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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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Volume 24 • Issue 2 • September 2026

Dear Readers! Greetings from your newly enrolled Editor for Dorset View. Following Bill Bryson’s lead in Notes from a Small Island, I came crashing into Dorset for a journalism (computers and internet) career. Now, I find myself stewarding the local news as my interest in stories and events on our doorstep become more personally important. Over that time, raising a family on the coast and exploring the nooks and crannies of Dorset, I have delighted at the amazing characters and stories, and I’m just as concerned about our collective future. Which is why I’m delighted to highlight positive news and explore where the county is headed in Dorset View. It is such a shame that my first story on the job covers the local fires due to the blistering and oppressive summer heat. Hopefully, our residents, fauna and flora, and infrastructure make it through, and those responding to the fires are all okay. Looking ahead to cooler times, when we start complaining about the cold, too much rain and lack of sunlight, there is plenty going on across the county as the arts and touring season kicks into high gear, and local groups get back together after the summer. They will provide essential distractions, and act as focal points for caring and sharing in a world of increasing uncertainty and volatility. I’m keen to hear your news and opinions on geoff@dorsetview.co.uk

Geoff Spick

Editor

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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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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Round the Horne to be staged in Wimborne

Photo by Harry McBride

Bumper year for Osprey chicks in Poole

L-R Alan Colclough with Vince Sherry, theatre manager

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk | Photo Dorset View The Allendale Community Centre in Wimborne is launching a new theatre company, and its first production in September is going to give the audiences plenty of laughs. The Allendale Theatre Company is to recreate the BBC Radio Show Round the Horne, with a talented cast portraying Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Douglas Smith. Director Alan Colclough, who will also take on the persona of Kenneth Williams, said “We are doing as it would have been done in the 1960s. The show is near the knuckle and not politically correct. Very tongue in cheek.” There will also be a live band. Each of the two performances will feature a different script, with different sketches and running order. There’s a small amount of intentional overlap between the two performances – approximately 10 per cent – where selected material appears in both. To be staged on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at 2.30pm, if you book both days you will receive a souvenir programme. Not suitable for young children, it is nevertheless very suitable for anyone with good old-fashioned – and a slightly naughty – sense of humour. And you might even learn a secret language! Tickets available from the Allendale Centre

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This year has seen a record number of Osprey chicks fledged from Poole Harbour-linked nests. Thousands of people have watched the Carey Osprey nest live webcam and over 1,500 people have come to Carey’s Secret Garden to see the nesting birds in person from Birds of Poole Harbour (BoPH) Osprey Tours. This nest, the first nesting pair of Ospreys on the south coast of England for over 180 years, has once again produced four healthy chicks, for the third year running. Deputy manager at Birds of Poole Harbour Sam Ryde said: “To have this number of Ospreys fledging from this area is something we only dreamed of. They are now becoming a mainstay of Poole Harbour during the summer and it’s fantastic that so many people are able to see and enjoy these native birds of prey back in our landscape after a hiatus of 180 years.” Ospreys generally only have one-three chicks and less than one per cent of Ospreys produce as many as four chicks. Over the last five years of breeding at this nest, the pair ‘CJ7’ and ‘022’ have now produced a staggering 17 chicks.

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Outlaw House

Canford Cliffs Restaurant Outlaw House Opening Soon By Geoff Spick

The eyesore of the boarded-up Loch Fyne restaurant on the corner of Haven Road and Canford Cliffs Road will soon be replaced by a smart new Outlaw House coastal brasserie. Creating around 40 new jobs, Nathan Outlaw’s latest project is Outlaw House, opening on 7 September. The seafood chef is collaborating on the major new venue opening at the former Loch Fyne location. Outlaw House will bring together a coastal brasserie, bar and boutique rooms at 47 Haven Road, while showcasing local produce. The seasonal menu, developed in collaboration with Nathan Outlaw, will celebrate the coastline and countryside of Dorset and the South West.

Get Set for Poole’s Seafood & Sounds

Coming to Poole

Poole Quay and the old town will be bustling with visitors across the weekend of 12-13 September. Around 40 music acts will provide the atmosphere, and 60 traders will offer seafood, local produce and handcrafted gifts as Seafood & Sounds returns. The festival coincides with Brownsea Island’s Community Open Day on Saturday, offering visitors free access to the island.

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Squishy Toy safety Squishy toys are soft and pliable, often with a liquid or gel-filled feel when squeezed. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours. They appeal to very young children, and as a current craze can be found for sale in many different places. While lots of squishy toys are safe, Dorset Council Trading Standards are increasingly concerned that some products on the market do not meet legal safety requirements. Some examples have been classed by the UK Regulator as posing a serious chemical or physical risk. If you own a squishy toy, or are thinking of buying one check it includes, or did include the information required by law when bought. Missing safety information could be a warning that it does not comply with toy safety regulations. Look for the following: a UKCA or CE mark; an age restriction warning with a reason; an identification mark such as a batch or lot code; the name and address of the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is outside the UK, the name and address of the manufacturer and the importer into the UK should be present. Examine the squishy toy. Be cautious if it has a strong chemical smell, feels unusually sticky, leaks liquid or starts to break apart easily. Younger children may put toys in their mouths, so damaged or poorly made products can create additional risks. If you have a toy without the required markings, or if your toy has become unsafe under normal use, then stop using it. Report any concerns about toys to Trading Standards. To do this visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ consumer or call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

DORSET VIEW September 2026

Law Spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors

How Long Does Probate Take in 2026? By Rebekah Taylor, Private Client Executive When someone passes away, managing their estate can be a complicated process. One of the most common questions asked by executors and family members is how long does probate take? On average, probate usually takes between six and twelve months to complete. However, the exact timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Simple estates with limited assets may be completed more quickly, while estates involving property, inheritance tax or disputes can take much longer. We would usually advise that even simple estates can take up to a year to finalise. The first stage of the probate process involves gathering information about the deceased person’s assets and liabilities. This includes locating the will, valuing property, identifying bank accounts and calculating any outstanding debts. This stage can take several months, particularly where financial records are incomplete, or assets are difficult to trace. Once the necessary information has been collected, the executor can apply for a Grant of Probate. This legal document gives the executor authority to deal with the estate. Processing times can vary, especially if further information is required. After probate has been granted, the executor can collect assets, settle debts and deal with any tax obligations. There are several reasons why probate may take longer than expected. These include disputes between beneficiaries, unclear wills, complex financial arrangements, overseas assets and inheritance tax issues. Executors can help reduce delays by keeping accurate records, gathering documents early and communicating regularly with beneficiaries. Seeking professional advice can also be beneficial where an estate is complicated or there is uncertainty about legal responsibilities. Although every probate case is different, careful preparation can make the process smoother. Understanding the likely timeline helps families manage expectations and ensures the estate is administered correctly and efficiently. Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice

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High Sheriff of Dorset (wearing sheriff’s hat) standing between the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ferndown with other walkers ©CatchBox 2026

High Sheriff walks the county line Dr Helena Conibear DL, the High Sheriff of Dorset is walking the county’s 216-mile boundary to raise awareness of county lines and child exploitation and raise money for charity. She and a group of walkers and representatives of local organisations were greeted by Ferndown Mayor, Cllr Lawrence Wilson and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Simon Cable at the town’s boundary after setting off in the morning from Christchurch Quay. Helena told Dorset View: “My theme for the year is youth opportunity and for me one of the worst things or what affects the life chances of young people more than anything is getting involved in drugs or what we call county lines at a young age.” County lines involve criminal networks using young people to move and sell drugs across the country. Youngsters are often groomed through gaming platforms and social media. To find out more about the walk visit https://www.facebook. com/dorsethighsheriff. Donations can be made on High Sheriff of Dorset’s JustGiving or Crowdfunder sites to support the vital work of keeping young people safe across Dorset.

