The New Stour & Avon - Issue 127 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

What’s inside this issue...

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@ blackmorevale.net Tel: 01963 400186

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Cover: Beech avenue, Wimborne

Paddle do nicely... call for dragon boat crews

Forest Holme Hospice is looking for participants for the Poole Park Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, June 6, in Poole Park. The event is open to teams of 17 people, made up of 16 paddlers and one drummer, who will race along a 200-metre course

in three timed heats, with the fastest earning a place in the final. Each race lasts 60 to 90 seconds, making for fast-paced action and a lively atmosphere, with fancy dress encouraged. Claire Cooper of Forest Holme said: “Every team that takes part for Forest

Holme will be helping us continue to provide care, comfort and support to patients and families.” Participants must be 12 or over, with a minimum of 12 paddlers required. To find out more or to secure a place, visit tinyurl. com/FHHDragonBoat.

Showcase launches town of culture

Artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers, schools and community groups came together to launch Wimborne as Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026. Teenage musicians shared the stage with an established songwriter, while student artwork was displayed alongside pieces by professional sculptors and resident artists from Walford Mill Studios. The result was a vibrant showcase of creative talent across all ages and abilities. Presented by the town council and supported by Wimborne BID, Allendale House was transformed into a trail of

painting, sculpture, film, sound and storytelling celebrating the town, its heritage and its people. Highlights included a 1/1000th scale model of Wimborne, handmade puppets from

Wimborne Community Theatre’s productions Timeless Stream and Secrets of the Stour, and a cinematic installation by illustrator and director Nic Rawling.

Mayor of Wimborne Jeff Hart officially opened the event. He said: “What a magnificent occasion - atmospheric, exciting and wonderful.”

Micro-commissions of up to £1,000 are available for creative projects in 2026, along with free brand kits for anyone linking activities to the Town of Culture programme.

For more information, visit wimborne2026.com.

Chance to walk, jog or run the Jurassic Coast

Walkers, runners and explorers are invited to join the Diverse Abilities charity, to take on the Jurassic Coast Challenge on May 16 and 17.

The challenge features a number of distance and the charity is inviting participants to choose their own challenge out of a choice of nine to do at their own pace with distances from 10km to 100km.

Francesca Potton of Diverse Abilities, said: “We’re really excited to be part of this challenge. “It’s great because you can pick the distance that suits you, whether you are taking on the challenge by yourself or as part of a group. “This is a great way to see the beauty of the Jurassic Coast, while also making a huge difference to a charity right on your doorstep.” Entries include free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals, and massage, alongside a big finish-line celebration. Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/ jurassic for further details.

Health centre to be refurbished

Winton Health Centre is to be refurbished and reopened to the public, bringing modern healthcare facilities into the heart of the community. The centre stopped providing patient clinics in 2023 but, thanks to a £1.2m NHS investment, will soon host a GP practice and a host of community health services.

Dorset HealthCare, NHS Dorset and the Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice are leading the project, and works to revamp the existing Alma Road site were set to begin in February, with completion expected by summer 2026.

Owned by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the building carries a covenant requiring it to be used for clinical purposes. Once complete, the nearby Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice in Wimborne Road intend to transfer to the facility.

Artist Alfie wins national award

A sixth-form pupil from Bryanston School has been recognised on an international stage after winning the Young Artist of the Year Award at the 2026 BTA Art Prize.

Alfie G, a student with a passion for fine art and portraiture, entered the prestigious BTA Art Prize and was first shortlisted before being selected as the overall winner of the Young Artist of the Year category. Speaking about the

achievement, Alfie said he was still awaiting full details of the award but described the win as ‘exciting and unexpected.’ The competition was judged by a panel of established artists, including renowned painter and materials expert Michael Harding.

The BTA (Behind The Artist) is an organisation dedicated to sharing artists’ stories through interviews, features and creative competitions. By spotlighting both

emerging and established talent, the company aims to make the art world more accessible and inclusive.

As part of the prize, Alfie will receive a cash award, a supply of professional art materials, and an interview featured on the BTA channel. There is also the potential opportunity for his work to be exhibited, further showcasing his talent to a wider audience.

The BTA Art Prize was launched in 2024.

Go shopping for the planet!

To make sustainable shopping choices, you can’t do better than follow the new Pre-LOVEd Rainbow Trail round Wimborne’s secondhand and charity shops. It’s the second in a series of themed walking trails being created by Planet Wimborne as a contribution to Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, and as a legacy for the future.

By buying second-hand, you’re reducing both the use of resources to make something new and the disposal of items, often to landfill.

And if it’s a charity shop purchase, you’re supporting a good cause too.

Wimborne’s pre-LOVEd 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.

Pictured above are the town mayor and mayoress Jeff and Barbara Hart with supporters and volunteers.

To download the trail map go to tinyurl.com/PWtrails.

Schoolkids embrace rhythms from south east Asia

Japanese Taiko drums and a magnificent lion costume helped students at Ferndown Middle School learn about a fusion of music styles.

The lion and Chinese drum equipment was loaned by Tony Sivyer from local group Dragon of the South - and it meant colour and sound formed part of the lessons. The Taiko drums were on loan from Dorset Music Service.

Drumming patterns became automatic for students who also learned some Chinese words and movement.

Ferndown Middle is a Lead School for music as part of the Octagon Music Hub across Dorset and Somerset and it also holds the Music Mark of recognition.

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.

“It’s opened our pupils’ eyes and minds to something they may not have otherwise known about.”

Gold award for hospice

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole has joined its sister hospice, Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, in being awarded a gold award from University Hospitals Dorset, following a recent Clinical Quality Accreditation Scheme (CQAS) inspection. The award is in recognition of the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the Forest Holme Hospice in-patient team, highlighting both quality of care and the values that underpin the hospice’s approach to supporting patients and families.

The inspection panel spoke highly of the collaborative work across the whole service and praised the strong communication that is embedded in daily practice.

Studland under the spotlight

U3a Wimborne is inviting the community to dive into one of our most talked-about environmental issues, with a public talk titled ‘Conserving the Seas - Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone’ on Friday, March 20.

The talk will be presented by Howard Davidson, an environmental manager and keen sailor, who brings firsthand insight into the creation of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone.

The designation has sparked debate among conservationists, boat users and stakeholders alike.

Howard will explore the challenges of striking a balance between environmental protection and leisure use in one of Dorset’s most popular coastal destinations. His talk promises an informative and thought-provoking look at how conservation policy works in practice and why collaboration is vital to the future of our seas.

n Wesley Hall, Methodist Church, King Street, Wimborne, 10.00am for 10.30am start £2 for u3a members, £4 for nonmembers. Booking not required.

