The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 358

Peace in a place on high

PARAGLIDING and paramotoring have been quietly gaining momentum across the south west in recent years, drawing in everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to individuals simply looking for a fresh perspective.

Flight Culture, which teaches and flies at Kimmeridge, and is based in Sherborne, is wellknown in the free-flight community.

It offers training programmes, organises meet-

plummeting or speed – it’s about floating.

“The view, they say, stays with you long after your feet touch the ground again.”

Safety and education have played a major part in the sport’s growth.

The south west now benefits from structured training opportunities and a strong ethos around responsible flying.

The sport’s rise has also provided a small boost to local tourism.

seekers has evolved into an accessible, calming and community-driven activity that appeals to a far wider audience than many might expect.

“Local pilots often describe their first true glide as a transformative moment. Many are surprised by how peaceful

“Despite common assumptions, it’s not about

John added: “Visitors are increasingly seeking out tandem flights, introductory days and scenic flying experiences as part

‘In Bloom’ awards for stations

SWANAGE Railway volunteers – who work at five stations on the Isle of Purbeck heritage line – are celebrating after winning 10 awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in a regional competition.

Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden stations each received two Stations In Bloom awards from South and South East in Bloom, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, along with It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

Other awards went to local councils and communities for large towns, cemeteries, gardens, beach fronts and community projects in east and north Dorset, east Wiltshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, west and east Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

One of the competition judges, Derek Beer from Shaftesbury, in north Dorset, said: “The five Swanage Railway stations were flagship entries – involving horticulture, community involvement and environmental activity.

“Four of the stations justifiably achieved the highest possible awards.

“Having the privilege of being shown around the

Swanage Railway stations, and meeting such incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers, I am so grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to meet them all again for next year’s competition.”

Swanage station won the Silver Award and the Neighbourhood Award.

Herston community halt won the Silver Gilt Award and the Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category.

Harman’s Cross station won the Gold Award and the Neighbourhood Award in the level five Outstanding category.

Corfe Castle station won the Silver Gilt Award and the Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category.

Norden station won the Gold Award and the Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category.

Norden station volunteer, Mike Brown, said: “The friendly Norden station maintenance and gardening team was surprised, and honoured, to receive the Gold and Thriving awards.

“We take great pride in caring for Norden station –which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 – because first impressions count and we try to support the environment

and biodiversity by encouraging native flora and fauna.

“We could not have achieved these awards without the hard work and support from the various teams at Norden. The certificates now hang with pride in our station waiting room at Norden along with other certificates.”

Volunteer Corfe Castle station manager, David Scott, said: “We take considerable pride in the restored Victorian station at Corfe Castle, so presenting it to the best of our ability is very important to us.”

Bob Bunyar, one of the volunteers who help maintain and develop Harman’s Cross station, said: “It was very pleasing to receive two awards, as the station team, particularly the gardeners, have put in a tremendous effort this year, especially doing extra watering due to the very dry conditions which were challenging.

“The Harman’s Cross station team is very dedicated and want to make the station look its best for our passengers – not only with its gardens but also like to

use artifacts to enhance the feel of times gone by, such as using old wheelbarrows, luggage trunks and the like for displays.”

Herston community halt volunteer, Frank Roberts, said: “The Herston Halt team was delighted to receive the award after what was a very hot summer.

“With Herston Halt being the smallest station on the Swanage Railway, our success this year recognises the effort of many dedicated members in the team, especially Marilyn Carter and Carol Wright, who sadly lost her husband Pete in 2024.

“Pete was a regular Herston Halt volunteer for more than 20 years and we keep the station looking good in his memory.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering at the Swanage Railway’s Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross, Herston or Swanage stations should email iwanttovolunteer@ swanagerailway.co.uk

More information about volunteering can also be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/ volunteering

Sunshine’s night out in the cold

SUNSHINE, a 16-week-old Caverpoo puppy – pictured – survived a night out in the freezing cold just into the new year.

Owner Brian Cross was walking her in the early afternoon next to Norden Station when a train whistled and she bolted, pulling the lead out of Brian’s had and running into the woods.

Friends and volunteers with thermal detection drones searched until 11pm but did not find her.

The search resumed at first light, without much hope the puppy would have survived the night, when the temperature got down to minus four degrees. But she was found by Brian’s friend and volunteer searcher Ben Clarke at 9.20am.

Sunshine was fine and pleased to see someone – she had seemingly huddled up in a hedgerow in a field half a mile from where she had run off.

Letters

Family fun with panto mash-up

WHAT better way to brighten up the dark days of January than with a hearty dose of laughter, music and good old-fashioned pantomime fun?

This year, Castle Players is thrilled to present Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs: Babe in the Hood –a new, fairytale mash-up written and directed by our very own Phil McMullen.

Packed with colourful characters, catchy songs and more silliness than ever, it’s the perfect family treat to kick off the new year.

In this wonderfully topsyturvy tale, Little Red Riding Hood, her no-nonsense Granny, and the Three Little Pigs all find themselves facing the Big Bad Wolf at the same time!

Add in Hansel and Gretel, a wicked witch, and a handful of delightfully dodgy comedy characters, and you have the recipe for a hilarious, magical adventure suitable for all ages. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays, January 23, 24, 30 and 31, at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall, with tickets available via castleplayers.com/ tickets and on 07771 444376. We recommend booking early, as our pantomimes often sell out quickly.

As a friendly, local community theatre group, Castle Players is always delighted to welcome new members.

Whether you fancy trying your hand at acting, helping backstage, assisting with costumes, make-up, set building, lighting, sound – or even just making tea and joining in the fun – there’s a place for everyone.

No experience needed, just enthusiasm!

If you’d like to get involved, please contact info@ castleplayers.com, visit www. castleplayers.com or see our Facebook page.

Linsey O’Neill Lytchett Matravers

Good publicity for church grants

I WANTED to thank you on behalf of the Dorset Historic Churches Trust for the fabulous piece in the Purbeck Gazette of December 8 about the recent grants awarded by DHCT. It will really help raise awareness of the trust’s work in the Purbecks and it is hoped encourage further grant applications for historic Purbeck churches in need of vital repairs.

Charlotte Springett Trustee, DHTC

50 years of real ale event

FANS of real ale and cider will welcome the return of Dorchester Beerex to the Corn Exchange for its 50th anniversary event next month.

West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club organise the event, and Cerne Abbas brewery is the main sponsor, as it has been for the past four years.

The brewery will be providing a selection of its beers, alongside some special brews.

The festival raises funds for local good causes and this year’s main charity is People First Dorset (PFD).

It aims to help people with learning disabilities through friendship clubs, by reducing social isolation and promoting independence and wellbeing.

PFD manager, Laura Kerr, said: “To hear we’d been chosen as Dorchester Beerex’s main charity for 2026 was a wonderful surprise that came out of the blue.

“We could not be more excited and delighted, plus

deeply appreciate the work Dorchester Beerex does for the local community and, of course, the brewing industry.

“Members are already planning fun beer-themed games for our stand, so please come over and have a go!”

PFD project worker, Kerry Martin – who has a learning disability – said: “I am very happy the beer festival has chosen us as its charity for next year.

“It means a lot to us, and I’m already looking forward to helping out and meeting lots of people. Please come over and say ‘hello’ if you see me!”

The festival has raised just over £300,000 for local good causes with companies and breweries sponsoring barrels and giving raffle prizes.

Any business which would like to sponsor a barrel should visit www.Beerex.co.uk for details.

Money from the raffle will once again go to Dorchester Youth and Community Centre in Kings Road, Dorchester.

West Dorset CAMRA press

Police clampdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

NEARLY 230 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters were seized across Dorset last year, as police step up action against anti-social behaviour (ASB) and dangerous riding.

Dorset Police said 99 illegal e-bikes, including scramblers and Sur-Rons, and 128 illegal e-scooters were taken off the roads, marking the highest number of seizures the force has ever recorded.

The crackdown comes amid growing public concern about the impact of illegally used electric vehicles on

officer, Rich Gabe, said: “2026 will be a fantastic year for our branch of CAMRA, with celebrations in the planning for our 50th year.

“Dorchester Beerex is a great way to kick the winter blues, meet friends new and old while enjoying well kept ales and ciders.

“I know Beerex committee members are hoping to raise as much money possible for People First Dorset – it’s going to be a superb event”

The event is on Friday and Saturday, February 6-7, and visitors can expect music in the evenings and a party atmosphere on the Saturday evening, and beer, banter and chatter at the

The initiative has attracted national attention, with Dorset sharing its approach and data with seven other police forces and Bournemouth University as part of an evidence-led study into tackling electric vehicle misuse.

lunchtime sessions.

The festival attracts a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds, with many visiting the town from afar. The Corn Exchange has seating upstairs for more than 100 customers.

Tickets priced £12 include a commemorative glass, colour programme listing all beers and ciders with tasting notes, and two free half pint drink tokens. CAMRA members receive an extra free pint.

Ticket outlets are: Dorchester – Convivial Rabbit, Copper St Brewery Tap and Tom Browns; Poundbury – Brace of Butchers; Weymouth – The Globe. Online via www.Beerex.co.uk

Police say many riders are unaware they are breaking the law, including delivery drivers and young people.

Inspector Lee urged buyers to check legality before purchasing and encouraged residents to report concerns.

neighbourhood safety, particularly in Poole and North Bournemouth.

In response, police launched a trial of SmartTag forensic spray last year, following repeated reports of ASB.

Rolled out in March, the spray marks riders with a unique forensic code, strengthening evidence and improving the chances of successful prosecutions.

