Town Guide - Wareham Town Council
Transcription
Town Guide - Wareham Town Council
WAREHAM Town Guide 2012-2013 With the compliments of Wareham Town Council WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE An invitation to Isle of Purbeck residents Goadsby is the largest independent estate agents covering Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, including two offices covering the Isle of Purbeck. Whether you’re considering SELLING or LETTING, our two dedicated and experienced teams would be delighted to help. WAREHAM 01929 552206 2 goadsby.com SWANAGE 01929 425055 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Welcome to Wareham A warm welcome to Wareham. I am very proud that Wareham Town Council has once again published this Town Guide, not only for our visitors but as a useful publication for all local residents. With modern facilities, a long history, plenty to see and a variety of superb natural features within a short walk of the town centre, you will not be lost for things to do. Whether you are here for a short stay or longer, this guide will prove invaluable. Wareham is a historic Dorset town, a gateway town to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck and its stunning Jurassic coastline and is the hub of Purbeck’s business and commercial life. An ancient, Saxon walled town where you can still ‘walk the walls’ enjoying fine views over the lush water meadows, stroll by our two rivers, enjoy the abundant river life or take a boat trip. Specialist shops, good restaurants, public houses, historic churches, sports and play facilities, open spaces, quaint old lanes, a modern leisure centre, markets, a fascinating museum and an independent cinema – all this you can find in Wareham. Wareham Mayor and Mayoress recently won three successive Gold awards in the South/South East in Keith and Vera Green Bloom Competition and has made two appearances at the national Britain in Bloom finals, so I am sure you will also enjoy our superb floral displays. For those coming to live and work in the town, Wareham has modern school, health/welfare facilities, community halls, a large recreation ground, railway station, business parks and a variety of housing. I do hope you enjoy Wareham and will want to return time and time again. Councillor Keith Green, Mayor of Wareham 2012/2013 2012–2013 3 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE 4 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Contents ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ Welcome to Wareham – Mayor’s Introduction . 3 Map – Wareham Town Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Enjoy Wareham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Map – Wareham Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Food & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Wareham Town Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wine and Dine in Wareham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sports and Leisure in Wareham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wareham – From Bronze Age Settlement to Modern Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Pack a Picnic Wareham Town Crier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Diamond Jubilee 2012 and Olympic Flame Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wareham Wednesdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wareham Town Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wareham Carnival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wareham Music Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wareham in Bloom ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20/21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Wareham in Bloom – Blooming Lovely! . . . . 30/31 Education and Youth Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Father Christmas Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Local Information Directory Clubs and Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Acknowledgements: Wareham Town Council gratefully acknowledges the following for their help in producing this Guide: Liz Roberts, Manager of the Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Mike O’Hara, Curator at Wareham Town Museum; Photos: Pam Bowyer-Davis (Wareham Camera Club), Town Clerk Rod Curtis. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in the Wareham Town Guide is correct and neither Plus Publishing Services nor Wareham Town Council accept responsibility for any loss or inconvenience arising from any errors which may have occurred. Copyright: Plus Publishing Services, Sycamore House, Willesborough Industrial Park, Kennington Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent TN24 0NR Tel: 01233 643574 • Fax: 01233 641816 • Email: [email protected] • www.pluspublishing.co.uk 2012–2013 5 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Enjoy Wareham Wareham has a wealth of unexpected surprises for the visitor. Walk the Saxon Walls, visit our local markets, learn about Wareham's connection with Lawrence of Arabia, enjoy the variety our local independent shops have to offer, watch a film at the unique Rex Cinema and much more. Why not start your journey of exploration by making your way to Wareham's Quay at the bottom of South Street where the River Frome has been delighting visitors for many years? The Quayside and Boating – The Quay was once the hub of Wareham. Ships arrived from the continent and unloaded their cargoes for distribution throughout the area. Nowadays the Quay is very lively in summer time with leisure sailors of all types taking advantage of the delightful river trip to and from Poole Harbour (tide permitting!). You too can take a boat trip on the River Frome or maybe hire your own rowing boat or motor boat from Abbott’s Quay. Another way to enjoy the quayside is simply by sitting in the sun enjoying the view or feeding the ducks. Feeding the birds at Wareham Quay River Walks – Wareham is a town of two rivers, the River Frome on the South side of the town and the River Piddle on the north side. Whatever your reason for visiting Wareham, why not linger a while and enjoy a riverside walk? Both rivers are easily accessible and a circular walking route is possible encompassing both rivers. Copies of the “Two Rivers Walk” route are available in the Discover Purbeck Information Centre in South Street. Abbots Quay: boats, river life, and more boats! Priory Meadow Priory Meadow – Located just off the town centre, on the south side of the River Frome, a part of the natural water meadow has been restored by local volunteers as a conservation area. It has a short circular path for walking and wheelchair users plus stone benches, wildlife Information boards and a bird watching hide. A tranquil spot where all age groups can enjoy the wildlife habitat, Priory Meadow is always incorporated in Wareham’s ‘Britain in Bloom’ entry. www.wddt.org.uk/priory _meadow Terence Arden FRICS CHARTERED SURVEYOR Building Surveys, Homebuyer Surveys and Valuations for all purposes. Please telephone for further information and fee quotation. 10 North Street • Wareham • Dorset BH20 4AF Tel: 01929 558252 • Fax: 01929 558253 e-mail: [email protected] www.terenceardensurveyor.co.uk 6 River Piddle and Water Meadows B. Curtis ltd High Class Family Butchers 19 West Street, Wareham BH20 4JS Tel: Wareham (01929) 552478 www.bcurtis.co.uk Farm assured Aberdeenshire steer beef Local Purbeck pork and lamb Drug-free farm poultry • Home/dry cured bacon and hams Home-made sausages and pies • Full selection of cheeses Meat supplied for home freezers at discounted prices Also At C Hallett, 25 North Street, Wareham 01929 552022 ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Saxon Walls – Wareham has Saxon ramparts, built to defend against Viking attacks, surrounding the historic town on three sides. The south side, where Wareham Castle was once situated, was protected by the River Frome. These walls are the best remaining example in England and can been seen as large earth mounds covered in grass. Paths on the walls give good views of the rivers and surrounding areas and a variety of wild flowers are encouraged – at their best in late spring and early summer. From North Walls there are views over the flood plain of the River Piddle towards Northport and beyond to the Wareham Forest. Below the North Walls, the River Piddle meanders across Wareham Common, the lush riverbank vegetation providing a perfect nesting habitat for water birds. The middle section of West Walls, adjacent to the car park, is known as Bloody Bank after a number of executions which took place there in bygone times. Enjoying a break at West Walls Leased from the Rempstone estate and managed by Purbeck District Council, the Walls won a national ‘Golden Apple’ environmental award in 2007. From July 2012 interpretation boards will be in place at various points along the walls. For further information and a leaflet on the ‘Walls Walk’, visit Discover Purbeck Information Centre in South Street or see the website: www.visitswanageandpurbeck.co.uk Town Pound – The Town Pound is part of Wareham’s rich history, being a Grade II listed building dating back to medieval times. It was built to hold stray or impounded farm animals which were not released until the owner had paid a fine. It is a small, walled enclosure with a gate situated at the end of Pound Lane where it joins West street, near the foot of the town walls. Students from the nearby Purbeck School have been working with Wareham District Development Trust to bring graphic “animals” back to the pound which will be mounted on metal poles within the pound at different levels to make a visually exciting display (Summer 2012). Town Pound WAREHAM DENTAL SURGERY Tel: 01929 552363 We offer high quality dentistry for all the family in a relaxed and friendly environment Escape from the Hurly Burly of this modern world and enjoy walks strolling through 20 acres of woods and Heathland around a magical Pool famous for its ever changing colours, with sandy paths that lead up to views of the Purbeck Hills and down steps to the waters edge. Come and marvel at the Wareham Bears over 200 miniature teddy bears.Charming Teahouse serving Morning Coffee, Delicious Cream Teas and Attractive Lunches. Dogs on leads welcome. Grounds open daily from 9.30am March until November Teahouse, Shops and Wareham Bears Daily from 10.00am Easter until end October Tel: 01929 551408 Furzebrook, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5AR www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk Emergency treatment is available to patients of this practice 16, West Street, Wareham BH20 4JX 2012–2013 7 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Markets – Wareham has been a market town for over 500 years and its market has the accolade of two royal charters. Cottees Market in East Street was established in1907. Unique in Dorset, it has a Produce and Flower Auction, one of the last in Dorset held on Thursdays, and a fortnightly Antiques and Collectable auction on Tuesdays. Wareham also has a Farmers Market in the Town Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month and a Home Producers market every Thursday