It’s not Wimborne’s prettiest building but what Church House lacks aesthetically it makes up for in prominence.
Standing alongside the Minster, the two-storey parish room is the scene of social and charity events and church admin in normal times.
Sansom & Son’s ironmongery in 1900
Together, the Minster church and Church House dominate the view as you look down Wimborne High Street from the Square.
But 120 years ago we’d have seen a very different building alongside the Minster.
In Victorian times the site hosted Sansom and Son’s ironmonger’s shop.
The grand opening of Church House on the same site in 1906. Picture from Wimborne Camera by Barbara and Derek Willis
The oldest of my pictures shows Sansom’s in 1900.
It was given to me 40 years ago by Bill Topp, who worked there in the early 1900s.
The property had been left to the Minster in 1617 but in 1905 they gave Sansom’s notice to quit to make room for the construction of Church House.
Church House in 2000
Sansoms announced a sale of their ‘stock, ironmongery, furniture etc’ and later moved to new premises at 9 and 25 High Street.
One of these eventually became Bill Topp’s own shop, Topp & Bollen.
Bill was also chairman of Wimborne Urban District Council in 1950.
Meanwhile Church House arose from the rubble of the original Sansom’s shop.
Church House in 2021
Mrs Bankes of Kingston Lacy House laid the foundation stone on September 13, 1905, and the Bishop of Salisbury dedicated the new building on July 25, the following year.
Building costs totalled £2,870 4s 11d, raised by public subscription.
As hard as it may seem there is more to life than Covid and governments must be able to demonstrate to their electorates that they can ‘walk and chew gum’ i.e do two things at the same time.
Simon Hoare MP
Perfectly properly the widest of bandwiths is being expended on tacking and controlling the virus that has bedevilled us all. Having seen for myself, at first hand as a volunteer, the testing efforts taking place in our schools and the Herculean vaccine efforts taking place through the auspices of our GP surgeries, I can tell you that there is a lot of incredibly impressive stuff going on.
We are all watching more television to help fill the time. That said I have also resurrected my long forgotten love of jigsaw puzzles and am driving my daughters mad as we embark upon the search of ‘just one last piece before supper/ bedtime / breakfast’.
Hopefully you, like my family, sat glued to David Attenborough’s A Perfect Planet. As with everything he does I foundit gripping, enthralling, enlightening and frightening.
Like many, my first ‘Attenborough experience’ was the ground breaking Life On Earth broadcast when I was just ten (41 years ago for those who are interested). I wanted my daughters to see it so have purchased the DVD
We have watched some episodes, and Imogen my eldest remarked ‘that’s strange he didn’t mention Climate Change’. I had to explain that ‘back then’ none of us knew the term but that the harm was being done. We eventually heard about acid rain, but for the layman that was about it, wasn’t it?
If there is one policy area where governments need to walk and chew gum it is in addressing this issue of a changing climate and the massive impacts it is having on us all. We have to stop murdering our Planet and thereby committing a massed suicide, or perhaps genocide is the better word, of our own species alongside everything else that walks, crawls, flies or swims across our shared home.
It is great that the USA have returned to taking this issue seriously and rejoined the international community in this great and solemn endeavour. The UK’s Presidency of the G7, and our hosting of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference later this year in Glasgow, provide two incredibly powerful platforms not just to preach to the converted but to win converts to the cause.
Pollution, wind, our oceans do not recognise national boundaries or territorial sovereignty. If we are to save our planet we must act as a planet.
I have great hope in the progress being made but there is so much still to do and for us all to do.
It is true that air quality has improved during lockdowns as fewer road and air trips have been made. It’s good news, but it’s a drop in the ocean when the global task is surveyed.
The urgency for personal and corporate behavioural change has not diminished. Covid’s economic consequences provide a rare opportunity, usually only seen after major war, to rethink and recalibrate our economy. There is no merit in merely going back to ‘normal’ when we have the chance to reshape our entire economy focussed on low carbon, renewables and sustainability. We must use a large swathe of our aid programme to encourage environmental projects, use the tax system as an incentive to decarbonise and share our fast progressing technologies with those countries trailing the ‘First World’ in their economic development. They don’t have to echo the environmental impact of our Industrial Revolution.
Climate Change is not ‘green crap’. It is the biggest risk to our survival. Our Government gets it and we must all too.
February brings a host of night sky activity that will surely delight. On the 6th a very bight Venus will pass Saturn, if you look to the east-southest horizon just before dawn you will be able to see them together easily in the same view. On the 10th in the same view you will also be able to spy the slim crescent of the old Moon. On the 11th however the Moon will officially reach its new Moon phase. While new, the Moon is travelling between Earth and the Sun light can only reach the far side of the Moon, and the Moon is in the same region of the sky as the Sun, the moon becomes completely hidden from view for about a day. The new Moon will then return to shine in the western evening sky.
