The coolest news around

Tack stolen

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It is believed the equipment was taken between 8.30pm on Tuesday, 25 August and 7.30am on Wednesday, 26 August 2009.

Police Constable Jeremy Cuff, of Dorchester Police, said: “I’d like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Cowden Farm overnight between the 25 and 26 August or from anyone with any information about the incident or those responsible.

“Equally, if anyone is offered any horse equipment in unusual circumstances or for a very low price, I’d urge them to get in touch with me urgently.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Youngest sailor to circumnavigate globe due at Gunwharf Quay tomorrow

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Seventeen-year-old British sailor Mike Perham will be crowned the world's youngest solo circumnavigator when he returns to Gunwharf Quay on Saturday, 29 August.

He has battled storms and struggled with failing navigation equipment, but despite these challenges he is now only a short time away from completing his challenge.

Not satisfied with breaking records, Mike Perham also aims to raise £24,000 for his chosen charities; Save the Children and The Tall Ships Trust.

In his bid to sail solo around the globe, Mike has passed continents where millions of children still die of easily preventable diseases. 9.2 million children, that’s one child every three seconds, still die needlessly before they reach their fifth birthday. Three million babies die within a week of being born, including up to two million who die on their first day of life. Mike is supporting Save the Children and fundraising to help drastically reduce this number.

Mike Perham said, “Saving the life of a child can be simple. Whatever you do in life – whether facing the challenge of an epic voyage around the world, or taking a positive approach and donating to charities – it’s about believing you can make a difference.

“I have chosen to support Save the Children because I believe that we can all do something to improve the lives of children who are struggling for survival in this world.”

Mike aims to raise £24,000 for his chosen charities. If you would like to donate to Save the Children in support of Mike Perham – please go to Mike’s Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/sailmikesavethechildren

Ferndown’s mayor cuts tape!

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrations took place in Ferndown recently when the Mayor, Cllr Mrs Queenie Comfort officially opened a new stockbroking and financial advisory business.

Cllr Mrs Comfort was at the office of Edward Jones in Victoria Road, Ferndown run by Stockbroker and Financial Adviser, Stewart Sims-Handcock.

Speaking at the event the mayor said, “‘I am extremely pleased to welcome a second branch of Edward Jones to Ferndown, adding life, vitality and diversity to our streets.

“In the present climate, I am sure there are many local people who will be pleased to receive advice on life insurance as well as investments, pensions and inheritance tax whether retired or working.

“Although, it is sad to see some of our old traders leave but great that our shops do not stay empty for long.”

Also joining in the celebrations was Michael Kelleher, Edward Jones Regional Leader for the South of England

Stewart Sims-Handcock said, “We are pleased to help all individual investors, regardless of their net worth and they are always welcome to call into the office.”

Mr Sims-Handcock can be contacted on 01202 893899.

Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Get ready for another fabulous family event this Bank Holiday. The Verwood Rotary Rustic Fayre takes place at Potterne Park in Verwood. All the usual attractions include a car boot sale (£6 per car and driver), classic cars, jazz, a brass band concert, a pet show and arena events. Back this year quack! quack! is the duck race! Enjoy entertainment throughout the day. With stalls, refreshments and a beer tent, families can take everything at a leisurely pace.

Terrier racing is one of the delightful spectacles and there is nearly always a naughty little dog to steal the crowd’s heart. And this year, in the arena, there will be a display of well-behaved dogs showing off their dancing skills. Admission: £2.50, children under 13 go free.

Arena Events
12.00 – Parade and opening by Verwood Carnival Queen and Attendants
12.15 – Tae Kwon-Do display
12.45 – Andy the Clown
1.15 – Bourne Bumpers Morris Dancers
1.45 – K9 Freestyle Dog Dancing display
2.15 – Terrier Racing heats
3.00 – ‘Beat the Goalie’ Rossgarth Y.F.C
3.30 – K9 Freestyle Dog Dancing display
4.00 – Terrier Racing heats and final
4.30 – Egg throwing event
5.00 – Andy the Clown
5.30 – Close of events

To download the full programme click HERE.

Angler's fishing line tackled

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dorset’s anglers are leading the way on protecting wildlife. A new scheme to collect and recycle fishing line has been adopted from Christchurch to West Bay. The Seaclean bins, brainchild of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Julie Hatcher, are placed at top angling spots along the coast to collect any old fishing line and prevent it from hurting wildlife. Volunteers then collect the line for recycling.

Julie, the marine warden based at Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, had the idea after repeatedly finding wildlife suffering from the effects of discarded line. She said, “Fishing line is one of the most hazardous types of marine litter and it doesn’t break down in the sea. We have found animals from crabs to sharks to seagulls entangled in it. We know anglers are keen to be environmentally friendly and they have really taken this scheme to heart.”

Seaclean bins can be found at the following locations in Dorset: Poole – Hamworthy Lake Pier, Baiter and Sandbanks, Kimmeridge, Swanage – pier and angling club/slipway, Weymouth – stone pier, Christchurch – Mudeford Quay and Friars Cliff Beach, West Bay – Jurassic Pier, Bexington car park

A Steaming Weekend

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is in it’s 41st year and will run from Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 September this year at Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford.

New for this year is an outdoor concert stage with acts such as ‘The Wurzels’, Ska band ‘Ultimate Madness’, and the UK’s leading Abba tribute band ‘Planet Abba’, creating the ultimate festival atmosphere.

For more information visit www.gdsf.co.uk

Fiery Dragon impressed with cool bandage

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Dorset and London based business woman came out of the Dragons’ Den last night with an investment for her ‘cool’ product – a special re-useable cooling bandage for sports injuries.

Kay Russell from Dorchester had already started to build a successful business with offices in Dorset and London which recently expanded with distribution into Australia and India.

Launched at the London Marathon in 2007, the unique Pysicool stretchy bandage is a reusable cooling product for the treatment of mainly sports related injuries. It quickly reduces inflammation, swelling and pain. What’s more, it helps speed up the healing process.

After getting through the initial interview for Dragons’ Den, Kay spent three days in a green room on the set, based at Pinewood, waiting to be called to give her presentation, and admitted she was, “Shattered, worn down and on tender hooks before I even got into the room in front of the camera’s and was able to look the famous Dragons in the eye.”

After the usual intense scrutiny in the Den, she successfully landed multi-millionaire Deborah Meadon who pledged £100,000 for a 30% stake of Kay’s company.

Kay says “"I'm so pleased Deborah's offered to invest in Physicool. Not only is she West Country born and bred like me, she knows the leisure industry inside out and would be extremely helpful to my goal of making Physicool a global brand. We also have a sister product, 'Equi-N-icE' for the horse world too, and with Deborah's own love of horses she would make for a perfect partner in our sister company too."

Kay’s product is a far cry from when strains, pulled ligaments, tendons and bruises were treated by placing a packet of frozen peas on the injury! Physicool should be in every sports bag and on every physiotherapist’s shelves as it doesn’t need a freezer to stay cool, the bandage and its coolant come in sealed vacuum packs which can be resealed and reused. The bandage can be used on ankles, knees, shoulders, backs and wrists, combines cooling with compression and works by drawing heat out by rapid evaporation as opposed to similar products which drive cold in. It’s easy to apply, even one handed, so if you have an accident and no one is on hand to help then you can apply it yourself – its immediate first aid and starts the healing process right away so the sooner it’s applied the better. “

“Deborah Meadon was impressed by Physicool and Equi-N-icE scientific credentials and we are sure that after our BBC television debut households will see the value of our product in their first aid box – everyone should have one,” says Kay.

Physicool’s team of experts spent over two years carrying out extensive research before producing a medical aid which is now being used in a multitude of sports.

Free ecommerce seminar

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Established in 1993, Pixelhaus Studios is one of the region's leading ecommerce development agencies with a nationwide client list. The studios developed the mags4dorset website, which took off in a big way in August last year.

Richard Gosler, head of the studios says, “Pixelhaus Studios are the only Actinic accredited developer in Dorset and are also an approved partner for Interspire, the only shopping cart guaranteed to improve your online sales.”

He adds, “We all know the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO) to get browsers to your website but what then? You literally only have a few seconds to make an impression and convince that browser to go further into your site.”

Richard will be illustrating the dos and don'ts of smart design to make your site look better and work harder. He will explain what features you should have to keep browsers engaged and detail simple practises that encourage browsers to return time and time again.

Who would benefit from this seminar?

Businesses of all sizes who are engaged in ecommerce, Actinic store owners and new business startups who want to sell online and need a complete solution

Limited places. Booking essential. Simply visit www.pixelhaus.co.uk/booking.php and reserve your space. Maximum 2 attendees per company. Or telephone 01202 824290

Alleged assault in Bournemouth – witness appeal

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a man was allegedly assaulted in Bournemouth town centre.

