by Lynda White

As we stepped out of our hire car we soon realised that we had found one of Newfoundland’s treasures. On the roadside overlooking Trinity, my travel companion and I agreed that we would not look out of place arriving here by horse and cart. Behind us, a gentle sloping granite hillside and ahead stood the town, just as it did several hundred years ago. The pastel painted wooden houses with their green and red tiled roofs stood against the breathtaking backdrop of Trinity Harbour, a town steeped in history and totally unspoilt with the ravages of time. Not one high-rise block or concrete car park in sight. [more]

by Kerry Adams

After watching the comic relief Kilimanjaro expedition I decided to take on the challenge myself for the National Society of Epilepsy. This charity is close to my heart as my father has suffered from Epilepsy from a young age and more recently has been involved with the charity looking to help others with the condition.

One in twenty people will suffer from a seizure at some point in their life and the National Society of Epilepsy is at the front of research to better understand the condition and ensuring a seizure-free life a reality for all those with epilepsy.

The target we need to raise for the climb is £4000! In November 2009 we held a Murder Mystery Dinner in the Village Hall (pictured above and below) to begin the fundraising and the night was a great success and a lot of fun! We managed to raise £400 which was a great first step....

by Lynda White

Whilst it seems we may have seen the last of the snow (or at least – we hope), the lingering cold temperatures puts a heavy burden on our feathered friends as they struggle to survive during the winter months.

As they forage for sustenance on the frozen ground and barren trees, supplementing their natural diet can make the difference between life and death to our garden birds...

Christmas and New Year are over but the winter weather continues. Everywhere is still covered in snow, including side roads, while main roads have been cleared. Pavements are still icy in most places, which makes me wonder why roads are made safe while pedestrians have to take our chances. Is there some difference in who pays, are those on foot expendable or is there a difference in litigation risk to the council from different types of road user?

by Chris Kemp

Not so long ago it was said to be every little boys’ dream to be a (steam) engine driver; maybe in the age of the computer and instant celebrity this is no longer true - today children perhaps are more likely to desire pop stardom. However the lure of steam for many remains, as demonstrated by the popularity and multiplicity of preserved railways in the U.K. Our local railway at Swanage for instance has enjoyed a record breaking season this year.

However, although the preservation movement has done wonders,

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

by Andrew Murton

You've probably heard that analogue TV signals are being turned off all round the country and being replaced with digital transmissions. People with little technical knowledge may be anxious about this change which makes a wonderful fertile ground for 'cons' by unscrupulous equipment and service suppliers who see great opportunities to make a lot of money by trading on people's fears and lack of awareness of the facts.

by Derek Cheeseman

Anyone who wishes to know more about African life and culture but can’t afford to travel these days would have benefited from a visit to St.Nicholas’ Church on Saturday 3rd October for their Africa Day. These special days are called Dream Days, (DREAM standing for Drama, Ethics, Art and Music) and are becoming well-known in our Corfe Mullen community. Previous recent Dream Days have featured dinosaurs, African Drumming, and Christmas Crafts.

by Martin Tuckey

Don’t let our British winters stop you from enjoying the benefits of cycling - it doesn’t actually rain as often as we think and with a little thought and preparation, you can continue commuting or cycling for leisure right through to spring whilst protecting yourself from the elements and the traffic.
In addition to improving health and fitness, cycling can save you money, which can, in turn, help to pay for both safety equipment to keep you safe and clothing to keep you warm and dry. You don’t need to spend a fortune on winter clothing and you may also want to consider a pair of mudguards to keep off the worst of the wet and grime.