On the 13th at about 7.15pm the Pleiades cluster (otherwise known as the Seven Sisters) will be easily visible in the southern sky all night. The cluster is composed of medium bright hot blue stars names Asterope, Merope, Electra, Maia, Taygeta, Celaeno and lcyone. In Greek mythology, thos characters were the daughters of Atlas and half sisters of Hyades.
Moon phases February 2021
On the 14th (Valentines Day) lovers might appreciate the night skiys brightest star, Sirius as it reaches its highest point over the souther horizon at around 9.30pm.
February sees a lot of Moon activity. On the 17th the crescent Moon will aid a good view of Uranus and in the 18th it becomes the turn of Mars. On Friday 19th of February the Moon in its first quarter passes Taurus. On the 21st the Moon is in what is known as the winter Hexagon (also know as the winter Football and winter Circle). Composed of the brightest stars in the constellations of Canis major, Orion, Taurus, Auriga, Gemini and Canis Minor – specifically Sirius, Rigel, Aldebaran, Capella, Castor and Pollux and Procyon. After dusck, the huge pattern will stand upright in the south-eastern sky, the Milky Way passing vertically through the middle. The Hexagon is visible during evenings from mid-November to spring every year.
On Satrurday the 27th February the full Moon, known as the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon, always shines in or near the stars of Leo. Since its opposite teh sun on this day of the lunar month, the Moon is fully Illuminated, adn rises at sunset and sets at sunris. when full, no shadows are cast by the lunar terrain – so all of the Albedo variations are produced by the Moons geology and is super bright!
Our four-legged friends play an important role for many of us as this pandemic continues to disrupt our lives. For those living alone, their dog is often the only living being they see all day. And who can argue that a welcoming waggy tail or a cuddle with your canine doesn’t lift your spirits in a world where we can no longer hug each other?
But worryingly, our dogs are in danger. So called “dog-napping” is reportedly reaching epidemic proportions across the country. Mark Shelford, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for neighbouring county Avon and Somerset, is highlighting this increasing problem and holding online meetings with concerned community groups.
He explains: “This is a particularly heartless crime, cruel to the animal and cruel for their owners. Even working dogs, found in many parts of our rural region, become companions. Losing them causes anguish, anger and despair. Lockdown has encouraged more families in our cities and towns to own dogs, while in rural communities the loss of working animals, such as gun dogs, can directly impact owners’ income.”
My Puppies were stolen from Marnhull, and then dumped
In December of last year, a dog-loving Dorset resident from Marnhull (wishes to remain anonymous) went through the agony of two eight week-old Weirmardoodle puppies being stolen. Here’s her story:
“I’d let the puppies out in our garden, which is completely enclosed, to enjoy some early morning winter sunshine. I went into the tack room nearby to do some chores for a few minutes. I just had a feeling I should check on the puppies and when I did, the two chocolate Weirmardoodles from the litter were missing. I’d literally only been about 30 yards from where they were playing! It was such a dreadful feeling to discover they had just vanished in broad daylight.”
“I immediately rang my vet and the microchip company to report the dogs had been stolen. I also contacted the police.
I then posted on Facebook to alert people and within about three hours it had about 5000 shares. I’d shared posts in the past for other people about dog thefts so really hoped this would help.
I was just heartbroken. One of these puppies was going to be for my boyfriend and the other was going to a lovely old couple.
“The old couple had never owned a dog before. They’d decided to call their puppy Hope – hope that they were doing the right thing to get a dog, and hope that we would get out of the pandemic ok. I had to let them know the sad news that Hope had been stolen.”
“I spent an agonising day until later that afternoon I got a call from a woman in Verwood.
She had found the puppies dumped just 150 yards from a busy main road. She alerted a nearby farm owner who had fortunately seen my post on Facebook.
When I went to rescue the puppies, they were crying with excitement to see me again. I was just glad they were together as I’d no idea what trauma they may have been through, snatched from their familiar surroundings. People who commit these crimes clearly have no feelings. And leaving them by a busy road just shows how cruel they are.
My puppies were only lost for a day but that was bad enough. The culprits were never found – I think it was opportunists who then got scared when they saw the posts on Facebook. Dog theft needs to be addressed as a crime that warrants a jail sentence – it causes so much hurt behind the scenes for dog owners and their families.“
Dogs are stolen for breeding, to sell, held to ransom, or even so thieves can claim the reward which many desperate families offer for the safe return of their canine friend. Worse still, some end up being used in illegal dog-fighting.