An altercation between two men took place at approximately 6.30pm on Sunday, 23 August at the junction of Richmond Hill and Yelverton Road in Bournemouth.

A 21-year-old man from Bournemouth was reportedly struck with an object and received a cut to the head. He was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for treatment and later released.

Detective Constable Roy Waters, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “The victim was involved in an altercation with a man shortly after both men left a bar in the Richmond Hill area just before 6.30pm on Sunday, 23 August.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone who has any information about this alleged assault, to contact me urgently.

“I’m particularly keen to hear from the driver of a small white hatchback car, possibly a Vauxhall car, that was seen in the area of Richmond Hill at the time of the incident.

“I believe the driver may have important information which will help my investigation and I need to speak with this person as soon as possible.”

A 32-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested in connection with incident and released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Responsible dog owners will be penalised under new orders

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Whilst the council welcomes responsible dog owners, it recognises there is a need for people, in particular children, to have access to areas that are dog-free; areas where dogs are kept under strict control and areas where owners must clear up after them.

Cllr Little, Lead Member for Health & Housing, said, "East Dorset has a wide variety of countryside areas for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy, and the council welcomes the responsible exercising of dogs there.

"However, there are some irresponsible dog walkers and the council is looking at ways it can best deal with this minority whilst not inconveniencing the responsible majority. This consultation is an opportunity for residents to influence how the council deals with the problems that dogs can sometimes cause.”

The consultation, which ends on 30 September will give residents an opportunity to influence how it deals with these problems.

East Dorset District Council is proposing:

•    The Fouling of Land by Dogs (East Dorset) Order 2009 - allowing it to take action
       against dog owners who do not clear up after their dog on open land.

•    The Dogs on Leads (East Dorset) Order 2009 - which will apply to Corfe Mullen
       recreation ground, Fryers Field in West Moors and King George V and parts of Ferndown
       Schools' playing fields.

•    The Dogs Exclusion (East Dorset) Order 2009 - covering all enclosed children's play
       areas, all marked sport pitches (on land which the dogs on leads order will apply) and parts
       of Ferndown Schools' playing fields.

Answers to the following guide questions would assist the council in responding to local needs. However, residents are invited to make any other comments or suggestions that they may have.

•    Do you agree with the need for dog control orders?
•    Do you agree with the proposed dog control orders? If not, what suggestions do you have for
       modifications?
•    Are there any other controls that you think should be applied?

"The suggested orders have been created after initial consultations with parish and town councils and are being used as a starting point only. This is why it is so important that residents have their say," adds Cllr Little.

Full details of the proposed orders are available to view at the council's Furzehill offices, during normal opening hours, or by visiting: www.dorsetforyou.com/dogorders/east

Let the council know your thoughts on any or all of the proposals by email to: dogorders@eastdorset.gov.uk or by letter to East Dorset District Council, Public Health Services, Council Offices, Furzehill, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 4HN. To discuss the orders, please contact the council on 01202 886201.

All comments must be received in writing before 30 September 2009.

68 tonnes on the move to Dorset

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mike and Susan Fincher from Horncastle in Lincolnshire plan to drive their heavy load on a sixteen hour journey with a maximum speed of 30mph to the Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton in Dorset next week.

Heading the load is a 1961 ex RAF Thornycroft Mighty Antar, followed by a 50 ton capacity Dyson trailer which will be carrying a Scammell Explorer 6x6 recovery tractor. At the end of the load is a living van that follows on behind as a second trailer.

The tractor and trailer are 10 feet 9 inches wide which is about 2 feet 6 inches wider than the widest lorry allowed on the roads under normal ‘construction use’ regulations, so Mike has had to gain a movement order to transport the load and has to take an alternate route across the country.

The Finchers will exhibit their vehicles in the diesel heavy haulage section at the Great Dorset Steam Fair this year. It’s a small section with only 22 vehicles, but it’s also a working section with constant arena action. Displays include recovery and winching demonstrations as well as pure heavy haulage shows.

Mike Fincher says; “We are both very excited about this year’s show and it’s definitely worth the journey. The Antar does two-and-a-half miles to the gallon, so it uses over 100 gallons for the journey each way. I will probably use another 50 Gallons of fuel just driving in the arena. My wife will be driving her Scammell Explorer, an ex army recovery tractor which does about three miles to the gallon.”

“The size, length and weight of this load are only permitted by operating under ‘Special Types General Orders’ or STGO regulations. These are rules that allow the movement of very wide, heavy or long loads, not normally allowed on the road. The requirement is that 2 days notice is given to each Police force area, through which the load has to pass. I thank Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset Police forces for their help in getting me down to Dorset yet again.”

The designated route is A158 to Lincoln, A1 south, to the Bedford Bypass, then A421 through Milton Keynes to Brackley, then A43 onto the M40. The Finchers will then stay on the motorway for one junction before joining the A34 South through Oxford to Bullingdon Crooss, then A303 past Stonehenge to meet the A360, which goes to Salisbury. The last leg up and down countless hills on the A354 to Tarrant Hinton.

The Great Dorset Steam Fair runs from 2-6 September 2009 and is the largest show of its kind situated on 600 acres of farmland in the heart of Dorset’s beautiful countryside. The show has something for everyone from steam giants, vintage vehicles, country side trades, and crafts to the adrenaline rides of the largest travelling modern fair ground in the country.

Photograph: Arriving in Dorset in 2008

Vulnerable man still missing

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the 74-year-old who was last seen in the Streche Road car park in Wareham just after 5pm on Monday, 10 August 2009.

His car was also found abandoned on North Street in Wareham.

Despite numerous searches by teams of officers, house-to-house enquiries by the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams, distribution of Mr Laing’s photo, the help of Dorset Search and Rescue and the Dorset Police helicopter, officers have not been able to find any trace of Mr Laing.

Officers are now asking residents to check sheds, garages or any outbuildings that may not be regularly attended, as Mr Laing may have taken shelter there.

On Wednesday, 19 August 2009, a short public meeting was held in Wareham to ask for volunteers to come forward and assist officers with the searches.

More than 30 people turned up to pledge their help, which included members of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, Neighbourhood Watch, Home Watch, PACT (Partners and Communities Together), The Lions Club, local businesses, shop owners and off-duty police staff.

They undertook house-to-house enquiries across Wareham and put up hundreds of posters that contains Mr Laing’s photo.

Sergeant Des Connor of the Purbeck Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The support of the community has been fantastic in trying to find Michael.

“They have made a tremendous effort this week by getting involved in the search and dishing out posters, and we are very grateful for all their efforts.

“Please check sheds, garages and outbuildings, as Mr Laing may have taken shelter there and get in touch with the police if anyone sees him or has spoken with him.

“He is described as five feet eight inches tall, of slim build with a gaunt appearance and greying hair. He is bow legged and walks slowly trailing his left leg.

“He may be wearing a v-neck lightweight light blue jumper and faded light blue denim trousers.

“It is important that we find Michael so that we can make sure he is safe and well.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Makeover for Gundimore prom

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Gundimore promenade near Mudeford Quay in Christchurch is getting a makeover.

The project will not only encourage sailing teams training for the Olympic Games, but will also leave a lasting legacy for Christchurch people.

The first phase will be completed by Chrischurch Council’s coastal protection team and starts in September. It will provide an access track from Avon Beach.

The second phase, to be undertaken by Bourne Building Services, will be the construction of a reinforced concrete extension to the current terracing.

Overall the scheme will provide:
• a new shared pedestrian and cycle track between Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach
• improved beach access for everybody, including disabled people
• better access for licensed sailors to take dinghies down to the water’s edge for launching
• better training facilities for sailing teams taking part in the 2012 Olympic Games. This will give a boost to the local economy
• a lasting legacy for the local community following the Games
• storage of boat trolleys and dinghies at recessed parts of the new track.

All work will be completed by Easter 2010.

Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes, chairman of Christchurch Council’s Community Services Committee, said: “We are very grateful to everybody who responded to our consultation on the best way to go about providing this valuable new facility.

“We are confident that the work will put us in a much better position to attract sailing teams to Christchurch to take part in pre-Olympic training which would give a huge boost to the local economy. The new access will also make it much easier for local sailors to launch their boats and will provide an easier route for walkers and cyclists along the promenade and onto the beach.”

Cattle don’t like dogs

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Despite recent concerns about the safety of walkers from cattle, Dorset Wildlife Trust wardens have given full marks for the work done by cattle on their reserves.

