BH6 & 7 | July 2023

Welcome to

Six & Seven BH Your lo cal magazines

A New Chapter Unfolds

You may have noticed the magazine looks a bit different this month. It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce the change in ownership of The Mudeford Mag, The Bulletin and the BH Six & Seven. The publications have been acquired from Julie Smith by Pulford Publicity.

In our 20th year in business, we are delighted to be expanding our range of publications to mark this milestone achievement. The Mudeford Mag, The Bulletin and BH Six & Seven join our established community magazines Dorset View and Viewpoint, which many of you will be familiar with. Some of you will also associate us with the Dorset Business Focus, which is published on behalf of Dorset Chamber, and an extensive range of event programmes and guides.

Community-minded Julie knew that by selling her publications to Pulford Publicity, they would be in good hands and continue from strength-to-strength.

We hope you like what we have done with our first edition at the reins, and we look forward to continuing to produce the magazines you love.

Ben Pulford, managing director

How do we unglue ourselves from fear?

Fear,

However, as we age, it seems ‘fear’ seems to creep more and more into your psyche even if we don’t want it to.

Just recently I sensed a little bit of fear myself and I had to have a good word with myself.

Last year I bought a bike and every day you found me on it.

But the bike got put away safely for winter and it was going to be a few months before it saw the light of day again.

A few months ago, a dear friend of mine suggested a bike ride in the New Forest, something I had always wanted to do. I felt quite excited, but as the weeks marched forward, I started to feel fearful.

What on earth was I afraid of? I hit the internet to find out how I could overcome these collywobbles. Turns out you need to:

• Write down your fears and describe how they make you feel

• Acknowledge your accomplishments in life

• Grasp the nettle and do the thing you fear the most As I read the words, I knew they made sense.

I wrote down what my fears were. Turns out I was scared the bike had been stolen, that it was broken, and I was nervous of getting the bike into

the back of the car on my own (plus my car is always full).

Leading up to the day out, I went down to the bike store to check if the bike was there. It was, so fear number one disappeared. However, on bike ride day, as I unharnessed the bike, I saw straight away that both tyres were flat. Without a pump it wasn’t only the tyres that felt flat. But then I did the thing I do more often now, I stayed calm and thought logically. I could get the bike repaired in Brockenhurst, there was no need to cancel. And even if the bike could not be repaired, I could easily hire a bike and still go on a ride with my friend. The bike could be repaired later. I loaded the bike easily into my

car. I arrived in Brockenhurst early and headed straight to the bike shop. Fifteen minutes later, with the bike fixed and with a coffee in hand, I greeted my friend, as calm as a cucumber. Turns out I had nothing to fear, and a lovely day was had by the both of us, even the sun shone.

Next time you feel a bit wobbly, why not follow the steps above and then push yourself through and out of your comfort zone?

Just like the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz you are much braver than you think you are.

Beth

www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk

in its positive form, keeps you safe. After all, we cannot go through our lives being reckless (well maybe a little bit) but fear is okay if used in moderation to warn us of imminent danger.

Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash

Product code: 1289

Baglio Gibellina, U. Passimiento, DOC Sicily, Italy, 2021

Producer Profile

Baglio Gibel lina is situated in picturesque Sicily where its vineyards are surrounded by the hills of Salemi and Santa Ninfa.

Old vineyards located between 300-600m above sea level are grown on a mixture of clay and volcanic soils with limited yields allowing for the production of outstanding wines with incredible food matching potential.

Viticulture

Selected old vineyards are located on hills at 300 to 600 metres above sea level. The vines are grown using the Guyot training system on clay soils with limited yields of grapes per hectare.

Winemaking

Frappato grapes are harvested as soon as they reach maturation, so that all the typical freshness remains in the must which is fermented slowly in small steel tanks. Nero d’Avola grapes are left on the vines for a light withering and for natural dehydration to occur. They are late harvested and with extreme care placed in wooden cases. After a soft pressing the musts are fermented at a controlled temperature. The natural sweetness of the wines is obtained by interrupting the fermentation by dropping the temperature until it is too cold for fermentation to continue. The wine is then matured in steel tanks.