Endurance legend to give free talk

Heathland House Care Home in Ferndown is set to welcome world record-breaking endurance adventurer Louis Alexander, who will be giving a free talk on Wednesday, March 18, about his remarkable achievements, the challenges behind them and the motivation that drives him forward.

At just 26 years old, Louis is the first and only person in history to complete seven marathons across all seven continents and swim marathon-distance swims in all seven seas. His exceptional feats of resilience and determination have earned him global recognition and made him an inspiration to adventurers and fundraisers worldwide.

connection and meaningful experiences across its luxury homes and communities.

Louis now serves as an ambassador for the Cinnamon Care Collection, supporting its mission to encourage personcentred care, wellbeing,

During ‘An Audience With Louis Alexander’, guests will gain an insight into the physical and mental demands behind Louis’s record-breaking feats - from the toughest moments to the mindset that kept him moving forward.

He will bring his extraordinary

journey to life, sharing what it’s really like to run through scorching desert heat, battle torrential rain and freezing conditions, and take on marathon swims in jellyfish-filled seas while navigating busy shipping lanes!

Heathland House spokesman Deborah Holmes said: “Louis is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary story. “Welcoming Louis is a real privilege. “We know his story will inspire, energise and bring people together.”

The talk offers a rare opportunity to meet one of Britain’s most inspiring young adventurers and promises to be an uplifting and memorable event.

n Heathland House Care Home, Ferndown, Wednesday, March 18 at 5pm. Booking essential - call 01202 078127 or email heathland. enquiries@cinnamoncc.com.

Roundabout is an abomination

I couldn’t agree more with the letter in the last issue (New Stour & Avon, 20/2/26) about the Aldi development.

Why are councillors, who don’t have to live daily with the abomination that

is the Canford Bottom roundabout, allowed to vote on this totallyunnecessary application, which will only exacerbate the problems?

J. Griffin Colehill

We’re celebrating our birthday!

The forthcoming Merley and Canford WI meeting on March 11 will be a celebration of 55 years! I’m sure it will be an interesting and fun evening. We meet at Merley

Community centre 7.15pm for 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month except January. Do join us. Hazel Clarke (President) Merley

Learning all about defibrillators

Wimborne Minster WI’s next meeting is on March 16 when the Air Ambulance will tell us about defibrillators and their use, one of which is positioned outside the Catholic Church Hall, our usual venue.

We meet at St Catherine’s Church Hall, Lewens Lane. Please arrive at 9.50am for 10am.

Visitors are welcome. For more information, please call me on 01202 888194.

Jill Haywood Wimborne

On a promise at

Residents are warmly invited to attend a special Mayor’s Auction of Promises on Wednesday, March 18, at Allenbourn Middle School, raising funds for the mayor’s chosen charities.

The event, hosted by the Mayor of Wimborne Minster, will support two local causes: Millstream Disabled Theatre Group and a youth project with Dorset Community Action, both of which provide important opportunities and support within the community.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, with the auction beginning at 7.00pm. Admission is free, and guests will be welcomed with a complementary drink on arrival.

Around 40 exciting lots will be available, offering a wide variety of experiences and opportunities.

Items include jewellery valued at £200, a yachting session, Gold Membership at Canford Sports Centre, a kayak or canoe session for four people, two days’ Bournemouth beach hut hire, a round of golf with a semi-pro, vineyard tour and

auction

tasting, tickets to Sculpture by the Lake, a brewery tour with drinks, Wimborne Town FC hospitality, fishing at Dean’s Court and many more.

The mayor hopes the event will raise at least £1,000 for the charities and is encouraging strong community support to help make the evening a success.

The auction promises to be an enjoyable and sociable evening. Everyone is welcome to attend. To book your place visit ticketsource.co.uk/ wimborneminster-town-council.

Bring your electrics for testing Nursery’s boost for charity

Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club is holding another PSA testing event at Wimborne Masonic Hall on Saturday, March 21, from 9.30am-2.30pm.

You can find a link to the club’s Facebook post promoting it at www. facebook.com/wimbornelions.

Daniel Whittle Marketing & PR Officer

Your email comments are very welcome, however we cannot publish them anonymously and we reserve the right to edit them as deemed necessary

Home-Start opens first shop

Families charity Home-Start

Wessex has opened its first family charity shop and family support hub in Christchurch. Shop staff will signpost families to the support offered and will host regular activities, like story sessions, to bring local families together. There is also an online shop. For 30 years, Home-Start has supported families in crisis, facing mental health struggles, financial hardship, isolation, bereavement, domestic abuse, multiple births, parenting challenges, and life in homeless shelters, providing help when it is needed most. Services include specially-trained volunteers

visiting mums at home, early intervention for high-needs families, and community groups. The charity currently runs 12 drop-in and referral-only groups across Dorset. If you could spare a few hours a week to help local families and make a difference in your community, contact office@ homestartwessex.org.uk.

Bargain-loving gardeners in Bournemouth are in for a treat as Cherry Tree Nursery gets set to host its Plant Sale and Spring Fayre on Saturday, March 21. Taking place from 9am to 3pm, the Northbourne-based nursery will be packed with speciallydiscounted plants to get the gardening season off to a flying start.

All proceeds provide vital income for Plants And Minds, the mental health charity that supports adults with life-impacting mental health conditions, enhancing wellbeing via therapeutic horticulture. As well as bargain price plants, Cherry Tree will host stalls selling products including Lorna’s Little Luxuries, Concrete Capers, John House Fossil Art, Firefly Metalworks and Sarah Jane Creations, as well as the Team Members’ craft stall.

Admin and events co-ordinator, Ray Alderton, said: “Don’t miss out on our raffle, because we have some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year!

“Prizes include £100 Cherry Tree Nursery vouchers, Knoll Gardens admission ticket, Compton Acres one-day family pass, Swanage Railway family return ticket, Coastal Cruises Poole harbour & islands cruise voucher, Regent Centre cinema voucher and much more.

“Tickets are available in our shop now and on the day.”

Fans of wildlife-friendly gardening will find plenty of inspiration, with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust exhibiting. The Dorset Family History Society will have a stall, too. Refreshments will be available in the Tea Room, while Cherry Tree will also host a barbecue provided by Westbourne Rotary. Live music throughout the day too.

Cherry Tree Nursery can be found off New Road Roundabout, Northbourne. For more details, call Ray Alderton on 01202 593537, email events@cherrytreenursery.org. uk, or visit plantsandminds. org.uk.

Race delivers a flipping good time for all

For the second year in succession the Wimborne Minster Pancake Race was held outside the Minster on a fine bright, albeit cold, morning writes Anthony Oliver. The race, now in its 28th year since it was revived in 1998, saw more than 130 runners across 34 races.

There was much cheering from friends, families and visitors as the Pancake Bell tolled, marking the start of the mornings proceedings.