Results have been so good that a team of new recruits has joined the east Dorset team this season. The rare breed Shetland cows, Leonie, Luna, Jasmine and Bryony have been cropping grass to allow flowers such as meadowsweet, devil’s bit scabious and cuckoo flower to flourish.

Ian Smart, West Dorset Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust does not report any problems with people and cattle, but advises the public to be on the alert when walking with a dog. “Cattle just don’t like dogs – ours don’t even like my dog, so you need to keep an eye on them. If they do become threatening, just let your dog off the lead and let it run away.”

If you come across livestock when out walking on Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves:
• Keep your dog on a lead, letting it off only if you are threatened by cattle
• Do not feed any livestock - cattle, ponies and donkeys on reserves are fed and watered
• Do not go close to cattle with calves
• If you have any concerns, ring 01305 264620.

Nigel Brooks, East Dorset Area Warden, adds: “Cattle do an excellent job for us, helping to maintain important habitats, including heaths and grassland, removing unwanted vegetation to leave a suitable environment for the rarer plants and wild flowers such as orchids.”

Iconic lamp restoration

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

“The Jubilee Lamp restoration moves a step closer,” said Councillor Jeremy Heron, Chairman of Ringwood Town Council’s Policy & Finance Committee.

“Ringwood’s iconic Jubilee lamp has stood proudly in the Market Square for well over a century. In that time it has lit up the square, firstly by gas lamps and now by electricity.

“Originally, it provided drinking water for people and animals alike, but health and safety, and perhaps time, has seen the disappearance of the water fountains,” continued Jeremy, “and it is time for it to receive a complete overhaul.”

Local historian, Ted Baker, has agreed to join a small working group being established by the town council to oversee and drive forward a complete refurbishment scheme for the lamp in order to restore it to its former glory or, at least, as close as modern health and safety laws will allow.

The council is seeking interested local people to join the group to oversee the total project. Anyone interested should provide their names and addresses and reasons for wishing to be involved, by 21 September, to the town clerk at the town council offices at the address below.

Terry Simpson
Town Clerk
Ringwood Town Council
Greenways
71 Christchurch Road
Ringwood BH24 1QY
Email: Town.Council@ringwood.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 473883

Gap in Post Office services unacceptable

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Robert Walter MP for North Dorset convened a meeting at Wimborne Town Hall on 21 August to discuss the future of the post office services in the town following a disastrous fire almost seven weeks ago.

Wimborne Minster has been without essential post counter services - and its main post box – since the fire on 4 July.

Bob believes that the delay in installing a temporary service has become unacceptable in a town where local businesses and ordinary people – particularly the elderly and vulnerable – are so dependent on the services that this key post office branch provided.

The meeting was sought with Post Office Limited (POL) to find out what could be done at all levels to speed up the provision of a temporary service. Although, disappointingly, POL felt unable to send a representative to the meeting, a clear commitment was received from Alan Brook (National Post Office Manager) and Kevan Hughes (South West Regional Manager) of Martin McColl Ltd.

Bob Walter said, “I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we were very disappointed by the decision of POL not to be represented. However, I believe today’s talks with Martin McColl were very valuable in confirming their commitment to the future of the post office at the heart of Wimborne. My thanks to Alan and Kevan for travelling some considerable distance to make that commitment in person.”

They expressed their wish to see the rapid installation of a temporary Portacabin unit – which McColl’s have already agreed to fund – and the refurbishment of the original post office and store by July 2010.

Reacting to rumours to the contrary, McColl’s insisted that thorough investigations were undertaken within 48 hours of the fire to find new temporary premises for both the post office and retail services in Wimborne.

Sadly, nothing fitting their three key criteria of adequate size, length of lease and feasible cost was found. They have, therefore, given their full endorsement to the installation of a post office Portacabin. Alan Brook assured those present that McColl’s have supported all efforts to achieve this, recognising that the community’s need for a rapid resumption of post office services takes precedence over the temporary loss of Martin’s retail services.

Following further pressure for face-to-face talks, senior POL officials have now agreed to meet with Bob Walter on Thursday, 27 August. Bob will deliver the impressive 2,654-signture petition presented to East Dorset District Council last week by prospective parliamentary candidate Nick King and County Councillor Robin Cook, demanding that POL reinstate services in Wimborne without further delay. Bob feels that if this display of public sentiment does not inspire POL to speed up their usual process, nothing will.

On summing up after the meeting, Bob said, “Today’s meeting too saw further confirmation from Council Leader, Cllr Spencer Flower, of East Dorset District Council’s commitment to offering retrospective planning on any temporary site to ensure the minimum of delay and all possible assistance to speed things through.”

“I was also pleased to be able to report progress today, following communication with the Chief Executive’s office at Royal Mail, on the reinstallation of Wimborne’s main post office box. Having been disturbed to hear that it may have been about to languish at the bottom of yet another waiting list, I have gained assurances from Royal Mail that they aim to complete an essential ground survey next week. If all goes to plan, this will allow the digging out and concreting in of a replacement pillar box, just outside of Scrivens Opticians, the week after. This is a very positive step.”

“Everything I’ve heard today leads me to believe that there should now be no room for excuses when I meet with Post Office Ltd this week. Everyone locally – at all levels – has worked immensely hard to smooth the way to getting services back in place as fast as possible. The only blockage now is the bureaucratic processes of POL, something I intend to tackle when I present POL officials with Wimborne’s petition on Thursday."

Bournemouth’s blacktip shark

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

As shark sightings off America’s west coast causes a number of Californian beaches to close, visitors to Bournemouth seafront have also spotted one of the worlds most feared predators.

Thankfully Bournemouth’s shark sightings are not off the southern coastline, but at the award-winning Oceanarium, where a baby blacktip reef shark is making its home in the attraction’s Key West display. Donated to the aquarium by a marine retailer, the Oceanarium’s newest resident, measuring more than 40 cm in length and identified by black tips on its pectoral and dorsal fins, joins a number of different species of sharks and other related rays at the attraction.

Oliver Buttling, Group Curator of the Oceanarium, said: “Visitors to the Oceanarium always show a great interest in the variety of sharks we care for, but many people are quite surprised to discover that with 70 million sharks killed in the wild every year, we pose greater threat to them, than they do to us.

“Once fully grown our baby blacktip reef shark will join his larger counter-parts in our underwater tunnel and hopefully become part of a captive breeding programme. In the meantime, he is settling in to his new home in the Key West display, which he shares with distant relatives including zebra sharks and guitar fish.”

For more information call 01202 311993.

Criminals’ crime cutting cash

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Four million pounds is now available nationally through the Community Cashback fund, with a maximum of £95000 allocated to Dorset, to be spent on crime-busting initiatives proposed by residents.

All proposed initiatives must aim to tackle local crime, anti-social behaviour or address a community’s needs as well as involving residents and representing good value for money.

The proposed initiatives will be listed on a dedicated website. Residents can then vote on which initiative they would like to see funded via the website, at Safer Neighbourhood meetings or through Citizens panels.

The Dorset Criminal Justice Board (DCJB) will then allocate the £95000 between three of the proposed initiatives.

The Home Office has also announced the latest figures for payments made to police and other frontline agencies under the Asset Recovery Incentive Scheme.

The scheme means that 50 per cent of the total money recovered through asset recovery is repaid to agencies including the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Organised Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs to go directly back to into their frontline work.

The figures show that a total £23.6 million recovered between January and April 2009 will be paid back, with a total £7 million to be shared between all police forces in England and Wales.

The Home Office figures also show the value of assets recovered from criminals this year has risen to an all-time high of £148 million for 08/09. This is up from last year’s £137 million.

Although the DCJB will be responsible for submitting bids to the fund, members of the public are able to propose and/or have their say on projects which have been proposed by other community members.

The website is accessible at http://cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk. The DCJB has its own Community Cashback page, accessible through the main site.

Mr. Martin Baker QPM, The Chief Constable of Dorset Police and member of the Dorset Criminal Justice Board said

"Dorset Criminal Justice Agencies are nationally recognised for the seizure of criminal assets through the proceeds of crime act and it is only right that the people in Dorset should have a say on how cash from criminals is spent in their community."

"I would encourage people in Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth to have their say on the local projects and in turn hope that this will send a strong message to the public that the Criminal Justice System in Dorset cares about what they think and is on their side.

"In turn we hope that this might encourage more members of the public to help in making Dorset even safer by picking up the phone to report a crime, support the criminal justice system and encourage others to do the same."

Ferndown In Bloom winners announced

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Three Judges took over five hours to inspect forty eight entries from residential and business properties that have participated in the revived competition that did not happen in 2008 following low entry numbers the previous year. Several late entries were sadly unable to be included.