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Shoplifting is not a victimless crime I want to talk more about what is being done to tackle shoplifting in Dorset. Whether it is a large supermarket, a national retailer or an independent family-run shop, my message is the same - shoplifting affects livelihoods, damages confidence and leads to hardworking staff feeling unsafe. Let me be absolutely clear: shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Shop workers can face threats, assault and abuse simply for doing their job, while business owners are left to absorb the financial impact of repeated thefts. It also affects our communities, making people feel less safe and, in many cases, is linked to wider criminality including organised crime and drug-related offending. I want Dorset to remain one of the safest counties in the country, and that means giving officers the tools they need to pursue those who repeatedly target our retailers. In 2021, I established the Dorset Safer Business Partnership, bringing together my office, Dorset Police and local businesses to strengthen prevention, enforcement and support for victims. A key achievement has been the introduction of the NiCE reporting platform, making it easier for retailers to submit evidence quickly while helping

DORSET VIEW September 2026

officers build a stronger intelligence picture of prolific offenders. By linking offences across multiple stores, Dorset Police can identify prolific offenders much sooner, build stronger cases and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts. Alongside this, the Force’s dedicated Retail Crime Team and Operation Shopkeeper are delivering excellent results. Retailers using the NiCE system have helped achieve a positive outcome rate of more than 65 per cent for shoplifting offences - more than double the national average. These results matter, but what matters most is ensuring businesses know they will be supported when they report crime. Every report strengthens investigations, builds intelligence and increases the chances of identifying repeat offenders before they can cause further harm. There is still more to do, and I will continue working relentlessly with Dorset Police and our partners to ensure retail crime is treated with the seriousness it deserves. Our businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve to know we are standing firmly behind them.

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Don’t forget Dorset’s young carers By Vikki Slade MP Most children look forward to the summer holidays as a time for fun and freedom with friends. For many young carers, however, the break brings weeks of added responsibility with little respite. Children as young as five help care for loved ones, with some acting as primary carers taking on daily household chores. Many miss out on quintessential childhood experiences while carrying emotional burdens far beyond their years. As the government considers social care and education reforms, these children must not be forgotten. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey understands these challenges first-hand, having cared for his terminally ill mother at age 12 and later his grandmother. Today, as father to a disabled son, his daughter also shares caring duties. While caring does not prevent success, young carers miss twice as much school as their peers and are significantly less

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likely to achieve five or more GCSEs. Over three-quarters report negative impacts on their physical or mental health. Nearly 600 children in Dorset are registered as young carers, but many more remain hidden due to social stigma or families viewing caring simply as normal home life. Locally, MyTime Young Carers provides vital support and research. Thanks partly to their campaigning, the school census now collects data to identify young carers, and Ofsted’s safeguarding framework evaluates how schools support them. However, more action is needed. One practical step would be appointing a designated Young Carers Champion in every school. Integrated into safeguarding teams, these champions would identify young carers, coordinate support, monitor progress, and ensure pupils have a clear point of contact so they no longer suffer in silence. They deserve to be recognised, supported and given every opportunity to thrive. To support the campaign, please sign the petition at Change.org: “Appoint a Young Carers Champion in every School in England”.

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13,000 signatures and rising By Janine Pulford

Forestry England New Forest car park charges: 1 hour £1.50; 2 hours £3; 4 hours £5; over 4 hours £8

Are you being affected by the controversial car parking charges in the New Forest? They were introduced by Forestry England (FE) on Monday 20 April 2026. There are two petitions on change.org calling for Forestry England to stop charging for parking in the New Forest with nearly 14,000 signatures between them. Of course it’s possible that some people have signed both. The first petition started over a year ago by New Forest District Councillor Adam Parker has nearly 11,000 signatures whilst Lucy Thomas’s petition, started on 10 March 2026, has over 2,500 signatures. Both demonstrate the strength of feeling against the introduction of parking charges in the New Forest, which is a national park. Councillor Adam Parker recently spoke to Janine Pulford, editor-at-large at

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Dorset View and said: “I have made multiple representations to Forestry England. “I was told from the outset, over a year ago, that the implementation of parking charges in the New Forest was a ‘foregone conclusion’. Undeterred, I proceeded with my petition and sought answers from FE on what I believe is a matter deserving of far more transparency than has been provided by them. Although FE had no statutory duty to provide a public consultation, I believe they should have done so. Despite my requests, they have not made a satisfactory business case for the measures. “My concern from the outset was for local residents, particularly lower income households in the New Forest, being unable, or less able, to access vital amenities which foster health and wellbeing. “The strength of feeling on this locally is clear. I

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remain very disappointed in FE’s decision and lack of openness on a resource that should be available to all.” It’s not all doom and gloom because members of FE can enjoy free car parking for one vehicle in the New Forest. The drawback is that an annual membership costs £96 per year. At the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) full meeting on 23 July David Harrison (NPA committee member and councillor) said: “I’m concerned about the impact of car parking charges imposed by Forestry England. It’s still early days but I think it is having a profoundly negative impact on our prosper duty. Many people have stopped visiting the New Forest and that leads to both social and health consequences. It also impacts on local businesses.” He asked the chief executive of the NFNPA, Alison Barnes, “…is there any independent

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monitoring of what’s going on and is there a commitment to review it with Forestry England?” She responded by saying the chair of FE, Barbara Young had visited the NFNPA and all these issues and more were raised. She further explained that FE have undertaken to monitor those things and added, “They want to go through a few quarters, probably one year in order to get the data. We will look at it as a partnership. We have to insist that data is collected, your point is well made. It is not being ignored.” Forestry England were asked by Dorset View for comments, but so far have not responded. Sign Lucy Thomas’s and Adam Parker’s petitions online at change.org. Search for New Forest car parking charges. For information on FE New Forest car park closures, emergency or otherwise, visit https://www. forestryengland.uk/car-parks/ parking-in-the-new-forest

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Millions to be invested locally

New artwork installed at Poole Hospital Poole Hospital has become a cheerier place with new artwork having been installed in the patient transportation area. The East Dorset Photography Club took a selection of photos of natural life and landscapes across Poole. Patients and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) staff then voted on their favourite images, with printing and installation of the top 12 photos donated by Grosvenor Interiors. The cost of the printing and installation was won in a competition at an NHS Charities Together conference by Jessica Tyler, fundraising manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. Laura Joy, Arts Manager at UHD, said: “Being in blue and green spaces has been proven to lift mood and reduce anxiety, and looking at images of these spaces elicits the same response. We would love to have more uplifting local scenes in our hospitals and would be interested in hearing from anyone who may be interested in sponsoring a panel or series.” To donate or learn more, please visit www.UHDcharity.org/Arts/

Hamworthy resident Claire Starmer has been appointed as the chairperson of the Neighbourhood Board for the Pride in Place project. Under the project, the government will release £20 million over the next 10 years to enable Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor to invest in services and facilities that will have a lasting impact on the area and the local community. Claire will provide strategic leadership to the Neighbourhood Board, working closely with residents, community organisations, partners, BCP Council and the local MP to ensure local priorities are at the heart of decision-making. She said: “This is a valuable opportunity for local people to help shape the future of our community, ensuring that money spent reflects residents’ priorities, hopes and ambitions. I look forward to working with the board, partners and the wider community to support positive and lasting improvements for Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor.” The Rev Dan Washbrook has been appointed chairman to lead the programme in West Howe with up to £20 million to be invested in West Howe over the next decade. Pride in Place is a national programme funded by the government, designed to empower local communities to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. Rev Washbrook said: “Long before a programme called ‘Pride in Place’ existed, people in this area were proud of this place. Serving, volunteering, caring, organising, teaching, listening, campaigning, and being amazing neighbours. I cannot wait to discover the differences that significant investment in their ongoing work will make to the community.” The Neighbourhood Board will begin the next phase of its work engaging with residents and stakeholders to develop a long-term Pride in Place Plan for the area and identify priorities for investment.

Updates from your Town Council Mayor Councillor Lawrence Wilson is delighted to announce his chosen Mayoral Local Organisations for the year: High Mead Farm and The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. He stated: “This year, I have chosen two organisations that are particularly close to my heart. The first is High Mead Farm, an organisation for which I feel very strongly. They do outstanding work supporting people living with mental health challenges, physical disabilities, addiction, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, brain injuries, vision and hearing impairments, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and learning difficulties. Through a wide range of engaging activities on the farm, they help individuals build confidence, develop skills and improve their wellbeing. The second is the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. Since 2008, the Foundation has made awards to almost 2,700 young people and supported more than 200 school and community group projects. Their work provides invaluable opportunities for young people to develop their talents, pursue their ambitions and achieve their potential.” Improvements to Victoria Road Work is expected to start in autumn 2026 and will take 10 weeks to complete. Victoria Road will remain open throughout with access to all shops maintained. The improvements are designed to create a welcoming “avenue” feel in the town centre, while helping to improve safety and prevent parking on the footways. The scheme includes • Kerbside plant beds, constructed into the footway, along the edge of the road with heritage-style bollards. Together, these will discourage footway parking.