First up were the Toddler races and Joshua Dawson was eventually declared the winner receiving a prize of £5.

There were three wheelchair races before Christopher Rolfe pushed by Stephen from Streets Meadow was declared the winner for the second year running.

There were 47 runners in the First School Age Group and the winner was Rex Tarbard who received £20.

The Middle School Age Group was also well supported with 25 runners and again after several heats Thomas Ward was declared the winner and he won £20. Nine runners took part in the Upper School Age Group with the winner being Hollie Sawyer who also received £20. There were 31 runners in the Adult section including a team from the Minster. Runners who have participated in previous years included employees from MJP Law and Teachers Building Society. They were joined by two chefs from the Wimborne Pig.

After a number of heats and a final the

New sword dancers welcome

Southern Star Longsword are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year by inviting everyone to attend their open evenings for new members on March 9 and 16. They meet in Corfe Mullen Library at 7.30pm and welcome both potential dancers and musicians.

No previous experience is required.

Longsword dancing is a 300-year-old tradition from

the north of England. Southern Star perform a mixture of traditional and modern dances.

If anyone wishes to learn how to play the melodion, there is an instrument available for a beginner of any age to practice on.

Children under 10 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult. Southern Star often have several members of the same family.

winner - and thus the Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2026 - was visitor Stuart Faulkner from Oxford.

He received the John Loader Memorial Trophy which he holds for a year, and a colourful kitchen worktop saver and decorated jug which he retains.

The Town mayor and mayoress, Jeff and Barbara Hart were present along with town crier Chris Brown and his deputy Mel Gudger.

They started off all the races with the mayor presenting the prizes.

A collection taken for Minster funds raised £334.29, and we hope that the fine weather will be with us again next year when the date will be Tuesday, February 9.

There are more than 200 lots of motorcycles and spares in the Charterhouse specialist auction of classic and vintage motorcycles on March 12 at the prestigious Haynes Motor Museum where they are estimated to sell for more than £800,000.

Richard Bromell of Charterhouse said: “There’s pretty much something for everyone, from unreserved barn-stored projects to trophy-winning show bikes. “There are bikes included in this vast auction which date from 1921 through to 2004 in all shapes and sizes!”

Star of the auction is the historically-important Barry Sheene Suzuki XR23 motorbike which he rode to win the 1978

MCN Championship, estimated at £100,000-£120,000. At the other end of the market is a 1953 Vincent Comet needing restoration having been shed stored for decades, estimated at £6,000-£8,000.

Viewing at the Haynes Motor Museum is on Wednesday, March 11, and on the auction day, Thursday, March 12, from 9am with the sale starting at 11am. All lots and live internet bidding is available on charterhouseauction.com.

Charterhouse are now accepting further entries for their March 26 specialist auction of classic and vintage cars, also at Haynes. n Richard and the team can be contacted for specialist advice and valuations at the Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouseauction.com.

A 19th century Meissen charger.

GS WINDOWS

£2,075

£2,755

£3,450

£4,140

£4,820

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is pleased to announce a new fundraising event, taking place at Baiter Park, Poole on Saturday 9th May 2026.

Seaside

Scramble is an action packed 5K obstacle course, designed for all ages and abilities, with an assortment of air ambulance themed obstacles guaranteed to get you giggling as you run, climb, crawl and scramble your way to the finish line.

Seaside Scramble is an action packed 5K obstacle course, designed for all ages and abilities, with an assortment of air ambulance themed obstacles guaranteed to get you giggling as you run, climb, crawl and scramble your way to the finish line.

Perfect place to relax

Whether you’re teaming up with family, having a laugh with friends, or bonding with colleagues, Seaside Scramble offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day by the coast, all while supporting a vital life-saving charity.

Grab your friends, family, or colleagues and be part of this fantastic new event, which is set to be one of the highlights of the year! Demand is expected to be high, so early booking is recommended.

Tickets are available now by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/ seasidescramble

Beach Gardens Sports Park, located just a short distance from Swanage Beach, is the perfect place to relax this summer. We offer an 18-hole putting green, tennis courts to hire, free table tennis, free basketball court and a wide range of teas and coffees and light refreshments from the dementia friendly and accessible ‘Tea on the Green’ kiosk incorporating a beautiful decking area with spectacular views of the park and out across Swanage Bay. All set within a tranquil oasis of stunning trees, plants and wildlife. We have a beautiful awning to complement our decking area, some welcome shade when ordering ice creams in the summer months! There

are open from Saturday, March 28, to November 1, weather dependant, Mon-Thurs 10am-5.30pm and FriSun 9am-5.30pm. Last putting is at 4.30pm. A family putting ticket is only £13.

‘Tea on the Green’ serves Fairtrade teas and coffees and soft drinks. We strive to use less single-use plastic and source all our food as locally as we can. We are also a free water refill point. Come and try one of our locally-produced ice creams, fruit lollies and cakes. We also serve a selection of hot paninis. A warm welcome and fun time is guaranteed for everyone.

Getting ready to attend a mission

Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance crew & helicopter

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A new introduction to the plant world is causing a stir at Chestnut Nursery in Poole... after throwing up an enormous 5ft (1.5m) flower spike in the dead of winter. In a spectacle that’s more

• All aspects of treework

• Stumps

• Firewood

• Hedges

• Fully insured 07590 189315 Axemanarb@gmail.com www.axemanarb.co.uk

commonly witnessed at botanic gardens; the supercharged succulent has gone into overdrive, bearing an enormous inflorescence that’s dwarfing all but the tallest green-fingered customers.

Mangave ‘Moonglow’ is a relatively new plant introduction that’s rising in popularity.

The nursery, which is open to the public seven days a week, has gained legions of fans for its unusual and exotic plants – as well as home-grown perennials, bedding plants and shrubs that form the mainstay of domestic gardens. Visit www.chestnutnursery. org.uk to find out more or call the nursery on 01202 685999.

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I am a great believer in prevention is better than cure. So my team and I are offering a moss removal service which entails all moss removed and to re-point any defective cement works from ridge line and re-cement any broken gables.

Food & Drink

Cooking... with Martha Legg

Meat Pie from scratch (well nearly!)

Martin decided that it was time he did some cooking and said that he wanted to make a pie from scratch. Well, I say from scratch, he doesn’t like making pastry as he says it feels funny on his fingers, so he used ready-made shortcrust pastry.

The rest of it he did make from scratch and also made up the recipe as he went along.

One of his favourite catch phrases is ‘how hard can it be?’.

He actually made it look very easy. The only bits I helped him with were rolling out the pastry and blind baking it.

The filling and putting it together was all his.

I have to say that it was absolutely delicious!

The meat just melted in my mouth and the sauce was rich in flavour, without being overpowering.

Martin uses a potato ricer to make mashed potato and it was beautifully soft and

melt in your mouth.