The Overall Winner of the best front garden category was Lyn Ovens of Ringwood Road; 2nd was Robin and Marie Fitzwalter of Wimborne Road West and 3rd Cyril Haywood of Farm Road, West Moors. Highly commended were Sandra Noakes of West Moors, D J Pile in Ferndown and Mrs K Donovan of Gladelands Park, Ferndown.

Apple Home Improvements at West Parley won the Best Business or Retail Category. Second place was Ferndown’s White Heather Public House, followed by solicitors Luff Brook Carter. The Merchant of Venice Delicatessen was highly commended.

Sue Hook, Manager of the St Mary's Mews private retirement flats in the town won Best Patio, Balcony or Terrace category and the Best Community Spirit award goes to Ron Pearce at Homelands House Gardens on the Ringwood Road.

The award ceremony will be hosted on the 30 September by the Haskins Garden Centre, the key sponsor of the competition since 1992, where all entrants will be invited to join the Ferndown In Bloom committee led by former town mayor Lesley Dedman and Town Councillor Steven Lugg.

“We have been greatly encouraged by not only the number but also the quality of the entries this year,” said Steve Lugg. “The more streamlined competition combined with higher prize values seems to have appealed to a new generation of people who enjoy gardening and who take pride in their business premises.”

World Record breaker a 'disappointment'

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Last night, the world record for setting off the most fireworks in the shortest time possible was broken by Bournemouth Borough Council, although so far this has not been confirmed by Guinness World Records.

The firework display was held to raise money for the charity ‘Help for Heroes’ and despite claims that it was to be the most spectacular display ever held, there has been significant disappointment. Instead of the planned 30-second launch, all 110,000 rockets went up in approximately 6.5 seconds, the previous world record being 54,000 in 30 seconds held in Plymouth. Four people who travelled all the way from West Moors to watch the display said, “It was very disappointing. Getting there was a nightmare, the roads were blocked with traffic and then the spectacle was over in no time at all. We wouldn’t have bothered had we known it would be such a let down.” A family from Ferndown said it was a “complete waste of time.”

It appears that the fireworks display also took organisers by surprise. Jon Culverhouse, Managing Director Fantastic Fireworks said: “We are as astonished as everyone else that the fireworks went off so quickly …The reason why they went up so quickly was largely down to the weather …There was a strong wind all day and it was gathering pace when the rockets were launched. This, combined with the way the fireworks were fused, accelerated the launch by fanning the flames over the fuses much more rapidly.”

The information stating exactly how much money was raised for charity is yet to be released.

Ferndown Upper 97% pass rate at A2 level

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Headteacher Alex Wills says “These are very good results and I am delighted for the students. They represent excellent achievement across the ability range and are the result of the combined hard work and commitment of our staff and students”. Ferndown Upper School sixth form students continue to be amongst the very best in Dorset in terms of the progress they make.
“At A2 our students maintained an excellent 97% pass rate.”

Below are some of our highest achieving students.

AS Students
Andy Lyford                 Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths (all A grades)
Tom Hopkins                Maths, Physics, Ethics (all A grades)
Andy Monk                   Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths (all A grades)
Justin Robertson           Psychology A, English Language A, Media A, Business B

A2 Students
Josh Bentley                 English Language, Geography, History (London School of Economics – History) – (all A grades)
Alex Chappell                Psychology A, Maths B, Geography B
Matt McGilchrist             Geography A, Physical Education A, Design &Tech. B (Chichester – Sports Coaching)
Katie Agar                     Textiles A, English Language A, Math’s B (Bournemouth Arts Institute – Foundation Art)
Ryan McNally                 Art A, History A, Maths C (Swansea – History)
Jackie Snowdon             Maths A, Physics A, Biology B (Warwick – Physics)
Louise Formston             English Literature A, History A, French B (Southampton – English)

MP supports Wimborne’s business plans

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A meeting will be held in the King’s Head Hotel on Friday, 21 August at 3pm when the North Dorset MP will meet representatives from Wimborne’s business community.

At the invitation of committee member and local businessman, Chris Slocock, Bob will attend a meeting of the Wimborne BID committee in order to see how the project is developing and offer his own ideas and experiences.

Bob said, “I think that Business Improvement Districts provide a great incentive for local businesses to become more actively involved in the management of their commercial area whilst inspiring greater corporate responsibility.

“Funds raised from the BID levy will, if the plan is voted in, enable local businesses to take direct action to improve aspects of the town’s appearance, profile and trade, thus seeing a direct benefit from what they put in – something that currently does not happen with business rates.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the project has progressed on Friday and contributing in my own small way to the consultation process. Wimborne trade has been hit hard by the economic recession and recent events – including the Canford Bridge closure and post office fire – so it’s good to see local business fighting back with plans for improvement and looking to the future.”

Ferndown Jitsu defends World Title in USA

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Junior Jitsu World Champions, Ferndown Jitsu Club, are leaving for the USA on Friday 21 August with a team of ten members to defend their title at the Foundation World Jitsu Championships in Spartanburg South Carolina.

The competition is held every three years and the Ferndown Jitsu Club has been to Canada, Amsterdam and France in the past.

Stanpit Marsh Information Centre wins International Award

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Designers of the Centre, White Design, entered the building for the awards and were delighted to receive a Gold in the Support Services category. Project designer Adriana Robert Rodriguez attended the presentation ceremony at Hampton Court Palace.

This is the second major award for the Information Centre, which opened in September 2008, having been named Best Sustainable Development at the Local Authority Building Control South West Region Building Excellence Awards earlier this year.

The Green Apple Awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.

The Centre provides information and displays about wildlife on the marsh. Environmental features of the design include wind and solar power, a filtered water supply from rainwater and a composting toilet.

Craig White of White Design said: “We were delighted to work with Christchurch Borough Council to achieve their aim of creating a truly sustainable building and we believe we’ve been able to go beyond this ambition. As a totally self-sufficient building in its energy use, Stanpit Marsh Information Centre is fully ‘off-grid” and we think it could be a model for other nature reserves to follow”.

Christchurch Borough Council commissioned the building and funded it, along with contributions from the Friends of Stanpit Marsh. Cllr Colin Jamieson, portfolio holder for Protecting the Environment at the Council, said: “This award confirms the fact that the Information Centre, being environmentally-friendly, is the right sort of building for Stanpit Marsh. As well as winning awards, it has also proved to be a winner with the many people who come to enjoy the beautiful environment of the Marsh, as it fits in so well with its location.”

Supporters Trek in Vietnam Raises over £13K for Charity

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A group of energetic supporters have raised over £13,000 for The Wessex Autistic Society thanks to their 11 day trek up the 3,142m of Mount Fansipan. The group even helped refurbish a derelict room at an orphanage 70km from Hanoi. Team Ruby, taking on the challenge as part of the charity’s Ruby Anniversary celebrations, included local farmer Dan Tanner from Ringwood, Portfield School residential support worker Emily Oram from Poole , charity supporters Felicity Irwin from Dorset and the Honourable Robyn Lopes from Plymouth.

The Fundraising Team at the Wessex Autistic Society have more challenges on offer in 2010 including a sailing trip from Poole to Guernsey, treks up Kilimanjaro, the Three Peaks Challenge in May and a cycle ride from London to Paris. The charity is always on hand to support anyone wishing to create their own events to raise funds as well.

If you would like to take part in a fundraising event get in touch with the Fundraising Team on 01202 703597 fundrasising@twas.org.uk who will be delighted to hear from you. Alternatively visit www.twas.org.uk

Rare Doulton Figure To Be Sold

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A very rare Doulton figure is to be sold at Lawrences of Crewkerne in October. Called the 'Sketch Girl', she was based on the front cover of the Sketch magazine in the 1920's.

Designed by Leslie Harradine, she was produced from 1923-1938 in limited numbers, and is part of a small group of Doulton figures that never received an official HN number.

Lawrences Auctioneer Simon Jones said, " This is a particularly rare figure, which does not appear at auction very often. There is still a strong demand for early Doulton figures, and we expect a lot of interest"

The figure is expected to make £500-£800 in auction. For further enquiries please contact Simon Jones on 01460 73041.

Council steps up greenbelt protection in East Dorset

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Following a successful challenge in the High Court from councils affected by the RSS for the East of England, the government has announced a delay in the adoption of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West.

The delay has caused uncertainty regarding the RSS for the South West. East Dorset District Council is concerned that this could cause serious problems with planning and have a potential impact on the greenbelt

The period of uncertainty has now extended over many months, and it is not yet known when it will be resolved. The council feels that this could result in speculative developers trying to test the robustness of the council’s planning policies and submit planning applications for greenbelt land, in the hope of gaining permission.

