House & Lifestyle | 256

Welcome

Change is in the air! e transformation of colours around us, pulling on a woolly jumper, getting cosy by a re or slipping into the wellies to omp through the leaves. It is time to embrace the beauty of autumn!

Celebrate the start of autumn by stepping outside and foraging for your own blackberries, then you can try your hand at the delicious recipes we have featured this issue, to perfectly showcase your gatherings. Better yet, we look at how to grow your own blackberry bush so you can proudly harvest your own crop every year. Keep summer alive by going green this autumn with our top picks to incorporate this fresh shade into your home, to help elevate your space. Or a simple declutter could help soothe the soul and make your home feel fresh again, we look at clever storage solutions to help ease the task! From the thought-provoking and reflective to the fun and quirky we discover everything that the Arts by the Sea Festival has to o er this year, inspiring us all to explore our creative sides. Also find out why a road trip could be the best way to uncover all that Italy has to o er, from historical sights to country scenery.

ABOUT US

House & Lifestyle is a monthly magazine with approximately 150,000 readers and available in hundreds of outlets throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Pick up a free copy each month from supermarkets, newsagents, estate agents, theatres, garden centres, shopping centres, health clubs, hotels, train stations, bus stations, bars, clubs, restaurants, garages, doctors surgeries, dentists, cafes, pubs and many other retail outlets. House & Lifestyle magazine is published by GWP Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in House & Lifestyle are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. GWP Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties.

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WE DESIGN & BUILD YOUR LUXURY FURNITURE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU.

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e late news ories in your area.

MARWELL ZOO ANNOUNCES SEN FRIENDLY QUIET GLOW CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Marwell are proud to be hosting two Quiet Glow evenings specifically aimed at guests who would prefer to experience the magic of Glow Marwell at a more relaxed pace.

RINGWOOD BUSINESS PARK TO LAUNCH CARBON NEUTRAL FLAGSHIP OFFICE

Developers for a prestigious business park development in Ringwood have announced the successful pre-let of a flagship 14,000 square foot carbon neutral office to a leading UK company based in the town.

Meyson Properties, who are behind the Forestgate Business Park, have confirmed that their latest offering, Parvaneh Park, will be home to Dorset Orthopaedic, one of the UK’s leading providers of private prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation across a network of nationwide clinics.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Meyson Properties, allowing us to remain in Ringwood and continue to develop and grow our local business” said Matt Hughes, Managing Director of Dorset Orthopaedic.

Alongside the flagship office on Embankment Way in Ringwood is a further 8 enterprise units that were all pre-sold from plan.

MEYSON PROPERTIES

The large state-of-the-art flagship office will be carbon neutral and will feature a large photovoltaic array to provide enough electricity to power a substantial percentage of the occupant’s power usage. The build will be constructed in a totally bespoke format and will include all fixtures, fittings and furniture.

Director Paul Meyer of Meyson Properties said of the latest development: “This is one of three recent collaborations, which see well-established local companies based in Ringwood keep employment local by relocating to newer, more modern and more sustainable premises within the town”.

The Forestgate park has been in high demand since its launch in 2014 making Ringwood a top destination for specialist manufacturers and suppliers. Other leading names located on the business park include Anytime Fitness, Lidl and Premier Inn.

The quiet nights will be on Monday 4 December and Monday 11 December 2023. They will reduce the volume of the music around the event and reduce capacity so guests can enjoy a calmer and less crowded environment.

Glow Marwell is an amazing sensory friendly experience! Immerse yourself in our enchanted nature lights trail full of half a million gently twinkling lights, brand new illuminations, photo opportunities and interactive elements.

Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager, said: “We hope our Quiet Glow events will provide a welcoming and sensory friendly space for all those families who may struggle with loud crowded environments, so the magic of Christmas can be enjoyed by all.”

MARWELL ZOO

www.marwell.org.uk

GENEROUS DONATION TO SECURE

DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY SCREENINGS

Lighthouse Poole is delighted to announce a donation by NFU Mutual New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth will support its popular programme of Dementia Friendly film screenings in the Cinema for the next two years.

The generous donation of £6,443 from NFU Mutual’s national £1.92 million Agency Giving Fund will enable Lighthouse to continue to grow its dementia-friendly programme that has become so important to a section of the community that is often overlooked.

“Lighthouse is extremely grateful to John and everyone at NFU Mutual’s New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth Agency for ensuring the continuation of our Dementia Friendly film screenings for the next two years,” says Tom Shallaker, Lighthouse Fundraising & Tickets Sales Manager.

Lighthouse is a charity and relies on support from donations, grants and sponsorship. To find out more about how or your business can help Lighthouse please visit https:// www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/support-us/

APPLICATIONS FOR ‘KINGS AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2023’ ENCOURAGED BY LORD-LIEUTENANT FOR DORSET

Angus Campbell HM Lord Lieutenant for Dorset is encouraging applications to be put forward to for the ‘Kings Award for Enterprise 2023’.

The ‘Kings Award for Enterprise’ are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:

• Innovation

• International trade

• Sustainable development

• Promoting opportunity through social mobility

Winners of the award will be invited to a Royal reception, presented with the award at their company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant, are able to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on marketing materials (for example, on packaging, advertisements, stationery and website), given a Grant of Appointment (certification) and a commemorative crystal trophy.

HM Lord Lieutenant for Dorset, Angus Campbell advised, “I have been honoured to present a number of these awards, previously ‘The Queens Award for Enterprise’, in varied places of business across the county. I have been amazed at the variety and excellence of the successful organisations. The one thing they all have in common is that the winners have found that being able to promote themselves as winners of this prestigious and much sought-after award, is not only a source of great satisfaction and pride among

KINGS AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2023 www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise

the workforce of a company but also makes a significant difference to the successful promotion of their businesses. Organisations have reported benefitting from worldwide recognition, an increased commercial value and increased press coverage.

“The award has a life of five years in which the logo can be used, and a flag flown. Nomination is by the business itself and work has to be done in supplying the detailed information that is needed, but all those who have succeeded agree that it was well worth the trouble taken.”

The closing date for the ‘Kings Award for Enterprise 2023’ applications is 12th September. Further information is available on www.gov.uk/kings-awardsfor-enterprise Helpline Telephone: 020 7215 6880, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, E: kingsawards@beis.gov.uk

LIGHTHOUSE POOLE www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

DIVERSE ABILITIES

JUDGE BIKE OF THE NIGHT AT POOLE QUAY DREAM MACHINES

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, joined the Dream Machines event on Poole Quay organised by BCP Council as guest judges for “Bike of the Night”.

Jeff, Pete and Martin who are supported by the charity’s Supported Living Service are regular spectators at the event and had the opportunity to view the bikes on display along the quay front. Together they chose a bike as the evening’s Bike of the Night, and to go forward to the Bike of the Year competition in September.

The winner was Simon Gracia with his Harley Davidson (pictured with Pete and Jeff). Jeff, Pete and Martin agreed this was their favourite as it looked fast and they liked the style and colour. Simon is a regular visitor to the event and was pleased to be going home with the Bike of the Night title.

Diverse Abilities Supported Living Service offers 24-hour care, seven days a week, 365 days a year to adults with physical and learning disabilities who are supported in their own home. Their personal support workers assist every individual with dayto-day activities and to take part in their hobbies and interests.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk for more information about Supported Living and the other services offered by Diverse Abilities for adults and children with physical and learning disabilities across Dorset.

TRETHOWANS CORPORATE TEAM ACTS FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS OF JIMMY’S ICED COFFEE LIMITED IN ITS SALE TO BRITVIC

The Trethowans team, led by partners Nick Gent and Lucy Gleisner, are delighted to have supported the shareholders’ of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Limited in their sale to Britvic. Jimmy’s Iced Coffee is the UK’s fastest growing ‘ready to drink’ iced coffee brand and the transaction continues the success story for the Dorset business, started in 2010 by brother and sister, Jim Cregan and Suzie Owen.

Legal documents for the transaction were exchanged within a week of acceptance of the offer from Britvic, made possible by the pragmatism of the parties involved and the quality and experience of their advisers. Piper Sandler’s European Consumer team, led by Rob Iseman and Alastair Mathieson, were lead advisors to the shareholders, with external legal advice provided by Trethowans for the shareholders and Addleshaw Goddard for Britvic.

Commenting on the deal, Nick Gent said “It has been a real privilege to have worked alongside the team from Piper Sandler in supporting Jim, Suzie and fellow shareholders in the sale of Jimmy’s to Britvic. It’s a wonderful success story and

marks the next chapter in the continued success and development of a much-loved brand. A lot of midnight oil was burnt in getting the legals finalised in such a short timescale, but it was the collaborative mindset of everyone involved that really shone through.”

Jim Cregan, co-founder of Jimmy’s, had the following to say “We are all so excited and proud to have done a deal with such an iconic and powerful business like Britvic, who will enable us to reach more great fridges across the UK and beyond. To have completed the transaction in such a phenomenally short time scale is only possible when you’ve got an incredible team around you and Trethowans have been a monumental cog in this machine. Thank you to the whole team!”

The co-founders, Jim and Suzie, will continue to be involved in the business as ambassadors for the brand, helping to support the transition while providing advice on brand direction and future innovation, ensuring that Jimmy’s core values and ethos continue to drive the brand.

DIVERSE ABILITIES

www.diverseabilities.org.uk

LEWIS-MANNING HOSPICE CARE WOW PATIENT CARERS TO AN AMAZING DAY OUT ON 70FT SUNSEEKER

Every day carers are responsible for 24/7 care, medication, dealing with falls, personal care and night-time calls, never having a break for themselves and often struggling with feelings of isolation.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care hold a monthly Carer’s Support Group, held at St Mary’s Church Centre and from this Jo Sharkey, Family Support and Bereavement Lead, had recognised from carers stories, the need for them to have a ‘day off’.

Jo and Nikki Cluley, Corporate Partnerships

Fundraiser, then worked closely together to plan an ‘away day’ at sea in Poole Harbour, as a surprise for a group of carers of patients from the hospice.

Planning was needed to care for the patients, to enable the carers to enjoy a relaxing day knowing their loved ones were well looked after, and the hospice was opened specially with extra staff added to make this happen.

LEWIS-MANNING HOSPICE CARE

www.lewis-manning.org.uK

Once the patients had been dropped off at the hospice a local taxi firm, United Taxis, provided free transport to and from the quay.

On arriving at the quay, the carers were then told of the plan of the day ahead, and reactions can only be described as shocked, amazed and excited!

The group of 8 carers enjoyed the trip on a fabulous 70ft Sunseeker, hosted by loyal hospice supporter Paul Lester (McCarthy Stone Chairman) and his daughter Kate from Silver Spirit Yacht Charters who kindly gifted the afternoon as part of their ongoing partnership with Lewis-Manning.

A leisurely cruise around Poole Harbour and the bay was then followed by a delicious buffet lunch onboard, provided by Sorrells.

The Carer’s Group is held at St Mary’s Church Centre, on the second Friday of each month, from 10-12. Please get in touch if you would like to know more. 01202 708470

AILEY 2 IS BACK IN THE UK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE

12 exceptional young dancers in works by William Forsythe, Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle and the company’s new artistic director Francesca Harper.

Ailey 2, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this season, is known for bringing together the creative vision of exceptional choreographers with the spirit, energy and talent of the next generation of dance artists. The result is captivating performances of grace, strength and soul, shot through with the unique Ailey spirit.

The company’s new artistic director Francesca Harper has put together an exhilarating repertoire featuring four works: excerpts from her own Freedom Series and William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure along with The Hunt, choreographed by Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Revelations¸ Alvin Ailey’s 1960 masterwork and a signature piece of all the Ailey companies.

Tickets for Ailey 2 (Friday 22 – Saturday 23 September 2023) are on sale at mayflower. org.uk or 02380 711811.

MAYFLOWER THEATRE

www.mayflower.org.uk

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

WESTBOURNE £195,000

An exceptionally large and well-presented one bedroom ground fl oor apartment which is perfectly situated adjacent to the Bournemouth gardens and a short walk to Westbourne.

Ground floor | One double bedroom | Large lounge diner | Modern fitted kitchen | Contemporary bathroom | Private patio | Underground parking

BOURNEMOUTH £480,000

A stunning three bedroom raised ground floor apartment which has been completely refurbished by the current owners to an exacting standard. Grand Marine Court is perfectly situated on the cliff top which offers direct access out to the beach.

Raised ground floor apartment | Three bedrooms | Large lounge diner | Two contemporary bathrooms | Stunning bespoke kitchen | Hard flooring throughout | High character ceilings

MEYRICK PARK £295,000

A well-presented split level maisonette set within a small character converted development in the popular tree lined St Anthonys road. The apartment has spacious accommodation throughout with the added benefit of a large private sun terrace.

Maisonette | Two double bedrooms | Two modern bathrooms | Large lounge diner | Fitted kitchen with dining space | Large sun terrace | Allocated parking

Winkworth Westbourne 01202 767633

winkworth.co.uk/westbourne | westbourne@winkworth.co.uk

WEST CLIFF OIEO £325,000

A bright and very well presented two double bedroom sixth fl oor apartment which benefi ts from fantastic sea views from an enviable position on the West Cliff. The beach is just 200m away making this the perfect home by the sea.

Sea views | Sixth floor | Two double bedrooms | Large lounge diner | Fitted kitchen | Modern bathroom | Bespoke fitted furniture | Garage | Pets allowed

New seafront development with uninterrupted sea views

A brand new seafront development of just 14 character built apartments, all of which enjoy uninterrupted sea views situated on the beautiful West Cliff just minutes walk from Bournemouth town centre. Built by award winning local developers, AJC Group, who are renowned for their build quality, all apartments benefit from stunning interiors with designer kitchen and bathrooms and generously sized accommodation. Due for completion summer 2023. Reservations being taken now.