Mark Shelford: “The criminals behind these cruel crimes are often highly sophisticated. They trail potential target animals, then watch their house or farm until the owners are away.”
People working from home and having bored children to entertain are two factors driving up demand for dogs, thereby encouraging an increase in dog thefts. Stolen pedigree breeds now sell for thousands of pounds.
A pet shop in Wimborne recently had an enquiry from a harassed father wondering if £2000 was the right amount to pay for a non-pedigree puppy!
Research by Dogs’ Trust Salisbury shows demand for dogs is at an all-time high and prices for some of the UK’s most desirable dog breeds are at their highest in three years, and possibly ever, with the costs for some dogs increasing month on month since lockdown began. During 2020, the Kennel Club reported a staggering 168 per cent increase in people searching for puppies.
Throughout the first lockdown, the charity DogLost found an increase of 65 per cent in thefts between March 23 and June 1 2020.
Simon Perry, Inspector with the North and East Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team told the Blackmore Vale:
“Whilst dog thefts continue to remain low in Dorset at present, we understand that social media channels have reports of dog thefts across the UK with sightings of suspicious vehicles. As a crime trend, gun dogs appear to be desirable to offenders. Thefts have occurred when dogs were left unattended in vehicles or in back gardens. If your dogs are kennelled, are they out of public view? Also think about security lighting or CCTV and always lock garden gates.”
A spokesperson at The Margaret Green Animal Rescue at Church Knowle, Wareham told us: “We’ve heard of an increased amount of attempts of theft in Dorset from owners out walking their dogs and strangers coming up trying to get information about their pet. There’s also been an increase of dog owners reporting on social media of attempted thefts locally.”
This organisation, which helps home unwanted pets, advised: “Make sure your dog always has a tag on its collar and if your dog has a tendency to run ahead on walks, keep them on a lead. As required by law, make sure your dog is microchipped and the details kept up to date, if you move for instance, so that the chip company can be alerted if the dog goes missing. This way if the dog is found or sold on and the new owner gets a vet to scan it, the microchip will flag up that it’s a missing pet. There’s also a website called DogHorn. This not-for-profit organisation has lots of advice and products to deter dog theft.’’
When the theft of a beloved family member is ranked merely as a minor crime, similar to the theft of a microwave, it looks like a small fine will not stop greedy criminals. Dogs Trust Salisbury’s Rehoming Centre Manager, Claire Rowe said: “Current sentencing does very little to deter thieves and doesn’t take into consideration how devastating it can be to have your dog stolen from you. Punishment for dog theft is determined by the monetary value of the dog, meaning perpetrators are often given fines which don’t reflect the emotional impact on the families involved.
“We fully support any action to introduce tougher sentences that will act as a deterrent for those committing these crimes. At the very least, a community order or custodial sentence being given, rather than a fine.”
A second series of the acclaimed Dorset Growth Hub Podcast hits your ears this month (February) with a line-up of online workshops to complement areas covered in the episodes.
February follows a Sales & Marketing theme, March is about Strategy & Planning and April covers all things Finance & Growth.
DGH
All are considered key focuses for businesses right now.
To kick-off the Sales and Marketing month, the podcast features local guest speakers:
Kasia Bigda, Marketing and Comms Director at Mr Lees Noodles
Stephanie Carswell, Founder and Creative Director at Hawthorn Handmade
Chris Chapleo, Associate Professor at Bournemouth University
Podcast co-hosts Nick Gregory, Mary Lloyd and Rich Burn from DGH chat to Dorset businesses.
Their guests share insights, perspectives and strategies which have led to successes and failures in recent times.
February will cover what has worked in marketing to impact business growth and increase sales, from international marketing campaigns to personal branding, Instagram and e-mail.
Alongside the podcast episodes, you can also join free, interactive and expert-led workshops:
Build a Personal Brand to Boost Your Business, with Ella Orr, Much More Social
Generate More Results from your Social Media in 2021, with Amy Squires and Emma Jones from South Coast Social
6 Ways to Reframe Your Sales Effort and Mindset to Increase Your Sales in 2021 with Matt King, Sales Change
Dorset Marketing Leaders Forum – Q&A Panel – Strategies, tips and tech discussed with marketing professionals from the region
Rich Burn said: “It’s been a real honour to be able to explore the minds of some great local talent.
“We all have such a mixed view of the world right now.
“The interesting part is to hear how people are adapting what they do in these current times.