The council must demonstrate that it is continuing with the work on the replacement of its Local Plan. It has continually made clear its opposition to the principle of the urban extensions contained in the RSS. It has decided to maintain its opposition but press on with the technical planning for the urban extensions. This is part of a package of work to ensure the green belt remains protected ahead of any decision from the Secretary of State on the RSS.

The worst possible outcome from the point of view of the council and its residents would be if it were to lose control over the local planning system and find decisions being made for it through ‘planning by appeal.’ To guard against this, the council must show that it is making progress with its Local Development Framework.

The council is now working towards a consultation document, which is scheduled to be shared with residents in early 2010. The document will set out the preferred option of no urban extensions and why they should be rejected. The proposed consultation will allow residents to 'have their say' in shaping the future housing needs in East Dorset.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of the Council, said: "The Council's Local Development Framework is an incredibly important document which will help the Council to protect the green-belt now and in the future.

“Preventing developers from making speculative planning applications is a key consideration at this time, which is why this work is so vital and must go ahead without further delay.

“In order to safeguard the greenbelt and ensure the RSS Urban Extensions at Corfe Mullen, north Wimborne and Parley Cross, and the wider areas of the district are protected, the council needs to demonstrate to the Planning Inspectorate that it is continuing work on its Local Development Framework. If this is not done, the district's green belt will be put at risk from speculative planning applications."

Lack of Post Office: town sees red

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Following a town centre fire on 4 July, which destroyed the post office, newsagent and other shops, Wimborne’s County Councillor, Robin Cook and Prospective MP, Nick King started a petition calling on interested parties to work together to reinstate Post Office facilities. It was felt that Post Office Ltd was dragging its heels over providing a temporary service.

Within two weeks of starting the petition, the number of signatories stood at 2654.

“That’s a brilliant response, the number equals almost one signature for every household in the town,” said Nick today. “We will now be working immediately to ensure that the momentum created by the campaign is maintained.”

The petition will be presented to Councillor Spencer Flower, Leader of East Dorset District Council at the Council Offices at Furzehill this Wednesday, August 19 at 9.30am.

Robin said: “With the help of Bob Walter MP we have also arranged to meet with representatives of the Post Office to hand over the petition on Friday 21 August.”

Nick adds: “Bob Walter has been enormously helpful in pushing for this urgent meeting. He, Robin and I along with members of the town council will be pressing the Post Office to restore post office facilities without further delay. There is no excuse for the delay to which the people and business owners of Wimborne are being subjected.”

Get swimming for charity

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A charity Swimathon event is being held in the Dorset town of Wimborne Minster on Saturday 21 November at QE Leisure Centre.

Organised annually by Wimborne Rotary, application forms are now available. Contact Peter Douch on 01202 882936 or email peter@fcdouch.f2s.com

The nominated charities are, Pramacare, Naomi House & Life Education Wessex. The sponsorship money generated is then split four ways so that each of the three nominated charities will receive 25% and the final 25% goes to a charity each team selects. Last year an additional 19 charities benefited from this.

Teenager set to repay football club after vandalism

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A 15-year-old boy will pay to repair the damage he caused at Verwood Football Club as a result of the incident being dealt with by way of a Restorative Reprimand.

Seventeen spectator seats at Verwood Football Club, Potterne Park, were vandalised on 27 July 2009 and the damage was estimated at more than £180. A local 15-year-old boy admitted causing the damage.

In consultation with the football club, it was agreed that the matter should be dealt with by way of the new Restorative Reprimand scheme, which is being pioneered by Dorset Police.

Representatives of the football club, Verwood Leisure Centre, the 15-year-old offender and his father, attended a Restorative Justice Conference in August which was facilitated by PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Louise Hamilton.

During an emotional meeting, the offender apologised and suggested that he would repay the money with earnings from his part-time job. He has been asked to repay the money by November.

The 15-year-old also agreed to carry out additional work, clearing-up for the football club.

PCSO Hamilton said: “It’s not the first time that Verwood Football Club has been subject to this type of damage but this has been a positive outcome for an incident, which has real significance in this community

“I am very pleased with how it has been resolved and I have no doubt whatsoever that all money will be repaid in full and on time.

“We take all incidents seriously and anyone who is responsible for such damage will be held to account by the people involved.”

A Restorative Reprimand is issued by the police for low-level crimes committed by young people aged 10 to 17 years old but unlike a usual reprimand, it uses Restorative Justice to bring together the offender and the victim to try to make things right.

An offence can only be dealt with by a Restorative Reprimand if the offender has admitted guilt.

This also means that the young person committing this type of minor crime must face up to the consequences of their actions while not receiving a criminal record.

A walk on the wildside

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Join Dorset Wildlife Trust’s People and Wildlife Officer, Sam Dallimore, for a guided walk around one of Portland’s hidden gems. Situated high on the Isle of Portland, King Barrow Quarries nature reserve has excellent views of the Dorset mainland, Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon.

The reserve is on the site of a disused limestone quarry, which produced the famed Portland stone until quarrying stopped 100 years ago. Largely left to regenerate naturally, it is now a haven for wild flowers and butterflies. King Barrow is particularly known for its blue butterflies, including the stunning Adonis Blue.

The wildlife walk around King Barrow Quarry Reserve is on Sunday, 23 August 2-4pm and costs £1. Walkers should meet at the entrance to the reserve by the name stone, on Yeates Road, just off the A354. Please book in advance by calling 01305 816546.

Colehill and Uddens gravel extraction proposals withdrawn

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The proposals, put forward by the Forestry Commission, would have seen gravel extraction works for a proposed period of up to 25 years taking place on the East Dorset plantations. The Forestry Commission wrote this week to Dorset County Council formally withdrawing their proposal, after their partner the extraction company Raymond Brown Ltd, withdrew their support for the sites.

Nick King said:“These were completely inappropriate sites. Both are popular with local people who use them widely for walking and recreation. Cannon Hill in particular runs in to the centre of Colehill.

“The proposals would have seen an enormous increase in the number of heavy lorry movements on the A31 at a time when the Highways Agency has already confirmed they consider the road to be over capacity.”

Nick wrote personally to every home in Wimborne and Colehill last autumn, detailing the proposals and explaining how residents could object and helping them to do so by including a pro forma objection form. This resulted in the sites attracting over 1,000 objections, the largest number of any of the sites put forward in Dorset.

“I’ve spoken to local people today who are absolutely delighted with the news,” said Nick.

Local residents formed a ‘Save Cannon Hill’ action group to fight the proposals and gathered almost 200 signatures on a petition objecting to the proposals.

A North/South divide in the housing market

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sentiment in the housing market continues to improve according to the latest RICS UK housing market survey published today on 11 August. Significantly, 8 per cent of chartered surveyors nationally expect prices to rise rather than fall over the next three months, the highest reading for this series since April 2007. In the South West, 22 per cent of surveyors expect prices to rise rather than fall – up five per cent from the previous month.

The improved optimism for prices can at least partly be attributed to the fact that increased interest from new buyers has not been matched by supply coming onto the market. New buyer enquiries across the UK remained high in July with a net balance of 63 per cent reporting a rise rather than a fall; this is marginally lower than the previous month but still indicative of a growing level of interest in the market. In the South West, the net balance reporting a rise rather than a fall was 72 per cent, a slight rise from 71 per cent in June.

At the same time the levels of stock on estate agents books remains very low. In July more chartered surveyors nationally reported an increase than a decrease in the number of new instructions for the first time since May 2007. However the balance of just 2 per cent suggests that vendors are still a little reluctant to put properties on the market. Although here in the South West there was a marked rise, with 18 per cent of surveyors reporting an increase rather than a decrease in new instructions - 29 per cent more than previously.

Housing market activity, in terms of actual transactions, also continued to rise during July in the South West with an average of 15 properties sold compared to 14 in the previous three months.

The national picture highlights the north/south divide developing in the English market. The sales-to-stock ratio is highest in London and the South East and lowest in the North. Correspondingly, the net balance of surveyors reporting price rises in London and the South East are 33 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, whereas 18 per cent more surveyors in the north are still reporting prices falling rather than rising.

Commenting Roger Punch, from Stags, Plymouth and RICS South West Spokesperson said:

“The levels of transaction are clearly picking up as interest in the housing market increases; however the current support for house prices will only be upheld whilst stock levels remain low.

“The pattern emerging in the regions is very interesting. Encouragingly, more chartered surveyors in the South West, London and the South-East are reporting rising prices. However, those in the North are clearly experiencing a very different marketplace. “

Helen Brotherton CBE Obituary

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Helen Brotherton, who died on 6 August 2009 aged 95 after a short illness, was one of the big characters of Dorset, one of the leading pioneering conservationists of her day both in the county and nationally and was instrumental in securing the future of many of Dorset’s special places, including Brownsea Island.

