Viewpoint March 2026

VIEWPOINT

Dear Readers!

There are moments when you realise that despite all your efforts and ingenuity, you need to call in a professional – and we have many of these advertising on pages 36–38 of this magazine.

My stepson had always much admired his late father’s leather armchair, and so I told him I would like him to have it.

Consequently, on a recent weekend, he and one of his brothers arrived to remove it.

It had been delivered some 13 years ago, so if the men had managed to move it into my house, surely it wouldn’t be hard to get it out?

Wrong.

With a huge amount of effort and a little ingenuity, they managed to get the chair out of the lounge and through the hall to the porch. But it wouldn’t squeeze out of the front door, no matter which way they turned it.

Not wanting to have an armchair in my porch — although I accept it would be unique — it was decided to try to take it out of the back of the house. And, following the removal of a door and a lot of huffing and puffing, they eventually got it into a car.

That should have been the end of the story. However, I received a message later in the day to say that the doors to their Victorian house were far too narrow and the armchair was going to sit in their garden until a glazier could be found to remove a window!

Once again, there is plenty to read in this magazine, including ideas for events you can enjoy in Ringwood over the Easter period. However, once you have read the articles, don’t forget to peruse the adverts in our specialist services section. You never know when you might need the help of a professional…

Marilyn Barber

News editor

VIEWPOINT

Ben Pulford managing director

ben@dorsetview.co.uk

Louis Pulford creative director louis@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

Nick Pulford company secretary accounts@pulfordpublicity.co.uk

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Luke Graham editor luke@dorsetview.co.uk

Marilyn Barber news editor newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

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Janine Pulford editor-at-large janine@dorsetview.co.uk

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Mark Beechey account manager DD 01202 941465 mark@dorsetview.co.uk

Simon Thornton account manager DD 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk

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DESIGN

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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reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed to be unsuitable for publication. Information

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Local marching band in popstar’s music video

A local marching band is featured in the latest video for the popstar MIKA. The singer-songwriter’s new single ‘Excuses for Love’ was filmed in Dungeness on Romney Marsh, Kent, in January and features the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band (BYMB). The video was released on 4 February.

The musician, best known for his chart-topping single ‘Grace Kelly’ from 2007, released his latest album on 23 January 2026.

In the video, the band can be seen playing at night and marching in circles around MIKA. Other members of the band appear in costumes with the singer at different moments in the video.

Assistant Bandmaster Holly Burrows-Kinch said: “As always, we are amazed by the professionalism and pride our members have in every performance. Every member puts their all into putting on an amazing show.”

She added that MIKA was kind and gracious to the members of BYMB and spoke to the musicians in between takes.

MIKA said: “Thank you so much. You made my video so much more special.”

Bandmaster Andrew Kinch said: “This is such an incredible achievement for our members and very well deserved after all the effort they have put in recently. We have always been proud to fly the flag, to represent Bournemouth and the wider county of Dorset. This enables us to hopefully open up further opportunities and showcase our members on an even bigger stage.”

Following the release of the video, MIKA’s team asked if a group from BYMB would like to travel to Paris and perform with MIKA at the French Music Awards. A total of 15 senior band members took part in the event on 13 February.

Bournemouth Youth Marching Band is a traditional-style youth marching band which rehearses every Wednesday at Kinson Community Centre and once a month in Poole on a Sunday afternoon. To learn more, visit bymb.org.

Town crier to tackle Jurassic Coast challenge

The town crier of Ferndown plans to complete a 26-mile walking challenge at the age of 91 this summer to raise money for a cancer charity.

Mike Andrews will tackle the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike, walking the full marathon distance, on Saturday 4 July. He is fundraising in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

At time of writing, Andrews has raised nearly £600, smashing his initial target of £250.

Andrews, who has been diagnosed with cancer, is a keen walker. In 2023, he completed a 1,650-mile sponsored walk, raising thousands of pounds for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

Starting and finishing near Corfe Castle, the circular route will take Andrews through Studland, past Old Harry Rocks and Swanage, along the coastline to St Aldhelm’s

Chapel, before heading back north through Kingston.

On his fundraising page, Andrews said: “I’m taking on the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike, at the age of 91, pushing my limits to raise £250 in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, because no one should have to face cancer alone.”

To donate, visit mightyhikesfundraising. macmillan.org.uk/fundraising/ mikes-fundraising-page702.

New sustainable walking trail in Wimborne

The second in a series of themed walking trails being created by Planet Wimborne for Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 has been launched.

The Pre-LOVEd Rainbow Trail takes place round Wimborne Minster’s secondhand retailers and charity shops.

A spokesman from Planet Wimborne said: “By buying second-hand, you’re reducing both the use of resources to make something new and the disposal of throwaway items, often to landfill. And if it’s a charity shop purchase, you’re supporting a good cause too.”

Shops featured on the trail are Age UK, Black Pug Books, Debra, Friends of Victoria Hospital, Going for Bust, Julia’s

House, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Margaret Green Animal Rescue, MED Bookshop and Staffie & Stray Rescue. The trail map can be accessed via tinyurl.com/PWtrails.

New season at Chained Library

Wimborne Minster’s Chained Library is reopening in Easter week.

The season runs from 30 March to 31 October, with opening hours Monday to Friday 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm, as well as from 10.30am to 12.30pm on the first and third Saturday mornings of April, May, June and October. New to this year, the Chained Library will be open every Saturday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm in July, August and September.

Last year was a record year with nearly 9,000 visitors, as well as schools and scout groups. Academics and researchers also used the library to further their studies and understanding of the past, which is the historic purpose of the library as envisaged by its founders, Roger Gillingham and the Rev William Stone. The pair grew up in Wimborne and were pupils at Queen Elizabeth’s School.

Also starting in April is the new season for the Minster Guides. Visitors can learn all about the Minster and its 1,300-year history.

Rhythms of Asia ring out in Ferndown

Pupils at Ferndown Middle School have been learning to appreciate a fusion of music styles.

Japanese Taiko drums on loan from Dorset Music Service, together with Chinese drum equipment and a lion costume loaned by Tony Sivyer from local lion and dragon dancing group Dragon of the South, have let students learn drumming patterns, dance movements and Chinese words.

Ferndown Middle is a lead school as part of the Octagon Music Hub across Dorset and Somerset, and it also holds Music Mark accreditation.

Head of Music Scott

Welcomme, who has worked in Hong Kong, said: “Having the costumes and drums allowed our pupils to combine culture with an awesome display of focus and discipline.

“What’s fantastic is that all pupils have been able to access the lessons, whether playing the drums, cymbals or wearing the lion outfit. It’s opened our pupils’ eyes and minds to something they may not have otherwise known about.

“We get the children involved in learning about music and rhythm from around the world — traditional and modern — and this gives them a broader understanding of music.”

New Forest council reveals budget plans

New Forest District Council set its budget for 2026/27 at a meeting on Thursday 26 February.

Their portion of Council Tax will increase 2.99 per cent to £211.92 per year for the average band D property.

