As gardeners wait for the earth to warm, Pete Harcom considers ways to make an outdoor space stimulating and healing for every sense
Chocolate cosmos – always a favourite with children
As I wait for Spring to arrive, I have been thinking about making a part or the whole of a garden into a sensory garden – to appeal to as many of the senses as possible. These gardens and types of plants can be very beneficial for so many, in particular people suffering with dementia. Being able to experience colour, touch and scent can help inspire recollection of memories. These types of gardens can also help children with special educational needs, including autism. The RHS has an excellent guide on its website on how to create a sensory garden – it’s definitely worth a read. Briefly, here are just a few ideas (plants with a * are those which can be easily grown from seed).
Sight Choose bold leaved and architectural plants: Sunflowers* – a bright, bold flower that can grow 30cm in height in a week in ideal conditions Love-in-a-mist* – sun-loving, bright blue flowers Chameleon plant – three-toned foliage that smells of lemons Swiss chard* ‘Bright Lights’ – brightly coloured stems and foliage Heuchera – cultivars are available in many vibrant colours and shades from lime green to dark purple
Taste Herbs are always an easy win for this one! Spearmint Rosemary Chives – this plant also produces pretty pink, mauve or purple flowers Nasturtium* Wild strawberry* Pot marigold* – the yellow-orange petals brighten up any salad Sweet basil*
Smell Curry plant – the fragrant leaves give off a spicy aroma on a warm, sunny day Lavender – relaxing, fresh aroma and flowers Chocolate cosmos – the beautiful, maroon flowers give off a chocolate/vanilla scent, and are always a big hit with the kids! Stocks* – these traditional cottage garden plants are highly-scented summer flowers in a variety of pink, white and red shades Lemon scented geranium – crinkly leaves that smell delicious when rubbed Oregano/wild marjoram* – not just aromatic leaves, it also produces pretty pink or white flowers in midsummer Sound Enjoy the bees buzzing, the birds singing, the sounds of the wind rustling through grasses and plants. Add a water feature or wind chimes to enhance the sounds in your garden. Greater quaking grass, Briza maxima* – a grass that rustles in the wind with nodding, lantern-like heads of flowers Miscanthus Nanus Variegatus – pretty, rustling bamboo-like foliage Sweetcorn* – another rustler, and it’s good to eat too! Bamboo Phyllostachys – pretty foliage that whispers in the wind Fountain grass – long, evergreen grass with bristly spikelets
Touch Lamb’s ears, Stachys – the downy leaves resemble the ears of a lamb Silver sage, salvia: large, silvery–white leaves covered in cotton wool-like down Jerusalem sage – soft, downy leaves and stems with pretty, yellow flowers
A grassroots revolt against The Jockey Club’s closure decision is breathing new life into Wincanton Golf Course – Steve Keenan reports
Two members of the ‘kitchen cabinet’ – Jonathan Howard (left) and Andrew Wilkinson
An organised revolt by a small army of veteran golfers has forced the mighty Jockey Club to retreat on plans to close the golf course in the middle of Wincanton racetrack. The nine-hole course was losing money and The Jockey Club had alternative plans to build an equine “centre of excellence”, including jumps and straights for horse training, on the land. But given just six months’ notice to quit, the golfers immediately rallied, presenting The Jockey Club with strong arguments for retaining the course and drawing up a plan for a path to profit. They have won a reprieve of at least 12 months. It is a hugely important victory, particularly given that public sport facilities could lose grants as part of Somerset Council’s wider plans to bridge a £100m funding gap for 2024/25. Dr Tamsin Graham, a GP at The Surgery in Silton, said the course benefits the health of many in the area. ‘Not only does it help improve physical strength but also mental health through the fellowship, friendly competition and a good laugh,’ she told the BV Magazine. ‘It’s the ideal medicine for over-50s, and with the NHS under considerable pressure and Somerset Council no longer able to fund such amenities, it is a sensible way to stay out of the clutches of the medical profession.’