Tasting Note

Bright intense red fruit on the nose displaying lots of red berries. The palate is warm and full-bodied with harmonious acidity and smooth and elegant tannins.

Food Matching

Pasta and mild cheeses.

Technical Details

Order online or email orders@alliancewine.com

Varieties:

Nero d'Avola 70%

Frappato 30%

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Natural cork

Colour: Red

Style: Still wine

Case Size: 6 x 75cl

Oak Ageing: No oak ageing

Coffee Break Time

How to solve codeword

Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number.

All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.

To start you off we reveal the code for 3 letters.

Solutions on page XX

sponosred by Louis P Creative

Coffe Break Time

POM POM GUACAMOLE

A vibrant dish for any table

Ingredients

• 2 avocados

• Juice and zest of 1 lime

• 1 tsp. chilli flakes

• 1 garlic clove, grated

• 1 spring onion, finely chopped

• 4 tbsp. fresh coriander, finely chopped (plus

• extra to garnish)

• 1 tbsp. pickled ginger, chopped

• 1 tbsp. brine from the jar of sushi ginger

• 100g pomegranate seeds (plus extra to garnish)

• Sea salt and pepper

• To garnish (optional): ½ avocado rose

• To serve: tortilla chips

Equipment

Food processor or hand blender

Vegetable peeler

Method

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit and peel off the skin. Using a fork, mash the avocado halves in a small bowl with the rest of the ingredients. The mixture can be as chunky or smooth as you like.

2. Season and add chili flakes to taste.

3. Serve in your favourite bowl, garnished with fresh coriander, pomegranate seeds and an avocado rose if using. Serve with tortilla chips

How to make an avocado rose

1. Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit safely.

2. Peel the skin off one half of the avocado.

3. Cut into thin slices.

4. ‘Fan out’ the avocado into a long line, with each of the slices overlapping one another.

5. Slowly and steadily curl the mass of slices from one end to the other, forming your avocado rose.

6. Carefully place on top of or beside your favourite dish as a garnish and enjoy!

About the World Avocado Organization

The World Avocado Organization is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 whose members are avocado growers, exporters and importers from around the world - including the top four grower supplier countries to the EU and UK. The World Avocado Organization promotes the consumption of avocados based on their nutritional value and recognised health benefits. It also shares information and insights on avocado production, supply chains and sustainability with the public. For more information, visit www.avocadofruitoflife.com.

Dorset Mind grows ecotherapy support to three new sites in Dorset

Local

The new groups are targeted at specific groups: carers, families and friends of people living with dementia, NHS and Blue Light workers, and patients at a GP surgery.

Delivered in partnership with trusted organisations, the new locations are at Ferndown with the Growing Compassionate Communities initiative; Shillingstone with The Big Yellow Bus Project; and Shaftesbury, based at Abbey View GP Surgery in connection with Shaftesbury in Bloom and the Blackmore Vale surgeries.

The local charity champions a whole-community effort and all produce grown at the new allotments will go to local foodbanks or communities. Residents at Moretons Abbeyfield Wessex Care Home are assisting the local project by planting seeds and nurturing seedlings, ready for growing at the Ferndown Dementia Friendly allotments.

Ecotherapy is known to support better wellbeing. Gardening just twice a week

improves wellbeing and relieves stress according to BBC’s Science Focus. National Mind describes ecotherapy as a ‘formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature,’ something the Dorset branch of Mind delivers on its allotments.

The charity has seen positive outcomes from work on its established allotments in Dorchester and Weymouth, supporting local adults and young people: 100% of participants’ mood were improved or maintained over sessions (81 sessions delivered in 2021/22) and 100% people would recommend Eco in Mind’s support. Activities are centred around the evidencebased Five Ways to Wellbeing – proven steps to increase wellbeing including getting active, connecting, taking notice, learning, and giving back.

Feedback like the following was received recently from one of the regular adult participants. He lives with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and

Charity of the year

struggles with the thought of germs, but he was able to sow seeds with a facilitator, which was huge progress. His mum said: “It was a big step for him today. I know it’s given him a boost. He said he felt really anxious before he started, but it went away and he’s really proud of himself. Small steps.”