The full Council Tax for houses in the region will cost £2,419.76 for the year, which includes payments to Hampshire County Council, Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and town and parish councils.

For every £1 paid in Council Tax, NFDC keeps 9p

which goes towards funding a variety of local services.

Toad Patrol photo gallery opens

Roses are red, toads can be green

This new photo gallery deserves to be seen

A photo exhibition celebrating local wildlife was officially opened on Valentine’s Day by the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick.

‘Amphibians Are Friends’ is a unique, large-scale outdoor photo gallery curated by Viewpoint’s Creative Director Louis Pulford. As well as being a keen local wildlife photographer, Pulford is a regular volunteer with Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol, which help to save the lives of migrating toads as they cross a busy rural road just north of Ringwood during the amphibian’s breeding season.

Set in the heart of Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, the outdoor display features 12 posters that showcase photos of common toads and other amphibians, and the vital part they play in our ecosystem.

The launch event on Saturday 14 February was attended by volunteers from Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol, as well as Cllr Tracy Monkcom, chairman of St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council, and other local wildlife and conservation organisations.

Cllr Frederick pulled the official ribbon to open the gallery with the help of two giant toads. She said: “Caring for our local environment is one of the most important things we can do as a community. I would especially like to recognise and thank our incredible volunteer toad patrollers.

“Toads may be small, but they play a big role in our ecosystem, and their annual journeys are a remarkable reminder of how closely connected we are to nature. And a special thank you to Louis Pulford for developing and bringing this fantastic display ‘Amphibians Are Friends’ together.”

The gallery will be on display until July.

Police and Crime

Commissioner David

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick is on Your Voice | Dorset Podcast

Born and raised in Bournemouth, David Sidwick was elected as the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset in 2021 and re-elected in 2024.

The role was set up in 2012 but is not well understood by voters. As Sidwick jokes: “It’s probably one of the least explained jobs on the planet.”

According to Sidwick, the role has three main responsibilities. First, ensuring the Force has the funding it needs to be effective and spends that money efficiently. Second, the PCC gets a budget to spend on initiatives they think will make a difference; Sidwick allocates his budget on victim support, crime prevention initiatives such as the Operation Relentless Community Fund, and reducing re-offending.

“But the main part of the job, and the reason why it’s an elected position, is it is

about holding Dorset Police to account for the people of Dorset. So, you and everybody else in Dorset are my boss,” explains Sidwick.

As PCC, Sidwick created a six-point Police and Crime Plan, based on research and surveys of what residents wanted from their police.

According to Sidwick, progress on delivering and achieving this plan is going well.

“We are now the fifth safest area in the UK. We have dropped anti-social behaviour to the lowest it’s been in 16 years. We have an effective rural crime team. And if I pick on one of the more violent measures, knife offences, we are the second lowest in the country with a 19 per cent drop compared to last year.”

Despite these positive statistics, there seems to be a public perception that Dorset, especially areas like

Bournemouth and Poole, is not safe. Why is that?

“There’s a number of reasons. One is, and I push Dorset Police on this all the time, policing does not generally communicate well enough and put out the good news about what they’re doing.

“Even when good things are communicated, sometimes the press picks on a headline which says a bad thing.

“It is a frustration to me that no matter how good we seem to get, we can’t move the dial on that perception.”

Another cause of frustration is that the Labour government has announced plans to abolish PCCs when their term ends in 2028 and replace them with mayors or Policing and Crime Boards. How does Sidwick feel about this?

“I’m extremely grumpy [because] there is no evidence base for this decision. If they

could show us the evidence that mayoral areas are better at reducing crime than PCC areas, I would hold my hand up and say, ‘That’s the way to go’. But this is nothing but political ideology.

“What they’ve said is we’ll go back to ‘something’ which we’re not quite certain what it is yet. We are still waiting for the detail. But it will be something like a local committee. Now, there is a local committee which scrutinizes me once a quarter. I sit down with the Chief Constable once a week.

“There is a huge amount of detail that hasn’t been landed, and I will be fighting to make certain that Dorset gets good police governance.”

To watch the full interview, head to dorsetview.co.uk/ podcast or youtube.com/@ dorset_view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews and videos.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Footway closures

To enable Enerveo to install replacement electricity cables, footways in Verwood will be closed over the coming months. They are Squirrel Walk, and the footways between 6 and 8 Burnbake Road and 11 Newton Lane. The works should be completed by 10 April.

40th anniversary

Verwood will celebrate 40 years of being a town in 2027, and so the town council would like to hear local people’s ideas on how to celebrate this milestone. Take part in the survey on verwood.gov.uk/ celebrate-40-years-of-verwood.

Blooming Verwood

Building on the success of the 2025 competition, Verwood in Bloom is inviting residents, businesses, and local groups to take part and showcase their gardens, planters, or floral displays. Judging will take place in late June and early July, with winners announced shortly afterwards. To take part, fill in the entry form on verwood.gov.uk/ verwood-in-bloom.

Roadworks delayed

Planned gas repair works on Verwood Road have been postponed following pressure from residents and town councillors.

In early February, gas supplier SGN announced plans to close the road from March to replace a leaking gas pipe. But, because the A338 Salisbury Road was already closed due to roadworks, closing Verwood Road would leave residents with no way to drive south from the town and add excessive traffic pressure to other roads.

As a result of the complaints, SGN said it would delay the repairs until after the A338 roadworks are complete. However, the gas supplier warned that if there are further gas leaks, the roadworks may become unavoidable.

Need a trim? Head to The Hive

A free haircut service for people facing financial hardship has expanded to Verwood.

Community Haircuts was started by hairdresser Georgia Chappels in Ringwood in September 2025 and then launched in Ferndown in January. Now, the service is available in The Hive, Verwood’s youth centre on Howe Lane, on the fourth Monday of the month from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Chappels said: “Having experienced hardship firsthand, I am committed to giving back through community haircuts for those who cannot afford them.

“I aim to strengthen our community one haircut at a time.”

The new service was first held on Monday 23 February. No appointment is necessary. To find out more, visit the Community Haircuts Facebook page or contact 07749 629088.

Five things you may not know about

Verwood

1. Verwood was originally recorded as Beau Bois (Norman French: ‘beautiful wood’) in 1288.

2. The East Dorset pottery industry, known collectively as Verwood Pottery, thrived thanks to the clay soils of the neighbourhood which had ample firing material close at hand.

3. In 1985, the town was twinned with the French town Champtoceaux.

4. The late Buster Merryfield, who played Uncle Albert in ‘Only Fools and Horses’, used to live in the town.

5. Stephen’s Castle is an Iron Age barrow on a site of special scientific interest to the north of Verwood at the top of an old sand and gravel quarry. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The barrow was excavated by archaeologists in 1828, where human remains dating back to the Iron Age were found.

Verwood Rotary Club turns 38

By Louisa Hiscock

We will soon celebrate the ‘birthday’ of our club with club members and guests at our annual Charter Evening to mark the founding of our club in 1988. The plan is for the club to keep supporting and serving our local community for many more years.

