential and are considered likely to flourish and accelerate their development within a boarding school environment. Liz Thornton, deputy head, staff and partnerships at Bryanston, said: “There is a great deal of expertise within our two communities, and by bringing that together we can create something that greatly benefits pupils and staff.” Bryanston will participate in the Dorset Maintained Schools Group, supporting closer collaboration between school
Will Bridges (Ferndown Upper) and Liz Thornton (Bryanston)
leaders and the sharing of best practice in areas including leadership, behaviour, teaching and school improvement. Philip Jones, head of Ferndown Upper and Middle schools, said: “Both Ferndown Upper School and Bryanston School share values of community, belonging and aspiration. This partnership provides an exciting opportunity for our pupils and staff to benefit from a genuinely collaborative relationship with Bryanston that aligns with our shared values and principles.
“Whether through scholarships, enrichment opportunities, teacher training or the sharing of expertise between departments, our aim is to create opportunities that add real value to both school communities. We are particularly pleased that the partnership will provide new pathways for pupils to develop their talents and ambitions.” In the latest Ofsted results, Ferndown Upper School achieved the highest Ofsted Outcomes under the New Framework in the South West.
Council’s SEND Reform Plan approved Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will benefit from improvements to local support after the Government approved
BCP’s SEND Reform Plan. The plan has been shaped with input from children, young people, families and local partners. It aims to give children the right support earlier, improve inclusion and make
services work better together. In its outcome letter, the Government said BCP’s plan had “met the required threshold and provides a positive foundation from which to move into delivery.” The Government also recognised the progress made in strengthening local leadership, relationships and governance, as well as the ambition behind the shared plan for improvement. It highlighted the “good momentum” across education, health and care. As a result of the SEND
Reform Plan being approved, the council’s Improvement Notice will also be lifted. Approval also brings significant Government financial support. BCP Council is eligible for a £161.85 million High Needs Stability Grant, based on the Government’s current indicative allocation. This marks a significant step in addressing BCP’s historic SEND deficit. Demand for SEND services continues to place significant financial pressure on the council and wider local area partnership.
Sea Kayakers take on challenge for The Blandford School Two Paddle UK sea kayak leaders, Paul Jenkins and Allen Westerby, who are also both members of Poole Harbour Canoe Club, have successfully completed the famously gruelling challenge of sea kayaking from Old Harry Rocks, Swanage to The Needles, Isle of Wight and then back again to Swanage in the same day. The demanding open sea crossing which requires meticulous planning at every stage, is known as the Double Chalk-to-Chalk. Paul and Allen took over 14 hours to cover the 40-mile (64km) distance in challenging conditions.
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The aim of the completed challenge is to try and raise £10,000 to help the science faculty at The Blandford School to purchase much needed new science equipment that isn’t possible within the financial constraints of current government school funding. To read the full detailed story and see the dramatic photos of Paul and Allen’s epic journey, and their amazing encounters along the way, and, if possible, to donate, visit: https://www.gofundme. com/f/science-equipment-forchildren-kayak-challenge @dorset.view
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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.
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Photo © University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity
Teddy Bear Trek for charity NHS staff took their cuddly friends on a recent 12km Teddy Bear Trek to raise over £2,370 for the new Children’s Unit at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) staff took the walk in aid of better spaces and care for children and young people supported by the new Children’s Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Dozens of dedicated Children’s Unit staff and their families walked in September from Poole Hospital to their future space at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to raise funds for Do It for the Kids. Created by the hospitals’ charity, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, Do It for the Kids raises funds to provide comforting spaces, colourful artwork and state-of-the-art equipment for the future Children’s Unit, due to open in Spring 2027. Dr Fiona Hignett, consultant paediatrician and transformation lead for Children’s Health at University Hospitals Dorset, said: “The whole UHD Children’s team is so excited about moving into our new inpatient unit in Bournemouth next year. Moving to a brand-new Children’s Unit is a once in a generation opportunity, and the needs of children, young people and families are at the heart of its design. It was truly amazing to see over 30 staff members and their families from across our whole team come together, to raise awareness of the upcoming changes and fundraise for Do It for the Kids.” They wore bright charity shirts, carried teddy bears and were accompanied by a colleague in an inflatable costume. Along the route, they were cheered on by former UHD colleagues and members of the public while raising awareness of their future move.