Dorset Police say the technology will now be extended to other parts of the conurbation and wider county.

Inspector Nick Lee, of the Poole neighbourhood policing team, who led the rollout, said: “The impact of the anti-social use of these illegal electric vehicles in our communities is regularly raised as a concern and that is why we have taken robust and decisive action to combat the issue, yielding a record number of seizures.

“I would like to reiterate that if you are caught riding one of these vehicles illegally, it will be seized, crushed and recycled. Their unlawful use in public areas puts pedestrians and other road users at risk.”

An educational TikTok video explaining the risks and laws reached about 10 million people, with 40% of viewers aged under 24.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “The reckless and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters can have a real and lasting impact on people’s quality of life, making neighbourhoods feel unsafe and putting pedestrians at risk,” he said.

More information on the legal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is available on the Dorset Police website.

Barn owls breed at nature reserve

A BARN owl chick has fledged at Hengistbury Head, marking a milestone in the recovery of wildlife across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

An early-morning walker had spotted a barn owl flying in the area in March, and following weekly sightings, photographs confirmed a pair of owls had made the site their home in April.

Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) closely monitored the pair, as the owls’ distinctive screeching echoed from a nest box.

Despite a challenging national year for barn owls, with dry conditions threatening many nests, the pair raised a single chick.

Licensed experts discovered

Sea scouts at care home

RESIDENTS at Upton Bay care home, Hamworthy, enjoyed a pre-Christmas visit from 3rd Poole Sea Scouts.

The young visitors sang carols including Silent Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and many more, finishing with We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

The Sea Scouts made Christmas cards for all the residents and gave them out,

the chick in July, weighing, ringing and monitoring it via a discreet camera until it fledged.

The nest box is near the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, offering nature lovers a chance to glimpse the birds.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and

socialising with each resident. Activities lead, Karen Grant A’Court, presented a Christmas gift to the Sea Scouts to thank them for a fabulous evening of entertainment.

Care home general manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “The residents at our home had an amazing evening with our group of young visitors.

“Residents were really interested in the Scouts badges and the skills they had to learn to earn them.”

Pair raised a single chick at Hengistbury Head in a challenging year for the species

species can flourish for generations to come.”

Robin Harley, countryside area manager for BCP Council, added: “This is another wonderful sign of nature recovery in Dorset and shows that partnership working and investment in sympathetic management of local habitats pays dividends.

“Barn owls are a priority species in the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy, so it’s great to see them doing well in a new location.”

This success is part of a wider push to restore biodiversity across Dorset, guided by the nature recovery strategy.

energy at BCP Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see barn owls returning and successfully breeding in our area – a real sign that our efforts to restore habitats and support biodiversity are working.

“Nature recovery isn’t just about protecting wildlife – it’s about creating a thriving, connected landscape where

Projects to create wildlife corridors, restore grasslands and improve rivers and wetlands are designed to benefit wildlife, climate resilience and communities.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were named the UK’s first official Nature Towns last July, recognising efforts to integrate nature into urban life.

29 JANUARY 2026

“This

of

Health leader awarded MBE

MENTAL health nurse and leader, Lynne Hunt, who was born in Dorset and lives in Weymouth, was awarded an MBE in the new year honours list.

Lynne was recognised for services to the NHS, after a long career dedicated to supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.

Lynne has worked in mental health services for 47 years, starting as a mental health nurse and advancing through more senior roles in NHS trusts in Dorset, London, Hampshire and Sussex.

She has served as director of Nursing and deputy chief executive at East London NHS Foundation Trust and vice-chair at Dorset Healthcare NHS

Foundation Trust.

Lynne was chair at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust and is currently a non-executive director at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

At Dorset Healthcare, Lynne transformed the organisation from a trust in ‘special measures’ to one rated as ‘outstanding’.

At Southern Health, she rebuilt the trust’s reputation after a series of challenges, growing confidence in the organisation among patients, public and partners.

Lynne also established a Youth Board and championed Youth Governors to ensure that young people had a greater say

in the development of local NHS services.

Lynne Hunt said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful people throughout my career – patients, families, colleagues.

“I am grateful to the NHS for all it has done – it is a great place to work, and indeed both my adult children now work in the NHS.”

Ron Shields, chief executive

at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Nearly half a century after qualifying as a mental health nurse, Lynne still brings the very best characteristics of professional nursing to bear in her leadership.

“She is a consummate professional, a role model of public service and an inspiration to so many people.”

Lynne has also been a governor and volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and Dorset Volunteering, where she provided meal services for elderly people.

She is the third member of the Hunt family, and the village of Tarrant Rawston, near Blandford, to receive significant recognition.

Her great uncle George received an Agricultural Medal, and in 1982 her grandfather Harry Hunt was honoured with an Empire Medal.

– January

07:26 12:17 20:32 NP 08:05 16:29 14-Jan 00:24 07:23 13:10 21:25 08:05 16:30 15-Jan 01:17 07:14 13:50 19:57 08:04 16:32 16-Jan 02:00 07:31 14:24 20:13 08:03 16:33

02:36 07:55 14:55 20:36 08:02 16:35

03:09 08:24 15:27 21:02 08:01 16:36 19-Jan 03:42

Disability charity in volunteer call

DORSET disability charity, Diverse Abilities, is seeking volunteers to help with ongoing projects and its own events, and community events throughout the year.

Volunteering activities include: running stalls at events; helping and marshalling at events; being part of a cheer crowd for a sponsored run; volunteering in the charity’s services supporting children and adults with disabilities; gardening at The Treehouse, the home for our Children’s Short Breaks service in Hurn; using a volunteer day at work to do painting and decorating at one of the charity’s supported living bungalows.

Mum’s

THE Tank Museum at Bovington is holding its very first Bumps, Babies and Toddlers event – with special guest Zoe Blaskey, the bestselling author and podcaster.

The day will include a nearly new sale, talks from guest speakers and baby- and toddlerfriendly activities.

The museum has a soft play area ideal for wearing out tots.

The event is on Sunday, January 25, and includes

The charity supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities through services such as Langside School, a specialist school for children aged two to 19, and The Beehive, a therapy and activity centre for adults.

Any help received or money raised will ensure the charity is able to provide support through its services.

Becky Edwards, marketing and volunteers executive at Diverse Abilities, said: “We’ve got lots of things volunteers can get involved in 2026 and beyond.

“There’s some great events and fundraising initiatives happening in the local community with tasks such as running stalls, handing out flyers, helping at events or being part of a cheer squad for running events.”

Volunteers could learn new skills, meet new people, enhance CVs, gain experience, discover new interests and improve mental wellbeing. For more information and to register interest, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/volunteer

the word at museum

sensory experiences, baby massage instruction and workshops focussing on perinatal health.

Dynamic digital experiences, exploring the museum, dressingup opportunities, games and activities for older children cater for the whole family, although the target is mums of children aged three and under.

Zoe Blaskey – pictured – is the author of Motherkind, A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations, The Sunday Times best-selling book. She also hosts the Motherkind podcast.

Rosanna Dean, head of Commercial and Visitor Experience at The Tank Museum, said:

“As Dorset’s largest indoor visitor attraction, we’re delighted to host such a

Tea and cake concert dates

CAKE concerts, developed for people living with dementia, are set to be held in Swanage and Wareham.

The concerts feature members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – the Teatime Trio, on flute, harp and cello – performing popular

classical and light film music. Members of the audience, whether they are in the community or in care and residential homes, enjoy cake and refreshments as the music plays.

The concerts are part of rural arts charity Artsreach’s new

spring programme and are being run with support from the Talbot Trust.

The concerts are at Pine Martin Grange, Wareham, on Friday, February 20, and The Mowlem, Swanage, on Thursday, March 5.

Tickets include tea and cake,

family-focused event for our wider community.

“The programme not only offers valuable support and guidance for new and expecting families but also highlights the fantastic opportunities Dorset provides for this demographic.

“We are really excited to have such an impactful headline speaker, whose message is so important to women on any stage in their motherhood journey.”

and carers’ tickets are also available. Details are available at www.artsreach.co.uk

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New poetry group

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POETRY Purbeck, a new initiative that seeks to encourage the reading, writing and sharing of poetry in the Isle of Purbeck and beyond, is set to launch at Swanage Library.

The idea originated with Fiona Sturrock, host of Purbeck Sounds’ poetry programme Words to Inspire.

She said: “Poetry Purbeck brings together the key poetry providers in Purbeck to work together to serve and grow poetry in the community.

“Our aim is to connect people through poetry, bringing

Quartet have fun with classical

Poetry Purbeck will be promoting readings, workshops, publications and events throughout the year.

It aims to build a thriving community of poets and those with an interest in poetry, whether they are experienced poets or just starting out.

The launch is at Swanage Library on Wednesday, January 21, 6.15-8pm.

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GRAFFITI Classics, presenting everything from Beethoven to Elvis, will be on a mission to make classical music irresistibly fun when they visit Lytchett Matravers.

The string quartet –pictured – promise a mix of musical comedy, gypsy folk, opera, bluegrass, stand-up comedy and dance.

They are at Lytchett

Matravers Village Hall on Friday, January 9; and also visit Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall on Thursday, January 8; and Blandford Corn Exchange on Saturday, January 10.

Tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

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Museum project in spotlight

A member of Poole Museums collections team will talk about the museum’s £10 million refurbishment at the next meeting on Tuesday, January 20.

MEMBERS and visitors enjoyed an original and engaging talk about the rise and decline of Dorset's water meadows at a meeting of Wimborne Civic Society.