in the United Reformed Church Hall in Church Street. A very popular Saturday Street Market in the magnificent setting of Wareham’s historic Quay by the River Frome completes the picture – helping to keep Wareham a true Dorset market town! Church of St Martin on the Walls Saturday Street Market Churches – Wareham has several beautiful churches. The Parish Church of Lady St Mary near the Quay is said to have been built on the sight of an 8th century Minster church. It still boasts a 14th century chancel and a Tudor tower with a ring of 10 bells. It has a 12th century lead font and other objects of interest and its annual flower festival in early August is always a stunning sight. The Church of St Martin on the Walls has a Saxon exterior and is the most complete Saxon church in Dorset – believed to date from around 1020. St Martins is thought to have been founded by St Aldhelm in the 7th Century and possibly destroyed by King Cnut and rebuilt in 1015. There are a series of wall paintings, the earliest of which was painted in the 12th century. After a period of disuse, the church was renovated to its current condition in 1936, a fitting place for the sculptured effigy of T E Lawrence by Eric Kennington. Rex Cinema – Situated in the Odd Fellows Hall in West Street. Built in 1889, it has been a cinema since 1920, originally known as the Empire and later re-named the Rex. Possibly the oldest continuously operated independent cinema in the country, it seats 151 people. Amazingly, along with modern electric lighting, it still has its original gas lights – and double seats for couples in the back row! Films shown range from independent and ‘art’ films to the latest blockbusters and it is home to the well loved Rex Players drama group. A welcome addition in recent years has been the Rex Bar (where you may purchase a drink which you can take into the auditorium) and the Five and Dime Cafe attached to the cinema. For details of forthcoming films, see the website: www.therex.co.uk. The Rex is owned and managed by the Purbeck Film Charitable Trust Ltd who are responsible for the very successful Purbeck Film Festival held annually in October (Note 2012 Festival: 12th–27th Oct). Rex Cinema – home of the Rex Players Local Shops – Wareham has a large range of independent shops and retailers as well as two supermarkets. In Wareham you can still buy fresh meat at traditional butchers, superb cakes and freshly baked bread in our local bakers and source local cheese, fish and other produce. There are art and photographic galleries, fabric, craft and collectable shops as well as a traditional ironmongers, newsagents and florists. There are a range of pharmacists, hairdressers and a veterinary surgeon whilst professional services such as banks, solicitors, estate agents, dentists and a variety of other specialist shops complete the picture. Wareham’s Mobility shop has scooters and wheelchairs to assist in making Wareham accessible for all. Wareham Town Museum – ‘A Great Little Museum.’ Tucked inside the Wareham Town Hall building in East Street is the small but fascinating Wareham Museum where there are displays and artefacts telling the story of the town – including its archaeology, geology, social and military history and Lawrence of Arabia collection. The Museum and its Museum Committee is supported by Wareham Town Council. A Curator and many unpaid volunteer ‘Friends of Wareham Town Museum’ have, over many years, built on a collection donated to the town by a local resident. This now forms a repository of a variety of material, and provides a valuable resource for students and researchers alike. Something for the weekend, sir? 8 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the T E Lawrence exhibition, however there are many other features including Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon Wareham and Wareham in the Great War of 1914–1918. The Museum has recently featured very successful Family History Days and further projects are planned. From April until end of October 2012, the remains of a fascinating Saxon sword found in the River Frome in 1927 and possibly of royal origin, are on loan from the County Museum. The Museum aims equally to attract local residents and visitors, who are assured of an interesting and worthwhile visit. Admission free, 10 am to 4pm, opening Easter to October. Museum website: www.wtm.org.uk Lawrence plaque – Anglebury Restaurant/Cafe T E Lawrence – ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ – spent the last years of his life in the Wareham area, living at ‘Clouds Hill’ cottage, Moreton, near Bovington Camp where he served as a private soldier – before his untimely death in 1935 from injuries in a motorcycle accident. Wareham has a celebrated marble effigy of Lawrence by Eric Kennington in St Martins on the Walls Church, however he is buried in a cemetery located near to St Nicolas church in Moreton. Lawrence’s cottage is owned by the National Trust and is accessible to the public. He visited Wareham frequently to shop, using his favourite Brough Superior motor cycle, and he frequented the Anglebury Restaurant/Cafe in North Street. Here you may view a commemorative plaque in Lawrence’s old favourite window seat while you enjoy your Dorset cream tea! The Wareham Bears – After almost twenty years of wandering around southern England the community of over two hundred tiny bears has at long last come home to Wareham. In 1977 the Bears, created by Mary Hildesley, first moved into 18–22 Church Street and eventually opened to the public in 1981, where they attracted visitors from all around the world. The Wareham & District Development Trust purchased the collection in 2011 and the Bears can now be seen at the Blue Pool. Saxon Sword remains – Town Museum display 2012 The Wareham Bears REPAIRLINE SERVICE AGENTS FOR ALL LEADING MAKES We sell and service all of the following: • LCD/Plasma Screens • DVD/Video Recorders • Freeview Digital Receivers • Aerial & Freesat Installations • Hi-Fi Equipment • Portable Radios • Leads/Accessories Local Long Distance Airports Competitive www.TVs247.com Friendly TV • VIDEO • HIFI SALES & SERVICE Reliable Professional Service Free Local Delivery and Installation on all Items over £100 7 West Street, Wareham (Opposite The Red Lion) 01929 558119 Tel: 01929 554692 email: [email protected] 2012–2013 9 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Discover Purbeck Information Centre 01929 552740 – To find out all about what you can see and do in Wareham and other places of interest in Purbeck, call into the new ‘Discover Purbeck Information Centre’ which is located on the ground floor in Wareham Library. Combining the Library and Information Centre in the same building provides an improved service to both locals and visitors, promoting local culture and events to a wider audience. The staff will be delighted to help with enquiries about local transport, walking and cycling routes, eating out etc. National Express and Condor Ferries tickets can be purchased here as well as tickets for local events. Come and see the “secret garden”! www.visitswanageandpurbeck.co.uk Local attractions – Within a 5 mile radius of Wareham there are many and varied attractions, making Wareham itself an ideal base for exploring Purbeck: Happy to Help! Discover Purbeck and Wareham Library Staff The Blue Pool, a turquoise jewel set in 25 acres of beautiful heathland, is now the new home of the Wareham Bears; Monkey World and the Tank Museum both provide an educational and exciting visitor experience; the ruins of Corfe Castle make a stunning backdrop to the picture postcard village which is also home to the Model Village, the Mineral & Mining Museum, and from where you can catch the steam train into Swanage; Arne, a picturesque and tranquil RSPB reserve; and for animal lovers within the family there is Farmer Palmers farm park and the Margaret Green animal sanctuary. ● ● ● FULLY QUALIFIED ENGINEERS FOR INSTALLATION, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE SECURITY FOR HOME OR BUSINESS PREMISES 24-7 RESPONSE • FREE ESTIMATES Don’t worry if your old alarm company has disappeared … we’re here to help! 01929 554145 WWW.RUSECURESYSTEMS.CO.UK R.U.Secure Systems Ltd, 1 Church Green, Wareham ESTABLISHED 1991 10 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Pack a Picnic and Enjoy a Day out in and around Wareham Walk Wareham’s Saxon Walls: The Walls, originally built by the Saxons to defend the town against attacks by the Vikings, now form the route of the Walls Walk Path, along which you will see plentiful flowers and butterflies and enjoy superb views across the River Piddle towards Wareham Forest. Start and finish your walk at the Town Quay to watch the boats, feed the ducks and enjoy your picnic. Start your walk at the Quay Explore Wareham Forest: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of a walk or cycle along the waymarked paths of the Sika Trail. Appreciate the contrast between the open heathland and the pine forest, looking out for woodland and heathland birds, mammals and insects. There are picnic tables near the car park. Further afield, you may wish to visit: RSPB Arne: Follow the trails through the farm, or down through the woods to Shipstal Point with views across Poole Harbour or back towards Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills. Have a paddle at the harbour's edge and visit the hides to see the wading birds and deer on the salt marshes. Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre, Church Knowle: Visit the animals looking for new homes including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as farm animals, and picnic in some of Dorset's most beautiful scenery. Kimmeridge: Look for fossils and search the rock pools in the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, making sure to visit the Marine Centre to learn all about this sheltered bay. You can see Clavell Tower and the very first “Nodding Donkey” oil well in Purbeck. Small charge for the toll road. Cycling in Wareham Forest Tyneham Village & Worbarrow Bay: Explore the ‘deserted village that time forgot’, see the school as it was in 1943, visit the houses and see who lived there. Take a stroll down to the bay and enjoy superb views of the Jurassic Coast. NB: accessible only when the army ranges are open. Walk the Smugglers’ Ways: Take the path from Worth Matravers to Winspit quarries on the coast, then walk east to Seacombe and the hidden coves, all once popular haunts of smugglers. Take the route back inland to the Square and Compass pub and visit their Fossil Museum. Tyneham Village School KINGSTON COUNTRY COURTYARD CHARACTER FARMSTEAD ACCOMMODATION Kingston, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5LR Tel: 01929 481066 Contact: Bobbie Brown [email protected] Web: www.kingstoncountrycourtyard.com Situated high in the Purbeck Hills, Kingston Country Courtyard offers unique B&B in spacious bedrooms in a courtyard setting Grounds and gardens open to guests Open January to December Rooms: single, double, twin, family – all en suite All rooms have colour televisions & tea/coffee facilities 2012–2013 PURBECK Pets & Equestrian 8 West Street, Wareham, Dorset. Telephone 