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DORSET VIEW November 2026
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Youngsters turn to social media for health info Young people are rejecting or bypassing NHS information in favour of accessing TikTok and artificial intelligence tools. Those are the findings from a survey conducted by HealthWatch Dorset and completed by people aged 16 to 30. Nearly three-quarters said they access information online, with TikTok (51 per cent) and AI tools (33 per cent) among the most popular sources. However, only 24 per cent said they routinely check whether information comes from trusted organisations such as the NHS or BBC. Although 82 per cent of respondents knew what NHS 111 is used for, almost half said they would not feel confident using the service. Mental health emerged as a recurring theme, with respondents describing barriers including stigma, concerns about whether they would be taken seriously and difficulties accessing support. The report makes five recommendations to help improve young people’s access to reliable health information and support. These include increasing the availability of NHS-verified content on platforms used by young people, strengthening health literacy through education, improving awareness of NHS services, reducing barriers to accessing support and ensuring better care planning for those living with long-term conditions.
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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.
If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.
Charity of the Year
Care a family can count on For mum Jodi, the first months of Lily’s life were filled with uncertainty, with weeks in neonatal intensive care, surrounded by tubes. Tests revealed she had PURA syndrome, a rare lifelong condition that causes severe developmental delay and low muscle tone, affecting her breathing, movement, feeding and how Lily processes the world around her. “I was referred to Julia’s House when Lily was four months old,” says Jodi. “I don’t know what I’d have done without them; they’ve been an incredible support.” At first, accepting help was difficult. Worried that Lily might become unwell, Jodi rarely went out and stayed close by while Julia’s House nurses cared for her daughter at home. Gradually,
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knowing Lily was safe with qualified professionals, Jodi adjusted to the support which gave her space to breathe and take a step back. The nursing team learned Lily’s complex feeding routine and gave Jodi regular updates, easing her anxiety. Julia’s House cares for the whole family so Jodi received support too: “They have a fabulous complementary therapist, which I found to be the release I needed. I’d been holding everything in. They understood that caring for me was as important as caring for Lily.” With the practical help of Julia’s House, Jodi has been able to access specialist seating, sensory toys, physiotherapy benches and other equipment. Lily has exceeded expectations: she can sit independently, feed
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herself and enjoy the playground swing. She especially loves being outdoors, watching the trees and leaves. Lily has made great friends with Jacob, another child at Julia’s House - they lie together in the sensory room, holding hands as they watch the lights or listen to music. Their bond has also brought Jodi and Jacob’s mum, Lucy, together as friends. For Jodi, the greatest comfort is knowing that Lily’s medical needs are understood and expertly managed by qualified nurses at Julia’s House. “I know Lily couldn’t get better care with all her needs. Without Julia’s House, I genuinely don’t know where we would be,” says Jodi.
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“Their care team have played a massive part in every step of Lily’s journey - and mine.” Please support Julia’s House if you can: juliashouse.org/donation
Lily having fun in the hospice garden with nurse, Susie
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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.
If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.
Carer receives award after lifesaving CPR Care home worker Stacey Burch was presented with a HEART Excellence Award at the charity’s 17th annual Stars Awards. Stacey received a standing ovation from her Care South colleagues as she accepted her award. Stacey was working in the community earlier this year when she was flagged down by a shopkeeper on Columbia
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Road in Bournemouth to support Carole Knight, who had gone into cardiac arrest. Stacey sprang into action, performing CPR on Carole for 25 minutes until paramedics arrived and took over. Stacey said: “I was so grateful to have the right training through my work because I was able to put it into practice straight away, and I later found out that I had helped to save Carole’s life. It made me realise why all the training we do is so important and why I do this job, as it enables me to make a difference to others when they need it most.” After reuniting following the incident, Stacey and Carole were brought together again at the Stars Awards in a particularly special moment, where they sat together throughout the event. Carole was then invited to the stage to help present Stacey with her award. Carole said: “Stacey
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saved my life and without her help, I wouldn’t be here today. I knew nothing about what was happening as I had collapsed and Stacey gave me CPR for 25 minutes. I am so thrilled that she has been recognised. What she did was remarkable. It took me a long while to get over it, I’m getting through it and I’m grateful for life. I owe this all to Stacey.”
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Martin Ross, Director of Care South at Home, said: “Stacey’s actions were truly exceptional. What makes them even more remarkable is that she went straight back to work after helping Carole, and it was only later that we found out what she had done. We are extremely proud of Stacey and the difference she made that day.”
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If you are in any doubt about your health you must consult your GP. Dorset View is not responsible or liable for damages, which may occur as a result of your use or misuse of the information available on this page.
