IS THIS FOR YOU

Table Tennis at Broadstone Club

A warm welcome awaits you at the Broadstone Club (BC) which is situated in the Broadstone Community and Arts Centre in Dunyeats Road.

The BC has a very active Arts Society and a thriving Table Tennis Section, but it does want to attract new members, particularly table tennis players. The season starts in September and finishes in April, but players can practise on a Wednesday evening throughout the year.

The BC welcomes all standard of players, it does not matter whether you are in your teens or 60-70s. If you like playing, or would like to play or would like to play again after a few years lay off come down on a Wednesday evening between 7.30 - 9.00pm and have a go, or contact Ian Purser (01202 693323) or Dennis Joyce (01202 691146).

The Club also runs training sessions for youngsters who are new to the game; trained coaches supervise these sessions - further information from Ian or Dennis.

The Broadstone Players

The Broadstone Players are looking forward to their centenary next year, in 2006. Their first meeting was held at The Red Barn in 1906 which has remained their home to this day.

Their top priority has been finding new talent. They greatly appreciate the help received from the annual one-Act plays known as 'Plays'N Chips' evenings which are going from strength to strength and have just completed their 14th year. But that is not the beginning. The One-Act evenings started many years previously as an annual event for society members only which were always held in the War Memorial Hall. In addition to the One-Act plays, members have the chance to audition for the Society's main productions performed in February, May and November each year.

Membership is now fifty strong, but still more are needed. Of course, interest in the theatre does not stop at acting and extends to many other areas behind the scenes such as lighting and sound, backstage and setbuild, as well as front of house.

Is this for you? If you think you've got what it takes and would like the opportunity to tread the boards, The Broadstone Players are always happy to welcome new talent.

Vic Bussey

Broadstone Discussion Group

Do you enjoy Conversations with a Purpose? Broadstone Discussion Group meets fortnightly in members' homes at 7.30pm on Thursdays (summer) and at 2.30pm on Fridays (winter). Why not join us to explore your views on the world and its ways? Your curiosity may be rewarded and you would certainly be very welcome. We are happy to have people of any age who are willing to share their views and consider the views of others. Our aims are Friendship, Knowledge and Understanding, through the medium of informed discussion. Our programme is wide-ranging, with topics drawn from any of the arts or sciences, history, current affairs, health, daily life, etc. Mostly, we select topics from a Handbook compiled by the national organisation. This book offers a set of about 40 topics based on a theme that is embodied in the book's title. The Handbook for 2004 is: 'The Way We Live Now'. Meetings always close with friendly chat and light refreshments. For more information please ring: 01202 697650.

Is this for you? Oh yes this is for you!

Broadstone Football Club forms a very central part of the local community for all ages, boys and girls. So if you are interested in taking part, then we run football activities on 'sport for all' basis. What do we mean by sport for all? B.F.C. run football teams starting at under 7s up to under 18s and for the first time this year we are supporting two adult teams care of Corfe Mullen Utd, where both Broadstone and Corfe Mullen clubs are working together.

Girls' football really seems to be taking off, with more and more girls taking up the sport. As always we are very keen to get more women involved in helping to run the girls' side of football, women coaching girls has to make sense. So if you have a sporting outlook and want to get involved this has to be for you.

Are you a local businessman who might want to work with a club like ours? We are in need of kit sponsorship and fund raising for equipment. So if you would like to improve your local community profile with over 300 children involved in our club, this is for you!

For anyone wanting to take up the great game of football please contact either Sharon Connell (our club secretary) or myself, Sven (07802 923765).

Dorset Family History Society

Dorset Family History Society is a society both for people living outside Dorset who have Dorset ancestors, and for Dorset folk who have ancestors anywhere in the rest of the world. We hold regular monthly meetings at St John's Hall in Macaulay Road on each 2nd Monday of the month where we enjoy specialist speakers on a range of diverse subjects. To give a taste of what awaits you, this year we have had talks on smuggling, with 'Brandy for the Parson'; Railway ancestors; The Labourers Lot, with Dorset Folk Songs from Bonny Sartin of the Yetties; and an evening with Alan Hyde and his collection of sound archives.