We continue to look for new ways to do this and

make as much difference as we can through fundraising, volunteering and community initiatives. You will have seen some members supporting the Marie Curie collections at Morrisons in March, and we will be helping again soon at FarmFest on Saturday 6 June at Sturts Farm in West Moors. Looking ahead, we are

hosting our second Race Night on Saturday 9 May in Verwood. This promises to be a great fundraising evening with the opportunity to have some fun and a flutter on the horses! There will also be a licensed bar. Make a note in your diary and look out on our website and Facebook page for how to buy tickets soon.

Our club is also part of Rotary International, a global network with more than 1.2 million members across the world. All guided by the motto ‘service above self’, members volunteer together to create lasting change across the world. This includes worldwide projects to fight polio, support education, respond to disasters, promote peace and protect the environment. Our club is proud to be a small part of these initiatives, offering financial aid and hands on service to foster change.

Our membership may

have changed since it was founded, but our enthusiasm remains strong. Contact us on enquiries@verwoodrotary. org.uk or have a look at our great new website on verwoodrotary.org.uk if you would like to find out more about the club’s activities, events coming up and how to get involved.

Dorset deserves its fair share

By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

Over recent weeks, I have been asking Dorset residents for their views on police funding. I do this because setting the police budget is one of my most important statutory responsibilities, and one I take extremely seriously as the public’s voice in policing. My Police and Crime Plan is clear — we must Make Every Penny Count. But even the most efficient force cannot operate to its full potential if it is persistently underfunded.

The reality is that Dorset Police does not receive the funding it needs or deserves. Year after year, Dorset sits near the bottom of the national funding table. As a result, local people are forced to pay far more for their police service than residents in most other parts of the country. Dorset residents fund 52 per cent of the Force through Council Tax. The national average is around 35 per cent, and in some areas as low as 20 per cent. That disparity is simply unfair.

This situation exists because the national police funding formula is not fit for purpose. It fails to reflect the real demands placed on policing in Dorset. It ignores our rurality and takes no account of seasonality, despite the fact that millions of visitors come to Dorset each year, placing an enormous additional burden on operational policing. I have been clear about the need to change the funding formula since I came into office, and I have consistently lobbied government for reform on this issue.

However, despite my efforts, as well as calls for change from across the country, no action has been taken. The funding formula still disadvantages Dorset, and government has made it clear that it expects Police and Crime Commissioners to bridge the gap by increasing the police precept. That is why I had no option but to ask the Police and Crime Panel to approve an increase in this year’s precept to the limit of £15 for a band D property. Asking residents to

pay more is not something I do easily; it is deeply frustrating, particularly given the already disproportionate burden on local taxpayers. But the uncomfortable truth is this: standing still or paying less is no longer an option if we want to maintain effective policing.

What matters is that Dorset Police has shown, time and again, that it uses public money responsibly. The most recent HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services inspection recognised the Force’s strong financial management. Despite years of savings and relentless pressure on budgets, Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country. Crime is falling, positive outcomes are increasing, knife crime has reduced, and anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level in 16 years. Yes, there is still work to do in other areas, and that is ongoing, but these successes are not accidents. They are the result of hard work, professionalism, and careful management of limited resources. This will continue, unabated, but the difficult financial situation we find ourselves in cannot continue indefinitely. Forcing Dorset Police to make savings year after year is not sustainable. While the Force will continue to keep people safe, I will continue to press, challenge, and campaign until Dorset receives a fairer share of national funding. It is time the system delivered what Dorset deserves.

Bank closure for Ringwood

Lloyds Bank in Ringwood is to close in June, which means that Nationwide will be the last full-service bank on the town’s High Street.

However, a new Banking Hub will be provided for Ringwood, and Lloyds has committed to providing a ‘community banker’ in the hub one day a week.

A Banking Hub allows customers to make withdrawals, deposit cash and cheques, pay utility bills and access change-giving services. You can also speak to a community banker from your bank on certain days to talk about more complicated issues.

Go to cashaccess.co.uk for more details on what services will be available in the Banking Hub and which banks participate (fortunately, all the big-name banks do take part).

Cllr John Haywood (pictured left) and Cllr Peter Kelleher from Ringwood Town Council both said they will keep up the pressure for the Banking Hub to be delivered.

Starry Skies

By Mark Hardaker FRAS

Each year in March, something quite remarkable happens in the sky. Without fanfare, without fireworks, the Earth reaches a point in its orbit that astronomers call the March equinox. It is a moment of balance — both scientifically precise and culturally meaningful — that marks the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it occurs precisely at 2.45pm on Friday 20 March.

Astronomically speaking, the equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky directly above Earth’s equator. On this day, Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. As a result, daylight and nighttime are nearly equal in length across the globe — hence the name equinox, derived from Latin for “equal night”.

This balance is not caused by Earth being closer to or further from the Sun. In fact, Earth’s distance from the Sun plays only a small role in the seasons. Instead, the seasons are driven by the 23.5-degree tilt of Earth’s axis. After the March equinox, the Northern Hemisphere gradually tilts more toward the Sun, leading to longer

days, higher Sun paths across the sky and warming temperatures. South of the equator, the opposite happens as autumn begins. For astronomers, the equinox is more than a calendar marker. It provides a reference point for mapping the sky. The Sun’s position on the equinox defines the zero point of celestial longitude, which helps us chart the locations of stars and planets. It also offers a useful opportunity for skywatchers: around the equinoxes, the geometry of Earth and the Sun makes satellites more visible just after sunset. The zodiacal light — a faint, dusty glow along the plane of the solar system — can sometimes be seen in the west from dark locations, such as the Cranborne Chase Dark Sky Reserve. Across human history, the March equinox has carried deep symbolic meaning. Ancient cultures built monuments aligned with the rising Sun on this day, and several calendars still use it to mark the beginning

of a new year. Even today, it reminds us of renewal, growth and change.

From an astronomer’s perspective, the March equinox is a beautiful example of how cosmic mechanics shape our daily lives. A subtle shift in Earth’s orientation sets the rhythm for seasons, ecosystems and human traditions — quiet proof that our planet is intimately connected to the motions of the sky.

If you’d like to hear more, or to view the heavens with Fordingbridge Astronomers, contact us via our webpage: fordingbridgeastro.org.uk. Mark Hardaker lives in Verwood. He is an amateur astronomer and treasurer of Fordingbridge Astronomers. The club has an observatory in the international dark sky reserve at Cranborne Chase and provides astronomy outreach events for scouts, guides, youth groups and other organisations on request.

Councils unite on tobacco bill

Leaders and directors of Public Health from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset councils joined several other local authorities in the South West to demand the immediate passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The joint letter, sent to the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, urges the government to resist any amendments that would weaken the Bill and to ensure it receives Royal Assent before the parliamentary session ends in May.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the South West, claiming over 6,500 lives annually — equivalent to more than 17 deaths every single day.