Wellness event goes down well A community wellness event held in Ferndown on 10 October was hailed as a huge success. Organised by the Orchid House Surgery’s Patient Participation Group (PPG), visitors were often shoulderto-shoulder checking out a range of exhibitors offering support and advice. Dementiafriendly groups, care homes, and Douch Family Funeral Directors were just a handful of
those present in the Day Centre where activities for adults and children also took place. In the neighbouring Barrington Café, participation groups proved popular. Drumfit, Seated Fitness, adapted Tai Chi, and a talk by chiropractor Oliver Symons went down well. One of the many highlights was the Breathless Singers from Creekmoor specialising in
singing for lung health. The choir is designed for anyone living with chronic lung disease or breathlessness. Barrington managers, Chris Brennan and Aidan Hill praised the event and said people were keen to pick up literature about upcoming shows and activities at the theatre. Jane Harbour, chair of the Orchid House Surgery’s Patient Participation Group (PPG)
Barrington managers Aidan Hill and Chris Brennan © CatchBox
was bowled over by the high number of visitors. She said: “It was wonderful to see so many people. A big thank you to all our exhibitors, volunteers and everyone who helped make it such a success.”
Could you help someone get where they need to be? - Advertisement feature -
Orchid House Community Drivers are looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join their team and make a real difference in the local community. Volunteer drivers help patients who may otherwise struggle to attend essential medical appointments, providing a safe and welcoming journey to and from their appointment.
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You don’t need to be a superhero – just a kind person with a full driving licence, a reliable car and a little time to spare. If you enjoy meeting people and would like to give something back to your community, Orchid House Community Drivers would love to hear from you. Email oh.ppg@nhs.net
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foodie news / if music be the love of food, play on...
Recipe: A quick and
healthy vegetarian delight Serves: 6 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes
The Watercress Company has produced this hearty recipe for a healthy heart – and it doesn’t take long to prepare either. Enjoy roasted broccoli and cauliflower with puy lentils, halloumi and watercress at home or on the go. www.thewatercresscompany.com Ingredients • 1 head broccoli • 1 head cauliflower • 2 tsp Moroccan spice mix • 2 x 85g bags watercress • 2 packs halloumi • 1 punnet cherry tomatoes • 1 pouch cooked puy lentils • 1 lemon • 100g walnuts • 2 tbsp honey • 1 bunch chopped parsley • Olive oil • Salt and pepper Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into chunky florets and discard the leaves and any woody stalks. Place into a large roasting tray, then sprinkle with the Moroccan spice mix, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place into the oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the veg is slightly charred around the edges. Cut the halloumi into thick
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slices, then place a frying pan over a medium-high heat and add in a drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, fry the halloumi for a minute or two on either side, cooking in batches if necessary. Set aside the cooked halloumi on a plate covered with foil to keep warm until you are ready to serve. In the same pan, throw in the walnuts and toast for a few minutes. Pour in the honey and cook together with the nuts until caramelised. Be careful not to burn the honey. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Remove the broccoli and cauliflower from the oven and squeeze over the juice of a whole lemon, using your hand to catch any pips. Get a large bowl and toss together the watercress, tomatoes, parsley, lentils and roasted veg before piling onto a large serving platter or onto individual plates. Arrange the fried halloumi on top, then dot over the caramelised walnuts and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle over some salt and black pepper and serve.
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foodie news
Review:
Nusara Thai, Wimborne By Geoff Spick
The first cold night of autumn sends us scuttling for warmth in Wimborne. Nusara beckons with its popular Thursday Tapas Thai four-for-three deal. Mixing locally sourced meats with genuine Thai flavours, practically, the deal offers a delectable way to sample the tastes of Thailand and the nuances of the country’s exciting spices, without going all-in on one flavour or protein. Through the host’s knowledgeable advice, a voyage of tastes, depths of flavour and distinct texture sensations arrive, sending “practically” straight out the window. Classic Thai street food dish Moo Ping delivers meltingly tender pork with a warming jaew dipping sauce. A welcome coolness is next, Laab Gai Salad Parcels that pack in chicken with lime and fish sauce. Then comes the density and
softness of Chef Botmart’s special Kanom Jeeb parcels of prawn and sweetness, hints of mustard and sesame in the mix. Finally, Crispy Beef in oyster sauce delivers a moreish, unsubtle, salty popcorn-like treat. One that fills in the gaps around the other more-delicate morsels. It took me over half an hour to navigate the four hefty portions, letting the flavours build, waiting for the varied sensations to land or pop, leaving no room for a sweet. While I picked and poked, and made satisfied noises, my wife went straight for the Tamarind Duck (statements of intent: “beautiful” x9, “amazing” x3, among others). This is a duck that died happy knowing what was to come.
