The Purbeck Gazette - Issue 359 by The Blackmore Vale Limited

What’s inside this issue...

Prime Time pair set out marathon stall

TWO runners from Wareham will be tackling the London Marathon this spring in aid of the town’s Prime Time Kids Club.

Jono Darling, 42, is a kids club trustee and Tracey Mead, 53, is the finance and office administrator at Wareham St Mary Primary School, where the kids club is based.

happy just to finish and enjoy the day as much as possible.

Jono and Tracey have a JustGiving page and would be grateful for any donations, all of which go direct to Prime Time’s bank account.

Jono Darling and Tracey Mead will be running the London Marathon to raise money and awareness of Prime Time Kids Club

going very well. It’s very hard being motivated on cold, wet, dark nights, but I’ve been going to the sports centre to use the

The London Marathon is on Sunday, April 26, and Jono is hoping to complete the 26.2mile course in under four hours, and Tracey in possibly under five hours, but both will be

The address is: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ primetimekidsclublondon marathon2026

Prime Time Kids Club provides affordable childcare for working parents so they can work beyond the school day. It also provides subsided places for families on low incomes or experiencing difficult life circumstances.

Jono and Tracey obtained their London Marathon places through the charity ballot.

Prime Time will have two

View fit for a king

TIME is running out to visit the Kings’ View platform, high within the Keep at Corfe Castle, before it closes.

The National Trust was granted permission from Historic England to erect the platform as part of the castle’s major conservation works.

Launched in December 2024, the King’s View has given visitors the chance to ascend the Keep and access royal living quarters, where noone had set foot in over 350 years.

The tours, accompanied by a guide, have been popular, raising more than £63,000 to date with funds going towards conservation works.

The Keep – or King’s Tower – was built in about 1107 for King William’s son, King Henry I, from gleaming white Purbeck limestone.

It stood at 23 metres tall, positioned on top of a 55-metre-high hill, and could be seen from miles around.

Before its destruction by Parliamentarian troops in the Civil War, the tower had been used to provide Henry I with luxurious personal quarters and included the addition of a ‘garderobe’ – an early ensuite – and an ‘appearance door’ from which the monarch and his family could appear to his subjects, much as the balcony at Buckingham Palace is used today.

James Gould, operations manager at Corfe Castle, said: “When the castle was occupied by royalty, you would’ve needed some serious privilege to enter this area.

“It’s breathtaking up there and truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as we don’t know

if it can achieved again.”

He added: “We’d love as many people as possible to enjoy the experience before it’s gone and are still hopeful for a marriage proposal!”

Visitors have until Saturday, February 28, to visit the King’s View platform.

The £2 million conservation project to protect Corfe Castle from the impact of climate change, with specialist masons working from ropes and on scaffolding to remove vegetation and conserve the stonework, began in 2023.

Masons use similar techniques and materials to those of their predecessors nearly 1,000 years ago.

Stonemasons have been working throughout the seasons with the last phase focusing on the Inner Ward, including the North Building and walls perched above the steepest slopes of the mound.

These areas are among the least accessible and least studied, offering exciting opportunities for new discoveries.

They are also working in the same area where archaeologists recently searched for the long-lost sallyport featured on BBC’s Hidden Treasures.

The sallyport was a gateway that enabled Parliamentarian forces to capture the castle during the Civil War.

Christina Newnham, senior building surveyor at the National Trust, said: “During this final phase, we’re working through some very cold months on walls that are hardest to reach.

“However, every stone tells a story, and this phase could reveal more secrets about

Corfe’s dramatic past.”

Corfe Castle’s walls, some dating back to the 11th century, have endured centuries of weathering and deliberate destruction during the Civil War.

Today, climate change poses a new threat – hotter summers dry out lime mortar, while warmer, wetter winters accelerate vegetation growth, loosening stones and destabilising walls.

This project aims to make the castle resilient for generations to come.

Once complete, a near constant cycle of conservation is planned focusing on ongoing care and vegetation management.

The conservation project is being supported by a grant of £150,000 from the Wolfson Foundation, with the rest funded by the National Trust.

A fundraising appeal is ongoing with all proceeds going towards the conservation works.

The Kings’ View platform at Corfe Castle will be closing at the end of the month

Writing workshop at library

LOOKING for a non-pressured chance to get creative?

Join published non-fiction author Georgie Codd for a free guided writing workshop at Swanage Library on Friday, February 6.

This relaxed session running from 11.30am-12.30pm will help participants connect with what’s around them, play with words and descriptions, and boost creative confidence.

Georgie says: “No experience is necessary – this will be a

session with no rights or wrongs!”

Advance booking is essential – visit the library to reserve a free place, book online at https://tinyurl.com/6ywapb8e or email swanagelibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Beetle drive for charity

CORFE Castle Village Hall is the venue for a family beetle drive in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

The charity has a branch in Swanage which meets once a month.

Family history surgeries

INDIVIDUALS researching their family history can get a helping hand at Dorset History Centre in Dorchester.

A Family History Surgery, which runs on Friday from 1pm-4pm, offers one-hour one-to-one sessions with a trained genealogist volunteer.

Sessions, scheduled through to late February, are free of charge and can be booked in advance at www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk/w/family-historysurgery, on 01305 250550 or by emailing archives@

Mozart by candlelight

TWO of Mozart’s best-loved works of chamber music, Eine kleine nachtmusik K.525 and the Clarinet Quintet K.581, are set to be performed in the evocative, candlelit setting of St

The event is on Saturday, February 28, from 7pm, adults £5, children aged five to 15 free.

Refreshments and a grand raffle will be on offer with prizes for the best beetle drawn

dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said:

“The Dorset History Centre holds a wealth of records that help tell the story of our county and the people who live here.

“The new Family History Surgery is a great way to support residents in exploring that history for themselves.

“Whether someone is just starting out or needs help with more detailed research, these sessions will offer valuable, friendly guidance.

“I’m pleased to see this new opportunity encouraging more people to engage with our shared heritage.”

Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The programme lasts about an hour and is presented without an interval.

Tickets for the concert on Friday, February 20, at 7pm, are priced £15 and are available online at https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/st-peterschurch-dorchester

Our Dine & Stay package includes complimentary membership to our Leisure Club throughout your stay, a romantic three-course dinner with a welcome glass of prosecco, followed by an overnight stay in your chosen accommodation and breakfast the next morning.

Prefer to join us just for the evening? Enjoy three courses from our Valentine’s menu, accompanied by a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival.

These offers are available on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February 2026. Please contact a member of our Reception team by phone or email for bookings and further details 01929 552177 | enquiries@thespringfield.co.uk

To view our menu and accommodation options, please visit www.thespringfield.co.uk.

Author Georgie Codd

Grange Road, Wareham Dorset, BH20 5AL

Repair Café: If it’s broken, they’ll fix it...

by Nick Hunt

REPAIR Café Weymouth was launched by volunteers in March 2019, and continues to thrive as a place where broken household items can be fixed in exchange for an optional donation.

Events are on the second Saturday of each month, at Southill Community Centre (DT4 9SS).

As a society we throw away vast amounts of ‘stuff’, much of which could get a new lease of life with a simple repair.

At a Repair Cafe, you’ll find expert volunteers to help achieve repairs – and tea and cakes.

All that’s asked is that a donation is considered to help

with running costs.

Each event provides an opportunity for visitors to take along items including electrical and electronic devices, sewing repairs, binoculars, clocks, jewellery, leatherwork, tool sharpening, glueing, mechanical repairs and misbehaving sewing machines, where one of about 20 skilled volunteer repairers will assess and fix items, where possible.

Chair, Malcolm Smith, said: “We always hope to cover the costs of running each event, which is why donations are always welcome.

“Each year, if any donation funds are remaining, they are donated to nominated local

charities, and this year we’ve helped Fresh Start, Urgent Treatment Centre in Weymouth, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Sailing for the Disabled, Andy’s Man Club and The Samaritans.”

The organisations shared £2,000.

The Repair Café movement began in the Netherlands in 2009 and has gathered momentum around the world ever since with the slogan Don’t Bin It – Fix It.

The Repair Café Weymouth is always looking for more volunteers, and while special skills are not needed to be part of the Repair Cafe family, to become a repairer some sort of specialisation is useful.

For more information, email repaircafeweymouth@gmail. co.uk or go along to an event.

The Repair Café’s website is at www.repaircafeweymouth. org and can be found on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RepairCafeWeymouth

The Repair Cafe recently made a donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. In the picture (from left) Repair Café chair Malcolm Smith; Repair Café treasurer Jill Davis; Richard Wiggingron, Caren Wiggington, Sally Scragg, West Dorset MND Association

Hatton presses case on hospital clinics

LOCAL MP Lloyd Hatton has urged the Secretary of State for Health to help restore the rheumatology clinic at Swanage Community Hospital and the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham Community Hospital.

The Labour MP for South Dorset has been campaigning for both clinics to be revived for months.

The clinics were closed several years ago and many patients in Swanage and across Purbeck have to travel miles to receive care, relying on relatives who drive, paying for expensive taxis or spending hours on buses.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Hatton called on the Secretary of State for Health to support restoring the clinics in Swanage and Wareham.

He said: “Both clinics were closed despite good health outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction.”

In his question, Mr Hatton said it was important that key services and clinics are located closer to where patients live and urged the Secretary of State to work with NHS bosses in Dorset to restore these clinics.

Mr Hatton said: “I have spoken with countless local people on the doorstep and at my coffee mornings who have found it increasingly difficult to access care.

“We must restore clinics at our community hospitals –otherwise patients will continue to be forced to travel for appointments.”

He added: “I am fed up with patients living across Swanage

and Purbeck being asked to travel further and further up the road whenever they need to access care or treatment.

“It is essential that we shift key services and clinics to a community hospital setting wherever possible.

“Restoring both these clinics is vital to ensuring that my

constituents can get the care they need on their doorstep.”

Mr Hatton says he will continue to engage with local NHS bosses and patients to ensure the clinics are restored in Swanage and Wareham soon.

More talks at museum

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

The next is by county archaeologist Steve Wallace on High Angle Battery on February 4, with Tom Cousins from Bournemouth

University speaking on Maritime Archaeology on February 11. 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

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton

RNLI in a world at war

A NEW free exhibition focusing on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Second World War story is running at Lighthouse Poole.

RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45 features rarely viewed artwork and artefacts from the RNLI’s heritage collections and explores how volunteer crews saved lives at sea in extraordinary conditions.

The exhibition highlights the different experiences RNLI crews had across the regions, from Ireland’s neutral stance to the occupation of the Channel Islands.

It also covers Poole Lifeboat Station’s connection to Dunkirk, the RNLI’s role in the Battle of Britian and the many lives it saved, and how women helped the RNLI from

the home front.

The exhibition looks at how RNLI crews continued to save lives throughout huge moments in the Second World War and marks their bravery.

Visitors will be able to see rarely viewed artworks on display, including paintings depicting rescues at sea and portraits of key RNLI figures.

Some of the paintings have undergone painstaking conservation ready for the exhibition.

Items from the RNLI heritage collection will also be on display, including a compass and signal lamp that went to Dunkirk.