Archaeologist Paul Cheetham, a visiting fellow in the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, Bournemouth University, gave the talk.

He explained why water meadow systems which were once a key part of agriculture in Dorset were so important to the industrialisation of the 18th and 19th centuries, but were rendered white elephants by

The museum reopened last November after the revamp that left no gallery untouched and allowed many objects to go on display for the first time.

The civic society's evening meetings with visiting speakers are open to everyone and are held at Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm.

Entry is £2 for members and £5 for visitors. Visitors can join the society at the meeting –subscriptions cost £12.50 for a year for an individual or £20 for a couple.

Community spirit, storms and a historic tragedy

WITH December finishing on a grey and windy note, it was great to wake up on new year’s day and see the calm seas and the sun. Wearing a different hat, I took part in the Isle of Purbeck Sub Aqua Club’s new year’s day dive under Swanage Pier. Normally the event has us feeling our way along the seabed using our fingertips, but this year there was some visibility, and we could make out all the features under the pier.

The fine weather brought out a lot of people and both the ‘tea and cakes’ at Swanage and the ‘open hatch’ at St Alban’s Head attracted good crowds. We’re extremely grateful for the support we get at these events and the support we get from the community in general. Every NCI station is self-funding and every donation, no matter how small, helps us achieve our aim of making our coast safer by acting as the ‘eyes along the coast’.

We’re pleased to say that The Cellar Bar in Swanage has kindly offered to host a charity horse race night at its bar to raise funds for NCI. This takes place on Thursday, January 22, from 7pm. There’ll be 10 races and a raffle with the minimum bet on a race being £1 – the races are pre-recorded, we won’t, sadly, be having horses running around the Mowlem!

by Nick Reed

lighting have led experts to speculate that it may have once been intended as a vaulted cellar for an unfinished tower.

As I write this article, we are still getting over Storm Goretti. The storm’s impacts were felt most acutely in the south west, Wales, the Midlands and parts of northern England, with widespread disruption to travel and daily life. Surprisingly, Dorset seems to have got off lightly. Our station in St Ives recorded a windspeed of more than 100mph, breaking a 30-year record, and several stations sustained damage. In contrast, the Needles – often associated with record-breaking wind speeds – only recorded speeds of about 60mph.

IT was, perhaps, a similar storm which caused one of Dorset’s worst maritime disasters, the wreck of the British East Indiaman Company vessel, the Halsewell, in January 1786.

It’s always good to receive feedback about our articles and it was lovely to receive more information about St Aldhelm’s Chapel. Recent carbon dating by Historic England suggests that some of the chapel’s timbers date back to Saxon times. The building’s unusual design and limited natural

The Halsewell departed from London just after Christmas Day at the beginning of a long voyage to Madras and China. On board were crew members, passengers, valuable cargo and the two young daughters of the ship’s captain, Richard Pierce. After meeting several other vessels making a similar voyage, at an anchorage near Deal called the Downs, she set

sail along the channel. Initially the weather was fairly benign and at one point she was even becalmed off the Isle of Wight. However, shortly after the new year the weather deteriorated, and the vessel encountered a severe winter storm. Gale-force winds, snow and heavy seas battered the ship for several days, causing considerable damage, including damage to the rudder. Fearing the vessel would break up at sea, Captain Pierce decided to turn back to shelter either behind Portland Bill or Studland Bay.

By now the vessel was beginning to take on water and all the available sailors and soldiers were made to man the pumps. Helpless against the storm, the vessel was driven onto rocks near St Alban’s Head, in the early hours of January 6. The ship struck with great force and quickly began to break apart.

It’s reported that, shortly

before the ship hit the cliffs, Captain Pierce ordered the cannons to be fired to alert potential rescuers that a ship was in trouble. As the vessel began to break up, one of the remaining masts is said to have fallen into a cave in the cliffs, giving some of the sailors a chance to scramble to safety.

Local quarry owner George Garland responded to the distress signals, assembling a rescue party that worked tirelessly for 24 hours to haul survivors up the cliffs. Despite their efforts, about 166 people perished, including Captain Pierce and his daughters, while about 74 survived.

News of the tragedy spread rapidly, and the vessel’s fate inspired a number of poems, a William Turner painting, a Charles Dickens short story and even a visit from King George III who visited the scene shortly after.

Over the years artefacts have been recovered from the wreck site. Some are on display at the museum at the Square and Compass, at Worth Matravers. A cannon at Headbury Quarry is said to have been recovered from the Halsewell. The most poignant artefact is a mirror, reputed to have been owned by one of Captain Pierce’s daughters, on display above the door in Worth Matravers church.

This is Swanage NCI and St Alban’s Head NCI wishing everyone a happy and safe new year, NCI listening on channel 65, out.

WINTER has well and truly arrived at Durlston Country Park, with northerly winds adding a bite to the sea air, and our wildlife increasingly dependent on the berries and seeds of hawthorn, wild clematis and teasel found in abundance across the National Nature Reserve.

Durlston’s resident colony of guillemots have taken to using their summer nesting ledge as a winter roost for increasing periods this season.

Visible on our webcam in the Castle reception, upwards of 150 of these ‘flying penguins’ shelter on the Portland Limestone cliffs, before heading out into the English Channel in late morning for a day’s fishing.

From the vantage point of Durlston Head, large numbers of other seabirds are often visible offshore, from the striking red-throated diver, to flocks of razorbills numbering more than 2,000 birds.

For a deep dive into the country park’s rich history, visit the free ‘Durlston Past’ exhibition, open in the Fine Foundation Gallery until Monday, January 26.

Alternatively, get outside and explore Durlston’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ on a Rangerguided walk on Wednesday,

January 21, revealing the wider National Nature Reserve at its most tranquil – meet at the Castle reception for 11am, £3.50 per person.

Our popular Stargazing event returns on Saturday, January 24, where – if the weather permits – experts from the Wessex Astronomy Society will guide you in observations of Saturn, Jupiter and the crescent Moon, as well as the winter constellations.

On Sunday, January 25, Durlston collaborates with the Swanage Pier Trust once again to offer our ‘Park to Pier’ guided walk. Beginning at Durlston Castle at 10:30am, the walk will descend to Swanage on the South West Coast Path, learning about the wildlife, geology and history of the country park, the pier and Swanage town.

Discover Durlston Castle, the crown jewel in George Burt’s Victorian vision, on a guided tour on Thursday,

Talks at town museum

WAREHAM Town Museum will be holding a series of lectures on Wednesday afternoons over what remains of the winter.

The first two coming up are Dr Gill Clarke on Artist as Witness – A Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Exhibition – on January 21, and Dr Martin Smith, from Bournemouth University, on Maiden Castle, on January 28.

Entry is free to the talks, which get under way at 2pm, but booking is essential through Eventbrite at www. eventbrite.co.uk/o/warehamtown-museum-94862117893

February 5. Meet at the Castle reception for 11am, donations welcome.

From Thursday, January 29, until Thursday, February 12, Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery will host part of the You & Us touring triptych from the Cathy Waller Company, examining themes of invisibility and neurodivergence through photography, dance and film.

Unseen | Unmasked is a powerful photographic exhibition by Harris, while You Are Also Us, a short dance film directed by Cathy Waller, was filmed using groundbreaking drone technology in stunning National Trust locations around Dorset. Free, open daily 10am to 4pm.

February sees the return of the popular Friends of Durlston (FoD) evening talks at the Learning Centre, beginning with the dynamic history of the Swanage Lifeboat. Join Dave Corbyn from 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 3, as he shares his 55-year involvement with the RNLI, including dramatic video footage of rescues. £3.50 on the night, free to FoD members.

Hoist the main sails! From Wednesday, February 11, the Pirates of Purbeck Trail drops anchor at Durlston Country

Park. Collect your booklet from the Castle reception, follow the map and find the treasure to win a prize. £3.50 per trail pack.

Following their successful winter exhibition, Rob Page, from the south west branch of the Guild of Glass Engravers, returns for another workshop on Sunday, February 15, introducing this intricate craft. Adults and children – eightplus – welcome, no experience necessary! 11am at the Learning Centre, booking required via our events page, £15 per ticket.

If you and your loved ones would like to get outside and help keep Durlston special, join us for our popular Family Scrub Bash on Monday, February 16. Meet at the Learning Centre for 10am with suitable outdoor clothing and footwear, and we’ll provide all the tools and guidance you’ll need! Free, but booking required.

Happy new year from the Durlston Rangers!

For more information, visit our Durlston website, www. durlston.co.uk; visit the Seventh Wave café website at www.seventhwaverestaurant. co.uk

Ross Packman, engagement ranger

Charity’s winter tea date

THE Dorchester Committee of The Children’s Society is hosting another winter tea, following the success of a similar event last year.

The event is at St George’s Hall, Fordington, on Monday, February 9, from 2.30pm-4 pm, and tickets are £4, payable on the door, which includes tea,

Dorset apple cake and crumpets. There will be waitress service and accompanying background music.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The atmosphere is always friendly with everyone welcome. Bring a friend or meet some new ones. We hope to see you there.”

Test cricketer had a foot in football camp

by Paul Pearson, Dorset Cricket Society

DORSET Cricket Society

welcomed former England Test cricketer Roland Butcher to talk about his life in cricket and his new book, Breaking Barriers, Barbados to England...and Back.

Roland was born in Barbados, where he lived with his grandmother until he was 13, as his parents and the rest of his family had emigrated to England.

When he finally came to live with his family in this country Roland said it was a challenging time for a young lad.