01929 552568 For horse, pet & poultry feed. Also riding clothes, frontline, wormers Home deliveries available 11 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Wareham Town Council – Working for Wareham Wareham Town Council was formed after local government re-organisation in 1974 when Purbeck District Council took over many of the powers of the former Borough of Wareham. The Council is a parish council with the right to be called a Town Council, has 16 Councillors who represent all parts of the town and currently there 4,577 registered electors. Elections are held every four years with the next election scheduled for May 2015. Town Council meetings are held in the Town Hall every six weeks on Tuesday evenings at 7.00 pm, the public are welcome to attend and may speak on any topic relating to the Town at the discretion of the Mayor. Town Mayors Wareham has a long tradition of Town Mayors stretching back to 1336. Every name to date is recorded on panels in the Council Chamber, the Town Mayor being elected annually in May at a special ‘Mayor Making’ Council meeting. A historic book is kept to record Mayors’ names since 1703, witnessed by Councillors. The proceedings in the Council Chamber feature the Sergeant at Mace bearing the splendid Town Mace given to Wareham in the reign of James 1st. Two Constables from Wareham’s historic Court Leet also bear their own symbols of authority, a pair of two-metre wooden staves dating from 1778, kept in the Chamber. It is thought that very few Councils can trace their Mayors back as far as 1336 Wareham Town Hall – although the Wareham names were almost lost forever! Prior to 1703, a town steward/recorder named Nathaniel Child absconded to London with most of the Town’s records, including a book recording past Mayors’ names. He then attempted to blackmail the town for a large sum of money, effectively saying “pay up or the records will be destroyed”. Payment was refused and the records promptly disappeared. The name panels were made up later, from local records which still existed before they were destroyed in the Great Fire of Wareham in 1762, although there are many gaps before 1703. Most of the Council’s business is overseen by various Committees appointed by the Council. The powers and duties of these Committees are set out below: Policy, Resources and Finance Committee Council policy, resources and general financial decisions, including the annual budget setting process, borrowing and investments, financial regulations, land and property (leases, rents, disposal etc), legal proceedings, public relations, tourism, standing orders, grant applications, and generally advises Town Council on policy matters. It considers all other matters not within the purview of any other committee. Amenities Committee Management of the Town Hall and other land/premises, Wareham Recreation Ground, four play areas, open spaces, allotment matters, rights of way, Howards Lane car park, public seats, war memorial, street lighting, arts and entertainment, litter/environmental issues, shelters, signs. Planning and Transport Committee Consideration of all planning applications within the Town area and transport matters including liaison with Dorset County Council on highway and traffic regulation orders, parking and traffic calming, local and strategic plans, all other highway matters. Museum Committee Looks after all things connected with the Town Museum: acquisitions, exhibitions, projects, policy, finance, accreditation issues, volunteer support. Wareham in Bloom Committee All aspects of Wareham in Bloom e.g. fundraising and sponsorship, floral display contracts, community involvement, environmental matters, recycling, local Wareham In Bloom and allotments competitions and annual awards, roundabout enhancements and entry into the annual South/South East in Bloom Competition. 12 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Human Resources Panel Responsibility for all staff matters including recruitment and training (meetings not open to the public). A number of Working Parties may also contribute to Council business e.g. Premises, Standing Orders, Internal Audit and Diamond Jubilee Working Parties, reporting directly to committees. Looking after our Town and its Heritage Wareham Town Council has supported a number of initiatives in the town, including highways, traffic regulation and public safety matters. The Council works closely with the Purbeck Police authority and the Wareham Safer Neighbourhood Team. Six CCTV cameras have been installed with Council support plus new ANPR cameras in 2011 at the A351 flyover on North Causeway. The Council maintains cultural and sporting links with twin towns Hemsbach in Germany and Conches-En-Ouches in France. Wareham’s mayor also donated £5000 from a former mayor’s legacy to help preserve the Rex Cinema for future generations as a charitable trust. Mayor’s Book The Town Hall’s historic exterior dating from 1870 has been completely refurbished following a survey report, then totally redecorated inside.The Council Chamber (first floor) is usually open to visitors during the mornings of Architectural Heritage Week in early September and can be combined with a trip to the Museum on the ground floor. Ask to see the Mayor’s Book – a fascinating record of life in Wareham for over 300 years! The Council is proud to have completely replaced all of its four play areas since 2004, either with grant funding, its own capital resources or a mixture of both. A newly re-surfaced multi-use games area will open at its Recreation Ground in June 2012, thanks to a grant from the Viridor Landfill Communities Fund. Website – the Town Council’s first website went online in 2007 and now forms a very effective communication tool for the electorate and for casual visitors. A version of this tourist guide is downloadable from the website: See www.wareham-tc.gov.uk T Kent Property Services Plumbing and Heating Engineers Your friendly local plumbing and heating engineer. From tap washers to new heating systems no job too small. • Gas boilers, fires, cookers, water heaters serviced and installed • Landlord gas safety certificates • Central Heating installation • Bathrooms, showers, kitchens, all plumbing jobs • Free estimates Telephone Terry at Bere Regis on 01929 472022 Mobile 07981 887296 www.plumbfu.co.uk 2012–2013 214172 13 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Working in Partnership The Town Council works in partnership with Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council on many matters affecting the town, and there are Council representatives on a large range of community bodies. Donations The Town Council normally supports by donations (grants) the local Father Christmas and Christmas Lights Committees, the Wareham Carnival, and many other community groups which are perceived to benefit Wareham residents in some way e.g. the Citizens Advice Bureau. See www.wareham-tc.gov.uk for a downloadable grant application. Wedding in Council Chamber Bookings The Town Council takes bookings for the Recreation Ground (cricket and football pitches and croquet lawn), the use of the Corn Exchange situated in the Town Hall for jumble sales, farmers markets, meetings etc, and for use of the Council Chamber for meetings, weddings and civil partnerships. Tel: 01929 553006 for Admin Staff. Weddings/Civil Partnerships Many happy couples have ‘tied the knot’ at the Town Hall. The historic Council Chamber is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships and the Corn Exchange may also be booked for your reception. Full details: Tel: Town Hall 01929 553006. Allotments The Town Council ensures that allotments are provided for local residents, at Northmoor and Bestwall – see Clubs and Societies section of this Guide for contact details. Bestwall Allotment Site Working for Local Democracy In 2005, the Council adopted the Wareham Community Plan as the cornerstone of its policies and still works to implement all aspects of what local residents said they wanted for their town.With the help of community organisations and volunteers the Council is totally committed to Wareham and works to achieve these aims. If YOU want to get involved as a community volunteer – or a councillor if there is a vacancy – please let us know! Wareham Town Council: Telephone 01929 553006 (Administration Office) ● ● ● Sports and Leisure in Wareham Wareham has a wealth of sports and leisure facilities. Flourishing sports clubs include Wareham Cricket Club, Wareham Rangers Football Club, Wareham and District Swimming Club and Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club. Wareham Town Council’s Recreation Ground at Worgret Road currently provides football, cricket and croquet pitches for hire, a large children’s play area and a sports pavilion for changing/toilet facilities. In June 2012, a newly resurfaced multi-use games area for basketball and 5-a-side football will open for free use by the public, replacing a redundant tennis court at this site. Rugby is catered for at the town’s Rugby Club playing fields in Bestwall Road and Karate lessons are currently held on Thursday nights at the Town Hall. Rugby at Bestwall The Purbeck Sports Centre, on the Purbeck School campus in Worgret Road features a multitude of facilities: 25m public swimming pool, gym, sauna, and sports hall with badminton, football, cricket, tennis, squash and hockey facilities, grass and astro pitches, opportunities for childrens’ holiday activities, parties and a crèche.The licensed All Stars Bar and Cafe offers drinks, snacks and meals and a splendid terrace with views to the Purbeck Hills/Corfe Castle. With a full view of the pool, you can have a coffee and watch your child have a swimming lesson or enjoy the large plasma TV screen showing Sky sports events. Wareham Town Council’s four superb play areas in the town complete the picture – so there is no excuse for all age groups not getting some form of exercise! See centre page map for locations of all sites mentioned. 