Sam Everard, founder and CEO of Bournemouth-based charity SAMEE, has been named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, celebrating the UK’s most influential disabled individuals. SAMEE supports disabled people to explore self-employment, helping to bridge the disability employment gap. Living with Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), Sam founded SAMEE eight years ago, providing mentoring and guidance to empower disabled individuals. Recognised as a Disability Confident Leader level 3 charity, SAMEE is the first in Dorset to achieve this status. Sam also chairs the Government’s South West Regional Stakeholder Network, working on disability policy, and is completing a PhD at Bournemouth University on self-employment for neurodivergent people. ‘I’m humbled to be included – but most proud of the disabled community I represent,’ Sam said.’Our work proves disabled people can achieve success with the right support.’ samee.co.uk
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance claimed four prestigious accolades at the 2024 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence. Organised by Air Ambulances UK and sponsored by Kwik Fit, the event celebrated outstanding contributions to the air ambulance community. Four individuals from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were honoured for their exceptional achievements:
Dr Laura Bland – Critical Care Doctor of the Year
Laura Bland – Critical Care Doctor of the Year Dr Laura Bland’s leadership in pre-hospital emergency medicine has significantly enhanced patient care and clinical standards. She has led regional campaigns, raised nearly £40,000 through a direct mail initiative, and influenced countless lives through her passion and dedication.
Neil Bizzell – Critical Care Practitioner of the Year
Neil Bizzell – Critical Care Practitioner of the Year Specialist Practitioner Neil has delivered 24 education events this year, often voluntarily, helping improve critical care delivery. His outreach efforts, including life-saving training for ambulance crews, highlight his commitment to advancing patient care.
Tom Budgett – Charity Supporter of the Year
Tom Budgett – Charity Supporter of the Year A commercial aviation law expert, Tom has provided pro bono legal support to air ambulance charities, achieving substantial savings that directly benefit their missions.
Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award
Gillian Bryce – Lifetime Achievement Award With over 30 years in emergency medicine, Gillian has been pivotal in developing paramedic training, merging ambulance services, and in 2000 in establishing Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This national recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in delivering life-saving care across the region. Congratulations to all the winners!
A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: ‘I’ve struggled with my money this year and have already spent too much on Christmas. I also recently got caught out by a free trial on an app that rolled into a paid subscription. It feels like every month I end up in my overdraft. How can I keep track of my spending better?’
A: It can be difficult to stay on top of things like online subscriptions but there are steps you can take to be more in control of your money. Firstly, draw up a budget. Remember to include all of your general spending, and any bills you have to pay. Be realistic about what you’ll need for essentials like food and travel. If your income fluctuates, use bank statements, pay slips, benefit award letters or your Universal Credit journal to plan your budget each month. Your bank should be able to tell you what regular payments you have. If you find subscriptions you don’t want, contact the company in question to cancel them. In future, before signing up to anything, make sure you know what you’ll get, for how long and what it’ll cost. If you do use any free trials, set a reminder a week before the free period ends so you’ve time to cancel it if you want to. Keep evidence of any subscription cancellations in case you need the proof in the future. If you’ve been relying on your overdraft this year, or you have turned to credit cards or Buy-Now-Pay-Later, it’s understandable if this worries you. Always prioritise paying your rent, mortgage, council tax and energy bills first, because not paying these has the most serious consequences. If you’re having trouble managing your debts and paying bills, get some free debt advice, either from Citizens Advice or from another reputable and free debt advice provider such as Stepchange or National Debtline. The Citizens Advice website has an income checker where you can see if you’re getting all you’re entitled to, such as benefits or grants. Everyone’s circumstances are different when it comes to managing personal finances: make sure you are in charge of yours.
