A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.

Q: ‘Every winter I get the Winter Fuel Payment – but my daughter has told me I might not get it this year. That’s a bit worrying. How can I find out?

A: Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment of up to £300 to help with heating costs. In July, the Government announced that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have been born on or before 22 September 1958 and receive one of the following means-tested benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance.

You also need to be living in the UK during the qualifying week in September. You’re not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home or nursing home.

How to claim Winter Fuel Payment
If you or your partner claims one of the benefits listed above, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically, and you should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you do not receive your payment.

What if I don’t claim a qualifying benefit?
If you are over state pension age, living on a low income and you don’t currently claim one of the listed qualifying benefits, you should check to see if you are entitled to make a claim. You can do a benefit check online at www.entitledto.co.uk or use the government’s online Pension Credit Calculator: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator. If you are struggling to do this yourself, you can either ask a friend or family member to help you or get help from your local Citizens Advice or AgeUK.
Pension credit is aimed at people of state pension age on low incomes. It ensures that single people have an income of at least £218.15 a week, and that pensioner couples have at least £332. Those who have caring responsibilities or a disability may qualify for more. Receiving Pension Credit also unlocks a number of other benefits, including cold weather payments, free TV licences for the over 75s and, in some areas, discounts on utilities such as water bills.
You can claim Pension Credit online or by phoning 0800 99 1234.

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In May, hundreds of people from across Dorset lit up Bournemouth Pier Approach for the annual Twilight Walk, raising an impressive £20,735 in support of University Hospitals Dorset’s Breast Unit. The event saw families, friends, NHS staff and the wider community come together to make a meaningful impact.
The funds raised will go towards purchasing a specialised portable X-ray device, enhancing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment beyond NHS standard provision. Consultant breast and soft tissue surgeon Mr Mark Tatterton, the Twilight Walk’s ambassador, expressed his gratitude: ‘The amount raised is truly incredible. This new equipment will allow us to offer the highest levels of care for breast cancer patients across Dorset.’
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity public fundraising officer Amy Beauchamp says: ‘Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is extremely challenging, and the road ahead may seem daunting. The breast cancer care team provides invaluable support to patients and their families from the moment they step onto the ward. I am immensely grateful to everyone who contributed, it was truly a collective effort, and will help to create a brighter future for patients with breast cancer
The Twilight Walk’s success follows the community’s impressive March for Men fundraiser in March, which raised £11,290 for the Urology team’s new ureteroscopes, improving the diagnosis and treatment of bladder and kidney conditions.

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Hatch House hosted its annual Open Garden event in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity on Saturday 31st August, raising more than £25,000 to help fund the hospice’s vital work.
Hosted by Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold and organised by the Tisbury Fundraising Committee, the event offered its usual wide range of delights. Guests browsed marquees brimming with vintage and designer pre-loved clothing, accessories and a special men’s fashion section. The sale also featured antiques, collectables, toys, books and a raffle, with something for everyone to enjoy.
As visitors explored the beautiful gardens, they also indulged in a selection of cakes, teas, local bread, a barbecue from Compton McRae, Pimms, and ice cream.
Reflecting on the day, Lady Rumbold said: ‘What started as a little event with two ladies emptying their wardrobes and selling the contents has grown into a major team effort. The event not only raises crucial funds for Salisbury Hospice but it is also such an uplifting experience which draws the community together.’

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Fifteen students from across rural Dorset have been awarded vital grants to help them pursue rural careers through the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society’s Student Support Fund. The fund, set up specifically to assist students entering agricultural, horticultural, and land-based industries, is now in its fourth year and has awarded over £6,000 in grants for 2024.
The fund offers financial help for university or college fees, books, equipment, and even transport costs – often a major hurdle for students living in remote areas. This year’s recipients include Georgia Angel, 21, from Margaret Marsh, who will use the grant to support her studies at Bristol Veterinary School. Gracie-Mae Barkess, 16, from Gillingham, who suffers from a mobility condition, will receive help with the cost of a laptop and transport to Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester where she studies land-based subjects.
Oliver Swanton, 12, from Shaftesbury will use his grant to cover the costs of bus travel to Dorset Studio School on the Kingston Maurward Campus and Nathan Keeble, 16, from Motcombe, will use his award to help fund the £800 annual cost of travelling to Kingston Maurward, where he studies Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. ‘I want to be a game warden,’ Nathan says.
Matthew Price, chair of the Student Support Fund, praised the recipients: ‘These youngsters show a great work ethic. For some, the cost of getting to college in rural Dorset can be as much as £1,500 a year. The fund makes a real difference in enabling them to continue their education and become our county’s future farmers and countryside custodians.’
Several students received their awards at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, presented by Battens Solicitors, who donated to the fund via the Battens Charitable Trust, which has been supporting local communities for 39 years. Director Naomi Dyer says: ‘It is a fantastic way to support these aspiring students and the farming community.’

• Applications for the 2025 Student Support Fund will open in March 2025. For more information, email [email protected]. Those interested in sponsoring or supporting the fund can contact Sue Harris on 07970 865790.

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An upcoming Pantomime promises to take audiences to an alternative land that lays somewhere over the rainbow …
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz pantomime is coming to the main stage at the Shaftesbury Art Centre this winter.
Written by Nigel Holmes, this unique adaptation draws from L. Frank Baum’s classic tale. Audiences will follow young Dorothy, her Aunt Em (played as the Dame), and her loyal dog Toto as they are swept away from their farm by a storm, landing in the peculiar, colourful world of Oz.
This lively pantomime is brimming with charm and fun, and featuring songs that will have you singing all the way down the yellow brick road. The show promises to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Actors needed!
The Director is on the lookout for a talented cast to bring this colourful story to life. With 15 main roles, along with opportunities for dancers and ensemble, there’s plenty of room for stars to shine—though spots for under-16s are limited.
An interest evening will be held on Tuesday, 10th September at 7:30pm at the Shaftesbury Art Centre. Whether you’re interested in performing or helping behind the scenes, this is your chance to get involved in what promises to be an exciting production. Performance dates are scheduled from 23rd-26th January and 29th January-1st February 2025.
For those unable to attend the interest evening, please contact [email protected] to learn how you can join in the fun.

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