PRICES FROM £555,000

| westbourne@winkworth.co.uk

Kitchen House

If home is where the heart is, the heart is where the k en is.

Since their founding in 1987, Kitchen House has provided new kitchens ranging from fixed budget kitchens, right through to larger and more complex, designer projects. Being a local business (without the large scale marketing budgets of a national chain) they have always relied on a good reputation within the area to sustain them. Unlike the big chains, they take the time to make sure that you’re completely happy with what they have installed. A high portion of their work has come from prior recommendation.

A bespoke kitchen

Kitchen House fit full kitchens, including all necessary units and kitchen appliances including everything from a custom drinks bar to a hidden access utility room. Still, there’s more to designing a stunning kitchen than just having all the right components. They o er tailored design advice, based on

each individual space. Say your kitchen is only three metres across, they can design bespoke made worktops and units to utilise your space to it’s full potential and with over 30 years in business, they have seen and done it all. You can put your full faith in their hands when it comes to designing a kitchen that you will love.

The price of a new kitchen

Before you even contact them you’ll probably have an idea of how much you want to spend on a new kitchen. It’s a big investment, especially in the modern financial world. There are some companies who will give you a lower quality kitchen, and others that insist you should spend more. The team at Kitchen House will work their hardest to work with your budget, creating

something that works both financially and atheistically for you. They’ll work with you to make sure that the kitchen you get is personal, e icient and suits your home.

Using the best kitchen appliances and fittings

Kitchens are often in constant use, so it’s always best to invest in the most robust and e icient products. Their extensive range of worktops and ovens are sourced from the leading manufacturers, who use only the most e ective materials. Their appliance suppliers include leading brands like Siemens, Fisher & Paykel and Blaupunkt. With access to these high quality manufacturers your new kitchen can be fitted with stylish and reliable range cookers, ovens, fridges and freezers.

If you have any questions about the service they provide, please feel free to get in touch.

If you’d rather take a look at some of the features that they o er in person, then head down to their showroom. Their friendly team will be more than happy to talk it over with you.

CONTACT

01202 546546

sales@kitchenhouse.co.uk

POOLE QUAY | £500,000

An immaculately presented town house set over 3 oors, o ering 3/4 bedrooms, 2/3 reception rooms, ensuite shower room, cloakroom and garage. The home has been recently renovated to include new bathrooms and kitchen with integrated appliances. Set adjacent to Poole Quay and walking distance of High Street shops and restaurants.

PARKSTONE

A beautifully presented 2 double bedroom semi detached home with a stunning kitchen/breakfast room, with integrated appliances, sitting room with log burner and a bathroom with separate shower. Added bene ts southerly facing garden, o road parking and a detached garage.

BRANKSOME PARK | £550,000

An extremely spacious 3 double bedroom, 2 reception room ground oor apartment boasting over 1500 sq. ft of living accommodation o ering huge potential for personalisation and modernisation, set in a development of just 7 apartments. The property bene ts from a sun terrace with views over the garden and a double garage.

POOLE QUARTER | £355,000

A well presented 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom town house cleverly designed over 3 oors, situated approximately 500 meters from the harbourside at Baiter Park, This spacious home is decorated in soft neutral colours with a ‘seaside’ theme boasting a generous rst oor lounge with southerly facing Juliet balcony, rear garden and allocated parking.

CREEKMOOR

An immaculate 2 double bedroom detached bungalow set on a large corner plot with private low maintenance gardens, ample o street parking and a detached garage. The owners have updated the property to include a beautifully tiled shower room and updated kitchen. The bungalow has a wonderful open plan kitchen/dining/lounge.

OAKDALE | £317,500

An immaculately presented two double bedroom semidetached bungalow o ering a 55 foot rear garden, garage with parking space in front, recently re tted kitchen, recently installed wood e ect ooring throughout and double glazed conservatory. The property is set in a quiet cul-de-sac in this popular area, a mile from the Poole town centre.

A deceptively spacious 4 bedroom extended semi-detached chalet bungalow with a fabulous open plan living area that incorporates a tted kitchen, dining area, sitting area and study area leading out to the south facing garden. There are 2 ground oor double bedrooms and a modern bathroom with 2 double bedrooms upstairs. O road parking for 3 cars.

PENN

A 3 bedroom, 2 reception room detached Arts and Crafts home, built in 1910 o ering a wealth of character features to include the original block herringbone oors, quarry tiled oors, replaces, original doors, leaded light windows, and stripped wood replace. A beautiful southerly garden, walking distance of Penn Hill shop and restaurants.

UPTON

Set at the end of a private road is this well presented detached 3/4 bedroom bungalow comprising a living area to the rear, lounge, leading to a fabulous family room, a further study/ bedroom 4 and kitchen/dining room, en suite shower room and a family bathroom. To the front is parking for 2/3 cars, and to the rear a lovely southerly garden with timber outbuildings.

OAKDALE | £400,000

| £325,000

HILL | £725,000

| £489,950

| £390,000

seater sofa, £599.99 ~

Marble Time Wall Clock in White, £69 ~

MAXX Bowls £3.99 each

£982 ~ 06 | B&M Ribbed Ceramic Table Lamp, £20

£799;

£49.50;

£35;

£7.99

£449

Woven Basketm, £4.99

Superior Fires…

Whether you’re looking for contemporary or traditional, electric or gas, we have a variety of fires that will give your house a superior view. visit our showroom where our knowledgeable staff will be glad to assist in helping you choose the perfect fire

FACING

Trethowans are hosting a free workshop on 4 October 2023 at Hotel du Vin, Poole, for parents facing divorce or separation

The New Beginnings workshop will:

Give you workable strategies to enable your child to express their emotions and most importantly, show you how to respond Enable you to promote the emotional and psychological wellbeing of your children

Provide

Tap into your innate self confidence and strength

Improve self esteem and self belief

Give you coping strategies to take away

Help you choose the right legal process for you and your family

A Sofa For Every Space

Sit back, snuggle up and sink into the extraordinary comfort of Bridgman’s new premium sofa collections. From the softness of each cushion to the nish of every fabric, you'll never nd furniture quite like it.

Transform your home with the perfect sofa, armchair, footstool and sofa bed, available at our beautiful Winchester Showroom or bridgman.co.uk.

10

OPEN DAYS

Senior School - Fri 22nd Sept | Kindergarten, Pre-Prep & Junior School - Fri 29th Sept | 6th Form - Tues 10th Oct Discover more, book your place talbotheath.org/openday

• Through school specialising in nurturing girls from Kindergarten to 6th Form

• Boarding from Y7, full, weekly or flexi

• State of the art STEAM HUB

• One to one iPads from Reception

• Apple Distinguished School

• Forest School in our own beautiful woods

• Acres of outdoor space and sports facilities

• Fully equipped Music School & Drama Dept

• Top performing Tennis & Swimming Academies (U13 World School Swim Champions 2022)

• Dedicated Pastoral support and nursing team

• Senior and 6th Form Scholarships with mentorship programme

Our unique STEAM curriculum for the future is taught from age 3 and includes; Coding | Design Thinking | Project Management Digital Design | Ethics | Material Science

Talbot Heath Junior pupils are now guaranteed a highly sought after place in our Senior School. Now that is reassuring.

See our admissions web page for criteria.

THE WHITE COMPANY NOW OPEN AT THE FURLONG

Did you know that the luxury lifestyle brand The White Company are now open at The Furlong shopping centre in Ringwood? Nestled in the corner of the picturesque Furlong courtyard; they join the other big brands, independent boutiques & salons and charming cafes that make up this award-winning shopping and leisure destination.

FREE parking for 2 hours

For the latest events, o ers & store news visit thefurlong.co.uk

Image supplied courtesy of The White Company

We just wanted

Kate Powley Administrator

Kim Fishlock Letting Manager

Rachel Dew Property Manager

Shannon Loe Senior Associate

Mark Rodda Branch Manager

Mandy Kay Director

Stephen Kay Director

Projects undertaken can be transforming an existing space, expanding your home to meet your evolving needs, or starting from scratch with a new build.

Our creative process can be tailored to accommodate your specific architectural requirements. This could range from just advice and ideas, or a more involved role where we take the lead, guiding you through each step. During our collaboration, we’ll align with your preferences, delivering a home that fits you perfectly.

We love designing spaces, internal and external, that perfectly balance form and function to meet your family’s lifestyle needs.

Discover a revolution in interior living

Studio 30 Interiors push the limits and expand the boundaries to deliver exceptional design

Studio 30 Interiors is a creative kitchen and multi-room design studio located in New Milton, Hampshire, who design and deliver luxurious and stylish kitchens and interiors for every room in your home.

We spoke with Matt Morris, Managing & Creative Director at Studio 30 Interiors, to gain an insight into the bespoke service they offer clients to help maximise the interior potential of their homes.

How did you get into designing kitchens/interiors?

I am thrilled to share my journey into the world of kitchen and interior design, a passion that has been nurtured and honed over many years. From an early age, I found myself captivated by the way an interior could be shaped to evoke emotions, facilitate functionality, and reflect individual personalities. This curiosity prompted me to explore various design concepts, study architectural marvels, and immerse myself in the world of Interior design.

As I honed my skills and expanded my knowledge, I discovered the pivotal role that kitchens and interiors play in our beloved homes and daily lives. The realisation that a well-designed kitchen isn’t just a culinary workspace, but a hub for creating memories and fostering connections, fuelled my desire to delve deeper into this specialised niche.

Throughout my journey of dedicated study and practical application, I cultivated an in-depth understanding of the various elements that contribute to exceptional design. I learned to balance textures, colours, and materials to craft harmonious compositions that evoke both comfort and elegance, I’ve been fortunate to learn

from mentors, collaborate with talented professionals, and stay attuned to evolving design trends. This continuous learning process has been instrumental in shaping my approach to designing kitchens and interiors, allowing me to harmoniously blend form and function.

The launch of Studio 30 Interiors marked a pivotal moment in my career. It provided a platform to showcase my portfolio, share design insights, and connect with clients who shared my vision for thoughtful, impactful spaces. The website became a canvas to display the diverse projects and exclusive manufacturers I’ve chosen to partner with, each one a testament to the dedication and passion I pour into every design endeavour.

Today, designing kitchens and interiors is not just a profession; it’s a calling that allows me to channel my creativity and expertise into crafting environments that truly resonate with people. Every project I undertake is an opportunity to create a space that goes beyond aesthetics, becoming an integral part of a person’s story.

In essence, my journey into designing kitchens and interiors is a fusion of innate curiosity, unwavering dedication, and the joy of turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. The evolution continues,

as I remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and creating designs that leave a lasting impression.

What can people expect to find in your showroom?

1. Kitchen Brands - A diverse range of Kitchens and living displays. We have three Kitchen displays on show, two of these displays are Pronorm and one is an operational demo display. In the working kitchen, you can enjoy booked cooking demonstrations partnered with our premium partnership with appliance brand Novy, or you might like to use our free refreshment area showcasing the award-winning Quooker Cube or Dunovox Wine cooler. Soon to be launching a new exclusive partnership with a luxury Italian manufacturer this will be replacing our third display.

2. Décor Items – With a dedicated sample display we can showcase the full Pronorm collection with over 150 stocked colours, across all price groups and door finishes. In this display, we also showcase our extensive stone work surface collection as well as decorative accessories, glass, colour swatches, NCI colour charts, lighting, soft furnishings, etc.

3. In each display I have chosen to show customisations that are specified to each manufacturer, these special requests are always discussed on every appointment.

4. Consultation areas – Many displays have been set up so they show as a complete kitchen, you won’t find part displays in our showroom. Many clients like to gather around our displays but when we have scheduled consultations we like to present in our living area that’s set off from the working kitchen. In this living area you will be seated on a comfy sofa whilst having your favourite refreshment – watching your designs come to life on the wide screen TV.

5. Technology Integration & Energy Efficiency – With so many homes now becoming smart homes it would only make sense to offer smart thinking when choosing your appliances and accessories. Smart appliances now can be connected simply by an App and controlled remotely from your mobile or tablet, this then allows you to have full control of your new kitchen integrated with your smart home. You tend to see a lot of these examples showcased around our showroom.

Why is everyone talking about your kitchens and what makes them different?

Discover a revolution in interior living at Studio30Interiors.com. We’re not just about kitchens; we’re about transforming your way of living. Our philosophy extends beyond a mere purchase – we believe in creating a seamless fusion of functionality and aesthetics that resonates with your lifestyle.

What sets us apart? It’s our unwavering commitment to exceptional design. But don’t just take our word for it – our satisfied clients are a testament to our prowess. Curious? Reach out to those who have experienced the Studio30Interiors.com transformation first-hand. We encourage you to delve into our portfolio of past projects, each an exquisite tapestry of innovation and artistry.

Renovating your kitchen or interiors is an investment, one that should be approached with certainty and finesse. With Studio30Interiors.com, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re embarking on a journey toward elevated living. Visit us today and witness the embodiment of design excellence that transcends the ordinary, crafting spaces that redefine the art of living.

Do you work directly with clients to design kitchens and interiors specific to their needs?

Yes, we are a tailored kitchen and interior living company, everything is personalised around each client and not one project is the same. Unless we are instructed otherwise. As an example, it’s common when working

with a contractor/developer on a new build to keep each property relatively similar, each client has their own desires and this is catered for to our best ability.

What features do you like the most about your kitchens?