Kanom Jeeb Tamarind Duck
Sizzled in tamarind sauce on the restaurant’s flame grill, it is served sticky, crispy and succulently moist, fat perfectly rendered down, with cashews, seaweed and noodles. A side dish of jasmine rice makes a useful way to pick up more of the sauce. And the result is magnificent! The couple next too us both went for the duck and enjoyed it thoroughly, “perhaps, a bit rich” the only downvote. Valid, but to end on a high, every mouthful created a heavenly sensation, perhaps soundtracked by a cheery duck quacking in a celestial pond. Tapas Thai, £7.50 to £14 each (four for three). Duck Tamarind £19, Jasmine Rice £3.50.
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Laab Gai Salad Parcels
Crispy Beef
Moo Ping
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around & about Details correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@ dorsetview.co.uk.
12, 19, 26 November 1.45pm
18 November 7.30pm
The Dorset Cricket Society meets at Hurn Bridge Sports Club Christchurch BH23 6DY.
Merley TG meets at the Community Hall, Harrier Drive, Merley.
1-29 November 10.30am-4pm
13 November 11.30am-1pm
Quantum Manifold exhibition at Auger Collective, Christchurch Road, Boscombe, BH1 4SX.
9 November 7pm for 7.30pm Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, BH21 3AP.
10 November 7.30pm Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. verwoodhorticulturalsociety. co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.
11 November 7.30pm-9.30pm East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane, Wimborne.
11 November 6.30pm–9pm Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society meet in Rm 1 downstairs at Kinson Community Centre. bournemouthjazzclub.org.
11 November 7.30pm
The Dorset B12 Deficiency Support Group meets at The Angel Inn, 188 Ringwood Road, Ferndown BH22 9AP. Patricia: dorsetb12deficiency@gmail.com.
14 November 10am-3pm Market House, Grenville Rd, Wimborne BH21 1WW, tabletop sale.
14 November 6pm-8pm Lewis-Manning Candles on the Green at Wimborne Minster church. https://lewismanning.org.uk/candles/
14 November 2.30pm and 7.30pm Wimborne Musical Theatre Society presents ‘The Magic Behind the Curtain’ at the Allendale Centre. Tickets: theallendale. org/tickets or 01202 887247.
16 November 2.15pm The Arts Society Wimborne and Blandford meets at the Allendale Centre.
18-21 November 7.30pm with Saturday matinee 2.30pm Broadstone Players presents ‘Hoovering at the Edge’ in Broadstone War Memorial Hall theatre. Tickets on door or email: honsec@broadstoneplayers. co.uk or phone 01202 678449.
19-21 November 7.30pm with Saturday matinee 3pm P & P Productions presents Sing a Song of Someone at the Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Tickets: https:// www.ticketsource.com/booking/ venueplan/lynnazgowdpr
20 November 7.30pm Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at St James’ First School. Tickets from https:// st-james-pfa.sumupstore.com.
20 November 10am for 10.30am start Wimborne U3A talk by Graham Short on ‘My Life as a Micro Artist’ at Wimborne Methodist Church, King Street.
21 November 2.30pm
Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. Call Hazel on 07780 705702.
17 November 7.30pm
11, 18, 25 November, 12pm-1.30pm
17 November 10am
The Fayrewood Singers of Verwood perform ‘Almost Christmas’, at Verwood Memorial Hall. Tickets on door.
Moordown & Winton TG meets at Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue BH9 1TW. Contact: 07977734563.
Christmas Fair in aid of Forest Holme Hospice Charity at the Methodist Church Broadstone.
Colehill Community Cafe, St Michael’s Church Centre, Colehill. Contact 01202 841677 or www. stmichaels.lemonbooking.com.
Wimborne Civic Society meets at Allendale House.
21 November 10am-12.30pm
Events 21 November 7pm Fordingbridge Choral Society presents Mozart’s Requiem at St Mary’s Church. Ticket from ticketsource.co.uk/ fordingbridgechoral.
21 November 1pm
West Moors Horticultural Society lunch followed by trophy presentation at the Memorial Hall. Contact Jo Breen on 07960650611 or email wmhorticultural. society@gmail.com
24 November 7.30pm
West Parley Gardening Club meets at MS Centre, Church Lane, BH22 8TS.