Dates for your Diary Saturday 24 October, 10am–12 midday – Ferndown’s Poppy Appeal Launch at The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, BH22 9TH. Join the parade, service and free concert performed by the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band. Sunday 8 November, 2.30pm–4pm – Ferndown’s Remembrance Day Parade and Service on Church Road and in St Mary’s Church, BH22 9EU. Join the parade as it sets off from the King George V Pavilion and makes its way to St Mary’s Church. Wednesday 11 November, 10.30am–11.30am – Armistice Day Memorial Service at the Royal British Legion Ferndown Branch, Church Road, BH22 9ET. Free refreshments available afterwards. Saturday 28 November, 11am–5pm – Ferndown and Parley Rotary Christmas Fayre and Light Switch On, Penny’s Lodge Car Park, Library Rd, BH22 9JP. Celebrate the start of the festive season. Wednesday 9 December, 7.15pm – Free Christmas Concert, The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, BH22 9TH. Free Christmas concert performed by the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band. Saturday 12 December, 6pm onwards – Carols Around The Tree at The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, BH22 9TH. Hear and sing-along as Ferndown Concert Brass perform a medley of Christmas Carols. E T W

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• Nine large built-in planters (two with benches) for ornamental trees along the length of Victoria Road • Seating areas along both sides of the road, with integrated planting • New street furniture, including benches, cycle stands and litter bins, in a matching heritage style Further information can be found at: https://www.ferndown.gov.uk/ improvements-to-victoria-road/

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The airport runway was extended in 1996 and inaugurated by a British Airways Concorde on 21 April. At the same time Ryanair announced the commencement of low-cost services to Dublin

85 years serving the region Bournemouth Airport celebrated its 85th birthday in August following a record-breaking year. Beginning life as RAF Hurn in August 1941, it was used by both the RAF and United States Army Air Forces before being transferred to civilian control in 1944. It subsequently served as London’s transatlantic airport until Heathrow opened in 1946. Today, Bournemouth is one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional airports serving more than 40 destinations

and contributing more than £200m a year to the local economy. A record 1,395,783 passengers travelled through the airport in the year to April, an increase of 26% on the previous 12 months. Airport managing director Steve Gill said: “As we celebrate 85 years, the airport is growing strongly, offering more choice than ever and continuing to serve the region in ways that extend well beyond its scheduled passenger network.”

Bournemouth Airport team celebrate the 85th milestone

Southern Union Chorus seeks members - Advertisement feature -

A Poole male barbershop chorus that has existed since the early 70s is looking to recruit new members. The Southern Union Chorus sing popular songs a capella and rehearses every Monday evening. The Chorus makes many public and charitable appearances each year, currently supporting

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Bournemouth Food Bank. The group is available for bookings and enters chorus competitions. After seeing a drop-off in members since COVID, it seeks to attract new members through an upcoming free-of-charge “Learn to Sing in Harmony” course to run over four weeks in the autumn. Find out more at https://suchorus.uk/

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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.

health and care

Brand-new 24-hour Snap Fitness gym coming to Ferndown in November - Advertisement feature -

A new 24-hour gym will soon be coming to Ferndown, with a state-of-the-art Snap Fitness to open in the area in November The gym, located on Victoria Road, will transform the former Poundland store into a modern fitness facility, including a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio. The transformation of the building will mean Snap Fitness Ferndown has a sizable footprint of over 10,000 sq ft across two floors, offering a wealth of facilities for the local area. Members will benefit from 24/7 access, top of the range equipment, group exercise classes, free parking and the ability to use all of Snap Fitness’ 1,000+ global locations. Features include: • Two group exercise studios, including a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio • Market-leading strength, functional and cardio equipment • Infrared sauna for recovery and wellbeing • Dedicated recovery zone with compression boots and massage guns

Snap Fitness Ferndown is a franchised business and will create multiple employment opportunities for people in the local area, reinforcing its commitment to investing in people and community growth. It will be owned by local franchisee Kyle du Preez, who will excitingly be opening his first Snap Fitness gym. “We’re really looking forward to bringing Snap Fitness to Ferndown,” said Kyle. “I’m excited to get going with this new venture and our goal is for Snap Fitness to be the most inclusive gym in the area and somewhere that people feel completely at ease when they walk through our door. “I’ve worked out in gyms my whole life and I know how much community and belonging means to people. You can expect a gym that truly puts its members first and gives back to the local area.” Snap Fitness has 112 franchised gyms currently open across the UK & Ireland, with

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over 1,000 locations globally. This will be the brand’s third gym in Dorset, with existing locations in Christchurch and most recently Winton, which opened in December last year. To be the first to hear the confirmed opening date for Snap Fitness Ferndown and find out when memberships go on sale, register your interest at https://www. snapfitness.com/uk/gyms/ferndown.

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interview

Heroes row around Britain for local charities While most of us sipped a G&T indoors, Team ROWMADS took on one of the world’s toughest rowing races this summer: a 2,000+ mile, non-stop, unsupported row around the coast of Great Britain Five ordinary people (Stefano Capella, Mike Eager, Felix Wood, Marco Capella and Sam Gibbons) took on this extraordinary challenge. Pushing their limits physically, mentally, and emotionally for a cause far bigger than themselves. For weeks, they lived entirely onboard a rowing boat, carrying supplies, navigating ever-changing tides, unpredictable weather, and whatever else the coastline threw at them. With no luxury of land, it was just five against the elements, rowing in relentless shifts, day and night, until they made it home. This wasn’t just a race against time, tide, and fatigue, it was a journey with purpose. Along the way, they supported vital medical and environmental research, documenting their journey to contribute to both physical and mental endurance studies. Most importantly, they also rowed to raise money and awareness for a group of incredible charities, each one close to their hearts including The RNLI and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Dorset View talked to Felix Wood about the team to find out more about their background and why they took on the challenge. How did you and the rest of Team ROWMADS meet and get involved in the 2026 GB Row Challenge? I know two of the team, Stef and Mike, from our initial RAF training several years ago and subsequently staying in touch as our careers took different paths. We heard about the event and decided it sounded like an excellent adventure. We started planning to put a crew together and it took us three years to get to the start line. Marco is Stef’s firefighting twin brother and Sam was persuaded into the team as a friend of a friend (who initially said he didn’t want to do it!).

Photo credit to Mike Eager

What did you eat on board? We aimed to eat four freeze-dried meals each day, which we mixed with hot(ish) water. However, snacks were the key to keeping things interesting and spirits high. My top snacks by far were the daily offerings from the South West store, Flapjackery. With so many different flapjacks to choose from, I felt like I was trying a different flavour every day (my top choice - Millionaires!) and each tasted like a slice of home. I'm also really grateful that they generously donated to support the Air Ambulance when they heard about their part in the success of the challenge.

What was the hardest part of the rowing challenge? Unexpectedly, given the heat wave on the south coast, the hardest part was the middle two weeks when the constant rain in Scotland meant we were unable to dry ourselves or our kit out and so were soaking wet for our 2-hour rowing shifts and damp for the 2 hours in between! We also had to ration drinking water to 1 litre each per day during this period as there was insufficient solar power to run the water maker.

You did scientific research throughout the rowing challenge, what did you find out? We collected around 100 sea water samples to be analysed at Portsmouth University for microplastics and environmental DNA to see which species had been swimming nearby. We also undertook continuous sound recording to analyse for noise pollution and marine mammals. Working with Oxford and Coventry Universities as well as military research institutions, we took lots of tests and measurements of ourselves before and after the expedition as well as on the boat. These will allow us to assess the impact on our sleep, strength and fitness, bone health and examine the psychology and teamwork of the crew. These are all being analysed as we speak so you’ll have to check back in a few months for conclusive results...