The vegetables added the right splash of colour and crunch.

So that’s it, no more bought pies for us, Martin can make them all.

I will buy him a proper pie dish or maybe two, so that we can split the mixture and eat it for two meals.

Five stars to Martin!

Ingredients:

1 sheet of short crust pastry

500gm Stewing steak diced

IN THE HEART OF IT ALL

The Fisherman’s Haunt tucked away on the edge of the New Forest in the quaint hamlet of Winkton, was first built in 1673. With a history stretching back to the days when smuggling thrived along the coast, the inn was once known as Plaish House and quickly became a favourite meeting spot for local fisherman, thanks to its enviable position overlooking the River Avon. At the very heart of the countryside, our inn offers the ideal escape after a day spent exploring the charms of the south coast. Savour delicious dishes, enjoy your preferred drink in

and make

1 tablespoon Flour

1 Onion, diced

300gm mushrooms

Beef stock (500ml)

Salt and Pepper

To serve:

Mashed Potatoes

Vegetables of choice

Method:

Line a pie dish with greaseproof paper

Roll out the pastry on a floured board and then put in the dish, leaving enough for a lid

Cover with greaseproof

paper and pour in some baking beans

Cook at 180C until the edges are brown

Take out the beans and cook for a further 10 mins, put to one side.

Filling

Put the flour, salt and pepper and a little bit of mustard powder in a bowl

Coat the stewing steak in the flour mix

Fry in a warmed frying pan in batches until brown

Place meat in a slow cooker and add stock

Cook on medium heat until meat is cooked

20 mins before you take the meat out, put in the chopped mushrooms

When the filling is ready, pour in into the pastry case, cover with the lid and brush with milk or beaten egg. Cook in oven at 180C until the top is brown

While the pie is cooking, cook the potatoes and prepare the vegetables

Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them

Serve in slices, with the mash and veg.

Political round-up

Education, the greatest gift for our children

I first became interested in the Liberal Democrats when Paddy Ashdown promised an extra penny on income tax to fund education. Since then - through raising four children and serving as a school governoreducation has been at the heart of everything I do.

That’s why the recent announcement from schools in the Initio Learning Trust about major budget cuts, redundancies, and the closure of courses has left me deeply concerned. In the past six months, the Government has introduced a broader curriculum, a revised Ofsted approach, and better support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

I welcome thess actions after years of failures from the previous government. Yet locally we are seeing the opposite - cuts that will be felt in classrooms from Sturminster Marshall to Broadstone and beyond.

The new curriculum includes more time for creative subjects,

An

so proposals to cut some now is short-sighted. Music, performing arts, and sport don’t just enhance every child’s education but really benefit those who find core subjects more difficult, and they help create a more inclusive learning environment. Teaching assistants are crucial in every school. They don’t just provide a lifeline for children with additional needs, helping them access the classroom and aid learning. They also create capacity, enabling teachers to stretch more academically-able children. Taking them from classrooms will impact everyone. It is true that an ageing population means fewer pupils entering schools, but this should lead to innovation, not cutting the front line. Multi-academy trusts were created to share resources and protect schools through difficult periods; they must now be held to that promise. I’ve met with parents and headteachers to understand the pressures they’re facing, and I’m challenging the trust to look

Liberal Democrat

Mid-Dorset & North Poole

VIKKI

SLADE MP

at alternatives. That includes considering sharing some specialist subjects across schools, so students can still access a full curriculum, and scrutinising the central costs that academy trusts charge for HR, IT and executive services - because local people deserve accountability. This is not just an issue in upper schools; after a decade of underfunding it is affecting the whole sector, from early years to FE and universities, so I will

continue to hold the Government to account on the longstanding issue of lower funding for pupils in our area.

I visit schools across Mid-Dorset and North Poole most weeks and they are always a highlight. Each one is unique, and I’m always impressed by staff commitment and the joy of learning by so many children. I love to hear about their work and to give children of all ages a glimpse of mine too.

Education is the greatest gift we can give our children. It matters to everyone in our community. It prepares the next generation not just for the jobs of today, but for the industries and challenges we cannot yet imagine. Young people need creativity, resilience and the skills to repair our society and the environment and navigate a fastchanging world.

I will keep holding the Government and academy trusts to account to make sure every possible penny goes into the classroom. Our children deserve nothing less.

hour’s a long time in politics these days!

We used to say ‘A week is a long time in politics!’, now it is more like, ‘An hour is a long time in politics!’!

Three weeks ago, the postponement of local council elections was on every news segment.

Legal advice was taken and adhered to and the 30 council elections were back on - story done!

I feel for the staff that have to make their councils’ elections happen in nine weeks’ time, but I have worked with democratic services departments many times and they are consummate professionals that get the job done every time.

We have gone from council elections, to a military conflict, that’s sending shockwaves around the world and has the potential to destabilise our economy and political way of life. I hope diplomacy still has a place here.

In between all of this there has been the fallout of more

releases of ‘the files’, the ‘n word’ not being edited out of the Baftas ceremony broadcast (despite it being broadcast on a two-hour delay and not actually ‘live’!) and a pretty important by-election in Greater Manchester!

Now it would be remiss of me not to mention the constituency of Gorton & Denton (actually made up of Longsight, Levenshulme, Burnage, Gorton and Abbey Hey, Audenshaw, Denton South, Denton West and Denton North East) and what the community there have had to put up with over the last month - politics was definitely ‘into them’!

Armies of volunteers, marshalled by party officials, overseen by party leaders, under the watchful eye of hundreds of journalists and news crews from all over the world, descended on those that live there.

They were under a spotlight for all to see.

The last vote has been counted and the mountain of leaflets distributed are gracing the recycle bins of Manchester City Council.

I hope Gorton & Denton will not be forgotten and their new Green Party MP will survive the upcoming media

and Westminster scrum and scrutiny in one piece and put 110% of her time and energies into improving the lives of all the people of the constituency; securing government funds and outside investment from all sectors.

With International Women’s Day this Sunday, March 8, I wanted to highlight the fact that of the five candidates that polled highest in the byelection, four were women - a very encouraging development. So, congratulations to Hannah Spencer MP.

I am positive we have not heard the last of the Labour candidate, Angeliki Stogia though!

With her political, business and voluntary sector experience, 12 years and counting as a Manchester councillor and her working links to the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham and Westminster MPs from all parties, she will be back, I’m sure!

Dorset Labour CANDICE JOHNSON-COLE

Extortionate tax increases are unacceptable

The extortionate increases in Council Tax being imposed by the LibDem controlled councils, BCP and Dorset, are unacceptable.

In the case of BCP the 6.75% increase will be three times the rate of inflation expected in April.

In its private lobbying of the Government, the council asked for an even higher increase7.5%.

