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Young Enterprise students face the Dragons!

Young Enterprise students face the Dragons!

Young people from schools across Dorset faced up to a panel of fearsome Dragons last week as they competed to secure funding for their Young Enterprise businesses.

Held at Barclays House in Poole, the event saw 11 teams make a three-minute pitch to a panel of local business representatives. Each Dragon was tasked with selecting a company to receive £50 of funding towards developing their business, which varied from new apps to clothing lines, and family games to beauty products.

The panel of Dragons was made up of Craig Dunn from accountants Newton Magnus, Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Leader of the Council at Borough of Poole, Jonathan Sherman of Humphries Kirk solicitors, Julie Shaw, Marketing Manager at Hamworthy Heating, Mark Johns from accountancy firm Princecroft Willis and Timothy Branch of investment company BNY Mellon.

Students taking to the stage came from schools across Bournemouth and Poole, and as far afield as Gillingham. A total of 23 schools are participating in the Young Enterprise Company programme this year, which sees students find out what it’s really like to set up and run a business, from raising the initial share capital through to designing their product or service, selling directly to customers and ultimately winding up the company and paying their taxes. 

After a hard-fought series of pitches, each team was presented with a certificate to mark their participation in the event, before the Dragons revealed their chosen businesses. The winning companies were:

• Craig Dunn – Distinction

o Distinction is made up of 12 students from seven different schools, including Winton Arts & Media College, Poole Grammar, Parkstone Grammar, Harewood, Poole High School, Talbot Heath and St Edwards. The team were seeking funding to develop their line of reflective clothing, which currently features hats knitted using reflective yarn

• Cllr Elaine Atkinson – funding split between Young Minds Alike and Cortex

o Young Minds Alike attend Poole High School and are seeking to publish a book of inspirational quotes aimed at young people

o Members of Cortex come from St Edwards. Their business is selling a ‘Cabin in the Woods’ kit, which contains seeds for families to plant their own tree and watch it grow along with their family

• Jonathan Sherman – Shahdi

o The 14 members of Shahdi attend five schools comprising Parkstone Grammar, Talbot Heath, Poole Grammar, Harewood and St Edwards. Their funding will help develop their Festival Finder app which allows music-lovers to search and compare festivals

• Julie Shaw – Cherrie

o Glenmoor & Winton students make up Cherrie, whose eco-friendly soap ball and sponge product earned them £50 funding

• Mark Johns – Cherrie

o Cherrie impressed so much with their pitch and product they were successful in gaining funding from a second Dragon

• Timothy Branch – Enigma

o Enigma, which is made up of students from Lytchett Minster School, are working on developing and marketing a new music trivia game for all the family to play

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole, said: “My fellow Dragons and I were hugely impressed by the quality of the presentations, and the enthusiasm and passion shown by the students for their business ideas. It was very difficult to choose which business to back, but in the end I felt both Young Minds Alike and Cortex had fantastic product ideas. I wish them every success in developing their business further.”

Chris Lincoln, Young Enterprise manager complimented the students on their achievements so far, saying: “Since the launch of their companies in October, these young people have fast tracked their learning in business, and with support from their volunteer advisers, have created some amazing ideas and turned them into real business propositions”.

Notes to Editor:

About Young Enterprise

Young Enterprise has been flourishing for over 50 years and is the UK’s leading enterprise and financial education charity, offering a range of programmes based on the principle of Learn by Doing.

Each year nationally, we work with over 250,000 young people to empower them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need for work and life.

Young Enterprise Dorset is active in schools and colleges across the county including Blandford, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Gillingham, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Weymouth.

www.young-enterprise.org.uk

www.facebook.com/YoungEnterpriseDorset

@YE_Dorset on Twitter

Email dorset@y-e.org.uk

For further information please contact:

Emily Hazard, Communications Officer

Tel: 01202 633051

Email: e.hazard@poole.gov.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @BoroughofPoole

Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBoroughofPoole

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Freeze on Council Tax bills recommended for Poole

Freeze on Council Tax bills recommended for Poole

Borough of Poole Cabinet members have agreed to recommend no increase in Council Tax bills for Poole residents in 2015/16.It would mean the annual charge for council services on a Band D property in Poole would remain unchanged at £1,209.60 – the fifth consecutive year that Borough of Poole has not raised Council Tax.

The council’s budget for 2015/16, including the recommended freeze on Council Tax bills, will be discussed and voted upon at a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday 24 February.The budget proposals provides an additional £3 million investment in services for vulnerable children and adults, despite a further reduction of £6 million in funding from the Government for local services.