Benji Hadwell, South West Smokefree Lead, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end the harms of tobacco for good. We cannot view this Bill solely as a long-term measure for 2027; its immediate passage is a vital signal that the era of commercial tobacco is ending.”

The letter highlights that the region is firmly behind the ‘Smokefree Generation’ policy, which would ensure no child born on or after 1 January 2009 can ever legally be sold tobacco.

Older residents express their concerns

Older residents in Dorset would like to see several improvements to give them a better quality of life.

Dorset Council conducted a survey to find out how communities wanted to make the county more age-friendly, and 700 people responded.

The survey asked about people’s experiences of ageing in Dorset, using eight key areas that affect the quality of life, such as housing, transport, health services, employment and social participation.

All the responses were from people aged over 50, with the largest range of respondents from those in their 70s and 80s. The oldest person to fill in the form was 94.

Among the responses, residents said that having a car was important to enable them to be part of their community and that inability to drive caused them both mobility and social networking issues, due to lack of public transport. Around a fifth of people responding said they did not want to have everything online, although many said they had the technical knowledge to cope with the internet. Respondents also said that they wanted footpaths and bridleways cleared to enable them to exercise safely and more regularly.

A formal report will be published later this spring.

Charity of the Year

From toddlers to teenagers – how our care adapts to changing needs

By Natalie Sheehy, Julia’s House lead nurse for the Dorset Hospice

I first started working at Julia’s House 16 years ago and have watched many of the children I first cared for — toddlers and preschoolers — grow up with us. It’s been wonderful to be there with them through the years. As well as supporting them, I’ve learnt so much from them in terms of the type of care they want and how we can best adapt to meet their needs.

We’ve also had to adapt to the changing clinical needs of the children as they have grown. Types and routes of medication, different equipment, guidance on how their condition should be managed — all these aspects change with age. We’re also now looking after children and young people with increasingly complex conditions, as there have been huge advances in medical care and equipment over the years, which means children and young people with complex conditions can be managed at home and are living longer. We have more electronic communication equipment now too, from

modified gaming consoles to eye-gaze systems that can help a child achieve all the things other children can achieve and give them a voice. We want the children and young people to have access to as much as they can. We don’t want them to miss out.

Some of the ways in which we’re able to support families are so special too. It is a real privilege to go to parents’ weddings to help care for their child so they can be part of their big day too, or help them when they’re having a new baby. Recently, we arranged a two-day overnight stay at the hospice so one family could visit their daughter at university. We always try and help wherever we can.

We’re building a new extension at the Dorset Hospice to help us continue to adapt to the changing needs of the children and families and best support our local community. It’s due to open in March, and I’m so looking forward to having everyone back — the nurses,

carers, all the children and young people and families. I’ll be really proud and will want lots of people to come and see it!

Nature heals

By Trevor Parsons

How nature photography helped one man recover his mental health and wellbeing

Robins are such cheeky little birds. As soon as you see one of them pop up out of a hedgerow or in your garden, it instantly puts a smile on your face. Then they open their beaks and let out their angelic songs. Now spring is coming, we are getting their full songs, which just melt my heart.

I have a deep connection with robins. It was listening to one of those beautiful birds sing back in 2014 at Bournemouth Gardens that finally turned the light on inside me again, slowly ending my second mental breakdown.

Before that happened, I’d been off work for 10 months and had been admitted to St Ann’s Hospital in Poole twice with deep depression, anxiety and paranoia. When I was finally discharged, I sadly became agoraphobic. My parents managed to get me to my doctor, who knew of my love of nature and photography. She suggested that I should set my iPhone timer for five minutes, walk along Bournemouth Gardens and take some photos. Once my phone timer went off, I was to go home and write in a diary about how I felt.

When you’re going through a breakdown, you never feel that you’re going to get better, but by looking back through a diary, you can see that your mood changes.

When I was taking a photo, the demons faded in my head because I was

concentrating on that one moment in time. When that robin turned the light back on inside me, I realised how good nature and photography are for our mental wellbeing.

In 2019, after I was fully recovered, I began to tell my ‘Nature Heals’ story to try and help others going through mental illness. Now, it’s made me far happier and more confident than before. I’ve received a letter from King Charles III and from David Attenborough; I’ve been featured on Sky News; given my talk in the Attenborough Studio at the Natural History Museum; and I’ve done much more besides. That’s why I truly believe that we all need nature in our lives.

Trevor Parsons is a photographer based in Verwood. His work is on display at a photo exhibition in Ringwood Meeting House until Saturday 28 March.

Bats benefit from New Forest project

The habitat of bats living in the New Forest National Park is continuing to be protected through the government’s Species Survival Fund (SSF) project.

Of the 18 bat species found in the UK, 14 can be found in the New Forest.

In 2025, baseline surveys were undertaken to measure bat activity before habitat improvements were carried out in a £1.3 million scheme led by the New Forest National Park Authority. Involving five partner organisations, local experts have created and restored habitats at around 30 sites to increase climate resilience and reverse species decline.

Wild New Forest — one of the five partners in the project — placed bat detectors at 11 SSF sites for around a fortnight

each, with the detectors set to record bat echolocation calls from dusk until dawn.

More than 140,000 calls by bats flying past the devices were detected during the surveys.

Common and soprano pipistrelle were the most frequently detected species, accounting for 94 per cent of all bat passes.

The nationally scarce and red-listed barbastelle was recorded at all the sites surveyed, with nearly 40 passes per night at one parkland location.

The locally rare greater horseshoe bat was also recorded at two sites in the north of the New Forest.

The data has been shared with local bat groups to support their research work.

A flipping good day

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

The annual Wimborne Minster Pancake Race attracted big crowds and numerous entrants

Held on a sunny Shrove Tuesday, the annual Wimborne Minster Pancake Race sponsored by Viewpoint Magazine saw more than 130 runners compete in 34 races.

First up were the toddlers’ races and Joshua Dawson was declared the winner, receiving a prize of £5.

In the wheelchair race, Christopher Rolfe, pushed by Stephen from Streets Meadow, was declared the winner for the second year running. He won a large sack of wild bird food donated by Wimborne Pet Centre.

There were 47 runners in the First School age group, with winner Rex Tarbard receiving £20 donated by Dan from the Card Gallery.

In the Middle School age group, Thomas Ward was declared the winner, receiving £20 donated by Maurice from Piccolo Mondo.

Hollie Sawyer won in the Upper School age group, receiving £20 from Bonne Maman.

There were 31 runners in the adult section, including a team from the Minster comprising the rector, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland; the curate, the Rev Marianne Mangham; the wife of

the organist, Heather Davey; and the facilities manager, Martin Smith.

After several heats and a final, the winner, becoming Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2026, was Stuart Faulkner from Oxford, who was staying in the town.

He received the John Loader Memorial Trophy from Kathy and Martyn Curtler, which he holds for a year, as well as a colourful kitchen worktop saver and a decorated jug from Viewpoint Magazine, presented by news editor Marilyn Barber.