14 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE OYEZ! Wareham Town Crier and Town Criers Competition In 2007 Wareham Town Council recruited the first Town Crier for many years and the ancient art of town crying was revived. Originally a way of communicating news when most people could not read a newspaper, a notice or broadsheet, the Town Crier these days performs a very different and largely ceremonial role. Town Crier and local resident Jacquie Hall works hard to promote Wareham at many civic and other functions – a true ambassador for the town. Wareham has its own Town Criers Competition, an annual event with funding gratefully received from Wareham Town Council. In 2012, the event will take place on Saturday 14th July and in 2013 it is likely to be on Saturday July 13th (to be confirmed). Starting off at 10.30 am a colourful parade of traditionally dressed Criers and their escorts, with bells ringing, makes its way from the Town Hall to the South Bridge before dispersing to the performance area on the south bank of the River Frome. Criers perform in two heats: Ring those bells! a Home Town Cry in the morning and a Cry of Jacquie’s choice in the afternoon. As Host Crier, Jacquie does not compete but keeps her voice in good trim with her own Wareham cry. The cries are interesting and usually very humorous, can’t keep a good Crier down – they even cry in the rain! – so why not come along to the Frome, take a programme and listen to Criers from all over the South and West? ● ● ● Dorset’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, rescuing and rehoming over 1,000 animals throughout Dorset and Devon each year. Every penny of every pound donated goes directly towards animal welfare. Church Knowle Animal Sanctuary and Visitor Centre, Wareham, BH20 5NQ – Come and meet the animals – FREE admission – Gift shop and tea room SERVICING REPAIRS MOTs Visit us and be sure that your wheels are ready to roll! J.T. MOT CENTRE CLASS 4 (Cars) & 7 (Vans) MOT TEST CENTRE Wareham Road • Holton Heath Call 01202 624770/632122 www.jtcommercials.co.uk Boarding Kennels and Cattery available Tel 01929 470 484 or Email [email protected] www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk 2012–2013 ALSO A LARGE SELECTION OF USED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FOR SALE WE CAN COLLECT AND DELIVER NO JOB TOO SMALL – CALL NOW Mob: 07900 895909 15 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Diamond Jubilee 2012 and Olympic Flame Relay Come and celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a Jubilee Big Lunch Party on Monday 4th June 2012. Where? Howards Lane car park (closed for the day), from mid-day to 5pm. Bring your own food/soft drinks, tables and chairs are provided plus free teas/coffees/cake and free entertainment. Includes DJ/music from across six decades, Morris dancing, childrens’ fancy dress competition, giant musical chairs, sea shanty group, local young talent and a Grand Parade featuring arrival of the ‘Queen and Duke’ at 3pm! Continue the fun at Wareham Quay from 6pm with fun events, Jubilee fireworks and lighting of Wareham’s Jubilee Beacon at 10.26 pm exactly. On Friday 13th July 2012, Wareham will celebrate a once in a lifetime opportunity as the Olympic Flame Relay passes through en route to Poole and Bournemouth. Starting at Land's End on 19th May, 8,000 torchbearers will carry the flame to the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, London. Purbeck’s relay runners will carry the flame from Swanage to Corfe Castle and on to Stoborough, arriving at the South Causeway at 2.21 pm, then via the South Bridge through Wareham Town Centre to North Street at 2.35 pm. Fancy a bit of street lining and flag waving to cheer them on? We’ll see you there! Stay around – this is followed by fun events, music, stalls, beacon lighting and fireworks on the Quay starting at around 5pm, courtesy of Wareham Carnival. London’s 2012 Olympics begin on July 27th, with Weymouth staging the sailing events. ● ● ● Wareham Wednesdays – Mid-week Fun In 2011, a new community organisation in Wareham began to make a big impact. Called ‘Wareham Wednesdays’, its aim is to stage events every Wednesday night for six weeks during the summer season for our many visitors and our own residents. Holidaymakers! Looking for somewhere to go on a Wednesday night? Try Wareham! All events take place in the town centre and on the Quay with live bands, food stalls etc and usually end in fireworks. On 25th July 2012, a special Great Fire of Wareham 250th anniversary commemoration will take place (with raft race, models of Wareham in 1762, a beacon and fireworks) while other events are planned on 1st August (pram race), 8th August (tug of war), 15th August (It’s a Knockout), 22nd August (food and beerfest) and 29 August (summer finale with firework spectacular). We’ll also be back in 2013! Website: http://warehamwednesdays.co.uk ● ● ● Fireworks at Wareham Wednesdays Wareham Town Band Wareham has a thriving volunteer Town Band with its roots in the many village bands which existed up to the mid 19th century which were made up of a variety of large wind instruments. These bands were originally formed to provide music for church services before organs were commonplace, apart from providing music for other village events.The Town Band contains a number of brass and reed instruments, indicating that it pre-dates many other bands in the Purbeck area, most of which were formed around the 1860s as brass bands. In 1855 the Dorset Chronicle reported the Wareham Town Band leading a procession of carts carrying children back from the annual church outing to Stoborough. These days, the carts may be gone, but the Band can still be heard playing at fetes, the annual Wareham Carnival, civic parades including the Annual Civic Service and Remembrance Sunday Parade, at the Wareham Town Band Quay and on occasional Sunday afternoons at local bandstands. The Band played at the new Wareham Music Festival in 2009 and has been welcomed back every year since. Band practice nights are held weekly at the United Reformed Church, new members are always welcome – for further details see website: www.warehamtownband.co.uk 16 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Wareham Carnival – Fun for All! Wareham Carnival is a long standing event in July, when the whole town comes together to celebrate Wareham and its community. Always guaranteed fun, day and night, with plenty of entertainment for all, Carnival Week in 2012 runs from 9th to 15th July, with the theme of ‘Torches and Town Fires’ relevant to two memorable events: the Olympic Torch Relay - passing through Wareham on 13th July – and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Great Fire of Wareham in 1762. On 13th July, from 5pm at the Quay, Carnival presents fun events, stalls, music, a flaming beacon – and fireworks! Main event is the Carnival Procession on Sunday through the town centre featuring colourful floats organised by many local groups. Carnival Procession Judging takes place for the highly sought after ‘Best Float’ award plus ‘Best Youth’ and ‘Best Walking’ entry. Competition is fierce but you too can be a winner. However big or small your group why not take up the challenge and enter? The procession finishes on the Quay for the famous Wareham Duck Race and the Dog Race (across the River Frome!), Boat Race and Inflatable Race. Other main events during the week include Film Night, Kludo Murder Mystery Night around the pubs and the celebrated Golden Bridge Awards/Fun Casino in the Town Hall – a glitzy affair to honour, amongst others, our local traders. Carnival's main aim is raising money for charities, groups and organisations within the Wareham area while providing an opportunity to come together and have a good time. We hope you will all be able to join us during Carnival week and raise a glass to the wonderful community groups who make Wareham so special. The Carnival Committee thanks everyone for their support over the years. Further details: please see website: www.wareham-carnival.org.uk ● ● ● 2012–2013 17 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE We Will Rock You! Wareham Music Festival Stuck for something to do in Purbeck in late summer? In 2012 the popular Annual Wareham Music festival, organised by a group of Wareham volunteers, will again provide a major attraction over the August Bank Holiday from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th. Plans for the Festival are well advanced, fundraising is ongoing and we are confident that Wareham will be rocking with a variety of music to suit everyone. Purbeck already has an excellent reputation for music and arts events of all kinds and our aim is to put Wareham firmly on the map. A range of venues are planned to showcase the music, with the spotlight on local talent, including all of Wareham’s pubs, its restaurants, the Town Hall, and the Parish Hall. All culminating in a musical spectacular with several bands on stage at the Quay on Sunday afternoon and evening. In the words of Mr Kite – “A splendid time is guaranteed for all”! Many thanks to numerous local businesses who sponsor the Festival. Backed by the Chamber of Trade, the Discover Purbeck Information Centre and fully supported by Wareham Town Council, the vast majority of events are totally free. But we can’t do it unless YOU, the public, give us your support too - so Headlining local band please don’t ignore our donation buckets! Just a pound from each visitor Voodoo Vegas makes all the difference, guarantees that we pay the bands and that we will be back again in 2013. With music from blues to country, rock to folk, easy listening to indie, folk dancing, brass bands, individual performers, poetry and performance events – how can you resist? Come on down to Wareham Town – we WILL rock you! Details: see website – www.wareham-music.org.uk ● ● ● 18b South Street • Wareham 01929 554368 [email protected] www.notjusthats.co.uk • Large selection of summer and winter hats • Pashminas and Scarves for all seasons • Beach goods Inc towels, glasses, sun cream, and flip-flops • Fascinators made to order • Post cards • Greeting cards • Fridge magnets • Wareham Tea towels and mugs • Soft toys • Silver, Amber and fashion Jewellery • Pure wool and suede Moccasins • Lots of other gifts and souvenirs • Large section of willow baskets for shopping, garden, home and storage Our Stock Changes with the Seasons. Japaneze Maples in the Spring & early Summer. 18 REX HAWKINS Domestic Appliance Repairs • Spares • Sales Trinity Lane, Wareham BH20 4LN Tel: (01929) 550234 2012–2013 Wareham St Mary First School M.U.G.A Town Hall/ Wareham Town Council TOWN CENTRE WAREHAM Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright 100041368 The Only Steak Restaurant in Town Tel: 01929 554953 59 North Street, Wareham BH20 4AD OAD WORGET R FROME ROAD A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS T N W PLAY AREA E RS ARD BELLS ORCH LANE IT Y THE CROFT T MOUN NT PLEASA E MORETONS LAN LEANN BUSINES PARK A YL FOLL AR EDW CRES C LA N E WALL TOWN SAXON L ROAD NORTH BE AL STW ALLOTMENTS BESTWALL CRESCENT Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright 100041368 L N’S LANE ST MARTI BRIXEYS LANE S HIL RS COOPE E CLOS E TTS LAN BONNE CARRION LANE OPTICRON * VIKING RSPB * OSTARA VISIONARY T S DOLLIN LANE LLS EAST WA BESTWALL ROAD 01929 554171 AN E Please call in: 6 WEST STREET WAREHAM or phone: P CHURCH COURT THE BINOCULAR SHOP WAREHAM Has once again been able to secure a small quantity of Bird Fair ex-demo stock Saving you £££’s COW L CHURC H STREET WYATTS LANE Priory EA GREEN H S HOWARD LANE REET ST ST THE QUAY P TOWN P i LIBRARY HALL/ WC N H S H O J IL MUSEUM CHUR T C CONNINGAR L A NE - Try before you buy Advice given by informed staff, 50 years in optics importing/retail O STOBOROUGH AND ARNE NORTPO SOUTH STREET CHURCH LANE ‘DORSET’S ONLY SPECIALIST OPTICAL RETAILER’ EWAY R EE H ST T RI N L BINOCULARS IN PURBECK From £12.99 - £499 TANNERS LANE CAUS ABBOTS QUAY OPTICRON * VIKING RSPB * OSTARA VISIONARY EET T STR WES Fiddlers Green RIVER FROME P O U N D L A NE INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE SE CLO EN TEL: 01929 556136 MOB: 07754 289061 D HEALTH CENTRE H ROAD MONMOUT Bloody Bank P OAD R E CH STRE ALLS P TW E WES TINKERS LAN E NEW T RS LAN STREE EL’S ROPE A ST MICH NE ROAD E MILL LA N A L MILL C FOR A FREE QUOTATION CALL US TODAY