'Chain gang' visits Ferndown for town mayor's annual civic day

Hosted by the Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Cathy Lugg, the annual mayoral civic day in Ferndown showcased a number of businesses throughout the area.

The tour commenced with a visit to E-Tel Express based along Wimborne Road East where business owner Philip Clarke gave an overview of the network telex company which is a global leader in secure message services and is one of the world’s first dedicated telegram message centres. Unlike email, telex messages retain ‘full legal document’ status, which is why it remains a vital tool for many industries including banking, shipping and aviation. The original telex machines designed by the company are even registered with the BBC’s props department and have featured on the History Channel with Philip as a member of the British Embassy team!

The group then visited High Mead Farm, a therapeutic farm located along Ham Lane for those with learning and physical disabilities, mental health issues and for disengaged youngsters. The farm’s team of volunteers and co-farmers explained about the horticultural and craft activities on offer and how these have had such a positive impact on their lives. The mayor and her guests also had the pleasure of meeting some of the farm’s residents including Daphne the donkey and there was an opportunity to purchase produce grown on the farm from its shop.

The last visit was to Trehane Nursery, a camellia and blueberry specialist. Although the camellias were not in flower, the ‘chain gang’ were given an overview of the nursery’s long history which has been instrumental in introducing many new varieties of camellia into this country. There was also an opportunity to visit the Dorset Blueberry plantation, which is the oldest commercial plantation in the UK. Blueberries were sampled and punnets purchased.

The tour ended at the Forest Inn at Ferndown Forest Golf Club with refreshments, and music provided by vocalist Tori Allen. The mayor concluded that the day had been very enjoyable.