Sharon Best, Eco in Mind development coordinator said: “I am so pleased that Eco in Mind will reach even more people across Dorset. We’re aiming to support different people such as carers, paramedics and Blue Light

charity, Dorset Mind, expanded its ecotherapy group support, Eco in Mind, to three new sites across Dorset from 17 April.

workers, alongside opening adult sessions in community growing spaces and a medical centre. This expansion will demonstrate how following the Five Ways to Wellbeing outside in nature supports mental wellbeing in the community.”

Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset

Mind CEO added: “Echoing what Sharon says, connection and being outside in nature are proven to fundamentally improve people’s wellbeing. By collaborating with chosen partners in different locations, we can develop what we’ve learnt from several years

serving Dorchester and Weymouth – and roll this impactful service out across the county, helping normalise the conversation about mental health in our communities.”

Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University said: “I am delighted to see the expansion of Eco in Mind. The benefits of using nature to boost mental wellbeing are clear, but this is also an opportunity to teach environmentally friendly methods to grow produce. Everyone’s a winner.”

To find out more about Eco in Mind, go to dorsetmind.uk/help-andsupport/activity-supportgroups/ecoinmind/ or email ecoinmind@ dorsetmind.uk

To find out more about the support, education and training Dorset Mind offers, visit www.dorsetmind.uk

The charity’s vital mental health support cannot operate without the generosity of businesses and the local community. If you’d like to make a donation visit: dorsetmind.uk/ campaigns/donate-todorset-mind/donate/

Steve Roberts (1957-)

By Stephen Roberts

It’s time to say goodbye.

I’ve been writing local history for the Mudeford Mag and its ‘sisters’ for four years and have contributed 27 columns, including this one.

It was never envisaged I’d continue this long but it’s been fun.

I know some readers will be disappointed as I’m regularly informed that something I’ve written has been enjoyed. Thank you all. There will be the odd one glad to see the back of me including the gent who vented after my Volodymyr Zelenskyy column about a year ago. I’ll happily take feedback and expect people to sometimes disagree with me (the writer’s lot) but I draw the line at impolite sarcasm.

Why did I do all this writing? It was partly for the love of it, but also to spread the word about our local history. Christchurch has oodles of fascinating ‘stuff’ and stories, so I hope I’ve succeeded in passing this on.

Sometimes we neglect the

treasures on our doorstep.

So why stop now? Well, the main reason is I’m reappraising. It crept up on me like the barons surrounding King John at Runnymede, but I actually qualify for my state pension from March so am left discombobulated. I don’t feel that age but I must be. It’s a timely moment to think about what I do and maybe to quietly (or not so quietly in my case) leave a few things behind.

You probably know I’m the author of two books but won’t know I’ve had well over 1,300 magazine articles published. What I’m most chuffed about is not the books, nice as that is, but my regular columns in 10 magazines around the country.

In closing I must thank my beautiful wife Val, aka ‘Mrs Steve’, who inspires me to achieve something new every

single day. Take care folks and continue to enjoy that history.

Oh, and I’m Stephen John Roberts. One last bit of history. After the Norman Conquest some new names were introduced into England. Two of them were Stephen and John. Seems I’m not as English as I thought.

Mallorca

The largest of the four main Balearics is packed with safe sandy beaches and stunning scenery. Fun on or by the water includes sailing, paragliding, water-skiing, bodysurfing, and glass-bottomed boat rides.

Mallorca’s historic capital Palma is easy to explore on foot, it’s a maze of narrow streets and alleyways. There are some beautiful squares where you can sit and relax, enjoying tapas and a glass of wine.

Daily flights from Bournemouth make it easy to visit for a short break or a longer stay.

I recently stayed for four nights in Playa de Palma, just four kilometres from the centre of Palma. It’s an ideal base to spend time on the beach or to visit the historic city. There is a good choice of hotels in Playa de Palma, I visited the Iberostar Cristina (4 star ) and the Iberostar Playa de Palma (5 star)

If you prefer to stay in the city, there is a selection of stunning boutique hotels in the centre of Palma, some with rooftop pools and terraces.

A popular day trip from Palma is to take the historic train to Soller or if you take a local bus you can visit Portal Nous, a seaside resort in the popular district of Calvia. It has an adjoining marina that harbours some impressive yachts in the summer months.