26 November 4pm-8pm
Lewis-Manning Candles on the Quay at Poole. https://lewismanning.org.uk/candles/
27 November 7pm
The Clint Bradley Band at Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge. www.wegottickets.com
28 November
Wimborne Christmas Lights Switch on at 5pm, events during the day.
29 November 3pm-5pm
St Michael’s Church & Centre, Colehill. Christmas Fair followed by tree lighting and carols. Please contact 01202 841677 or www. stmichaels.lemonbooking.com.
Magic and mystery with Mediaeval Baebes By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk Mediaeval Baebes is to perform for the first time in this area, with a concert scheduled for 2 December for a magical experience at Christchurch Priory. The unique, classical chart topping choir was formed in 1996 by musical director, composer and producer Katharine Blake who said: “We are really excited to have a new audience. “We started with 12 singers and over the years we have had around 30 members. We now have six singing ladies.” The group has released 12 studio albums, won an Ivor Novella Award for performance on the BBC serialisation The Virgin Queen and received two Emmy nominations and a Royal Television Society award as the featured artist alongside composer Martin Phipps for the theme tune of ITV’s hit show Victoria. “We feature traditional
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medieval songs and poetry from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries backed by medieval instruments,” said Katherine. “It is so much fun, magical and other worldly.” Over the years, the Mediaeval Baebes have toured the world, including the UK, US, Canada, Asia and Europe, in venues ranging from castles and caves to cathedrals and Glastonbury. The band appeared with Jools Holland and played at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall, Jersey Opera House, Tewkesbury Abbey, supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, and performed at the legendary Lilith Fayre. Katharine Blake is known for her unique choral writing style, sourcing lyrics from mediaeval and romantic texts which she sets to original scores, as well as reinventing traditional and folk songs. /dorsetview.news
Atmosphere is very important to the Mediaeval Baebes. “We mostly perform in churches and converted churches,” said Katherine who is also known as the lead singer and song writer of 90s avant-garde rock band Miranda Sex Garden. She has also worked with Nick Cave,
Michael Nyman and John Cale. As this concert is just before Christmas the Mediaeval Baebes will be performing its classic anthology of Christmas Carols Of Kings and Angels which offers a refreshing and exotic twist to well known classics.
Mediæval Bæbes © Rob Kelly @Dorset_View
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Broadstone adds sparkle to 55 years of Christmas parades
Holiday Season
Photos © Broadstone Christmas Parade
Broadstone is going big on Christmas this year, with a trio of major festive events across the end of November into December. The festivities start with the Christmas lights switch on during Saturday 28 November. That event starts at 4pm, featuring music and a choir performance by LIVe Harmony, with the big switch on taking place at 4.45pm. The following week sees the big day, Saturday 5 December marks the opening of the Christmas Market at 10am at the Toast Rack. With the town’s 55th Christmas Parade starting at 1.30pm. The free 2026 Christmas Parade promises to be the biggest yet, previous years have seen vintage cars, bands, pirates, a highly varied range of floats, great home-made costumes and plenty of interesting vehicles. If you want to become more involved in any of the events, get in touch
with the hosts, many are looking for volunteers and other forms of support are still needed. If you want to get involved in any of the events, email: contact@broadstoneatchristmas. co.uk for details, and help deliver Christmas across the town.
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Holiday Season / Join the festive cheer.
55 years and counting Photos © Broadstone Christmas Parade
Starting back in 1969, Broadstone’s seasonal events have become a pillar of the festive period. With additions big and small making it more of an event over the decades, most recently, bespoke decorations were created especially for Broadstone roundabout to add a fresh attraction. But what would 1969 Broadstone residents make of sports cars with LED running lights or decorated motorbikes? Or a band of Spider-men or full-size Thomas-style tank engines? As well as the parade, the event expanded to include the Christmas Market, which is always a popular attraction, and in 2025 the addition of the lights switch-on event. In 2019 for the 50th anniversary, there was also a free screening of animated feelgood epic Arthur Christmas in Broadstone’s Methodist Church. These, plus growing public support have helped reinvigorate the event, with 2024 and several previous years at risk due a lack of volunteers and funding. Frustratingly, the 2024 parade was the event’s only cancellation due to storm warnings. Festive fans wait to see what the Broadstone community will produce in 2026 to get the crowds excited across the seasonal events. And organisers hope they are as successful in raising funds for charities, as in previous years. The charities benefitting from the bucket collection this year will be MYTIME Young Carers and Amelia's Rainbow.