Embrace the unparalleled versatility of our kitchens, where customisation knows no bounds. Elevate your living space with kitchens uniquely tailored to your vision, stretching up to 2.6 meters in height in seamless continuity or with precision units measured to the millimetre to avoid blocky fillers. Experience a realm of exclusivity as we curate brands that set us apart. Our dedication extends beyond the ordinary, allowing you to acquire elements that redefine your space. Such privileges are a testament to our honoured position as your trusted kitchen specialist.

Delight in the sophistication of European standards, surpassing the confines of a standard UK cabinet. This liberates us to design from the ground up, providing you the option to embrace your individuality. Take, for

instance, a showcase where precision engineering meets our cabinets and embraces your posture, liberating you from discomfort and enabling a harmonious kitchen experience, often overlooked, are paramount to us.

Every item and brand within our showroom is meticulously selected, reflecting us and being proudly independent.

How do you begin the design process?

Embarking on your journey with Studio 30 Interiors is an exciting process, carefully tailored to bring your vision to life. To initiate this creative endeavour, we begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of your project’s scope. Is it an existing space or part of a new build or extension? Have you engaged contractors or architects for this venture?

If you’re already collaborating with professionals, we kindly request copies of the approved and final plans. This allows us to hit the ground running during our inaugural meeting. In cases where this isn’t applicable, we’d love the opportunity to visit the property to meticulously measure and assess the space. Sharing approximate measurements during your first visit to our showroom would greatly expedite this process.

The first appointment, a cornerstone of our journey, is a collaborative exploration. We delve into your aspirations, discussing your project in depth. Your insights guide us toward comprehending your unique vision, enabling us to propose bespoke design concepts and product selections that harmonise seamlessly with your brief.

At Studio 30 Interiors, we’re committed to realising your dreams, transforming spaces into living reflections of your imagination. Let’s embark on this journey together, crafting a narrative that’s distinctly yours. Your vision, our expertise – the perfect synergy.

How do you present your kitchen and interior designs to your clients?

At Studio 30 Interiors, our approach to presenting kitchen and interior designs is as distinctive as our creations. While we cherish the immersive experience of sharing our designs from our showroom, we also recognise the need for flexibility. For those instances where physical presence isn’t feasible, we seamlessly transition to remote collaboration.

In the realm of remote work, we create a personalised kitchen package, intricately tailored to your unique project. To initiate this process, we request a design deposit, a testament to your commitment. Further details regarding the design deposit can be found on our website, www.studio30interiors.com.

Opting for our esteemed S30I SIGNATURE DESIGN service not only opens doors to unparalleled creative exploration but also underscores our dedication to your vision. The design deposit, a stepping stone toward realising your dreams, becomes an integral part of the total project value. As a tangible gesture of our appreciation, the design deposit is seamlessly deducted from the overall valuation.

At Studio 30 Interiors, it’s about more than design –it’s about an immersive journey toward spaces that embody your essence. Whether within the confines of our showroom or across digital landscapes, your aspirations remain at the heart of our creative process. Together, we craft narratives that transcend the ordinary, ushering in a new era of living aesthetics.

What are this year’s kitchen trends, and do you see trends coming to fruition in the future?

It’s challenging to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of trends, given the vast scope of the search spanning not only the UK but the global market. To address this, we’ve developed our distinct trend guide, endorsed by our manufacturers, accessible on our website at studio30interiors.com.

When contemplating additions to your kitchen and interior trends, an effective strategy involves personalising the trend to align with your unique style. This approach advocates for breaking away from the trend-following path, recognising that not all trends endure over time.

Consider, for instance, the emergence of dark colours and moody aesthetics as a recurrent trend in contemporary design. However, it’s essential to question whether such trends are a suitable fit for your space. Incorporating a dark colour palette and textured materials might not be advisable if your room lacks abundant natural light. By pondering this, you highlight the importance of considering both aesthetics and practicality when embracing trends.

In essence, while trends offer inspiration, their applicability varies, especially when evaluated against your personal requirements and the characteristics of your living space. By judiciously adapting trends to your unique context, you can safeguard against potentially regrettable design choices and ensure lasting satisfaction with your design endeavours.

From consultation to completing kitchen / interior installation, what’s the average time frame?

The timeline for completing a kitchen or interior installation can vary widely depending on several factors, including the scope of the project, the complexity of the design, the availability of materials and labor, and any unforeseen issues that may arise during the process. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the typical stages and timeframes involved in a kitchen or interior installation:

1. Consultation and Planning: This stage involves discussing your design preferences, needs, and budget with a professional designer or contractor. The duration of this stage can vary, but it often takes a few weeks to finalise the design, select materials, and create a detailed plan.

2. Preparation and Ordering: Once the design is approved, materials such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, and fixtures need to be ordered. This stage can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the availability of materials and any customisations required.

3. Demolition and Preparation: This phase involves removing existing fixtures, appliances, and structures, as well as preparing the space for the new installation. The duration varies based on the extent of demolition required and any necessary structural changes.

4. Installation: This in most cases usually is the most labor-intensive phase, encompassing tasks such as installing cabinets, countertops, and appliances. We do not tend to find that our Kitchens take that long. It’s the opposite when buying bespoke as all the labor-intensive work is done off-site in a factory. Complex installations may take longer to complete. On average, a comprehensive kitchen or interior installation project can take anywhere between one to four weeks depending on the complexity.

5. Final Inspection and Clean-Up: Once the installation is complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure everything is in order and meets your expectations. Any necessary adjustments are made, and the space is thoroughly cleaned.

To get a more accurate estimate for your specific project, it’s recommended to consult with a professional designer or contractor who can assess your requirements and provide a detailed timeline based on your unique circumstances.

Ready to begin your new project with Studio 30 Interiors?

Why not make an appointment and visit Studio 30 Interiors to discuss your new project, free refreshments will be available once greeted by Willow the front of the house assistant.

BOOK NOW: 01202 557363

I just wanted

say a

thank you for your relentless hard work – I thought it was going to be impossible at one or two points but you did it and I cannot thank you enough! You all went way beyond your scope to make sure this happened – and quite simply you are the best mortgage advisors on the planet!

The “Probate Wait”

With an increasing number of authoritative and well-respected organisations promoting a hugely underestimated wait time for the completion of the process of Probate, legal expert Kathryn Loveland-Blockley expresses her sympathy, and frustration, for unrealistic client expectation.

With technology bringing us instant messaging, 24/7 communication and shopping deliveries within a matter of hours, the notion of having to wait for anything seems positively archaic, but in many situations, especially when it comes to the law, it is crucially important to take the time needed to make sure things are done correctly.

I am an Associate in our Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Department, which includes the management of estates and carrying out the wishes of an individual after they have passed away. Very often a grieving family are keen to sort everything out as quickly as possible in order know where they stand, draw a line under their loss and concentrate on the personal challenge of moving on without a loved one in their lives.

However, there is a process where Courts ensure that everything in the deceased’s Will is in order, and all taxes have been paid, before they grant authority to the Executors to start administering the estate. This scrutiny is crucial to protect the interests of all parties including their beneficiaries. I recently had cause to be on the website of Citizen’s Advice when I

noticed their answer to the question ‘How long does it take to get probate or letters of administration?’

After correctly stating ‘The time it takes to get probate or letters of administration varies according to the circumstances,’ the answer went on to say ‘It may only take three to five weeks if there are no complications, inheritance tax is not payable, the estate is straightforward and all forms are filled in properly.’

As my jaw hit the floor, I almost missed the closing sentence ‘However, in more complicated cases, it may take much longer’ as I am sure many people in search of the information would.

The probate registry themselves say the process usually takes up to 16 weeks from submitting the application, and that is if nothing is missing and no further information is required. It can also take longer if a paper application is needed (and, between you and me reader, I have never been able to identify a rhyme or reason as to the order we receive grants.)

I suddenly felt the urge to explore the internet for what other organisations had to say about expectations of how long after paying Inheritance Tax probate is granted, and found

numerous and varied misinformation. One example was the Co-op (which I personally love I must add) which said ‘Once the Inheritance Tax has been paid, HM Revenue & Customs will issue a receipt for this within 4 to 6 weeks’ and after that is sent to the Probate Registry along with the application for the grant of representation, if there are no issues, ‘the grant of representation will usually be issued 2 to 3 weeks later’ No wonder clients are, at best, surprised and, at worst, suspicious of my work ethic when I tell them the realistic timescales for the completion of Probate. I suppose the only thing I can, perhaps foolishly, ask is that people don’t research for themselves on the internet for a soundbite that is designed to attract attention, but instead listen to the person advising them on their particular case.

What I can say is that I am able to ensure the process is thorough and efficient. Due to the delays at the Probate Registry and understandably my clients’ frustrations, I ensure everything is in place as quickly and efficiently as possible so when the application is made, there are no unnecessary delays.

KATHRYN LOVELAND-BLOCKLEY Associate Executive

NEW LIFT PACKAGES | REMOTE LIFT MONITORING REPAIR & MODERNISATION | LIFT MAINTENANCE

When you have a project and a need for a lift, look no further than Bourne Lifts, a leader in Bespoke Lift Installations, Repairs, Maintenance & Removal.

Operating from our new offices at 408 Wimborne Road East, Wimborne offering quality Italian made high spec elevators. Our installations speak for themselves.

We look forward to exceeding your expectations CALL US ON 01202 582923 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BACK TO NATURE –FRESH MINT

I wanted to share with you, something that has really made a difference for me, during these balmy, late Summer evenings. Sometimes it can be easy to forget natures benefits that we have to hand!

After a recent meeting at a client’s house on a humid August afternoon, she brewed a pot of peppermint tea, simply mint leaves freshly picked, popped into a diffuser teapot with hot water. The result - so refreshing, revitalising and actually cooling, especially after a dinner, also helping to aid digestion; a cup of mint tea, 30 minutes before bed time has made such a difference to aid a good night’s sleep.

This led me on to explore the easiest ways of growing herbs to be easily accessible to us all in our homes. Today I focus on mint, next month I will look at what other herbs are simple to grow, useful in cooking and their properties that so many of us are unaware of.

MINT

Actually belonging to the same family of plants as basil, mint has a very different taste, all of its own, with a punchy flavour profile more resilient to heat than basil’s. Ever popular, especially with boiled potatoes, mint finds its way into a great many recipes and is a herb that all kitchens should have a ready supply of.

I certainly will be keeping a selection of herbs on my kitchen windowsill to take me through into the winter months, enhancing our lifestyle and wellbeing, not to mention the beautiful aroma that they bring into our home.

Photo by Abby Boggier on Unsplash

Why a road trip through Italy can be genuinely heavenly

Combine the historical beauty of Rome with a road trip into the hilltop towns of Umbria, says Sarah Marshall.

There’s a lot to gush about in one of the world’s greatest cities – quite literally so on a searingly hot day in July.

I’m stood in a queue, waiting my turn at one of Rome’s 2,500 fountains. Cyclists stop to splash their faces, locals refill their water bottles hurriedly between meetings, and tourists dazed by the Mediterranean sun dunk their heads below cool, running taps.

From opulent showstoppers to more pragmatic stone constructions, free-flowing water from these fontanelle has been quenching thirsts for thousands of years. So cherished by locals, there’s even an app mapping out their locations, and these nasoni (nicknamed after their big nose spouts) were only once tuned off once during a severe drought in 2017.

Both my partner and I have Italian roots – he was born and bred in Sardinia, while my mother spent her childhood in Naples. Every year, we try to visit the country, exploring new areas and appreciating old favourites. This time, we’ve decided to combine town and country by twinning a city break in Rome with a tour of Umbria’s hilltop towns, covering 140km of road and 1,300 years of the past.

No matter how many times you visit Italy’s capital, there’s always something new to discover. Earlier this summer, a new walkway in Largo Argentina square opened up, giving the public access to the spot where Julius Caesar met his bloody end.

Keen to squeeze several key sites into 24 hours, we book a night at the centrally located Hotel Forum. Decorated with tarnished mirrors, worn velvet armchairs and antique Persian rugs, the 18th century building exudes a faded grandeur. A likely setting for an Agatha Christie novel, it has a charm lost by so many of the city’s modern five-star hotels.

But beyond the nostalgic interiors and old school glamour, its biggest selling point is the location: overlooking the ancient plaza where triumphant processions passed between colonnaded temples and decisions impacting the empire were made. Incidentally, amongst the ruins, lies the city’s oldest fountain Lacus Juturnae (Pool of Juturna) built in the second century BC.

Despite the throngs of tourists obediently following guides holding aloft flags, it takes us less than ten minutes to reach the Colosseum. Too hot and bothered to join the snaking queues for tours, we settle for a walk around the exterior instead. Only weeks earlier, a British man was caught defacing the 2,000-year-old monument with graffiti. In his defence, he argued he was unaware the building was so old – which I’d say is arguably a greater criminal offence.

Across town, the Trevi Fountain looks as bright and gleaming as architect Nicola Salvi intended. Any tourists daring to bathe below the Titan’s shell-shaped chariot face fierce punishment, although that doesn’t stop sweaty, tired travellers dipping their hands in the cooling pool.

Rome’s extraordinary art and architecture make it possible to forget about the crowds in peak season. But it’s nonetheless a relief to escape the masses by retreating to one of the city’s rooftop bars. From the new top floor terrace of the iconic Hassler hotel, above the Spanish Steps, we share a bottle of sparkling Ferrari wine with a view of St Paul’s – watching starlings circle the seven hills.

The following day, we exit the city via the Grande Raccordo Anulare (Great Ring Junction) which forms a loop around the outskirts. Admittedly, driving in Italy does at times require nerves of steel. But once we’re past the dual carriageways and beeping horns, the pace relaxes to a point where there’s even time to gaze up at the surroundings.