A systemic decline No one disputes that the golf club had been in decline for some years, broadly coinciding with the arrival of Jack Parkinson as manager of both Wincanton race and golf courses in November 2020 – while remaining manager at Exeter racecourse. Ground staff were gradually switched from golf to racecourse duties. The quality of the greens suffered and members left. Then, 18 months ago, the machine used to maintain the greens was stolen and has not been replaced. Inclement weather didn’t help either. By 2023, membership had declined to approximately 55, and the quality of greens was poor. It meant that income from golf operations is currently 30 per cent lower than five years ago. The Jockey Club projected a £13k loss in 2024, and said it would close the course to save money. A golfer on the Golfshake website summed it up last year: ‘I’ve played a few times over the years and it has always been just about OK. However, it really has fallen by the wayside … There seems to be no interest in golf from the owners. It is being run by the manager of Exeter racecourse, who, quite naturally, has absolutely no idea whatsoever on running a golf course.’ In November, Mr Parkinson returned to Exeter and Wincanton appointed a new manager: Blaithin Murphy, 25, fresh out of completing The Jockey Club’s general manager trainee programme.
An arcane system What really irked members was that there had been no attempt to market the course or to appeal to new players. And it hadn’t put up membership fees enough. The club had a general committee who decided handicaps and arranged competitions, but they had no access to membership details, which were held by The Jockey Club. It transpired the Club had not implemented GDPR (General Data Production Regulations) in 2018, so were not able to release members’ information to the committee. The golf club didn’t even have its own website – and tee-off times were booked through an “inefficient” third-party platform. The frequent lack of a phone signal in the clubhouse caused even more issues, as golfers couldn’t pay by card – staff had to write down card numbers and process payments when there was a signal.
Wincanton’s nine-hole golf course is located within the racetrack
The teed off members campaign A three-man kitchen cabinet committee was formed, led by Andrew Wilkinson. Another member, John Wolstenhome, represented the senior players and Jonathan Howard the casual pay-and-play contingent. ‘I knew the people at The Jockey Club as I worked for them on live music events, and I understood the problems on the golf side,’ said Andrew. He also knew The Jockey Club had apparently shelved plans for an equine centre of excellence, and there was no Plan B. ‘It became clear quite quickly that to form a golf club (30 years ago) was one thing – but to run it was a hurdle too far for The Jockey Club.’ He estimated that to simply close the course would cost The Jockey Club an additional £37k over and above the £13k current losses, due to loss of income and costs of simply maintaining the land. ‘To leave the course fallow in the coming years would be a huge waste of a valuable asset and a very real additional cost to The Jockey Club.’ But he believes that, with better marketing, there could be an income this year of £110k, enough to move golf operations into profit. ‘If The Jockey Club can achieve a well-maintained course, it will get to that point. The course is playing well and drains well. Now we have to sit down with them and work on marketing, find out what they are going to do. ‘Forming a Wincanton Golf Club (WGC) entity responsible for membership communication, marketing and setting membership and green fee rates is an essential change that should be made. Marketing alone, which to date has been non-existent, would benefit revenues substantially in future years. ‘Recent publicity in the BV Magazine regarding the closure of the course has resulted in a remarkable level of enquiries from prospective new members.’ The 55 members were surveyed and 52 (95 per cent) agreed to pay increased memberships of £600. It was also proposed to increase green fees for casual players to £18. The committee also wants to overhaul the current ‘prehistoric’ booking systems and suggests turning the clubhouse (which has three bedrooms) into accommodation for a couple to clean and run the place. Andrew England, a pro with 40 years’ experience, previously ran the clubhouse, prepared the golf kit and gave lessons. He is no longer involved with the course.