It also will enable £33 million investment in capital projects that will boost the local economy, including investment in road infrastructure, pothole repairs, flood defences and the delivery of a new footbridge over the port of Poole railway line in Hamworthy.    

The budget contains a further £12 million of savings and efficiencies for the next 12 months. To protect the majority of frontline services for local residents, the budget also includes proposals for:

changes to fairer contributions for social care services

changes to the Local Council Tax Support scheme

further partnership working with other public sector organisations

further reductions in funding for the arts.

Cllr Elaine Atkinson , Leader of the Council, said: “I am pleased to say that we are in a position to deliver a balanced budget and recommend no increase in Council Tax for the fifth year running. Councillors from all the political groups have worked really hard with the council’s officers to reach this position in the face of the enormous financial challenge we face in Poole.

“If it is approved by Full Council on 24 February, this budget will see Poole residents continuing to receive the lowest Council Tax bills in Dorset, while providing additional funding for services for the most vulnerable members of our community and further stimulus to the local economy.”

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Foiled no longer

Foiled no longer

Foil can now be collected for recycling at the kerbside by Bournemouth Council’s Recycling teams.

Residents are being encouraged to put washed foil and foil trays into their Big Bin which will be recycled back into foil packaging or other metal products such as cans.

Councillor Michael Filer, cabinet member for waste , said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the enthusiastic support of residents for recycling in the Borough. We aim to send as little rubbish as possible to landfill in order to protect the environment and reduce our disposal costs. A staggering 91% of our household waste is reused, recycled or recovered and we’re pleased that residents can now recycle foil in their Big Bin which will help improve our performance even more.”

In 2014 Bournemouth Council collected approximately 17,000 tonnes of recycling at the kerbside, the equivalent of 178 full jumbo jets or 3,778 Asian elephants.

Residents can also recycle paper, cardboard, cartons, other metal packaging (cans, tins & aerosols), glass and plastic packaging in their Big Bin. A new recycling guide encouraging residents to recycle more and waste less, which has been funded by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), will be delivered to Bournemouth residents in the next couple of weeks.

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Tackling Eating Disorders - Dorset Health Care partnership with Bournemouth University and local eating disorder charity, I*EAT

Tackling Eating Disorders - Dorset Health Care partnership with Bournemouth University and local eating disorder charity, I*EAT

In support of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (23 February to 1 March 2015), Dorset HealthCare is working in close partnership with Bournemouth University and local eating disorder charity, I*EAT (Charity No. 1144085), to host a series of informative events.

The events will include lectures from professionals, as well as discussions led by people with personal experience of having, and recovering, from an eating disorder. The first lecture will raise awareness of the early warning signs of self-harm and eating disorders, alongside practical advice for concerned parents and friends.

The sessions – all being held at Bournemouth University – are open to anyone interested in finding out more and will feature a talk from a young woman sharing her personal account of how childhood trauma contributed to her developing anorexia and the challenges it held on her journey to recovery.  There will also be a workshop focused on current knowledge about male eating disorders, exploring the myths, misconceptions and the support available. 

Dr Ciaran Newell, Associate Nurse Director and Eating Disorder Specialist at Dorset HealthCare explained: “Few people understand the devastating grip eating disorders can have on those individuals and families affected by them.

These sessions aim to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that people can hold about eating disorders. We will cover a variety of topics, including eating disorders within the school community and the role of mobile apps in supporting patients. We hope that those who attend the event will learn more about eating disorders and leave with practical advice about what to do if they are worried about a friend or family member.”

For a full list of the lectures available, and to book your place now, visit

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–bournemouth/eating-disorder-week

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Astronaut technology helps patients walk again

Astronaut technology helps patients walk again

A specialist treadmill invented by NASA is now available to patients at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, helping them to walk or run and speeding up their rehabilitation recovery time.The £36,000 AlterG machine was funded by Bournemouth Hospital Charity and is one of just a handful in the country.

Patients with lower limb disorders, for example those with arthritis of the knee joint and some with lower back pain, are zipped into a sealed bag which is then pumped with air. The machine calculates how much air pressure is required to alter the patient’s bodyweight and can reduce their weight by as much as 80% while they use they machine.James Creasey, Senior Physiotherapist, said: “The AlterG enables patients who would usually struggle to walk or run the ability to start their rehabilitation earlier as they are being supported by the air around their lower body. Patients can walk earlier or with less pain than they otherwise would experience and this can have a really positive effect on the speed of their recovery.