Column by Fordingbridge Museum is sponsored by Adrian Dowding

Parish chests

By Julian Hewitt | Fordingbridge Museum

Visiting St Mary’s Church in Breamore the other day, I could not resist the opportunity to explore the remarkable Saxon church. Among the other treasures there, I was fascinated to see a beautiful example of a parish chest. It always amazes me that these ancient wooden items have survived so well.

Parish chests are sturdy wooden boxes used by a church to store important or valuable items. These could include church plate, registers of births, marriages and deaths, church wardens’ accounts, vestry minutes, tithe records, and alms for the poor.

It was always thought that some of the oldest chests were those dug out of one solid tree trunk. However, recent dendrological research has shown that dugout chests were being produced as late as 1700. They had the advantage of being extra secure because it minimised the joints that would be a security weak spot.

At Wimborne Minster, there are three chests, including a dugout chest dating from Saxon times with six locks. This is said to have contained relics such as pieces of the Lord’s Cross, and Thomas Becket’s hairshirt and blood.

Some chests are made of thick wooden boards nailed together or wooden panels clamped between wooden uprights. These panelled chests minimised splitting of the wood due to shrinkage. The most common type of chest is one heavily reinforced by iron bands, which gave maximum security.

An interesting feature of almost all parish chests is that they have three separate locks. This is a security feature to ensure that the chest could not be opened unless three key holders were present. These were usually a clergyman, a churchwarden and a member of the community. Some chests had hidden bolts or dummy decoy locks as extra security.

Parish chests were

constructed using oak or elm, and occasionally pine or deal. All of them were designed to be heavy and difficult to move. They also had to be dry and safe from vermin, so occasionally you will see that they are raised off the floor on wooden feet.

In the 1170s, Henry II decreed (after he had done penance for the murder of Thomas Becket) that chests should have slots in the top, so that people could donate alms to finance the Crusades. Some chests had slots in them to receive alms from donors who were then granted the remission of their sins.

In 1282, the Synod of Exeter decreed that chests should only be used to store valuables and not for the collection of alms. However, this was reversed in 1308 when Pope Clement V decreed that chests could be used for this purpose.

Parish chests were often located near the high altar so that they were protected by the rules of sanctuary. Some other types of chests can be seen in Winchester Cathedral, where mortuary chests containing the remains of medieval bishops and royalty are positioned raised up near the high altar.

Another common type of chest is a semicircular cope chest. Copes are traditional vestments originally designed to protect the priest from the elements. Over time, they became highly decorated vestments that were used in special services and processions. The cope chest meant that the garments could be kept safe and free from folds. As well as some conventional parish chests, Salisbury Cathedral has a good example of a cope chest. The notice about this tells us that the lid is so heavy it takes three people to lift it, and it is believed to be the oldest surviving medieval semicircular cope chest in England. As with some other church chests, it is on legs to protect the copes

from damp and rodents.

The next time you visit a church, do look out for parish chests. As well as the ones mentioned in the article,

there are local examples in St Andrew’s Church, Rockbourne, Church of St Nicholas, Edmondsham, and St Thomas’s Church, Salisbury.

Easter in Ringwood

Head to Greyfriars

There’s lots happening at Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood in the run-up to Easter and in the weeks after. With lots of community groups, classes and activities, there’s sure to be something to interest you. Visit the website to find out more: greyfriarsringwood.org.uk.

23–28 March 9am–1pm Greyfriars is organising a popup Community Café which will sell locally roasted Eco Coffee, homemade cakes and pastries available each day.

25 March 7pm for 7.30pm Ringwood Antiques Club is hosting a talk on art and the landscape with David Brindley, a former Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral with master’s degrees in art history, theology and philosophy. Members can attend for free; guests pay £10. The club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

28 March 9am

Greyfriars’ Spring Book Sale & Craft Fayre returns. Look out

for bargains on homemade treats and thousands of books, puzzles and unique craft stalls. Whether you’re hunting for a hidden literary gem or the perfect handmade gift, there’s something for everyone. Plus, every purchase goes towards helping Greyfriars continue to operate.

10 April

The Study Groups return this April with a brand-new course from Nick Griffiths, all about the Roman world. This series will explore archaeology and monuments, as well as letters and documents, as Griffiths delves into the day-to-day lives of ordinary Roman citizens. Book via the website TicketSource or at the Centre. The full course costs £70.

12 April

Join resident historian, Mary Baldwin, for a Walking Treasure Hunt through the streets and hidden lanes of Ringwood. Follow the clues, uncover local secrets, and enjoy a fun

Celebrity antiques

dealer Paul Martin is visiting Ringwood

afternoon of sleuthing before returning to Greyfriars for a well-earned cream tea. Book via TicketSource or at the Centre. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4 for children, including the cream tea.

30 April

TV presenter and antiques dealer Paul Martin is back at Greyfriars for a Valuation Day and Q&A session with afternoon tea. If you want Martin to value your items, just come along. If you would like to join in on the Q&A session with afternoon tea, tickets are available now in the Centre or on TicketSource.

Easter services at local churches

If you’d like to attend traditional church services this Easter, you are welcome to visit the Methodist churches at Trinity United Ringwood and Crowe Hill.

Maundy Thursday Service takes place on Thursday 2 April at 7.30pm. The congregations of Trinity United and Crowe Hill will join together at Trinity United in Ringwood.

Good Friday Service is on 3 April at 10am at Trinity United, during which attendees join the Ringwood Walk of Witness. This is an annual Good Friday tradition organised by Churches Together, where members of the local churches gather to walk through the town.

Later, there is an afternoon Good Friday Service at 4pm in Crowe Hill Methodist Church.

Children’s drama classes

Looking for a fun way to boost your child’s confidence?

Perform has launched new weekly drama, dance and singing classes in Ringwood and is offering every child a free trial. Drama classes for ages four to seven and seven to 12 combine creativity, selfexpression and teamwork, building communication and listening skills while working towards an end-ofterm performance. Classes take place every Tuesday at Greyfriars Community Centre, starting from 4.15pm. Book a free trial at perform.org.uk/try.

On Easter Sunday, worship services will take place at 10am in Crowe Hill Methodist Church and at 10.45am in Trinity United Ringwood. Both churches have recently come under the care of the Rev Sue Baker-Maher, who previously served in East Anglia and London. To contact the reverend, email sue. bakermaher@methodist.org.uk, or call 07785 757582 or 01425 473407.

Fun at The Furlong

Looking for Easter-themed gift ideas? Head to The Furlong on Saturday 18 April for the Easter Artisan Market.

The shopping centre will host talented local crafters from around the New Forest who will be selling a range of high-quality products, crafts, consumables and gifts.

The market will take place in The Furlong’s courtyard

and over at Ringwood Gateway from 10am to 4pm. For more details, visit thefurlong.co.uk.

Get your camera ready

If you’re looking for something to do this Easter, why not put your camera skills to the test and enter the Ringwood photography competition?

Organised by the town council and Ringwood Camera Club, the aim of the competition is to showcase the talents of local photographers.