The latest state of play The Jockey Club has decided not to raise annual fees to £600 – membership fees for 2024 are £495 and it has pegged green fees to £15 for the casual pay-and-play users. In a statement, Ms Murphy said: ‘Following a lengthy review process involving discussions with stakeholders and members of the local community, we are pleased to announce that Wincanton Golf Club will remain open for at least a further 12 months before we review its status once again. ‘This is a fresh start for the golf course. It will now be managed entirely by the racecourse, and we ask our members for patience and support as we transition into this new phase. ‘While the costs of running this venue are still high, we understand that the course is incredibly valued by our local community. We look forward to working closely with those who regularly use the facility and thank everyone for their support to ensure this course can thrive in the long term. ‘Memberships will be on sale from 1st February 2024, with pay-and-play also available.’
Award-winning writer Sam Peters looks for a game-changing playbook with Jerome Kaino’s Dorset evasion clinic providing a beacon for the future
Former New Zealand star Jerome Kaino, the holder of two World Cup winner’s medals and no fewer than 83 All Black caps, teaching the art of evasion at Clayesmore School in January All images: Courtenay Hitchcock
The headlines surrounding rugby union’s safety record have been pretty dreadful for the past decade or more. I should know – I’ve been responsible for many of them. Having witnessed the sport morph from a physically demanding amateur game into an extreme version of its former self, following the onset of professionalism in 1995, I spent more than 15 years as a national newspaper reporter, including four as rugby correspondent at the Mail on Sunday and two more at the Sunday Times, warning anyone who would listen that rugby’s risk profile was becoming intolerable. But for much of that time, it felt as if I was screaming in an empty room. In August last year, still convinced there was a problem, I published a book: Concussed; Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth, which recounts the many battles I’d fought within the sport to raise the alarm about concussion and other injuries, and my hope that rugby could one day revert back to an evasion-based sport enjoyed by players of all shapes and sizes. In November, it was shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.
Players and staff from Bath and Stade Toulousain academies provided the opportunity of professional coaching for students from Clayesmore, Monkton Coombe and King Edward’s School Bath – images: Courtenay Hitchcock
It starts in Dorset A legal case involving more than 300 former professional players, alleging the sport’s governing bodies were negligent in their handling of concussion following the onset of professionalism, hardly bodes well. Some fear if the sport doesn’t act decisively to reduce injury risk, rugby as we know it may not even exist in two decades time. While some have sought to dismiss and denigrate those (me included) involved in the legal case, others believe it could be the catalyst for much-needed change which helps de-power the sport, reduce collisions and educate players to prize skill and evasion over brute power and force. Anecdotally, parents are increasingly concerned about concussion rates, which have spiked in the past 20 years as professionalism has encouraged players to become bigger, faster and stronger. Inevitably, levels of participation in schools is being hit as a result. Unquestionably, change is already beginning. In January, something quite remarkable happened here in Dorset, at Clayesmore school. Former New Zealand star Jerome Kaino, the holder of two World Cup winner’s medals and no fewer than 83 All Black caps, schooled dozens of young players from around the west country in the lost art of evasion – how to explore space and in doing so reduce collisions on the field. Players and staff from Bath and Stade Toulousain academies joined a training session which, while held on a biting-cold January morning, could not fail to warm the soul of anyone who cares about rugby’s long-term future.
images: Courtenay Hitchcock
A very different style Watched by a collection of interested parties, including Clayesmore’s rugby-loving head teacher Jo Thomson, head of games Dan Conway, and head of rugby Richard Dixon, the players hung on every word the 40-year-old Kaino uttered and followed every direction given. ‘We (Stade Toulousain) love to keep the ball alive and the more time we can do that, without going into rucks or contact, that can be beneficial,’ Kaino said. Dixon added: ‘You see a lot of rugby which is not about space, it’s about collisions. We’re more interested in teaching our boys there is another way to do this. Use your brain … create space … use space.’ No doubt sensing the opportunity to impress, boys from Clayesmore, Monkton Combe and St Edwards Bath were willing participants in a session demonstrating a very different style from the simplistic collision-based game many modern coaches are fixated by – but eschewed by legendary Toulouse and France coach Pierre Villepreux.