“The AlterG will benefit thousands of patients and we are very lucky to have this resource for our patients.”Physio patient Phil Ducker regularly uses the AlterG machine as part of his treatment. Phil has Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT), a degenerate condition which affects his legs and feet. The condition leads to poor balance and means that he gets tired quickly when walking due to loss of muscle in his legs.

Phil said: “The AlterG has really helped me to walk properly by looking ahead and not down at the ground.It has improved the muscle mass in my legs and has increased my confidence. Because of this machine, I feel that I can fight my degenerative disease – it has really given me hope.”

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Hundreds March for Men

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Bournemouth Council Tax bills expected to be frozen for fifth year running - meaning £150 more in residents' pockets

Bournemouth Council Tax bills expected to be frozen for fifth year running - meaning £150 more in residents' pockets

Bournemouth’s Cabinet has recommended that Full Council on 24th February reduces its share of Council Tax bills, to ensure that Bournemouth residents see their bills frozen again 2015/16.  This follows a rise in the precept by Dorset Fire & Rescue Authority on Tuesday (10th February).

If agreed at Council, this five year freeze will mean  that each household paying Council Tax will, on average, be £150 better off in 2015/16.

Councillor John Beesley, Leader of the Council said: “The Council has committed to doing all that it can to ensure that Bournemouth residents see no rise in their Council Tax bills.  For the fifth year running we have been able to deliver on that commitment.  On behalf of the Cabinet, and Bournemouth’s Council Tax payers, I will be asking Full Council to approve this budget on 24 February. 

“We have been able to achieve this due to a strategy of actively building up our reserves, enabling us to put additional funds into the most valued frontline services, especially those for the elderly and the vulnerable in adults’ & children’s social care. We have done this against a reduction in Government funding of 50% over the past six years.”

Councillor Beesley continued: “We will continue to take innovative and well-planned approaches to our budget management in generating income, always with the aim of protecting frontline services.  Currently establishing local trading companies in the businesses of building maintenance and adult social care will create new income streams to support frontline services. Furthermore, the Community Finance Initiative is providing loans to local entrepreneurs and mortgages for Bournemouth residents who are able to afford regular mortgage payments but who may not have the initial deposit levels required for most banks’ lending criteria. In 2015/16, we expect to secure a full banking licence, which paves the way for the Council to further support the local economy and increase its revenue stream. “We aim to continue to improve the amenities and local economy of the town, increasing the availability of quality housing that is affordable, and regenerating Bournemouth’s most deprived areas.

“We will continue to be ambitious for all parts of the town and are determined to improve the quality of life for all Bournemouth residents.  The seafront strategy and town centre vision will see more improvements in Bournemouth during 2015/16, and our accelerated housing strategy will continue to deliver across the board – homes for council tenants, property that is affordable for local people to buy and property inspections that see improved standards in the private rented sector.”  He continued, “Our regeneration efforts in Boscombe and West Howe will continue apace, with a strong focus on community involvement in both areas.”

“Our staff are committed to doing more than ever before with significantly fewer resources than in the past, and it is a credit to them that we are able to continue serving the people of Bournemouth so well.  I would like to thank them for their continued dedication and hard work for residents across the town.”

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SPRING AUTOJUMBLE 16TH & 17TH MAY 2015

SPRING AUTOJUMBLE 16TH & 17TH MAY 2015

Beaulieu’s much-loved Spring Autojumble, which returns for its 22nd year in 2015, will be taking place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

With over 1000 stands, the Spring Autojumble is well-known as the place to find anything and everything automotive. From tools and spare parts for countless vehicles, to books, brochures, model cars and automobilia, all manner of motoring miscellany will be bought and sold on the event fields during the course of the weekend.

Clubs will be a highlight of the show, with the event providing an ideal opportunity for members to display their vehicles on club stands. Winners of last year’s Best Stand award, the Dorset Branch of the Morris Minor Owner’s Club, will be returning for 2015 with Moggy Fest, a celebration of this much-loved British classic in all of its many forms.

Parking along Beaulieu’s tree-lined Chestnut Avenue, the Dorset Branch aims to display an example of the Morris Minor from every year of its production – from 1948 – 1971 – representing saloons, convertibles, Traveller estates and even the practical vans and pick-ups. The Moggy Fest concours competition will bring together some of the best-presented examples of this popular small car, while in the club’s marquee, there will be a re-creation of a 1960s Morris showroom, workshop and parts department.

Another club returning to the Spring Autojumble, the Wessex Car Club will be showcasing an eclectic range of vehicles belonging to its members, ranging from post-war family saloons to modern-day sports cars.