Six winners will receive a prize and have their photo printed on canvas and displayed at

The theme is ‘Ringwood’, whether that is nature, buildings, community, or something more abstract. The only requirement is that images must be taken within Ringwood Town Council’s borders.

The competition opened on 5 March and runs until 20 May.

Full terms and conditions, and how to enter, are on the website: carversclubhouse. co.uk.

Dedicated

solicitor brings 18 years of experience to local firm

-Advertisement feature-

By Meesons & Spurlings Solicitors

Meesons & Spurlings Solicitors are proud to highlight the continued contribution of Kelly Rogers as a valued and longstanding member of our legal team.

With an impressive legal career spanning over 18 years, Kelly brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the firm, particularly in the areas of probate, wills and Powers of Attorney.

Rogers qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and has dedicated her career to supporting clients through what can often be complex and sensitive legal matters. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her professional accreditations and the high standard of service she consistently delivers.

Understanding that legal issues can feel daunting, Kelly is committed to creating an environment where clients feel comfortable and at ease. She is known for explaining legal

matters in clear, straightforward language, helping clients navigate even the most challenging situations with confidence and peace of mind.

Kelly is an invaluable asset to both our team and our clients. Her dedication to providing compassionate, knowledgeable legal guidance aligns perfectly with the values upheld at Meesons & Spurlings Solicitors.

40 years of recording for local musicians

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Singer-songwriter Paul Holman and drummer Andy Place, who have been recording together for an impressive 40 years and who formed the band Green Isaac 12 years ago, have released a new album entitled ‘Branch’.

Paul started playing guitar at the age of 10 and writing songs four years later. He then went on to win a national songwriting competition at the age of 16 and appeared on radio and several times on ITV news programme ‘Day by Day’.

“I was interviewed by Pat Sloman, who in fact lived in Wimborne,” said Paul.

His first band with Andy was All Our Heroes, and they subsequently signed a publishing deal with American company Famous Music in 1989 and toured America, including a show at the legendary music club CBGB in New York City.

“Over the years, we’ve had varying degrees of success,” said Paul.

In 1992, Paul briefly split from Andy to join The Lemon Trees. He signed a record contract with MCA and spent two years recording, touring and having some minor hit records.

“We did Radio One roadshows and toured Los Angeles and New York,” he said.

The Lemon Trees folded in 1994 and Paul returned to Wimborne.

Over the years, he has met numerous musical icons, including members of Take That and Oasis.

‘Branch’ was recorded between Noel Gallagher’s Lone Star Studios in London and Idaho Studio near Salisbury, with producer Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey (known for his work with Noel Gallagher and The Black Crowes). The album reflects on themes of time, resilience, family and long-term creative collaboration.

Paul’s grandfather founded the shop Holmans in East Street, Wimborne, just after WWII. The electrical retailer has recently merged with Dacombes of Wimborne.

“My father Roger was always a great support to me,” said Paul, adding that in 1974 Holmans started selling records at the business.

Roger was also a very talented photographer, and one of his photos is on the ‘Branch’ album cover.

Paul went on to open Square Records, the music shop in Wimborne Minster. Although he no longer owns it, he still works there.

Paul attended Queen Elizabeth’s School, which, when it was a grammar school, produced such well-known musicians as Bob Fripp and Gordon Haskell. He revealed some of his musical inspirations.

“Don McLean, John Denver, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Steely Dan and Simon & Garfunkel,” he said. “But Green Isaac is more contemporary.”

He admitted that Green Isaac stole its name from a track on the classic Prefab Sprout album ‘Swoon’.

Paul writes his own songs, working on the melody and chords first.

“Tunes came to me before I started to play the guitar,” he said.

‘Branch’ is available to stream and purchase via Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. It will also be available on CD and vinyl. Why does Paul think vinyl has made such a comeback in recent years?

“There is now a tide of love for vinyl, and in fact we never stopped selling it. It is a backlash against high tech and is a lifestyle choice. People just like to collect it.”

You can catch Green Isaac perform at ‘Live and Unheard’ at Lighthouse Poole on 21 March.

Thank you, Sue!

Members of West Moors Horticultural Society have wished a sad farewell to its outgoing secretary and chairman.

Sue Hamlett stepped down from the roles after 30 years at the society’s 83rd annual general meeting on Monday 9 February.

Other members who retired from the committee at the AGM were: David Barrett, who steps down as Show Recorder due to ill health; Peter Dunning, a longstanding committee member; trip organiser Doreen Helyer; and Rosemary Drake and Linda Matthews, who have provided refreshments for meetings and shows for over 20 years.

All retirees received gifts and certificates, including planters arranged by the society’s President Keith Brewer. Warmest thanks for their service were extended to all.

A new committee has been elected, which is now looking forward to many more successful years of the society. For further information, contact Acting Chairman Mike Latham on 07541 780217.

A special thanks to Burley’s Home Care for sponsoring puzzle zone

Here’s how to solve Codeword. Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number. All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.

To start you off, we reveal the code for three letters.

To solve Sudoku, you need to fill the grid so that each row, column, and three-by-three box of cells contains the digits 1 through 9, without repetition.

Start by looking for rows, columns, or boxes that are almost complete, and fill in the missing numbers. Then use a process of elimination to look for the only possible cell within a row, column, or box where a number can fit.

Fun run will ‘bee’ friendly

If you’ve never taken part in a fun run, this could be the year to have a go.

West Moors Town Council’s first such event takes place on Sunday 10 May. It is designed to be inclusive, family-friendly and welcoming to beginners.

Sponsorship by Moors Manor Care Home means that all proceeds raised will be shared between The Vine Youth Club and Castleman Community Larder.

The event will begin at 10am on Fryer Field, where local personal training team HELM will lead a lively group warm-up. Participants can then choose their challenge on a flat, off-road 1.25km course. Walk, jog or run at your own pace, whether it’s one lap, four laps

(5K) or eight laps (10K). The final whistle will sound at 12 noon.

In keeping with its ‘Save the Bees’ theme, all entrants will receive a digital guide with simple, practical steps to support bees at home.

On the day, participants will receive a commemorative medal and a packet of beefriendly seeds. Fancy dress is encouraged — think yellow, stripes or even wings.

Advance registration is required.

Ahead of the event, HELM is offering a ‘Race Ready’ pass for £10. This includes four consecutive Saturday training sessions in the lead-up to race day.

To purchase tickets, visit westmoors-tc.gov.uk.

Flash, Bang, Wallop –what a show!

By Sarah Graham

On Saturday 7 February, we went to go see ‘Kipps, the New Half a Sixpence Musical’ performed by Ringwood School at The Barn in Ringwood. Overall summary? Wow!

On many occasions throughout the show, we ‘forgot’ that this production was put on by a school and its students. The standard of the show was incredibly high — it easily could have been a professional touring company!

Starting with the tech, set and music. The Barn itself is an impressive venue — in the

daytime it is the school hall, but in the evening it is transformed into a theatre, largely down to the impressive lighting system and raked seating.