We have a research room and office at Mannings Heath where we hold millions of records, on fiche, computer, or paper, from all the Dorset census to 1901, Parish records from the 1500s up to modern times, monumental inscriptions from just about every parish churchyard in Dorset, and much more. We also have scores of CDs and fiche for other counties and countries. If you have access to the Internet, see www.dorsetfhs.freeserve.co.uk or contact us at Unit 40 Mannings Heath Rd, Mannings Heath, Poole BH12 4NJ. Tel 01202 736261. We are open Mon., Weds. and Sat. 10 am till 3 pm. Membership? Just £10 a year.

Graham Rabbetts, Chairman, Dorset Family History Society

Pet Maidens

Pet Maidens is a caring professional Pet and House Sitting Service based in Corfe Mullen. At Pet Maidens we pride ourselves on the quality of service that we offer to home and pet owners alike.

Being home and pet owners ourselves we fully appreciate the worries of going away on holiday or having to work long hours away from home. Personally, we couldn't bear the thought of placing our cat or dog in kennels. Also there is the worry of our home's vulnerability in our absence, which is why we always use a house sitter whenever we go away. Pet Maidens exists to extend that security to all home and pet owners. We recruit vetted, high quality staff who are mature in their outlook and are experienced in looking after pets. They stay in your home during your absence, creating a security presence and providing a loving caring environment and companion for your animals.

Pet Maidens is unique in the fact that our staff are also contracted to undertake various light duties in your absence. Therefore, when you return your house will be clean and tidy, plants watered, mail collected etc. and most importantly, your pets are safe contented and happy.

Other services offered by Pet Maidens also include Dog Walking and House Visits etc. So whatever your requirements please do not hesitate to contact us.

Pet Maidens can be contacted on 01202 658350 or 07884 372583 or email petmaidens@amserve.com

The Ramblers' Association

The Ramblers' Association is a registered charity and it will celebrate its 70th Anniversary in 2005. The aims of the charity are to promote walking, to protect rights of way, to campaign for access to open country and to defend the beauty of the countryside.

In Dorset the Ramblers' Association is organised by the Area Council and locally by the East Dorset Group, covering Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and the District Council areas of East Dorset and Purbeck.

The East Dorset Group has about 1300 members and organises a walks programme of normally one or two midweek walks plus up to three on Sundays. Walks are of varying lengths from about 5 miles up to 20 for the more energetic. Whilst some walks are arranged involving public transport, members have to reach the start of the majority by car. Walks can start anywhere, but normally in Dorset or the New Forest. The Group also organises longer continuous multi-day walks and occasionally long weekend holidays. In the winter months we help Dorset County Council in their unending task of keeping local footpaths open. Another task is the checking of the footpath network and ensuring that applications for changes to footpaths are in the interest of walkers.

For membership details please contact Jim McDonald, Broadstone (01202) 691709 or visit the websites www.ramblers.org.uk or www.dorset-ramblers.co.uk

Mike Heckford

Want to get out and about? Why not join Gad-abouts!

Gad-abouts Travel Club is ran by Val Evans and Elaine Middlehurst who formed the club 2 years ago. In that time we have organised days out to places like Sissinghurst Gardens; Bath and Cambridge; weekends in the UK to The Lake District, Cornwall and Wales and also holidays to Toronto, Germany, Brussels and Lake Garda. The majority of our members live in Broadstone and the surrounding area but we do have members who live in Poole, Christchurch and Bournemouth. All our trips start and finish in Broadstone so no extra pickup time! Our members have all made new friends , some have met on one holiday and then got together to go on another one; for some of our members it really has given them a new lease of life! So if you love travel and want to make new friends who live locally, why not join us? Our membership is £5 per household and is open to everyone from 0-90. We run a very varied programme and our 2005 diary dates will be out shortly. If you would like to know more we are at Broadstone Methodist Church on the 2nd and 4th Monday mornings of every month except for Bank Holidays or you can contact Val on 690103 or Elaine on 697107.

Poole Model Toys & Trains

The Model Toys & Trains Collectors Fair, held 5 times per year at Poole Grammar School, Gravel Hill, was inaugurated back in 1990 by the organisers David Rees & Jason Davies and now has 75 stalls of both old & new collectable models for all ages.

Top dealers/Traders from Kent to Cornwall travel here to trade, having many models for sale, including such brand names as Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Triang, Spot-on, Minichamps, Vitesse, Airfix, Revell, Trofeu, EFE in the die-cast transport range, and Hornby, Lima, Wrenn, Bachmann + others (from "0" to "N" gauge) for railway enthusiasts. There are also selections of Aircraft, TV related, Sci-fi, & Scalextrix.