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Are they playing ‘Jingle Bells’? © Broadstone Musical Markets
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Holiday Season
More Broadstone festive events Photos © Broadstone Christmas Parade For locals and visitors keen to stay in the Christmas spirit, they could head over to St John’s Church in Broadstone for its Christmas Tree Festival. The event takes place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. If your local group wants to get involved, entry forms must be in by 20 November, contact the parish office for details, with completed trees submitted by 4 December. For younger locals there is a Santa’s Grotto running from
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30 November - 24 December at Peekaboo & Brew, Broadstone’s soft play café. It runs a series of enchanting Christmas events over the season. Broadstone Library acts as the start point for the Christmas Window Trail. Pick up a free trail sheet at the library, explore QR code characters displayed along Broadstone High Street, and return completed sheets to win a prize and enter a grand prize draw for a local restaurant voucher.
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Holiday Season / Join the festive cheer.
Christmas artisan food Get ready for and craft fayres Christmas in Ferndown Town Crier, Mike Andrews and Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Lawrence Wilson at last year’s event
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Get ready for some Christmas magic at the Barrington
Centre, Ferndown, with two fabulous Christmas artisan fayres! Saturday 28 November 10am–5pm Featuring the famous Christmas lights switch-on Saturday 5 December 10am–3pm Browse wonderful craft stalls, handmade gifts, local makers and unique Christmas shopping, alongside delicious food stalls and tempting festive treats. Come along and enjoy the festive atmosphere and support local small businesses this Christmas.
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DORSET VIEW November 2026
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Ferndown offers something festive for everyone this Christmas season with a cheery light-string of events in and around the town. Christmas in Ferndown, organised by the Ferndown and Parley Rotary CIO with support from Ferndown Town Council takes place on Saturday 28 November. The event sponsored by Hearnes Estate Agents and Barchester Healthcare kicks off at Penny’s Lodge car park behind the Barrington at 11am. There will be a Christmas market offering gift ideas, local crafts and games for the children, plus hot food and drinks. And this year the event is delighted to welcome Smokey Mose Hot Potato, delivering an exciting menu of baked spuds. Children’s rides and amusements are available throughout the day from Townsend’s Amusements, and Santa will be in his grotto from 11am to 4.45pm, visits cost £5 per child. The entertainment will start at 1pm, with local singers including the ever-
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popular Charlotte Geary. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Ferndown outside the front of the Barrington Centre at 5pm. Visitors can also enjoy an Artisan Food & Craft Christmas Fayre inside the Barrington Centre on the same day. Seasonal events in Ferndown include: • Ferndown Community Support's Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 15 November at Ferndown Day Centre. • A Wreath Making Workshop hosted by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care on Friday 4 December, at 10am at Ferndown Village Hall. • Also, on Friday 4 December at 2.30pm at The Barrington is a Let’s all “Swing-Into” Christmas by The Changing Colours Jazz Orchestra. • Wrapping up the formal festivities, Carols Around the Tree takes place on Saturday 12 December, outside the Barrington for an evening of community carol singing from 6pm.
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And elsewhere…
Holiday Season
Christchurch: The town's festive celebrations kick off on Saturday 28 November, transforming the town centre into a spectacular afternoon and evening of Christmas entertainment including local singer Jax Hall. The event starts from 2.30pm, leading up to the big moment when Christchurch’s Christmas lights are switched on at 5.30pm. Christchurch: Christchurch Living Advent Calendar runs throughout December, showcasing local talent including Soda Pops and Susie Kimber, raising money for local charities. Music acts will appear at various locations around the town, details here: https://www.christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk/ Bournemouth: Charminster, Kinson, Winton and Moordown get columns of blue and white twinkling lights on their high streets as part of a Bournemouth Town Council scheme. West Parley: Has an informal Carol Singalong taking place at St Mark’s & All Saints churches (West Parley) on 14 December at 6pm at the All Saints’ Church. Wimborne: The 38th Save the Children Parade takes place on Saturday 12 December. From 10am there will be a fun fair and entertainment in the Square. Father Christmas and his elves will follow the parade, which starts at Allenbourn School and winds its way through the town, arriving in the Square at 3pm. Santa can then be found in the museum. Small children can visit and receive a small free gift. Anyone who is able to help with marshalling should contact susie@kings-house.net or call 07801 841731. Swanage: 28 November Christmas Lights switch-on 3pm-4.30pm. 5 December Christmas Market with over 60 stalls from 10am-4pm and Lighting Up Lives on Swanage Pier. Winter Wonderland and Father Christmas' grotto on the pier, selected dates from 13 to 23 December.