Multiple signs advertise hot spring ‘terme’ in rural areas of Lazio, but our mission is to reach the medieval hilltop towns of Umbria, tracing the path of the Tiber river. Very soon they appear, tightly clustered around hilltops, often with castle turrets, numerous churches and a clock tower in the centre.

Part of the Perugia province, the high-rise town of Todi perches on the crest of an emerald wave. Honey-hued stone buildings huddle together, connected by sloping streets, stairwells and a funicular. Once voted the best place to live in Italy, it’s clean, quiet and enviably stress free. Empty buildings are advertised for sale in the window of estate agents, clearly aimed at wealthy foreigners – although an Italian couple were responsible for restoring one of the area’s finest manor houses.

When we arrive at Tenuta di Canonica, the door to the medieval lookout tower is unlocked, but nobody appears to be inside. Following several attempts, a

voice from nowhere responds to my calls. But only after poking my head into rooms filled with a grand piano, a well-loved billiards table and antique wooden furnishings topped with family photos, do I realise the greeting has been made by a parrot named Mozart. Capable of mimicking phone rings, human voices and even the cat, his symphony of sounds is impressive.

Our room is in the well-tended gardens, where guests relax next to a pool during the day and dine on a tapas menu of regional cuisine on a veranda at night. We head out along country lanes, crossing the Tiber, for a meal at local trattoria Cibocchi. Paying less than €10/£8 for half a litre of red wine and a pizza so large its crust hangs over the edge of my dinner plate, is a reminder you don’t have to spend big to eat reasonably well in Italy.

ABOVE

Tenuta di Canonica hotel | Citalia/PA

Aside from Todi, there are dozens of tiny towns to explore. Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, may be the most famous – but every place has a story to tell. At Monte Castello di Vibio, I hope to catch a glimpse of the 18th century Concordia theatre. With only 99 seats, it’s purported to be the smallest in the world.

Sadly, it’s under renovation and has been closed for several years. When I ask an attendant dozing off behind the counter of the tiny information office when it might reopen, she shrugs her shoulders.

In some ways, perhaps Italy’s past has been protected by a lack of urgency to move into the future. Frustrating yes, but like the waters perpetually flowing in the Eternal City, the approach is refreshing. Coping with the enormous responsibility of so much history is – after all – exhausting, even more so in the Mediterranean sun.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

Citalia offers a three night B&B trip to the Hotel Forum in Rome and Tenuta di Canonica in Umbria from £2,115 for two adults. Includes return flight and car hire. Price is based on October 8, 2023 departure.

Words by Sarah Marshall, PA

LEFT

Todi | Sarah Marshall/PA

BELOW Tenuta di Canonica hotel

| Citalia/PA

LANGTON LONG, DORSET

A substantial and flexible house suitable for multi-generational living with a lovely mature garden backing onto open fields in a rural but accessible location.

Porch, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, dining room, utility. 3 bedrooms and 3 shower/bathrooms (2 ensuite), 4th bedroom/study

Attached annexe comprising kitchen, open plan living/dining area. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms (1 ensuite). Integral shed and garden store. Ample parking.

GUIDE PRICE £1,100,000

SHILLINGSTONE, DORSET

A detached 1950’s house suitable for refurbishment with about 5 acres of lovely mature garden and small private arboretum creating a lovely setting on the edge of this popular village.

Entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, drawing room, study, snug. 4 double bedrooms and 2 bath/shower rooms. Garage and space for more outbuildings (STPP). In all about 5.29 acres (2.14ha).

GUIDE PRICE £1,050,000

01258 423002

21 Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AU

blandford@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

TARRANT MONKTON, DORSET

An idyllic listed country cottage with separate annexe set in a large private garden of about 1 acre on the edge of a popular picturesque village.

Entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, dining room, study, utility. Principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Annexe comprises open plan kitchen/dining/living room, 2 bedrooms, shower room. Bedroom with ensuite bathroom.

Double garage and store.

GUIDE PRICE £1,150,000

MILTON ABBAS, DORSET

A substantial country home and contemporary annexe approaching 4,000 sq ft with gardens and grounds of about 1.25 acres off the beaten track in a secluded rural setting.

Kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, conservatory and utility. 6 bedrooms and 2 large family bathrooms. Separate annexe comprising office/games/function room with a self- contained one bed flat. Various garden stores. Summer house.

GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

CGI by Kube Visuals Ltd

Ferndown £550,000

Three-bedroom detached bungalow | No onward chain | Ensuite to master | Large conservatory | Quiet setting.

Ferndown £515,000

Three bedrooms | Two shower rooms | Refurbished bungalow | Garden studio | Cul de sac location

Ferndown Guide price £725,000

Four/five bedroom detached family home | Double garage with electric doors | Landscaped garden with BBQ Kitchen and Pizza oven | Luxury Porcelonsa bathroom

Ringwood £265,000

Stunning views | Modernised apartment | Own secluded garden | Garage | New lease | Off road parking

Ferndown £329,950

3 Double bedrooms | Vacant possession | Stunning sun terrace | Favoured Golf Links Road location | Ground Floor | Share of freehold | Garage | Parking

St Ives, Ringwood £759,950

Stunning annexe | 4/5 Bedrooms | 3/4 Receptions | Double garage | Easy access to A31 | Modernised throughout | Large driveway

Wimborne £374,950

Offered with no chain | Three bedroom townhouse | Stunning feature garden | Close to river walks | Close to thatched pub | Two allocated parking spaces | Well manicured grounds | Viewings essential

Corfe Mullen Wimborne £499,950

Four bedroom detached | Stunning character property | Ample off road parking | Good sized rear garden | Bordering open countryside / golf course | Must be viewed

Lytchett Matravers £1,750,000

Stunning large family home | Semi Rural location | Large grounds with Equestrian Potential/planning permission has been granted for four stables | Beautiful far reaching valley views | Completely refurbished throughout

Ferndown £675,000

Large 4/5 bed family home | Rural views | Presented to a high standard | Large double garage | Block paved driveway

Bournemouth £360,000

Semi-detached house | Two bedroom | Two bathroom | Annex | Income Potential | Close to River Stour | Large garden with cabin

Christchurch £610,000

Large 3 bedroom chalet bungalow | Stunning location | Walking distance to River Stour | Twynham School catchment area | 60ft rear garden | Multiple off road parking | Modernised throughout

Coveted sought after semi-rural location | Spectacular Purbeck views | Plot approaching 2 acres including paddock | Five bedrooms

Three bathrooms | 3,000 square ft of luxury living space | Potential to divide for two families or annexe | No onward chain

Ferndown £329,950

Spacious renovated ground floor apartment | Two bedrooms | Newly fitted kitchen | Two recently refitted shower rooms | Private balcony leading onto gardens | Garage and parking | Long lease

St Ives, Ringwood OIEO £600,000

Two/three bedroom | Large detached bungalow | Stunning secluded rear garden | Extremely versatile accommodation | Good school catchment area | Extensive off road parking | Quiet cul-de-sac location

Three double bedrooms | Far reaching bay views | Close to marina | Currently holiday home/ Airbnb | Recently refurbished to a high standard | No chain | Potential income | Two bathrooms | Rear garden | Games room SOLD

SOLD. Winterborne Whitechurch, Blandford Forum £3,000,000

Ten bedrooms | Approx 30 acre equestrian estate | Luxury modern home | Income potential of £150,000 per annum | Annex | Ancillary buildings | Menage | Open rural views

Ower, Romsey £875,000

Stunning lakeside residence | 3 well stocked fishing lakes | Plot of approx. 6 acres | Two-bedroom, two-bathroom property Abundance of wildlife and species | Development potential subject to permission

Lychett Matravers, Poole £1,350,000

Poole £650,000

Incorporating nature’s favourite shade, green furnishings feel fresh and represent a blooming of the biophilic aesthetic.

By Sam Wylie-Harris.

Indeed, boosting your outlook by incorporating plants – we’re not just talking living greenery – can be bright and beneficial. Think flora in the shape of wallcoverings and bedding, upping your five-a-day with stylish cookware and sitting on rich velvets to suit your setting.

From leafy shades to palm prints, these green gems will elevate your space…

WALL

Serendipity Greenhouse Bespoke Mural, Green, £42 per square metre, Graham & Brown | Graham and Brown/PA

When you really want to go for it and create a wonder wall with giant grasses and fabulous foliage, your botanical garden can fit into the smallest of schemes – simply enter the width and height of your walls to customise your greenery.

Glorious ways to bring green into your home

01. WONDER

Russell Hobbs 17 Litre Scandi Green Digital Microwave with Wood Effect, £94.99, Russell Hobbs | Russell Hobbs/PA

Blending function with flair, this Scandistyle 700-watt microwave features eight pre-set cooking menus for a host of dishes, from pizza to seafood.

Hollis Glassware Collection: Set of 4 Wine Glasses, £28, Next | Next/PA

Tailormade for ‘green’ wines such as sauvignon blanc, these ribbed wine glasses will up your topiary-themed tablescape.

Daydreamin’

A candle with benefits… when you want to relax, this green woody scent evokes Mediterranean cypress trees, moss and earthy aromas – with five trees planted for every candle sold.

02. FUNCTION & FLAIR

03. TABLESCAPING

04. EVOKE THE SENSES

Climate Change Scented Candle, £24.50 (was £35), Daydreamin’

Bobbi

Another way to imbibe a tropical paradise, this flora wallpaper is showstopping enough to be framed – so you don’t have to limit yourself to a feature wall. With clever use of mirrors, this bold design ensures your love of living things is planted firmly in your home.

06. REWILDING

Moorland Flora Black Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, from £24 (double), to £32 (super kingsize), Dunelm | Dunelm/PA

When it comes to rewilding your bedroom, these beautiful wild flowers set against a black background, with contrasting red piping, will make every bed the ‘best in show.’ Part of Dunelm’s Natural History Museum collection, the cotton/poly blend offers comfort and style.

07. STYLE UP YOUR SPACE

Serena Dark Green Velvet Bar Stools, £199 each, Danetti | Danetti/PA

Whether you’re entertaining in a dream kitchen or bijou galley, these plush velvet bar stools with quilted chevron detail will style up your space.

05. TROPICAL PARADISE

Beck Flora Vintage Tropical Wallpaper, White, £75 per roll, Bobbi Beck | Bobbi Beck/PA

STOKEWOOD ROAD £725,000

An immaculate, nearly new, detached 4 bedroom family home in this sought after residential location. The property boasts enviable accommodation together with a small secluded rear garden and a spacious integral garage.

THE PENTHOUSE, OCEAN,BOSCOMBE OVERCLIFF DRIVE £1,345,000

Stunning 3 double bedroom duplex penthouse apartment with magnificent, panoramic sea & inland views.

ST. LEONARDS ROAD £485,000

Deceptively spacious and exceptionally well presented family home offers versatile accommodation over 2 floors.

THE COTES, SOUTHCOTE ROAD £129,995

A nearly new, bright and spacious studio apartment within this gated development close to Bournemouth Town centre.

MEYRICK COURT £215,000

A truly fantastic, extensively refurbished bright and spacious apartment situated on the ground floor of this conveniently located apartment block within a short stroll of Bournemouth Town Centre.

DE LISLE ROAD £750,000

Bright and spacious 5 double bedroom detached family home in this sought after residential location.

Join Clark on weekdays at breakfast from 7 am as he wakes you up with all the tunes you need to start the day With local traffic & travel updates throughout the show, lots of great features, and plenty of things to be WIN! Isn't it about time you changed who you wake up with?

Join Clark on weekdays at breakfast from 7am as he wakes you up with all the tunes you need to start the day. With local tra c & travel updates throughout the show, lots of great features, and plenty of things to be WIN! Isn’t it about time you changed who you wake up with?

Join Clark on weekdays at breakfast from 7 am as he wakes you up with all the tunes you need to start the day With local traffic & travel updates throughout the show, lots of great features, and plenty of things to be WIN! Isn't it about time you changed who you wake up with?

Join Clark on weekdays at breakfast from 7 am as he wakes you up with all the tunes you need to start the day With local traffic & travel updates throughout the show, lots of great features, and plenty of things to be WIN! Isn't it about time you changed who you wake up with?

Your chance to get involved with the show comes in the formate of boss's choice

involved with the show comes in the formate of boss's choice. Pitting the boss against Clark with both picking a song every day for the listener to choose a winner To vote and get involved head ove r to our Facebook page @wearehotradio! Songs are chosen at 7am and voting ends at 8:30 am

Your chance to get involved with the show comes in the formate of boss's choice

Your chance to get involved with the show comes in the formate of boss’s choice. Pitting the boss against Clark with both picking a song every day for the listener to choose a winner. To vote and get involved head over to our Facebook page @wearehotradio! Songs are chosen at 7am and voting ends at 8:30 am.

Pitting the boss against Clark with both picking a song every day for the listener to choose a winner To vote and get involved head ove r to our Facebook page @wearehotradio! Songs are chosen at 7am and voting ends at 8:30 am.

Pitting the boss against Clark with both picking a song every day for the listener to choose a winner To vote and get involved head ove r to our Facebook page @wearehotradio! Songs are chosen at 7am and voting ends at 8:30 am.

Then at 9:15, it s all about Hot’s Irrelevant News, showcasing all the bizarre and funny news-stories happening across the world, like a mayor marrying a crocodile, a man having £15,000 worth of surgery to look like a dog, or someone ’ s steak looking like Homer Simpson!

Then at 9:15, it’s all about Hot’s Irrelevant News, showcasing all the bizarre and funny news-stories happening across the world, like a mayor marrying a crocodile, a man having £15,000 worth of surgery to look like a dog, or someone ’ s steak looking like Homer Simpson!