Up to 100 vehicles to suit all tastes and budgets will be offered for sale in the Motormart in the Beaulieu Arena, from first-class classics to complete restoration projects, while in the Dealermart, traders will showcase a selection of quality classic cars that you can buy.

Sunday’s highlights will include the Beaulieu Land Rover Sortout, when countless parts for Britain’s favourite 4X4 will be offered for sale in their own dedicated area, while Trunk Traders will give amateur jumblers the chance to trade motor-related items from their car boots.

The ever-popular Walkabout Auction will return on Sunday afternoon for its fourth year, with guest auctioneer, Practical Classics Editor, Danny Hopkins, giving exhibitors an ‘end-of-show’ chance to find homes for unsold items of stock. For just £1, exhibitors can buy a box to fill with bits (while larger items can go alongside), to be auctioned at the end of the afternoon. With no auction fees to pay, it’s an easy way to sell those last few items.

Staff members from Practical Classics magazine, the media sponsor of the Spring Autojumble, will be setting themselves a car-building challenge in tribute to Donald Campbell breaking the World Land Speed record in Bluebird CN7, on display in the National Motor Museum. Watch as they scour the stands for parts to complete their project, started at last year’s International event, which is intended to become the fastest vehicle ever constructed at a Beaulieu Autojumble.

Danny Hopkins, the magazine’s editor, said: “We aim to complete the build with streamlined aluminium bodywork and then take the ‘Beaulieu Speedster’ to a secret location for an attempt to break the 60mph barrier, which is actually the top speed of the Series One Land Rover built at Beaulieu 11 years ago. We’ve set ourselves a tough challenge this time, but even if we fail, we will have had fun trying.”

Visitors to the event can also enjoy all of the features of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. Don’t miss the museum’s brand new display for 2015, A Chequered History, which celebrates the history of racing and rallying through its remarkable display of competition cars.

The on-the-day admission price, which includes access to all of the Beaulieu attractions, is £10 for an adult and £7.70 for a child. Tickets are even less if booked in advance through the ticket hotline, 01590 612888, or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. Two-day tickets are also available.

There is still time to book Autojumble stand spaces, with prices starting at £66.50. Motormart spaces are £30, while the cost of a Sunday Trunk Trader standard plot is just £20. For all stand bookings, please contact the Events Department on 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk.

For more information, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter, using #autojumble.

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Ceremony marks start of work on state-of-the-art care home in Southbourne

Ceremony marks start of work on state-of-the-art care home in Southbourne

Ceremony marks start of work on state-of-the-art care home in Southbourne

Last week, staff at Poole-based care provider Care South celebrated the start of construction work on a brand new 50-bed care home in Thornbury Road, Southbourne, with a special ground-breaking ceremony.

Care South’s Chairman, Felicity Irwin, led the sod-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of the project to redevelop the site of Care South’s Wickmeads care home into a state-of-the-art facility for the care of older people.

The leading provider of high quality residential and home care services across the south of England has appointed Midas Southern, a division of The Midas Group – one of the largest independent construction companies in the county – to completely rebuild the care home.

Upon completion in Spring 2016, Wickmeads will have capacity for 50 residents and will offer elderly, specialist dementia and nursing care.

Simon Bird, Development Director at Care South, said: “This is a very exciting day for us! We are delighted to see rebuilding work begin on the Wickmeads site, in order to develop a modern home for residents with fantastic facilities. At Care South, we are mindful of the growing need for elderly care in the community and this redevelopment project follows our strategic plan to expand and invest in our care homes, helping to meet the needs of older people for the future. This new home will have increased capacity for residents and will offer the environment that will allow us to deliver the very highest quality of care for our residents for many years to come.” 

Councillor Blair Crawford, cabinet member for adult social care at Bournemouth Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with Care South and facilitate the building of a brand new care home in Southbourne which will specialise in high-needs dementia care. Dementia is not just about memory loss; dementia can change the way that people experience the world around them. This new home will ensure that people living with dementia receive the support they need with the right advice and services so they can live well with dementia.”

Paul Strachan, Divisional Director for Midas Southern, said: “Wickmeads is a tremendous project for Bournemouth and we are proud to be working closely with Care South to create a truly first-class new care home to benefit residents for many years to come.”

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TOP GEAR AMBULANCES JOIN BEAULIEU’S WORLD OF TOP GEAR

TOP GEAR AMBULANCES JOIN BEAULIEU’S WORLD OF TOP GEAR

New from the latest BBC Top Gear series, the ambulances which featured in episode three, are now on display to the public at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May conducted a valuable piece of consumer research with their attempts to improve and enhance the ambulance.