Clayesmore’s teacher of mathematics and sports coach Richard Dixon has known and worked with Sam Lacombe, Head of Stade Toulouse Academy for the last 12 years, having been introduced by Pierre Villepreux. Sam is the president of ‘Le Plaisir Du Mouvement’ the internationally-renowned rugby camp which teaches players and coaches on the coaching philosophy of Pierre Villepreux -images: Courtenay Hitchcock
Improving tackle techniques in order to reduce concussion was also a focus. ‘I am a huge believer in the importance of rugby and the values it instils in young people,’ Thomson told me. ‘But the data you show in your book is hard to argue with. Rather than bury our heads in the sand, we want to look for solutions to parental concerns about the risks of playing rugby. We want to safeguard the future of this brilliant game.’ With other schools around the country also looking to address safety concerns, it feels as if change will be driven not by reluctant and conflicted governing bodies, but by forward-thinking educational establishments such as Clayesmore, willing to tackle the toughest conversations and institute change accordingly. And if they do, perhaps those headlines will begin to change for the better. I, for one, dearly hope so.
Jerome Kaino demonstrating how to use speed, footwork and body moment to avoid big clashes -images: Courtenay Hitchcock
Simon Hoare plays pivotal role in securing the funding boost, aiming to alleviate financial strains on Dorset and Somerset councils
On 12th January, 46 Members of Parliament jointly signed an open letter to the Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary, demanding ‘additional funding for local government’. The letter, titled ‘Impact of the Autumn Statement on County and Unitary Council Finances’, highlighted the challenges faced by country and rural areas, and their MPs, with an expected shortfall over the next three years of more than £4 billion. Two MPs from the region were signatories of the letter: Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, and Sarah Dyke, MP for Somerton and Frome. Following the letter’s publication, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Local Government Minister Simon Hoare, who is MP for North Dorset, announced a £600 million funding boost for councils in England. According to another local MP’s aide, Simon Hoare has been fundamental in securing this funding package, which will benefit both Dorset Council and Somerset Council. It is estimated that the allocation could be between £4m and £5m for each local authority. Speaking exclusively to The BV, Simon Hoare says: ‘Coming from a local government background and seeing the great work Dorset Council does for local communities drove me in working to help secure extra funding. I know every penny will be used to benefit communities and deliver the services that local people need. It’s the largest uplift from provisional to final settlement ever – and I am delighted to have had a hand in delivering it.’
Local Government Minister Simon Hoare MP has been pivotal in securing the increase in funding
Where it’s going The main bulk of the support package will see an additional £500 million added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets. Further details on this will be set out in the incoming Budget, while details on the distribution of the funding will be included in the final Local Government Finance Settlement next month.
The remaining £100m comprises:
an increase to the Funding Guarantee from 3 to 4 per cent
£15m for the Rural Services Delivery Grant
£3m for authorities with Internal Drainage Boards
additional funding for the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly,with the remainder distributed through the Services Grant.
This will be welcome news for our region’s MPs, who have been campaigning for the recognition of rural areas. It was only in November last year that Chris Loder and Sarah Dyke led debates on the topic of rural councils. The £15m increased funding through the Rural Services Delivery Grant for rural councils is, according to the Government: ‘the largest cash increase since 2018-19 and the second successive year of above-inflation increases’. The additional £3 million is for local authorities facing high levies from Internal Drainage Boards which help protect residents from flooding. Moreover, the £500m increase in social care funding is in addition to the £1 billion in additional funding announced at Autumn Statement 2022 and in July 2023, to enable councils to continue to provide the crucial social care services for their local communities, particularly for children. Despite the record level of funding, not everyone is satisfied. Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, said: ‘Any extra funding is of course welcome – but £5m will not help us overcome a projected budget shortfall of £100million for next year. We still have a broken model of local government finance and social care funding which needs to be addressed. We have explored all options to reduce our gap and it is clear we will need Government approval to increase Council Tax and use capital funding to create a sustainable council.’ Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, is yet to issue a statement but in his interview with the BV Magazine in November, he said: ‘There’s no recognition from government – the burden of the additional adult social care costs is on us, on the local taxpayers. And it’s huge. It’s £142 million out of our £348 million total budget, and we don’t get any support from government to fund that.’ It is widely expected that the additional funding will be used to address the pressures facing councils and improve performance. The Government has been clear that it should not be put aside for later use or spent on areas that are not a high priority.