ON GROUN RECREATION SHAT T E L L CRE S PURBECK DISTRICT POLICE OAD COUNCIL C O MBE R LOWER RT WESTPO WESTPORT ROAD COMMON WAREHAM FIRE LAW COURTS RIVER PIDDLE S TO Hurry Do Not Miss Our Summer Sale Discounts WAREHAM LADY ST MARY FIRST SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL WAREHAM HOSPITAL NE QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT LOW PRICES D ENT R IRLEY OA D ROA D WAREHAM COMMON ASS Y-P MB HA RE WA HAR DY WAREHAM COMMON BARNES RD * WINDOWS * DOORS * * CONSERVATORIES * *FASCIA & GUTTERING * * SEALED UNITS * PURBECK SCHOOL PURBECK SPORTS CENTRE CE FOR ALL YOUR PVCU NEEDS TO DORCHESTER SWANAGE AND CORFE SH PURBECK AND WAREHAM WINDOWS & FASCIAS WAREH WAREHAM RUGBY CLUB TOWN MA J. Spiller & Sons Ltd BUILDING CONTRACTORS Telephone: 01929 552948 FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, REFURBISHMENT AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE HEIRLOOMS of WAREHAM 21 SOUTH STREET WAREHAM BH20 4LR 01929 554207 www.heirloomsofwareham.co.uk Specialists in the sale and repair of antique & modern jewellery & silverwares. Full repair service to clocks & watches. Stockists of Rotary watches. CA INDUSTRIAL WE STM ESTATE RECYCLING CENTRE SEVEN BA RRO ROAD WS E WE NO BER Made and Baked in our Bakery Why not visit our shops at CENT OR JOHNS ROAD TH MEW E S DRAX SAN OR WAY WAREHAM GOLF CLUB RD R OAD SA ND FO RD Stewart’s House of Fabric RT DR IVE TH R D RT D OA HP O LE U O MO PO NE R TO U BO RTH PO D AN PLAY AREA JUSTIN BUSINESS PARK DFO AVEN UE MO RT NO N O ANE SANDFORD L PRESTON CLOSE OLD RTH GREAT OVENS DRIVE 10 Hardye Arcade, Dorchester 7-9 Station Road, Swanage 12 Gr. George Street, Weymouth The Cross, Wool VE RYA CLO N SE NO R DRI STOU AY EW US S HIBB SE CLO FORD DRIVE SHER N AVO E DRIV NORTH CA ADM IR WAY AL’S RAILWAY STATION WAY AY USEW CA EAD LLST ALLOTMENTS D A O R Y KLE C O ST D ROA WILLOW NS HAUSES FIELD WAY BUR COMMUNITY D A DANIEL DRIVE RO PARKLAND ANT TANTINOBY LANE TARR PLAY AREA E DRIV ORD SHERF CLOSE D Delicious Bread, Cakes, Savouries Filled Rolls MO RTH NO H CAREY HALL P NE SS ANGLEBURY BUSINESS PARK T T REN E RIV PLAY AREA DR ER OA D RTH MO OR WA Y EGDON ROAD NE UR IV BO CK CRES VER MISTO ROAD PO OA D CAREY APPROAC WR MELSTO MI D D BER LE NOR D DR E DR EN IVE IVE FA IR DR WAY IVE INST ER R OAD CAREY ROAD E LS VI WAL S C EN T A R E Y CRE C SE C LO WEST MILL 01929 551 594 TO WAREHAM FOREST AND BERE REGIS N ST MARY’S CLOSE REY ROA D HUMB WESS 1 West Street ER CHA SE AL LANE AREY EXOV RI V RYAN BUSINESS PARK HAM E COURTENAY CL OS E KEY i INFORMATION CENTRE PO POST OFFICE P PARKING PLACE OF WORSHIP LOCAL AMENITIES PLAY AREA AP Unit 9, Leanne Business Centre, Sandford Lane, Wareham BH20 4DY Telephone: 01929552692 *We are on the Sandford Lane Industrial Park. Follow signs for the Sandford Lane Industrial Park and Wareham Train station. The Leanne Business Centre is on the right 200 yards after the train station.* Opening Hours: 8:30-6:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 8:30am-1pm Consultations by appointment Monday to Saturday For further information and special offers visit our website: www.lynwoodvets.co.uk “Caring for the pets of Dorset since 1935” Quality fabrics Dressmaking & patterns Made to measure Alterations & repair Curtain making Haberdashery Lessons & Workshops Sewing machines Sale & Hire 24 North Street, Wareham, Dorset BH20 4AG 01292 551 191 quality@.... www.... stewartshouseoffabric.co.uk Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm Food WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE & D rink IN WAREHAM The Kings Arms 41 NORTH STREET WAREHAM BH20 4AD Tel: 01929 552503 Awarded CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 A 16th Century Thatched Inn serving Traditional Real Ales & Real Food Delicious home cooked meals & desserts Choice of four award winning real ales Large beer garden Wi-Fi access 22 The Five and Dime Cafe Breakfasts, Light Lunches and Afternoon Tea Secret Garden! 8.00-4.00pm Closed Wednesday, Open Sunday 8am-1.00pm Summer Tel 01929 550855 14 WEST STREET, WAREHAM, DORSET THE QUAYSIDE BARN THE QUAY, WAREHAM, DORSET BH20 4LP 01929 552735 ICE CREAM PARLOUR • COFFEE • BAR Beautiful Riverside Setting Delicious Ice Cream Sundaes Milk Shakes/Smoothies • Homemade Cakes Available for functions 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE THE SILENT WOMAN INN Have you visited within the last 10 years or has The Silent Woman Inn become a distant, not very pleasant memory? During the last 10 years things have been happening in Coldharbour. Quietly, stealthily and unobtrusively The Silent Woman Inn has been evolving. Once unloved, with constantly changing managers, The Silent Woman Inn was in slow decline. All that changed in November 2002 when Richard and Denise Bell became the proprietors. Within weeks it was obvious that the heart was returning and The Silent Woman was, once again, in the safe hands that it deserved. We pride ourselves on the excellent service of quality ales, wines and food. Designing our menus around exceptional local suppliers enables us to accommodate most dietary requirements. Our beautiful gardens and patios are a haven for families, allowing adults alone to enjoy the tranquillity offered inside. We are also fully licensed for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. Ten years and onwards! The Silent Woman Inn: Tradition at its best!! THE SILENT WOMAN INN COLDHARBOUR, WAREHAM, DORSET BH20 7PA www.thesilentwoman.co.uk Tel: 01929 552909 2012–2013 23 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Food & Traditional Historic Riverside Pub Serving Home Cooked Food Award winning Steaks and Daily caught Fish Fine selection of Real Ales and Beers Regular live music Quality Bed and Breakfast available Booking advisable 01929 552735 www.thequayinn.com THE QUAY INN, THE QUAY, WAREHAM, DORSET BH20 4LP D rink IN WAREHAM Oriental Restaurant & Bar The Gurkha fabulous food, be it Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Nepalese or Singaporean an unrivalled setting, whatever the weather Opening Hours:- Monday - Sunday Lunch 12noon - 3.00pm • Dinner 6.00pm - 11.00pm Sandford Rd, Sandford, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7AD Tel: 01929 556959 www.thegurkha.co.uk RAJPOOT TANDOORI Restaurant & Takeaway Friendly atmosphere & established 23 years Private Functions for up to 60 people & also outside catering available Open 7 days a week Lunch Times 12noon - 2.30pm Evenings 6pm - 11.30pm & 12midnight Fridays & Saturdays Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day “We only ever use the freshest & finest ingredients” 39 North Street, Wareham BH20 4AD 01929 554603 24 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Wine and Dine in Wareham Wareham has an amazing variety of places to eat and drink. From picturesque pubs to rustic restaurants, so many to choose from that it can be very hard to decide when choosing where to eat, whether it is a special occasion, casual supper, lunchtime snack or cream tea. There are restaurants and pubs specialising in home cooked menus using local produce and serving locally brewed ales. Enjoy freshly made scones and cakes in our cafes and tea rooms. Wareham also has Indian, Chinese – why not sit and eat them on the picnic area opposite the Quay? If you are looking to source some excellent local produce for a tasty homecooked meal, or a ready-made picnic, look no further than the markets, held Red Lion Hotel and Restaurant weekly on Thursday and Saturday and the Farmers Market (2nd and 4th Thursday every month). Wareham has superb local butchers, bakers and delicatessens where you can purchase local farmed meat, locally caught fish, delicious home-baked bread and cold meats and cheeses including the famous Dorset Blue Vinney. Wareham was very proud to achieve Fairtrade Town status in 2005, and participates every year in Fairtrade Fortnight, helping farmers and their communities to obtain a fair price for their produce. ● ● ● Wareham – From Bronze Age Settlement to Modern Town Early history Wareham is a place of some antiquity. Located on a peninsula of high ground running west to east and flanked by two rivers - the Piddle to the north and the Frome to the south - the location has provided a natural refuge throughout history. There is evidence of a Bronze Age settlement 3,500 years ago. After the conquest of Britain in 43 AD, the Romans exploited the local resources and developed a pottery industry in and around Wareham, distributing the characteristic black burnished pots all over Roman Britain. Some examples have even been found as far afield as Hadrian’s Wall. Iron Age Pottery, Wareham Museum Saxon Wareham – King Alfred, Vikings and the Wareham Walls In Victorian times it was strongly believed that Wareham was a Roman Town. Despite plenty of Roman pottery, however, very few military items have been discovered. After thorough archaeological explorations of the West Wall in the 1950s, it was concluded that Wareham was not Roman but Saxon. The remains of a Saxon sword, possibly in royal ownership, were found by the South Bridge in the Frome in 1927. The sword points to Wareham’s past as a major Saxon settlement. In 2012 a modern re-creation of a Saxon sword was placed in Purbeck stone at the new ‘Saxon Roundabout’ on the northern approach to the town as a Wareham in Bloom project. Following the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, waves of Germanic tribes began to invade Britain. Almost all of southern England became Saxon. During Saxon sword at Wareham’s this time the kingdom of the West Saxons, or Wessex as we know it today, was under constant attack from Viking sea pirates. By the 9th century AD the Vikings had arrived Saxon Roundabout in eastern England with a full-scale army. It wasn’t long before the Vikings had successfully taken most of England, with the exception of Wessex which, thanks to the shrewdness of King Alfred, put up a credible defence against the invaders. Alfred organised a militia army and set up a series of fortified towns (or burghs) throughout his kingdom. These burghs provided a safe haven for the local population who could repair to them in times of crisis. Wareham became one of Alfred's fortress towns with defensive earth walls topped by a wooded stockade thrown up on three sides of the town, excluding the south side which had no wall and presumably at that time was protected by the river Frome and the boggy marshland. 