Dorset Growth Hub
“Dorset is full of innovation, ideas and talent that we have the privilege of showcasing via the podcast platform.
“I hope whoever listens gets a small inspired moment that could change their work world for the better.”
DGH is working in partnership with Bournemouth University on the Sales & Marketing Month and the podcasts feature questions from students.
To find out more about the upcoming events and catch-up on series one of the podcast visit the DGH website here.
Some Riding Schools are Pony Club Centre Riding Schools, where young people can join the Pony Club without owning a pony and allows members to access Achievement Badges, Progressive Awards and Efficiency Tests as well as have fun.
Image by Courtenay Hitchcock The Blackmore Vale
During Lockdown 3 all Riding Schools are shut, meaning they have no income. The summer lockdown was easier as the ponies could be in a fieldwith sufficient grass but at this time of year, they are stabled, needing more care, bedding and feed, this can cost about £100 a week.
The local Branch of the Pony Club, the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale, members with their own ponies, have been running a second hand Equestrian saddlery, equipment and clothes sale and have offered to donate some funds to their local Pony Club Centre Riding School to help them get through this tricky time. Thank you to Lucy Procter for organising the Second Hand Sale. Alison Tytheridge , Proprietor of Pevlings Farm Riding School is so grateful for the donation supporting the ponies. Her Centre members are looking forward to being able to get back to riding and caring for the ponies.
Regular readers will remember original Blenheim girl Sylvia Spooner’s 100th birthday just a few months ago.
It was with sadness that I heard from her son Edward this week that Sylvia had passed peacefully at home:
Sylvia Spooner (née Blest) passed away peacefully in her 101st year on Sunday, January 31st in Blandford. The family thank the exceptional staff at Whitecliffe House Nursing and Residential Care Home for caring for Sylvia over the last two years and, in particular, the care and nursing professionals who kept her company last Sunday morning.
With an ever-increasing population, more of us are looking for help when preparing for old age and managing finances. Preparation is key and the importance of Lasting Powers of Attorney for both for Property and Finances and Health and Welfare cannot be underestimated.
Social care is means tested and Social Services must charge for the care they provide if a person has over the threshold of capital assets.
When shouldn’t you pay?
If you have primarily healthcare needs and are therefore eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding. This is not for life. It can be and is reviewed. Assets and income are not assessed and the entire care package is funded.
If you are eligible for Section 117 Aftercare Funding. This is not for life and is available to very few.
If you are eligible for an Intermediate Health Care package. This is generally for up to 6 weeks, allowing the patient time to recover, avoiding hospital and hopefully long-term care needs.
If you are eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care. If you do not qualify for NHS CHC Funding you may qualify for a weekly payment towards nursing costs. Beware of nursing homes increasing their fees to cover the extra nursing care, thus losing the benefit.
If you have social care needs and less than £23,250 in capital assets and do not qualify for funding under points 1 to 3. Unfortunately, your income will be taken into consideration.
Paying for care
A person’s ability to pay for care will be assessed on their income and capital assets. If these assets exceed £23,250 self-funding is inevitable. A partner’s savings and assets are not assessed, and it is important not to cash in Life Assurance bonds as they will no longer be disregarded. Beware of buying bonds or making gifts if it’s reasonably foreseeable that care is likely. Social Services will argue that this is a deliberate deprivation and seek to reclaim the funds.
Sadly, Social Services are not willing to pay more than a set weekly contribution and people residing in expensive care homes who have depleted their capital assets may find that they must move, although a third party top up can be made. Legal advice should be sought if moving to another care home is likely to cause significant distress to someone who is settled.
All in all, care funding can be a minefield. Professional advice is available and can be invaluable as care costs continue to increase.
EMERGENCY COVID 19 SOCIAL CARE SUPPORT PACKAGES.
Discharge from hospital and changes to NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) implemented by the COVID-19 (coronavirus)
During the emergency period, if you are in hospital for any reason and your health team decides you no longer need hospital care, you will be discharged. This will happen quickly, normally within three hours of the decision that you are clinically safe to be discharged. There will not be time to discuss your preferences for long-term care and once you are in your immediate placement after discharge, you should be given the opportunity to have these conversations with your care co-ordinator. This care and support will be paid for by the NHS for the duration of the emergency period, allowing you to move out of hospital quickly and reduce pressure on acute services. The government has agreed that the NHS will fully fund the cost of new or extended out-of-hospital health and social care support packages during the emergency COVID-19 period. This applies to new care packages and enhancements to existing care packages agreed on or after 19 March 2020.
If you need further advice please contact Robyn Greenway on 01823 652114 or [email protected].