Then at 9:15, it’s all about Hot’s Irrelevant News, showcasing all the bizarre and funny news-stories happening across the world, like a mayor marrying a crocodile, a man having £15,000 worth of surgery to look like a dog, or someone’s steak looking like Homer Simpson!

Then at 9:15, it’s all about Hot’s Irrelevant News, showcasing all the bizarre and funny news-stories happening across the world, like a mayor marrying a crocodile, a man having £15,000 worth of surgery to look like a dog, or someone ’ s steak looking like Homer Simpson!

SOME NEW & EXCITING THINGS ARE COMING TO THE SHOW SOON SO TUNE IN AND BE PART OF IT!

We also can’t forget about Hot’s Positive News live from Poole! Highlighting all the positive things happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

We also can’t forget about Hot’s Positive News live from Poole! Highlighting all the positive things happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

If you want to submit some positive news that’s happened in the local area, go to www hot radio/positivelocalnews/

We also can’t forget about Hot’s Positive News live from Poole! Highlighting all the positive things happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

We also can’t forget about Hot’s Positive News live from Poole! Highlighting all the positive things happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

If you want to submit some positive news that’s happened in the local area, go to www.hot.radio/positivelocalnews/.

If you want to submit some positive news that’s happened in the local area, go to www hot radio/positivelocalnews/

If you want to submit some positive news that’s happened in the local area, go to www hot radio/positivelocalnews/

Some new & exciting things are coming to the show soon so tune in and be a part of it!

HOT RADIO, LIVE & LOCAL BROADCASTS ACROSS BCP ON 102.8FM AND ON DAB, ONLINE AND ON YOUR SMART SPEAKERS ACROSS DORSET.

Hot Radio, Live & Local broadcasts across BCP on 102.8fm and on DAB, Online, and on your Smart Speakers across Dorset.

Hot Radio, Live & Local broadcasts across BCP on 102.8fm and on DAB, Online, and on your Smart Speakers across Dorset.

Walk for a ward close to your heart

Enjoy

Become

Become

Become

Join us and walk for our hospital wards to help enhance the care and treatment of patients accessing NHS services at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Hospitals.

accessing NHS services at the Royal

Join us and walk for our hospital wards to help enhance the care and treatment of patients accessing NHS services at the Royal Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Hospitals.

Sign up here:

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FINES FOR HOUSING ILLEGAL MIGRANTS!

As the channel crossing of illegal migrants keeps going up, the government are looking to crackdown on those who go ‘missing’ and illegal working. New fines proposed to come in later this year, could leave

As the channel crossing of illegal migrants keeps going up, the government are looking to crackdown on those who go ‘missing’ and illegal working. New fines proposed to come in later this year, could leave landlords and employers in a bankruptcy position!

Who is at risk?

Landlords who self-manage their properties could find themselves in the same position if their current tenants immigration visas run out and are not renewed. Presently the fine is £1,000 per occupier

Landlords who have a lodger – presently the fine is Employers – presently £15,000 rising to £45,000 per

A landlord housing a family of 4 whose ‘Right To Rent’ has expired could see themselves with a fine of £40,000 under the new rules. This fine would increase

A landlord with 2 lodgers with no legal status to stay, will see a fine of £10,000. This fine would double to £10,000 per lodger for a repeatable o ence.

LANDLORDS/EMPLOYERS CHECK YOUR TENANTS STATUS TODAY!

Of course, if you are with Move On, we automatically check and have systems in place at the beginning of any tenancy when their ‘right to stay’ is due to renew. Another reason why our landlords can sleep at night knowing we have their legal obligations covered!

At Move On, we are helping landlords sell their tenanted properties to investors. If you would like an informal chat on your options, please Email sharon@moveon.biz or ring me 01202711169.

JOIN OUR

• Landlords who self-manage their properties could find themselves in the same position if their current tenants immigration visas run out and are not renewed. Presently the fine is £1,000 per occupier rising to £10,000 per occupier.

• Landlords who have a lodger – presently the fine is £80 per lodge, the proposed fine is £5,000 per lodger.

• Employers – presently £15,000 rising to £45,000 per worker and £60,000 per worker after first breach.

A landlord housing a family of 4 whose ‘Right To Rent’ has expired could see themselves with a fine of £40,000 under the new rules. This fine would increase to up to £20,000 per tenant for subsequent fines.

A landlord with 2 lodgers with no legal status to stay, will see a fine of £10,000. This fine would double to £10,000 per lodger for a repeatable o ence.

LANDLORDS/EMPLOYERS CHECK YOUR TENANTS STATUS TODAY!

Of course, if you are with Move On, we automatically check and have systems in place at the beginning of any tenancy when their ‘right to stay’ is due to renew. Another reason why our landlords can sleep at night knowing we have their legal obligations covered!

At Move On, we are helping landlords sell their tenanted properties to investors. If you would like an informal chat on your options, please Email sharon@moveon.biz or ring me 01202711169. JOIN

Connect to your own unique MOMENT

From the thought-provoking and reflective to the fun and quirky, Arts by the Sea Festival’s exciting line-up includes Take Ten by Fluid Motion, TEABREAK by Trigger and Black Victorians.

Another intriguing wave of entertainment, music, comedy, theatre and dance, has been announced for Arts by the Sea Festival 2023.

Returning to Bournemouth’s beautiful beaches, gardens and outdoor spaces from Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October, Arts by the Sea Festival is an exhilarating weekend of participatory and accessible art across many forms – and it’s completely free to attend.

Attracting 120,000 visitors each year of all ages, the 2023 programme will follow the theme of MOMENT, where guests are invited to connect to their own unique moment through an intriguing mix of largescale spectaculars, interactive art, and much more.

Newly announced for Sunday at Arts by the Sea is a mass celebration of dance where thousands of festival goers will join together for ‘Break Down Walls’. Cocommissioned with Pavilion Dance South West and choreographed by Jazz Gritt and Victor Fung with music from Town of Cats, this will be a flash mob style moment with everyone from revellers to community dance troupes and schools performing a routine in unison. Learn the simple dance online in advance of the festival with this

video tutorial https://artsbythesea.co.uk/ break-down-walls/. At 4pm sharp, watch or participate in what is set to be a memorable, collective celebration.

The opening for Arts by the Sea on Friday evening has just got even bigger. Bournemouth’s much-loved party brand, The Hush Club has been confirmed to curate the accompanying soundtrack to the mesmerising 3D video projection that will transform the façade of the Civic Centre. From The Hush Club’s famous sequin box, it’ll be serving up cocktails, beers and soft drinks for guests all to linger and enjoy the rolling projections all night long.

The Hush Club will mix things up for the projection mapping on Saturday and Sunday night, ditching the loudspeakers and inviting guests to grab a pair of headphones and listen to their curated soundtrack in their own immersive multimedia art piece. And continuing the party vibes (on Saturday night only from 6pm-8pm), guests can head to the bandstand to catch The Hush Club DJs spinning a selection of tunes that will be hard to resist.

Back by popular demand are Poole-born identical twin brothers, Jason and Adam Dupree, also known as The Working Boys Club. Crowned Associate Artists for Arts by the Sea 2023, they return from their hugely successful performances at Glastonbury with their multi-sensory sound installation, Serving Sounds. This bar serves bass not beer with ordinary items like glasses and beer mats, when touched, create a sound. Fun and playful, this piece was developed to encourage conversations around the topics of mental health, particularly in men.

Amongst all the excitement, there are also thought-provoking and reflective MOMENTS to be had at Arts by the Sea.

Guests are invited to take a moment at Take Ten with Fluid Motion. Sit on a colourful swing chair and be guided by a soundtrack that encourages you to sit comfortably, breathe deeply and be present. Or stop for a TEABREAK at Trigger’s beautifully hand painted Tuk Tuk and enjoy an enthralling audio journey from leaf to cup as it travels from the sounds of tea-pickers in Sri Lanka to the hum of a British café. And from the curious to the engaging, Black Victorians is a powerful, contemporary dance piece, celebrating the often-forgotten diverse black presences in 19th and early 20th Century Britain.

Arts by the Sea is also thrilled to announce the long awaited debut performance from the brand new performance company She Said Jump. ‘The Guy In The Luggage Rack’, combines physical comedy with striking aerial acrobatics, tackling the subjects of grief, memory and relationships in an unmissable performance.

Guests for 2023 can also meet the Olivier Award-winning live artist Miss High Leg Kick in the performance of ‘Eau de Memoire’. This fun and quirky ‘perfumance’ explores the memories evoked by our sense of smell with accompanying smell-along fragrances to bring experiences of places and times to life.

Approximately 100 artists, performers and musicians from the international to the local, will use the power of creativity to ensure every single person has a MOMENT to remember at Arts by the Sea 2023. With much more to be announced, it’s set to be another stimulating year of art and culture, offering depth, insight and excitement. In a lifetime of experiences, it’s the MOMENTS that stand out.

For all the latest announcements, visit www. artsbythesea.co.uk or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @artbythesea.

www.artsbythesea.co.uk

BOURNEMOUTH £480,000

A stunning three bedroom raised ground floor apartment with large lounge diner and two contemporary bathrooms.

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Properties of the month

LANGTON LONG

Guide price £1,100,000

A substantial 3 bedroom house suitable for multi-generational living with a lovely mature garden in a rural but accessible location.

JACKSON STOPS

www.jackson-stops.co.uk 01258 423002

LYCHETT MATRAVERS £1,350,000

Five bedrooms, three bathrooms on a plot approaching 2 acres including paddock with spectacular Purbeck views.

ST QUINTIN PROPERTY GROUP

www.stqpropertygroup.co.uk 01202 877123

BOURNEMOUTH £675,000

A four double bedroom family home with a private south facing garden.

SLADES

www.sladesproperty.co.uk 01202 548855

PENN HILL £725,000

A 3 bedroom, 2 reception room detached Arts and Crafts home offering a wealth of character features and a southerly garden.

HEARNES

www.hearnes.com 01202 377377

MEYRICK PARK £295,000

A well-presented split level two double bedroom maisonette set within a small character converted development.

WINKWORTH WESTBOURNE

www.winkworth.co.uk 01202 767633

POOLE £650,000

Three double bedroom home with rear garden and far reaching bay views, close to marina. Currently holiday home/ Airbnb.

ST QUINTIN PROPERTY GROUP

www.stqpropertygroup.co.uk 01202 877123

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PARTNERS IN DESIGN DORSET

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Have a look at our website to see some examples of our work and what our clients say: www.partners-in-design.co.uk

Don’t moveImprove!

The property market has had huge volatility in terms of prices and a continuing mismatch of supply and demand of stock. The recent lockdowns have led us to really value a home we love, spending time with family as well as embracing the new reality of home working. We are looking for more space and connectivity to outside spaces.

You could consider an extension or a loft conversion. Once finished, the extra light and views a loft offers are a bonus and add value as will a well thought out extension.

Before adding new space it is worth considering how you can remodel and improve the use of existing space. Open plan living continues to be much sought after and so consider combining dining room/casual living/kitchen to create a multi-functional living space. Fewer and larger rooms with clear sight lines will make a house appear more spacious especially if the flooring and wall finishes continue throughout.

If you have an additional room at the back of your property, with a low ceiling and sloping roof, increase the feeling of space by raising the ceiling and benefit from the additional height up to the roof, installing a Velux to create more light.

Consider your garden an extension of your house maybe adding a bespoke conservatory to take advantage of extra light. You may be able to house a home office, gym or outside entertainment space. If lacking space at the rear there may be room to add additional space to the front by creating a contemporary porch. Narrow entrances can get cluttered with coats and shoes. A porch can add dedicated storage space, improve security and prevent heat loss.

With the escalating costs of moving home and the continuing uncertainty of the market it makes sense to consider the option of upgrading your home to create an asset you love and which will return the investment when it is the right time to move.

Call Partners in Design Dorset today on 01305 457727 to see how you can make the best of your home.

We now have two stunning showrooms with offices above and a large manufacturing area with state-of-the-art machinery. We have a team of highly skilled staff, including employed fitters and a Napit registered electrician. We take pride that 80% of our new jobs have come as recommendations from happy customers. Select Interiors also offer supply only furniture to showrooms and tradesmen across the south of the UK, including London, Portsmouth and even one in Jersey.

Select Interiors are specialists in kitchen, bedroom, home office and lounge furniture. However, we also offer everything from a bespoke, made to measure cabinet to a project managed full property refurbishment. We have a team of plasterers, plumbers, builders, decorators, tilers and flooring specialists, who have worked alongside Select for many years. By using the same reliable tradesmen on all their projects, it allows Select Interiors full control when planning and scheduling each trade, leaving you with a stress free experience with only one point of contact needed.

Feel free to visit the beautiful showroom to have a look around, the team will be happy to answer any questions and even arrange a factory tour to see where your furniture will be made. There are a range of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and studies on display in various styles and colours to suite all your needs. We offer an initial free design, providing plans, images and a quotation.

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All the latest kitchen news, offers and our current projects.

ALL FURNITURE SHOWN IN THESE PHOTOS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED AND INSTALLED BY SELECT INTERIORS

Clever kitchen storage solutions to clear the clutter

How to decode the dishevelled dilemma, according to the experts.

It’s the hardest-working room in the house – and hardly surprising your kitchen has to multitask, day in, day out…

“These days, our kitchens are so much more than just a space to cook,” says Mike Norton, trade and projects director at Magnet Trade.

“From home offices and study spots to places to relax and socialise, our kitchens are the hub of many different activities.”

With this, comes a range of belongings that can leave your kitchen looking cluttered, notes Norton, which can often make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.

“If you can cut back on the clutter and create a more streamlined space, you’ll feel happier and more content when using it,” suggests Norton.