2012–2013 25 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE In 875 AD a Viking army marched from East Anglia into Wessex, making their way to Wareham where they sacked the town, turning it into a winter camp. They then waited for a Viking navy of some 120 ships, which sailed along the south coast to Poole bay. Alfred summoned his Saxon soldiers and marched on Wareham, laying siege to the town. The Viking army was completely outnumbered and Alfred offered them a deal that they would swear an oath to leave Wessex for all time or they would be slaughtered. The oath was agreed, but as soon as they left the town the Vikings broke free and headed west towards Exeter. Their navy suffered a great loss since there was a great storm, all ships being wrecked along the Dorset coast. Medieval Wareham Danish Vikings attacked Saxon The Norman Conquest of 1066 changed the face of England completely. Wareham William the Conqueror decided he needed to know exactly who owned what in the country that he had just conquered. To do this he commissioned the Doomsday Book, an inventory of all the assets previously owned by the Saxons. Wareham’s entry reveals that in 1066 there were around 350 houses in the town, although some had been destroyed, possibly to make way for a huge motte and bailey castle built on high ground in the south west quarter of the town. During this period, Wareham developed as a cross channel seaport and flourished despite life under the feudal yoke of the Normans. During the wars of Steven and Matilda in the 12th century Wareham Castle took on the role of state prison. Important captives were held there and on more than one occasion the town was under siege in an effort to recover them. By the late 12th and early 13th century Wareham Castle had become very much out of favour with the king. Medieval Motte and Bailey Castle King John passed through Wareham on his way to his favourite hunting lodge at Corfe Castle. Corfe became a much grander affair and was almost impregnable, becoming King John’s state Lulworth & Winfrith Church of England VC Primary School “Outstanding Education in a beautiful setting” Headteacher: Mrs Sharon Buckland All enquiries please contact: Main School Office, School Lane, West Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5SA Tel: 01929 400330 Fax: 01929 400717 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.lulworthwinfrith.dorset.sch.uk 26 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE prison with legend having it that 12 knights were locked up in its dungeons and left to starve to death. The castle at Wareham fell into decline and dereliction; by the 1580s it was sold by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Christopher Hatton and was used almost as a quarry with pre-cut stone from the castle being sold off for building purposes. One strange custom that is a relic of those medieval times is the Wareham Court Leet, an early form of “trading standards office” which ensured that the traders gave good measure when brewing ale and fair weight when baking bread. Civil War In the 1640s England was in the grip of a Civil War. Once again Wareham became a fortress town. There were a number of skirmishes and a large group of royalist soldiers were sent from Dorchester to hold the town against Parliamentarians. Some time later a Parliamentarian force arrived and besieged the town. An ultimatum was given – ‘surrender or face death’ – and Captain O’Brien and his royalist Irish soldiers surrendered, having been promised safe passage. They were marched to Bristol and took ship and were then tied up in pairs and half way across the Irish Sea they were thrown overboard, a grisly fate. After the Civil War Cromwell decreed that the walls of Wareham and Corfe castle should be ‘slighted’ so the old medieval stone wall, which sat on top of the earth mounds that we see today, was dismantled. Some of the stone that appears in buildings around the town is probably from that wall. Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell Great Fire of Wareham On a hot Sunday in July 1762 someone very carelessly threw out ashes onto a rubbish tip at the back of “The Bulls Head” Inn (on the site now occupied by Lloyds Bank in South Street) which became infamous as the seat of Wareham’s catastrophic fire. The old medieval thatched buildings were well alight and, by 7 o’clock that evening, most of the town had been destroyed. After the fire, a successful appeal was launched to raise funds for the rebuilding, and after a year of debate an Act of Parliament was raised for the rebuilding of the town.The Mayor of the day argued that the old timber buildings that once stood in the middle of North Street should not be reinstated and that the wide street would provide an adequate fire break The Great Fire swept through the town in the event that a fire might happen again. It was also agreed that all the new properties should have tiled roofs, should be properly insured and that their insurance company should provide a fire engine. Even today, many of the houses from that period still bear the plaque outside the front door of the Sun Fire Assurance Company. In 2012 we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Great Fire. Prosperity and Decline Having been rebuilt in the Georgian style of the day, the town began to enjoy a period of prosperity. Some of the local merchants had secured lucrative contracts with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth to supply fruit and vegetables and other commodities. Clay was another material that was being successfully exploited and Joshia Wedgwood used Wareham clay COVE FISH selling fresh locally caught fish & shellfish Tel: 01929 400807 2012–2013 B. D. R. MOTORS LIMITED TELEPHONE: 01929 550685 UNIT 6A, JOHNS ROAD, CAREY, WAREHAM BH20 4BG FIRST FOR QUALITY, VALUE & SERVICE Servicing & MOT repairs to all makes of car Diesel Specialists Electrics • Body Work Specialists in 4x4 Diagnostic & Fault Codes on most vehicles & welding 27 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE in many of his products. By the middle of the 19th century, however, Wareham was once again in decline. Some of the cottage industries on which ordinary people depended were becoming unviable. Dorset button making was one such activity. These buttons were hand sown on a ring that was made from Dorset sheep’s horn but by 1850 machine manufactured buttons were being made in the midlands and the Dorset button makers could not compete. Sadly, the industry collapsed causing great hardship and deprivation. In an attempt to create jobs and alleviate local poverty a group of liberal minded investors founded a pottery at Sandford.The Victorian works began life making bricks for the foundations of the buildings for the great exhibition in 1851 but it later went on to produce decorative hollow-ware pottery. By 1900 the pottery concentrated on producing architectural products such as drainpipes and it continued to operate until the mid 1960s when it closed down. The site remained derelict until the late 1970s when the pottery was finally demolished and the area redeveloped for residential housing. Hutchins Blue Plaque – Pound Lane Wareham at War In August 1914 the First World War broke out and Wareham became a muster point for territorial soldiers. By 1917 there were 7,500 men stationed in and around Wareham in camp, with many of the regiments from the north of England including the Yorkshire regiment and the Lancashire and Yorkshire and, to the north of the town, Australian and the New Zealand regiments.The main camp was sited on both sides of the Worgret Road and included an infirmary, chapels and a garrison theatre. The camp was dismantled in the 1920s and some of the buildings were sold off for scout huts and village halls. Four miles to the east of Wareham is Holton Heath where, in 1915, a vast ammunition factory was constructed. The London and South Western Railway built a station there and a workforce of several thousand people were employed with most of the workers being Motoring in the 1920s women who arrived by special trains from Poole and Bournemouth. Much of the process was carried on underground to reduce the risk of damage by accidental explosion. Despite their best efforts this actually happened in the 1930s and several lives were lost. During the Second World War the Isle of Purbeck was a hive of military activity. In Swanage, secret research was being carried out by scientists to develop Radar and there was a real fear of enemy invasion along the coast. Enemy aircraft regularly flew over looking for the ammunition factory at Holton Heath but it was protected by an elaborate anti-aircraft defence system. Wareham itself was not an obvious military target but in December 1942 it received a direct hit from a stray German bomber. The blast destroyed several properties but narrowly missed the Saxon church of St. Martin. In October 1943 the Americans arrived and proceeded to spend the next six months building up their forces in readiness for D-Day. During this time intensive training took place for the Normandy invasion and large areas of Purbeck were out of bounds to the general public. In one case, the village of Tyneham was completely evacuated, the residents being told that they could return to their homes after the war but this never came to pass. Modern Wareham For centuries Wareham was defined by its Saxon walls but in the decades after the Second World War, residential developments to the north and south of the town have increased its population threefold and there are now a number of business parks.The rivers, with their broad water meadows still grazed by cattle, period buildings. picturesque lanes and the chiming of the Town Hall bell, however, all bear testament to Wareham’s unique and individual character. Marching through Wareham in modern times ● ● ● 28 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Wareham in Bloom From end of May until early Autumn, the town centre features a mass of flower display baskets and stands, catching the visitor’s eye and delighting the senses. Full advantage is taken of the long vista of North Street, South Street and beyond to the distant view of the Purbeck Hills, Wareham proudly putting on its best face with a dazzling array of colour. Wareham in Bloom, a community intiative since 1994 and supported by Wareham Town Council, are the proud organisers, its fundraising endeavours, generous sponsors, and enthusiastic local volunteers and businesses all helping to maintain the displays. An annual Wareham in Bloom Local Competition and a Best Kept Allotment Competition are organised, with an awards ceremony every October celebrating worthy winners. In 2007, Wareham won its first ever Gold in the South/South East in Bloom regional competition. Two further Golds followed in succession. Wareham also represented its region at the prestigious Britain in Bloom finals in 2008 and again in 2011, winning Silver and then a Silver Gilt award. And all this with one small volunteer committee! From recycling initiatives, roundabout enhancements and permanent planting to litter picking and schools/community involvement, there is much to do and help is always At the Britain in Bloom Finals needed – can you help? Wareham in Bloom is very grateful to its many sponsors, Town Council staff and all those who give up their time to help the town look its best. Enjoy our colourful floral displays as you explore! ● ● ● 2012–2013 29 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Wareham in Bloom Planting open spaces Working with Schools Baskets at Town Hall 30 Display stands Baskets everywhere www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/wib/ 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Blooming Lovely! Judging allotments Planting troughs Filling every space 2012–2013 Pubs join in too Our wonderful sponsors Wall displays www.wareham-tc.gov.uk/wib/ 31 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Education