Mrs Natalie Covell (left) with pupils at the planting of her crab apple tree
The school community of Yarrells, near Poole, came together to celebrate the 80th birthday of its proprietor, Mrs Natalie Covell. Known for her unwavering dedication and love for education, Natalie has been a cornerstone of Yarrells School since becoming Headmistress in 1989. She and her late husband, Tony Covell, purchased the school – then St Monica’s – in 1992, embedding family values and a commitment to the arts and nature into its core. Set on a stunning estate featuring a Georgian mansion, gardens, sports facilities, and woodlands, Yarrells provides a rich learning environment. Natalie’s love for nature and the arts has shaped the school’s ethos, ensuring children thrive both academically and creatively. From assemblies to school productions, Natalie remains an active and cherished presence. To honour her milestone birthday, a crab apple tree was planted in the school grounds. Pupils from the Nursery, aptly named Greenwood, gathered around the tree, symbolising Natalie’s deep-rooted connection to the school and its environment. Clare Cunningham, Yarrells’ new Headteacher, expressed gratitude for Natalie’s legacy: ‘Her vision has shaped the future of Yarrells and everyone fortunate enough to learn here. She has created a warm, nurturing school where children explore their talents and grow in confidence.’ The tree will serve as a lasting tribute, reminding future generations of Natalie’s love for nature and her transformative impact on Yarrells School.
The Read Easy Blackmore Vale North team is marking its 10th anniversary, having held its first meeting in November 2014. Over the past decade, the group has worked tirelessly to support adults struggling with reading – nearly one in 14 adults. Read Easy provides free, one-to-one, private coaching tailored to each individual’s pace. While most sessions remain face-to-face, the team also offers online options which were first introduced during lockdown. Originally serving Gillingham and Shaftesbury, the team now supports Mere, Wincanton, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. Since its founding, Read Easy has naturally evolved and grown: the charity began with one coordinator and is now seeking its fourth. In its first year, eight adults came forward to learn to read, with three graduating within three years. These learners’ hard work and determination reflect the transformative impact of the Read Easy programme. To reach more new readers, Read Easy has launched a series of short films, Real People, Real Stories, available on YouTube, sharing inspiring journeys of those who have overcome literacy challenges. If you know someone who finds reading difficult, encourage them to take the brave first step and contact Read Easy Blackmore Vale North on 07510 250365. The service is here to help change lives, one word at a time. readeasy.org.uk
Dorset Cricket and Bryanston School Form Exciting Cricket Partnership
Cricket Dorset Ltd and Bryanston School have announced a three-year partnership to provide a training centre for Dorset Cricket’s Emerging Players Programme (EPP). The agreement secures the use of Bryanston’s top-class facilities, including state-of-the-art sports halls, a training room, and classroom spaces to support the development of young cricket talent. Ben Skipworth, Managing Director of Cricket Dorset Ltd, said, ‘We’re delighted to have cemented our partnership with Bryanston. Their facilities offer our players an excellent environment to develop their skills and follow in the footsteps of Scott Currie and Joseph Eckland.’ The Dorset Cricket Talent Pathway continues to thrive, with four graduates currently on Hampshire CCC staff, and others in Hampshire and Southern Vipers programmes. Rory McCann, Director of Sport at Bryanston, added, ‘We share Dorset Cricket’s commitment to nurturing talent and are proud to support players from across the county in our cutting-edge facilities.’
Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards from the Barry Cuff Collection meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar local places. ‘Now’ images by Courtenay Hitchcock
For many, Wimborne’s Carols in the Cornmarket marks the true start of Christmas. Taking place on Friday, 20th December, this popular free event invites families and friends to come together in the historic Cornmarket for an evening of traditional Christmas carols. Decorated with twinkling lanterns, the Cornmarket provides a magical setting for the community to escape the season’s hustle and enjoy a festive sing-along. Song sheets will be provided, ensuring everyone can join in! The event begins with an opening prayer, followed by readings and favourite carols performed alongside choristers from Wimborne Minster and the Broadstone Community Concert Band, conducted by Damon Corio. Organised by Hilda Butler and Anthony Oliver since 2006, the event has become a staple of Wimborne’s festive calendar. Even heavy rain in previous years couldn’t dampen spirits, with participants seeking shelter in the Minster church. Anthony Oliver said: ‘There’s something very special about this event. At about 5.45pm it looks like no one will show up and then suddenly people arrive in droves. ‘With so many people moving into the new housing developments in and around Wimborne, we’d especially like to welcome new residents to come along and join in.’ The event raises funds for Wimborne Minster Church, so donations are welcome—cash only, as card readers are unavailable. Last year, £903 was raised. Sponsored by Wimborne BID and Optique 2000, the event starts at 6pm and lasts about an hour. BID chair Fiona Harwood said: ‘This much-loved event truly embraces the community spirit we’re so fortunate to have here in Wimborne.’