A free activity trail is available for younger visitors, as well as videos, an audio booth and a dress up section to help bring stories to life.

support the RNLI in sharing these remarkable stories of courage from the Second World War.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this exhibition brings to life the bravery and resilience of lifeboat crews who risked everything to save lives at sea.

“Preserving and celebrating this heritage ensures that future generations understand the vital role these volunteers played during one of history’s most challenging times.”

A range of free events is running for visitors while the exhibition is open.

Hayley Whiting, heritage and archive manager at the RNLI, said: “We are really excited to launch the Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition at Lighthouse Poole, marking the RNLI’s Second World War story.

“We have focused on telling the incredible stories of our crew and those connected to some the biggest moments of the Second World War to bring the exhibition to life.

“We wanted to mark the bravery of our crew with this exhibition who continue to inspire the charity today.

“We would encourage all local people to come and visit our new free exhibition which has something for everyone.”

Stuart McLeod, director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to

They include a walking tour of Poole to share local connections to the RNLI, hearing from a family member saved by the RNLI during the Second World War and meeting current crew.

“We are really excited to invite RNLI into Lighthouse,” said Martha Earley, creative engagement manager at Lighthouse Poole.

“We have been supporting organisations and communities to tell Poole’s story as we reflect on the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which culminates in this exhibition from RNLI.”

The exhibition and free events are made possible thanks to a grant awarded to the RNLI from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories from the Second World War.

RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45 runs until Saturday, February 28, Tuesday to Saturday.

Poole station. ON 811, Surf class, Thomas Kirk Wright PHOTO: RNLI

Poole lifeboat Thomas Kirk Wright is launched down the slipway at the old Poole lifeboat station, now a museum. Colourised image from black and white PHOTO: RNLI

THE Purbeck Mummers performed to a packed audience in the orchard at a wassail at Purbeck Cider Farm.

The ancient tradition is designed to ensure a good harvest.

The Mummers sang their wassail song, the king and queen placed cidersoaked toast and sprinkled last year’s cider on the roots of an old apple tree, while members of the

audience held flaming lanterns. Pots and shields were

banged, to resounding cheers of ‘wassail’ to scare the old spirits away.

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Sir Mark lauds film festival

“Of course, cinema has survived the invention of sound, of TV and computers.

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ACCLAIMED actor and director Sir Mark Rylance has praised the ‘remarkable’ Purbeck Film Festival as it gears up to mark its 30th anniversary.

The festival was established in 1996 with the aim of bringing a variety of cinematic experiences to the area.

Scores of films will be shown across Purbeck in the autumn, from cinemas and church halls to village halls and sports clubs, as well as special events throughout the year.

“Will it survive the isolating technology of AI. Artificial intelligence, which puts the mind and knowledge before the heart and soul of what it is to be human?

“I know small festivals like ours are a godsend for filmmakers, often imagining something different than the mainstream world, as we all do who live on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck.”

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Sir Mark, who is a patron of the festival, said: “We are indisputably lovers of film as our Purbeck Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Tel: 07832 331594 or Email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

The festival began by showing films in two local cinemas but has grown to screen scores of UK and international films, including outdoor summer events at local landmarks, including Corfe Castle.

“Quite remarkable when most cinema festivals and indeed cinemas themselves are struggling to survive the juggernaut of new technology.

The main festival runs from October 16 to November 1 this year.

Sir Mark Rylance – Purbeck Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year

Join us for a special Community Weekend celebrating the people, skills and stories behind the railway.

Enjoy hands-on experiences, behind-the-scenes activities and family-friendly fun, alongside our heritage train services.

Dorset residents receive 50% off tickets.

Find out more at: swanagerailway.co.uk

Hundreds involved in ferry counter-terrorism exercise

A MAJOR counter-terrorism drill aboard a cross-Channel ferry brought together multiple agencies at Poole Port.

Several hundred people, including counter terrorism policing, the fire and rescue and service and paramedics, tested their response to a major terrorism incident on a Brittany Ferries vessel.

The scenario, coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing South West (CTPSW) working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), tested the way police and partners reacted to challenging, dynamic incidents on and offshore.

The exercise was not in response to any specific threat or intelligence but part of a regular national testing and exercising programme.

Regional assistant chief constable Andy Hill, speaking on behalf of Counter Terrorism Policing South West, said:

“Exercises like this take place regularly across all emergency services and are a crucial way of testing the response that would be required in the event of a major incident such as a terrorist attack.

“Not only do exercises help us all understand each other’s roles, they also provide an

The exercise was part of a regular national test and exercise programme

ensures we deliver an immediate and robust response to a major incident with our partners.

“Simply put, this is about protecting the public with a strong and dynamic response that helps us to protect life.

“I would like to personally thank everyone who was involved to make this exercise possible.”

opportunity to identify learning, which can then be adopted to strengthen our response and ensure we provide the best possible protection to our communities.”

Dorset Police’s assistant chief constable Steve Lyne said: “We were delighted to host the exercise here in Dorset and work with our partners across the region and beyond.

“This type of training is an integral part of policing and

Captain Brian Murphy, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “Hosting an exercise of this scale enabled partners to test coordination, communication, preparedness and response arrangements in a live port environment, while ensuring the continued safety of passengers, staff and harbour users.”

Jo Bussell, Brittany Ferries’ director UK ports, said: “Taking part in training exercises supports our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and crew members.”

The threat to the UK from terrorism remains at substantial.

M argaret Green Animal Rescue

MARGARET Green Animal

Rescue is developing a new fostering programme to give rescue dogs a loving home environment, while they await their forever families.

Fostering is ideal for dogs which need a little extra comfort and care, including puppies, older dogs, those recovering from veterinary treatment and dogs which struggle in a kennel environment.

A foster home allows them to relax, feel safe and receive the individual attention they need.

Harley, a nine-year-old cavalier cross cocker spaniel, has been one of the first dogs to benefit from the programme.

When he arrived, he had several ongoing veterinary needs.

Being in a foster home has given him the calm, comfortable space he needs to recover and prepare for his journey to a permanent home.

We want to help more dogs get the second chance they deserve – and you could play a vital part.

As a foster carer, you provide the love and care, while we cover the costs, offer training and support you every step of the way.

We are currently seeking adult-only households, with no other pets, located within an hour of Blandford, Dorset. If you’d like to find out more, please email lincolnfarm@mgar.org.uk or phone 0330 400 6670 (option 2) to register your interest.

29th Feb - 3rd March

- Victorian Weekend, 22nd March - 24th March

Motor Show - Diesel Gala, 25th May - 26th May

Barbarians Rowing Regatta

25th May - 9th June

May - 1st June

Regatta, 8th June

15th June - 16th June - ‘Roads to Rail’

Regatta

EVENTS IN SWANAGE 2025!

Swanage Market every Friday throughout the year in Main Beach Car Park

Swanage Railway - Spring Gala - Friday 28th March - Sunday 30th March

July - 14th July

Beach Gardens Open Day - Saturday 28th March

Swanage Railway - Spring Gala - Friday 28th March - Sunday 30th March

Swanage Railway - Spring Gala - Friday 27th March - Sunday 29th March

Swimming Festival, 20th July - 21st July

MARCH

Swanage Carnival Classic Motor Show - Sunday 27th April

MARCH

Swanage Carnival Classic Motor Show - Sunday 27th April

ARNIVAL WEEK! 27th July - 3rd August

Swanage Carnival Classic Motor Show - Sunday 26th April

Blues Festival, 29th Feb - 3rd March

Swanage Railway - Victorian Weekend, 22nd March - 24th March

Swanage Railway - Diesel Gala - Friday 9th May - Sunday 11th May

APRIL

Coastal Barbarians Rowing Regatta - Saturday 17th May

Carnival Classic Motor Show, 21st April

Swanage Railway - Diesel Gala - Friday 8th May - Sunday 10th May

Carnival Classic Motor Show, 21st April

Craft Fair & Fete, 8th August 10th August - 18th August

Pirate Festival - Saturday 24th May - Sunday 25th May

Pirate Festival - Saturday 23rd May - Sunday 24th May

Coastal Barbarians Rowing Regatta, 27th April

Purbeck Art Weeks - Saturday 24th May - Sunday 8th June

MAY

Purbeck Art Weeks - Saturday 23rd May - Sunday 7th June

Fairy Festival - Friday 30th May - Saturday 31st May

Swanage Railway - Diesel Gala, 10th May - 12th May

Pirate Festival, 25th May - 26th May

theatre - Peter Pan, 11th August - 12th August 31st August

Sea Rowing Summer Regatta - Saturday 7th June

Purbeck Art Weeks, 25th May - 9th June

The Fish & Food Festival - Saturday 13th June - Sunday 14th June

Purbeck Art Weeks, 25th May - 9th June

Fairy Festival, 31st May - 1st June

Sea Rowing Supervets Regatta - Sunday 8th June

Fairy Festival, 31st May - 1st June

Sea Rowing Supervets Regatta - Sunday 8th June

Sea Rowing - Summer Regatta Weekend - Saturday 20th June - Sunday 21st June

JUNE

Fish & Food Festival - Saturday 21st June - Sunday 22nd June

JUNE

Fish & Food Festival - Saturday 21st June - Sunday 22nd June

Swanage Railway - Roads to Rail Steam Rally - Friday 26th June - Sunday 28th June

Sea Rowing Regatta, 8th June

Swanage Railway - ‘Roads to Rail’ - Friday 27th June - Sunday 29th June

Sea Rowing Regatta, 8th June

Swanage Railway - ‘Roads to Rail’ - Friday 27th June - Sunday 29th June

Fish Festival, 15th June - 16th June

September - 8th September

Hants & Dorset Coastal Rowing Regatta - Saturday 4th July

Swanage Railway - ‘Roads to Rail’, 28th June - 30th June

Coastal Rowing Regatta - Saturday 5th July

Jazz Festival - Friday 10th July - Sunday 12th July

Coastal Rowing Regatta, 29th June

Jazz Festival - Friday 11th July - Sunday 13th July

JULY

Jazz Festival - Friday 11th July - Sunday 13th July

The Wild Swimming Festival - Saturday 18th July - Sunday 19th July

- Classic Steam & Vehicles, 6th September - 8th September Festival, 20th September - 22nd September

Wild Swimming Festival - Saturday 19th July - Sunday 20th July

Jazz Festival, 12th July - 14th July

SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! - Saturday 25th July - Saturday 1st August

Wilkswood Reggae Festival - Thursday 24th July - Sunday 27th July

The Wild Swimming Festival, 20th July - 21st July

SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! 27th July - 3rd August

SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! - Saturday 26th July - Saturday 2nd August

SWANAGE CARNIVAL WEEK! 27th July - 3rd August

AUGUST

Rotary Summer Fete - Thursday 6th August

AUGUST

Festival, 3rd October - 6th October

Rotary Summer Craft Fair & Fete, 8th August

Rotary Summer Craft Fair & Fete - Thursday 7th August

Lifeboat Week - Saturday 8th August - Saturday 15th August

Rotary Summer Craft Fair & Fete - Thursday 7th August

Lifeboat Week, 10th August - 18th August

Lifeboat Week - Saturday 9th August - Sunday 17th August

Harmans Cross - Annual Fete & Show - Bank Holiday Monday 31st August

Lifeboat Week - Saturday 9th August - Sunday 17th August

Rowing Regatta, 5th October

SISATA outdoor theatre - Peter Pan, 11th August - 12th August

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival - Thursday 14th August - Sunday 17th August