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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What wildlife did you see on your trip? Fleeting encounters with wildlife were some of the highlights of the trip. As well as a couple of Minke whales and (almost definitely) an Orca on the north coast of Scotland, plenty of dolphins and porpoises came to investigate the boat. We also saw a plethora of birdlife with regular puffins, storm petrels and diving gannets being highlights. Tell us what it’s like being part of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance crew? I joined DSAA in 2025 as a trainee doctor. After working full time for a year, I’m now keeping my hand in part time while finishing my main training in Emergency Medicine. Just like at sea, we can face some tricky situations and it’s crucial to have full confidence in every member of the team to ensure the best possible outcome. The service depends entirely on donations to be able to serve the people of Dorset and Somerset so, having seen first-hand the difference that the Air Ambulance makes to patients and families, using the profile of our row to raise money for the charity was a no brainer! What’s your next rowing challenge or fundraising activity? Our fundraising page is still open (https:// gvwhl.com/CZN9A) to donate to DSAA or one of our other supported charities. Further challenges will have to wait for a bit as it’s back to work and my very understanding family for the time-being.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.

Inspiring artwork brightens hospital visits

Thousands with MS to get new drug on NHS Jac Seifert with BEACH artwork

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital is benefitting from a new artwork at the BEACH Building which was unveiled at the end of July. Led by site-specific artist and designer Jac Seifert, Orakel Workshop, the artwork adds a sense of calm and creativity to the exterior of the six-storey building. Jac is known for creating vibrant designs inspired by people and places, and this piece ‘From the tide to the trees’, celebrates nature and local beauty spots from across the area served by University Hospital Dorset. Applied to the east wall, the artwork serves as a welcoming focus point for the BEACH Building’s entrance while providing a peaceful environment for patients, staff and visitors. Laura Joy, University Hospitals Dorset’s Arts Manager, said: “We have been incredibly lucky to have Jac co-create this public artwork with NHS staff, local cultural and heritage professionals, and wider community members. Art has the power to

transform spaces and lift spirits. Jac has added a burst of colour and creativity to the BEACH Building. It’s the perfect way to paint a picture of hope for our community, and for the future of our hospitals.” Jac Seifert said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this exciting project. I really enjoyed exploring the diverse natural landscapes of South East Dorset and what these extraordinary coastal and forest locations mean to the people who live here and I hope that the artwork reflects people’s connection to the areas’ beauty and colour.” The project is part of a broader arts strategy across the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals to include initiatives with regional artists, schools, colleges and universities. There will also be opportunities for patients and staff to participate in visual art, music and dance activities, which have been proven to support wellbeing and reduce recovery time.

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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Thousands of people with multiple sclerosis in England are being offered a new ‘signal booster’ therapy on the NHS to help them walk more easily and live more independently. Fampridine is the first medicine designed to improve walking in adults with MS and is now routinely available on the NHS. Taken as a pill twice a day, fampridine acts like a signal booster for nerves damaged by MS, helping electrical messages travel more effectively to the muscles. Patients will initially try the medicine for two to four weeks. Those who experience a clear benefit will continue to take it for as long as it keeps working, with regular reviews taking place. The drug will be available for adults with any type of MS whose walking difficulties are assessed as having an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of between 4 (able to walk without aid or rest for around 500 metres) and 7 (unable to walk further than five metres and largely restricted to a wheelchair). It is estimated that around 5,000 people living with MS will be eligible in England in the first year.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.

welcome to Ollie visits Poole Hospital for lab tour All free Wellness Event

An 11-year-old, who had a liver transplant 10 years ago, was able to visit the Pathology Department at Poole Hospital to learn more about his treatment. Ollie became the first child to take part in a Harvey’s Lab Tour. The national initiative from the Institute of Biomedical Scientists is named after a young patient who sought to know more about his hospital treatment. The tours aim to help children understand the

role of biomedical science in their diagnosis and treatment. The team, led by senior biomedical scientist, Stephanie Brolan, welcomed Ollie along with his mum and dad for a visit to Poole’s Pathology Department. Ollie’s mum, Hannah, said: “Ollie regularly visits Poole Hospital for blood tests following his liver transplant, which will have taken place 10 years ago this August, at

Kings College Hospital. “The team was able to answer all questions Ollie had prepared, and he really enjoyed the ‘hands on’ parts of the tour such as spinning bloods, testing for acid or alkaloid levels, using the microscope and seeing the different blood groups. “Hopefully this experience will help him overcome his fears in the future, and the opportunity for these tours will be great for other young patients.”

Ollie with staff in the Pathology Department

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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A free wellness event for all ages will take place in Ferndown on 10 October, 10am-2pm at the Day Centre where you can meet health service professionals, local community organisations and support groups in an informal setting. With over 20 groups ranging from Arthritis Care, dementia groups and the Friendship group supporting widows, to Wiggles and Giggles and Mindful Moments for the younger ones there will be plenty to inspire you. The NHS is encouraging everyone to focus on their own wellness whether it be physical, mental or social health. Not everyone is physically fit to run a marathon but exercise could include chair yoga or Tai Chi, pickleball or even karate. Organised by the Orchid House Surgery and its Patient Participation Group, come along and meet the staff, volunteers and community groups at the Day Centre in Library Road, Ferndown. The Barrington Café will be open from 9am on Saturday morning for refreshments.

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health and care / caring about people is an act of maturity.

Charity of the Year

Meet Millie – sweet, sassy and determined! By Julia’s House Millie is a determined little girl, full of personality, with the sweetest cuddles and a sassy

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

streak. If she likes something, you know it. If she doesn’t, you definitely know that too! Julia’s House nurse Molly has known Millie for over two years: “We first met Millie and her mum Catherine when Millie was just four months old and had already spent her whole life in hospital,” shares Molly. “Meeting families early makes such a difference. It means they know friendly faces are waiting for them when they come home.” Millie has complex health needs, including serious heart and breathing problems, but since leaving hospital she has grown stronger and more settled. She used to

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need oxygen during the day as well as at night. Now she only needs it when she is unwell - a huge step forward. There have been lots of other milestones too. Millie can sit more confidently, hold herself up and has even started bottom shuffling around the hospice. “When you’ve known a child for years, those little moments mean so much,” says Molly. For a long time, Millie’s favourite place was the sensory room, where she loved the lights, bubble tube and calming equipment. Gradually, the care team has helped her feel comfortable exploring other spaces too, starting in the sensory room and then making their way through the garden to the activity room, where Millie can join in and play alongside other children. Supporting the whole family is an important part of Julia’s House care. When Millie

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spends time at the hospice, it gives Catherine a chance to rest, recharge or simply have a quiet moment, knowing her daughter is safe, happy and cared for. Millie also has an older brother, Reggie, so that support can make a real difference to family life. “Millie can make you work for her smiles and giggles, so when you get one, it’s a brilliant feeling,” Molly adds. “It’s been so special watching her grow stronger, become more comfortable with us and learn that our faces are familiar ones she can trust.” Be part of Millie’s story too. Gifts in Wills are a fantastic way to support seriously ill children in Dorset and ensure we can be there for families like Millie’s in the years to come. Find out more about our Free Wills service www.juliashouse. org/alwaysthere

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GREAT DORSET VIEW GIVEAWAY!

GREAT DORSET VIEW

£500 PRIZE GIVEAWAY! Yes, that’s right. It’s your chance to win shopping vouchers totalling £500 in the Great Dorset View Giveaway! Fancy winning a local shopping spree? The lucky winner will have a choice of 38 retailers where they can opt to spend their winnings, knowing they will be supporting local shops and business. All 38 are

advertising in this feature across pages 2427 of this issue of Dorset View. Wow! Please note that the vouchers are awarded in £50 lots and they can’t all be spent at one retailer. You can spend up to five (£250

total) at one retailer with the rest of the vouchers to spend elsewhere. To enter this competition, familiarise yourself with the adverts and answer these three questions:

1. Which business has the phone number ‘01202 887722’? 2. Which business has the post code ‘BH23 1AS’? 3. Which is the only business with a QR-code on its advert? Submit your answer online at www.dorsetview.co.uk/competitions/. One correct answer will be drawn at random from the entries. The vouchers are awarded in £50 lots, and the winner can spend a maximum of £250 with one company, or spend £50 across 10 different businesses, or a mix thereof. Terms and conditions

The closing date is Friday 30 September 2026. The first correct entry drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. The shopping vouchers will be valid for three months from the date they are issued. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner and allocate their vouchers. The winner will be announced in the magazine. The vouchers are not transferable.

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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GREAT DORSET VIEW GIVEAWAY!

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GREAT DORSET VIEW GIVEAWAY!

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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GREAT DORSET VIEW GIVEAWAY!