However, he says there’s no one solution to a tidy and clutter-free kitchen. “It comes down to organising small parts of your kitchen with clever storage solutions, which will work together cohesively to create an efficient and functional space.’’

Here’s how to rise to the challenge…

RIGHT

Farmhouse style kitchen | Alamy/PA

Have a clear-out

Before delving into the world of storage solutions and their installation, Norton says his top tip is to determine what you actually need to store.

“Go through your kitchen systematically, addressing each drawer or cupboard individually,” advises Norton. “Empty their contents and assess their necessity.

“From duplicate items to utensils you forgot you even had, you’ll quickly realise how much space you can free up from a kitchen clear out.”

Once you’ve refined your possessions – ensuring any unwanted items are sold or donated to charity – he says you’ll be astonished by how much simpler it becomes to arrange and manage a reduced collection.

Install extra shelving inside cupboards

As Norton points out, single-shelf cupboards are one the biggest barriers to maximising storage space. However, he says most cupboards are manufactured with interchangeable shelving meaning that with a little bit of DIY, you can double cupboard capacity – and even create your own custom storage systems.

“Measure the existing shelf and find some new ones of the same size and insert them into the cabinetry with mounting hooks,” says Norton.

“You can layer them at different heights to cater for what you want to store there. Or, you can insert them vertically to create an efficient solution for storing and accessing chopping boards with ease.’’

Extra shelving inside cupboard | Alamy/PA

Decant and label

To streamline the contents of your cupboards, fridges and freezers, get into the habit of decanting products into suitable containers…

“Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but it serves as a great way to reduce the amount of packaging you’re storing – especially for products like cereals, which usually come in bulky boxes,” says Norton.

Our fridges and cupboards often end up harbouring half-empty jars and battered boxes, so choose clear acrylic containers to keep things organised in there, says Norton, and put labels with dates and names on containers. “This helps you keep track of what’s in your kitchen, and encourages you to use what you already have and avoid over-buying.”

Similarly, he says using plastic baskets for storing cleaning products inside your units is a simple way to ensure any spills or leaks will be contained – and units are protected.

Keeping tea bags, coffee and sugar in one basket will make it easy to locate everything you need for a hot drink, alongside keeping your countertops tidier, he adds.

Drawers v shelves

Elizabeth Sherwin, creative director at Naked Kitchens says: “Drawers are brilliant for easy access, but shelves can often allow for greater storage volume.”

She says drawer inserts for cutlery and utensils, spice racks and peg boards are ideal for organisation, allowing you to group items together to make tidying away as pain-free as possible.

Sherwin continues: “Accept that you will need a dedicated dumping ground located at the entrance to the kitchen, as this will be where everybody in the household will drop everything! A drawer stack offers the perfect place for each individual’s things in the neatest way possible.”

Fill empty wall space with open shelving Even after decluttering, cupboard storage can still be difficult to come by…

“That’s where ‘open’ comes in as an easyto-install storage solution,” suggests Norton. “Filling empty wall space with open shelving can double up as both decoration and storage.”

When choosing shelves, he says to opt for brackets that tie in with other finishes in your kitchen.

“So, if you have on-trend brass taps and door handles on your units, choose brass wall brackets to support your shelves and it will create a cohesive feel.”

Fake your own pantry

Pantries might be one of the most desired kitchen features, but we don’t all have the space to cater for a huge walk-in storage sanctuary, says Norton. “You can, however, be clever with your space and create your own mini pantry.”

He continues: “A pull-out larder unit can be squeezed into a narrow space, but still offers ample easy-to-access storage.

“Or, investing in extendable wire baskets that can be fitted into existing cabinetry will give you a similar pantry feel,” adds Norton. “These are ideal for storing items like vegetables and rice – helping to keep your kitchen clutter-free and organised.”

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

LEFT

Kitchen pantry cupboard | Magnet Trade/PA

FAR LEFT Kitchen drawer with dividers | Naked Kitchens/PA

Modern white kitchen with open shelving | Alamy/PA

Bespoke Shutters

Why an Interior Designer is worth the investment...

It may seem an unnecessary expense calling in the services of an Interior Designer, but when eered in the right dire ion by a professional experienced eye could save you the money in wanting to re-decorate again sooner than planned. “Interior design services are no longer ju for the el e” advises Interior Designer Carly House.

1. Hiring the skills of a designer can save you money

The Interior Design service is more a ordable nowadays and when you know we can save you money on your project, it’s the perfect service to have by your side. The experience of a good designer means that you’re going to get the room design right the first time around. No returns because the furniture doesn’t fit, no extra purchases of paints because you decided it was the wrong colour after all, meaning you would absolutely make back the money you spent on the service.

2. Planning on a budget

Deciding where to splurge and where to save is a job in itself, with the expertise of a designer they can help ensure that you complete your design within the budget and make sure you don’t run out of money before it’s complete. I would always advise to bring a designer onto a project sooner rather than later.

3. Beautiful results with the WOW factor

There’s no doubt about it, if you hire a designer, you’ll get a designer finish. We bring unexpected ideas and always look to get the best out of every room.

4. A designer will help you define your style and bring your personality into your home

Not many people know their own style, an Interior Designer should work closely with you to firstly define your personal style and then communicate it e ectively, with heaps of inspiration to help decide the design direction for a room before anything else.

5. Less stressful

Building, renovating or even re-decorating can be stressful, especially when you are inexperienced or trying to juggle your career, family and life. There’s a lot of important decisions to be made to ensure a successful outcome. An Interior Designer takes the guesswork out of decision making and provides reassurance that your project is on track for your desired outcome. An Interior Designer can also open your eyes to choices you didn’t know existed and give you the confidence to try something that you didn’t even know you liked!

T. 07814 876186

PICTURED Carly House, Interior Designer

Here are Carly’s tips on why you should consider an Interior Designer for your next project.

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MOTORING NEWS

Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

ROAD TEST: MG5 – COMFORTABLE CRUISER AND PRACTICAL FAMILY CAR

There are a plethora of Chinese car makers, whether in their own right or more established names now owned by Chinese companies. While some Chinese owned manufacturers are rather upmarket, like Volvo, there are more down to earth, value for money marques that have created their own niche.

One of those names is MG, a famous British brand that was recovered from the ashes of the Rover Group has made a name for practical, stylish and affordable EVs. They started with an EV first in that the MG5 is an all-electric estate car. Now in its second incarnation it’s a more flowing and smoother design but the essentials that made the initial MG5 a hit have all been retained to capitalise on that success.

Priced from £30,995 there are just two models – the SE and Trophy – with a terrific standard equipment list that includes everything from multiple driving modes and

braking regeneration modes to navigation and Car Play and Android Auto, along with LED lighting and high beam assist. The higher trim Trophy model adds such items as heated front seats, privacy glass, auto wipers and a 360 parking camera.

MG’s build quality has improved immeasurably over the years that I have been testing their cars including a much more responsive touch screen system. Placing the charging socket at the front of the car is a clever and practical touch to make charging easier. While some EVs I’ve

tested prove troublesome on the charging front I never had an issue charging the MG5 at any public charging point.

In terms of range the MG can be beaten by a number of other EVs, where it can’t be beaten is on price. Look at the sharply styled MG4 from a whisker under £28k and with the MG5 there just aren’t any other dedicated EV estates so it’s on to a winner already. The MG5, like all EVs, struggles with an abysmal public charging network so longer journeys need planning. On a more local level as a commuter car the MG is a very hard act to beat, it’s more than capable of longer runs providing you know your charge points.

It’s a comfortable cruiser and practical family car that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals, it also offers a better specification in terms of standard equipment.

ROAD TEST: GENESIS GV60BENTLEYESQUE STYLING AND AN IMPOSING STANCE

MOTORING NEWS

Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

For a brand new marque Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has made an impressive start and with their first all-electric model, the GV60, the good news continued. As part of Hyundai, whose own EVs are good sellers and very popular, the technology base for Genesis is a proven one.

All Genesis models are head turners, it’s a mixture of Bentleyesque styling and an imposing stance that sets them apart from other luxury models. They have the ability to immediately make you feel that you are in something rather upmarket and special. There is a real feeling of quality in everything

you can see and touch with some splendid detail touches from quilted stitched seating to slim linear air vents.

The GV60 has three versions - Premium, Sport and Sport Plus - with prices starting at £53,905 and standard equipment across the board including full LED lights with high beam assist, double glazed soundproofed glass with solar glass at the front, wireless

ROAD TEST: MG5 – COMFORTABLE CRUISER AND PRACTICAL FAMILY CAR

There are a plethora of Chinese car makers, whether in their own right or more established names now owned by Chinese companies. While some Chinese owned manufacturers are rather upmarket, like Volvo, there are more down to earth, value for money marques that have created their own niche.

One of those names is MG, a famous British brand that was recovered from the ashes of the Rover Group has made a name for practical, stylish and affordable EVs. They started with an EV first in that the MG5 is an all-electric estate car. Now in its second incarnation it’s a more flowing and smoother design but the essentials that made the initial MG5 a hit have all been retained to capitalise on that success.

Priced from £30,995 there are just two models – the SE and Trophy – with a terrific standard equipment list that includes everything from multiple driving modes and

braking regeneration modes to navigation and Car Play and Android Auto, along with LED lighting and high beam assist. The higher trim Trophy model adds such items as heated front seats, privacy glass, auto wipers and a 360 parking camera.

MG’s build quality has improved immeasurably over the years that I have been testing their cars including a much more responsive touch screen system. Placing the charging socket at the front of the car is a clever and practical touch to make charging easier. While some EVs I’ve

phone charging, smart cruise control, power seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats and artificial leather upholstery.

On the road the GV60 feels and drives like it looks, premium luxury. You expect an electric car to be quiet but there’s usually a hum from the electric motor and a touch of road

and tyres noise. Not in the Genesis! It is one of the smoothest and quietest cars you’re ever likely to travel in, even by EV standards. It’s also one of the most comfortable and even the lead-in model test model performs well with the benchmark 62mph passing by in 7.5 seconds.

tested prove troublesome on the charging front I never had an issue charging the MG5 at any public charging point.

There’s a decent range with the lead-in Premium version covering 321 miles and even in real world driving around 290 should be possible. As ever though that changes with the weather conditions and where you’re driving, in the depths of winter I think mid-200s in range would be realistic.

In terms of range the MG can be beaten by a number of other EVs, where it can’t be beaten is on price. Look at the sharply styled MG4 from a whisker under £28k and with the MG5 there just aren’t any other dedicated EV estates so it’s on to a winner already. The MG5, like all EVs, struggles with an abysmal public charging network so longer journeys need planning. On a more local level as a commuter car the MG is a very hard act to beat, it’s more than capable of longer runs providing you know your charge points.

Likes include being able to turn off the dreaded lane-keep easily and quickly, excellent levels of space inside, solid build quality and a light and airy feel compared to many rather claustrophobic interiors. One thing that surprised was the lack of a rear wiper. I’m sure Genesis would say it doesn’t need one but, trust me, if you’re in the wrong kind of weather it needs a rear wiper.

It’s a comfortable cruiser and practical family car that brings a green touch at a more affordable price than many rivals, it also offers a better specification in terms of standard equipment.

It may not be mainstream but that can be a distinct advantage in terms of exclusivity, and I suspect any buyers venturing into a Genesis, EV or otherwise, will be smitten.

ROAD TEST: TOYOTA BZ4X - DESPITE THE RATHER BORING NAME IT’S AN INTERESTING CAR

BZ4X is probably one of the strangest names ever for a car, and appears to have been spared any imagination in Toyota’s vehicle naming department. It’s not as random as it may appear though, the ‘BZ’ stands for Beyond Zero, so you may guess from that it’s an EV, and the 4X signifies the size and type within Toyota’s hierarchy. Despite the rather boring name it’s an interesting car.

It’s Toyota’s first EV, surprising when you consider they were pioneers having launched the first Prius Hybrid back in the mid-nineties. Four trim levels, two and fourwheel-drive and comprehensive standard equipment across the board make the BZ4X a tempting package.

Range varies whether you select two or fourwheel-drive and surprisingly the wheel size. The highest range quoted by Toyota is 317 miles in the two-wheel-drive and 286 miles with four-wheel-drive. As with all EVs that’s not up to combustion engine range and of

course the EV charging network, although improving, is not improving anywhere near fast enough to make longer journeys a worryfree experience. It almost goes without saying if you’re read any of my EV reviews, that they make great commuter cars.

The BZ4X is, as one would expect from Toyota, aimed at making life practical with an extremely generous amount of space inside the car and lots of storage. It is a large car too and the build quality is pretty good, but given it’s a Toyota one almost expects that to be the case.

As with the external looks the interior is a bit Marmite, some will love it, and some won’t. The usual pattern of a large central screen is adopted, the low level steering wheel obscures some of the driver information screen but like many things you soon acclimatise and these aren’t huge issues.

On the road there’s a distinct absence of road noise and despite its lofty stature and complaint ride the BZ4X makes admirable progress along twisting lanes. Rough roads, and there’s lots to choose from in the UK, make little disturbance to the ride and while not sporty it’s a decent drive.

Like most EVs the BZ4X isn’t cheap with prices starting from £46,110, but you do get an awful lot of car for your money. The fact it’s a Toyota will also count for a lot with practical folk and those who want to go safely green with useable and family friendly transport.

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WHETHER IT’S YOUR FIRST , NEXT OR DREAM CAR , WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

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RB Prestige is family-run car dealership which offers an honest, simple and more empathetic way of purchasing, funding and managing your car. Whether you are looking for that dream car you have always wanted, the perfect family car to conquer the school run or that all important first car to get you on the road in style.