and Youth Facilities The organisation of education in Wareham is changing. Following a review and public consultation by Dorset County Council, with effect from September 2013 the town’s three schools will become two. The Lady St Mary First School becomes a 5–11 primary school while The Purbeck School becomes an 11–18 secondary school. EDUCATION The Purbeck School The Purbeck School is a mixed community comprehensive school with an anticipated roll of approximately 1400 students and 120 staff and is a Specialist Science College. It is situated on a fine site sloping down to the River Frome and enjoys superb facilities. The school is committed to involving all students, parents, staff and governors in providing a broad and balanced education which encourages the pursuit of excellence and values progress, effort and achievement A major refurbishment and rebuilding programme is underway and this includes the opening of new Sixth Form accommodation and a Learning Resources Centre in the Spring of 2013, together with new Science laboratories and dining and social facilities for students. The Purbeck School Provision for the Performing and Creative Arts will be moving to the adjoining site of the existing Wareham Middle School, where there are also exciting plans to develop an extensive range of community provision. These new facilities will complement the existing outstanding Purbeck Sports Centre, located on the school campus and provided on a shared basis with Purbeck District Council, which is jointly available for school and public use. A Youth Centre provided by Dorset County Council is also based on the site and provides activities for young people during the day and evenings. Further details: Tel:01929 556301 or visit the website: www.purbeck.dorset.sch.uk Wareham Middle School A popular 9-13 Middle School whose aim is ‘to provide all of our pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum in an exciting, well resourced and above all a safe, stimulating environment’. The teaching team is a wellbalanced mix of primary and secondary practitioners supported by an excellent team of teaching assistants and other support staff. The school is proud of its achievements, having received the Arts Council Artsmark Silver and the Healthy Schools awards along with the Sportsmark and the FA Charter Standard School. Wareham Middle School also has an enviable record of sporting achievements and there are good links with many local clubs. The school is noted for producing pupils with outstanding musical talent. A wide range of extra-curricular activities take place during lunchtimes and after school and a high percentage of pupils who receive instrumental music lessons. Most recent achievements include Artsmark and Healthy Schools awards. An active Parents Association is actively involved in organising social events, raising funds for equipment etc and a committed Governing Board takes an involved and lively interest. Committees have been formed for finance, grounds and buildings, and curriculum. Links with the local community and partner schools within Purbeck are strong, the buildings and grounds being used regularly by local groups. For details: please contact: tel: or visit: www.warehammid.dorset.sch.uk Wareham St Mary CE VC First School – Streche Road, Wareham Formerly the Wareham Lady St Mary CE VC First School, the name change will be effective from September 1st 2012 with premises totally refurbished by summer 2013.The school is undergoing a transformation both in organisation and facilities. A key focus is on ensuring pupils are fully prepared to be happy and successful when they leave and fully equipped to get the best from what life can offer them. The new school mission statement is ‘Learning today for the world of tomorrow’. A particular feature of the school is the excellent IT facilities e.g. interactive plasma screens and notebooks or I-pads for pupils to develop their learning. Wareham St Mary First School 32 Children are enrolled from Reception up to Year 6, when they transfer to Upper School at age 11 years. The school is part of the Purbeck Pyramid of schools and has developed partnerships with other local schools/pre-schools to offer training for staff, staff liaison and children’s opportunities. It prides itself on its family atmosphere, seeks to develop strong partnerships with parents, carers and families to work together and support learning through regular opportunities to join in the life of the school. The latest 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE OFSTED monitoring visit in October 2011 found that ‘the school has made good progress in making improvements and good progress in demonstrating a better capacity for sustained improvement’. With close links to Wareham’s Lady St Mary’s Parish Church, a member of the clergy team comes into school for weekly assemblies and there are pupil visits to the church to develop children’s understanding. Outside areas include an Early Years outdoor learning area, superb adventure trail, shelters/classrooms, an allotment, a performance stage and a ‘secret garden’. Before/after school and holiday care for all children of the school and local in community is offered by ‘Primetime Kids Club’. Further details: contact: Tel: 01929 552517 or: http://www.ladystmary.dorset.sch.uk YOUTH FACILITIES Wareham Area Youth Centre – Wareham Area Youth Worker Kev Vasey says: “We are based at the Purbeck school site (next to the Sports Centre and work in partnership with numerous agencies including local schools, Purbeck District Council, the Police, Dorset Community Action, the Gateway Club, Lions and the Purbeck Sports Centre itself. We organise after school clubs, daytime clubs and evening provision while senior youth members are currently developing a year 7/ 8 night. We also supply qualified youth workers to other Purbeck youth centres. In addition, we run various trips and residential activities e.g. surfing trips to Perranporth, other trips to Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Bristol Skate Park, bowling alleys, skating rinks, beaches, ‘Splashdown’ trips, plus Senior Members Forum/Sixth Formers activities. Sporting visits have included kayaking, climbing, white water rafting, football trips and football training. We have also offered first aid at work qualifications, cooking, film nights, plus DJ sessions after (and during) school. We work on a 1:1 basis with young people, there to support them with their many issues e.g. homelessness, unemployment, healthy relationships, domestic abuse, self-esteem as well as school achievement and college/university applications. Additionally, we offer preventative work regarding drugs and alcohol abuse and support on hygiene, health (including sexual health) and safety matters. There is a lunchtime provision in partnership with The Primary Care trust which offers a drop-in centre for young people to seek professional support from qualified staff.” The young people we engage with take part in informal education at a pace that suits them, when they are ready. Above all, we have fun! So why not come and join us? For further information or to have a chat please feel free to phone: Kev Vasey – 01929 552934. Kings Kabs Ltd 01929 554223 Friendly & Professional Service 8 seater, Night Club Pickups, Docks, Airports, Local & Long Distance Kingston Country Courtyard for weddings with a difference Corporate Functions or Weddings Character Medieval barn in a picturesque setting in the Purbeck Hills Can be hired for weddings and private or corporate functions Can seat about 125 people Selection of food available. Locally sourced, freshly prepared food from hog roasts to banquets. Menu’s tailored to personal needs. Contact: Bobbie Brown to discuss your requirements Tel: 01929 481066 or 07882 485376 [email protected] www.kingstoncountrycourtyard.com Coombs Auto Repairs Mobile Mechanic Lady Drivers Available Servicing (all makes) • MOT Repairs Computer Diagnostics • V.W. Specialist Breakdown Assistance Quality Parts used Courier Work Mobile (07595218327) Tel (01929 462582) 2012–2013 33 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Father Christmas Parade – With Golden Boots! The Wareham Father Christmas Parade is eagerly awaited every December. Organised by volunteer members of the Wareham Father Christmas Committee for over 50 years, this annual spectacle has become something of a local tradition and is eagerly awaited by children and their families. For any winter visitor to Purbeck, the parade is a must-see if you happen to be anywhere near Wareham on that particular day – usually 2nd Sunday afternoon in December. Father Christmas has a different theme of transport each year and may arrive in any style he fancies, escorted by local bands, floats and a variety of helpers – including his reindeers and elves, of course – to greet the assembled crowd outside the Red Lion Hotel. Father Christmas’s route takes him along North and South Street first, through the town centre, arriving again in West Street as he approaches the Christmas tree and stage area. He then leaves his transport on foot to enter the Red Lion Hotel’s old coaching entrance, finally re-appearing high Father Christmas arrives in up on the hotel roof, perched on the chimney – complete with sack bearing Wareham gifts for the excited children below and real snow falling! How do we know it is the real Father Christmas? Because he wears his famous golden boots! When he comes down from the roof, all children can meet him and take home a present from his Grotto at the Red Lion. All proceeds of Father Christmas Parade street collections donated to local charities. Note:Volunteers are urgently needed for the Wareham Father Christmas and Christmas Lights Committees – can you help? If so, please telephone 01929 56435. Thank you, says Father Christmas! ● ● ● Local Information Directory AMBULANCE SERVICE Dorset Ambulance Service, Patient Transport Services (Non-Emergency) Emergency Tel: 01305 255140 Tel: 999 or 112 BANKS Lloyds TSB, 3 South Street NatWest, 2 North Street Barclays, 3 North Street Tel: 0845 3000000 Tel: 0845 3009863 Tel: 0845 7555555 BUILDING SOCIETIES Nationwide, 1a South Street Tel: 01929 556230 CHAMBER OF TRADE C/O Farwells, Mr Mark Howlett Tel: 01929 552044 CHEMISTS Day Lewis, 11-13 South Street Boots, 4 North Street Tel: 01929 552384 Tel: 01929 552737 Tel: 01202 851640 CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS Church of England Lady St Mary, Church Street The Rectory: Tel: 01929 556796 General Enquiries: Parish office Tel: 01929 550905 34 St. Martin’s Sandford St Nicholas Arne St John’s East Holme ) ) ) www.warehamchurches.org.uk St Martin on-the-walls United Reformed Church Revd. Simon Franklin email: [email protected] Methodist Church Roman Catholic St Edwards Rev. Ciaran McGuinness Tel: 01929 463334 Purbeck Gateway Church Pastor Paul Shepherd Tel: 01929 551415 Emmanuel Baptist Church Tel: 01929 427706 CHILDREN’S DAY CARE Tops Day Nurseries, 1 Carey Road CINEMA The Rex, 14 West Street CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU 2 Mill Lane Tel: 01929 555051 Tel: 01929 552778 Tel: 01929 551257 COMMUNITY CENTRES/MEETING PLACES Carey Hall, 10 