Bittern at RSPB Lodmoor © Phil Cheeseman

First confirmed breeding Bittern in Dorset since 1883 The RSPB is celebrating the first confirmed breeding Bittern at RSPB Lodmoor – and the first breeding record for Dorset since 1883. The return of breeding Bitterns in Dorset is a milestone in one of the UK’s greatest conservation success stories. Excitement first began to build when a male Bittern was heard booming well into May this year, long after the species would usually have moved on from the reserve following a brief stopover. The booming then ceased, and in early June the female’s regular feeding flights began, confirming suspicions that breeding was underway. Bitterns are one of the UK’s rarest breeding herons and are very secretive, spending most of their lives hidden within

dense reedbeds. Reedbed loss, wetland drainage and hunting drove Bitterns to extinction as breeding birds in Britain by the late 19th century. Although they began to recover during the 20th century, numbers fell to just 11 booming males by 1997. Research led by the RSPB, in partnership with Natural England, identified the habitat conditions Bitterns need to thrive, helping shape reedbed management that is still used today. Peter Robertson, RSPB Dorset Reserves site manager, said: “Seeing the species breed in Dorset for the first time in more than 140 years is an incredible moment, and we’re really excited about what the future holds for Bitterns in the county.”

Poole Library and Customer Service Hub closed temporarily Poole Library and Customer Service Hub will be closed until Friday 25 September while essential roof repair works are carried out at the Dolphin Centre. The library will continue to open on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm throughout the closure period, as contractors will not be working on site at weekends. please mention DORSET VIEW when you contact our advertisers

Customers can continue to return library items using the returns bin located outside the library entrance. Items can also be returned to any BCP Council library. Other libraries, including Hamworthy, Oakdale, Parkstone, Branksome and Broadstone, will continue to welcome users as normal.

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education / the future relies on what we learn today.

Wessex Band Summer School celebrates 55 years The longest running musical course of its kind enjoyed its emerald anniversary as students took to the stage during a day of concerts at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, for the finale of the 55th Wessex Band Summer School. This year’s event took place from 27 July to 1 August. During concerts on the Saturday, audiences were treated to a wide variety of music, from soulful melodies to dramatic film scores and everything in between. This all culminated in a massed bands performance of Philip Sparke’s Music for a Festival. Wessex Band Summer School is a week-long course for brass, wind and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Under the expert direction of Musical Director Michael Fowles and worldrenowned musical staff, students are given the chance to test themselves playing a wide and exciting range of music, whilst having fun and making new friends. Mike is well known for his outstanding work with a variety of musical ensembles, having worked extensively with brass, wind and youth bands of all abilities. He takes pride in being able to create a supportive and musically challenging atmosphere in rehearsals and is currently the Musical Director of The Foden’s Brass Band. Speaking about this year’s event, he said: “It’s been a brilliant course. I’m staggered with how fast the bands improved, which is great because then we get to raise the bar higher and higher to lift the expectations, but always through an atmosphere of fun and encouragement. It really is a full week of friendship, with bonds forged where people don’t see each other all year then meet up for the course and it’s as if it were yesterday.” The non-residential course is held at Sturminster Newton High School in the stunning surroundings of the North Dorset countryside. Students are able to camp on-site, while some

choose to stay in other accommodation in the local area. Camping, operated by the Wessex Camping Committee, helps to foster a sense of community on the course. Wessex Band Summer School is made up of three bands, a training band for players up to grade 4 standard, a wind band and a brass band, both for players of grade 4 upwards. Every year, the course welcomes players from all over the country, who are attracted by its friendly, supportive and inclusive values and atmosphere. The 56th course will return to Sturminster Newton on 26 to 31 July 2027, with an early bird offer available on bookings made before 31 December 2026. This year’s edition was a full house, with administrators having to operate a waiting list due to popular demand. The message is to book ASAP to avoid disappointment. Why not bring some friends too? The event raised over £1,750 this year.

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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For more details, and to book your place, please visit www.wessexband.com.

Brass band rehearsal

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education

A Calm Start to the School Year Begins at Home By Dennis Smith As families across Dorset prepare for the start of a new school year, many parents will be thinking about uniforms, stationery and timetables. While these practical preparations are important, one of the greatest influences on a child’s success often begins much closer to home. Whether your child is starting primary school, moving to secondary school, or returning to familiar classrooms, the first few weeks can bring excitement, uncertainty and a mixture of emotions. Even confident children may quietly worry about new teachers, friendships or increased expectations. Parents can make a real difference by creating a calm and reassuring atmosphere. Rather than focusing immediately on academic performance, take time to talk with your child about what they are looking forward to and any concerns they may have. Simply listening without rushing to solve every problem helps children feel understood and supported. As the new term begins, a few calm conversations, consistent routines and daily words of encouragement may have a greater impact than many parents realise. The greatest gift we can give our children is the confidence that home is a place where they will always be supported, whatever challenges the school year may bring.

Autumn dance class fun at the Pavilion - Advertisement feature -

Join us this Autumn term for dance class fun in our modern, bright studios by the sea in Bournemouth. We’ve got Adult and Youth classes for all levels and abilities covering a range of styles from Belly Dance to Bollywood, Contemporary to Commercial, Tap to Tango, Ballet to Burlesque, Vintage Jazz to Musicals, Ballet to Street, Flamenco to Latin and much more! Ticket Bundles available for class discounts. Classes from £6.50. What will you try? Book online or call box office on 01202 203630.

Dennis J Smith, M Ed is an experienced teacher, former Head of PE and Senior Year Leader. Through Sport Study Success UK, he provides practical guidance to help parents encourage confidence, positive study habits and wellbeing. Free parent resources and a confidential, no-obligation Parent Enquiry Form are available at sites.google.com/view/sportstudysuccessuk.

Discover the Difference at Ferndown Middle School - Advertisement feature -

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Ferndown Middle School, we provide an outstanding environment for children in years 5 to 8, supporting them through the exciting and transformative years between childhood and adolescence. As part of the threetier Ferndown Schools Partnership, we work closely with our First and Upper Schools to ensure a seamless educational journey, helping every child thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Our vibrant school community combines high

expectations with exceptional care. From a broad and engaging curriculum to extensive opportunities in sport, music, the arts and leadership, we encourage every pupil to discover their talents, develop confidence and achieve their potential. Join us at our Open Evening and experience firsthand the energy, ambition and sense of belonging that make Ferndown Middle School such a special place to learn and grow. Where children flourish. Where potential becomes achievement. Mr P Jones Headteacher

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WIMBORNE

Wimborne Cemetery to launch Friends group By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk | Photos by Dorset View

Wimborne Cemetery is certainly a place of sadness and reflection, but it is also rather beautiful and the manager Rebecca Hoyland is extending an invitation to local people to visit it To that end the Friends of Wimborne Cemetery is being formed. There will be a stand at the Green Festival on 10 October, with a meeting to be held afterwards. The cemetery used to be managed by Wimborne Minster Town Council, the then Colehill Parish Council and Pamphill and Shapwick Parish Council, but it is now managed solely by Wimborne Minster Town Council. The chapel, which dates back to 1856, on the left-hand side as you walk up the pathway lined with yew trees will be the meeting place, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. The invitation to get involved is open to all, regardless of whether your loved one is buried in the cemetery. Let’s look at its history. The site was purchased in 1855 from Henry Castleman. It cost £658.15 shillings and was commonly known as ‘Culverhays’. Work then began on the lodge and the chapels. In 1904 more land running up Stone Lane was purchased costing £322.10 shillings from Walter Ralph Bankes. Additional land was purchased from Mr Bankes in 1942 and 1978. The first interment was twoyear-old Walter Noah Cull who had lived in Wimborne’s workhouse. There is no headstone to denote the position of the grave. In 1856 John Eaton, who built the chapel died at the age of 41 having been thrown from his horse whilst inspecting work at the cemetery. There is a Portland headstone near the chapel. Famous people who are buried at the cemetery include Captain John Hanham who in 1861 was killed by a single bullet at Preston in Lancashire. The perpetrator was subsequently convicted of murder and hanged in Liverpool. Barrister Montague Jon Druitt, whose parents lived at Westfield House, was one of several men reputed to be Jack the Ripper. He drowned himself in the Thames shortly after the last murder. He was buried in 1888 at the age of 31. Thomas and Barbara Holloway were

shot dead by Captain Frank Burdett in their bedroom at Watsford Farmhouse, near Wimborne in October 1930. When Wimborne comedian Billy Burden died in June 1994, his funeral was attended by a number of stars of the day including Max Bygraves, Wendy Richard and John Inman. The Rev Canon Archibald Keith, the vicar of Wimborne Minster from 1920 until 1946 was married to Margaret. He died in 1956 and his wife in 1971. They had eight sons and one daughter but suffered a huge tragedy losing one son in a mountaineering accident and four in WWII. Anyone can be interred in Wimborne Cemetery regardless of whether they lived in this country or abroad. There is still space and Rebecca said that space won’t run out for another 20 to 30 years. So, what sort of activities do the Friends hope to provide? “There is so much potential for the group,” said Rebecca. “We have Commonwealth War Graves for those who