Ikos Resorts

Opening in 2023 as the first Ikos resort on this ever-popular island, this sleek and sparkling property will sit on one of Majorca’s bestpreserved sites, beside both Mondrago Natural Park and the cosmopolitan Porto Petro Marina. Tucked away between two stunning beaches, the Calo dels Homes Morts and the Calo de Sa Torre, it will boast divine Mediterranean views, an exclusive Spa by Anne Semonin and an extensive gourmet offering embracing five à la carte restaurants, with menus by

Michelin-starred chefs, and a brand-new Food Market concept which serves buffet breakfasts and international cuisine, as well as à la carte options for lunch and dinner.

Rooms and suites at the Ikos Porto Petro will come with terraces and, in some cases, private pools, while the airy Mediterranean decor will be infused with Majorcan character. Some accommodation at the resort will be in the Deluxe Collection area, which guarantees the ultimate curated experience for guests, with

exclusive services and premium benefits. These include a welcome bottle of Taittinger champagne on ice, an unpacking service, an upgraded minibar, a pillow menu, and the services of a Deluxe Concierge/ personal holiday planner to take care of everything from spa bookings and restaurant reservations to bespoke experiences such as romantic dinners on the beach.

To book or discuss future holiday plans contact me today.

SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

T 01202 375150

M 07929626156

E sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com

W www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen

Recipe

VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

GREEN BEANS WITH AJADA

INGREDIENTS

• (for 3 people)

• 400g green beans

• 10 small potatoes

• Extra virgin olive oil

• 4 cloves of garlic

• 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika, or both

• Maldon salt

NOTE:

**Ajada: olive oil, garlic and “pimenton” (paprika) dressing.

This recipe it can be eaten as a main dish or as a side dish with meat, eggs or fish

PREPARATION

Cut off the two ends and remove the outer edges of the beans. Then cut into strips as thin as possible. Cook the potatoes in their skins in boiling water for 20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife. Set aside.

Steam the green beans in a sacuepan with water, covered, for 5 minutes. Set aside.

Peel the garlic and slice. Brown the garlic in the oil. remove from the heat and add the paprika.

Serve the beans on a plate and place some potatoes cut in half on top and sprinkle with the **ajada, finishing with a little Maldon Salt.

Withernsea Lighthouse

We continue southwards on our lighthouse tour of England and Wales, and we now come to Withernsea which is a headland that projects out into the North Sea.

The headland needed to be marked for both deep sea vessels passing by well out to sea and also for coastal traffic since, from this point, mariners could not see either of the lights at Spurn Head or Flamborough. Previous to there being a light at Withernsea, a large number of shipwrecks had taken place.

The lighthouse, which was built between 1892 and 1894, was built well back [about a ¼ mile] from the coast due to concerns regarding coastal erosion. At the time of building the lighthouse, there were only sand dunes and a mere between it and the sea. Today, the town of Withernsea has grown up around the lighthouse and now there are houses that are closer to the sea than the lighthouse.

The octagonal lighthouse which stands 127ft [36m] high, was not designed to be lived in, as alongside the lighthouse there were two cottages for the lighthouse keepers and their families. The inside of the lighthouse had no dividing floors, it being fully open with just the stair comprising 144 steps.

The original light was provided by an eight-wick paraffin lamp, set within a first order catadioptric optic manufactured by Chance Bothers in Smethwick. The

light was occulting, caused by a mechanical mechanism powered by a falling weight that eclipsed the light three times in quick succession every minute. Around 1900, the light source was replaced with a petroleum vapour lamp but, the occulting mechanism remained in place. In 1936, the lighthouse was electrified and, the light source was upgraded to a 100 volt 1500 watt lamp providing 800,000 candela candle power and the optic was changed to a third order rotating optic. The new optic was eight sided and produced a white flash every 3 seconds. The range of the new light was 17 nautical miles [31km]. Withernsea lighthouse was the first northern lighthouse to be converted to electricity – the power coming from mains electricity. Should the light fail, then a lamp changer, designed and built by the Chloride Electrical Storage Company, brought into action, a battery powered lamp. The rotating optic weighed two tons and floated on a bath of mercury; it was rotated by a clockwork mechanism, powered by a falling weight.