Music by the Sea, 31st August

Harmans Cross Field Day and Fayre - Monday 25th August

SEPTEMBER

Folk Festival - Friday 11th September - Sunday 13th September

IN SWANAGE

Folk Festival, 6th September - 8th September

Swanage Railway - Autumn Steam Gala - Friday 11th September - Sunday 13th September

Planet Purbeck - Discovery Fest - Saturday 19th September

Folk Festival - Friday 5th September - Sunday 7th September

Swanage Railway - Classic Steam & Vehicles, 6th September - 8th September

Planet Purbeck Festival, 20th September - 22nd September

Swanage Railway - Classic Steam & Vehicles - Friday 5th September - Sunday 7th September

Planet Purbeck Festival, 20th September - 22nd September

Beach, November - December tbc

Planet Purbeck Festival - Saturday 20th September

OCTOBER

Planet Purbeck Festival - Saturday 20th September

OCTOBER

Blues Festival - Thursday 1st October - Sunday 4th October

Switch on, 30th November

Blues & Roots Festival, 3rd October - 6th October

The Purbeck Film Festival - Friday 16th October - Sunday 1st November

- Christmas Events, November - December tbc Market, 7th December Dip! 26th December Festival, 18th October - 2nd November

25th Swanage Blues Festival - Thursday 3rd October - Sunday 5th October

Supervets Rowing Regatta, 5th October

Swanage Literary Festival - Friday 6th November - Saturday 7th November

25th Swanage Blues Festival - Thursday 3rd October - Sunday 5th October

Supervets Rowing Regatta, 5th October

Purbeck Film Festival - Friday 17th October - Sunday 2nd November

Purbeck Film Festival, 18th October - 2nd November

CHRISTMAS IN SWANAGE

Artisans on the Beach - Saturday 21st November - Sunday 20th December

CHRISTMAS IN SWANAGE

Artisans on the Beach, November - December tbc

Artisans on the Beach - Saturday 22nd November - Sunday 14th December

Switch on the Christmas Lights - Saturday 28th November

Artisans on the Beach - Saturday 22nd November - Sunday 14th December

Christmas Lights Switch on, 30th November

Swanage Pier Trust - Christmas Events - Various dates in December

Christmas Lights Switch on - Saturday 29th November

Swanage Railway - Christmas Events, November - December tbc

Swanage Railway - Christmas Events - Dates TBC

Swanage Railway - Christmas Events - November - December tbc

Rotary Christmas Market, 7th December

Rotary Christmas Street Market - Saturday 6th December

Rotary Christmas Street Market - Saturday 5th December

The Boxing Day Dip! 26th December

Information Centre / 01929 766018 / welcome@swanage.gov.uk. throughout the year see our website ‘Visit Swanage’

The Boxing Day Dip! - Thursday 26th December

The Boxing Day Dip! - Saturday 26th December

Swanage Information Centre / 01929 766018 / welcome@swanage.gov.uk For more events throughout the year see our website ‘Visit Swanage’

Arts venue’s ticket sales hit 10-year high

LIGHTHOUSE Poole, one of the UK’s biggest multi-venue regional arts centres, is reporting a record year as ticket sales hit a 10-year high.

In the year 2024-25, Lighthouse sold 201,800 tickets to 1,113 performances and screenings.

That was an increase of 11% on the 181,373 sold in 2023-24 and up from 180,751 in 201516.

Attendance at the arts centre’s cinema also saw a big increase year-on-year, with 37% more tickets sold for the relaunched film programme.

Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: “Our eclectic and diverse programme is designed to offer something for everyone, spanning a wide range of artistic genres and appealing to all ages and interests.

“We know many in our community are feeling the pressure of the current economic climate, and that spending on non-essential items can be difficult.

“That’s why it is especially heartening to see such strong support for Lighthouse.

“It’s clear that our community truly values the chance to experience live performances and events, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment.”

Some of the most popular shows of the year to April included the return of rock icon Paul Weller, the Olivier winning West End hit Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) and Edinburgh Fringe smash …

Earnest?

The Theatre Royal Bath adaptation of 1984, the collaboration between kora maestro Seckou Keita and the BSO, African Rhapsodies, and the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, also sold well.

More than 20,000 people visited the venue for the first time in the last year.

Lighthouse also increased its creative work with artists and the local community in the last year.

It delivered more than 19,000 creative workshop engagements with the local community, including 13,515 with young people up to the age of 19.

Lighthouse has also increased its support of local artists, mainly through its Sanctuary artist development residency, working with 26% more artists than the previous year, 86% of whom are from Dorset.

The aim is to provide a place where artists have the space to create work for future touring and development.

Artists to have benefited include Diverse City, The Shouting Mute, OffPiste Theatre, Angel Exit and Dorsetborn.

The figures are contained in Lighthouse’s Annual Impact Report for 2024/25.

East Burton Village Hall events – February

by Patricia Hook

FEBRUARY already! Still, nearly spring, and I notice a fair number of daffodils already blooming around the area.

Pancake Day falls on Tuesday, February 17, and, as it is during the school holidays, we are going to have another pancake racing session at East Burton Village Hall with pancakes and soft drinks, tea and coffee afterwards. The racing starts at 11am and we will serve refreshments between noon and 1pm. No entry fee, but donations will be welcome.

Our coffee and cake morning at East Burton Village Hall is on Friday, February 13, at the usual time, 10am-noon.

The next Gardening Club evening at East Burton is on Thursday, February 26, when Martin Young will be giving a presentation entitled Look Forward to Spring. We always welcome new members and would love to see you at 7.30pm.

All the usual activities at East Burton will be taking place – we offer yoga, kickboxing, Mad Melodies Choir, board and card game afternoons, and a fitness class.

The February film from Wool Community Cinema is Downton Abbey, the Grand Finale, on Friday, February 20. It starts at 7pm, doors open 6.30pm. Admission is £6 for adults and £3 for under-16s. Visitors are very welcome to bring hot or cold food and drinks. Some soft drinks and coffee and tea are also available for purchase at the hall.

For more information on any of the above, email me at or phone 01929 288020.

The Friends of Wool Library are looking for new trustees. If this interests you, email the chair of trustees,

Judy Price, at Friends@ Woolcommunitylibrary.org.

The registered charity supports Wool Community Library in many ways. Every member makes a significant contribution, as their annual subscriptions provide the core funding for running the library. Some members also volunteer to be part of the day-to-day manning and operational management.

Another important way of supporting the library is to become a trustee – overseeing funding, policies and development – while also being a Friend.

Lighthouse Poole and (inset) chief executive Elspeth McBain MAIN PHOTO: Jayne Jackson Photography

Museum visit takes pupils back in time

PUPILS from St Mark’s Primary School, Swanage, were taken back in time when they visited the Etches Museum in Kimmeridge to find out about marine life from over 150 million years ago.

The trip was an opportunity to consolidate what the children had learnt in school about rocks, fossils and soils.

After an introduction about the Jurassic Coast, from Nick Nugent, the museum education coordinator, and some hands-on fossil examination, the children took part in a quiz.

Their answers showed how much information the pupils had absorbed throughout the morning.

Nick said: “The museum’s education programme has grown enormously over the last four years, with about 100 educational groups hosted this year alone.

“Our most frequent visitors are Dorset primary schools, in particular seven- and eight-yearolds.

“My favourite part of a school visit is the question and answer session, as the questions asked by the children are both unpredictable and wonderful.”

In the gallery, the children were able to see the 2m long skull of the pliosaur, the subject of the BBC film presented by David Attenborough.

The youngsters were

Packham talks wildlife crime

TELEVISION wildlife

presenters Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin are set to headline an event at Careys Secret Garden, near Wareham.

They will be talking about their recent investigation into illegal bird slaughter in Cyprus as part of the Bringing Nature Back event, held as part of the Migration Festival.

The talk shines a light on the challenges facing migratory birds and the need for conservation action.

Talks, walks, comedy and hands-on workshops set across the gardens and wider Careys estate will feature in Bringing Nature Back, which runs from Friday to Sunday, February 13-15.

Visitors can enjoy guided osprey tours, bird ringing

demonstrations, rewilding walks and insights from Birds of Poole Harbour on nature recovery across the local landscape.

The weekend also features leading voices in conservation and environmental alongside creative and family-friendly events.

Highlights include Tilly Ingram Theatre’s live performance The Hide, natureinspired workshops, film screenings, a light-hearted bird quiz and activities for children.

fascinated by the story of its excavation and by the range of fossils on display.

Class teacher Paula Davies said: “We are so lucky to have such an incredible facility on our doorstep, which can provide such an excellent educational programme.

“Thank you to Nick for providing such an informative and fun day.

“The children were so inspired by their visit, they asked numerous purposeful questions, and every element of the day was a favourite for someone.”

Headteacher Katy Astle added: “Educational visits like this are invaluable in bringing learning to life.

“The Etches Museum offered our pupils a truly memorable experience, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of the world beneath their feet.

“We are hugely appreciative of the expertise of the museum staff and the continued support of the Mansel-Pleydell Trust, which enables our children to access such enriching opportunities beyond the classroom.”

Nick said: “We especially enjoyed hosting St Mark’s Year 4s this month, who brought a lot of knowledge, energy and joy into the museum as well as more than the usual number of budding palaeontologists!”

Burns Night at care home

RESIDENTS, family members and staff at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy enjoyed a Burns Night Supper.

They marked the Scottish institution by drinking a dram of whiskey and giving the timehonoured address to the ‘Great chieftain O’ the pudding race’ – the haggis.

The evening ended with the traditional Auld Lang Syne.

Home general manager

Mevin Sohorye, said: “Burns Night is always a superb event at Upton Bay – it’s so important to continue these traditions.Our residents enjoyed a hearty meal of Scotch broth, haggis, cheese and biscuits, along with Scottish shortbread, all prepared by our head chef, Alain.

Activities lead, Karen, said: “I enjoyed addressing the haggis and taking a lead with a traditional toast where the men make a toast to the lassies with a wee dram – whiskey. Burns Night is always a brilliant night here.”

Children from St Mark’s Primary School study the fossils at the Etches Museum in Kimmeridge

Burns Night at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy

Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin

PHOTO Fabian Harrison

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Across

1 I rate Billy perhaps encapsulating first person for being trustworthy (11)

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.

9 Younger relative lauding wreath specially created (8-2-3)

10 Send again engineers with command (8)

12 Nudge for director (4)

14 Restrict the growth of publicity-seeking performance (5)

15 Optimistic young man in speech (5)

19 By the sound of it, praise peer (4)

20 Most discoloured suit haphazardly found among remainder (8)

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

2 Bird stuck in the mud (3)

3 Present in drinking haunt before time? That’s natural (8)

4 Bachelor to arrive at gap (6)

5 Group restricted popular cut of meat (4)

6 Composed tone with care about liberal –showing this? (9)

7 Dress adopted by lad or neighbour (5)

8 Scandinavian married in southern Spain (5)

Most discoloured suit haphazardly found among remainder (8)

11 Resolve to prevent site for excavation? (9)

13 Well-educated and tight-knit group by Russian river (8)

16 Poles after play to bow (5)

22 Benevolent husband, one entering scheme by hotel in hot area (13)

24 Put together again advisory group that’s welcoming for Greek character (11)

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.