The fair opens to the public from 10.15am to 3.00pm, normally attracting an average of 800 customers. If not familiar with these events, and are looking to start an interest in collecting, then come along and see what the show is all about.

You may also have a collection gathering dust in the attic which you consider selling; by all means bring it along with you, or bring a list with you, as I am sure you will be able to sell it, at the show.

The events to be held in 2005 are on (Sundays) 16th January, 6th March, 8th May, 11th September & 27th November. The organisers look forward to seeing you all.

Contact David Rees 01202 590158 (eves & weekends)

The Dorset Cyclists Network

First I should explain that the Dorset Cyclists Network (D.C.N.) is not a network of rides or routes for cyclists. It is a countrywide network of people campaigning on behalf of cyclists, and supported by some 600 members.

Our representatives, working with Cycling Officers and Councillors, can ensure that cyclists' needs and safety are made apparent to local and country authorities, and we maintain links with other cycle campaign groups.

D.C.N. encourages cycling as a healthy, non-polluting and cheap form of transport. Do you really need to drive to your local shop for the paper or a pint of milk? If your journey to school or work is short, couldn't you go by bike? Get the bike out; use it and enjoy it.

I am the D.C.N. representative in Poole and can be contacted at 17 High Park Road, Broadstone (01202 603480) or by e-mail on poole@dcn.org.uk

More information about D.C.N. is available on www.dcn.org.uk

Bob Frew

Is a Camera Club For You?

There are several camera clubs in the area, any one of which will welcome new members, but the question many of you will ask 'is a camera club for me?' Well, those of you who read my article in the summer magazine will know my favourite phrase is 'yes and no' when talking about photography, and the same applies here.

Let's look at what a camera club offers. First and foremost, a club brings people of a like mind together and, in doing so, offers the opportunity for people to exchange ideas and most important of all, experience. Many times recently I have been asked to advise on which digital camera is best. I can give an answer but the answer is based on my experience and to a large extent on my preferences as a photographer. If you were to belong to a club you would have the opportunity to talk to a number of people, some of whom would be very experienced and some who would be newcomers to the world of digital, most of those would be biased towards one form of photography or another, landscape or portraiture for example. Of course you will meet up with those who will say 'no you do not want a digital, film is best'. The main thing is that you will have been able to talk to a number of different people with different views from which you can make an informed choice.

Having made your choice, other benefits of camera club membership become available to you such as the opportunity to take part in club competitions where you can hear comments and, hopefully, constructive criticism of your entry and those of others so that you can learn not only from your own efforts, but also those of others. One thing that you need to bear in mind is not to be discouraged by a judge's comments, after all it is only the opinion of one person, however well qualified he or she might be. Having passed the hurdle of club competitions you will be able to enter into inter-club competitions where the action really steps up a gear.

A club also gives you the chance to compare your interpretation of a competition theme against others, to hear presentations by visiting speakers plus the involvement in club social activities and also the opportunity to take part in exhibitions of club members' work - it is very satisfying to hear public comments on your own work.

As I pointed out in the opening of my article, there are a number of clubs in the area and having made the decision to join a club you will now have to decide which one is best for you as each club will have a different emphasis on activities so try them out and make your decision based on what you see and feel from each visit. Whatever your decision, if you intend to take your photography seriously and want to improve your work, membership of a club will be a worthwhile, productive and enjoyable experience.

Brian Woolgar

N.W.R. National Women's Register

27 years after its inception, the Broadstone Day/Evening group of the "N.W.R." is still going strong. Appealing to Ladies who enjoy the companionship, stimulation and relaxed atmosphere of discussions, talks and outings on all things 'non-domestic'.

Meeting in members' homes twice a month, members benefit from a couple of hours away from household chores, and enjoy the company of other like-minded women. Members can also take part in a book discussion group, and see our wonderful Dorset countryside with the weekly Thursday walking group, who meet up "come rain or shine".

For more information on N.W.R's local group, please contact head office at: 3A Vulcan House, Vulcan Road North, Norwich NR6 6AQ or telephone: 0845 4500287 email: office@nwr.org Website: www.nwr.org

SOS Swim School

SOS aims to provide high quality swimming tuition in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with small class sizes designed not only for safety but to promote skills and confidence in the water you can start from as young as three months old.