As the only local MP who objected, it is some consolation that following my representations, the Minister imposed a lower limit on the maximum increase permissible without a local referendum.

In her letter to me, she emphasised that 6.75% was a maximum and cautioned against an increase which ignored those suffering from the cost of living crisis.

It is outrageous that the LibDems, supported by Labour, ignored the clearly expressed views of local residents.

The council’s own public

consultation showed overwhelming support for an increase below 4.99% with only one in 10 residents supporting an increase above that level.

The state of the finances in BCP is worse than ever.

The director of finance has confirmed that the council is technically insolvent with ballooning debt. But, despite that, he refused to eliminate the projected overspending for the current year or support much tougher enforcement against non-payers to reduce debts owing.

The council has allowed the current arrears of Council Tax to have reached record levels.

For the three years ended March 31, 2025, more than £18million is still outstanding, more than twice that which is outstanding for the three previous years. BCP can and should perform better.

n My campaign for justice for the victims of Covid-19 vaccines continues.

In anticipation of the report

of the Covid Inquiry into the vaccination aspects of the Pandemic due in April, I attended a meeting with the public health minister together with representatives from four families adversely impacted by death or serious injury caused by the vaccine, one of whom is

my constituent. The Minister repeated assurances given over a year ago that the Government is committed to making changes.

But she was still unable to disclose what those should be. From our discussion, it became clear that the Government is riddled with indecision and lacks any real commitment to helping victims. Is it any wonder that confidence in vaccines is declining?

n I had a very productive meeting with the new owners of Bournemouth Airport, ICG. It is great news for the local economy that passenger numbers are rising with many more flights and that the volume of international freight has doubled. It is most reassuring that the owners of the airport are committed to maintaining good-quality services while improving the facilities. The new arrivals area is almost complete and discussions are under way to increase car parking provision.

School honoured with prestigious international award

Allenbourn Middle School has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award, recognising its exceptional commitment to bringing a global perspective into the classroom.

The 2026 award ceremony took place at the Houses of Parliament, attended by Members of Parliament and educational leaders from across the UK.

The award celebrates schools that go above and beyond in equipping young people with the cultural understanding and language skills necessary for a globalised world.

Allenbourn’s international curriculum is highlighted by its long-standing partnerships with the Felix Buhot School in Valognes, and Collège George Desdevises du Dézert, Lessay in Normandy.

In 2025, the school hosted a visit from their French counterparts, allowing Year 8

pupils to meet their long-term pen pals in person for the first time.

Carmen Diment, lead French teacher at Allenbourn, who has championed these links for 11 years, said: “These partnerships allow pupils to practice their language skills in a practical, fun, and meaningful way. “It sparks a genuine curiosity

about other cultures; our pupils become eager to learn more simply because they want to communicate and connect with their peers abroad.”

The school’s global outreach extends beyond linguistics. Key initiatives include a popular Fair Trade fashion show, organised by geography lead Roger Trim, and specialised English

modules exploring identity and bilingualism through poetry.

Mark Legge, headteacher at Allenbourn, said: “We’re immensely proud to receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of our pupils and staff.

“We believe that understanding our place in the wider world is vital.

“This award validates our aim to foster curious, empathetic, and globally-minded citizens who are ready for the challenges of the future.”

Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, added: “The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award.

“The International School Award is a great chance for schools to demonstrate the important work they’re doing to bring the world into their classrooms.”

Pictured is Carmen Diment with MP Vicky Slade and Scott McDonald.

Conservative Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP

Farming & Environment

I’m starting this article off with the most obvious commentno rain!

The farm is slowly drying out.

We have seen lazy bees and butterflies this week and there is a flock of starlings chattering around the office looking for a good nesting site - are we being fooled or are we finally heading towards spring?

The blackthorn has started blossoming and our pregnant pygmy goat and ewes are starting to get rounder.

This change to the weather has created a palpable buzz in the air for all of the staff, co-farmers and volunteers as we head towards lighter and warmer days and with new growth emerging from the soil there is a hint of spring’s arrival.

Another sign of the change in the seasons is the emergence of our tortoises Rosie and Horace, who hibernated in the fridge and show signs of waking

Rosie was first and it was a warm day, and it did not take her long to warm up enough to sit on the windowsill and absorb the sun’s rays.

Horace emerged a few days later and being the older one, at 60 years old, took a bit longer to move but he is now fully awake. We had our first co-farmer outing of the year in February; We took a minibus to Longleat.

Despite the cool weather the day stayed dry for the majority of our visit, and we got to see sea lions, the new rhinos, meerkats, red

A day at the farm

with Sharon Boden

Sharon is a member of staff at High Mead Farm in Longham. High Mead is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil and nature. We create purposeful roles for our co-farmers, young people and adults, to help create a sense of well-being and self-worth many have never experienced before. Due to safeguarding, the farm shop is the only area currently open to the public

pandas and bats amongst other animals. The safari bus took us through the lions, camels, zebras. One of the highlights of the safari bus is enjoying all the monkeys running alongside cars and jumping onto them and trying to pick off souvenirs - sorry if you have fallen foul of their antics but from the bus it very entertaining! We are excited to say that we have just received back our pork and are able to currently sell fresh sausages, burgers, joints, belly pork and tenderloin plus stocks of our frozen pork, lamb and mutton.

Finally, a date for your diary: Our first Open Day and Yard Sale of 2026 is on Saturday, March 28, from10am-4pm. This is an opportunity for us to open the farm to the local community - you can look at the animals, see our amazing range of vegetables growing in the polytunnel, see what the woodbay gets up to and of course - bag yourself a bargain from the yard sale.

The farm shop will be open as usual and we will be selling teas, coffees and cakes - please come and see us!

Farming & Environment

How testing prevented poor fertility problems

Fertility: Testing bulls/tups

In 2025, 28% of bulls tested at Friars Moor Livestock Health failed their Bull Breeding Soundness Examination (BBSE). This means that we identified a cohort of subfertile bulls, ahead of them being used in or purchased for suckler or dairy herds. By removing these subfertile bulls, we reduce the chances of a poor conception rate and subsequent high empty rate for block calving systems, as well as a protracted calving period. Buying a bull sounds like a relatively straightforward process, but the reality is very different! Matching up your health status, genetic and EBV requirements with actual bull availability is a real headache. We need to ensure that the BBSE is rigorous and correctly identifies subfertile bulls. The benefits of carrying out a BBSE are undeniable, but as bull purchasing can be challenging, the procedure needs to be carried out well in advance of the start of breeding season to ensure there is an opportunity to retest and replace a subfertile bull. As bull semen production takes 61 days, we recommend

carrying out the procedure at least two months prior to use.

The length of the sperm production cycle is slightly shorter in rams (49-61 days); however, a target of testing your rams two months prior to the start of the service period is equally sensible.