Say NO to roses that literally cost the earth – Charlotte Tombs considers 700 years of Valentine’s, and how to enjoy it with a clean conscience
images: Katie Priestly, Dorset Flower Co
While my garden lies apparently dormant, a handful of resilient blossoms are already peeking through the soil, with early daffodils, snowdrops and hellebores leading the vanguard of Spring. This burst of early life piqued my curiosity about the origins of the first floral celebration of the year, St Valentine’s Day. Our modern holidays often have origins in ancient traditions, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Rooted in the pagan festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in the heart of ancient Rome from 13th to 15th of February, this peculiar festivity involved quite the spectacle, with uninhibited romps through the streets and the curious practice of fertility-boosting spankings of young ladies with leather straps.
A beautiful Dorset-grown Valentine’s bouquet All flowers and images: Katie Priestly, Dorset Flower Co
These pagan rites were later woven into the fabric of early Christian celebrations. Notably, two Christian martyrs, both allegedly named Valentinus, were executed on 14th February, leading to Pope Gelasius in 496AD proclaiming the date as St Valentine’s Day, transforming it into a day of Christian observance. It took a while to catch on, however, and it was some 1,000 years later that Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem The Parlement of Foules, which he wrote in 1380–90 on a conference of birds choosing their mates on St Valentine’s Day, first connected the day with romance. The poem may have been written in honour of Richard II’s marriage to Anne of Bohemia in January 1382 – the earliest letters between lovers referring to St. Valentine’s Day begin to appear soon after the poem’s publication.
What’s not to love about a romantic bouquet of red tulips?
When Charles, Duke of Orléans, was captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he was held as a pawn by the Burgundians in the Tower of London. He wrote his wife a letter from his cell that included: ‘God forgives him who has estranged Me from you for the whole year. I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine. The day’s association with love steadily intensified – in 1601 Shakespeare mentions Valentines in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet, and the passing of love-notes between sweethearts appears to have gradually become standard practice. In 1797, The Young Man’s Valentine Writer was first published, containing sentimental rhymes for those young gentlemen not quite in love enough to be moved to compose their own verse! The advent of the Penny Post in 1840 revolutionised the exchange of amorous sentiments, making it affordable for the masses to send anonymous cards adorned with verses and ornate illustrations, akin to those we know today. This era also saw the emergence of racier content, which quite scandalised the Victorian sensibilities.
Scented, stunning and so much kinder to the planet – British-grown Valentine’s bouquets
The trouble with red roses Regular readers know there is no need to buy imported roses (or any flowers). They are quite literally costing the earth. Flowers from the Farm has a search bar that will direct you to a grower in your area who will be able to send flowers. You can support a small business, help the planet and make all involved happy – what’s not to love? The brilliant Dorset Flower Co near Dorchester are members, and usually have Valentine’s bouquets of beautiful British flowers – stunningly gorgeous tulips (doubles, singles and frillies), scented narcissus, lovely long-lasting alstroemeria and gorgeous locally grown foliage. These eco-friendly options don’t carry the environmental toll of imported red roses and offer a local, chemical-free alternative for the eco-conscious romantic. Or, of course, there’s always chocolate …
It’s not hard to give the wildlife in your garden an extra helping hand at this time of year, says Mitch Perkins, DWT’s wilder communities assistant
Dunnock singing in the late winter sunshine
With the year well under way, things are starting to ‘move’ in the garden. Bulbs are popping up and bird song is increasing as the birds vie for the best nesting territory. On clear days, try listening out for some of our resident songsters. If you are interested in learning a few bird calls, this is an excellent time to ‘get your ear in’ before the summer migrants arrive!