After a lighthouse review in 1976, it was deemed that the light at Withernsea was no longer required and it was switched off on 1 July 1976,

after 82 years of service.

The original Fresnel Lens Optic came from the North High Lighthouse at Whitby which had just previously been decommissioned. After the lighthouse closed, the Optic was removed and installed in St Mary’s lighthouse on the Tyne and Wear.

Today you can visit and climb this lighthouse and also visit the museum located in the base of the lighthouse.

Keith Morton Association of Lighthouse Keepers alkhurst@gmail.com

Puzzle solutions

Agnes’s exciting day out

by Carol Waterkeyn

Agnes climbed carefully off the bus. Her handbag was heavy today. She was on her way to her bank to deposit bags of small change she had collected over the last year.

Agnes wanted to exchange them for notes, so she could buy herself and granddaughter Poppy a deluxe afternoon tea later at The Palms Hotel. Their table was booked for twothirty.

On entering the bank, she joined the queue, but there seemed to be rather a commotion. A man with a black facemask was waving a gun towards the cashier.

“Hand over the money,” he yelled, “or this woman gets it.”

The young cashier looked terrified.

“And you lot get back,” he shouted to Agnes and the three others queuing, “And no funny business. Everyone put their phones on the floor now!”

Agnes shuffled towards the man. “Scuse me, I don’t have a mobile phone.”

“Give me your bag then,” he said angrily.

“I’d rather not,” said Agnes indignantly.

“Give me the bag!”

He went to snatch it, but Agnes swung it with all her might, engaging with his head and knocking him clean out. He went down like a skittle at a bowling alley, the gun dropped to the floor, and Agnes kicked it away.

Everyone cheered. The young cashier pressed the alarm button under her desk and a customer retrieved his mobile phone and called the emergency services.

And then, what she had done hit her. Agnes sat down. She took out her handkerchief and dabbed her forehead. “Oh, my goodness,” she said.

One of the staff checked the assailant was breathing, then fetched some tape and wound

it around his hands and ankles.

The assistant manager approached Agnes. “Are you alright?”

“I think so.”

“It was a brave thing to do. Why were you here?”

Agnes opened her handbag and showed her bags of coins.

“I wanted to change these.”

“How fortuitous you chose today. I’ll just go and sort that money for you. Is there anything else I can do?”

“Could you ring my granddaughter? She’ll be waiting for me at The Palms Hotel.” Agnes handed over Poppy’s number.

“Of course.”

“Tell her to start without me and save me some banana cake.”

“Certainly. I’ll be back shortly.”

The police arrived and arrested the man who was now conscious and moaning loudly. He was taken by an officer in an ambulance to have his head examined.

A police constable took Agnes’s details and said she would call in later to take her statement.

Agnes stood up and walked towards the hotel clutching her much lighter handbag.

Poppy stood up to greet her as she arrived.

“Are you okay, Grandma? The lady from the bank explained things. She said you were a hero.”

Agnes smiled. “Actually, it was the most exciting thing that has happened to me for a long time. Just think what the ladies of the WI will say when I tell them!”

Poppy grinned and waved to the waiter. “I’ve ordered our tea, but we are ready for our Prosecco now please.”

“Here’s to you my brave Grandma.” Poppy raised her glass, “Now tell me all about it…”

Tooth Decay (Dental Caries): Is it reversible?

Tooth decay (dental caries) is one of the oldest and most common diseases found in humans.

The term “dental caries first appeared in literature around 1634 and originates from the Latin word “Caries”, which means decay. This goes as far as 5000 BC where the thinking was that the cause of hole in the tooth was a “tooth Worm”

Dental caries is actually a Chronic infectious disease, caused primarily by certain types of bacteria, called Streptococcus Mutans, Streptococcus Subrinus and Lactobacilli. These bacteria have the ability to stick to the tooth surface and consume the sugar in our diet and turn it to mostly to Lactic acid. The acidic saliva would create small holes in the surface of the enamel (the protective outer covering of your tooth). Having “sweet tooth” by frequent sugar intake, favours bad bacteria to colonise the mouth. The good bacteria decrease at the same time and the balance is disturbed. If the acid attack continues, bacteria penetrate into deeper layer of tooth and causes tooth decay. Left undiagnosed and untreated, this can cause toothache, infection and tooth abscess.