The procedure for both rams and bulls involves a physical examination of all areas required to serve a cow/ewe, the eyes, musculoskeletal system, heart and lungs, as well as scrotum, penis, prepuce and internal sex glands. In addition, a probe, inserted into the rectum, is used to stimulate the ejaculatory nerves and a semen sample is collected. This is immediately analysed and the general (gross) and progressive (forward) motility assessed, alongside the morphology. There are specific targets to meet for each of these factors to allow the male to pass his exam. Most of our BBSE exams are now carried out in our foot trimmer crushes, which provides a great opportunity to also check and trim the feet of the bull. A proportion of subfertile

bulls are identified as soon as we pick up their feet, establishing that they are not viable to last the service period. Lameness is one of the most common causes of subfertility in breeding bulls and rams.

What do we do when we identify a subfertile bull?

Depending on the findings, we may recommend culling and replacing the bull ASAP. Alternatively, we may book in a retest and assess whether any improvement has occurred since the previous test.

Josephine Child and Helen Rogers

Events

Don’t miss this festival for Peat’s sake!

The much-loved Cursus Festival returns to Dorset on the bank holiday May 22-24, promising another weekend of fantastic live music and good vibes in a rustic farm setting.

Now in its 11th year, Cursus is an intimate festival with just 500 tickets available. It has gained a reputation as an inclusive, grassroots event suitable for festival first timers and veterans alike. Cursus is family-friendly and one of the few proper music festivals to allow dogs on site. This year’s live music line-up punches well beyond the size of

the event. Headliners Peat & Diesel (pictured), Land Of The Giants and Black Water County are joined by the likes of the Hempolics, Skimmity Hitchers, RuMac and Samantics, plus top local acts including Pronghorn and Typical Girls. Located on Myncen Farm in the beautiful Cranborne Chase, Cursus boasts a dedicated DIY Den activity area for kids to make friends and explore different skills. The DJ tent, rural craft demonstrations, camp fire and farm tours make this a diverse and fun experience for old and

young alike. Live-in vehicles and tent campers are welcome. Organiser Kev Davis said: “Cursus is a true hidden gem on the festival scene. “Everyone will find a warm and friendly welcome here, not to mention an epic soundtrack of original bands

and loads of other fun. Try itwe’re sure you’ll love it!” Adult weekend tickets start at £109, with the first two children free. Previous years have sold out, so early booking is recommended. Full details at cursusfestival.com.

Revealing hidden stories of the Chase

SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM

March 13/14, 9am-4.30pm, Town Hall. Lots of locallycrafted & consumable items for sale. Free entry. Supporting DSAA & Weldmar Hospice. Next events: April 10/11

Droves & Downs - a major art exhibition produced by Dorset Visual Arts - has opened at Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset, bringing together photography, drawing, sculpture and painting inspired by the remarkable landscape of Cranborne Chase National Landscape.

Sherborne Toy Collectors Fair

• 14th March

• 9th May

• 18th

• 3rd October

• 28th November

• 19th December

Droves & Downs showcases new work by Annabel Beasley, Siân Cann, Richard Gregory and Tonia Gunstone, four artists awarded bursaries by Dorset Visual Arts to develop ambitious projects rooted in the Chase’s ecology, heritage and living communities. The artists spent time working across Cranborne Chase during summer 2025, exploring how the area’s countryside has been shaped by both nature and centuries of human activity. Their work responds to features such as ancient trackways, chalk streams, meadows and river systems, offering fresh views of a landscape familiar to many local residents.

Museum curator Millie Lake said: “Droves & Downs will appeal to anyone interested in art, landscape and local history.

“It’s an accessible exhibition that encourages people to look more closely at the Dorset countryside around them.

“We’re so excited to have the opportunity to exhibit it this spring.”

The exhibition runs until June 7 and is included in standard museum admission.

Following a successful showing at Shaftesbury Arts Centre last autumn, this is the exhibition’s first appearance in Wimborne.

One ticket provides an annual pass, allowing visitors to return throughout the year.

Monday - Saturday, 10am-4pm (10am-4.30pm from April 1).

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replacement’ products that work, are packed with a third of your total daily nutrition and a plan to suit you.

And, of course, support that is unmatched! n Nicki Edwards - The Cambridge Lady, 07904 331589.

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1 Slight quarrel about Arab menu (6)

5 Acidic extremes of climate in spring (6)

8 Backing for current predatory animal (4)

9 Academic formulated rule about court with little hesitation (8)

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3 Leading description of coastal hotel? (2,5)

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4 Mature fellow beginning to unveil two lines on wrong possibly (4-5)

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6 Take power illegally in American university with revolutionary priest (5)

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12 Try international cricket match (4)

14 Disclosed source of tickets first off (3)

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14 Disclosed source of tickets first off (3)

15 Sense payment close to abnormal (4)

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18 Esteem highly relation (6)

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22 Assistant paid excellent nurses (4)

20 PC say getting place in Norfolk resort right away (8)

22 Assistant paid excellent nurses (4)

23 Tale constructed in US city in an ordered way (6)

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6 Take power illegally in American university with revolutionary priest (5)

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7 Sailors snubbed deputy in narrow split

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15 Flog map that’s created as aid for drivers? (3,4)

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19 Send message to artist and fashion designer mostly (5)

21 Partly closed yard for children’s plaything

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3×3 box.

No digit may be repeated in any dashed-line cage, and all the digits in each cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

Sport

Karen Victorious at Chalk Springs

The Poole and `Wimborne Fly Fishers made the journey to West Sussex for their latest outing.

Chalk Springs is a beautiful fishery nestled on the outskirts of Arundel. The long trip across two counties was well worth it. The fishery has four lakes and all were crystal clear. This is especially surprising considering the flooding we have experienced across the region.

The clear water made spotting fish a lot easier and conditions were spot on. The fish themselves were active throughout the day, and as might be expected became more and more suspicious of the flies our anglers placed before them.

One angler whose expertise was more than a match for the wily trout was Karen O’Shea whose superb angling managed to hook this beautiful 9lb 10oz rainbow which contributed to her winning bag of more than 17lb. Great result Karen!

Pets

Golf prodigy Luc takes on world

A precocious golfing youngster from Broadstone Middle School has qualified for two world championships this year.

Luc Taylor recently travelled to New Zealand and won the US Kids New Zealand Under 12 Golf Championship.

He impressed at the spectacular Windross Farms Golf Course in Aucklandcompleting two rounds of 70, finishing 4-under par.

The victory means Luc, who has a handicap of five, has secured an automatic invitation to the US Kids World Championships at hallowed Pinehurst, North Carolina, this July.

And before that he will take part in the Daily Mail World Junior Golf Championships at Villa Padierna in Malaga, Spain, at the end of this month.