All the sets and tech were managed by students at the school — a big shout out to them for their impressive work, clever scenery (including magnetic panels which were swapped seamlessly) and efficient stage management. The band was also excellent, bringing a level of grandeur with live music.

With over 70 student

performers on stage, ranging from Year 7 (11 years old) to Year 13 (18 years old), this show had some impressive all-cast numbers — my favourite being the brilliant ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop!’. Each performer put in their all, with brilliant performances throughout.

The principal cast was exceptional, with impressive singing, acting and dancing from everyone. Notable shout outs to Seb Long who played the comic character Chitterlow brilliantly with wit and enthusiasm, getting many big laughs from the audience. Henry Taylor was convincing as the villain, James Walsingham, with impressive comic touches, especially when ‘playing’ the organ.

The three main actors, Jack Hosking-Ellis who played Kipps, Amber Stimpson who played Helen, and Amelia Stewart who played Ann Pornick, were also brilliant — their incredible singing, dancing and acting really stole the show.

We happened to go on awards night. You could see that every single cast member had put their hearts and souls into this production and how proud they were. Musical Director Ian Hawkins and Choreographer Helen Herson did an amazing job — what a show! We can’t wait for next year’s production.

Enjoy classical French music

Classical French music will be brought to St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge on Saturday 28 March.

The audience will be able to enjoy pieces by Gabriel Fauré (his ever-popular ‘Requiem’, ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ and ‘Pavane’), as well as Jean-Philippe Rameau and Cesar Franck.

Arrive at 6.30pm for a free and informative talk on the lives and careers of these great composers to set the scene before the concert begins.

Fordingbridge Choral Society will be accompanied by the very experienced and talented soloists Amy Carson (soprano) and Tim Dickinson (bass), with Graham Scott at the organ, and orchestration by the Edwards Ensemble, all under the musical direction of Nigel Edwards. Tickets can be obtained from Caxtons Decor in Salisbury Street or via ticketsource. co.uk/fordingbridgechoral. For more details, call 01425 656348 or visit fordingbridgechoral.org. uk. The ticket price includes a free interval drink.

Events

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

16 March 2.15pm

The Arts Society Wimborne and Blandford meets at the Allendale Centre for a talk on the Story of Russian Art.

17 March 7.30pm

Wimborne Civic Society meets at Allendale House for a talk on Dorset Houses at Dorset History Centre.

18, 25 March and 8, 15 April 11am–1.30pm

Colehill Community Café at St Michael & All Angels Church Centre, Colehill. For details, visit stmichaels. lemonbooking.com. Closed 1 April.

18 March 7.15pm

Easter Egg Bingo in aid of Cherry Tree Nursery and Chestnut Nursery at Kinson Conservative Club in Bournemouth. Tickets from buytickets.at/plantsandminds.

19, 26 March 1.45pm

Dorset Cricket Society meets at Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Christchurch, BH23 6DY. Visit dorsetcricketsociety.co.uk.

20 March 10am for a 10.30am start Wimborne u3a talk on Studland Bay at Wimborne Methodist Church Hall. No booking required.

21 March 9am–3pm

Cherry Tree Nursery Plant

Sale and Spring Fayre, Northbourne, BH10 7DA.

22 March 3pm

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society concert at Kimmeridge Hall, Bournemouth University. Tickets from bournemouthchambermusic. co.uk or at the door.

23 March 7pm–9.30pm

Bournemouth Bluebird Jazz Club meets at the Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP. Music performed by Wee 4.

23 March 7.30pm

St Aldhelm’s Orchestra concert at St Aldhelm’s Church, Poole. Free entry. Details via staldhelmsorchestra.co.uk.

25–28 March 7.30pm

Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Poole & Parkstone Productions stages ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ at The Barrington Theatre, Ferndown. Tickets from ticketsource.co.uk/PandP.

28 March 10am–3pm

Artisan Makers Market at Wimborne Community Centre. Art and craftwork for sale, handmade by local artists and makers. Free entry, dogs welcome.

28 March 6.30pm

Fordingbridge Choral Society concert at St Mary’s Church. Tickets from ticketsource. co.uk/fordingbridgechoral.

28 March 1.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society

Spring Show at the Memorial Hall.

29 March 7pm–9pm

Sense Significance Singing Choir concert at St Michael’s Church Centre, Colehill.

31 March 10am–12pm Family Easter Activity Session at St Michael’s Church Centre, Colehill.

31 March 7.30pm

West Parley Gardening Club meets at MS Centre, West Parley, BH22 8TS. Contact Mike on 07803 276251 or Jo on 01202 855232. Email powerpublications@hotmail.com.

1 April 7.30pm–9.30pm Wimborne Wine Society meets at Wimborne Community Centre.

3 April approx 11.30am

Churches Together presents free film and refreshments at Fordingbridge Town Hall, SP6 1AS after the 10.15am Walk of Witness from local churches to The Gourmet Grocer and an 11am open air service. Tickets from fordingbridgechurches. eventbrite.com.

4 April 2pm–4pm Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre.

13 April 2.30pm

West Moors Horticultural Society illustrated talk at the Memorial Hall. Contact Jo Breen on 07960 650611 or email wmhorticultural. society@gmail.com.

13 April 7pm–9.30pm

Bournemouth Bluebird Jazz Club meets at the Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP. Music performed by Bluebird Jazz Band.

13 April 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.

13 April 10.30am–11.30am

Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library.

14 April 7.30pm

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

15 April

Fireside Theatre will read ‘Gaslight’ in Verwood. To book, contact Maryann Hindmarch on 01202 813565.

15 April 7pm for 7.30pm Canford and Merley WI meets at Merley Community Centre, Harrier Drive. Contact Hazel on 07780 705702.

15 April 7.30pm

East Dorset Antiquarian Society meets at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodways Corner, Wimborne Minster.

CORRESPONDENCE

To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk

Re: Why 20mph matters, Viewpoint Mid February

So, the desire for 20mph is not due to any accident statistics, but from “fear of motor traffic speed.” As the speed limit in built-up areas has always been sensibly observed at 30mph, why exactly are we now afraid?

After wasting millions of pounds on un-used cycle lanes, do we now wish to squander more taxes on unnecessary 20mph infrastructure, the result of which will not increase any pedestrian or cycle activity.

If a person can afford the expense of a car, then that will be their preferred option. Just when will the “Cycle Lobby” finally recognise that the solitary bicycle is impractical and has become obsolete? Have we forgotten so soon the 20mph fiasco in Wales, and the despair of Londoners following the imposition of 20mph and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods?

In the forthcoming local elections, please vote for political candidates that wish to spend our taxes on essential public services, and not pursue their own minority agendas, which, apart from the expense, will anger the majority of law-abiding motorists, deter tourism, take the county backwards, and bring Dorset to a standstill.

Michael Cable, via email

Crackdown on dangerous commercial vehicles

Earlier this year, Dorset Police’s roads policing officers took part in a national initiative focusing on commercial vehicles, to crack down on dangerous drivers.