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

died in both the World Wars and we will have tours of those. We hope to have a biodiversity survey as well as some planting. And then there will be history talks.” The cemetery is situated between Stone Lane and St Margaret’s Hill. Anyone interested in joining the Friends can phone 07434 256392 or email: cemeterymanager@wimborne.gov.uk

Wimborne Cemetery

Rebecca outside the chapel @Dorset_View

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WIMBORNE

PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Fun Day scarecrows set to swelter in the sun By Jane Benson

As we headed into what has turned out to be quite an extraordinary summer, we received a most delightful surprise. The students who join us each week in the Wimborne Community Garden, presented us with a hand-made thank you card which they had painstakingly put together for us to acknowledge their enjoyment of the time we share. We were so touched by this card plus home-made fudge, especially as we feel it is us, the volunteers, who are the real beneficiaries of their weekly visits. What a glorious way to end the academic term and head into the holiday season. The summer itself has proved to be a challenging one as we’ve battled to ensure that all the veggies have not suffered too much in the heat. However, although the runner beans this year seemed to have refused to ‘run’ for anyone, most of our veg kept going and we have delighted in sending boxes groaning with potatoes, onions, beetroot, tomatoes, French beans, chard, peppers, courgettes, cucumbers etc to the Wimborne Food Bank, Allendale Community Kitchen, Wimborne Community Fridge and even to support a children’s programme at Wimborne’s Museum, MED. However, soon we will be entering the new school term and as we do, we are holding our annual Fun Day on Saturday, 5 September from 12.00 – 4.00 on Beaucroft College’s playing field, adjacent to the Community Garden (BH21 1HQ). Once again, the field will be filled with opportunities for fun for everyone providing: scrumptious tea and cakes; delicious sausages and burgers; a wonderful plant stall; an opportunity to splat a

mischievous rat; a tombola full of surprises; ice-creams to create yourself; a tin can alley to test your throwing arm; four exciting games for children to enjoy in the centre of the field plus of course… scarecrows! We would love to welcome you to our Fun Day and if you’d like to bring along a scarecrow too so that we can all enjoy looking at them and judging them, that would be even better! See you there!

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WIMBORNE

Enjoy free cookery talks and demos at the Dacombes of Wimborne Food Theatre © Wimborne BID

Wimborne Food Festival set for a delicious day out Wimborne Food Festival returns on Saturday 19 September with a packed day of tasty treats and free demonstrations, talks and foodie pop-ups from 10am to 4pm. At the heart of the festival are the Dacombes of Wimborne Food Theatre on Willow Walk, near Waitrose, where local chefs, producers and food experts will share their skills and stories. Colin Nash, chef at The Colin Nash Restaurant at The Retreat near Christchurch, brings more than three decades of experience to a live cookery demonstration celebrating seasonal, sustainable Dorset ingredients. Cristina Cavalleri, owner of LovItaly Deli and Restaurant in

Wimborne and Ringwood, will draw on Sardinian family recipes to reveal the secrets of a perfect tomato sauce and amaretti biscuits, joined by pastry chef Sarah Read. Former Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie Richardson will add baking brilliance, behind-the-scenes stories and tips for mastering choux pastry. Sali Pike and Ellie Snook from Wimborne’s Renoufs team are set to explain how to create the perfect cheese and charcuterie sharing board, with pairing and presentation advice drawn from Renoufs’ selection of more than 190 cheeses. Pete Miles of Dorset Oysters will take audiences from seed to plate, exploring Poole Harbour oyster farming with tastings and simple cooking ideas for locally sourced seafood. Wimborne chef Colm McKavanagh will team up with Salamander Cookshop for Tricks with Tortilla, showing a quicker method for home cooks using ingredients available locally. The demonstration will also feature cookware selected by Salamander Cookshop, alongside discounts and a competition. Around town, visitors can enjoy a free cookery demo at Salamander Cookshop, free wine tastings at Majestic Wimborne, pop-up food experiences, live music, alfresco dining, Dorset Farmers’ Market and tasty treats on Minster Green, East Street, Church Street and the Allendale Community Centre. Organised by Wimborne BID, the festival promises big flavours, local talent and a lively community atmosphere for foodies, families and anyone looking for a delicious day out in Wimborne. Visit Wimborne Food Festival and pick up a festival programme around town from early September.

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WIMBORNE

Mayor’s Musings

Recently, I attended the Town of Culture meeting about Wimborne Community Theatre’s production of ‘Belonging – Our Search for Home’ at Kingston Lacy, 22-27 September. Wimborne Community Theatre will present a large-scale Landscape Theatre arts project on the theme of home, one of four landmark events as part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026. You can order tickets online by following this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ belonging-our-search-forhome-tickets-1994770156235 It will sell out – so get in early. Later I attended the Planning and Environment Committee. Several members of the public attended: one group about the Sang at River’s Edge; another group about the proposed 124 houses planned next to By The Way. Wimborne Mayor Councillor Jeff Hart

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Charlie Dimmock headlines Green Festival in Wimborne The celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock will be the keynote speaker at the finale of the Planet Wimborne Green Festival on 17 October. Well known on TV programmes ‘Ground Force,’ ‘The Joy of Gardening,’ ‘Charlie’s Garden Army’ and ‘Garden Rescue’. Dimmock will present ‘Gardening for Wildlife and Wellbeing’ at Queen Elizabeth School on Saturday 17 October. Doors open at 4.15pm, with Charlie’s talk at 5pm. There will

be refreshments available, and gardening and green stalls. Tickets are available online via www.planetwimborne. org or by cash payment at Wimborne’s Fair Ground shop in the Corn Market. With its theme of ‘Be in nature, Be creative, Be well’, the week-long festival runs from 10–17 October and links with Wimborne’s vision as Dorset Town of Culture 2026 to encourage collaborations, connections and creative community around the town. There will be a host of green-

Charlie Dimmock (image supplied by agent)

themed events and activities for all ages, including visits to local sustainable businesses. The official opening is at 10.30am on Saturday 10 October on the Minster Green. For details visit www. planetwimborne.org or Facebook page

Wimborne’s Mila wins again

Wimborne Athletic Club’s Mila Desborough was in fine form at the UK Age Groups Championships held at Bedford on the weekend of 25 and 26 July. She broke the javelin record for her age group with a winning

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throw of 47m40. Elliott Trickey was sixth in the under-16 triple jump with 12m86. Mila also retained her title in the South West Inter Counties Championships at Exeter the previous weekend with 41m17. Elliott won the triple jump with 12m43. Maisie Robbins has had an exceptional competitive year sometimes winning all three of her league events. At Exeter she won the high jump with 1m40 and the shot with a personal best 9m36. Tilly Pretty won the under-14 girls discus with a personal best 25m56 and Lila Richards did what she does best winning the under 14 girls long jump with 4m97.

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Mila Desborough with Lumen Myers

There were also bronze medals for Zac Johnson in the under 14 boys hammer 29m96 and for Olivia Eves with 4.56.88 in the under 16 1500 metres. Lumen Myers of Poole Athletic Club came second to Mila and was third in the UK Age Groups event. It is unusual to have two athletes from a small county like Dorset competing and succeeding at such a high level.