17 Habit shared by old Frenchman taking in sun (6)

18 Soprano getting credit – or criticism (5)

21 Prince with ring, indication of virtue? (4)

23 Raise leading trophy (3)

Double Act needs you!

HAVE you ever dreamt of treading the boards or learning how to create the magic of theatre? Then why not come along and join our flourishing, friendly and multi-awardwinning Double Act drama group based in Corfe Castle.

This year we are producing a new version of the classic melodrama The Cat and the Canary from November 19-21. We are going to need youngsters that can pass for teenagers as well as anyone who can look like young men in their 20/30s. We also need technically minded folk who can be trained to operate our DMX lighting system, as this production includes some interesting lighting challenges.

Corfe Castle Village Hall is the venue for the launch of the production on Monday, February 9, at 7pm where full details will be available.

If you can’t make that and are still interested, please contact Dougal on 01929 556005 or Peter on 07551 183465.

Peter Smith Double Act

Better take your passport, David...

FURTHER to David Hollister’s comments on the RNLI –Purbeck Gazette, January 5 – I would like to suggest that next time he goes out for a cruise on the Swanage Belle he takes his passport with him, just in case, heaven forbid, he should fall overboard and need to be fished from the sea.

Luckily for him the ‘woke’ RNLI will save anyone in trouble on the sea regardless of nationality or even if they’ve thought twice about making a donation because it may go towards rescuing an asylum seeker!

Steve Bick Wareham

Compiled by National Coastwatch Institution, Swanage

Your Health Matters

Dorset HealthCare’s monthly round-up

Dorset health worker wins national award

A DORSET occupational therapist has been named Allied Health Professional (AHP) of the Year for groundbreaking work which has helped reduce prisoner violence and reoffending.

Jennifer Stickney, a consultant occupational therapy practitioner for Dorset HealthCare, received the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) Award for 2025 in the Public Health category.

And her ‘life-changing’ work within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has made such an impact, she has now been selected as the overall winner from eight award categories, earning the AHP of the Year title.

The annual CAHPO Awards were celebrated at an in-person ceremony in London, highlighting the vital contribution AHPs make to improving care, wellbeing and outcomes for

people across England.

Jennifer was seconded to HMPPS to explore how people in prison can develop and sustain a healthy balanced lifestyle. Her work

with the criminal justice system has focused on developing an innovative settlement model to support prisoners during high-risk stages of custody – entry into prison, transitions within prison and release.

The programme has delivered outstanding results in two pilot prisons, including a reduction in prisoner incidents and reoffending rates, and has been described as lifechanging for prisoners – one of the most challenging and underrepresented groups in society.

Due to its success, the model will now be rolled out nationally across all prisons.

For more information, visit https://www. dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/news

Peveril Ledge, Swanage

Jennifer Stickney is awarded AHP of the Year by Professor Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England

Facebook: How to save money and your sanity

IKNOW this probably sounds ungrateful, but it’s been on my mind for months now. I established a business selling advertising – advertising commissions paid for this lovely house, all the cars I had, put James through an independent school and made a pleasant lifestyle possible. Advertising makes the Purbeck Gazette and Purbeck Sounds viable and I really should be truly thankful for all the benefits it has brought to me.

But the time has come to confess. We do not watch television adverts because we use several Humax devices which make it possible to record programmes on commercial television and then watch them later, skipping through the adverts. Those few ads which slip through the net are usually vulgar, incomprehensible, loud and multicoloured. And usually followed up – in this house anyway – by ‘what the hell was that about’.

Facebook – a good source of local material – has gone the same way. The first thing I do every morning is to delete all posts which are ‘sponsored’ because they will be aimed at convincing me to part with money I haven’t got to buy things I don’t need. Been caught several times last year and as a result have a ‘kitty spout’ which enables the cats to drink running water whenever they choose – when they have a stainless steel cat bowl in the kitchen anyway and can come and go through the cat flap 24/7 to drink from puddles or the water feature in the garden. I have an amazing pillow which is supposed to stop me snoring – I never snored anyway – and

by David Hollister

provide the best night’s sleep I have ever had. It doesn’t. It’s in the spare room where it can stop guests snoring. Or not.

Until I got the hang of the thing, Facebook also convinced me that I had all sorts of problems from memory loss, through bladder problems, erectile dysfunction, down to fungus on my toenails. None of which I had but each of which convinced me to spend money. So, adopting the automatic daily removal of ‘sponsored’ posts has removed a whole lot of baseless worries – yes, I’m a hypochondriac.

A step further. Removal of all posts suggesting that various politicians are about to quit, posts suggesting that many television interviewers have left the set in tears ‘at the end of their career’, posts suggesting the forthcoming early demise of my personal favourites such as Joanna Lumley, Jeremy Clarkson and Brian May. All zapped without being read.

And believe it, I feel a great deal happier for it. If you’re a Facebook addict like I was, it’s my new year resolution for you. Save money and save your sanity too! The world will keep turning.

IGENUINELY don’t believe that Beatrix Potter and her well-meaning colleagues who set up the National Trust ever envisaged the sort of damage they appear to be doing to Purbeck. Studland beach has supposedly been saved from erosion or extinction, and now we are left with piles of rubbish from years gone by which appears to have been uncovered by the removal of whatever was

protecting it from the winds and waves.

Much of the village of Corfe Castle – which used to be quaint and a bit ‘tumbly-down’ –has been ‘rescued’ by the National Trust (NT) and, as a result, there appear to be more empty properties in the village than ever. Along with Aster, it seems to have jumped on the bandwagon of doing properties up and then selling them to ‘outsiders’ for a profit. Far away, I believe, from the basic NT principles of providing cheap housing for local workers.

Seems to me that anyone born and brought up in Corfe Castle and trying to live there on the sort of wages that can be earned in the village doesn’t have a prayer. We will end up with a village full of ‘incomers’ who will then complain that they can’t get the staff to run the shops and pubs, and that there are no ‘local traders’ anywhere. Where are these ‘lower paid’ workers supposed to live? Under stones to come out only if they are wanted?

A couple, each on the current minimum wage – £12.71 an hour – will earn £13,218 a year. And how are they supposed to save for a home in Corfe Castle? After paying the bills and eating?

BOURNEMOUTH is lobbying to get permission to levy a ‘tourist tax’, introduced in the November Budget by ‘Rachel From Accounts’. I really hope Bournemouth gets the necessary go-ahead because that will mean that tourists, put off by this extra levy, will come to

Swanage and Purbeck instead. On the other hand, that would probably mean that Dorset Council, ever eager to grab any spare money and to jump on any passing bandwagon it can, will try to emulate BCP council.

Bournemouth Council says: “We have the same problems in our tourist economy and we need to be able to address them and this is one way the Government can really help councils on the south coast.” Total poppycock. When I lived there, Bournemouth was a pretty little tourist town, thriving – like Torquay – on its reputation. And look at Torquay now…

If they have problems, it’s only the councils to blame. They had the raw materials to prosper and look what they have done with them over the past 20 years? Delusions of politically-motivated competence. Greedy parking fees – many of the car parks let out to ‘outside’ firms employing uniformed bullies to scare drivers away. Layer upon layer of one-way streets, pedestrian precincts, cycle lanes and everything else not-toocunningly designed to deter motorists and consequently tourists.

Message to BCP – just stop meddling. Go home. Tend your gardens. Wash your cars. Stop pretending you know what you’re doing. Go home!

So, let’s hope that whoever is running Dorset at the time Bournemouth gets permission to levy this iniquitous tax manages to understand that a ‘tourist tax’ can only result in further damage to our thriving tourist industry.

Planning: Playing by the rules

WE live in a unique and glorious part of the world in Purbeck. Fortunately, this special character is recognised through our planning system where we have layers of designations – for example, Dorset National Landscape, SSI (Heathland), Conservation Areas and building listings. There has been much national debate about England’s planning system and its restraint on growth, with the narrative that the country’s ills can be solved through limited planning regulation. While that may be true in some of our larger towns and cities, those planning processes are vital in areas like ours to retain and preserve our unique area.

Sadly, I am observing a trend across Purbeck of a growing number of retrospective planning applications being submitted – both for full applications and for ‘variations’ – where structures have been

built without planning permission or contrary to the permission granted.

While there are legitimate reasons why situations of retrospective planning arise, applicants wilfully choosing this route need to be aware of the risks. The planning authorities will treat these applications as they would any other and therefore the denial of permission to a structure already built will result in its enforced removal.

Furthermore, penalties should be applied if non-permitted structures have a negative impact on the environment – for example, removal of trees – which cannot be readily remediated. There is no real excuse for uncertainty as to whether a proposal requires permission.

– ‘Pre-App’ – process to advise applicants on the likely success of their application. A small fee is payable for this service – and architect drawings are not always required – but this feels a small price rather than proceeding to build with the risk of structures being removed. All details can be found on the Dorset Council website.

further applications, although I appreciate that the desired goal is for all developments to follow the prescribed process.

Dorset Council’s Planning Authority runs a pre-application

In truth there will always be those who adopt a ‘forgiveness not permission’ approach and it is the role of Dorset Council Planning Enforcement to take appropriate action. However, enforcement is rarely quick – which can be a source of frustration – as officers are often required to tread a fine legal line to ensure that appropriate actions are agreed. I question why applicants who have active cases with planning enforcement are able to submit

NHS patient is on the mend

AT this time of year, I know that the health of our NHS is a top priority for everyone here in South Dorset. So, I am pleased to share some encouraging news regarding our local health service and NHS waiting lists.

The most recent data shows that NHS waiting lists at University Hospitals Dorset have fallen by 4,992 since the last election. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our doctors, nurses and the entire NHS workforce across the county.

It is even more remarkable when you consider that the NHS has just faced its busiest year on record, with more than 27.8 million A&E attendances throughout the last year. Here in Dorset, our NHS has remained resilient and waiting

lists are falling month-onmonth.

And this Labour Government is delivering record investment in our local NHS hospitals, which is certainly helping to slash waiting lists in our part of the world.

For example, this Labour Government is investing at Poole Hospital to build a new Endoscopy Unit – these larger facilities will open later this year.

open next year.

All these new facilities will help to further cut NHS waiting lists over the months ahead. However, we still have plenty more work to do at our community hospitals across Dorset.

With my full support, the Labour Government is also delivering £100 million of new investment at Dorset County Hospital to rebuild the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. Building works are under way and the new facilities are expected to

Alongside a small army of local health campaigners, I have been pushing to restore key services and clinics at Swanage Community Hospital and Wareham Community Hospital. I also want to shift more routine tests and scans into a community hospital setting wherever possible.