Dorset snowdrops Image: Mark Heighes
Weed out the knobbly bulbils On mild days you might also hear (and see) signs of amphibian activity. Newts are starting to come out of hibernation and if you have a pond of any size, you could already have frog spawn – warmer winters mean that frogs are sometimes spawning earlier than in previous years. Hungry insects are starting to emerge from hibernation and need an energy boost from the nectar and pollen provided by early-flowering plants. Could you help by growing a late winter larder for insects? Take action for insects and consider planting shrubs like sweet box or winter flowering heathers – either can be grown in a pot. Also, think again about early flowering ‘weeds’ – the cheery yellow flowers of lesser celandine are a good nectar source. This useful native can be kept in check by lightly weeding out the knobbly bulbils. Crocuses are also a good early source of food for insects and, if you have a sunny patch of lawn, purple crocus tommasinianus is a good variety to naturalise. Later in the month, look out for the first red-tailed queen bumble bees and peacock butterflies enjoying your wildlife-friendly plants.
If you have a pond in your garden, modern warmer winters might mean you’ve already got frog spawn Image: Richard Burkmar
Share the bulbs As snowdrops finish flowering, it is a good time to split and move them – these bulbs establish best if planted ‘in the green.’ Share them with friends and just remember to plant them to the same depth as they were in their original spot. Water well, remove old flower heads and let the leaves die back naturally for strong plants next year. If the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen, you can plant bare root trees and shrubs now to provide shelter and food for birds. Guelder rose, mountain ash or juneberry (Amelanchier) are all good trees for small gardens. Some crab apples (Malus ‘Laura’) and fruit trees (try ‘Conference’ pears, ‘Discovery’ apples) can even be grown in pots. At the end of this month, cut back the old flower stems of perennial plants (sedum, golden rod, teasels). It is much better to do this now than in the autumn, as insects will have been able to shelter over winter in the nooks and crannies that seed heads and hollow stems provide. Leave the bundles of stems in a quiet corner to give insects time to find a new home. These will be picked over by birds looking for a tasty snack – and the plant debris may become nesting material.
For more information about how to attract more wildlife to your garden, please visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Yeovil town council steps up with tax increase to safeguard beloved recreation ground amidst Somerset’s budget cuts
There is some good news from Yeovil on the future of the town’s valued and much-used recreation ground, which was threatened with closure as part of Somerset Council’s draconian cuts – part of a nationwide picture of underfunded rural councils facing financial melt-down. Yeovil Town Council, which has unanimously decided to increase Council Tax for the upcoming fiscal year, agreed budget plans aimed at preserving the athletics arena. This move is part of a strategy to allocate resources for the upkeep and operational expenses associated with Yeovil Recreation Centre. Andy Kendall, the town council Liberal Democrat leader, says it is the first step towards saving the facilities, but there are still months of negotiations ahead with Somerset Council. Somerset Council currently faces a £100 million funding deficit and consequently has some hard choices to make – but the threat to Yeovil’s important leisure facility inspired a huge campaign by users, including a petition which has already attracted more than 14,000 signatures. Geoff Cole, chairman of Yeovil Olympiads Athletics Club (AC), says: ‘The athletics arena is used by the Yeovil Olympiads AC, Dorchester AC, Yeovil Town Road Running Club and Running for Time Running club. In addition to those clubs, more than a dozen local schools and colleges used the athletics track in 2023, from all over South Somerset and North Dorset. There is no other facility like it locally.’ Closing the arena could mean the end of schools and club competitions, ‘and Somerset County Athletics Championships could not be held in Somerset,’ he said. There is similar strong support from other users, including Jo Stephenson of Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club. The construction of the artificial pitch in 2013 was a collaborative venture between South Somerset District Council, the Hockey Club and England Hockey, and the club continues to invest in the facility. It has just made a contribution of £10,000 towards the provision of equipment so the café can provide players with meals and bring more income to the Rec. She said it would be ‘devastating’ if the facilities the club had worked hard to establish were lost – ‘Once gone they will be gone for good,’ she warned. ‘It would be another nail in the coffin of this area of South Somerset, which is recognised as one of the most deprived areas in the South West.’ A spokesperson for Somerset Council said the council both owns and operates Yeovil Recreation Ground: ‘Therefore, it is not “funded” as such, in the way that we grant-fund some other leisure centres, which are operated on a contractor basis. The annual operating cost for Yeovil Recreation Ground is c£190,000 net.’