Born in Lincolnshire in 1914, Miss Brotherton grew up in Leamington Spa, where she began to be interested in nature. Her first recollection was at the age of three sitting on the driveway of their home in the Midlands identifying fossils amongst the gravel. She always credited her mother for generating and encouraging her enthusiasm for all things to do with the countryside.

As a child she became a master at trespassing on the surrounding farmland so that she could pursue her interests in nature but was very aware that her father, who was a highly respected businessman and owned Hercules Bicycles, would have been horrified to find out. So she learnt not to be caught; something that was to hold her in good stead later in life when exploring Brownsea Island when it was still in private hands.

At school she proved a very good sportsgirl and was a particularly fine wicket keeper and was a vital member of the cricket team. She trained as a teacher at Roehampton College and in 1936 she left with good qualifications to teach.

At the outbreak of war she applied for a job as a seagoing WRNS but was put on a long waiting list. So she decided to fill the time by volunteering for the WRVS in which role she ended up, firstly, as the Evacuation Officer for Warwickshire (including of course Coventry) where, despite her meticulous planning, all went hilariously awry when the various groups got on to the wrong buses and thus single men found themselves being billeted in places planned for married women and vice versa. She then went on to run the Warwickshire Sick Bays. It was these two experiences where she learnt the important skills of organising and inspiring volunteers; a skill which never left her. For her work with the Sick Bays she received the award of the British Empire Medal (Civil) on 1 January, 1943.

At the end of the Second World War she moved to Dorset in order to look after her mother who had never really recovered from the loss of Helen’s brother during the war.

Living in Lilliput, Poole, with an uninterrupted view over Poole Harbour, and with its large gardens and open spaces showing signs of wartime neglect, she discovered Dorset’s wildlife, including smooth snakes and sand lizards. She began voluntary work through the Dorset Field Ornithology Group. She was joined in her work by both Bernard Gooch, a wonderful naturalist and author who was way ahead of his time, and Dr Rooke who, being a full time practising GP, needed considerable help in organizing the various bird counts that took place on a regular basis. Miss Brotherton recalled that in those days they could only find 16 bird watchers throughout the county; a fortunate figure as that was the maximum that could fit into their meeting place – a member’s drawing room.

Visiting Brownsea Island was a particular pleasure, in spite of the fact that public access was banned by its reclusive owner Mrs Bonham-Christie. Brotherton owned a yacht and thus could sail across the harbour and trespass to her heart’s delight. Following the death of Mrs Bonham-Christie in 1961, her grandson was left the Island. He decided to apply for planning permission for 400 houses as he could see no way that he could afford to maintain the island without substantial funds of his own.

Helen Brotherton and her small team went to work to ensure that the planners were fully aware of the potential of the Island as a wildlife reserve. Already red squirrels were dying out along the south coast, a major heronry was being threatened with destruction on the Crichel Estate as their roosts were part of a commercial wood which was due for harvesting and Brownsea hosted many rare wading species in its lagoon that were nationally endangered.

Largely as a result of Miss Brotherton’s efforts the planners turned down the application to build and with the active support of Max Nicholson (Head of the Nature Conservancy and late Secretary to the Privy Council) the Treasury agreed to take the island in lieu of death duties. But they insisted that The National Trust would have to agree to take over the ownership of Brownsea and that half of it should be run as a reserve for wildlife by the embryo Dorset Naturalists’ Trust. However The National Trust was particularly short of funds at this time and they only agreed to this proposal provided that an endowment of £100,000 could be found. Not an insubstantial sum in 1961.

It was Helen Brotherton who swung into action to persuade the people of Poole to pledge money to secure the island's future. Within a week, with her usual charm and highly persuasive manner, which brooked few refusals, she had raised the first £10,000 and so the National Trust agreed to take on Brownsea. Meanwhile Sunny Miller, Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership, had persuaded his Board to take on a long lease of the castle and to carry out the necessary repairs. The Scouts with the active involvement of Lady Baden Powell also provided substantial funds to secure the endowment for the island on which they were founded.

It was also the start of the Dorset Naturalists’ Trust, now the Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), which today has over 25,000 members, and which not only manages the wildlife reserves on Brownsea Island but also over 40 sites throughout the county.

Dorset was only the fourth county in England to establish a county wildlife trust. In this task Miss Brotherton was helped enormously by the support of Ted Smith of the Lincolnshire Trust and not least the great naturalist and philanthropist Christopher Cadbury. Dr Rooke and Arthur Bull, who was Head of Mathematics at Bryanston School, then invited Helen Brotherton to take on the role of Honorary Secretary for the first three years. She ended up in this role for the next 26 years. On 28 March 1961 the Dorset Naturalists’ Trust had its inaugural meeting and managed to fill the Council Chamber in County Hall with Lord Ilchester as its first Chairman.

Even in those early days there was much to be done: stopping the building of the Atomic Energy Power Station beside the Fleet (the stretch of water behind Chesil Beach), although ironically this was then built at Winfrith on precious and rare heathland; developing and opening up Brownsea, which was grossly overgrown with rhododendron and other invasive species; acquiring Powerstock Common, amongst many other less high profile but important tasks. For all this, and more, on 6th June 1963 Miss Brotherton was awarded an OBE (Civil) for her role as Secretary of the Dorset Naturalists’ Trust.

During all this Miss Brotherton also became the Wessex Regional Secretary of the National Trust. In those days there was only the Regional Agent and one assistant to cover the area from Cornwall to the Isle of Wight. There were no wardens. In the early 1970’s the National Trust put in place Operation Neptune, a very ambitious plan to ‘save the coastline of England and Wales’. Helen Brotherton threw one of her by now famous dinner parties to get it rolling in her region. As a result Dorset collected more money than any other county.

On 16 June, 1984 Miss Brotherton was awarded a CBE (Civil) for her work as Wessex Regional Chairman of the National Trust.

She was also a key figure in the establishment of the Portland Bird Observatory, of which she was chairman. The Observatory had little money but always managed to employ young full time wardens, many of whom went on to become significant players in the world of conservation.

In addition, she was the leader in pioneering a permanent presence for conservation on the Chesil Bank for the nationally important tern colonies and subsequently became a Trustee of the ‘Chesil and Fleet Trust’.

Helen Brotherton served as a magistrate for about 30 years, often as bench chairman. A good listener and very sympathetic when necessary, she was very quick on the uptake and respected by her colleagues.

Miss Brotherton was a knowledgeable field naturalist and a keen educator and thus having relinquished her role as Secretary she went on to become Chairman and finally Honorary President of the DWT. In her role as President she continued, even in her 95th year, to play an extremely active part in all aspects of the DWT’s activities and she rarely missed any Trustees’ meetings. Whenever there was a requirement to bring out the heavy guns of Helen Brotherton to secure support from any person she was only too happy to play her part. She rarely failed to achieve what was required.

New members of staff were invited to lunch so that she could get to know them and more senior members of staff were summoned to lunch if she felt unhappy about any aspect of what the DWT was doing. Whether dealing with trustees or staff members she could always make her point with characteristic charm.

She took a particularly close interest in the management of Brownsea Island which she could watch over from her sitting room windows and she was always ready to offer wise advice to both the National Trust and the DWT staff who continued the work that she started.

In addition she was on the editorial board of the magazine Dorset Life, for a period a trustee of The Royal Society for Nature Conservation (now The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts), a trustee of the RSPB and a keen sailor. In 1992 Helen Brotherton was the first recipient to be awarded the Christopher Cadbury Medal ‘for services for the advancement of nature conservation in the British Islands’ by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

In 1993 Bournemouth University awarded her an Honorary Degree. In 2007, she received the Octavia Hill medal for her outstanding contribution for over 50 years to the National Trust. In 2008, she established the annual Helen Brotherton Award for Volunteering at Dorset Wildlife Trust, reflecting her conviction that volunteering is a way of life and proof that positive action can make a real difference in the community and environment.

She continued to attend and host events and meetings for Dorset Wildlife Trust, to meet members and thank volunteers and staff personally at every opportunity. Helen Brotherton was as steadfast to her friends as she was to the cause of nature conservation. She had a warm sense of humour and a naturally generous and caring nature. She was always ready to welcome friends to her study, with its fine views of Poole Harbour, and talk about wildlife, their families and mutual friends. Her close friends knew too, that in times of difficulty, Miss Brotherton would always offer support and perceptive advice without fail.

Post Office petition gathers momentum

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The response to the petition, pressing for a return of post office counters services to Wimborne without delay, has already had a fantastic response.