I firmly believe that delivering healthcare on our doorstep will help to further cut NHS waiting lists. It’s a long

Planning can be emotive and divisive within a community, and retrospective applications erode trust in the applicants and in the planning process. Playing by the planning rules is not only vital for safeguarding the Purbeck environment but also for community relations. I firmly believe in the role of the parish – or Town – council as a forum for a balanced, objective discussion between applicant and those the proposals may impact. Sadly, I have observed a recent drop in the number of applicants attending parish council meetings and I would urge all applicants to consider this as a vehicle for navigating essential community discussions.

BEN WILSON Lib Dem councillor for South East Purbeck Ward

process, but after many conversations with local NHS bosses, I am hopeful we will see progress here in the near future.

It’s so important that our community hospitals are firing on all cylinders once again, that way patients can access healthcare and appointments on their doorstep.

There is still a long road ahead to rebuild our NHS across Purbeck – but falling NHS waiting lists show that this Labour Government’s plan is working. By combining record investment with genuine reforms, we are fixing the foundations of our cherished NHS and making it fit for the future.

LLOYD HATTON Labour MP for South

Dorset

Lloyd Hatton

Ben Wilson

The perfect body – it’s not what you might think...

by Nicole Asghar

MY perfect body is one that releases and softens in the arms of someone who holds me when

I’m sad.

My perfect body is allowed to be filled with rage and injustice at things that aren’t

okay.

My perfect body recognises when it’s feeling guilt and allows it to feel love in equal parts.

My perfect body is one that fizzes from the inside with excitement when someone has conquered something they’ve worked so hard on... be that sitting with anxiety or grief, or a headstand in yoga, or a new dance move!

My perfect body is one that people come to rest their heads on when they feel weary –dances wildly and freely –laughs so much it aches – even in the darkest of times.

My perfect body is one that picks my little niece and nephews up and spins them around, giggling with joy.

My perfect body enjoys the cold of the winter sea and the warmth of spring sunlight – it doesn’t hide under layers of clothes and cruel remarks about how hideous it looks –anymore.

My perfect body shakes out fear and grief instead of holding onto it, pretending it’s not there.

My perfect body moves when it wants to move and has permission to rest when it needs to.

My perfect body developed from acceptance – mostly from the realisation that the ‘ideal’ body is culturally and socially created in specific timeframes.

The joy inside my body woke up when I realised there was a sense of safety inside of it, even though I’d stopped trying so hard. My thoughts moved away from how I look to how I feel.

What happened when I began rejecting diet culture and the ‘ideal’ body? I just felt more love, more freedom, more of everything.

If you’re struggling with the constant messaging about changing your shape, weight and size this winter, I invite you to focus on the sensations you experience when your favourite time of year comes round – how it makes your energy feel, and the colours change.

This messaging is designed to create a fear response, so we reject feelings of acceptance and jump straight to making changes. However, maybe there’s no need to make a change – maybe we can remember what it’s like when that longed-for season comes around. That’s the kind of change that’s truly good for the soul.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch. n Nicole Asghar is a Dorsetbased therapist working online and around Bournemouth. Specialising in neurodivergence, trauma and yoga. Get in touch via nicole@ourluminousminds. com or www.nicoleasghar.com

‘My perfect body is one that people come to rest their heads on when they feel weary’

‘Africa has helped give me my love of herbs’

by Fiona Chapman

I AM lucky to be heading to Africa soon. I am meeting my daughter and son-in-law, and we are driving through the Kalahari and Namib deserts.

As well as being born there, I have spent quite a bit of time in Africa, and this is what gave me my interest and love for herbs.

In rural Africa, the population relies on medicinal plants to keep them well, and they use them with love and respect. I have also been fascinated in witch doctors and the power they can wield.

I have seen a perfectly healthy man cursed by a witch doctor in an awful state. His friends took him to another witch doctor to save his life by countering the curse. Whether witch doctors have magic

powers or not, it is fascinating what our brains will manifest if we believe wholeheartedly in what we are doing.

This is why the power of the mind is so important, especially when sick, and it is also something I feel very strongly about with ‘modern medicine’.

We are now conditioned into thinking that only pills,

In rural Africa, people rely on medicinal plants to keep them well

might be able to make your body better.

You are told you don’t have that time and must do as the doctor says.

I am not saying doctors are wrong and I for one would be dead without them, but by taking responsibility away from us, they are taking away control, which promotes a feeling of helplessness, and that is not good for us.

prescribed by a doctor, will help us, and are stopping taking responsibility for our own bodies and health.

I know, when diagnosed with a very serious illness, how incredibly frightening it is. I also know that in the shock of that diagnosis, you are not really given time to think about your diagnosis and how you, yourself

If someone can be cursed by a witch doctor and made very ill, then the opposite should also be true. Taking responsibility for yourself and your health, and having a positive ‘I will be well’ attitude, and actively doing something to promote wellness, must be just as powerful.

I will be sure to be very polite to any witch doctor I come across, and hope my son-in-law doesn’t get so fed up with me he goes sneaking off to find one!

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist (email Pellyfiona@gmail.com)

Sunset walk to remember loved ones

FOREST Holme Hospice

Charity has announced the launch of a new Sunset Walk memorial event taking place this spring.

The Sunset Walk offers participants the opportunity to come together for a peaceful evening walk in memory of loved ones, while helping to support the care Forest Holme Hospice provides.

Starting at Branksome Dene Chine, walkers can choose between a 5km or 8km route, which both take in the natural beauty of the coastline, with views across Sandbanks and Poole Harbour as the sun sets.

The event is open to anyone, regardless of any personal connection to Forest Holme, and following the walk, participants will be welcomed back to the Branksome Dene Room, where pizzas provided by Pizza with Love, will be served alongside refreshments.

Each participant will also receive an event T-shirt and commemorative medal.

Claire Cooper, events and challenges manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said:

“We are delighted to be launching the Sunset Walk as a new event that brings people together to remember loved ones while enjoying our

beautiful coastline at sunset.

“There is no minimum fundraising target, as we want people to feel comfortable taking part and to enjoy the experience of walking together.

“We look forward to welcoming our community to share this special evening with us.”

The Sunset Walk is on Friday, April 17, and starts at 6pm, with tickets priced £15 adults, £10 children, and free entry for under-threes.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl. com/FHSunsetWalk

Slimming World

Sandbanks Poole at sunset – the walk is for Forest Holme Hospice

Meditations in nature: Ode to a winter hearth

by Susanna Curtin

ALTHOUGH the end of January is nigh, there are obvious signs that spring is not so far away. The tips of garden bulbs have burst through the frozen soil, and it won’t be long before crocuses, snowdrops and the delicate fronds of iris reticulatas will be bringing colour to my garden. For now, though, winter continues to linger. But today has brought my favourite kind of winter weather – a sunny morning followed by a cold and wet afternoon that makes cosying up indoors feel perfectly acceptable. Having waited until the light has begun to diminish, I light a fire to sit beside with a cup of tea to watch the failing light turn to darkness while the flames from my fire create lively shadows around my living room. Times like this are what make winter so special. As my attention draws towards the colour of the burgeoning flames, I remember my childhood and how we always used to gather around the fire at the end of the day. There is something so inherently intertwined between fire and humanity. Our love of sitting beside the hearth goes back a long way. It is estimated that homo erectus, the first of the human species to walk upright, first learned how to light fires about a million years ago. This single act played a crucial role in our evolution, shaping both our biology and our behaviour. Firstly, a fire presented our ancestors with the ability to cook food, which, in turn, developed our internal biology as cooking food breaks down the otherwise hard to digest fibres and proteins, and makes the goodness from these foods more easily absorbed,

Fire is one of the four building blocks of life

giving us more energy and nutrients than before. Over time, we evolved smaller teeth and jaws, and the better nutrition developed our brain power.

By 400,000 years ago, the use of fire was widespread with hearths being found in Africa, Asia and Europe as the ability to survive the cold had allowed us to venture to colder climes. But the capacity to light a fire not only provided protection from the cold and wild animals, it extended the availability of light, allowing more time for thinking, planning and wondering. Most significantly, gathering around a fire, as in my early experience, instigated social bonds, the development of language and the sharing of stories. The ‘campfire effect’, as it is known today, describes the deep sense of calm and comfort that unites people as they tend to a fire, listen to its crackles and watch the dancing flames. It draws us in and unites us,

the Pacific Ocean contains between 750 and 915 active or dormant volcanoes. Although lava is not ‘fire’ per se, eruptions resemble enormous flames, and often set the landscape alight, and throughout history has culturally linked them with fire, creation and destruction.

promoting relaxation and security, and a safe nonjudgemental space for meaningful conversations. Sitting around a fire, whether it is indoors, around a garden fire pit or at a camp site, still has this wonderful magic about it, despite all our modernities and new technologies.

One of the four building blocks of life, the duality of fire significantly impacts our planet. The releasing of greenhouse gases instigates climate change, and pollutes air, but on the other hand, fire maintains ecosystems such as boreal forests and savannas by recycling nutrients and germinating seeds, and it shapes entire landscapes and continents. I, like many others, am fascinated by volcanoes. I have only been up a few in my life, but the power of the molten rock that bubbles deep within them is a draw for many scientists. The ‘Ring of Fire’ that surrounds the perimeter of

However we think of, or experience, fire, there is no doubt that this unique combination of fuel, oxygen and heat has shaped our lives on Earth. Sitting here this evening as the night calls in, I have experienced the best of it. Quiet time for contemplation and reflection similar to the sentiment of Tolkien’s famous poem ‘I sit beside the fire and think’ – an ode to memory, ageing and the passing of time through both seasonal and sensory recollections. I have felt personal nostalgia this evening, drawn from people I have loved and lost, and from my travels to far flung places to admire the ‘fire’ that comes from deep within our planet to explode in volcanoes and thermal springs. And I have wondered about the splendour of places I will never get to visit where the embers of awakening volcanoes paint the evening sky with sparks.

I have recalled meaningful conversations spent around the campfire, or fire pit, with friends and family, of ghost stories and tales of love and fortune, and now as I poke the last of the firelight to sleep, I put this winter’s day to bed and leave you with a verse of this wonderful poem:

“I sit beside the fire and think, of how the world will be, when winter comes without a spring, that I shall ever see. For still there are so many things, that I have never seen: in every wood in every spring, there is a different green. I sit beside the fire and think, of people long ago, and people who will see a world, that I shall never know”. n Dr Susie Curtin (email curtin. susanna@gmail.com).

Costa finds home sweet home

MARGARET Green Animal Rescue (MGAR), which has a base in Wareham, has found a forever home for a young male lurcher named Costa.

He had arrived at a local veterinary practice as a stray last November and was in terrible condition and in urgent need of help.

It was likely he would be euthanised with the veterinary treatment he needed estimated to cost more than £1,200, but the charity stepped in and offered its support.

The dog was named Costa, as it was believed he had been found at a Costa Drive Thru. He was emaciated and had deep wounds on both his thighs, an infected wound on his tail and numerous superficial injuries over his body.

He was soon taken into MGAR’s care and was made as comfortable as possible.

At his first health check, it was decided it was too risky to

treat his wounds under anaesthetic due to his poor body condition, so great care was taken in treating his injuries while he was conscious.

Although the wounds on his legs started to improve with treatment, his tail was too infected, and amputation was the only option.