If your vehicle cannot be found in the Wimborne showroom, Rob’s contacts allow us to source all types of vehicles nationally, and even internationally. The RB Team go to the

ends of the country to personally inspect, collect and deliver any vehicle. Where possible, we don’t use drivers or delivery firms – we do it all ourselves to ensure that you are getting exactly what was promised. With just a few clicks on our unique online ‘Source My Vehicle’ tool (or a call to the team) we can get the wheels turning on your exciting journey!

Over time, we have built up extensive connections in the motor trade which leave us well placed to source those hard to find cars or save you endlessly searching for a suitable car. If you would like assistance give us a call and tell us exactly what you are looking for or give us your list of criteria and we will go to work!

How to grow your own blackberries

They’re easy to grow and you’ll save money, says Hannah Stephenson.

It’s blackberry season, and if you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside or near hedgerows, you could be picking tubs of them now to freeze, rather than spending £2 a punnet at the supermarket.

Blackberries are delicious in crumbles, compotes, jams and mousses, or added to cocktails and syrups. But if you’re in an urban area, which doesn’t have a ready supply of brambles for foraging, these delicious fruits are really easy to grow – even if you don’t have much space.

There are compact varieties, thornless types and various hybrids, including tayberries and loganberries, all of which are not difficult. Here’s what you need to know…

ABOVE

Mixed berry (raspberry, blackberry) crumble | Shutterstock RIGHT

Blackberries | Alamy/PA

Easy to grow

Blackberries can thrive in most situations, including exposed areas, north-facing plots and in clay soil, although the ideal situation is in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Plant bare-rooted canes in November or December.

Good for camouflage

If you want to hide an unsightly fence in your garden, choose a modern blackberry variety. Long, arching canes may give you up to 25lbs of fruit per plant and the plant may remain productive for around 20 years. You can attach wire horizontally along the fence and train the blackberry stems to it.

Need support

If you don’t have a fence or shed to support them, put up a post and galvanised wire fence about 5ft high, with two or three horizontal wires spaced evenly apart, spanning around 3m (10ft), training the stems along the wire with soft twine. You can train a more compact variety against a fence which spans 1.8m (6ft).

Smaller plots are fine

If you have a small plot, go for a compact variety such as ‘Loch Tay’, which has short, thornless canes.

May suit vertical planting

Instead of planting an ornamental climber, consider a thornless blackberry such as ‘Oregon Thornless’ or ‘Loch Ness’ to climb over a pergola, which should give you plenty of fruit for those autumn pies and won’t scratch you when you brush past them.

Growing maintenance

Make sure the ground is well weeded before you plant, and keep it clear of weeds while the blackberry canes are growing. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil before planting, water the plants regularly in dry weather, and keep the soil moist when the fruit is set. Mulch in spring with compost or well-rotted manure, then add a general purpose feed and water it in.

Protect from birds

Visiting birds will take their share of ripening berries, so protect the fruits with netting.

How to prune

Blackberries can be pruned after harvesting in summer or autumn. Fruit is produced on two-year-old canes (the previous season’s growth). So, in the first year of planting, canes produce shoots from the soil and put on several metres of growth. The following year, lateral shoots appear on the long stems. These shoots flower and produce fruit in the summer, then die off in winter.

Keep this year’s fruiting canes separate from young new canes by tying new canes in a vertical bunch in the centre, and then training them along the top wire, and tying the fruiting canes to the wires below. When all the fruit has been picked, the old canes can be cut back. Then you can lower the new canes, which have been growing vertically on to the wires below, which will provide next year’s fruit.

While blackberries are hardy, you may have to remove frost-damaged growth in spring, cutting back dead shoot tips.

When to harvest

Pick when the fruits are coloured and you can pull each blackberry gently away from the stem. If you pick overripe fruits, they all but disintegrate in your hand. Harvest them on dry days and freeze immediately if you want them for later.

Some will be ready in late summer, others in autumn depending on the variety. Good varieties include ‘Veronique’, a thornless type with a semi-upright habit, which is suitable for fanning over a 6ft fence panel and produces fruits in late summer. Plus ‘Black Butte’, a vigorous type, which produces berries twice the size of many blackberries, and ‘Loch Ness’, which has stout stems requiring little support and should be ready for picking in late August and September.

How to freeze

Give the harvested fruit a quick wash in a colander, put the berries on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can bag them up and return them to the freezer. They should be good for around six months.

Words by Hannah Stephenson, PA

Here is a little inspiration on how to cook up a storm with your blackberry crop...

Alamy/PA

Alamy/PA

INGREDIENTS

50ml milk (whole or semi-skimmed)

3 medium free-range egg yolks

85g caster sugar

300ml single cream

400g sliced brioche, cut into quarters

150g blackberries

Handful chopped pistachios

Clotted cream, to serve

Generous 1⁄2tsp good saffron threads

6 cardamom pods, seeds ground

Shahi tukra bread and butter pudding

SERVES 6-8

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C fan/170°C/gas 3. Heat the milk in a small saucepan and add the saffron. Turn off the heat and let it infuse.

2. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with the caster sugar, single cream and ground cardamom seeds. Arrange the sliced brioche and blackberries in a buttered roasting tin or flan dish and pour over the eggy custard.

3. Use the back of a teaspoon to mash the saffron into the milk (this will release more colour), and then carefully drizzle this all over the pudding. Scatter with the pistachios and then transfer to the oven to bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top. Serve immediately with clotted cream.

Do use the best saffron you can find. I find the Belazu brand consistently good and wonderfully aromatic, but other supermarket brands of saffron less so.

Recipe from India Express: Fresh And Delicious Recipes For Every Day by Rukmini Iyer, published by Square Peg.

David Loftus/PA Photos

Apple & blackberry bake

INGREDIENTS

200g soft unsalted butter

150g caster sugar

300g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and thickly sliced

2 pinches of ground cinnamon

1 punnet blackberries, about 160g

2 eggs

120g ground almonds

Vanilla ice cream, to serve

INGREDIENTS

600g blackberries

Juice of ½ lemon

175g caster sugar

5 leaves of gelatine

150ml pouring double cream

2 egg whites

To serve:

50g blackberries

Icing sugar, for dusting

100ml whipped cream

SERVES 4-6

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan, Gas Mark 4. Spread 80g of the butter all over the base of a 26 x 20 centimetre baking dish, then pour 60 grams of the sugar over the butter and give the dish a gentle shake to cover evenly.

2. Arrange the apple slices overlapping to cover the butter and sugar. Sprinkle over the cinnamon, then arrange the blackberries evenly over the apples.

3. Beat the remaining butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the ground almonds, then spread the mixture over the fruit.

4. Bake for 45 minutes to one hour until golden brown and starting to caramelise at the edges. Leave to sit for 10 minutes before serving with a scoop of your favourite vanilla ice cream.

Recipe from At Home: My Favourite Recipes For Family And Friends by Monica Galetti is published by Aster.

Wild bramble mousse

1. You will need a 1.1 litre (2 pint) glass dish or six small dishes.

MAKES 6

2. Tip the blackberries, lemon juice and 75g of the caster sugar into a saucepan. Stir, cover the pan and simmer for five to eight minutes until soft. Pass the blackberries through a sieve back into the pan, then discard the seeds. Reheat until piping hot.

3. Put the gelatine leaves into a bowl of cold water and leave for five minutes. Squeeze the water from the gelatine leaves and add them to the hot blackberry juice. Stir until dissolved. Set the mixture aside until it is cold and has thickened slightly.

4. Whip the cream to soft peaks. In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites, adding the remaining 100g of caster sugar a teaspoon at a time. Keep whisking until all the sugar has been incorporated and the whites are stiff and look like a cloud (as for a meringue). Take care not to over whisk or it will be tricky to incorporate the egg whites into the blackberries.

5. Add two large tablespoons of the whipped cream to the blackberry and gelatine mixture and stir in gently. Carefully fold in the rest of the cream and the egg whites until the mixture is smooth and light, with no white bits visible. Pour into the dish or dishes and place in the fridge for about six hours, or ideally overnight, to chill and set.

6. Decorate with a few blackberries, dust with icing sugar and serve with some whipped cream.

Recipe from Simple Comforts by Mary Berry is published by BBC Books.

Laura Edwards/PA

INGREDIENTS

For the lemon cream:

2 large unwaxed lemons with unsprayed leaves

150g caster sugar

150ml double cream

300g mascarpone

For the berries:

250g mulberries or blackberries

150ml good red wine

60g golden caster sugar

1tbsp honey

Sicilian lemon cream with stewed berries

SERVES 4

1. Zest the lemons and squeeze the juice; you need 80ml juice. Put the lemon zest and 80ml juice in a saucepan with the sugar. Heat over a medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from the heat and keep warm.

2. In a separate pan, heat the cream and mascarpone over a medium-low heat, bringing just to a simmer – do not let it boil (otherwise it may separate). Remove from the heat, add the lemon mixture and whisk. Cool slightly, then strain through a fine sieve into bowls. Cool completely, then leave in the fridge for at least eight hours or until firm and chilled.

3. While the lemon cream is chilling, prepare the stewed berries. Place the fruit in a saucepan, just cover with water and add the wine, sugar and honey. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes or until the fruits are very tender but still holding their shape. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fruits from the liquid to cool. Boil the remaining liquid until syrupy. Let this cool, then pour over the berries. Chill.

4. To serve, spoon some of the berries on to each cream. Delicious with biscotti.

Recipe from Sicilia by Ben Tish is published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

Kris Kirkham/PA

Make waves with a wedding to remember

With sweeping views across Poole Bay, our beautiful and contemporary waterfront setting provides a stunning backdrop to your special day. Soak up the atmosphere, watch boats sail past, and enjoy your evening as the sun sets over the water.

RNLI.org/weddings Tel 01202 336141

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; It must be believed to be seen!

Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it in dew, cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? The candy man can!

My earliest memory of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is watching it at my grandparents’ house as a child. To this day hearing any mention of it takes me straight back there, and listening to Pure Imagination is guaranteed to bring a lump to my throat! Luckily, as an adult I am a little less wary of the Oompa Loompas as I was back then, so I couldn’t resist a trip to Mayflower Theatre to watch this latest adaptation of a classic well-loved story.

The story may be famous but in case anyone needs a little recap; when Charlie Bucket finds one of the five golden tickets to the Wonka Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the other winners can’t wait to feast on the sweets of their dreams. But beyond the gates, they discover more than just remarkable edible delights. As they embark on an extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s marvellous mind, they soon learn that nobody leaves the same way that they arrived…

With his quirky quips and jaunty moves, Gareth Snook captured the essence of what makes the Willy Wonka character so renowned. Commanding the stage, he invited the audience in by addressing them as if part of the show, this was extremely engaging and made you feel like you to were a golden ticket winner.

Unsurprisingly Pure Imagination was a show-stopping number! They captured the magic of a song that we know and love, with the added touch of spellbinding light tricks dancing around the stage, they really brought home the powerful and emotional words of the song.

took a slightly different take on the Oompa Loompas – styling them as robots with ever changing accessories to represent traits of each child! They offered a great, sometimes blunt, narrative to the antics of the children, creating an entertaining ensemble each time they appeared on stage.

If you need a little escapism the theatre is the perfect place to get lost in a little imagination if only for a couple of hours. Check out the What’s On page on the Mayflower’s website www.mayflower.org.uk to see what future shows they have coming up. Or follow them on Instagram @mayflowertheatre to keep up to date with show announcements!

On the night Charlie Bucket was played by Harmony Raine-Riley who captivated the audience with the opening number and she kept up the same energy throughout, making us fall in love with Charlie. You couldn’t help but root for her as she created a sweet and humble character who, despite the hardships of life, kept hope alive and chose to dream big.

For me, Grandpa Joe captured my heart. The charismatic portrayal by Michael D’Cruze had me grinning from ear to ear as we saw him come to life with renewed vigour, testing his legs and dusting off his suit to join Charlie on an adventure - showing us what a little hope can do for a person!

The witty commentary of the slightly sinister looking Oompa Loompas had the audience chuckling along. This production

Words by Vicky Anscombe

ABOVE (LEFT TO RIGHT)

Jessie-Lou Harvie, Gareth Snook and Harmony Raine-Riley

LEFT (LEFT TO RIGHT)

Michael D’Cruze (Grandpa Joe), Kate Milner-Evans, Julie Mullins, Christopher Howell | Photo by Johan Persson

Fantastic party options & menus including entertainment. Reserve your booking now from just £5pp deposit! Now also taking bookings for our Festive Tribute Nights and Lunches

a

EVERYONE IS WELCOME: EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY

Embrace personal growth, connect with likeminded individuals and achieve your fitness goals

One of the core tenets of Train Elite is inclusivity. Regardless of your age, background, or current fitness level, everyone is welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps towards an active lifestyle, you’ll find a supportive environment where you are accepted for who you are. Train Elite is a place where you can embrace your unique journey and experience personal growth without fear of judgment. Our diverse community celebrates individuality and encourages you to become the best version of yourself.

Fun and enjoyment: workouts that inspire and excite Train Elite offers an array of exhilarating group classes that add enjoyment and variety to your fitness routine. From high-intensity HIIT Bootcamp workouts that push your limits to invigorating Boxing, Strength & Conditioning sessions, and even calming Yoga practices, there’s something for everyone. Alongside fellow members, you’ll celebrate achievements, find inspiration, and create a memorable workout experience filled with laughter and camaraderie. At Train Elite, training is not a chore but a joyful journey.

Join the Train Elite community today

We invite you to come and experience Train Elite first hand. Step inside our facility, meet our passionate team, and take advantage of our complimentary 3-session trial. Discover a fitness community that goes beyond the ordinary, where personal growth, lasting connections, expert guidance, inclusivity, and fun converge to help you achieve your fitness goals.