See 7 more pages of events…
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Holiday Season / Join the festive cheer.
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Holiday Season
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Holiday Season
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Holiday Season / Join the festive cheer.
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Holiday Season / Join the festive cheer.
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motoring
Protecting your vehicle against keyless car crime By Geoff Spick Earlier this year, several people from Bournemouth and the South were arrested by Dorset Police’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT) over a string of keyless car crimes that saw vehicles end up overseas. The threat remains with more gangs in operation,
and as most new cars are keyless, owners need to take stronger measures to protect their vehicles, including physical locks, barriers or bollards to prevent criminals making off with a vehicle. Dorset Police state that “We remain committed to reducing all types of vehicle theft in Dorset, including theft of and from vehicles and keyless car thefts. Where these incidents do occur, we will explore all lines of enquiry available to us and will be relentless in targeting the offenders.”
• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car. • If your vehicle has the feature, turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.
Further crime prevention advice for vehicles owners can be found online at www.dorset. police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ keeping-vehicles-safe/ preventing-car-vehicle-theft/
There are many ways that owners of keyless entry cars can help to prevent these thefts by protecting their vehicles: • When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car. • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag, and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
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in the home / home is where the heart is.
Transforming kitchens, supporting local
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DORSET VIEW November 2026
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project to suit your needs and budget, and most makeovers are completed within just a few days – no need to rip out your entire kitchen. If you’re thinking about refreshing your kitchen, we’d love to help. Call today for a FREE no obligation quote on 01202 934 145 or visit www.kitchenmakeovers.co.uk. Save £250 off your quote - see advert below Let’s make your dream kitchen a reality – beautifully, affordably, and locally.
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in the home
Prepare for winter emergencies As winter approaches, New Forest District Council is urging local people to be prepared for emergencies such as flooding, a power cut or severe weather Preparations could include: a torch and spare batteries; a battery-powered or wind-up radio; a phone charger or power bank; essential medication; bottled water and long-life food and important phone numbers. Further advice is to keep phones charged and have a charged power bank, know where your torch is, and save the power cut number 105 in any phones. People should also think about what they would do if they experience flooding, a power cut, or severe weather, so make sure everyone in the household knows what to do and who to contact. Some people may need extra support during bad weather, particularly older residents, those with disabilities, and those living alone. Checking in on neighbours can make a real difference.
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in the home / home is where the heart is.
Boosting your hearth and home with a fireplace By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk There was a time when a fireplace was the focal point of every living room, but these days that honour typically goes to a giant TV screen. You can rekindle your love for any room by adding a fire to create a cosy ambiance. By the 1800s, most new fireplaces were made up of two parts – the surround and the insert. The surround consisted of the mantelpiece and side supports, usually in wood, marble or granite. The insert was where the fire burned, and was constructed of cast iron, often backed with decorative tiles. You can give your living room a totally new image by changing your fireplace or adding a new model. For
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instance, the look for 2026 is linear with long horizontal shapes making rooms look wider. And, perhaps, accompanying that giant TV. However, if you want to make a bold architectural statement you could choose a large marble piece to run from floor to ceiling. Or how about choosing a bold colour for the surround such as deep greens, oxblood, plum or ochre? Even if your house is modern, a period fireplace can be an attractive feature, with anything from the Adam style, an 18th century designed mantelpiece with elegant motifs inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, to a Victorian-style tiled fire surround.