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around & about

Creativity abounds at Walford Mill - Advertisement feature -

You’ll find creativity around every ancient beam in Walford Mill Crafts. 2026 marks 40 years since the mill opened as a craft centre, bringing with it silk weaver Debby Kirby who has remained ‘the heartbeat of the mill’ ever since. This year also marks 30 years delivering art and craft through the charity The Walford Mill Education Trust. Buy direct from the makers’ collective and watch creativity in action in their working studios. There are art exhibitions, workshops, pop-up shops and the courtyard café Little Pickle. Free entry, wheelchair accessible and dogs are welcome. Find the centre at Knobcrook Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NL. www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

Every Air Ambulance mission funded by you - Advertisement feature -

Air Ambulance Week takes place from 7-13 September and celebrates the life-saving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance brings the hospital to the patient, delivering specialist critical care when every second counts. As a charity, every mission undertaken is funded by people like you. By joining the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Flight for Life Lottery for just £5 a month, you’ll be helping to save lives across Dorset and Somerset, while having the chance to win fantastic cash prizes every week. Your support helps makes the next life-saving mission possible. Join today at www.dsairambulance.org.uk/lottery

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Events Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk.

Until 6 September Mapperton House and Gardens new summer trail for children.

5 September 12 noon-4pm Wimborne Gardening Club Late Summer Show at the Allendale Centre. Schedules: www. wimbornegardeningclub.org.uk.

5 September 10.15am-11.30pm Win on Waste at Lantern Church, Merley

5 September 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Call 03303 112793 for details.

6 September 1pm-5pm Manor Farm, Hampreston open under National Gardens Scheme.

7 September 7pm–9.30pm Bournemouth Bluebird Jazz Club meets at Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP.

7 September 10.30am

around & about 8 September 7.30pm

14 September 2.30pm

19 September

Verwood and District Horticultural Society meets at Verwood Memorial Hall. Details on verwoodhorticulturalsociety.co.uk or call Ollie on 07508 577114.

West Moors Horticultural Society meets at the Memorial Hall for an illustrated talk “If you go down to the Woods today” by Brian Pettet. Contact Jo Breen on 07960650611 or email wmhorticultural.society@gmail.com

Ringwood Carnival with parades at 2pm and 7.15pm

9 September 7.30pm Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. For details, call Hazel on 07780 705702.

9 September 6.30pm–9pm Bournemouth & District Jazz Appreciation Society meet in Rm 1 downstairs at Kinson Community Centre. Access direct from car park. Full details on the website: bournemouthjazzclub.org.

9 September 7.30pm-9.30pm East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane, Wimborne.

10, 24 September 7.30pm Ringwood Natural History Society meets at Greyfriars Community Centre, BH24 1DW. For further information contact John Gurney on 01425 471362 or 07395 855 404

11-20 September

Reading Friends meets at Wimborne Library

Dorset Architectural Heritage Week. Book on www.edht.org.uk/dahw

7 September 7.15pm for 7.30pm start

12 September 12noon-4.30pm

Wimborne Gardening Club meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodways Corner for a talk on The History of Cherry Tree Nursery.

Bournemouth in Bloom Horticultural Show at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Charminster Road, Bournemouth BH8 9SH.

14 September 7pm for 7.30pm

Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club meets at The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, BH21 3AP. Call Paul Barry on 07932 581791 or email paulrichardbarry@hotmail. co.uk for programme details.

15 September 7.30pm

Wimborne Civic Society meets at Allendale House for a talk on Iron Age Dynasties of Dorset.

16 September 7.30pm

Wimborne Minster Food Festival throughout the town.

19 September 2pm Natasha Solomons, award-winning Dorset writer talk at Wimborne Library. Book in advance at the Library. Tickets £5, members free.

23 September 8.30am-10am Diverse Abilities presents Pastries with… a business networking event at The Treehouse. Christchurch, BH23 6DT. Book at https://diverseabilities.org.uk/ daevents/pastries-with-sept

25, 26 September

Merley Townswomen’s Guild meets at the Community Hall, Harrier Drive, Merley.

Arts by the Sea in Bournemouth. https://artsbythesea.co.uk/

16 September 7pm

An evening with Jeff Mostyn, chairman of AFC Bournemouth at Bourne View Care Home, Poole, BH12 5BN. In aid of Forest Holme Hospice. To book Telephone: 01202 403180 or Email: BourneViewCustomerAdvisor@ ColtenCare.co.uk

19 September 6.30pm-9.30pm

Music and entertainment to celebrate Wimborne Minster Town of Culture 2026. Tickets from Square Records, The Minster Press and Parish Church Office.

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19 September

25, 26, 27 September 10am-6pm Fri and Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. Twinning Treasures. exhibition of gifts from Valognes to the Wimborne-Valognes Twinning Association over 50 years. Walford Mill Crafts off Stone Lane BH21 1NL. Free entry.

26 September 10am-12 noon Broadstone Cancer Research Fundraising Committee Autumn Coffee Morning at Broadstone URC, Church Hall, Higher Blandford Road BH18 9AB.

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around & about

Plays 'n' Chips heads back to Broadstone Broadstone Players is to present its popular Plays 'n' Chips on 4, 5, 11 and 12 September at 7.30pm at Broadstone War Memorial Hall theatre. In this 30-year-old tradition audiences sit around tables, watch three one-act plays and enjoy a hot supper in the first interval and a raffle in the second interval. A matinee performance on 5 September will include a cream tea instead. This year’s plays are comedies showcasing several actors new to Broadstone as well as three directors making their debut with the Players. Reserve tickets by emailing honsec@broadstoneplayers. co.uk or ringing 01202 678449. There are also tickets on sale in Broadstone News on the Broadway.

91-year-old walker roars to success

DORSET VIEW September 2026

African Soul Rebels tour returns to Poole Groundbreaking African Soul Rebels will be back at Lighthouse Poole on 3 October. The tour will feature Les Amazones d’Afrique joined by babatoni maestro Gasper Nali and Glastonbury Emerging Talent winner N’famady Kouyaté. “As part of the national touring network Music Beyond Mainstream, of which Lighthouse is a key member, these acts not only champion new music from beyond our borders but expand the breadth of our live music offering,” says John Blakeley, Lighthouse music programmer. Tickets available at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or on 01202 280000.

Congratulations to Mike Andrews who completed the 26-mile Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike. The 91-year-old said: “I pushed my limits to raise money in support of Macmillan Cancer Support because no one should have to face cancer alone.” He raised a phenomenal £1,800 and is pictured with his marathon medal. Well done, Mike!

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N’famady Kouyaté

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Trevor Horn at the Barn The man behind the iconic sounds of Seal, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ABC, and many more will be back with his Adventures In Modern Recordings show. Trevor Horn will visit The Barn in Ringwood on Friday 13 November 2026. Tickets, including a Meet & Greet option, are on sale now at www.thebarnringwood.co.uk

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around & about

Countdown for Wimborne Whoppa 2026 World champions and Britain’s best are set to attend one of the biggest weekends in British motorcycle sport. Bringing together world champions, British titleholders and the country’s top grasstrack competitors, the Wimborne Whoppa is organised by Wimborne Motor Cycle Club. The two-day event with ample parking will take place on 3 and 4 October at Pilford Lane, Uddens, Wimborne BH21 7AZ. This year’s meeting incorporates the British Youth Grasstrack Championship, the GT140 British Championship, and the prestigious 500cc Sidecar Masters, ensuring an action-packed weekend. The star-studded solo rider line-up includes current British Masters Champion Chris Harris, World Long Track Champion Zach Wajtknecht, former British Masters winner Andrew Appleton, multiple British Masters Champion James Shanes, and local favourite Chad Wirtzfeld. The 1000cc Sidecar class promises a fierce contest between some of Britain’s leading crews. In the 500cc Sidecar Masters Championship Josh and Scott Goodwin,

from nearby Ferndown, will aim to defend their title in front of a home crowd and local supporters will be hoping they can continue their winning form. Paul Miller, spokesperson for Wimborne Motor Cycle Club said: “We’re delighted to welcome another outstanding field of riders to Wimborne. Having a World Champion, British Champions and some of the sport’s biggest names competing alongside our local stars will make this one of the strongest Whoppa line-ups we’ve ever assembled. Combined with great entertainment off the track, we expect another

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fantastic weekend for competitors, spectators and the local community.” The International Wimborne Whoppa offers something for all ages including live music, a food and beer tent, trade stands and weekend camping. This year’s chosen charity is Forest Holme Hospice, with fundraising taking place to support the outstanding care the hospice provides to families across Dorset. Admission is £10 on Saturday, £20 on Sunday, or £30 for the full weekend, with weekend camping available for £10. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Children under 16 are admitted free.

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in the home / home is where the heart is.