Launched last week by Wimborne’s prospective MP, Nick King, and the town’s County Councillor, Robin Cook , the petition has been placed in local shops, where customers have signed up in droves.

Nick King said: “We estimate that the shops alone have already gathered in excess of 1,500 signatures. That’s a brilliant response in such a short space of time.”

Street stalls were set up last Saturday in the town by local campaigners, where over 500 signatures were also collected.

The petition will run until this Saturday, 15 August. “We’ll then be collecting the petition together and presenting it next week to East Dorset District Council.

“We’re also working with Bob Walter MP to obtain a meeting with the Post Office as a matter of urgency. Our investigations show that it is they who are dragging their heels over providing this service.

“Wimborne’s residents and business owners have given a resounding message through the petition that further delay in restoring the service isn’t an option.”

Further threat to survival of town centres

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Nick King, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Mid Dorset and North Poole has strongly criticized the Government’s new proposed changes to planning rules, which will reduce local planning powers to control out-of-town retail development.

A new report from the cross-party House of Commons Communities Select Committee has warned that the Government’s proposed changes to planning rules on retail development will result in ‘many more out-of-town superstores.’

This comes as a separate nationwide survey by the British Retail Consortium has found that 1 in 10 of all town centre shops are now vacant - three times as many as last autumn.

The Government is proposing to scrap the ‘needs test,’ which requires developers to prove the ‘need’ for additional out-of-town development. Local councils will be forced to observe the new rules when assessing planning applications.

The small print of the Government’s proposals shows the changes would lead to an ‘overall increase in [out-of-town] development, which could have environmental implications,’ and ‘more [out-of-town] development proposals coming forward through the planning process,’ and ‘additional unplanned proposals outside town centres.’

The Government's own consultation exercise found that the changes would ‘undermine regeneration schemes by allowing development outside town centres.’ Now the influential Communities Select Committee has warned that the changes will create ‘unnecessary risks to town centres.’

Nick and Dorset County Councillor, Robin Cook, are already leading a campaign to reinstate a Post Office service in Wimborne Minster town, where many businesses are reporting a significant downturn in trade as a result of the loss of the facility in a fire six weeks ago.

Commenting on the news, Nick said: “Small businesses are already struggling in many of our small towns as a result of the recession and especially in Wimborne as a consequence of the fire.

"These proposals threaten to undermine shops in our major centres still further, as well as our market town and village high streets. It is vital for local communities to retain the power to curtail foolish out-of-town expansion and to promote town centre regeneration.

“Traders in Wimborne are working extraordinarily hard to attract business to the town in particularly difficult circumstances. The last thing we need is even more legislation like this, taking power away from local communities."

Rare Thomas Hardy plate going to auction

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A very rare Poole Pottery plate is to be sold at Lawrences of Crewkerne in October.

Made in 1968 to commemorate the Hardy Festival, it is one of a limited run of 250. The plate shows Wessex with place names relating to Hardy's books, and was designed by leading Poole Pottery designer Tony Morris.

Lawrences Auctioneer Simon Jones said, "There is always interest in Hardy memorabilia, particularly in this area. This coupled with the sad closure of the Poole factory, makes this a very collectable plate."

The plate will be sold on 15 October, and is expected to make £300-£500. For further enquires please contact Simon Jones on 01460 73041.

An oasis in the middle of town

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Bournemouth garden is opening in aid of Cherry Tree Nursery, a charity supporting adults with severe and enduring mental illness, on Sunday, 23 August, 1-5pm.

The garden features a large variety of shrubs, trees, grasses and perennials with an emphasis on nature. There are plenty of insects, birds and beehives. It is an oasis in the middle of the town.

Tea, coffee, cake and seating in the sun or shade, plus locally grown plants from Cherry Tree Nursery will be on sale.

Spend the afternoon at 35 Dunkeld Road, Bournemouth.

Dragons fly Moors Valley into top 10

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Twenty-seven different species of dragonfly and damselfly have now been seen at Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood. As there are only around fifty in the whole of the UK this makes the 700-acre park one of the top ten places in the UK to see these fascinating creatures.

The park’s three lakes, six ponds and two SSSI rivers create the perfect habitat to sustain this amazing range of species. The Gold Ringed Dragonfly, for example, prefers the running water of rivers, whereas other species, such as the Small Red-eyed Damselfly, prefer still-water lakes.

“Water is the essential ingredient to completing the lifecycle”, said Keith Powrie, who has carried out voluntary counts around the park for seven years.

“They lay their eggs which then hatch into larvae that can live in the water for up to five years, depending on the species. The larvae are incredibly sensitive to water pollution and the large numbers, and variety of species, that thrive at Moors Valley are therefore a testament to all the hard work the Rangers put in to ensure a high and consistent water quality.

“My most exciting and recent find is the Scarce Chaser (Libellula fulva Müller). Following three years of successive sightings this can now be confirmed to have taken up residence at the park.”

Other species to look out for include the Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea), a Mediterranean species, and the larger species of dragonfly, for example the Migrant Hawker, which are particularly common from mid August to late September.

NeighbourCar rescues client in Dorset village

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

West Moors NeighbourCar has proved just recently that it is more than a pick-up service for residents. When an eighty-nine-year-old woman collapsed at her home, it was an astute member of NeighbourCar who fetched help.

The secretary of NeighbourCar, John Mullett, said, “Linda, one of our drivers collects this client for church every Sunday morning. When she reached the house and knocked on the door, there was no reply. Linda noticed the windows were open, so she assumed her client was indoors and thought it unusual not to get a response. She decided to drive to my house and tell me, and the nearby treasurer of NeighbourCar, about the situation. All three of us went back to the house and we found the client collapsed on the floor. We think she had been there since Saturday tea-time because her oven and hob were on and her meal was ruined. We called an ambulance and she is now in hospital.

“The consequences, if Linda hadn’t called round and taken the action she did, don’t bear thinking about. It proves what a caring service West Moors NeighbourCar is.”

Since July 2008, West Moors NeighbourCar has regularly collected the elderly and less able in the village and taken them to the doctor, dentist, hospital, church and even to see friends. The voluntary organisation provides an essential link for those who find it difficult to go places. Wheelchairs can be accommodated and all that is requested is a small charge of 40p a mile to cover fuel.

Customers thanked for raising over £385,000 for WaterAid

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Since 1993 BWHW has included an appeal leaflet with bills inviting customers to donate money to WaterAid.

The major UK charity helps millions of people across the world access safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

To date, the BWHW appeal has raised more than £385,000 for WaterAid allowing the charity to help over 25,000 people.

Tony Cooke, BWHW’s Managing Director, said: “I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has contributed.

“Your generosity has not only changed the lives of these people for the better but has, undoubtedly, saved lives too. Please keep supporting this vital work.”

Turning turtle for health reasons

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The award winning Oceanarium in Bournemouth has been keeping its kids’ club busy during the school holidays with an innovative event: ‘turtle health check sessions.’

Budding young aquarists from the kids’ club were invited to become vets for the afternoon and help the Oceanarium’s marine biologists with the chelonian’s regular health check. The children not only discovered more about the Oceanarium’s tortoises, turtles and terrapins, but they were encouraged to get involved too by helping to weigh and measure the creatures.

Callum Buchanan, 8 years old from Bournemouth said: “I thought it was really interesting. The best part was when we got to touch the tortoise’s shell. It was really hard and wavy. I’m a member of the kids’ club at the Oceanarium so I was interested in animals anyway, but this got me really interested in turtles, tortoises and terrapins.”

Operation Protect tackles domestic violence

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In a proactive approach to combat domestic violence and support victims, specially trained officers are now based in two dedicated cars on weekend nights over the summer to respond to incidents in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

This is part of Dorset Police’s approach to tackling domestic violence, serious sexual violence and night-time economy violence.

Under Operation Protect, a detective sergeant and a detective or police constable staff each car from 5pm until 1am on Saturday and Sunday nights.

They are accompanied by Independent Domestic Violence Advisors who can offer additional support and advice to victims. They are completely independent of the police and provide a specialist support service to victims of domestic abuse.

Crime statistics show that domestic violence incidents increase over the summer, which is why the Force introduced this approach at the end of July. The operation will run for six weeks.

The cars attend domestic abuse incidents and provide an enhanced service through supporting the victim, assisting in secondary evidence gathering to help increase the chances of securing a conviction, and have specialist knowledge of the support and protection available to victims of domestic abuse.

The officers also carry out welfare checks on previous victims of domestic violence during their eight-hour shifts to ensure that they are safe, have not been subjected to further crime, and have access to the support they require.

Special Constables will also carry out welfare checks on previous victims of domestic violence during the week across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Detective Inspector Paul Kessell, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “Domestic violence incidents increase at weekends and rise during the summer. That’s why we have taken this proactive approach to combat this unacceptable crime.