Starting with a belief that current ambulances, which are usually very big and based on a diesel van, are in need of a rethink, the presenters went their separate ways to focus on the one area they thought could be improved. May focused on passenger comfort in a Ford Scorpio Cardinal hearse, Hammond, in a Chevrolet G20 van, tried to improve response times by getting other drivers out of the way more effectively, while Clarkson confronted the same issue with the invention of what he calls ‘the sports ambulance’ – a Porsche 944 Turbo.

Their three very different creations were then put to the test with a series of severe and often messy challenges, culminating in a fast reaction to a spectacular emergency.

The ambulances join a whole host of vehicles at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges.

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

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Take on Sky High Challenge for Diverse Abilities

Take on Sky High Challenge for Diverse Abilities

 Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, is looking for local people to take part in an exhilarating challenge this year, during its 60th anniversary. The charity that supports children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities, across the county, is holding its fourth ‘Harbourview 110ft Abseil’, this year sponsored by Hoburne Holiday Park, overlooking Poole Harbour on Sunday 7 June and is looking to sign participants up now!

By taking part in this event fundraisers will experience an invigorating challenge and get a huge buzz from the excitement of the descent, while raising money forthe charity to provide invaluable support to the people it works with across the wide range of services. To take part in ‘Harbourview Abseil’, no experience is necessary – just lots of enthusiasm!

The participants will be able to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Poole Harbour from the top of the building.  Those daring to take the challenge will be harnessed up and trained by a team of professional and highly skilled abseil instructors, who will ensure that those taking part are equipped with the knowledge and training to make their abseil safe and as enjoyable as possible.

Sharon Wells, Events Fundraiser at Diverse Abilities, said: “Nothing beats the feeling from standing on the roof top at a great height, knowing what you are about to experience. It is a great challenge to undertake and brave new heights while raising funds for a local charity that supports children and adults with profound disabilities in Dorset. The spaces are limited so we advise you to book early.”

To take part in the abseil, the minimum age is eight, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The entry fee is £10 and each participant is kindly asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100. A discount is applicable for teams of four, with the entry fee at £30 per team. To take part in the abseil event or find out further information, please contact Sharon Wells by calling 01202 718266 or via e-mail at Sharon.wells@diverseabilities.org.uk .

For more information regarding Diverse Abilities Plus please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/diverseabilitiesplus. In addition to the Harbourview Abseil event, the charity organises many other types of exciting events including Make a Break for it, castaway survival challenge, a Dragon Boat Race, It’s a Knockout, running and cycling events, tandem skydiving and paragliding, party nights, a Rugby Lunch and great overseas events, providing everyone from all walks of life the opportunity to do something fun and exciting  while raising funds for a good cause.

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Borough of Poole - Poole FIS gains Family First Quality Award

Borough of Poole - Poole FIS gains Family First Quality Award

Borough of Poole is proud to announce that Poole Family Information Service (FIS) has been awarded the National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS) Families First Quality Award.

The Families First Award is a national quality improvement framework focusing on the working practices of a whole organisation or service. To achieve the Families First Award, Poole FIS had to meet 10 challenging standards, and demonstrate how it meets and exceeds the statutory requirements of the Information Duty of the Childcare Act in providing information and guidance to parents, prospective parents and carers, children and young people..

Poole FIS is a key service for parents, families and professionals, providing information, advice and assistance about childcare, activities, family services, children’s centres, schools, health, and a range of other services. This information is provided using a wide range of tools, including via the online directory, over the phone, face-to-face and a wider range of digital services.

The award recognises the high level of customer service provided by Poole FIS, which is a direct result of effective partnership working, essential to the provision of information on a wide range of family services in Poole. 

Assessors were impressed by the online Family Information Directory, an invaluable resource for local families and professionals alike, and with how the FIS uses Facebook and Twitter to reach and engage with an increasing number of local families.

Poole FIS Outreach Service, which helps local families to engage in early education, childcare and children’s centre services, was also praised for its quality and professionalism.

Cllr Peter Adams, Mayor of Poole, said: “I am delighted that Poole Family Information Service has been recognised for its excellent work and is being held up nationally as an example of best practice. This award is certainly something to be proud of and I’d like to congratulate the team on their achievement.”

Cllr Janet Walton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Families and Young People, said: “We hope our recent achievement will increase the collaboration the FIS carries out with early years providers and a wide number of private and voluntary sector services so that families have a greater choice and understanding of what is available to them. We know that many local families place trust in the FIS to help with a wide range of information and advice, and this award will only serve to increase this.”