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specialist services / who to contact for the service you need. GARDENING
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Deter winter pest threats By Geoff Spick
As the temperature cools, invaders are making their way into our nice warm homes. Traditional examples that may cause panic are rats and mice, nibbling at food and wiring. But in darker corners, cockroaches and silverfish will find damp, warm spaces, and breed rapidly to create a growing menace. All these critters can
contaminate food or spread bacteria on food preparation surfaces. And they’ll be hiding by morning so you don’t think there is a problem. That is until a light comes on one night and the suspects are caught in its glare. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting, use of moisture control, and pest repellents or killers can solve most issues, but call an expert
if problems persist. If you notice a rustling from the rafters at night, that could be grey squirrels setting up a winter home in your loft, creating a risk to wiring or stored items. There could also be birds roosting in the warmer spaces overnight, suggesting your roof isn’t as secure as you thought it was, as they create a smelly mess over time.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ALL PAID FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Pulford Publicity Ltd (“the Publisher”) reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertisement without notice or explanation. Whilst the Publisher will endeavour to represent the best interests of the client in undertaking client’s instructions, it is fully understood that it is the agreed responsibility of the client to supply Dorset View accurate copy details of the advertisement(s) to be placed and any alterations to the copy must be received prior to copy date. Guarantee of insertion cannot be given and the Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of an advertisement or by the total or partial failure, however caused, of publication or distribution of Dorset View. In no case shall the total liability of the Publisher for any misprint, error or omission exceed the price charged by the Publisher for that advertisement. The Publisher shall not be liable for any damage or loss save as stated and, in particular, the Publisher shall have no liability to the Advertiser in any circumstances for any claim for damages to, loss of, or costs in respect of any anticipated profits, revenues, business opportunities or for any other indirect or consequential loss. Claims for any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement must be made within 10 days of publication to the
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Remembrance events for 2026 Communities across the counties will mark Remembrance with services and parades across the weekend and up to Armistice Day on 11 November 7 November RINGWOOD A service at the Commonwealth War Graves in Ringwood Cemetery takes place at 10.45am. Poppy crosses will be laid on the graves of service personnel whose last resting place was Ringwood. 8 November FERNDOWN Parade form-up at King George V Playing Fields at 2pm, and at 2.30pm marches to St Mary’s Church for the service at 3pm. 8 November RINGWOOD Various services take place around the town after which a parade will gather in Market Place, by the Parish Church at 11.30am. The procession will walk to the War Memorial Garden opposite Greyfriars Community Centre where a short service will take place, followed by the formal Act of Remembrance at 12 noon. This will include a formal wreath-laying ceremony. The procession will then walk back to Market Place.
8 November WIMBORNE Remembrance Sunday parade starts at the Wimborne Royal British Legion at 2.40pm walking towards the Minster church for a service. Wreath laying on the Minster Green after the service.
8 November WEST MOORS Parade to the War Memorial at the Petwyn followed by a service at 10.45am. 8 November COLEHILL Service and parade at Colehill War Memorial at the junction of Colehill Lane and Wimborne Road.
8 November BROADSTONE Parade sets off from Tudor Road shortly before 10.45am arriving at the War Memorial for the 11am ceremony.
11 November RINGWOOD On Armistice Day, a service will take place at the War Memorial Garden in Ringwood at 10.45am when a National two Minute Silence will be observed at 11am. The start and end of the silence will be marked by the firing of a maroon rocket generating a loud bang heard around the town.
8 November POOLE Parade starts from the Cricket Pavilion in Poole Park at 10.20am led by the Poole Sea Cadets Marching Band. 10.50am service in Poole Park with music provided by the Poole Borough Band. 8 November BOURNEMOUTH The parade starts at 10.35am, followed by a service at the Cenotaph in the Central Gardens at 10.55am.
11 November FERNDOWN Armistice Day Memorial Service at the Royal British Legion Ferndown Branch 10.30am arrival for a 10.45am start.
NEWS IN BRIEF Spill the Beans hits 50
Dorset’s first, and Wimborne’s only, independent health food refill shop, celebrates its 50th anniversary in November with a programme of talks and tastings and the launch of a new edition of its cookbook. Originally a storage base, the premises at Spill the Beans was turned into a shop in 1976.
Cemetery parking
For a trial period of three months. Ringwood cemetery’s car park is to have restricted access during school peak periods. This will prevent school-related use at both drop off and collection times while maintaining appropriate access for cemetery visitors, funerals and operational requirements.
Travel plan
Dorset Council’s Cabinet has approved a seven-year plan to transform transport services across the county, starting from next summer. The programme will create 700 additional bus journeys, introduce a full Saturday service and new strategic routes plus double the frequency of buses in some areas.
A new CEO
Dorset Community Foundation has a new chief executive. Louise Balaam will bring more than 20 years of not-for-profit sector experience to Dorset’s largest county-based funder. Louise, who is married with two children and who lives in Dorset, said her priority in the role will be to meet as many stakeholders, partners and voluntary sector leaders as possible.
Young carers award
Dorset based MYTIME Young Carers was named Charity of the Year at the Great British Business Awards 2026 which took place in Marlow. On 4 November, the charity brought more than 200 Dorset young carers to Bournemouth University for an Employability Summit, where young people and employers explored practical ways to make work experience and early careers more accessible.
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