As local towns fight to save their sports facilities, Rachael Rowe highlights the clash between budget cuts and public health priorities
What do you do when a sports centre or recreation ground that plays a critical part in the community’s health and wellbeing is at risk of closure? With limits on the public monies available, local authorities have to make difficult spending decisions. Cutting sports and leisure funding seems inevitable. How can recreational facilities be protected, maintained and become sustainable, when closing them seems to fly in the face of the council policy of keeping people healthy?
Dorset Council’s contribution to the leisure centre in Wimborne is £550,000 annually – a third of Dorset’s entire leisure budget
QE Leisure Centre, Wimborne In March 2022, Dorset Council Cabinet agreed to serve a two year notice period on the QE Leisure Centre. Local authorities are responsible for ensuring they get best value for money within their limited budgets, and their contribution to the leisure centre in Wimborne is £550,000 annually – a third of Dorset’s entire leisure budget. From April this year, the management of the leisure centre will be handed to the Queen Elizabeth School and the general public, apart from those in clubs with prior arrangements, will no longer be able to use the facilities. In 2021, 64 per cent of the 1,799 respondents to a public consultation said they used the facilities. A petition was launched as soon as local residents heard news of the closure. Stuart Paterson, from the group QE Leisure Centre Action, which is working on the response, described the initial reaction to the news in 2022: ‘At the time, although the clubs were happy to discuss the issue, there was a bit of reluctance to do anything because there was a widespread view that alternative arrangements would be made. ‘It’s a very popular centre and there is a lot of support for it. It looks like that’s the end of the public facility, so it will have a big impact on the community. We have a 25 metre pool that’s deep enough for scuba diving clubs to use. There are daily hydrotherapy sessions, which people are referred to for medical reasons. The prospect of that closing is a major issue. And the Wimborne Wagtails is a disability swimming group which uses the pool. Some don’t have their own transport and public transport often doesn’t tie in with the timing of sessions. ‘Although the council is quick to point out that there are three other council-run leisure centres within a 20 minute drive of Wimborne, it’s not like-for-like. Some centres don’t have the facilities that we have.’ Initio Learning Trust, which runs the school says: ‘We understand the concerns expressed by users of the QE Leisure Centre and swimming pool after the council’s decision to withdraw from running the facility from 31st March. The pool requires improvements, and in order for those to be carried out it will have to be closed for a period. It will therefore be unavailable for use from 1st April 2024. We anticipate the works will be completed in time for the new school year in September this year, which is when we expect school lessons to restart. From that point the pool may also be hired to swimming lesson providers, clubs and community groups, but we do not intend to directly provide lessons or general public swimming.’
Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre found a new way more than 12 years ago with the formation of Sturfit – trustees run the facility as a charitable not-for-profit enterprise in partnership with SAST
Sturfit Much like the QE Centre in Wimborne, Sturminster Newton Leisure Centre’s purpose was always to provide a sports facility for the high school as well as the local community – the land for the building was provided by the Pitt-Rivers Estate with a covenant on it to that end. When it was at similar risk of closure due to lack of funds in 2011, an open Sturminster Newton Town Council meeting was held to find a solution. During the meeting, it was proposed that a charitable trust might take over the running of the centre as a not-for-profit organisation, and various local residents volunteered to be the trustees of the newly-formed Sturfit charity. Sturminster Newton High School recently joined the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) and Sturfit and SAST have continued an already excellent working relationship. The leisure centre is used by several thousand people each week. Chairman of Sturfit, Courtenay Hitchcock says: ‘During term times, Sturfit has full use of the gym and dance studio, and the school has priority use of the main hall. We manage the facility on behalf of SAST and they are responsible for the fabric of the building. We employ a full time manager, other staff are subcontracted, and we also support the numerous local small businesses who run the various classes and clubs here. ‘One of the challenges we face is the common misunderstanding that we are funded and run by the council – we’re not, and haven’t been since 2012! But the model we have is working well for all parties. Sitting down together and working out what works for everyone was key.’ The Sturfit trustees have had to work through lots of important lessons, and their experience could perhaps help those places that are now at risk of closure. Courtenay added: ‘Leisure facilities are in a difficult situation right now when running either as a for-profit private enterprise or, especially, as a cash-strapped council-funded facility. Our model is a really good solution for us and for the school. ‘From the outside, I can’t see why it wouldn’t work for Wimborne too. If there is a core of people with the will and momentum to change to a charitable model, it’s a viable option that can also open up further opportunities in terms of grant funding.’
To support the QE leisure Centre Action petition, sign here.
New year, new developments at Thorngrove: January sees the unveiling of the renovated cafe and a host of garden plans and events
Well that was officially the longest January in all of the Januarys! Even though it can be a difficult month, we had a busy and positive start to 2024 at Thorngrove. The reopening of our café and the launch of the new menu was a huge highlight for the month – we want to thank everyone who’s been out to see the refurbishments. With improved kitchen facilities, and a better front of house, it really feels like the Secret Garden Café has taken a huge step forward. We’re excited to continue serving you throughout the year! Do stop by and see us if you haven’t yet (the fish and chips are easily my own personal recommendation!). We’re also delighted to confirm that our community project in December, the ‘Winter Woodland Experience’ – a free festive walk through for the public, designed and built by our students, staff, and day service users – managed to raise £200 via donations. We were raising awareness and funds for Gillingham based SEND youth club Hipp!!Bones. This is a fantastic local project which is utilised by some of our own Employ My Ability students. Our calendar of events continues to grow! This coming February half term our crafts for children return and tickets are available now. Tracey will be hosting bug-themed sessions on the 12th, 14th, and 16th of this month. Safe for small hands, with a range of craft activities, the workshops are suitable for ages four to 10. They are just a great way to get out and creative this half-term – book via Eventbrite or give the shop a call to book over the phone.
Laura Jackson is hosting two days of decoupage workshops on Sat 10th and Sun 11th Feb. The Sunday session is SOLD OUT so if you’re interested, hurry and book a Saturday spot! No experience is required, and all materials are provided. If decoupage isn’t your thing, Nina of Green Spiral Willow is joining us on Sunday 17th Feb for a living willow garden sculpture workshop. The perfect sculpture for your own garden, or perhaps as a gift for a loved one. Nina will be hosting various workshops throughout the year – all details can be found on our website. Looking ahead to March, Mother’s Day is on Sunday 10th and we’ll be offering two or three course roast dinner options in the café. Booking is essential – these days always fill up, so get in touch today for a special lunch for Mum! Despite being the middle of winter, the Garden Centre has plenty of vibrance on display. February will see more daffodils, hyacinth, iris and tulips making themselves known. With all your gardening essentials ready, and a beautiful range of seasonal plants, we have all you need to hit those garden goals for 2024. Phew – that’s about it for now; roll on spring! For all the latest news and updates, offers and more from thorngrovegardencentre.co.uk