If you enjoyed last year’s Dorset Christmas quiz, we’ve SORTED out some more brain teasers for you. This time, the answers might be hiding in plain sight – perhaps a little order is all you need to find the festive fun!
1 – What is a Marin sincerity? a) A former conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, praising its musicianship b) A true seafarer who’s carelessly lost an ‘e’ c) A poetic village, near Yeovil, with a church dedicated to St Hippolytus
2 – What is a corset herd? a) A hefted collection of cattle whose loins are tightly bound to their mammary veins. b) The squeaking of whalebone c) A hardy county location on the banks of the River Frome
3 – What is a corrupt morello? a) A cherry of doubtful purpose in the creation of “modern” gin. b) The local home of small, pigskin bound, books c) An overwhelmingly peculiar clue
4 – What are unwritten monsters? a) Constant presences in the brains of those convinced they are about to pen a best seller b) Audiences at a central Exchange c) Plant-based recipes changing hands only on the interweb
5 – Who was Albert Digs? a) The brother of the late lamented Albert Dog, named for Albert Dock because his tail had been docked to a bagel. b) The guiding light of Alice Roberts and Phil Harding, whose name gave him his raison d’etre. c) The poached but legal home of the world’s best-known hitchhiker
6 – What is a burnout home? a) A place for exhausted executives to put their feet up. b) It’s surrounded by the woods where the Ents originated. c) The remnants of settlements inhabited by the charcoal burners
7 – What are stalling sausages? a) The daily product of equines, left in their overnight accommodation and calling for XXL poo bags. b) Favourite meal on the menu when the Drovers transitioned into roosters. c) AKA Sleeping Policemen, bumps in the road designed to stop vehicles from moving.
8 – What is a Buford landform? a) Discovered by Septimus Hector Buford, (bastard) son of the 34th Viscount de Gripe, this unusual topographical feature points the viewer to the virtue of the owner. b) Also known as a Bluford Landform, it is found in sticky patches at either side of a deep rivulet in a road or track. c) A meeting place where the Brothers of Bastardy might have been scuppered by rain.
9 – What is a Moslem iceberg? a) A welcome relief from the searing heat of summer in the middle east. b) A place where death is always black. c) An ice cream, or more accurately a gelato, created in West Bay and suitable for all tastes, pronouns and religious persuasions.
10 – What are tubby boars? a) Little piggies from the forest of dean on their way to becoming ENORMOUS boars b) A euphemistic term for rotund and self-satisfied men (sorry, otherwise it would have been sows) overly enamoured of the sound of their own voices. c) A place of downy cygnetary.
11 – What is Full Macenroe? a) The irresistible urge to scream You Cannot Be Serious! b) No castle here, but briefly known as Little Harlem c) A large fusion dish, popular among Scottish-Italian fish-egg lovers, whose name has been adopted by Americans (and now by British eaters) to describe what used to be known as Macaroni Cheese.
12 – What are Hand Modems? a) A hand modem changes the streaming platforms of your device with one squeeze b) The place where Ed cures the pork. c) Find out in the FT’s Technopolis section, next to the watches that do everything but tell the time … or ask a passing primary school child.
13 – What is glory bend? a) The final curve on any racetrack … the place where you know you have won. b) The resting place of the grey mare and her colts. c) A destination sought in many work and plantation songs.
14 – Who was Anny Kare Rottnest? a) The Kare Rottnests were well known in Dorset for the care they took over the birds on their estates. Anny began the Dorset tradition of adorning nests with swags of ivy from the Bulbarrow Yew. b) She was tied to her true lover with a roadside knot. c) Anny Kare adopted the name Rottnest after a visit to the island off Perth in Western Australia, where she fell under the spell of the quokkas.
15 – What is a tinned dolphin? a) A child’s toy that springs out of the ring-pull can, in the strip of the Miami team. b) There are those who want to change the spelling of this place, offended by its connotations. c) Artwork left as a “legacy” of the Olympics in Dorset, celebrating its agile leaps in metal form.