The award was officially presented to Carole Ward, Information & Communication Manager in Children, Young People and Learning at the Borough of Poole  by Anthony Ellison from NAFIS on Monday 9 February, at an event attended by the Mayor and other council officials.

Visit our website: www.poolefamilyinformationdirectory.com

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/poolefamilyinformationservice 

Or join us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pooleFIS

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Regent Twynham School Christchurch - Sweet Charity 26 - 29 Feb 2015

Regent Twynham School Christchurch - Sweet Charity 26 - 29 Feb 2015

If there is one Tony award winning smash Broadway hit that is guaranteed to Pop Your Cork, it has to be Sweet Charity. Boasting a brilliantly funny book by Neil Simon, dazzling dances by Bob Fosse and a sparkling score by Cy Colman, this is the show that has attracted all the greatest dancers in the business, from Gwen Verdon on Broadway to Juliet Prowse in the West End and Shirley Maclain in the unforgettable 1969 film.

Now Twynham School in Christchurch present this spectacular show at the Regent Centre from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 February 7.30pm with a Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm. Sweet Charity is Twynham School’s follow up to their success in 2013 with their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Set in and around the Fandango ballroom in New York City, Charity Hope Valentine, is a dance hall hostess who would love to the meet the man of her dreams and settle down. The problem is that this tart with a heart, is always being left short at the altar by a succession of no hopers, shysters and charlatans.

First, there is Charlie, her current beau, who arranges to meet Charity in Central Park so that he can steal her purse and, in the process, push her in the lake.

Then there is the matinee idol, Vittorio Vidal, a Latin lover whose idea of romancing a girl is to shove her inside his bedroom closet the moment his estranged squeeze, Ursula, returns unexpectedly.

Finally, there is Oscar, with whom Charity gets trapped in a faulty lift. He seems like the one, so much so that she dare not tell him what she does for a living. Happiness is a fleeting commodity for Charity, for once Oscar finds out the truth, he is off in a fit of jealousy at the number of men friends she appears to have had.

Charity’s second name is not Hope for nothing though, because with the support of her friends at the dance hall, Helene, Nickie and Carmen and the kindness of the manager, Hermann, she has emerged a new, stronger Charity who is ready to face the world, take the knocks and bounce back up again.

“There’s gotta be something better than this” she sings and there is because you don’t have to be a “Big Spender” to catch “The Rhythm of Life” in this magical production by Twynham School. See it at the Regent in Christchurch from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 February at 7.30 pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30 pm.

Gary Theobald Press Officer

CAST LIST Cast List of Principles Holly Allen Charity (Thursday and Saturday evenings) Hermione Mason Charity (Friday evening and Saturday matinee) Jack Ballinger Oscar (Thursday and Saturday evenings) Jack Winship Oscar (Friday evening and Saturday matinee) Jack Haberfield Vittorio Vidal Alice Harmsworth Ursula Jacob Perrins Daddy Brubeck Daniel Bell Herman Amy Cox Helene Annabelle Williams Nickie

Directors Directors Simon Meredith and Fiona Coffin Musical Director Kevin Cook Choreography Claire Blackmore

Photo attached – NAMED LEFT TO RIGHT Sw-36 Jack Haberfield and Holly Allen

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Poole Bay nearshore beach renourishment trial

Poole Bay nearshore beach renourishment trial

Borough of Poole has been awarded £130,000 to carry out a trial investigating whether beach renourishment can be made more sustainable into the future in Poole Bay.

The trail, starting on Monday 9 February for up to five days, will investigate whether small amounts of sand placed on the sea bed close to the shore, between Flaghead Chine and Canford Cliffs, will be moved by natural wave forces onto the beach.

The aim is to trickle feed smaller amounts of sand, onto the beach more frequently to stabilise its width and establish whether this provides a more economical solution to Poole’s traditional beach renourishment scheme. The sand will be provided by Poole Harbour Commissioners from maintenance dredging from the main channel inside Poole Harbour.

Funding has been provided by the Environment Agency who have awarded a grant of £130,000 for the placing of the sand and a further £115,000 from their National Research and Development fund. In addition, SCOPAC (Standing Conference on Projects Associated with the Coastline) are supporting the research and monitoring with a £15,000 grant. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has provided the licence to allow the placing of sand in the sea.

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: “This is a very exciting and innovative project which embraces partnership working. It’s a one-off trial – the first of its kind in the UK, but follows a huge amount of exploration as to what works in other countries. We have looked at the pros and cons and believe it could become of national and international importance, influencing how relevant coastal authorities protect property and infrastructure into the future.”