Dad Andy said: “Luc was born in Poole then we returned to New Zealand, where I’m from and he started playing golf when he was about seven.

“He just loves hitting balls and when he was 11 we came back to the UK and moved

to Broadstone so we could be near the golf club. He goes there every day after school.

“He qualified for the Daily Mail Worlds through competing on the British Junior Golf Tour.

“And by winning the event in New Zealand he qualified for the US Kids Golf world championships.

“He will also play in the Uswing Mojing Worlds in the US, a tournament that Tiger Woods won a number of times.

“The school has been extremely supportive and this enables us to give Luc the best chance of chasing his dream.”

Jade Palmer head of school at Broadstone Middle said: “We are all extremely proud of Luc who plays in a number of our sports teams.

“We believe extra-curricular activities are really important and always encourage our students to do as much as they can and sport is something that provides invaluable lessons.”

Broadstone Middle and First Schools are part of Southern Education Trust.

Could you care for cute canine Colby?

Hello, I am Colby. I am a nine-and-ahalf-year-old staffie cross and although now a senior, I am told I am very sweet and still have bounds of enthusiasm when it comes to playing fetch with my ball.

With people, I am a gentle chap who takes treats nicely and loves a good back scratch from my humans. I came to Waggy Tails via the Pound, so did not come with a lot of information. It was obvious that I had been neglected and my skin and coat were in poor condition when I first arrived. This is all improving now. Due to my past I have not been socialised properly so therefore can be reactive when out on walks.

I would like ongoing training with my socialisation and someone who is confident handling me. I would need to be the only pet in the house.

If you are able to offer Colby or any of his lovely friends a forever home or a

foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, e-mail: admin@ waggytails.org.uk or visit our website www.waggytails.org.uk.

We also have lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes.

Upcoming events: Please do make a note in your diary and come to support us:

Quiz Night: First Saturday of the month at Homelands Hall, Kings Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 1NA, starting at 6.45pm.

Handmade Card Stall: Every Friday as part of the Craft Fair at the Druit Hall, Christchurch.

Charity Stall at The Spire: Dates for 2026: March 28, June 20, September 26 and November 28, 10am to 2pm. Presentations of dogs in our care: Jan 17, Feb 7, March 7 and April 4. These will be held at Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, BH10 7LH.

Start time 2.00pm sharp; arrival at 1.45pm recommended.

Induction meeting will follow. For more information, call 01202 875000 or www.waggytails.org.uk.

Be in it to win it... town’s best in business

Is your business thriving?

Launched something new?

Delivered exceptional customer service?

Do you give your employees a great place to work?

Now is the moment to shout about your achievements. Nominations are open for the Wimborne Business Awards 2025/2026, and local businesses are being urged to put themselves forward. Organised by Marketing West and supported by Wimborne BID, the awards are completely free to enter and shine a spotlight on the town’s dynamic business community - from long-established independents to exciting new ventures.

With categories covering retail, hospitality, services, innovation, customer care, young entrepreneurs, eco-friendly initiatives and more, there’s an opportunity for organisations across every sector to gain welldeserved recognition.

BID chairman Fiona Pawsey said: “Wimborne BID is delighted to support Wimborne Business Awards to celebrate business excellence in our wonderful town.

“They’re a celebration of the town’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and community values.”

How long is the home conveyancing process?

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

We have agreed to buy our first house and we’re very excited and keen to move in! How long does the conveyancing process take? This is one of the most common questions I encounter in my working day and the real answer is - it depends!

If you are first-time buyers, there will be no chain of transactions below you but there may be a chain above you. Your progress may be dependent on the chain. If you are buying with a mortgage, your offer will need to be issued and any conditions complied with. Once the papers are received from the seller’s lawyer, conveyancing searches will be applied for. Your solicitor will raise any necessary enquiries and report to you. You may also wish to have a survey carried out and there will be documentation for you to sign along the way. Some of the process is reliant on the timescales of third parties but there are a few things you can do to speed it up!

Be prepared - your solicitor will request information from you in relation to ID, funding, etc. Making sure you have that to hand to supply promptly will assist. If you have family members contributing financially, it’s also good to make them aware of what will be required. Choose wisely - there is a broad choice in the legal market for conveyancing services. Ensure you choose your representation carefully.

At Harold G Walker we aim to offer a friendly, approachable service provided by fullyqualified staff. We offer clear, professional advice in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand.

Every transaction is different and at Harold G Walker we will do all we can to progress your transaction and make the process as smooth and stress free as possible.

Laura Molloy, Partner Head of conveyancing dept

Local businesses are strongly encouraged to submit their own entries and employees can nominate their place of work too. Whether you’ve grown your team, introduced new ideas, expanded your offer, or consistently gone above and beyond for your customers, this is your chance to showcase your

success and raise your profile. Public nominations are also open. To find out more and enter or nominate visit www. marketingwest.co.uk/wimbornebusiness-awards before Monday, March 9. Winners will be announced on Thursday, April 9.

Picture: WIMBORNE BID

HGW Solicitors offers free monthly legal advice clinics at various locations across Dorset. Just pop in and have a

March Free Legal Advice Clinics

For more details about the legal services available at our clinics, please visit our website or call us on

Motoring

Are you thinking of selling your car or van?

Contact Jason at Crews Car Sales in Shaftesbury on 01747 854789.

We pay good prices and consider most vehicles, Quick, Easy, Same day payment and we complete all the paperwork for you.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

In the modern era of internet scams, fraudulent buyers & sellers, legal implications, fluctuating vehicle values and your DVLA obligations as a registered keeper of a vehicle, it can be a difficult and sometimes worrying prospect to sell your vehicle privately.

Crews don’t charge fees for payment and they also complete all associated paperwork for you, even obtaining a refund on any un-used road fund licence (Tax) that is paid back directly to you from the DVLA.

Most vehicles will be considered for purchase but please remember, a nice clean & tidy vehicle with a good service history is always going to be worth more than a vehicle that requires a lot of work.

Crews will always be honest with valuations and will try to offer you the best possible deal.

The process is simple and easy, get in touch with Jason at Crews on 01747 854789, please have your vehicle registration number and current mileage available so that we can start the process of a valuation.

If you are pleased with your valuation guide price, the whole process can be completed very quickly once we have seen your vehicle and confirmed it’s value, so contact Crews today.

Crews can be easily found, located on a main road site at Five Square Motors, (Bosch Garage), Salisbury Road (A30), Shaftesbury, Dorset. SP7 8BU, we are just ¼ mile from the Royal Chase roundabout in Shaftesbury.