Where he lived in Stevenage very little cricket was played and he went down the route of becoming a semi-professional footballer before becoming a

professional cricketer.

Roland’s first taste of cricket was an invitation to play in a third X1 parks cricket match.

Remarkably, he took to cricket quickly and was soon recommended to Gloucestershire.

He played for them, but they had a good team, and in a change of direction, Roland decided to join the Lord’s ground staff, the equivalent of a cricketing apprenticeship.

It was not long before Roland was selected for the Middlesex first X1.

After some impressive batting performances for Middlesex, he was selected for an England one day international and a tour to the West Indies.

Roland achieved a milestone

Smart start but Swans go down

by Ron Butler

Melksham 25

Swanage & Wareham 19

SWANAGE & Wareham made a brilliant start but gave away too many penalties and ultimately narrowly lost this away fixture.

Both sides tried kicking deep early on and from one kick which took Swans into the home 22, prop forward Nick Audley powered over the try line after a forwards drive.

George Crouch added the extras putting Swans seven points up after four minutes. Swans gave away a few

by being the first black cricketer to play for England, playing in three test matches.

Sadly, an eye injury, caused when he was hit attempting a hook shot, permanently affected his sight.

The injury prevented him from playing at the highest level but he managed to continue his professional career for a further seven years.

That included in 1987 winning the trophy for the fastest first class century off 73 balls.

When Roland’s cricketing

Swans were their own worst enemy, by kicking out too much to the Melksham centres, and another break and a penalty to the home side resulted in a converted try in the last minute of the half. At half-time Melksham led 15-7.

career came to an end, he acquired football coaching badges and worked as an academy coach in the professional game for several clubs, including Arsenal.

In 2004 Roland’s career took on a different path when he was invited to become director of Sport at the University of the West Indies in Barbados.

The role covered 14 sports for men and women.

Roland’s also became a selector for the West Indies cricket team and was made a freeman of the City of London.

penalties, and in the 65th minute a move along the backs, and back into half backs, saw Peters go in for his second try. Crouch added the conversion, making the score 20-19.

penalties and Melksham had two powerful centres who made lots of ground.

One penalty to Melksham inside Swans’ 22 saw the home side’s full back kick the goal (3-7) after 15 minutes.

Swans were in trouble when a Melksham centre broke, but a late tackle saved the day.

Melksham powered past Swans from a line-out and a pass to a winger saw him cross the try line out wide (8-7) after 26 minutes.

Swans started the second half with a break by the three-quarters but were tackled close to the line.

A long Melksham kick took them into Swans’ 22 and from a scrum the home side passed the ball along the backs resulting in a try in the corner (20-7) after 50 minutes.

After the restart Swans took a quick penalty and scrum-half Olly Peters broke down the wing and scored out wide (20-12).

Swans were playing better rugby, apart from a few

Five minutes later Swans had a penalty a long way out, but the attempt fell short. In the last five minutes, Melksham kept the ball among the forwards, and with such dominance, two minutes from the end the home side scored in the corner.

Swans: Max Phillips, Rory Ferguson,Tom Munns, Ed DimasWcio, Olly Dillon, George Crouch, Olly Peters, Joel Andrews, Craig Foskett, Nick Audley, George Slack, Joe Towers, Kian Salina, Lee Hardy, Paul Gregory – Sam Chapman, Harvey Green, Ben Wright.

OTHER RESULT: Swanage & Wareham 2nd XV 7 Wimborne 2nd XV 41.

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Genuine father embracing northern Anglican church (7)

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

5 Foundation needing no introduction unchanged (2,2)

10 Clubs playing well comply (7)

11 Treat with care shark (5)

12 Carried from Asian island nothing less (5)

13 Plant laid out around a hotel (6)

15 Destroy a front of vehicle in anger (6)

17 On back of ship when followed by seabird (6)

19 Reach a dry area by Indiana (6)

Down

2 Part of a board taking meal first off (5)

3 Tiresome job with hop Gary bungled? Arranging hops required (12)

4 Rectify network around eastern Mediterranean (6)

6 Last short exam certainly accepted (7)

7 Look for Asian religious follower, we hear

8 Reserve shown by Austrian composer, undemonstrative figure (7)

9 Impassioned review is authentic about soprano (12)

20 Sales rep in French city with temperature (5)

23 Duck with a lack of speed and vitality? (5)

24 Month in the past, November, for a figure (7)

25 Rubbish in sleeping-berth (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

14 Moment worker goes below institute (7)

16 Food component? Find it with a Frenchman Bordeaux, say (7)

18 Revenue pocketed by main comedian (6)

26 Lead singer happy to entertain copper (7)

21 Energy with a German that’s keen (5)

22 Place for bodies partly closed by doctor (4)

Telling It Like It Is

France sets example on animal abandonment

FOLLOWING on from my piece in early December about abandoned animals, I’ve learned that in France, abandoning a pet is no longer treated as something minor or excusable – it’s now a serious crime. Under a law adopted in 2021, people who abandon their pets can face fines of up to 45,000 euros and prison sentences of up to three years, sending a clear message that animals are not disposable objects.

France has long struggled with very high rates of pet abandonment, with animal welfare organisations estimating that more than 100,000 animals were abandoned each year, especially during summer holidays. This law was created to push society to take responsibility, protect vulnerable animals and make cruelty toward pets carry real consequences.

For many animal lovers around the world, this step is a powerful example of how a country can turn compassion into concrete action. It’s a reminder that pets are family, and that laws can be used not just to punish neglect, but to

by David Hollister

encourage a culture of empathy and respect for every life. We could well adopt France’s example.

The hardest thing for a vet is to see how old or sick animals look for the eyes of their owners before going to sleep. The fact is that 90% of owners don’t want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don’t see their pet leave. But they don’t realise that it’s in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most.

Vets ask owners to be close to the animals until the very end. It’s inevitable that they die before you. Don’t forget that you were the centre of their life. Maybe they were just a part of you. But they are also your family. No matter how hard it is, don’t leave them. Don’t let them die in a room with a stranger in a place they don’t like. It’s very painful for vets to see how pets can’t find their owner during the last minutes of their life. They don’t understand why the owner left them. After all, they needed their owner’s consolation.

Vets do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so

Tune in and enjoy your local community radio station. Broadcast for the community, by the community. Listen to David Hollister ‘Telling It Like It Is’ Monday-Thursday 5-6pm.

scared, but they’re complete strangers to the animal. Don’t be a coward because it’s too painful for you. Think about your pet. Endure this pain for their sake. Be with them until the end.

I remember every one of my cats that went over the Rainbow Bridge. As they slipped away, I held their paw and whispered ‘be at peace’ and I like to think they understood.

Do you give your pets ‘chocolate treats’? Chocolate is made from cocoa solids which contain a substance called theobromine. It doesn’t affect humans, but even small amounts can be toxic for dogs, cats and rabbits. As a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the more toxic it’s likely to be. But even chocolate with fewer cocoa solids can be toxic if enough of it is eaten.

A new service has been set up in Swanage to help pet owners struggling with the cost of living – a dog food bank. Running alongside the regular Swanage Food Bank based at the United Reformed Church in the High Street, the service for pets is available to anyone in genuine need struggling with the cost of feeding their pets. Fundraising is now under way to open the next one in Wareham.

KEIR Starmer is ‘aware’ that some farmers are at breaking point over the inheritance tax raid and has had to give way on the most extreme parts of the hated Budget. They thought a ban on farmers invading London would break the momentum. It only lit the fuse.

At first light the horns began and didn’t stop. Columns of tractors pushed through the M25, Whitehall was locked solid, footage showed milk tipped across Downing Street as a symbol of fury. On live television a farmer summed it up: “You took our inheritance tax, flooded the market with foreign imports, then tried to silence us. Not today.” Clips of burning hay bales outside Number10, MPs sheltering

inside and crowds surging past barriers are getting millions of online views and climbing. But very little in the red-tops or even the serious newspapers. Supporters have called it a last stand for family farms – critics have warned that the country is reaching breaking point. One thing is undeniable – the countryside has spoken, and Westminster has been put on notice.

But where in mainstream media was all this featured? Like so many other inconvenient truths, it’s been pushed under the carpet or relegated to the minor pages.

SAD piece on Facebook in December. “I am a regular visitor to Swanage and I have said before that this is definitely the worst place I have ever been to in the UK for dog poo on pavements – and I am a dog owner. It is not tourists, as it’s the same all year round. I really don’t understand the problem here. Does no one care about their town? Or maybe the council needs to step up and start fining people?”

There just seems to be no social conscience here from many dog owners. And no authority. No law enforcement, and so I say to Swanage Council – stop being socially or politically correct and come down heavily on dog owners who allow their animals to foul the pavements. This is a really good new year’s resolution to make and to publish in these pages! And maybe start by letting us know how many dog wardens there are in Purbeck and how many successful prosecutions there were in 2025?

AND following on from the last edition and my comments on the Kidlington fly-tipping scandal – last night on the news, someone pointed out that it’s actually twice as big as they originally thought. But still waffle, blah, expressions of disgust but not a bulldozer or JCB in sight. It’s going to really stink when the summer comes…

New year and time to take stock

AS we step further into 2026, I’ve been taking stock of where we are as a county and what people are telling me matters most to them. In this role I spend a lot of time out and about, talking with residents, meeting local businesses, visiting community groups and hearing directly from those delivering services on the ground. Those conversations stay with me, and they shape how I approach the year ahead.