Changing colours and designs for autumn and 2027 By Geoff Spick

As fed up as we all are with heat, salad and suncream, change is coming. And we expect improvements big and small as Dorset’s homeowners look to upgrade either the tired look or ventilation around

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

their home to better cater to future weather extremes as they become normal. Expect a colour rebound from off-white in 2027 If you work anywhere near a designer, ask them what

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Pantone’s colour of the year was? Their immediate reply should be ‘cloud dancer,’ a calming off-white hue. That was commonly paired by interior designers and product makers with accent colours like Alexandrite (teal), Lava Falls (intense red) or Acacia (greenish yellow). Looking ahead to 2027, experts are predicting the likes of Luminous Blue and Beetroot will rub some funk on fresh design palettes, making for cheerier, more dramatic rooms. Variants like MacTac Luminous Blue Gloss are found in wall and interior decorations, vinyl wraps, furniture and work surface laminates and other examples. Do let us know what your big decorative plans are for the coming year!

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Stylish splashbacks making a comeback While island hobs are still very much on trend, and hugely popular among kitchen refurbs, a tour of some Dorset new builds and design-led refurbishments shows that splashbacks are making a statement when needed. From chrome to brushed titanium (or steel-titanium composite) panels, metal remains one of the most popular choices, with impact and easeof-cleaning high on the agenda. Clear splashbacks are popular where original brickwork remains on show, or if there’s a tiled feature wall where the new hob is on the design spec against a must-keep wall. Whatever material, they make a great and quick way to add some life to a kitchen area.

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in the home

Luminous Blue

Installed cooling will become essential Did you rush down to Argos or John Lewis earlier this year, only to find the fan section completely empty? Plan to avoid that dismal future with installed ceiling fans or mounted cooling systems and air conditioning in key rooms around your home. Ideas like passive cooling designs use shade and ventilation to regulate temperature and are popular in new builds, while evaporative cooling is energy-efficient and works best in dry environments. You can also try portable air coolers, finding unobtrusive places that suit their compact design to keep smaller rooms

cool. But if none of those concepts appeal, then air conditioning will be a must have next summer. Or heat pumps (that can reverse their usual warming direction) will help keep your home cool or warm, whatever the weather for sleeping and living in.

technology like air purifiers, smart lighting and timehonoured traditions like sound damping wall cloths, soft

furnishings and curtains or flooring all help reduce the impact of today’s hectic life, providing an oasis of calm.

Get ready for neuroarchitectureled design If the stress of modern living is getting to you, then concepts like brain-friendly neuroarchitecture, through sensory lighting, acoustics and air cleaning systems will be big in 2027. Aimed at the wellnessaware market, this idea uses natural colours and tones to lead the design while

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motoring / keeping you on the road.

Local perks for BCP Council residents Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has launched a Residents’ Card, BCP LIFE. As well as cheaper parking, it will enable people to enjoy free swimming, savings on high-street stores and cafes. Cheaper parking is available at select town centre council-run surface car parks: with a free hour with any session purchased after 9.30am. In the first week of the launch BCP Council reported over 2,000 residents had signed up. Full details of discounts, registration, and terms and conditions can be found at: https://www.bcplife.co.uk.

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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Rogue Dorset motor mechanic jailed A man who duped 20 motorists across 10 counties, had 11 alias names and 15 previous convictions has been jailed for two years and three months at Bournemouth Crown Court in a case brought by Dorset Council’s Trading Standards service. Dorset mobile mechanic, Mark Douglas Lowe, 47, who gave his address as Bushes Farm Campsite near Blandford, pleaded guilty to running a fraudulent business under the Companies Act. He duped motorists into handing over cash. The case covered 20 victims who, between April 2023 and October 2025, each lost between £400 and £3,400 to Lowe who traded using three different limited companies. He used numerous accounts to take payments after banks closed his accounts due to the high number of charge-back requests they received. Most victims lived in Dorset, but his offending covered 10 counties as far apart as Cornwall, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. The court heard that customers contacted him through a thirdparty website after their car had broken down. Lowe would visit them at their home and quickly diagnose the problem. He would then either say that he had to take a part away to be repaired or more often, that their car needed a new part which had to be ordered from abroad. He always asked for significant sums of money up front. Once these were paid the customer would never see him again. When they called to complain he would make excuses such as the part was held up at customs, or often just ignore their calls. On other occasions he would answer the phone and abuse his customers. Lowe was disqualified from being a company director for five years and was also made subject to a criminal behaviour order for five years which will prevent him from working as a motor mechanic at all, either from fixed premises or at people’s homes.

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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

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within 10 days of publication to the Administration Department. Advertisers are requested to check their advertisements after the first insertion. The Publisher will not be responsible for any errors on subsequent insertions, which have not been advised to them. Cancellation of an advertisement must be advised in writing 21 days prior to copy date. Unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Publisher the terms of payment for credit accounts are 10 days from date of invoice. Any discount, which the Publisher may have agreed with the advertiser will be forfeited in the event of failure by the advertiser to meet these credit terms. All rates quoted are subject to VAT at the current rate in force at the time the advertisement appears. Copyright of advertisements produced wholly by the Publisher belongs to the Publisher. Advertisers may not reproduce such advertisments without the Publisher’s written consent. Full details of copy dates are obtainable direct from Dorset View and/or its representatives. The placing of an order for an advertisment shall amount to acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

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CORRESPONDENCE To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk Massive sunflowers attract local attention Dear Dorset View, My father, aged 84 (and over 6ft tall for comparison), has grown some truly amazing sunflowers in his garden this year. They are well over 10 ft tall with the thickest stems I have ever seen. Honestly, they look like they belong in a fairytale! We’ve had Ferndown locals passing by stopping to comment and asking if they can take pictures of them. It’s been lovely to see how much joy they’ve brought to people just walking by. Previous years have seen them grow to 6ft to 8ft at best. Jeanie, Ferndown

Smilin Lewie What is your name and what do you do? My name’s Lewis aka ‘Smilin Lewie’ and I’m a Scottish born artist now living in Bournemouth. I paint street art, as well as using traditional media like coloured pencils and watercolours, basically media that can be built up in layers. I focus on people and animals as subjects in my artwork, often with fantasy elements thrown in. How do you define yourself as an artist? I guess a keen eye for detail and a photorealistic style are the defining features of my art style. I’ve been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil and have always loved drawing faces with a particular focus on the eyes since they’re key to capturing a likeness. Art teachers at school always told me to paint bigger and bolder since I was always drawing tiny, highly detailed portraits but it was only really when I discovered spray paints that I finally took their advice by using a medium where the larger the painting, the easier it is to paint the details. While at first I was frustrated by my own limitations not allowing me to paint as detailed as I’d like, I stuck with it and eventually my skills started to catch up to my ambitions. I think that challenge combined with having a stubborn, determined nature were a big part of the attraction when getting into street art.

sunflowers

What do you want the local community, councils and government to do more of for the art community? I think purpose-built legal walls for street art would be a great idea, providing a space where people could practise using spray paints or making art on a large scale. It could function as an ever-changing art gallery, would be relatively cheap to set up, and allow members of the public to see art being made and interact with artists. With street art festivals such as Upfest, Southend City Jam, Yardworks and many more becoming increasingly popular in the UK, I believe there’s definitely a growing appetite for street art and from my own interactions while painting I know that people of all ages and from all walks of life take an interest in it and enjoy chatting about the process and seeing a piece come together. If there were practice walls for beginners, a few longer walls for graff writers and a few walls for character pieces and murals, it would allow artists of all levels to learn from each other and would make street art accessible for anyone who would like to learn more about it. You could even have feature walls available by appointment that would allow people to find out in advance when their favourite artists are painting, as well as showcasing artists work and if you had ply boards fixed to the walls then it could allow an opportunity for people to purchase pieces they’re particularly fond of. Street art hotspots in many parts of the country are becoming tourist locations, and I believe something like this could prove very popular. It could even be expanded to encompass plein air painting, workshops, caricature artists and art stalls to create an art district for artists of all disciplines and art enthusiasts of all types. Why should people buy your art? I guess it just comes down to individual tastes, if people enjoy my artwork or know someone that would appreciate it then why not own a piece to brighten up a wall at home? I exhibit with The Raw Wall Collective and Art Throbs Studio alongside many other fantastic artists where I have work in traditional media and most of my work is on Instagram. Anyone interested in portrait commissions or murals can contact me there and I’m happy to discuss creating custom pieces.

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DORSET VIEW September 2026

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