Risk factors for developing dental caries

• The main risks factors are high sugar diet and fizzy drinks, regular snacking, poor oral hygiene and poor interdental cleaning

• Saliva has an integral role of protecting our teeth as it contains many protective agents. Dry mouth caused by medication or radiotherapy of head and neck can drastically increase development of tooth decay in older or sick adults

• Living in low fluoridated water area is also a major risk factor specially in children

• Avoiding dentist and dental hygienist

Is tooth decay reversible?

There is a general misconception in the population about the appearance of tooth decay.

Most people presume dark or brown spot on their teeth is tooth decay. In reality, an active decay lesion is actually white in colour, rough in surface and collects plaque. It also bleeds when probed around the gum. White colour of the enamel indicates the reduced content of calcium and phosphate, the minerals in the tooth dissolves due to acid attack.

If the lesion is contained in the enamel, it can be reversed and arrested by help and advice of dental professionals. So not all tooth decay requires fillings. Tooth may require restoration If the small lesion progress to inner layer of the tooth (called, dentin).

Prevention is always better than cure

Statistic shows that the prevalence of dental caries in children in the UK has reduced dramatically over the past five decades. This is generally attributed to the introduction of fluoride-containing toothpaste in the early 1970s.Change in social attitudes, access to dental care, developments in preventive dental materials, together with health promoting and clinical practices have also contributed to these changes. Yet dental caries, which is largely preventable, remains prevalent and effects mostly low social economic groups in the society.

Surveys of oral health in adults within the UK suggest that more adults will enter older age with some or all of their natural teeth, many of which will be heavily restored. Dental caries is not just a disease of children and young people, new carious lesions can develop at any age.

Tooth decay can occur in pits and gaps of the tooth. Brushing well is very important but hard brushing could cause the gum to recede and expose the dentin. This causes sensitivity and even decay on the root of the tooth. It is therefore paramount for people of all ages to see a dentist regularly.

In my 25 years as a dental practitioner, I have always been passionate about prevention of all dental diseases. Our work typically starts with pregnant mothers to inform and educate so that they could look after their babies’ teeth the correct way. In a similar vein, we see toddlers from the age of one and work with parents to ensure they minimise the risk of developing decay in their milk teeth. It is very important to keep their milk teeth healthy as they have an important role of keeping spaces for the permanent ones to arrive.

At Copper Beech Clinic, I have a team of highly experienced and qualified dental hygienists who help to educate our Patients (adults and children) to stay healthy. Dental X-rays are taken routinely to diagnose any underlying dental diseases.

I have established the correct prevention measures in place for children of my practice, such as fissure sealant of all their first and second molars as they develop, fluoride varnish on regular basis at their examination appointments. I am proud to see them now as adults, many of whom with no fillings or permanent damage to their teeth.

Dr Ella Aslani DDS Stockholm Copper Beech Clinic, Christchurch

CREATING BEAUTIFUL RAISED BEDS

Raised beds are an ideal way of creating an interesting garden that is easier to maintain, bring smaller flowering plants closer to you and get greater benefit from aromatic plants.

They are best constructed in oak sleepers for durability and at least two sleepers high (40cm)

Fill with good free draining soil, plenty of organic compost and sharp sand. Top off with decorative gravel, pebbles or slate to suppress weeds and stop drying out too quickly. Add some larger pebbles or even a small water feature and solar lighting.

For further details contact Colin T: 01425 655038 M:07925 166767

E:ckgardendesign@btinternet.com W: www.ckgardendesign.co.uk

Plants for raised beds

Trailing Plants

Aubretia

Phlox subulata

Ivy

Aromatic plants

Lavender

Rosemary

All year round

Dwarf conifers

Buxus balls

Pittosporum

Summer flowers

Salvia

Nepeta

Lilies

Sedum

Bulbs

Daffoldils

Tulips

Alliums

Also grasses and ferns

RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter

We are looking forward to summer, now the weather is finally getting warmer and especially to our Blue Light Day on Sunday 23 July. We would like to give a big vote of thanks to Winkworth Estate Agents (Mudeford and Highcliffe) for being our main sponsor this year.