T. 01202 017007

E. rob@trainelite.co.uk www.trainelite.co.uk

INIPI CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

You may know INIPI as Beauty & Healthy Living but I’ve pushed the boundaries a bit further and decided to leap out of my comfort zone and expand into other things I love and share my passion for fashion!

There will be sizes available for every size customer small to XXL. This is very important to me as I’ve never been a fan of exclusion in any shape or form. The clothing merchandise will be relaxed and trendy. You can wear your fashion choices with confidence and let others admire your new found fashion inspiration. As an American born in the Midwest I’ve worked hard to create that vibe in accessories and all merchandise. Looking for unique statement pieces? You can chill now... I’ve got you!

PICTURED ABOVE: A sneak peak at one of the beautiful reversible Kimonos and many more here in stock.

T. 01202 417812 | E. hello@inipi.co.uk W. www.inipi.co.uk Follow us @inipibeauty

Quit talking, start doing!

A very belated happy New Year to you all. As always there is none of this ‘new year, new me’ malarkey from us – it’s new year same us… just even better!

We have a great new deal for any ladies out there considering starting with us the amazing Wassmuffin Mixed Martial Arts Academy have teamed up with the equally amazing FUC Clothing to bring you ladies a fantastic offer not to be missed.

You can buy any of the FUC leggings and a FUC T-shirt for £25 (this is a bargain as normally the clothing would be £55 on its own). Once purchased this enables you to book 12 sessions within 30 days. These sessions include all of the lady classes we run per week; Wednesday at 6pm, Friday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 10am.

It also includes access to Wednesday and Friday Mixed Thai Boxing classes at 9:30am and our Wednesday morning Bootcamp at 6:30am and Saturday at 12pm (which is an hour and a half class – both mixed).

At Wassmuffin we are lucky enough to be running three ladies classes a week which are incredibly popular with our members. Two are run by the incredible Isa who joined us six years ago to ‘become fitter’ but has since not only become part of our fight team but is also a knowledgeable and invaluable coach. Her classes are energetic and technical but also basic enough for beginners to join, even if you don’t have any previous experience in Thai boxing. Then we have Alex and Gemma teaching our bootcamp classes. Alex with a wealth of experience and Gemma, having joined us

six years ago mainly wanting to lose some baby weight, is now teaching for us. Both are invaluable members of our team.

You will have me, Lottie, for the Sunday ladies class and the two morning mixed classes. I have been teaching for over 10 years and love it. The classes are high energy fun with basics but also technical too, so a real mixed bag!

You will have 30 days to pick which classes suit your lifestyle. So that’s 28 sessions per month that we run for you to pick your 12 sessions from. We are flexible so you can be!

The feed back at Wassmuffin’s is always incredible and we have amazing members and clients who are supportive and fun. The main comment we hear is; “we are like one big family”, and one you will love being part of. Make the move today – you won’t regret it! And you’ll even have some new gym kit to start your sessions in. FUC is a 5 star clothing brand with a big story behind it. It’s a win win situation.

www.fucclothing.com

Support your local independent restaurants; They need you!

In bygone years, the restaurant scene in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole flourished with an array of diverse, independent eateries. These local gems contribute to the vibrant culinary landscape of the region, providing unique flavours and dining experiences. However, in the face of challenging times, these independent restaurants are disappearing and they need your support more than ever. As the owner of the Fired Up Collective and the campaign group The Wonky Table, I’m passionate about raising awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses - they are the lifeblood of the local economy.

Independent restaurants offer something a chain can’t – soul, they showcase creativity and passion and welcome you with open arms – not just begrudgingly serve you. From authentic Thai cuisine to Pan-african, our establishments create flavours that cannot be replicated elsewhere – and especially not in a chain restaurant! They contribute significantly to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and supporting other local suppliers. By supporting them, you are helping maintain a community – and these businesses need you more than ever.

So next time you eat out, think, make it a point of visiting your favourite independent restaurant. Share your dining experiences on social media, leave positive reviews,

and recommend these establishments to friends and family. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool that can attract new customers and ensure the longevity of local restaurants. Many independent restaurants organise special events, such as wine tastings, themed dinners, or live music nights. By participating in these events, you not only have a great time but also support the restaurant’s efforts to engage the community. Collaborate and build partnerships with these local restaurants as they are the ones that offer up charity prizes for School raffles, help support local charities and employ you’re 16 year old in their first job.

The local independent restaurants in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole are the heart and soul of our communities. By supporting them, we not only savour exceptional flavours and experiences but also contribute to the economic and cultural fabric of our towns. Each visit, recommendation, or social media post can make a real difference in ensuring their survival.

Let’s join hands and rally behind these cherished establishments, showing them that we value and appreciate their presence. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the local dining scene and preserve what at the end of the day is something you will really miss when they are gone.

So next time you eat, eat local and eat independent! It’s not as easy as you would think… look into the place you’re eating at before you go, I bet you’ll find one of your favourite ‘local venues’ is actually in fact a well-hidden chain.

Words by Andy Lennox Founder of the Fired Up Collective. Nusara Thai, Zim Braai &

The

Old Thatch Local. Independent. Boutique. Hospitality the Old Way

Founder of The Wonky Table a hospitality triage network

www.firedupcollective.co.uk

The Drifters Girl

Casting announced for the UK and Ireland tour of the acclaimed new musical

Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce casting for the firstever UK and Ireland tour of The Drifters Girl, the acclaimed new West End musical which tells the remarkable story of one of the world’s greatest vocal groups and the woman who made them.

Carly Mercedes Dyer, former star of Six the Musical and who delighted audiences with her performances as Erma in Anything Goes, will play music industry changemaker, Faye Treadwell.

Carly will star alongside Ashford Campbell (who hit UK screens in ITV’s The X Factor as member of The Risk and now continues his journey with The Drifters Girl having performed as part of the West End company),

Miles Anthony Daley (Tina Turner: The Musical, Aldwych Theatre; Choir of Man, Arts Theatre), Tarik Frimpong (The Wiz, Hope Mill Theatre; Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre) and Dalton Harris, who won The X Factor in 2018.

Today’s casting announcement also welcomes Jaydah Bell-Ricketts (A Little Princess, Royal Festival Hall; School Of Rock, Gillian Lynne Theatre) to her first touring role as Girl.

Completing the cast is Loren Anderson, Tre Copeland-Williams, Ethan Davis, Matthew Dawkins and Linseigh Green.

Having played to packed houses and nightly standing ovations at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End (following a triumphant

run at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal), the production recently announced a UK Tour to open in 2023, with performances beginning at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, on Tuesday 12th September 2023.

Telling the remarkable story of The Drifters, one of the world’s greatest vocal groups, and the truth about the woman who made them. Faye Treadwell is the legendary manager of The Drifters who fought for three decades alongside her husband (George Treadwell) to turn Atlantic Records’ hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.

From the highs of hit records and sellout tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world’s first African American female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved. Thirty years and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.

The Drifters Girl boasts an incredible soundtrack of some of the most famous songs in history, including Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, Kissin In The Back Row Of The Movies, Stand By Me, Come On Over To My Place, Saturday Night At The Movies and many more.

The Drifters Girl, with a book by Ed Curtis, is based on an idea by Tina Treadwell and is co-created by Beverley Knight, Adam J Bernard, Tarinn Callender, Matt Henry and Tosh Wanogho-Maud. It is directed by Jonathan Church. Set design is by Anthony Ward, choreography by Karen Bruce, costume design by Fay Fullerton, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall, video design by Andrzej Goulding, orchestrations by Chris Egan and Will Stuart as Musical Supervisor.

Tickets for The Drifters Girl (Tuesday 12 –Saturday 16 September 2023) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

What’s on IN SEPTEMBER

With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

A MIDSUMMER

NIGHT’S DREAM

07 & 08 SEPTEMBER

Off West End Award nominated theatre company, Bear in the Air Productions will be performing A Midsummer Nights Dream on the Sea Terrace at RNLI College on Thursday 7 September and Friday 8 September at 5.45pm. Performance time 2 hours.

This family friendly event will take place outside with unallocated seating provided. Tickets available online at midsummernightstour.co.uk. Food and drink will be available to purchase from Riggers Restaurant or for a table reservation call 0300 300 7654. In the event of bad weather this performance with take place in the Waterfront Suite at RNLI College. Free parking is available on site.

CAPTAIN SANDY LIVE

21 SEPTEMBER

Returning on stage due to phenomenal demand following her one-night West End engagement at the Lyric Theatre, Captain Sandy – the undeniable star of the smash-hit reality series Below Deck Mediterranean – will be bringing Captain Sandy Live to Lighthouse Poole.

Captain Sandy Yawn will share everything her fans want to know about life at the helm from the stunning locations and pinpoint precision parking to the never-ending drama on board the superyacht. The evening will be hosted by author, broadcaster, and LGBTQ+ advocate Riyadh Khalaf with musical performances by the astonishing Leah Rae.

EARLY MORNING YOGA AND BREAKFAST

06, 13, 20 & 27 SEPTEMBER

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful location whilst local yoga teacher and meditation master, Sonja Lockyear, guides you through a one-hour yoga session followed by a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by local plant-based chef Wylde Green Kitchen. Tickets cost £35 this price includes boat, entry, Yoga & breakfast. The boat departs from Sandbanks (NOT Poole) at 08:00 from the National Trust jetty adjacent to the Sandbanks chain ferry. Allow enough time to park your car there is metered roadside parking on the peninsula, the car park to the left of the chain ferry is for one hour ONLY.

BROWNSEA ISLAND

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

SUMMER OF GAMES

AUGUST - 10 SPETEMBER

As you explore the castle ruins you will discover games and activities new and old. From lively activities like archery, cornhole, tug of war and skittles to more sedate games such as Jenga and quoits, there’s something for everyone. Visit their accessible lodge to try out the summer sensory space with sensory and magnet boards, located in a quieter corner of the castle grounds.

SEA TERRACE, RNLI COLLEGE

www.midsummernightstour.co.uk

LIGHTHOUSE POOLE

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

CORFE CASTLE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

GREATEST DAYS

26 - 30 SEPTEMBER

ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

29 SEPTEMBER01 OCTOBER

Dates for your diary

FAIRY AND DRAGON TRAILS

JULY - 10 SEPTEMBER

MINTERNE MAGNA www.minterne.co.uk

INTO THE WILD SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

JULY - 01 OCTOBER

COMPTON ACRES www.comptonacres.co.uk

ELVIS TRIBUTE CRUISE

08 SEPTEMBER

Relight Your Fire with this sensational new production of Take That’s smash hit musical Greatest Days. Greatest Days features more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs, alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love and laughter from Tim Firth, the award-winning writer of Calendar Girls, that will make your heart Shine.

The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in the 1990s, who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Day of their lives.

Greatest Days stars Jennifer Ellison, best known as Emily Shadwick in Brookside, and now returning to the stage after acclaimed performances in Chicago, Legally Blonde and Calendar Girls.

MAYFLOWER THEATRE

www.mayflower.org.uk

Arts by the Sea brings together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more, in one unique and celebratory festival.

Arts by the Sea is now expanding into Christchurch and Poole, and they also bring cultural experiences out into neighbourhoods, working with schools and communities across the area. Bringing you inspirational experiences in one of the most beautiful locations in the country and put inclusivity, diversity and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

www.artsbythesea.co.uk

CITY CRUISES POOLE www.cityexperiences.com

SWANAGE

FOLK FESTIVAL

08 - 10 SEPTEMBER

SANDPIT FIELD

SWANAGE www.swanagefolkfestival.com

INSIDE OUT DORSET

15 - 24 SEPTEMBER

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

www.activateperformingarts.org. uk/whats-on/inside-out-dorset/

It is time to TAKE A BREAK

Pop the kettle on, put your feet up and take 10 minutes to engage your brain and solve these simple puzzles.

DOWN CRYPTIC CLUES

1. Impulsiveness (11)

9. Possess (3)

10. Punctuation mark (9)

11. Slightly drunk (5)

13. Female singer (7)

14. Stampede (6)

16. Negligent (6)

18. Raise (7)

19. Vapour (5)

20. Foolishness (9)

21. Merriment (3)

22. Rude (3-8)

2. Peg (3)

3. Unpleasant (5)

4. Nearly (6)

5. Refugee (7)

6. Loquacious (9)

7. Dispute (11)

8. Ratification (11)

12. Continuous (9)

15. Sports ground (7)

17. Kindly (6)

19. Manner (5)

21. Charge (3)

LAST ISSUES SUDOKU SOLUTION

MOLE AND SKIN CANCER SCREENING

Dr Julia Martin MBBS, Dermatology Doctor Dr Liliana Luna MBBS, Dermatologist Nikki Woodward | RGN Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse

Dr Helen Robertshaw Consultant Dermatologist FRCP

PORTMAN STONE

Dorset’s Favourite Worktop Supplier

Quartz, Granite, Porcelain & Marble Worktops

With over 30 years of experience, Portman Stone offer an amazing bespoke worktop service in the whole of Dorset. With over 1000 slabs of quartz and granite in stock, you are guaranteed to find the perfect work surface for your new home. Their professional and friendly team are there to help you at every step of your exciting new renovation project.

Offering additional services like worktop replacements. Portman Stone can remove and dispose of your old worktop and replace it the same day. Discover more on their website to find other services such as beautiful tabletops, outdoor kitchens, and repairs. Visit the showroom in Christchurch for any advice you may need and a free, no-obligation quotation.

“Fabulous customer service from start to finish. Really pleased with our worktops.”

-- Jody Rowley, Google.