After a month of care, tasty meals and recovery, it was felt he could withstand an anaesthetic, and the vets were able to amputate his tail.

Helen Ellsmore, manager at the charity’s Lincoln Farm centre, near Blandford, said: “Our charity is here to help homeless animals and believes that each deserves to live their life free from distress and pain.

“When we heard about Costa’s plight, we wanted to do what we could to help him not just recover, but go on to enjoy a happy, healthy life.

“Costa made it through the operation and amazed everyone

with his recovery.

“Following lots of time, patience and kindness, his personality started to blossom and his energy and confidence grew each day.

“It was a joy for us to see his renewed zest for life and affectionate nature begin to shine.”

By Christmas, he was ready

to go to a forever home, and a new family were delighted to take him on.

Helen added: “After such a terrible end to 2025, we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year for Costa.

“His strength and bravery truly inspired us all, and we are thrilled he has found his special people to spend his life with.”

It’s

to follow that advice. Dogs and cats are

and often won’t show signs of

until it’s really serious. During February, PHP will be focusing on dental health, and what you can do at home to look after your pets teeth. There are videos and tips on our website. Why not have a look? In addition, our nurses can demonstrate how to clean your pet’s teeth in a nurse consultation. Keep an eye on our social media too.

Lurcher Costa arrived at Margaret Green Animal Rescue in a sorry state but after lots of tender loving care was well enough to be homed with happy new owners

A ray of winter sunshine

by Sally Gregson

THERE can be little as welcome as those first flowers on a winter-flowering clematis in a sunny corner of the garden. They seem ethereal, unreal, a special gift from the gods of the garden. They cannot fail to lift the spirits. And they are well worth a little pampering.

Clematis armandii is a gloriously vigorous, evergreen form with big white or even pink, flowers that are 5-6cm across with a superb lemony scent. It has a large presence in the winter garden. In the right spot, that is with lots of sunshine and a little warmth, it will spread its charms to 6-8 metres across. In colder areas of the UK, it might be a little reluctant to flower, so it’s worth finding somewhere sheltered for it to flower away in the middle of winter. If it is happy, it will grab everyone’s attention while winter is slowly turning into spring.

There are some toughies too. Although Clematis cirrhosa

originates in Sardinia and Corsica, it seems pretty happy in our less equable climate, although it too prefers plenty of winter sunshine on its flowers. Like all clematis, its base needs the shade of other plants or in the lee of a strategically placed stone, with its head in the sunshine, rewarding the gardener with mid-winter flowers from December until February. There are some pretty, speckled varieties too – C. cirrhosa var. balearica has pink spotted petals; and C. cirrhosa Freckles is positively covered in pink spots. They are all delightfully floriferous at a time when the garden is becoming increasingly devoid of flowers.

Perhaps a little more special and needing the warmth of a south-facing wall, is C. nepaulensis. This species has very beautiful creamy white flowers, about 2.5cm long, with long, protruding deep pinkpurple anthers, over several weeks in early winter. The little

flowers are followed by large, fluffy seedheads. And then, startlingly, the whole plant loses its leaves. It is deciduous in summer. If you can, plant it

Cool beans: Early sowing secret to a sweet harvest

by Sally Gregson

AMONG the earliest crops to pick from the vegetable garden are broad beans that have been sown in November/December. The variety Aquadulce is the classic, slow-growing form that needs to be sown during the winter.

If you are just starting your new vegetable bed, and have forgotten or overlooked autumn-sown broad beans, it is very tempting to think this famous overwintering form will respond to the warming soil if it is sown after Christmas and still produce its bean-pods earlier than the main-crop. But it grows

slowly. The pods will appear, but later in the season, not in May, but at just the time the blackflies are becoming prolific. They are just waiting for your delicious crop of beans to smother with their nasty offspring.

Overwintered broad beans should start into productive growth early in spring, and the small, sweet beans should be ripe before mid-summer. But if a few main-crop broad beans are sown into a large deep container in January, and brought into the relative warmth of a cold greenhouse, they will produce beans a few weeks

early. The blackfly might still find them, but they would avoid any of those destructive spring frosts, and certainly be out of the weather during a very cold winter.

Sow the beans individually 5cm deep with the black scar facing downwards. This is the point the root will emerge from. Water them well and put the pots somewhere warm and sunny. It is a good idea to give the emerging plants a liquid feed high in potassium, to increase their yield. Tomato fertiliser works well. Make sure it is well diluted. Too strong a mixture could reverse the

the front door and every winter visitor will remark on such a very special clematis. They will want any seedlings you can offer.

process of osmosis and draw the moisture out of the bean seeds and young plants.

Mice are Public Enemy Number One when you are sowing any peas and beans. They are insatiable and seem to be just waiting for you to finish laying out their dinners. A little crumpled netting should deter the greedy ones.

After a cold, wet winter, a plate of small broad beans, picked young and sweet, dripping with melted butter, will make all the bother worthwhile. It will be a well-deserved dish, worth waiting for throughout this nasty winter.

near

Green broad bean pods

Clematis cirrhosa originates in Sardinia but can cope with UK weather

Home & Garden

How gardening can beat the cold weather blues

IT’S the start of February and the month ahead is likely to offer dark skies and cold temperatures.

But the team at British Garden Centres says gardening can help beat the winter blues.

From tending houseplants by a cosy windowsill to braving the garden for a quick tidy-up, plants offer immediate relief for mind and body.

Findings from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Value of Gardens Report (2025) paint a compelling picture, with 85% of UK adults who garden reporting significant mental health improvements, while 80% see gains in physical wellbeing.

For those over 60, daily gardening slashes dementia risk by 36%, thanks to the blend of light exercise, fresh air and mindful focus.

Add in stress-busting hormone regulation and calorie burn from digging or pruning, and it’s clear why gardens are more than pretty spaces, and gardening is called the Natural Health Service.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says just 30 minutes of gardening elevates mood and self-esteem.

Regular green time delivers even bigger wins with wellbeing scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than nongardeners, with notable drops in depression and fatigue.

The HTA’s report highlights that UK gardens pump £38 billion into the economy and support 722,000 jobs, but their true value shines in personal health.

Physical tasks build strength and vitamin D exposure, even on the darker days.

Creatively arranging pots or sowing seeds sparks joy akin to art therapy.

And that mindful immersion, like weeding without distraction, mirrors meditation, dialling down cortisol and easing anxiety.

Gardens also strengthen social ties and a sense of belonging, whether it is chatting over the fence to your neighbour or a passer-by, swapping seeds on an allotment or joining a local gardening club.

These shared moments help tackle loneliness and give people a reason to step outside, even when the weather is gloomy.

In winter, noticing the first bulbs pushing through or buds beginning to show on trees and bushes offers a powerful reminder that change is coming, bringing comfort and hope at a time of year many find challenging.

Bringing the garden indoors can help escape the February chill and beat the blues.

Start small to build momentum and cluster houseplants like peace lilies, snake plants or ferns into a sunny corner to craft a lush green oasis.

Their presence alone slashes stress and purifies the air and sharpens focus and sleep.

Or why not sow fragrant herbs such as basil, parsley or chives straight into pots on the kitchen windowsill.

Snip them fresh for meals while inhaling those uplifting aromas. You could also revive your houseplant collection by repotting leggy specimens with nutrient-rich compost and trimming dead leaves – this simple refresh ritual echoes personal renewal.

For a dose of propagation magic, snip stems from ivy or pothos and root them in water.

Watching new tendrils emerge is a perfect antidote to winter blues.

Prescribing business advice to GP practices

KEY issues facing underpressure GP practices are to be explored in a seminar Azets is holding in Wareham.

Attendees will be guided through the complexities of running a practice, including employment challenges, said Luke Wheal, a tax partner at the UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm.

Luke said: “What many people perhaps don’t realise is that GP partners who own and manage a practice, holding a contract with the NHS to deliver services, are businesses in their own right, with all the financial pressures that brings on a daily basis.

“There are a lot of patients who depend on them to be successful, not only in medical matters but, out of sight, to

operate a sustainable practice.

“GPs enter the profession to help patients live healthier lives, or to better manage debilitating conditions, and are not always familiar or comfortable with the many intricacies of being an employer with budgets and a workforce.

“They are under pressure at so many levels, from workloads and liabilities to employer responsibilities and financial management.”

Topics vary slightly with seminars being held across Dorset, Hampshire, the west country and Wales, but typically include how to future-proof GP practices, profitability tips, what property capital allowances are available and legal updates – the Employment Rights Act from April sees a raft of new

protections for workers, with potential prosecution for employers who flout the law.

There is also a session on the tax and current implications of the ‘McCloud’ judgement which means certain NHS pension scheme members will have their pension benefits reassessed – affected staff at GP practices have a choice over how their pension is calculated for the ‘remedy’ period from April 2015 to March 2022.

Luke has particular expertise in guiding healthcare professionals through the complexities of NHS pensions and the wider tax implications affecting the sector.

The Dorset seminar is at the Springfield Country Hotel, Grange Road, Wareham, on Wednesday, February 11,

8.45am-1pm

According to sector data, there are nearly 6,230 active practices in England, a fall of more than 1,000 in eight years.

In an important distinction, salaried GPs are employed by a practice to conduct clinical work, but do not have the same responsibilities or liabilities as partners.

Luke said: “The partners carry the can, it is as simple as that.

“Our job is to help them reduce the burden of worry, with the seminars a good starting point.”

Firm raises £10,723 for hospice

FOREST Holme hospice in Poole welcomed Philip Arnett, director at Railston Ltd, along with his father, Roger, to thank them for their support last year.

The hospice was chosen as Railston’s Charity of the Year for 2025 due to its special significance for Philip and his family.

Philip’s mother received care at Forest Holme, and this connection inspired the choice, with Roger attending the presentation in her memory.

Throughout the year, the Railston team raised £10,723.31 through a wide range of fundraising activities, including skydives in Scotland, the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, bake sales and Movember.

Kirsty Perks, corporate

Staff and volunteers welcome Philip Arnett and his dad for a cheque presentation

and community fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at the hospice we

would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone at Railston.

“Their generosity and

dedication will make a lasting difference to the patients and families supported by the hospice.”

Luke Wheal, tax partner at Azets

Inheritance tax climbdown provides food for thought

SWANAGE law firm Ellis jones Solicitors has given a cautious welcome to the watering down of proposed inheritance tax reforms.

The Government has announced that threshold for 100% inheritance tax (IHT) relief on qualifying business and agricultural assets – originally to be set at £1 million per person – will now be raised to £2.5 million from April 2026.

This means a married couple or civil partners can pass on up to £5 million of qualifying agricultural or business assets before IHT applies. Above the threshold, a 50% relief will be applied to remaining assets.

Despite the climbdown, many estates may still exceed the IHT threshold for a variety of factors, such as property values, investments, pensions and other assets such as expensive machinery.

The so-called ‘farm tax’ was among the subjects at Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Agricultural Inheritance Tax and Succession Planning seminar in Dorchester.

Nigel Smith, managing partner at Ellis Jones Solicitors, said: “The Government’s changes are to be welcomed, although concerns remain.

“Clearly the higher threshold means that some family farms will remain exempt from IHT when passed on and in turn, this reduces the number of estates affected and softens what was seen as a punitive measure.