Mistover Road Tel: 01929 556527 Corn Exchange, Town Hall, East Street Tel: 01929 553006 Parish Hall, Wareham Tel: 01929 550905 Masonic Hall, Howards Lane Tel: 01929 556896 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS Dorset Association for the Disabled Tel: 01305 849122 Helping Hands, 7 St Martin’s Place Tel: 01929 556525 Twinning Association Hemsbach Tel: 01929 553187 Wareham Carer’s Group Tel: 01929 553456 Wareham & District Development Trust email: [email protected] DENTISTS Purbeck Dental Centre, West Street Tel: 01929 554760 Wareham Dental Surgery, 16 West Street Tel: 01929 552363 Electricity (Emergencies) Tel: 0800 0727282 Secondary (Age Range 13 – 18 years) The Purbeck School Worgret Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 556301 Tertiary (Age Range 16 – 18 years) The Purbeck School (Sixth Form Centre), Worgret Road Tel: 01929 556301 Pupil & School Improvement Children’s Services Dorset County Council Education Department County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ Tel: 01305 224698 FIRE SERVICE Fire Station (Retained Fire Service) Emergency Fire safety Advice: Tel: 01305 252600 Tel: 999 or 112 Tel: 01305 252600 ESTATE AGENTS Booth & Corben, 7a West Street Bullock& Lees, 10 North Street Connells, 1 South Street Goadsby, 10 West Street Purbeck Property, 5 South Street Gas Service (Emergencies) Tel: 0800 111999 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS Poole Job Centre Plus Tel: 01202 333000 EDUCATION Primary (Age range 4 – 9 years) Lady St. Mary First School Streche Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 552517 Middle (Age Range 9 – 13 years) Wareham Middle School Worgret Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 553335 Registration Service, Births, Deaths and Marriages Tel: 01305 225153 Wareham Library: Tues & Thurs 2.00 – 4 p.m. (Note: by appointment only) HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) St John’s House, Poole Tel: 0845 010900 Holland House, Bournemouth Tel: 0844 4740101 Tel: 01929 551661 Tel: 01929 552632 Tel: 01929 553636 Tel: 01929 552206 Tel: 01929 556660 Philip Trim Contractors Ltd Septic Tanks / Liquid Waste Management * Domestic & Business Septic Tanks * Liquid Waste Disposal * Local Professional Service RING NOW FOR DETAILS 01929 472192 07971 005579 www.philiptrimcontractors.com National Association of Agricultural 2012–2013 Email: [email protected] Environment Agency Reg. Wessex Water Organic Waste 35 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE GUEST HOUSES/HOTELS Details of Recommended Establishments: Purbeck Information and Heritage Centre, South Street Tel: 01929 552740 Ashley Fox Tel: 0117 973 7050 MOBILITY Purbeck Mobility Tel: 01929 552623 HEALTH CENTRES, HOSPITALS, AND CLINICS Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust Tel: 01202 442029 NHS Direct Tel: 0845 4647 Poole Hospital Tel: 01202 665511 Purbeck Careline Prospect House, 8 Westminster Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 558455 Purbeck CMHT, 19 Bonnetts Lane, Wareham Tel: 01202 849048 Purbeck Day Centre, Sandford Lane Tel: 01929 557746 Sandford Surgery, Tel: 01929 554490 Wareham Chiropractic Clinic Elmstead, Sandford Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 551513 Wareham Outreach Day Hospital Streche Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 552433 Wareham Surgery, Streche Road Tel: 01929 553444 MUSEUM Wareham Town Museum Town Hall, East Street Tel: 01929 553448 LAW COURTS HM Courts Service, Poole Magistrates Court LEISURE CENTRE Purbeck Sports Centre, Purbeck School LIBRARY South Street MANOR OF WAREHAM The Estate Office, Cow Lane Tel: 01202 745309 Tel: 01929 500000 Tel: 01929 556146 Tel: 01929 552666 MARKETS Cottee’s Auctions Ltd, East Street: Thursday Market + Tuesday fortnightly sales Tel: 01929 552826 Saturday Street Market, on the Quay Contact: (Market Supervisor) Tel: 01202 474656 Farmers Market: at the Corn Exchange, Town Hall, 2nd and 4th Thursday in month Contact: A Carlyle Tel: 07798743877 Wareham Home Producers, Every Thursday 8.30 – 11am at United Reformed Church, East Street Tel: 01929 553798 MEDICAL CENTRES/DOCTORS (See Health Centres) Wareham Surgery, Streche Road Tel: 01929 553444 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Mrs Annette Brooke, Constituency Office 14 York Road, Broadstone Tel: 01202 693555 Sandford Surgery Tel: 01925 554493 MEPs Trevor Colman Tel: 01626 831343 William (The Earl of) DARTMOUTH Tel: 01531 890180 Sir Graham Watson Tel: 01458 252265 36 PLAY AREAS (Wareham Town Council) Tel: 01929 553006 Situated at: Wareham Recreation Ground, Drax Avenue, Mistover Road, Tantinoby Lane (see Centre Map) PLAYGROUPS AND NURSERIES Focus Nursery School Tel: 01929 555135 Katz Kids Tel: 07432 556485 Stoborough Nursery, Supervisor Mrs P Edwards Tel: 07796 297701 Tops Day Nurseries, 1 Carey Road Tel: 01929 555051 POLICE Dorset Constabulary Non emergency Emergency: POST OFFICE Carey, 29 Carey Road Wareham, 12 North Street Deliveries Office Sandford Lane Industrial Estate PURBECK CARELINE Prospect House, 8 Westminster Road, Wareham Tel: 01202 222222 999 or 112 Tel: 01929 552403 Tel: 01929 552106 Tel: 01929 552747 Tel: 01929 558455 PURBECK DISTRICT COUNCIL Westport House Worgret Road Tel: 01929 556561 RECREATION GROUNDS Wareham Recreation Ground (Wareham Town Council) SOCIAL HOUSING Purbeck District Council Synergy Housing Tel: 01929 553006 Tel: 01929 557370 Tel: 01929 558400 SOCIAL SERVICES (Dorset County Council) Purbeck Area, 19 Bonnets Lane, Wareham Tel: 01929 553456 SWIMMING POOL Purbeck Sports Centre, Purbeck School site, Worgret Road Tel: 01929 550000 THEATRES Rex Cinema, 14 West Street, Wareham Tel: 01929 552778 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE TRADING STANDARDS General Enquiries, WATER (Emergencies) TOURIST INFORMATION Discover Purbeck Information Centre Tel: 01929 556146 (since 2012 at: Library, South Street) TRANSPORT First Buses National Express Bus Service Wilts & Dorset Buses Trains Tel: 0870 0106022 Tel: 08717 818178 Tel: 01983 827005 Tel: 08457 484950 UNIFORMED YOUTH ORGANISATIONS Air Cadets Tel: 01202 690239 Boy’s Brigade Tel: 01929 551373 Guides Tel: 01202 620006 Scouts Tel: 01929 472374 VETERINARY SURGEONS Lynwood Veterinary Hospital, Unit 9 Leanne, Business Centre, Sandford Lane, Wareham The Pet Health Partnership, 17 East Street Tel: 0845 600 4600 Tel: 01305 224012 Tel: 01929 552692 Tel: 01929 552599 WELFARE SERVICES AND ADVICE CENTRES Citizens Advice Bureau, 2 Mill Lane Tel: 01929 551257 Volunteer Centre Dorset Tel: 01305 269214 Community Payback (Probation Service, Unit 19) Tel: 01929 556513 Purbeck Mental Health Support Tel: 01929 557735 Samaritans, 1 Durrant Road, Bournemouth Tel: 01202 551999 Tel: 08457 909090 WAREHAM TOWN COUNCIL Town Hall, East Street Tel: 01929 553006 (incl. bookings for Corn Exchange, Recreation Ground & Weddings in Council Chamber) Town Clerk Tel: 01929 550771 WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE Westminster Road, Wareham Tel: 01929 556464 Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group Tel: 01305 225002 YOUTH CENTRES Wareham Area Youth & Community Centre, Purbeck School site, Worgret Road Tel: 01929 552934 Top quality, sustainable childcare Flexible hours to suit your family See how flexible we can be for your family • Flexible nursery care per 1/4 hour • Babysitting service outside of hours • Qualified crèche team for private events • Nursery hire for children’s parties • FREE settling in session available Tops Day Nursery 1 Carey Road, Wareham BH20 4AX www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk 01929 555051 2012–2013 37 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Clubs and Societies Allotments: Bestwall(Sec) Allotments: Northmoor Aquafit Classes Air Training Corps (Civilian Committee) Boys Brigade Brownies Wareham District Coastal Martial Arts Court Leet of Wareham Dance Sylkies (Mike and Sylvia) Dorset Buttons Dorset Golf & Country Club Dorset Guild of Singers Dorset Wildlife Trust Natural England Green Team Father Christmas Committee Friday Lunch Club Grapevine Guides Wareham & District Harbin and Pitt Trust Multiple Sclerosis Society Probus Purbeck Association National Trust Members Purbeck Badminton Club Purbeck Chess Club Purbeck Freewheelers Purbeck Gardening Club Purbeck Gateway Club Purbeck Sport Centre Purbeck Squash Club Purbeck Swimming club Purbeck Wood Carvers Rainbows Wareham District Rex Players Rotary Club Royal British Legion Sandford Scouts Wareham District Slimming World Springfield Leisure Club The Stoke Association (Dorset) The University of the Third Age The Wednesday Group Wareham and District Archaeology Wareham Disabled Club Wareham Area Senior Forum 38 01929 554990 01929 556664 01929 463668 01202 690239 01929 551373 01929 552235 07970 459793 01929 556674 01929 552381 01929 480737 01929 472244 01929 472643 01929 556816 01202 883084 01929 556435 01929 556761 01929 553939 01929 552235 01929 553187 01929 552793 01929 556895 01929 425500 01929 556454 01929 425988 01929 554550 01929 552105 01929 551743 01929 556454 01929 556454 01929 556454 01929 480686 01929 552235 01929 551817 01929 471339 01929 553470 01929 472374 01929 463549 01929 554888 01929 732739 01929 427407 01929 551050 01929 553144 01929 553419 07551 668638 Wareham Court Leet Wareham Art Club Wareham Christmas Lights Committee Wareham Bell Ringers Wareham Camera club Wareham Conches Society (town twinning) Wareham Choral Society Wareham Conservative Club Wareham Folk Dance Club Wareham 41 Club Wareham Golf Club Wareham Health Care Forum Wareham Hemsbach Society (town twinning) Wareham In Bloom Wareham Lions Club Wareham Rangers Youth Football Wareham Rotary Club Wareham Round Table Wareham Rugby Club Wareham Shortmat Bowls Wareham Tangent Club Wareham Town Band Wareham Youth Club Wareham Cricket Club Wareham Whalers Weightwatchers West Country Embroiderers WI Stoborough 01929 553822 01929 556435 01929 553651 01929 553822 01929 551979 01929 554229 01929 551215 01929 551332 01929 552162 01929 554147 0845 3899444 01929 553187 01929 553006 01929 551934 01929 553161 01929 471339 07803 032518 01929 552224 01929 556527 01929 554283 01929 552934 01929 553051 01929 551979 08453 451500 01929 551697 01929 553828 Note: information is published in good faith as we go to press in May 2012 however no responsibility can be assumed for telephone numbers which may subsequently change. 2012–2013 WAREHAM TOWN GUIDE Commercial & Domestic Tree Work Fully Insured & NPTC Qualified RFS Cert ARB All aspects of Tree Surgery & Hedgework Undertaken Inc. Tree Felling & Pruning – Stump Removal – Site Clearance 10 Years Experience SEEKINGS FARM, HARMANS CROSS, SWANAGE, DORSET BH19 3DX Please Call For Free Quotes & Advice 7 Days a Week Blandford, Dorchester, Poole, Swanage Wareham, Wimborne, Weymouth 01929 481600 Mobile 07703 210647 email: [email protected] www.njatreecare.com 2012–2013 39 L I M I T E D M O B I L I T Y P U R B E C K • Sales Hire and Repair Centre for Scooters, Wheelchairs and Care Equipment • Free Home Demonstrations • Personal Friendly Service Accredited NHS Provider Plenty of Parking Nearby Tel 01929 552623 [email protected] www.purbeckmobility.com SHOPMOBILITY MEMBER ST JOHNS HILL, WAREHAM BH20 4NB