It’s no secret that the wider national picture continues to put pressure on local services. We feel it in our budgets, in the cost of materials and in the strain on the care sector. But what motivates me, every day, is seeing how Dorset Council’s teams continue to deliver despite those pressures. We’ve had to be inventive, careful and occasionally stubborn – but we’ve kept services steady and continued to invest where it matters most.

One of my personal priorities has been driving Dorset’s green transition. This isn’t a quick win or a headline grabber, it’s a

steady, determined shift in how we work as a council and how we look after our environment.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting community energy projects, talking with volunteers restoring local habitats and seeing first hand how small interventions can make a big difference – from retrofitting buildings to protecting rare species. I’m proud that we’re doing this even in tough financial times, because safeguarding Dorset’s natural heritage is not optional, it’s part of who we are. Another focus for me – and an area residents raise with me constantly – is the need for good jobs and genuinely affordable housing. Young people tell me they want to stay in Dorset but struggle to find homes they can afford.

businesses to expand opportunities and provide the foundations people need to build their lives here. It’s not easy in a rural county, but I’m determined that Dorset remains a place where families can thrive, not just visit.

I’m also very aware of the ongoing cost of living challenges facing residents. Although many of the causes lie beyond local control, I’m proud of the way Dorset’s communities respond.

Local employers tell me they could grow if they could attract and retain skilled staff. So, we’re continuing to work with housing associations, developers, colleges and local

Warm spaces, food projects, advice services – I’ve visited many of them, and the warmth and dignity with which volunteers support people is humbling. Dorset Council plays a part in this network, but it’s the people behind these initiatives who really make the difference.

As ever, our tourism and countryside management remain central to the character of Purbeck and the wider county. Preparing for the visitor

season may sound routine, but when I’m out walking with rangers or meeting parish councils about rights of way maintenance, I’m reminded how vital this work is – not only for visitors, but for residents who treasure these landscapes every day.

And yes, there are potholes. Rural infrastructure is under national strain, but we’re pushing ahead with preventative programmes wherever we can. When I’m in village halls or local meetings, people don’t ask for miracles – they ask for practical progress. That’s exactly what we’re focusing on.

Being Leader of Dorset Council is a privilege. It means facing up to challenges honestly but also championing the good work happening across our communities. As 2026 unfolds, my commitment remains the same, to keep Dorset moving forward – greener, fairer and rooted in the strengths that make this place so special.

NICK IRELAND Liberal Democrat Leader of Dorset Council

Fracking would damage environment

LAST year, this Labour Government pledged to speed up its plans to ban fracking. And up in Westminster, I am proud to support Labour’s fracking ban – which will help to safeguard Dorset’s unique countryside from harmful fracking operations in the future.

Many local people will already know that fracking is a highly controversial method of drilling and extracting shale gas from beneath the ground. And our part of the world has previously been identified as a potential site for fracking. We’re acting now because Nigel Farage and his team have already set out their dangerous

fracking plans for our community.

So far, Mr Farage has encouraged energy firms to prepare to ‘drill, baby, drill’ if he gets into government after the next general election. Nigel Farage has also set out his aspirations to immediately begin dishing out licences for fracking test sites across the country.

drilling has reportedly caused tremors.

Large scale fracking projects on our doorstep would likely also mean disruption in our villages and more congestion on local roads. This is the very last thing we need across beautiful Purbeck.

Let me be crystal clear, fracking is bad news for the countryside and bad news for Dorset. Extensive evidence shows that fracking projects can cause minor earthquakes, and even test

I have serious concerns that our rivers and wildlife would be damaged if Nigel Farage kickstarts a fracking free-for-all. Left unchecked, his fracking plans could put much of our cherished Jurassic Coast at risk as well. Put simply, I do not want to see

rogue fracking methods adopted that would then poison our riverways for years to come.

But at every stage, Nigel Farage has made clear that he is happy to ignore our community – and our legitimate concerns. It would seem he is only interested in environmental vandalism.

This year, I will work closely with this Labour Government to speedily implement a nationwide fracking ban. That way, we can send the frackers packing. With your support, we can keep Nigel Farage’s fracking nightmare far away from Purbeck.

LLOYD

HATTON Labour MP for South Dorset

Health & Wellbeing

The brain’s a gym: Why stretching your mind matters this new year

by Kay Parkinson

A NEW year is a natural time to pause and reflect. We might notice routines that feel dull or realise how easily our days slip into autopilot. Instead of jumping straight into resolutions, real change often starts more quietly, by paying attention to when our minds are craving something new.

Our brains, much like our muscles, are designed to be used. When they are not challenged, they can slow and stiffen, not because anything is wrong, but because they have not been invited to stretch. Learning something new offers that invitation.

Scientists call this neuroplasticity, the brain’s

ability to form new pathways throughout life. Whether it is a language, an instrument or a tricky new recipe, learning pulls us into unfamiliar territory and asks us to focus, adapt and stay curious. In doing so, it supports memory, problem-solving and resilience, helping to keep the mind alive. Learning in this way also has a grounding quality. When we are absorbed in something new, we naturally pay attention to what we are doing, where it feels awkward and where understanding begins to take shape. Without setting out to practise mindfulness, we often find ourselves more present and steadier.

Of course, being new at

something can feel uncomfortable. Picking up knitting needles or stepping into a dance class may stir embarrassment or self-criticism, especially when we compare ourselves to others. Yet this is where the deeper invitation lies. Honouring ourselves is not about getting it right, but about staying open. Every stumble is a sign the brain is doing exactly what it needs to do.

clicks or coaxing a sourdough to rise. These moments gently remind us that growth is still possible.

As this new year unfolds, perhaps the invitation is not to push harder, but to engage more gently. Stretch the mind with curiosity rather than pressure, allow yourself to be a beginner and trust that learning can be a meaningful way of honouring wellbeing.

426944 • 01202 910 920 office@dorsetfootclinic.co.uk • www.dorsetfootclinic.co.uk

07518 494 998 purbeckearcare.co.uk Tilly Mead Courtyard, Commercial Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DF

There is something particularly nourishing about learning alongside others, whether through a choir, a class or a shared game around the table. Connection itself is protective, easing stress and lifting mood. Alongside this comes the quiet joy of learning, the satisfaction of managing three chords on a guitar, finding a rhythm that finally

If this piece has resonated, you are very welcome to get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

Kay Parkinson is a psychotherapist specialising in trauma, emotional neglect, and the impact of shame on identity and self-worth, based in Bournemouth and working locally and nationally online. www.placetotalktherapies.co.uk

CHIROPODY

Meditations in nature: ‘When the crow makes wing to the rooky wood’

by Susanna Curtin

DESPITE the freezing January temperatures, there is still so much to be gained by being outdoors in nature. As a bird enthusiast, I particularly love this time of year. There are gatherings of winter migrants such as redwing and fieldfare that grace the fields and farmlands, an occasional deceit of lapwing, and increased numbers of migrant waders that come here to join the resident flocks of curlew, oyster catcher, snipe and redshank that frequent Dorset’s wetlands.

Today, I visited a Wildlife Trust reserve where I meandered around the lakes with my binoculars, notebook and lunchbox. Wrapped up against the biting wind, the bright winter sun has lifted any residue of stress left by the working week and has provided a welcome space for contemplation. Out on the water, were large flocks of Canada geese and back-headed gulls that shrouded the busy activity of the tufted ducks, gadwall and shelduck which drifted inbetween the larger birds. The familiar shape of a kingfisher skimmed over the surface, and coots and moorhen loitered around the edges. On the scrapes, common sandpipers and snipe pootled around, beak down, in pursuit of small invertebrates in the mud, while a small flock of lapwings stood perfectly still with their head tucked under their wings leaving a watchful eye on their surrounds. What a relaxing day this has been. It has gently combined nature, attention and stillness in a single mindful pursuit. Yet unbeknown to me,

nature’s wonders still had more to give.

Now on my way back home driving in the Vale, I marvel at the handsome lines of trees that decorate the rather still and forlorn landscape – their skeletal limbs clawing at the fading blue of this winter sky as the sun dips below the hills, leaving behind it a blushing, pinkening tinge in the clouds. Ahead of me, towards the wood, I become aware of a dark, tight cluster of birds, moving as one to form a living shape that is constantly forming and dissolving like smoke – a murmuration, not of starlings, but of rooks. Stopping the car, I get out to watch, for I have only seen rooks do this once or twice before. While I have often seen the usual dark ribbons and black tides of them flying home in the evening, this is different and far more special.

A rook murmuration has an entirely different character. Each bird is twice the size of a starling with broader wings, making it a darker, heavier cloud. It is also slightly slower and noisier with harsh caws and clamorous conversation. Starlings roost in a fast, agile and coordinated fashion with a soft whisper of wings like the wind, whereas these rooks create purposeful ribbons in a boisterous prelude to nightfall. They move with deliberation in shifting columns and clouds, making the sky itself feel full of breath and movement, as if the birds are carrying the heartbeat of the land home to roost.

We have about a million breeding pairs in the UK which live in rookeries perched high up in the trees. These rookeries

can be very large with untidy nests that decorate the treetops in winter. They adopt the same sites year on year, and some can contain thousands of birds and be in use for decades. Rooks are highly sociable birds that tend to move around the countryside in large groups. There is an old saying: “if you see a rook on its own, it’s a crow, if you see a crowd of crows, then they are rooks!” Although this is not always the case, it is often so. Towns and mountains are not for them, instead they choose open countryside and farmland. Apart from being more sociable than crows, they are distinguishable by the pale bare skin at the base of their daggershape beaks –whereas a crow’s beak is entirely black. They also look like they are wearing shaggy trousers given that the feathers on their thighs are ruffled and untidy, and in the sunlight their plumage has a wonderful purple sheen.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about rooks, and indeed most of the Corvid family which includes crows, ravens,

jackdaws, jays and magpies, is their superior intelligence. They have a large forebrain relative to their size. Similar to a prefrontal cortex in mammals, this allows them to problem-solve and memorise. In scientific studies they have demonstrated self-awareness in mirror tests, tool-using expertise and the ability to plan by storing food for later. Evolving in complex social groups such as theirs, creates intelligence as they remember individuals, past interactions with other birds and learn tactical deception such as hiding food from others.