Between Monday 26 January and Sunday 8 February, 64 motorists were dealt with for a variety of offences including: driving without insurance; driving without a valid MOT; having an insecure load; driving at excess speed; using a mobile phone; having a vehicle in a dangerous condition; carrying an overweight load; and exceeding driving time limits.

A total of four arrests were made for drug driving, while

three vehicles were seized and five vehicles were prohibited. Meanwhile, 81 commercial vehicles were caught travelling over the speed limit.

Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Sadly, some commercial vehicle drivers are insistent on ignoring the regulations and believe they do not apply to them. One company was stopped for the third time, and we have engaged directly with them and arranged education with all their drivers, meaning safer roads for us and no impact on their business for them.

“During these weeks, we

located and arrested a man who was wanted for unrelated offences, demonstrating how we are committed to being tough on crime.”

David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “There is no excuse for any of the behaviour displayed by these drivers during this initiative and I hope it sends a very clear warning we will not tolerate anything which puts road users in Dorset at risk.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Friends of Fordingbridge vacancy

The Friends of Fordingbridge Surgery, a charity group supporting the town’s local surgery, is holding its annual general meeting on Wednesday 15 April at 7pm in Fordingbridge Surgery. Following the AGM, the group will have vacancies for an honorary secretary and two trustees and is seeking applicants for the positions. If you are interested and want further information, email Judy Poore on fofs.ppg@gmail.com or Jane Marlow on fofs2jm@gmail.com.

Pub redevelopment

New Forest District Council has received an application for the redevelopment and conversion of the Lamb Inn at Hightown Road, Ringwood to provide two two-bed homes, three one-bed flats and one three-bed townhouse. In addition, the plan includes the demolition of the existing commercial and storage premises at the rear, to be replaced with a new detached commercial unit with a onebed flat above.

Nominate health heroes

University Hospitals Dorset is giving people the chance to put forward for special recognition staff or volunteers they feel have gone the extra mile. Nominations can be made by visiting the University Hospitals Dorset website and completing an online form by midday on Monday 3 April.

Help for the elderly

Age Concern Hampshire is reminding people that it operates a Help at Home Service to provide vital practical support and companionship to older people across the county, helping them stay safe, independent, and connected in their own homes. To find out more, visit ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/help-athome or call 01962 868545.

Time to declutter

Ready to get started on your spring cleaning? A great place to begin is having a big clear out of unwanted items

It’s easy to become accustomed to life surrounded by disorganised mess and clutter — there’s even a term for it: clutter blindness. Getting on top of this chaos and reclaiming your living space can give you a great feeling of satisfaction.

If you’re looking for tips, the team at Mustard Made — which sells space-saving lockers, cabinets and shelves — have shared some advice on how to tackle the clutter.

A fresh start

“I’m sure we’ve all been guilty of a little clutter blindness at some point,” said Mustard Made’s co-founder and Creative Director Becca Stern. “Kitchen counters piling up, wardrobes filled with barely worn clothes, and that ever-growing pile of shoes by the front door. It’s a lot!

“Decluttering is a great way to breathe new life into your space; tucking collectibles out of sight and tidying away unused items is an easy way to refresh each room.”

Focus on quick wins

Stern advises against trying to sort everything out in one go. Instead, focus on making small changes.

She said: “De-cluttering your entire home in one day can definitely feel overwhelming, but small thoughtful changes can make the world of difference, and by tackling it in stages it becomes far more achievable and satisfying to tick off the list.

“When the mess feels overwhelming, I like to start with a ‘quick win’. Clearing benches and surfaces is an instant way to make your home feel lighter, calmer and more in control. It’s the perfect momentum booster before tackling bigger projects.”

Stay organised

Once you’ve made a start, tackling one drawer or one room at a time is a good approach, recommends Stern.

“Another top tip to successfully beating the clutter blindness is to invest in storage that adapts as your life changes. Think adjustable shelves, hooks, baskets and extra hanging options; smart add-ons that help you maximise every centimetre of space.”

What are your tips for keeping your home organised? Write in to luke@dorsetview.co.uk.

Increase the value of your home

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

Whether you are thinking of selling your home or you just feel that it needs to be refreshed, there are improvements you can make to increase its value

For instance, Admiral Insurance suggests that you should start by looking after the exterior of your home. You can do this by touching up any peeling paint, making sure the gutters aren’t cracked or worn, and weeding the front lawn and walkways.

Estate agents say that it is kitchens and bathrooms that sell homes, so those are both generally good places

to make improvements.

Kitchens with modern appliances, like induction hobs or new fridge freezers, add immediate value to any home. Meanwhile in the bathroom, a new shower head, toilet seat and taps will spruce it up without breaking the bank. New grouting can also be relatively cheap, depending on the size of your bathroom. Replacing any carpets with

vinyl or tiles is a good idea, as they’re easier to clean. While it might be tempting to turn the spare bedroom into an office or gym, it can harm your property’s value, so an option is to make the room dual purpose. It is also worth investing in energy-saving improvements, like double-glazed windows or improved insulation.

Alternatively, adding more space to your home will increase a property’s value. You can achieve this by adding a conservatory, an extension, or another kind of conversion. However, it’s important you check whether you need planning permission; it will depend on how big the extension is and where it is.

There’s usually no need

for planning permission for a loft conversion, as this kind of project only needs internal work and doesn’t normally affect the exterior of the house. The increase in your home’s value should be worth more than the expense of the conversion, but it will not be quite as profitable as other types of home extension because of the costs involved.

Other ways you can add value to your home include changing the front door, redecorating, decluttering, and creating a driveway or off-road parking.

On the other side of the coin, a house is devalued by poor maintenance, lack of storage, substandard DIY and over-personalisation of certain features, such as ponds.

to contact for the service you need.

Competition winner

In January’s issue, we gave winners the chance to win a £60 voucher for Drusilla’s Inn in Horton.

The lucky winner was Gill Chilton, who correctly answered that Luke described the restaurant’s pumpkin risotto as creamy and delicious. Well done, Gill!

puzzle zone Solutions

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole has joined its sister hospice, Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, in being recognised for excellence in care with a gold award from University Hospitals Dorset. This followed a recent Clinical Quality Accreditation Scheme (CQAS) inspection. Staff at Forest Holme are pictured receiving their CQAS award.

Chance to win tickets for ABBA MIA with Kerry Katona

Saturday 30 May, 7.30pm at The Regent, Christchurch

Coming to Christchurch this May, former Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona will star in ‘ABBA MIA’, bringing the greatest party in the West End to you. Grab your platform boots and sequinned jumpsuits for the ultimate tribute to ‘Mamma Mia! The Musical’. To celebrate, Viewpoint Magazine has partnered with The Regent to offer readers the chance to win two tickets to the show. All you have to do is answer the following question:

Kerry

Katona

How to enter

was a member of which pop girl group?

Enter online at dorsetview.co.uk. Closing date is 30 April 2026. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner of the competition and allocate the prize. The winner will be announced in the magazine.

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