There will be a number of RNLI stalls including souvenirs, books, children’s games, tombolas. The face-to-face team, Stormy Stan and also the Education Team from Bournemouth & Christchurch branch will be there. We welcome back our search and rescue friends who joined us last year and some new friends.

The organisations who are attending (at the time of printing) include: Civil Air Support, Dorset & Wilts Fire & Rescue Service, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset Neighbourhood Policing Team, Dorset Raynet, Dorset Search & Rescue, Dorset Search Dogs, Dorset Red Cross Emergency Response Team, HM Coastguard, Maritime Volunteer Service, National Coastwatch Institute, St Johns Ambulance, SW Ambulance Service. We are pleased also to welcome local community groups: Christchurch Community Partnership (Dial a bus), Christchurch Life Saving Club, Christchurch Sea Cadets, Everett Jones’ Beaujolais mini, Guides (Twynham), New Forest Guide Dogs for the Blind, Royal Voluntary Service Home Library Service.

Mudeford Lifeboat Station will be having their Open Day on the Quay on the same

day. This year is a special one as the lifeboat station is celebrating its 60th birthday.

We would also like to thank Highcliffe Sailing Club as they will be opening to the public selling teas and coffees.

If you would like to come along to find out more about the professionals and volunteers who keep us safe on and off the water come and have a chat with them. Also, if you would like to help on one of our stalls on the day you would be very welcome, please contact Adele Orr, details below.

Dates for the diary – upcoming events

Sunday, 16 July RNLI Fun Day All the fun of the fair, raft and duck races from 11am

Sunday, 23 July Blue Light Day & Lifeboat Station Open Day at Mudeford Quay Green from 10am

Celebrating 60 years of Mudeford Lifeboat Station

We have a very interesting fundraising programme throughout the year. If you would like to join us and receive full details, please contact Adele on adele.orr.63@ gmail.com. We meet generally on the first Wednesday of each month at 2.15 pm or quarterly at 7.30 pm in Stanpit Village Hall.

Alpine Swifts – one of this year’s migration sensations

CHOG (Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group) could be mistaken for some sort of Secret Agency with acronyms used for birds and their locations.

As a beginner to ‘birding’ (the peaceful art of bird watching whilst enjoying nature), it is easy to get confused by the difference between male/female and winter/ summer plumage of birds. Whilst observing wildlife, you may hear snippets of acronyms and nicknames, like ‘Barwit’ (Bar-tailed Godwit), ‘Gropper’ (Grasshopper Warbler), ‘Wipit’ (Water Pipit), ‘Rokit’ (Rock Pipit), ‘LRP’ (Little Ringed Plover) and other bewildering terms.

Birding is a way of life often mocked and misunderstood by those yet to experience the thrill of observing a magnificent bird, especially through a telescope where colour and details stand out.

One of this year’s migration sensations has been the Alpine Swifts that arrived over the old golf course at Riversmeet Meadow. A few birders were in the right place at the right time to see up to six skimming over their heads: a sight never to be forgotten.

Alpine Swift is a species normally found in Africa, southern Europe and Asia. Their breeding ground ranges from southern Europe to the Himalayas.

Like the Common Swift, they are migratory, the southern European population wintering further south in southern Africa.

They have very short legs, which are used for clinging to vertical surfaces. The Alpine Swift measures 20-22cm in length and has a wingspan of 54-60cm, with broad wings and long wingtips appearing darker with a short, forked tail and long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent.

One of the key identification aspects is the highly visible white underparts. Whilst almost double the size of Common Swifts, their flight is slower and more powerful. This year has seen an influx in Britain and Ireland which is unprecedented, as normally only two or three birds are seen a year; however, due to strong southerly winds over the Bay of Biscay, they have been blown onto our islands.

Alpine Swifts can stay in the air for more than 200 days

straight, sleeping and drinking on the wing. When they roost, it is on vertical cliffs or walls. They spend most of their lives in the air catching and eating a variety of insects, but they also eat spiders. Swifts pair for life and return to the same breeding site year after year. To become a member of CHOG please visit CHOG.org. uk. The webpage is updated daily with sightings in and around Christchurch Harbour.