5 Star Trustpilot Reviews

2016 (65) Audi A5 Coupe 1.8TFSi S Line Nav 2dr. Sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, leather, heated seats, road sign assist, Bluetooth, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, 92,900 miles ........................................................................................ £7950

2017 (17) Ford KA+ 1.2 Zetec 5dr. 85bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, parking sensors, cruise control, hill hold, air con, Bluetooth, upto 56mpg economy, small exterior with a spacious interior, 76,900 miles ....................................£6450

2019 (19) Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer 2.0HDi Flair Automatic 7 Seat MPV 5dr. 7 seats, flat fold seats, high seating, big boot, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, sunroof, electric tailgate, massage seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill holder, road sign assist, collision safety systems, 59,500 miles £12450

2012 (62) Ford Ka 1.2 Studio 3dr. 69bhp, petrol, 5 speed manual gearbox, £35 yearly tax, 50+mpg, simple car with basic spec, cambelt replaced, MOT Nov 2025, private sale on behalf of a customer, 73,500 miles .......................................£2950

and Repairs. All makes and models.

We take pride in offering servicing & repairs at affordable prices.

All makes & models welcome including Vans

Fixed Price Servicing

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Loan cars available

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10% DISCOUNT applied to all new customers, find us on

2008 (08) Mercedes-Benz CLC 200 2.1CDi SE Automatic Coupe 2dr. Bargain clearance car, MOT December 2026, luxury automatic for a budget price, only 63,500 miles £2650

2019 (19) Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Juro 5dr. Medium sized SUV,

2006 (06) Mercedes-Benz CLK200 1.8 Kompressor Sport Automatic Convertible 2dr. 163bhp, petrol, 5 speed auto gearbox, recent new roof & shocks absorbers, full history, 15 stamps, heated leather, electric roof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, park sensors, MOT June 25, private sale on behalf of a customer, 77,500 miles ...........................................................................................................£4250

2019

2018 (18) Fiat Panda 4x4 0.9T Twin Air 5dr. Rugged 4-wheel drive, good ground clearance, Bluetooth, hill holder, city steering switch for extra light steering when needed, great performance & economy, miles

2014 (14) Ford Kuga 2.0TDCi Titanium X AWD 4x4 SUV 5dr. 163bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4x4, high seats, leather, heated seats, heated screen, sat nav, park sensors, auto park, reverse camera, sunroof, auto lights & wipers, cruise, lane aid, sign recognition, hill hold, electric tailgate, cambelt replaced, 92,500 miles .........£7450

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2021 (21) Ford Puma 1.0T ST Line X MHEV 5dr. 155bhp, sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, main beam assist, road sign assist, Bluetooth, hill holder, collision safety systems, adjustable boot floor & mega box storage, 47,800 miles £12650

2020 (69) Ford Tourneo Custom 2.0TDCi Titanium 320 L1 H1 Automatic 9 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed automatic gearbox, 8 seat plus driver, reversable seats for conference or forward facing, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, heated front seats, park sensors, cambelt replaced, 97,000 miles ............£21500 + VAT = £25800

2018 (18) Kia Ceed 1.6CRDi GT-Line 5dr. Sat Nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, hill holder, road sign assist, Bluetooth, 60+mpg, 46,500 miles £9650

2020 (69) Ford Transit 2.0TDCi Trend 350 MWB MR L2 H2 11 Seat Minibus 5dr. 130bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 10 seat plus driver, 2 front seats, 9 rear seats, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, hill hold, cambelt replaced, 90,200 miles.........................£19500 + VAT = £23400

2019 (68) Kia Venga 4, 1.6 Automatic 5dr. High seating, sat nav, reverse camera, parking sensors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, sliding rear seats, adjustable boot floor, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, Bluetooth, sunroof, hill holder, 22,950 miles £12250

2015 (65) Peugeot 308 1.2THP Allure Automatic 5dr. 130bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, park sensors, reverse camera, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, hill hold, only £35 a year road tax, 50+mpg economy, cambelt has been replaced, 69,500 miles..............................................................DUE IN SOON

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2018 (18) Kia Soul 2, 1.6 5dr. High seating, good sized boot, sat nav, parking sensors & reverse camera, cruise control, auto lights, Bluetooth, hill holder, road sign assist, only 29,500 miles Due in mid March £9350

2016 (66) Vauxhall Mokka 1.6CDTi SE 4x4 SUV 5dr. 136bhp, diesel, 6 speed manual gearbox, 4 wheel drive, high seating, big boot, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, hill hold, performance & economy, upto 60mpg, 65,500

2016 (66) Mazda 3, 2.0 SE-L Nav Automatic 5dr. 120bhp, petrol, 6 speed automatic gearbox, sat nav, auto lights & wipers, cruise control, parking sensors, sign recognition, heated seats, hill hold, 75,900 miles...................................£8450

2008 (08) Kia Sorento 2.5CRDi XS Automatic 4x4 Station Wagon 5dr. Failed MOT, customer decided not to repair, Bargain clearance vehicle, spares or repairs, ideal farm or private land vehicle, only 89,700 miles .......................................... £500

Puzzle soluttions

Check out this after-move to do list

You thought unpacking the last box meant you’d finished?!?

Sorry, according to the experts at Armishaws Removals, there are still a few more jobs to be done before you can sit down and relax (on the sofa that isn’t in the right spot yet).

Take meter readings

Take meter readings on the day you move in.

Snap quick photos of the display, in case you need them as proof at a later date.

Locate the fuse box

Your next electrical job, find the fuse box so you know where to go if the power trips. Top tip, place a torch somewhere easy to find if it trips after dark.

...and the water valve

The same goes for the water valve (stopcock).

It’s usually located where the water supply enters the property.

On The Move

Most common places are the garage, utility room or under the kitchen sink.

Update car insurance

Your car/home/pet insurance may be invalid until updated to your new address. This can usually be done online or over the phone. Other documents you’re legally required to update;

• Driving licence

• Vehicle logbook (V5C)

• HMRC (Tax Office) if you’re self-employed

• Electoral roll

Switch providers

Updating your insurance could mean lower premiums, check with your insurance company. There may be other utility providers and tariffs to choose from at your new address; phone/broadband/media, gas, electricity, etc. Search automated switching services or comparison sites for the best deals.

Check bin days

New house, new set of bin days to memorise. Check the council website or app for bin day zen.

Change the locks

You don’t know how many keys were made by previous residents. The most secure action is to change all the locks. Some insurers may require it (check Ts & Cs).

Test smoke/carbon alarms

It’s a five-minute job that could save lives. UK fire services recommend checking alarms/detectors every month. Change of address

There are yet more entities that need to be notified of your change of address in the first weeks:

• Bank

• Council Tax

• Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)

• Pension providers

• TV licence

• Vehicle breakdown service

Service the boiler and chimney

More important safety tasks for your ‘Good Housekeeper’ to-do list. Boilers should be serviced annually, along with having your chimney swept.

n For more removals tips and advice head to Armishaws. com/blog.