“It is a positive step forward to help rural and family businesses reduce their exposure to IHT tax liabilities and make succession planning and investment decisions.

“While the change may benefit some businesses, other estates will still exceed the new threshold and will need to take proactive steps to plan ahead and explore strategies under the updated rules. Timing is critical, with the measures due to come into effect on April 6.”

With a few simple measures, estates could be brought down to much more reasonable valuations, and potentially below the IHT threshold.

In addition, family farmers hoping to leave their farm to their children should be planning well ahead and taking suitable action, before any drastic event, not least to avoid family disputes and distress.

Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Agricultural Inheritance Tax and Succession Planning Seminar

was held at Coastland College’s Kingston Maurward.

The regional law firm joined forces with chartered accountants and tax advisors PKF Francis Clark, Coastland College and estate agents, auctioneers and surveyors Symonds & Sampson for the event.

It included information about:

n Setting up a corporate structure as an operating business for a farm, with a shareholders’ agreement.

n The importance of having a proper will in place and key considerations for executors.

n An update on inheritance tax legislation – the ‘family farm tax’ – and what it means for rural businesses as well as strategies to consider in order to pass wealth down to the next generations.

n Advice on valuations and a market update.

n Support for the agricultural community.

Speakers from Ellis Jones were Chris Pemberton, a partner in wills, trusts & probate who heads up the firm’s Dorchester office, and consultant solicitor in business services Malcolm Scott Walby.

Others were Dawn Peattie and John Endacott from PKF Francis Clark, A-J Monro and Andrew Tuffin from Symonds & Sampson and Marie Taylor from Coastland College.

Speakers at Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Agricultural

and Succession Planning Seminar in Dorchester. From left: Laura Cowburn from Coastland College, Ellis Jones Solicitors

Chris Pemberton, Ellis Jones

Motoring

Police make 118 arrests in drink and drug driving campaign

MORE than 110 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving in Dorset as part of a national campaign cracking down on motorists driving under the influence.

During the Op Limit national campaign, between December 1 last year and January 1, 118 people were arrested on suspicion of being over the limit for alcohol or drugs while driving.

66 arrests were made for drink driving, while 52 arrests were made for drug driving. This is an increase from

December 2024, when 107 arrests were made.

About 79% of those arrested were male – and the age of all those arrested ranged from 17 to 69 years old.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team carried out enforcement tactics, including stop check sites, following up on reports from the public, proactive patrols and intelligence-led stop checks.

The force received 316 calls during December reporting someone who may have been driving while under the

influence of drink or drugs.

Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Unfortunately, these figures show that people are still intent on drink or drug driving and putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“While the increase in numbers is concerning, I want to make it very clear that we are relentless and taking a robust approach to anyone caught driving while under the influence.

protect all road users across Dorset.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “I am pleased to see that Dorset Police’s December Op Limit has delivered strong results and clearly demonstrates the force’s determination to protect our communities during one of the busiest times of the year.

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“This activity is not exclusive to December and will continue all year round.

“Over three-quarters of the arrests made were as a result of our proactive policing, acting on intelligence or reports from the public and carrying out stop checks of vehicles.

“The operation led to 118 arrests, sending a clear message that criminal and dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.

“I would like to thank the officers and staff involved for their professionalism, dedication and relentless focus on keeping people across Dorset safe.

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“Tackling drug driving remains a priority and is a key part of the wider work to make our roads safer.

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“Our officers are highly trained and have the equipment to spot anyone who may be driving while over the drink or drug limit and we will continue to carry out proactive patrols to catch high-risk offending motorists.

“If you make the choice to drive while under the influence, you are putting yourself and others at increased risk of being involved in a road traffic collision, which could have devastating consequences and a life-changing impact on families within our communities.

“We are extremely grateful to every single person who made a report to us during December.

“Every call matters and allows us to take action to

“I have consistently lobbied for stronger sanctions for offenders and greater awareness of the devastating impact drug driving can have on victims, families and communities.

“Operations like this show why robust enforcement, combined with tougher penalties, is essential if we are to change behaviour and prevent lives from being lost.”

Anyone who suspects someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, is asked to dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.

Dorset Police’s Op Limit ‘delivered strong result’ said Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick

Theodore Fahrner –20th Century innovator

by Amy Brenan, director of Heirlooms Jewellers,

21 South Street, Wareham

THEODORE Fahrner (1859–1919) holds an important place in the history of antique jewellery, celebrated for his role in ushering in a new era of design at the turn of the 20th century.

Working from Pforzheim, Germany’s renowned jewellerymaking centre, Fahrner transformed his family firm into one of Europe’s most forwardthinking jewellery houses.

At a time when Victorian tastes favoured heavy gold and traditional gemstone settings, Fahrner embraced the emerging Jugendstil movement, known elsewhere as Art Nouveau.

He championed silver as a principal material and paired it with semi-precious stones such as moonstone, amethyst, garnet and chalcedony.

This approach allowed for refined artistry, intricate craftsmanship and striking design at a more accessible level, without diminishing quality.

Fahrner pieces are instantly recognisable for their elegant geometry, stylised natural forms and subtle symbolism.

Take a look at the image of a stunning silver and blue enamel pendant, modelled as entwined hearts, that I acquired for our shop.

It’s completely original with undamaged enamel and which is fully hallmarked, both of which are very rare.

It’s a beautiful example of Fahrner’s design.

Many designs reflect

influences from medieval jewellery, mythology and the Arts and Crafts movement, while others hint at the clean lines that would later define Art Deco.

Collaborations with notable designers, including Josef Hoffmann, further elevated the firm’s reputation and firmly positioned Fahrner at the forefront of European decorative arts.

Today, antique Theodore Fahrner jewellery is highly prized by collectors for its distinctive aesthetic and historical significance.

Each piece represents a moment of transition – where traditional craftsmanship met modern design – making Fahrner jewellery not only wearable art, but an enduring investment in design history.

Antiques & Collectibles Burns painting sale highlight

DUKE’S Auction House is inviting collectors and design enthusiasts to its upcoming Interiors & Design sale, a thoughtfully curated celebration of craftsmanship, character and timeless style.

The sale, spanning Georgian elegance to midcentury statement pieces, brings together an eclectic selection of decorative arts and furniture, each chosen for its quality, individuality and enduring appeal.

A highlight is an oil

painting by Colin Burns –born1944 – Feeding on the Stubble, depicting pheasants foraging across a golden wheat field, rich in movement, texture and rural atmosphere. Whether drawn to stately antiques or bold conversation pieces, Duke’s Interiors & Design sale on Thursday, February 26, at 10.30am offers a rich source of inspiration and the opportunity to acquire objects that bring story, style and craftsmanship into the home.

Colin Burns’ Feeding on the Stubble

An Art Nouveau silver and enamel pendant designed by Theodore Fahrner

Swans go down in the rain

by Ron Butler Sherborne 19

Swanage & Wareham 0

IN pouring rain, it was a match for the forwards rather than the backs, and on a disappointing day, Swans once again gave away too many penalties.

Swans conceded three penalties at the outset, taking Sherborne into Swans’ 22, but the visitors managed to clear, and the forwards took Swans down to the Sherborne 22.

However, another couple of penalties to the hosts took them up to Swans’ five metres line, and with a catch/drive move, Sherborne managed a converted try after 20 minutes.

Swans tried running the ball, but the Sherborne defence came up quickly and covered most Swans moves.

A penalty to Swans to the Sherborne line resulted in a scrum on the line, from which the ball came loose. A kick through Swans’ defence, and a couple more kicks ahead resulted in a chase to the Swans’ line, which Sherborne won to score in the corner – 12 points-0

RUGBY

– after 30 minutes.

The second half began with Sherborne kicking deep into Swans’ half and the visitors knocked on. Swans won the scrum, but a kick to clear was picked up by the Sherborne three-quarters, and a move by them resulted in a try in the corner. This was converted, taking the score to 19-0 after 45 minutes.

Most of the play in the second half was with the forwards, and a few penalties to each side resulted in stalemate. Swans were in the opposition 22 in the last 10 minutes but could not manage a consolation score.

Swans: Ben Wright, George Crouch, Ed Dimarcio, Tom Mbegan unns, Ollie Dillon, Lewis Reeves, Olly Peters, Joel Andrews, Jack Young, Nick Audley, Kian Salina, Joe Towers, Tom Holland, Lee Hardy, Paul Gregory – Tom Smith, Harvey Green, Zach Wyburgh.

n OTHER RESULTS: Yeovil

50 Swans 2nd XV 10, Swans 3rd XV 0 Wimborne 3rd XV 62

Swanage & Wareham 57

Chippenham 2nd 8

IN their latest home game at

Bestwall, Swans spent most of the match in the visitor’s half, but it wasn’t until the second period that they dominated play and scored the points that revealed their potential.

In the opening five minutes, Swans were on the offensive, but a penalty to Chippenham relieved the pressure. Swans kept attacking, but both sides made errors, with Swans giving away penalties in the Chippenham 22, allowing the visitors to clear their lines.

But after 20 minutes, a penalty to Swans took them into the visitor’s 22, and from a tap penalty the ball came to second row Kian Salina who scored out wide. Full back George Crouch added the extras (7 points-0) after 24 minutes.

From the restart, Chippenham kicked into Swans 22, and from a line-out the ball was passed along the visitor’s three-quarters who scored a try in the corner (7-5) after 28 minutes.

Swans immediately responded as second row George Slack picked up the ball and scored out wide. Crouch converted (14-5).

Chippenham kicked long into Swans’ 22 and a mistake led to a penalty for the visitors in front of the posts, which was converted (14-8) after 35 minutes.

Just before the break, Swans scrum-half Olly Peters broke from a scrum close to halfway down the right wing to score in the corner. Crouch converted, making the half time score Swans 21 Chippenham 2nd 8.

Swans started the second half giving away a couple of penalties, allowing the opposition into Swans’ half but they cleared.

Swans were soon back in the Chippenham 22, and a penalty took them to the visitor’s five metres line.

From a line-out a catch/drive move saw hooker Jack Young go in for a try. Crouch added the extras (28-8) after 50 minutes.

Swans were on top and five minutes later a move along Swans backs and out to wing forward Lee Hardy saw him run round to touch down behind the posts. Crouch converted, taking Swans to 35 points.

From the restart, Swans broke clear and a tackle under the posts saved a certain try, but Swans recycled along the three-quarters to George Crouch who scored in the corner. Chippenham tried to counter but Swans defence was good.

On 65 minutes, a Swans backs move led to a scrum and Swans number 8 Paul Gregory went in for another try (45-8). Five minutes from the end another Swans attack saw second row George Slack go in for his second try.

Swans had time to finish the job off as wing forward Hardy went in for his second try at the death. Crouch converted to complete the scoring.

Ladies’ on nine-game winning

Alton 2s 3

Blandford and Sturminster

Ladies 4

by Hannah Waters

BLANDFORD, with just 11 players and no subs, were forced to set up with some players in unfamiliar positions.

Alton came out hard and it took Blandford a few minutes to get into the match.

Susan Boveniser won the first short corner in the 12th

HOCKEY

minute and Laura Robinson put Blandford 1-0 up.