As I see this dark dramatic murmuration draw to a close, and watch them tumble in turn down to their nests to roost, I am reminded just how much I revere these birds. Mostly, I love them for their playful aerial acrobatics on windy days, and how their large flocks, swollen with juveniles, mark the seasonal shift from late summer into autumn. But now, I have another reason to admire them. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com)

Thatcher Papers may make £100k

AN epochal discovery is set to headline Duke’s the Winter Auction later this month.

Jewellery trends for 2026

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers,

21 South Street, Wareham

I LOVE this time of year as we look ahead to jewellery trends for 2026!

One thing is clear – there is a growing love for pieces that feel personal, meaningful and made to last.

Rather than chasing fleeting fashions, many people are choosing jewellery with character and history – a trend that brings antique jewellery beautifully into the spotlight.

Individuality is at the heart of 2026 style.

Jewellery lovers are increasingly drawn to pieces that tell a story and feel truly their own.

Antique jewellery offers exactly that.

Whether it’s the charm of a Victorian brooch or the clean glamour of an Art Deco ring, each piece is unique, carrying a sense of craftsmanship hard to replicate today.

Sustainability is also increasingly important to shoppers and antique jewellery fits naturally with this more

thoughtful approach.

Choosing an antique piece means giving new life to something already beautifully made, without the environmental impact of modern production.

It’s a choice that feels both responsible and indulgent.

In terms of design, 2026 is embracing bold shapes, intricate details and richly coloured gemstones.

These features have long been hallmarks of antique jewellery, particularly from the Edwardian and Victorian eras, where colour and detail were celebrated.

It’s no surprise that modern trends are taking inspiration from the past.

What I find most appealing of all is the relaxed way jewellery is being worn.

Mixing old with new, layering pieces and wearing treasured items every day is very much in style.

Antique jewellery lends itself perfectly to this approach, offering warmth, beauty and a timeless charm that never goes out of fashion.

Unearthed in a cardboard box in a Somerset garage, a cache of highly important political papers has been hailed by experts as the ‘find of the century’.

Known as The Thatcher Papers, the archive documents the pivotal moment Margaret Thatcher was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 1975, a turning point in British political history.

Its emergence is especially resonant, coinciding with the centenary of Thatcher’s birth.

The archive is made up of more than 60 documents and letters, including Thatcher’s original nomination paper, proposed by Keith Joseph and seconded by her campaign manager, Airey Neave.

In her own hand, she writes: “I, Margaret H. Thatcher, consent to being nominated,” signing and dating the document 27 January 1975.

There are also ballot papers, correspondence from Thatcher, Edward Heath and then prime

The Thatcher Papers – 60 documents detail Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power

minister Harold Wilson, and the decisive result sheet dated February 11, 1975.

Signed by the 1922 Committee scrutineers, it records Thatcher’s emphatic victory with 146 votes to William Whitelaw’s 79.

The archive, described by experts as ‘utterly sensational’ is estimated to sell for £100,000. It is for sale with Duke’s of Dorchester in the Winter Auction on Thursday, January 29.

Home & Garden

Starting a new vegetable patch

by Sally Gregson

AT this seemingly ‘dead’ time of year while all spring is still asleep, gardeners’ thoughts are already turning to the new season. In the part of the garden designated for vegetables, the areas already treated by laying cardboard in autumn and early winter should soon be ready for an initial planting. A first row of early salads, initially sown and raised on a sunny windowsill, will be desperate for the space. Traditionally, the first vegetables to be grown in new land are potatoes. These ‘clean’ the ground of weeds, mostly by turning over the soil, but also from the competition of all those spuds growing and using up the nutrients, making them unavailable to the weeds.

A row of ‘first early’ potatoes should be ready to plant at the beginning of February, and harvested by the end of June, depending on the local weather conditions. It will be still early enough to sow a row of carrots

to harvest in autumn. Yet it will be too late for the dreaded carrot root fly to be on the wing as they come up.

January is not too early to browse the catalogues for different potato varieties and

‘Mint is too easy to grow –let it loose at your peril’

by Sally Gregson

AND what could go better with a plate of home-grown new potatoes than a few sprigs of mint? By April, when the potatoes will just about be ready to harvest, the garden mint should also be just showing.

There are hundreds of different species of Mentha, native to most parts of the world, and each with a subtly different flavour. They range from Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata var. cirspa, through spearmint, Mentha spicata, to the prettily variegated variegated apple mint or pineapple mint. These leaves are pale green, variably edged white, and seem to associate

well in the garden. It has lots of small, attractive, mauve flowers in summer. But, although it might be marginally less vigorous, it is still invasive enough to take over the garden. Let it loose at your peril. Mint is too easy to grow. The

decide whether or not to start with ‘first earlies’, ‘earlies’ or a maincrop variety. The earliest date for planting the ‘first earlies’ is late February to early March, depending on the weather. As soon as the weeds start growing, the soil has warmed up enough to get things moving. In theory, the soil temperature needs to be 10˚ c before growth can start.

In the meantime, ‘chit’ the potatoes. Place each one with three buds on top – rub out the other, lower green buds – in empty egg-box trays on a sunny, frost-free windowsill. The buds will start to push after a week or so when you could plant out each tuber in the warming soil, providing there are no frosts about. Potatoes come from South America. They dislike frost. Cover each tuber well with loose soil and label each row. And wait. Once the soil is warm enough, they will catch up with any that have been put out earlier. It’s as if they know that spring is just around the corner.

where they look very fine. Sit each plant in a saucer to retain the moisture it will need. And don’t forget to include it in the daily watering during the summer. The plant will die back in autumn when it would be wise to tip it out, roots and all, and chop the whole plant in half. Return one half to the pot with refreshed soil and give away or discard the other – but not on the compost heap. By changing the compost regularly, the mint will be less likely to develop mint rust, a disfiguring disease that eventually will kill it, and which renders the whole plant inedible.

roots seem to be just waiting for an excuse to get moving. To the extent that most garden mints are especially invasive in heavy or damp ground. It’s a familiar environment they love.

The answer is surely to grow all mints in terracotta pots

So, now is the time to choose your favourite mint for mint sauce to go with roast lamb. Or a refreshing glass of mint tea, made with a few leaves, a spoonful of sugar and steeped in boiling water. Mint tea is the drink of sultans.

Houseplant care in the depths of winter

THE weather may be cold outside but now is the time to give house plants some love. British Garden Centres offers some advice.

Low maintenance houseplants

ANYONE new to houseplants should pick easy ones that don’t need much care. Snake plants, ZZ plants and pothos are great for beginners. They grow in low light and handle missed watering fine. Spider plants make baby plants you can grow for free, while peace lilies droop when they need water, so easy to spot and care for. Cast iron plants survive in dark spots. Chinese evergreens do well in offices or bathrooms with little help. Parlour palms tolerate shade and dry air, while rubber plants add big leaves with basic care. Philodendrons trail nicely and forgive mistakes, making them a great low maintenance option.

Water right

FORGET the calendar when it comes to houseplant watering. All you need to do is put your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle – if it’s dry, give a gentle soak with room temperature water until it runs out the bottom, then tip away any excess. Too much water rots roots, too little crisps leaves, so it’s a good idea to check pot weight and soil moisture weekly to get the feel. Boost humidity

H OMES get dry from heating in winter, which hurts tropical plants like calatheas and ferns that prefer 80% humidity or more. Mist leaves daily to keep them happy or set your pots on pebble trays filled with water, place near a humidifier, or group plants together so they create their own moist air. You’ll see healthier, less droopy leaves in just a few days. Avoid tap water – if possible, it can leave white

spots on leaves from minerals. Place your houseplants in your bathrooms or kitchens with natural steam – this is where they often do best without extra help.

Find the right light HOUSEPLANTS need 12-16 hours of indirect light each day, so placing them in east or west-facing windows works best. Not enough light will make stems leggy and weak, and too much direct sun scorches leaves, so make sure to turn pots weekly for even growth all around and pick shade-lovers like philodendrons or snake plants for dim corners. Use a phone app to map your home’s light levels over a day, then tweak spots carefully to avoid shocking the plant with big moves.

Drainage

POTS must have holes at the bottom to let extra water drain out. Line them with crocks, broken pot pieces or mesh for good airflow and to stop soil washing away. Terracotta pots suit succulents and cacti because they let moisture evaporate fast. Glazed or plastic pots work better for leafier houseplants that like things a bit damper.

Repot

IF roots poke out the bottom holes or soil dries out too fast, it’s time to repot into a slightly bigger pot. Use peat-free compost mixed with perlite for good drainage and air around the roots. Go just one size up to avoid holding too much

Monstera likes bright, indirect light

water, which causes rot.