This successful formula has seen SOS Swim School grow from their beginnings in 1985 to teaching over 800 children a week from pre-school upwards.

To find out more details about the SOS Swim School and class availability, telephone Maureen or Shirley on 01202 699451 or visit our web site www.sos-swim.co.uk

Due to the high demand for swimwear and accessories, our Swim Shop in Moor Road has recently been refurbished in order to house our increased range of products. Not only do we sell swimming costumes but also pool games, reference books and a great line in towels called 'Funkidrys' available in different designs ranging from young children to adults - come in and see us, we're open 9 - 5.30pm during the week and 9 - 5pm on Saturdays.

Soroptimist International

The first Soroptimist club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. To some the name may sound rather sinister and that's a great pity because if you read on you will see it's completely the opposite. With the Soroptimist name having been coined from the Latin "soror" meaning sister, and "optima" meaning best, Soroptimism has been interpreted as "the best for women". Now with a membership of over 90,000 in 112 countries, it is a world-wide organisation for women working in management and the professions When Soroptimists work together they do so voluntarily and in a spirit of friendship, to try make the World a better place for all. Fostering the ideal of service as the basis of all worthy enterprises, members are encouraged to be aware of and involved in the social, business and civic affairs of their communities. This is an association of women representing diverse occupations, with the objects of Soroptimism being human rights for all, high ethical standards, equality, development and peace through international goodwill, understanding and friendship and, advancement of the status of women. The nearest club is based in Poole where meetings are held twice a month. If you are interested in the chance to develop a variety of interests connected with helping local and worldwide projects, meet Soroptimists of other nationalities and share the friendship then tel. Jackie on 602481 or me on 605504.

Beryl Foster, SI Poole past president and Southern England Council representative.

Is Music For You?

When it was founded in May this year Gurr's World of Music set out to put the fun back into playing. Playing music of all styles, from classical to jazz, to popular, and on a variety of instruments. Now, with nearly 50 members and students, growth of Gurr's World has been rapid. Enthusiastically and professionally managed by Kathryn Gurr and her mother Jo this new group which has a base at Broadstone Community and Arts Centre has already performed in a sell out Autumn concert, where soloists and 'cool' names such as the Fantasy Flute Choir, the Sax Pak, Jam Session, and the Wind Band entertained over 160 people . The Gurrs are now looking to form a high quality Swing Band and would welcome any professionals wishing to form a Funk Band.

Schooling is offered in saxophone, flute, clarinet, and beginners' piano lessons as well as graded examinations. The Ensembles are open to all appropriate instruments, and they are currently looking to take on teachers of other disciplines such as String or Brass.

Making music a social and enjoyable activity is much of what Gurr's World of Music is about. With vastly differing age ranges, the youngest being eight and the oldest in retirement, this could well be for you!

Contact tel. 600768 or email: gwm@grrrproductions.co.uk (note the 3 r's!)

Beryl Foster, Broadstone Community & Arts Centre

Yoga and Relaxation

Did you know that Yoga classes are held on most days of the week in the Broadstone Community and Arts Centre?

There are many different branches of Yoga Out the branch most popular in the West is Hatha Yoga, which deals with the health of the body and mind. This consists of postures called Asanas, breathing techniques Pranayama, concentration and relaxation. The asanas work on every part of the body, stretching and toning muscles and joints, the spine and entire skeletal system. They work on the internal organs, nerves and glands, promoting health and well being. The breathing techniques revitalise the body and control the mind leaving you feeling calm and refreshed. Deep relaxation will release physical and mental tension and the practise of awareness and positive thinking will encourage clarity and concentration.

Yoga is suitable for anyone of any age, both ladies and men, the fit and supple, or those who feel stiff and out of condition.

There is no competition in Yoga, you work at your own pace and postures can be modified or adapted where necessary.

If you would like details of the classes run by fully qualified tutors please contact me.

Pauline Newton Webb 01202 855530.

Could You be a Foster Parent for an unwanted Dog?

Waggy Tails Rescue is a local charity that's sole aim is to rescue unwanted dogs, treat them for any illnesses that they may have and find them new homes that they can spend the rest of their life being happy in. All our dogs are placed in foster homes while being assessed, treated and awaiting a new home, and although this is the best temporary home possible for a dog, because we don not have our own kennels it means we are limited to the number of dogs we can help at any one time by the number of foster homes that we have available. We are always looking for new foster homes and one of our many fosterers has in her own words described the experience.....