Alton fought back, converting their own short corner to even up the scoreline.

This gave the home side a confidence boost and in the 23rd minute they broke and scored from a first-time hit.

Boveniser hit to Linda Smith, who caught it on her

reverse stick in front of the Alton keeper. Linda tapped it to Robinson who got a second to draw the teams level.

Just before the half-time whistle, Robinson won another corner and this time Caroline was the scorer, taking Blandford into the break 3-2 ahead.

After the break, a stick tackle on Blandford defender Georgia Turnbull went

run

unnoticed and Alton scored an impressive goal, caught on the volley.

Caroline Smith sent the ball into the D for a short, which captain Smith converted and gave Blandford the upper hand once more.

Blandford are now on a ninegame winning run, keeping their seven-point buffer at the top of the South Central 3 League.

Swans: George Crouch, Rory Ferguson, Tom Munns, Ed Dimarcio, Olly Dillon, Ben Wright, Olly Peters, Sam Chapman, Jack Young, Nick Audley, Kian Salina, Joe Towers, Tom Holland, Lee Hardy, Paul Gregory – Joel Andrews, Harvey Green, George Slack.

Dan goes extra mile in endurance challenge

AFTER a short break for Christmas, Wareham Swimming Club is busy both in the pool and behind the scenes.

In the water, the swimmers are benefiting from an additional training session on a Wednesday morning.

This has proved to be very successful and surprisingly popular despite the 6.30am start. It will be beneficial as the swimmers prepare for the county championships later this month.

The club’s chair, Nick Salt, said: “The club is celebrating a period of renewed growth and momentum as it continues to rebuild following the challenges of the Covid era.

“Although the pandemic led to a drop in membership, the club is now firmly back on track, with swimmer numbers rising steadily.

“However, we have plenty of space for more to join as the club has acquired additional teachers this term.

“A key part of the club’s resurgence has been the development of new income streams.

“The club is delighted to have recently received a grant from Wareham Town Council, alongside securing three new sponsors who are now proudly supporting its work.”

Pearl was a popular winner on fun day

THE chair of Swanage Croquet Club, Greg Vaughn, reported on a successful playing season at the club’s annual meeting.

However, after thanking the many club volunteers for their work during the season, he said he was stepping down as chair to take on a club fundraising role.

Simon Parvin was elected chair in Greg’s place.

It was confirmed that as the club won a South West Federation of Croquet Clubs trophy last year it would represent the federation in the 2026 National Federation Shield

CROQUET

competition.

It was also confirmed that the club had become a Community Amateur Sports Club, which would enable donations to it to be gift aided.

The main excitement came with the presentation of club trophies for events held during the year.

Ian Swanson and Simeon Rudin won the Chairman’s Doubles Challenge Trophy, and Ron Barker won both the Roy Smith and William Omerod

raising money for the club.”

Dan began his challenge after supporting the Wareham swimmers at the Yuletide Meet, setting off for his first run at 12pm.

He found most of the runs slotted into his normal routine other than those at 2am! His final run was completed on a cold, wet Tuesday around Wareham.

After the challenge, Dan said: “Thank you so much to everyone who donated, encouraged and cheered me on – it genuinely meant the world.”

This remarkable effort, combined with new funding, is enabling the club to replace essential equipment such as starting blocks and to invest in improved resources for swimmers across all squads.

In addition, one dedicated club member, Dan Solen, completed an extraordinary endurance challenge – running four miles every four hours for 48 hours, raising more than £1,000 in the process.

Dan said: “I love a challenge and I love pushing myself to the limit.

“This time I wanted to take on something tough, something I could be proud of, while

The club extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this positive progress, including the local businesses in Purbeck which have donated prizes already for next month’s annual club presentation evening.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or supporting the club’s continued development is warmly encouraged to contact the chair.

singles competitions.

By far the most popular trophy winner was Pearl Oliver, who won the Bob Oliver Trophy contested during a fun day held in memory of her late husband.

Ian Wester and Greg Vaughn also received trophies for events won during the fun day.

Members now look forward

to the new season, starting in April, with play continuing daily through to winter.

Croquet is very easy to pick up and provides gentle exercise and mental stimulation for all ages.

Anyone who would like to find out more should visit swanagecroquetclub.co.uk

In the picture (from left) are Ian Wester, Ron Barker, Pearl Oliver, Ian Swanson and Greg Vaughn. Not pictured is Simeon Rudin

In the picture (from left) club captains Aris and Leo, Dan and his son Max, head coach, Danny, club chair Nick and first club sponsor Paul, owner of MVT Ltd SWIMMING

Arts & Entertainment

Journey into the Darkness

ICON. Superstar. Legend. Hero. These are all words his publicist frequently uses when discussing Justin Hawkins with anyone who will listen. Words that reflect the magnitude of the man, the sheer charisma, brilliance, verve and intelligence that oozes from his aura.

Justin Hawkins that is, not his publicist. And that devastating wit and repartee, along with an encyclopaedic knowledge of not just music

itself, but the machinations of the music industry, will be on full display when Justin Hawkins, frontman of revered rock band the Darkness, takes to the stage to Ride Again... Again!

Following the wildlysuccessful, and hugelyacclaimed, series of one-man shows that Hawkins embarked upon in 2024, whereupon he brought his massively popular YouTube show of 600,000-plus subscribers to life on stage, he

ventures out on a new solo venture for his adoring fans at the start of 2026.

From Swindon to Crewe and from Ilkley to glamorous Milton Keynes, no part of this fair kingdom shall be untouched by the inimitable Hawkins’ magic.

If you like pontificating about music and culture,

uncovering insights into how the music industry really works and witnessing a man chaotically conducting an evening of entertainment, then Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again is for you.

Once again, Justin will be breaking down some of the most popular and unusual songs out right now –dissecting the very entrails of the music industry with all the insight of a man described by the gutter press as a ‘cat-suitwearing noughties rock legend’.

Some of those catsuits will be in attendance and important questions will be asked –questions that pertain to the world of music, culture and global peace.

Justin Hawkins is at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, on Wednesday, February 4. Tickets are available from tivoliwimborne.co.uk and 01202 885566.

Swing band supports musical youth

JAZZ at the Allendale, a free to enter concert organised by Wimborne Rotary Club, is returning to Wimborne’s Allendale Community Centre.

The 17-piece Swing Unlimited Big Band will present a varied programme including swing, jazz and contemporary music, from the golden age of swing through to the present day.

Rotary president, Brian Dryden, said: “Wimborne Rotary has again organised this annual charitable concert, the proceeds from which will go to

HALF-TERM film fun for youngsters is on offer at The Mowlem in Swanage with The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (PG).

Hoping to prove his bravery to Mr Krabs, Spongebob follows a mysterious, swashbuckling ghost pirate known as the

support a local music-related charity, Youth Music Wessex, and other local charities which Rotary supports.

“This concert always attracts a large and appreciative audience, and we look forward to welcoming them.”

The concert is on Monday, February 16, at 7.30pm, and admission is free with tickets available only at the door, which open at 7pm.

A retiring collection will benefit Youth Music Wessex and other Rotary supported charities.

Flying Dutchman on a seafaring adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the ocean.

The film features Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown and Roger Bumpass, and is directed by Derek Drymon.

Spongebob is screened from Saturday to Thursday, February 14-19, at 2.30pm.

Taste for film adventures?

THRILLING adventure is promised when The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour arrives in Dorset.

The festival features two new collections of short films from remote corners of the planet, including extreme climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and more.

The films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the festival, held in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The tour visits Lighthouse Poole on Friday, February 6, and the Tivoli in Wimborne on Saturday, February 14.

Swing Unlimited Big Band perform at the Allendale centre last year

Justin Hawkins is coming to The Tivoli in Wimborne

The Wright thing: Life lessons of an adopted son

POET Luke Wright promises a warm and honest evening of poems and stand-up when he comes to Swanage to share his adoption story.

Luke regularly supports Dr John Cooper Clarke on tour and appears regularly on Radio 4.

Hall date for Welsh folk trio

TWO-TIME winners of Best Album at the Welsh Folk Awards, VRï are Jordan Price Williams – cello, voice, Aneirin Jones – violin, voice, and Patrick Rimes – viola, violin, voice.

This winter the trio are heading to Dorset for three concerts with county arts charity, Artsreach, including Langton Matravers.

Inspired by the story of a time when Wales’s traditional music and dance were suppressed by Methodist

His new show, Later Life Letter, is being performed in Dorset with rural arts charity Artsreach.

Luke asks questions like: What’s it like to stumble across your birth mother on Facebook?

How do you honour the

parents who have raised you while satisfying a curiosity about where you came from?

Is it telling that you married a social worker?

Luke Wright is at The Mowlem in Swanage on

Saturday, February 14, and is also visiting Chetnole Village Hall on Friday, February 13; and Ibberton Village Hall on Sunday, February 15. Tickets are available online at www.artsreach.co.uk

VRï promise foot-stomping dance tunes when they play Langton Matravers Village Hall

chapels and, earlier, its language by the Act of Union, VRï shed new light on a vibrant folk tradition.

Their music harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, and the beauty of chamber music with the joy and hedonism of

a pub session, all underpinned by powerful vocal harmonies.

Audiences can expect foot-stomping dance tunes delivered with the poise and elegance of a string ensemble.

VRï are at Langton

Matravers Village Hall on Friday, February 6; Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall on Saturday, February 7; and Burton Bradstock Village Hall on Sunday, February 8.

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

Luke Wright will be presenting poetry and stand-up at The Mowlem

Spotlight Diary Arts & Entertainment

Teatime Trio and a nice slice of cake...

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, and carers’ tickets are also available. Full details are available at www.artsreach. co.uk

A trip to the seaside

BROADSTONE Players, following their acclaimed production of Abigail’s Party, are now well into rehearsals for their play, Deckchairs.

Written by Jean McConnell, it is set on a seaside promenade where the audience encounters a variety of characters.

Deckchairs is at Broadstone

Diary entries are £6 plus VAT per entry. The deadline for the February 16 issue is NOON on Thursday, February 5. Call us on 01963 400186 or email adverts@blackmorevale.net. Please call prior to attending events listed to ensure they are still on.

FEBRUARY 2026

TUESDAY

WAREHAM CAMERA CLUB ‘26 PROGRAMME

Parish Hall 7.30pm Wareham - unless on Zoom

Visitors welcome - £3

Zoom link available from website February 2026 3rd League 4 Open Print & PDI Competitions 10th Guy Edwards - ‘Creative Nature & Landscapes’ Raffle

Zoom 17th Julia Wainwright ‘Natural World Photography in the Palaearctic’ 24th Speakers Mary Maynard - ‘The Smooth, The Blue & The Infinite’

SATURDAY

at St Mary’s Church, Rectory

Swanage. Every Saturday. Tea and coffee provided. Very friendly group. Contact Richard: 01929 553516

Local Services

War Memorial Hall from Tuesday to Saturday, February 24-28, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.

Tickets priced £10 can be reserved on 01202 678449 or by email to honsec@ broadstoneplayers.co.uk. They are also on sale at Broadstone News.

PHOTO: Jayne Jackson

The Teatime Trio will be playing in Swanage and Wareham

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