“There are many agencies, including the police, who can offer support to end the cycle of domestic abuse, this operation is just one part of the ongoing work supporting and protecting the victims of domestic abuse.”

Dorset County Division – covering all of Dorset except for Bournemouth and Poole – has taken a similar approach to domestic violence over the past two years.

The division has one dedicated car operating one or two shifts per week and staffed by two police constables. The dedicated domestic violence car operates from 4pm until midnight, normally on a Thursday or Friday.

Domestic violence offences continue to be under-reported. If you have been a victim of domestic violence please report it by contacting Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or dial 999 if a crime is in progress or life is in danger. Alternatively, you can also report a crime anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Highest number of mortgage approvals in one month since March last year

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In response, RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn said: "The increase in mortgage approvals for June, over 35,000 mortgages were approved for the purchase of homes - the highest monthly figure since March last year, follows the positive lead provided by the RICS 'new buyers enquiries' series which is continuing to show growing levels of interest in the housing market.

“Indeed, the reading on this indicator in the June survey was sufficiently strong to suggest that mortgage approval activity will rise further over the coming months. That said, it is important to recall that the absolute level of mortgages being sanctioned is still low by historic standards and consistent with a relatively fragile housing market.

"Meanwhile (non-financial) company borrowing contracted a little over the month, pretty much reversing the modest increase in May. The continuing problems facing the construction industry were visible in the sixth consecutive monthly drop in lending to the sector. Meanwhile although borrowing by the real estate sector edged up again, the suspicion is that this reflects the use of pre-existing credit lines rather than any enthusiasm on the part of banks to raise their exposure to this part of the economy.”

First breeding pair of Roseate terns in Dorset for 20 years

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A pair of rare terns has bred on Brownsea Island for the first time ever. It is the first record of roseate terns breeding anywhere in Poole Harbour and the first in Dorset for over 20 years. One of our rarest seabirds, the roseate tern has red status as a bird of conservation concern because of the severe decline in population. Most of the breeding colonies in the UK are off the Northumberland coast, in Anglesey and in Pembrokeshire

This pair have chosen to nest in a man-made nest box on the far side of the lagoon in the Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve and have produced one fluffy chick. In recent years, the occasional roseate tern can be seen around the Dorset coast on migration, but it has come as a complete surprise to Dorset Wildlife Trust staff to find a successful nesting pair in the reserve.

Chris Thain, DWT reserve manager, said: “This has been a very busy year for terns on the lagoon, with exceptionally large numbers of Sandwich terns, but this is a real bonus. It is confirmation of the excellent habitat provided by Brownsea’s lagoon as well as the good supplies of fish in Poole Bay.”

The Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve, occupying nearly half of the National Trust owned island, is open daily and the adults and chick can be seen through a telescope from the low hide. It is expected to fledge this week and leave for west Africa this month.

Huge petition against HSBC bank closure in Verwood

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Following the shock news last month that the HSBC branch in Verwood is to close on 25 September 2009, a petition with over 750 signatures has been collected in just a few weeks by long-standing HSBC customer and local businessman, Jim Sutcliffe.

For more on this story, read the next issue of Verwood and Wimborne Viewpoint Magazine (mid-August) out next Friday, 14 August 2009.

Petition for Post Office following fire

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Wimborne’s County Councillor, Robin Cook and prospective MP, Nick King launched a petition on 4 August calling on interested parties to work together to reinstate post office facilities in Wimborne.

The petition calls on Post Office Ltd to provide a temporary facility by next month and to work together with Martin McColl Ltd to reinstate a permanent Post Office Counters presence by the end of the year.

It also calls on East Dorset District Council to do all it can to facilitate these services.

“Post Office Ltd contacted the local council last week with a list of actions they need to take to assess whether they can provide a temporary office.

“It’s been over four weeks since fire destroyed the town’s post office, this work should have been taking place well before now. The fear is that Post Office Ltd are dragging their feet over providing a temporary office,” said Cllr Robin Cook.

Robin continues:

“The proposed site for the temporary office is at the back of the Minster, well away from the shopping area and local businesses. Many local businesses people and residents have been in touch with Nick and I to express their concern about the proposed location and the delay in any definite plans coming forward. Post Office Ltd need to know the level of concern in Wimborne over their foot dragging.”

Nick King adds: “The Post Office in Wimborne is vital for the business community in the town and is an essential lifeline for the many people without transport, particularly older residents, who live in the town centre.”

“Post Office Ltd have a history of bureaucracy and of failing to listen to local people’s concerns. My fear is that they are deliberately placing hurdles in the way of the temporary office so that they don’t have to provide a facility. It’s a small step from the situation to their arguing that the town can then do without an office. The purpose of the petition is to show Post Office Ltd and the owners of the Wimborne franchise, Martin McColl Ltd that local people want a post office, and they want it reinstated quickly.”

Bob Walter, Wimborne’s current MP is backing the petition, he said: ”The petition has my full support, post office services are vital to Wimborne and Post Office Ltd should be making every effort to provide replacement facilities as a matter of urgency.”

"I am extremely frustrated by what appears to be bureaucratic delay. If the solution is a temporary facility it could be situated outside the Allendale Centre or even in the Square. The Post Office should just go ahead. As East Dorset District Council are as anxious as anybody to get this facility up and running then I am sure they would be sympathetic to a retrospective planning application."

A spokesperson from the Post Office said, “"We are keen to restore Post Office services in Wimborne as quickly as possible. We are looking at a number of options and would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience."

Shock decision on Verwood’s New Legion Club

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Like eight other clubs throughout the country, the New Legion Club in Verwood is facing closure.

The fate of the New Legion Clubs is blamed on the economic downturn, changes in drinking habits as well as the smoking ban.

Read the mid-August issue of Wimborne and Verwood Viewpoint Magazine for the rest of this story. Due out 14 August 2009.

Huge fine for fly-tipper

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Darryl David Phillips, 22, was seen taking broken paving slabs from a white van parked in a lay-by in Dudmoor Farm Road, St Catherine’s Hill, and dumping them on the verge.

The resident who saw him contacted Christchurch Borough Council who issued proceedings against him for depositing controlled waste on land without a waste management licence. However, Mr Phillips did not turn up at the Magistrates Court on the appointed date and the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

After a number of attempts to apprehend him, he was eventually arrested in May 2009 and bailed to appear at Wimborne Magistrates’ Court. When he turned up without any papers or a lawyer he was again bailed to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on 3 July, having taken legal advice. However, he had taken no legal advice when he appeared so the case was again adjourned until 23 July. On this occasion he did not turn up at court, so the court ordered him to be arrested on a warrant without bail.

Mr Phillips gave himself up on 28 July and the case was heard at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £500 and ordered to pay £60 costs. He was also found guilty of breaching his bail conditions and fined £100, although this was remitted in light of the time he spent in custody.

Peter Woodcock, solicitor at Christchurch Council, said: “Despite the fact that he is unemployed and on jobseekers’ allowance, the court still decided the offence was serious enough to fine him £500. This turned out to be an expensive way of getting rid of his rubble for Mr Phillips.”

Judith Plumley, Head of Neighbourhood & Environment at Christchurch Council, added: “We take instances of fly-tipping very seriously and will prosecute offenders. Clearing up fly-tipping costs Council Tax payers several thousands pounds a year so it is only right that offenders should be dealt with by the courts and fined.”

Kayaking to help heroes

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ex-soldier Eric Innes, from Kirkham, is kayaking around Britain to raise money for ‘Help for Heroes.’ He set out on 6 June from Blackpool. On Saturday, 1 August, he arrived safely in Christchurch Harbour having made his way around Scotland, down the North-East coastline and into the Solent.

His welcome was hosted by Highcliffe Sailing Club, which raised £100 towards ‘Help for Heroes’ a charity close to Eric’s heart. He served 22 years in the army and his son is currently serving in the Parachute Regiment and has just returned from Afghanistan.

Eric said ,“I have known many people myself and seen many of my son’s friends return from service with life-changing injuries, such as lost limbs and I wanted to be able to support the charity in my own way.”

On arrival in Dorset, Eric met up with friends, colleagues and family at Mudeford Quay RNLI Day. Afterwards, he enjoyed a rest day and recommenced his challenge at 8am on 3 August heading for the West Coast of Dorset.

A self-employed tree surgeon, Eric has been a keen kayaker since he was a child and hopes to complete the challenge by the end of August, weather permitting. On a good day, he has been able to paddle nearly 35 miles.

To date, he has raised nearly £7,000 through his “just giving” site for the charity www.justgiving.com/ericscoastalkayak