Pruning

SETTLE plants in 18-24°C spots with steady light and leave them be, as moving them may cause leaf drop. Snip off dead leaves and stems at the

base with clean scissors to focus energy on new growth. Feed lightly in winter and use balanced fertiliser every six weeks for leaf plants, and one with a potassium boost for flowering houseplants. Pests and diseases

CHECK weekly for spider mites – fine webs on leaves; mealybugs – white fluffy spots; or scale – small brown lumps on stems. Look for yellowing leaves, curling edges or brown spots too and isolate any sick plants right away. Wipe leaves with neem oil solution and improve air flow around them. Use a magnifying glass or phone camera zoom at home to spot tiny pests, and use natural treatments, mix garlic spray – crushed garlic in water – or soapy water to wipe bugs off safely.

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Field & Stream

50 years ago a home without electricity wasn’t so unusual

by AJ Selby

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them” – Andy Bernard MOST people I know are becoming more concerned with the state of the environment, and indeed, the entire planet. What resources will be available to our grandchildren? Will there be water wars? Will there be great migrations in the future?

Some of the scenarios one reads about are quite frightening and it was no surprise to read these words last week. “A good deal has been written in recent years on the wastefulness of a consumer society making inroads into limited natural resources, and pollution of the environment as these resources are turned into consumer goods.”

Except it was a surprise, as looking through my bookcase, I dug out my hardback original of The Cottagers Companion written in 1975 – that above sentence was in the introduction to the book. Plus ça change. The book, by DS Savage, is a useful manual to being more selfreliant in the countryside and

New strategy for nature recovery

A NEW approach to nature recovery is being implemented in Dorset to help restore and protect natural environment over the next decade.

The Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy maps out actions to reverse declines in nature and will guide planning,

along with the standard vegetable growing and livestock keeping, there are chapters on sourcing water and power for cottages without utilities.

When I first bought the book 50 years ago, that wasn’t such a strange notion. A lad in our village and a year younger than me at primary school lived in a house without electricity and it wasn’t considered particularly odd. His parents had built their own wooden two-storey chalet-type house on a large plot of land and erected the house on it in the late 1950s when it was a lot easier to get planning permission.

The lad was called David, and his dad designed and built the house, although he was a much older man than most of our fathers and carried a long, white beard – very Victorian. His mother was a kind and folksy woman who always seemed to be in a pinny, and she used to pick wild herbs and plants for cooking and did most of the gardening, too.

Some of us used to go to David’s house to play after school and it was lit with oil lamps and Tilley lamps – I can still hear the hiss of those lamps

land management, climate resilience and public health.

The strategy aims to meet the national goal of protecting or managing 30% of land, rivers and seas for nature by 2030, setting out 13 priorities. These include restoring grasslands, woodlands, hedgerows and heathlands through better planting, and improving rivers, lakes and wetlands such as Dorset’s rare chalk streams.

Other concerns involve

when I close my eyes and think back. The family had a big shed, 30ft long, and we used to take a lamp in there in winter and mess about with wood and metal and use his dad’s tools. Different days, but not really so very long ago. There were about 15 houses in our part of the village, which was close to the tiny village school and hall. The entire village was very spread out having the pub and village shop a mile away to the west of us and the church a half mile to the east, all in a fairly steepsided valley. I can still remember many of the names of the families in each of those houses.

I started school in the January, when I was five – I seem to recall it was the day after my birthday and I do remember it had been snowing. So, we walked to school in wellies with our mothers and changed into shoes when we arrived, hanging our coats around the coal fire in the classroom on the fireguard. I doubt if children will ever have an open fire in classrooms again, or, given the regularity of our wet and dreary winters, walk to school in January in snow.

We had a local bobby, Mr Wheeler, who would come and tell us in a kindly way that if we were caught breaking windows or scrumping apples, not only would he give us a clip around the ear but so would our fathers. We didn’t break windows, but we did make sure we weren’t caught in the apple orchards! The Reverend Ford would also

speak to us but he never preached, preferring to talk more about kindness and community – we did struggle to take him seriously in later years as, with his slightly protruding front teeth, he was a dead-ringer for Dick Emery’s vicar!

A visit by the reverend caused me the first cringeworthy moment of my life, when I was about eight or nine, and I still shudder when I think of it. During a practice session singing hymns, we were told to learn a new one – Once in Royal David’s City. Well, one skill I had then and still have now is an excellent memory and it only took me about 15 minutes to learn the words. Thinking I could go and read a more interesting book than a hymn book, I put my hand up and told the headmistress that I had learnt the words – and could I please do something else.

She said, ‘well done’ and as I glowed in the praise, she followed it with ‘but if you have learnt it already, please come to the front and sing it to the entire class’. My legs wobbled, my hands were clammy, I was as red as a beetroot and sweat beads formed on my brow. All my life I have had a voice somewhere between someone shovelling gravel and a dentist’s drill. I got to the front of class, ‘sang’ a couple of verses and was excused after that, sitting down in my seat to prevent my jelly legs giving way under me. Lesson learned. Keep your mouth shut in future Selby.

protecting coastal areas, creating space for natural habitats to recover and enhancing urban green spaces. Developed by Dorset

The Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out 13 priorities

Council, in partnership with BCP Council and Natural England, the strategy reflects the views of farmers, communities and environmental experts.

Businesses warned on new employment rights enforcement agency

THE clock is ticking for firms in the Purbeck Gazette area to get ready for the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), say experts from international business and advisory group Azets.

H-J Dobbie and Chris Waterson have warned that employers could face consequences, including fines, if they do not comply with the employment rights the FWA will enforce.

“The creation of the FWA marks a step change in the Government’s attitude towards employment rights and shows they will take a proactive approach to enforcing them,” said H-J Dobbie, head of HR Consultancy at Azets, which has Dorset offices in Poole and Blandford.

“Many of the areas the FWA will enforce when it launches in April – Statutory Sick Pay, statutory holiday entitlement and agency worker protections, for example – are areas employers should already be complying with, but if they don’t, the consequences of not doing so will become more serious from the spring of this year.”

The FWA’s new powers include the ability to enforce employer failure to pay payments to workers that include holiday and statutory sick pay (SSP).

It will be able to issue notices of underpayment to employers if employees have not received these payments, which can go back up to six years and must be paid within 28 days of being issued.

It will also be able to investigate employers it believes are not complying with employment law and under this will be able to enter a business’s premises, interview its staff and check documents, computers and equipment.

Chris Waterson, director of Payroll South at Azets, said:

“The Fair Work Agency will have the authority to impose financial penalties, publicly identify employers who fail to comply and represent workers in Employment Tribunal proceedings.

“Its introduction signals a major shift in how employment rights are enforced and businesses should begin now to

review their processes, including payroll processes around accuracy and compliance, to ensure readiness for its launch.

“Preparing now will help avoid penalties and reputational risk when the agency launches in April 2026.”

From April 1, the FWA will enforce the following key employment rights:

n Statutory Sick Pay

n National Minimum Wage (NMW), including entitlement to the NMW and record keeping requirements

n Unlawful deductions from pay.

n Statutory holiday entitlement and pay.

n Agency worker protections.

n Modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour.

n Zero hour and low guaranteed hour contracts and the right to request more stable hours.

n Gangmasters licensing.

n Obligations to pay sums ordered by an Employment Tribunal or a conciliation agreement.

n A new obligation to keep records demonstrating compliance with statutory holiday entitlement for six years.

Food & Drink

Air fryers: Safety and handy hints

AIR fryers have become the third most used appliance in UK kitchens, and a must-have for many, but it is important to use them safely.

Healthier cooking might be one of many people’s new year’s resolutions, but safety should be a part of the plan.

Dr Anderson, head of Learning and Development at food hygiene training experts High Speed Training, said: “Air fryers are incredibly convenient and are safer than traditional deep-frying, but like any kitchen appliance, they come with risks.

“Understanding the basics of air fryer safety can help to avoid accidents and keep your cooking stress-free.”

Some things should never be put in an air fryer.

Aerosol sprays can damage the non-stick coating and anything with wet batter should be avoided, too.

Wet batter won’t cook the food the same way it does when cooked in a deep fryer. The result will be soggy batter, rather than crispy.

Likewise, liquids should not be put in an air fryer as the hot air that circulates around the food can cause it to splatter, which can be dangerous and very messy.

Dr Anderson added: “Air fryers should be put on a worktop and near a power socket.

“If possible, you should keep the air fryer in a well-ventilated area of your kitchen, close to a vent hood, and you should turn

on the vent hood when using the air fryer.

“If it is not possible to use the air fryer in a well-ventilated area, ensure you open any windows while using it.

“You should plug your air fryer directly into the power socket and avoid using any extension cords.

“Extension cords can dip in power, which can cause faults in your air fryer.”

Another important

consideration is ventilation.

Air fryers have openings at the back to release hot air, so when the air fryer is on, users should ensure the hot air ventilation is not near a plug socket.

It is also important to make sure the lead is not over a hot surface, like a stove or hob, as this could melt the wire.

Dr Anderson has provided five essential air fryer safety tips:

n Ensure your food is cooked to the right temperature to reduce the risk of food poisoning. The best way to do this is by using a probe thermometer to check the core temperature of the food.

n Thoroughly clean the air fryer after every use. Any crumbs or food left in the basket can burn and affect the taste of the next dish you cook, and they can become a fire hazard. There is also a risk of food contamination.

n Always unplug the air fryer when it is not in use.

n Don’t overfill the air fryer basket. Overfilling can cause uneven cooking and therefore creates a risk of food poisoning.

n Don’t season the food with salt when it is in the air fryer. Salt can break down the lining of the air fryer basket. Wait until food is ready to serve before seasoning it with salt.