The trial will be considered successful if it is determined that there is little to no effect on Poole Rocks MCZ (Marine Conservation Zone) and an understanding of the relative costs of nearshore renourishment compared to conventional methods has been gained.

The trial follows Poole’s conventional beach renourishment scheme (pumping sand ashore and spreading it by land based plant) carried out in November and December 2014, at a cost of £1.9 million, awarded by DEFRA.

Danish dredging company Rohde Nielsen will once again be working with Borough of Poole, using the Magni-R dredger used for the sand replenishment scheme.

Notes to Editor:

The aim is to place 30,000 cubic meters of sand in a 150m x 150m square. The location has been chosen as it is at the up-drift end of the bay, as close as the dredger can manoeuvre inshore. The action of the waves stirring up the seabed will move the sand onto the beach.

Detailed monitoring will be carried out using a detailed multi-beam bathymetric surveys of the seabed and the placing of 1 tonne of yellow, fluorescent coated, tracer sand. The tracer is sensitive to ultra-violet light which will enable the sand’s movement to be tracked.

An ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler), installed during the conventional beach replenishment will be left in place for the next 12 months to enable tidal currents, water depth and turbidity (clarity of the water) to be monitored. This will enable us to assess the relative efficiencies of both the conventional and near shore trial.

The detailed monitoring will be undertaken to asses the movement of the material both spatially (space) and temporally (time).

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Celebrity Chefs Support Big Brekkie Fundraiser

Celebrity Chefs Support Big Brekkie Fundraiser

  Autism Wessex is delighted to announce the attendance of celebrity chefs Lesley Waters , Mat Follas and Alex Aitken to help launch the charity’s Big Brekkie campaign in support of World Autism Awareness Day. Our corporate sponsor Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP will be represented by Suzanne Kadziola , Practice Manager/Partner who will be present at the launch to be included in any launch photos taken.

Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP has supported the charity for a number of years and will make an excellent interview candidate on the day if required.A press release will be made available and issued to local press following launch. The eighth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd 2015. Every year autism organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness raising events. Autism Wessex is launching their second Big Brekkie campaign and encouraging the local community to host their own big brekkie. It doesn’t have to be on World Autism Awareness Day but can take place at any time and place to suit those getting involved. As well as collecting donations from colleagues and friends people will also be raising awareness of autism.

There are more than 7,500 people in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole alone who have autism – and many more affected – so participation will really help Autism Wessex reach everyone who needs advice, guidance and support.

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Learn How To Email In Wimborne

Learn How To Email In Wimborne

E-mail is everywhere in the modern world and there is seemingly no limit to what you can do with it. From chatting to relatives on the other side of the world to booking a theatre ticket or restaurant table. You can even exchange photos or videos with friends and family. But with all of these options at your fingertips do you feel like you are getting left behind? Do you lack the confidence or skills needed to get the most from your e-mail?

East Dorset Heritage Trust, the Wimborne-based educational charity, can help with ‘Email For Beginners’ a 4 week course specially designed for the beginner, covering everything you need to get you started and e-mailing with confidence.

If you don’t have an email address and would like help to set one up then ‘Setting Up A Gmail Account’ is what you need! This friendly 2 hour workshop will take you through all the necessary steps needed to set up an account with one of the most popular and free email services available.

Setting Up A Gmail Account takes place on 26th February and Email For Beginners begins on 5th March. Places are strictly limited so prior booking is recommended.

To make a booking or for more information call 01202 888992, e-mail info@edht.org.uk or pop in to Allendale House.

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HARE OFF TO BEAULIEU THIS EASTER: 3RD – 19TH APRIL 2015

HARE OFF TO BEAULIEU THIS EASTER: 3RD – 19TH APRIL 2015

Race over to Beaulieu this Easter holiday, 3rd – 19th April 2015, for motorsport thrills! To celebrate the opening of two new motor racing exhibitions in the National Motor Museum, Grand Prix Greats and Road, Race and Rally, younger visitors can try their hand at motor sport themed activities.

Children will be raring to go on the exciting Easter trail around the grounds. Search for hidden car-shaped clue panels, to help you solve the puzzle in your quiz sheet, before claiming your sweet treat reward at Palace House. Don’t forget to make a pit-stop at the Brabazon restaurant for a complimentary mini egg cupcake snack.

If you visit over the Easter weekend, 3rd – 6th April, you can enjoy an extra chocolate delight and see veteran vehicles motoring through the parkland, while you may even spot the larger-than-life Easter bunny hopping around the grounds!