About a year ago my husband and I were asked if we would like to become foster parents. About two years previously we had adopted Jake and a year ago I had started to work as a volunteer for Waggy Tails.

"What does it entail?" I asked "You take a dog into your home on a temporary basis, caring for it and probably showing it love that it has never known before or, because it is unwanted, has forgotten." "We'll think about it" was our reply.

We thought about it and decided that because of the love we had received in all our years of doggy ownership, it was the least we could do to give a helping hand to those dogs in need.

I found out that all dogs are "frontlined, microchipped and wormed" as soon as they come to the centre. Inoculations and examinations by the Vet. follow. Also, we were given a very useful booklet of advice on Fostering which was a great help and all the food was also provided by the charity. As it has turned out, the decision to go ahead and be "Foster Parents" was one of the best "doggy" decisions we ever made.

Let me explain what happens..... Dogs come into the centre for many reasons. The majority of them are in quite a distressed condition and the first and foremost job is to let them come into a calm environment and introduce them gradually to their surroundings. We always introduce the new dog to Jake - i.e. Jake is in his garden and we bring the new dog into Jake's territory. We also make sure the new dog never uses Jake's basket and feeds quite separately. This prevents arguments!

The first day or so can often be quite difficult for the new dog - sometimes they are restless, wandering around and very unhappy. Others who have had a raw deal, been in a dog pound for some time or never shown kindness can't believe their luck and their joy in their new circumstances is lovely to watch. However, they all settle and in a few days are enjoying the routine in their new temporary home.

Sometimes a foster dog is only with us for a short time - the longest we have had is about four months. I know the next question you are going to ask "don't you get so fond of them you don't want them to go?" and the answer is "yes". BUT, when a suitable home is found for them, and you can see that the dog and new owner are going to get on well together, you know it is the best thing that can happen to your friend and you are happy for them.

The Charity "Waggy Tails" is like an extended family and every volunteer wants just one thing - the best that can be done for the dog. There is loads of help just a phone call away. We remember well our first foster, a Jack Russell called "Eddie". We were so new to the game and all Eddie (who, like Jake, was neutered) did for the first day or so was to mount Jake. I phoned the Centre in a panic as I thought they were fighting. "Don't worry," I was told "it is just a play for dominance"!

A qualified Trainer is also a volunteer and his help on many occasions has been invaluable. All the food, bedding, treatment is provided by the Charity so a foster parent does not have to worry about the costs.

We fostered an elderly dog for a few days called Lady who had been discarded because her owners got divorced. She was hard of hearing and sight and sixteen years old. We didn't think anyone would want her, so she stayed as our "Long Term Foster". If only I could describe the pleasure she has bought to us, everyone would want to rush out and home one like her. She just wants her food, gentle walks, her coat brushed occasionally, lots of sleep in her basket and to be loved. In return, she is an affectionate, constant companion. She looks so comfy curled up in her basket, we have made a notice to go over her basket "do not disturb"! We have fostered fourteen dogs now various breeds, sizes and temperaments. Every dog is completely different and each a separate challenge. However, we can honestly say that the pleasure and reward we have received is indescribable.

If you think that you could join our team of fosterers then call the centre today on 01202 732000 and make a difference to a dogs life.

Pat & John Coulston

Wimborne Ladies Circle No 291

We are a National Association whose motto is "friendship" and "service" and we have teamed up with a local Activity Club For Women called "Xsport" to make our social activities more varied and interesting.

Our motto is........

FRIENDSHIP

We meet twice monthly on a Wednesday evening. Our aim is to have fun. We arrange a different activity each time we get together such as Archery, Walks, Quad Biking, Street Self Defence, Eating, Drinking, Talking and much more!

AND SERVICE

We raise money for Charity and are involved with our local community. Our Charities for this year are: ICIRF, Life Education Centre Dorset. We organise an annual Harvest Supper for the elderly folk of Wimborne.

Would you like to join us in a full and varied social life and help make a difference in your community? Are you aged between 18 and 45?

Please contact Paula Dack, Chairman, Wimborne Ladies Circle:

Tel: (01202) 776565 Email: paula@markdack.com www.ladies-circle.org.uk

Archive Winter 2004

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"