Free food help for new parents

SUPPORT for parents introducing their baby to solid foods is on offer this month with the Friendly Food Club’s Mush and Munch weaning course at Herston Village Hall. The free 90-minute sessions – over four Thursday mornings, from January 22 – offer practical advice and the chance for parents and caregivers to share stories, experiences and explore together with their little ones in tow.

The Purbeck Integrated Neighbourhood Team is funding the course.

Rachel Tapping, from Wellbeing Swanage, which is organising the course, said:

“The move from milk to meals is one of the first big adventures you and your child take together.

“The journey can be really

The Mush and Munch course will be held at Herston Village Hall

rewarding but can also be an anxious time.

“The course will help parents create happy, positive food memories from the very start.”

The course aims to reduce anxiety about feeding, provide

a safe environment for children to play with and explore new foods, including key allergenic foods, and equip families with ideas to encourage a wider, healthier diet that sets the foundation for long-term wellbeing.

Families with young children can register online, phone 01202 057100 or drop into the Welcome Lounge at the Focus Centre in Swanage High Street.

For more information, visit https://www.thefriendlyfood club.org/

SINGER, SONGWRITER

and multi-instrumentalist Sarah McQuaid is performing in Studland this month.

Sarah, who was born in Spain, raised in Chicago and is now settled in rural Cornwall, promises everything from contemplative ballads to playful blues and atmospheric instrumentals.

Audiences can expect

Variety the spice of Sarah’s life House party harks back to Irish tradition

THE Irish House Party music and dance show is stopping off at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on a UK tour.

The show is a traditional song-and-dance celebration dating back to the early 19th century, where loved ones were given a final farewell before emigrating to the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.

Musicians Declan Quinn –Irish flute and tin whistle – and Gerry Nolan – guitar/vocals – created The Irish House Party.

Declan said: “We first met playing at a traditional music session in a pub in Dublin.

stunning and distinctive vocals, a varied programme of original and folk songs, plus a few familiar covers.

Sarah, who has just returned from a two-month tour of the USA, brings warmth, wit and intimacy to every performance, and plays acoustic and electric guitars, piano and –occasionally – floor tom drum.

Now she is heading out on a short UK tour, including to Dorset, before working on a new album.

Sarah McQuaid is performing at the village halls in Shipton Gorge on Thursday, January 22; Studland on Saturday, January 24; Milborne St Andrew on Sunday, January 25; all at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

“From the very start, we clicked – not just musically, but in our shared passion to do something we truly loved full time.

“So we created The Irish House Party, a show that gave visitors to Dublin a real taste of what an Irish house party is actually like – intimate, lively, spontaneous and packed with music, dance and laughter.”

Gerry added: “When we created the Irish House Party, we wanted to go beyond the cliched stage Irish performances and really bring people into the culture, to help them understand the instruments, the stories behind the songs and the warmth of the tradition – all delivered with fun and humour.”

The Irish House Party is in Wimborne on Wednesday, February 11.

in the 1984

A

Piddletrenthide Memorial

Friday 23rd January 7.30pm. Tickets online at artsreach.co.uk or from Kelvin Bland: 07786-880676

Arts & Entertainment

A walk on the wild side

WILDLIFE cameraman, filmmaker and presenter Gordon Gordon is stopping off in Weymouth next month as part of a national tour.

Gordon has most recently been seen tracking lions, leopards and cheetahs in Botswana, for BBC One’s Big Cats 24/7.

Series two will be on screens early this year and filming on series three has recently completed.

Gordon has charted the lives of some of nature’s most charismatic beasts, and he has called his tour, hitting the road for a second time this month, Lions and Tigers and Bears.

“I’m really excited about doing the tour again! 2025 was a crazy year, starting with the first outing of the tour, and I’ve rounded it off with filming again in Botswana, then also in Kenya, and now I can count down to the first show back on tour,” he said.

“I’m very spoilt seeing lions and tigers and bears in the wild – so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to tour the country and share these stories with thousands of people, being able to give them a sense of what it is like to get up close to polars in the Arctic, how fast you need to run to escape a sloth bear and what it’s like to bottle feed grizzlies.

“Knowing that the show has been a success, and that audiences had a great time, makes it easier to prepare and look forward to going back out there.

“One of the joys of a live tour is seeing people leaving with a smile on their face, having had a fun, inspiring and uplifting evening, and I can’t wait to experience that again.

Gordon has a theory why people continue to be fascinated by big cats and bears.

“These iconic creatures are seen as these predators who are

out to get us,” he said.

“And with that comes a primal fear which dates back to the caveman – when our biggest fears weren’t job security and mortgage repayments, but actually surviving those big animals with teeth and claws.

“Going back into pre-history, humans lived alongside lions and bears – using knowledge and fear to stay safe.

“But funnily, these animals are also welcomed into our homes. Go into any family home and there will be a number of bears… We still have a big box of teddies from when the kids were small, and there are lions and tigers among them as well.

“Bears have infiltrated our lives – think Paddington, Rupert, Fozzie! Even Gentle Ben way back on TV – not that that featured the job as such, but I remember watching and thinking that’s what I want to be, up close with the bear, and it represented wild parts of the world for me.”

Gordon’s 30-year career capturing the lives of Mother Nature’s greatest beasts on camera began thanks to a chance meeting in a local pub on the Isle of Mull with one of wildlife filmmaking’s greats, survival cameraman, Nick Gordon.

From school days spent ‘disinterested, and daydreaming about the outdoors’ to an award-winning CV, he is now passing on his love for wild creatures to his artist daughter, Lola.

“I took Lola out to Botswana with me for her art, and it was incredibly special to introduce her to that place and the lions I’ve come to know out there,” he said of their recent adventure.

“When you do a job like mine, there’s an assumption you always take your kids and family along, but my wife Wendy has her own business and can’t just up and off. We

have always had a very structured home life, alongside my career.

“But this time with Lola has been like a full circle moment –the two passions of my life, my family and my career, coming together for the first time. And it has been wonderful.

“I knew bringing Lola would put a different spin on it, but I didn’t anticipate just how special it would be.

“A lot of her art so far has had animal themes, which is maybe not too surprising, but seeing her in the environment I’ve come to know so well, I can see a potential shift in her work.

“Sitting and watching a lion or baboon with your grown-up child, through their fresh eyes, has been really lovely and makes me realise how fortunate I am to have experienced what I have in my career.”

In 30-plus years with a camera in hand – with TV series Big Cat Diary, Lost Land Of The…, the Family & Me series, and Our Changing Planet on his resume, both filmmaking and the planet have changed hand-in-hand under Gordon’s gaze.

“Wildlife documentaries used to be about pointing at a lion, and saying ‘that’s a lion’,” he said.

“Now they are about their behaviour – how they live and interact in a modern world, some with humans, some in a fully wild environment.

“Lions and tigers and bears are all very much animals which have been shaped by the landscape and climate of where they are living.

“Polar bears in the Arctic are a real embodiment of that part of the world.

“They are one of these big key species which are truly part of their environment and shape their environment, and have had the biggest change in their environment with climate change; they are the animal most of us automatically think of when we think of that.

“The single biggest problem facing the planet and all its wild places and species is not actually climate change itself – it’s humans, it’s population growth.

“More and more land is being taken from the wild for food production, more minerals are being mined for things we want, and that takes away from the wild environments in a practical, physical sense, while also contributing to climate change as a side effect.”

Gordon Buchanan is at Weymouth Pavilion on Wednesday, February 4.

Spotlight Diary Arts & Entertainment

Songs of protest in the courthouse

MUSICIAN Billy Bragg will perform songs of protest in a fundraising concert at the Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester.

His acoustic set – A Short History of Protest Songs – in the hall’s historic courtroom, is in aid of the Shire Hall Trust.

The performance will feature a selection of protest songs, around a dozen influential covers and some of Bragg’s own compositions.

Bragg said: “The Shire Hall is an amazing space, scorched with history and drama.

“Justice has been meted out within its walls – and injustice, too – for it was here that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and condemned to transportation.

“Seems fitting then to play songs of protest in its courthouse.”

Bragg’s career includes benefit performances for causes such as the miners’ strikes, the Labour Party and CND, as well as over 20 years curating and leading Glastonbury Festival’s Left

Field political stage.

He received the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award at the Ivors in 2018 and has a street named after him in Barking – Bragg Close.

He was most recently honoured with a place on the Camden Music Walk of Fame alongside artists such as Madness, Amy Winehouse, The Who, David Bowie and The Kinks.

Billy Bragg is at the Shire Hall Museum on Saturday, January 24, at 7pm.

Tickets priced £20 are available only online at https://www.zeffy.com/ en-GB/ticketing/billy-braggpresents-a-short-history-ofprotest-songs

Double helping of rhythm and blues

RNB BAND Nine Below are stopping off at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne on a UK tour with their friends Dr Feelgood.

Dennis Greaves, from Nine Below Zero, said: “We’re going out with our good friends Dr Feelgood for a shot of RnB.

“To go along with these dates, we will be promoting our new album, Blues Power. These double-headed shows are real fun!”

The album is a collection of the best Blues tracks recorded by the band over the past 20 years.

Nine Below Zero are Sonny Greaves (drums/vocals); Anthony Harty (bass guitar/ vocals); Mark Feltham (harmonica/vocals); and Dennis Greaves (guitar/vocals).

Nine Below Zero and Dr Feelgood’s A Shot Of Rhythm and Blues tour is in Wimborne on Saturday, January 31.

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the February 2 issue is NOON on Thursday, January 22. Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

JANUARY

SATURDAY

18.30 WHIST DRIVE at St Mary’s Church, Rectory Classroom, Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516

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