Throughout the whole of the Easter holidays, aim for victory as you challenge friends and family on the giant Scalextric track. Who has the driving skills to get to the top of the leader board? Satisfy your need for speed by creating your own F1 balloon car to discover how fast it can go.

Budding racing drivers can get into the driving seat in fun Go-Karts*, while younger visitors can take to the track on the Mini Car Driving Circuit*. In Palace House, the historic home of the Montagu family since 1538, youngsters can have an Easter-themed face painting, while there are Victorian toys and games for all the family to enjoy.

Make sure you see the sights from the high-level Monorail, or take a ride on the Veteran Bus, while Dipstick’s Mini Motor Play Trail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on cars will provide plenty of fun for youngsters.

In the National Motor Museum, see some of the most amazing race and rally cars ever built, with an astonishing collection of British Land Speed Record breaking cars. Don’t miss Wheels, a pod-ride through 100 years of motoring history, and in World of Top Gear, see-up close some of the machines built for the challenges on the TV motoring show.

The car’s the star in On Screen Cars, an exhibition of TV and film favourites including the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini and Wallace and Gromit’s Anti-Pesto van.

Visit the Secret Army Exhibition, to learn about the training of special agents at Beaulieu during World War II, and stroll through the beautifully kept gardens, where in April colourful masses of crocuses and daffodils surround Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

All Easter activities are included in the standard Beaulieu admission price, which also includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. Tickets can be bought in advance online at www.beaulieu.co.uk. Beaulieu is open from 10am to 5pm daily, so hop along for some Easter fun. For more details, phone 01590 612345.  

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SIMPLY FORD – SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2015

SIMPLY FORD – SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2015

Beaulieu’s hugely popular Simply Ford will return on Sunday 3rd May. Held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, this celebration of all cars and vans wearing the famous blue oval badge starts off in a busy schedule of Simply Rallies for 2015.

With up to 1000 Fords of all shapes and sizes expected to attend, Simply Ford has become a firm favourite with enthusiasts, with all Fords welcome to join the display in the parklands and enjoy a fantastic day out. Whether you own a modern-day Mondeo ST, a classic Fiesta, an iconic Capri, or a pre-war Model Y, you will find yourself in good company. Simply turn up, chat with like-minded enthusiasts and admire the cars.

This year, the event celebrates 50 years of Britain’s favourite van, the Ford Transit. From its birth in 1965, when it raised the bar for van and light truck design, to its current fifth generation, the Transit has become a worldwide success. Even today, the name ‘Transit’ has become a byword for any practical light commercial vehicle. Owners of all ages and models of Transit are welcome to come along and join the rally.

Events Co-ordinator Andy Ollerenshaw said: “This year’s Simply Ford rally is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, with more Ford owners’ clubs signed up to take part than ever before. We are proud to celebrate the anniversary of the Transit, while show regulars Ford Heritage will be bringing along eight examples of this legendary vehicle, from the first Transit ever built to the V8-powered ‘Supervan.’ There is certain to be a diverse line-up of Fords in attendance.”

Among the number of specialist Ford clubs taking part will be the Ford Owners’ Club, the Focus RS Owners’ Club, the Mondeo Mk2 Owners’ Club and the Zetec S Owners’ Club, each one bringing along a variety of members’ vehicles. The Hendy Ford dealership will also be displaying a selection of the manufacturer’s latest cars and vans.

In addition to the hundreds of Fords on display, visitors will have the opportunity to browse a number of trade stands selling Ford-related parts and accessories. Rally participants and Beaulieu’s attraction visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite Ford of the show, with the winner receiving the People’s Choice Award.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Ford is from 9am, with the Brabazon restaurant and mobile catering units offering bacon rolls and breakfast snacks.

For entrants arriving on the 3rd May in their Ford and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are £10 for an adult and £5 for a child. These tickets can be purchased in advance by telephone on 01590 612888, or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk, or can be purchased on the day when you arrive. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Club stands are still available to ensure that club members arriving at the event can park together, but must be booked at least a week in advance. To book a club stand, and for all Ford-related trade enquiries, please contact the Beaulieu Events team on 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk.

Admission to Simply Ford also allows you to enjoy the rest of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey Palace House and gardens.

Simply Ford is the first in a line-up of ten Simply Rallies that will be taking place in 2015, which also includes Simply Japanese, Simply Classics & Sports Car and Simply Vauxhall. A full list of Simply dates can be seen on the Beaulieu website, www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events.

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