Benefits of membership include:

• Free attendance to outdoor walks led by experienced birders.

• Free attendance to talks, lectures and demonstrations at indoor meetings.

• Free copy of the long annual bird report, including stunning photographs.

• Exclusive access ‘CHOG Online’, which contains over 230 items of information about local and general nature.

Photographs by Scott Usher (for CHOG)

BALLARD SCHOOL PRESENTS: THE

WIZARD OF OZ (LIVE)

Wed 28 June – Sat 1 July

This show is jam-packed full of memorable songs, including ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, ‘Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead’, ‘Jitterbug’, ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ and ‘The Merry Old Land of Oz’.

LIPSTIK ON YOUR COLLAR (LIVE)

Thu 6 July: 19:30

From the birth of Rock n Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with over forty hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more.

THE DOLLY SHOW (LIVE)

Fri 14 July: 19:30

As seen on BBC ONE and voted the UK’s no 1. Dolly Parton tribute, West End star Kelly O’Brien is undeniably one of the BEST Dolly impersonators you will ever see.

JAWS 3-D [35MM] (15)

Sat 15 July: 19:30

This summer, the third dimension is terror! Dirt In The Gate Movies once again are thrilled to re-visit this Jaws sequel from an imported 35mm 3D print.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN (LIVE)

Sun 23 July: 13:30 & 16:00

Horrible Histories is back with the hit West End show, full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past!

FIVER STAR SWING: SWING N’ SINATRA (LIVE)

Wed 26 July: 19:30

Join Five Star Swing for an evening of the famous songs spanning Sinatra’s career from the Tommy Dorsey band to the Vegas’ ‘Rat Pack’ in a journey through the decades of this unforgettable genre, with the greatest singer of its time!

UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE (LIVE)

Fri 28 July: 19:30

Celebrating over 50 Years of one of rock music’s most influential bands, UK Pink Floyd Experience recreate the sights and sounds of the legendary band in concert.

ADELE: THE JOURNEY SO FAR (LIVE)

Sun 30 July: 19:30

Handpicked by Adele herself to star in Adele At The BBC, Stacey Lee’s uncannily similar vocal timbre leaves the audiences gobsmacked.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? (LIVE)

Thu 3 August: 19:30

An experiential ghost story, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. Welcome to a haunting night at the theatre. Are you feeling brave?

THE ROCKET MAN (LIVE)

Sat 5 August: 19:30

The incredible cast not only looks and sounds like John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they generate the famed excitement of The Beatles – even including the Fab Four’s unique sense of humour.

80S LIVE! (LIVE)

Thu 10 August: 19:30

The ultimate 80s night out, so come dressed to impress as we spin you around and around for a night to remember!

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC (LIVE)

Sat 12 August: 19:30

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all of ABBA’s number-one hits to the stage in a production like no other. Now in its 20th year! With a brand-new show for 2023.

THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER (LIVE)

Sun 13 August: 19:30

Investigating the UK’s most notorious serial killers. Hosted by the detective who brought serial killer PETER TOBIN to justice

SWING UNLIMITED: A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES (LIVE)

Sat 19 August: 14:30 & 19:30

Experience epic themes and songs from some of the greatest movies of all time. Featuring music from legendary composers such as John Williams, John Barry, Hans Zimmer, Jerry Goldsmith, and many more.

ANDRE RIEU: LOVE IS ALL AROUND (RATING TBC) Sat 26 August: 14:00 | Sun 27 August: 19:30

The King of the Waltz invites you to his allnew cinema concert “Love is All Around”, from his beautiful hometown of Maastricht!

To see our upcoming film titles, please visit our website www.theregent.co.uk or pick up a film list in-person on your next visit.

All information is correct at the time of publication. Please see our website www.theregent.co.uk

The Ink Black Heart

by Robert Galbraith, paperback £9.99 (published 22 June)

This long-awaited paperback edition of the sixth book in the Cormoran Strike series is due to be published 22 June, and we cannot wait at BH6 Books. Edie Ledwell, co-creator of popular cartoon The Ink Black Heart, is being persecuted by a mysterious online figure who goes by the pseudonym of Anomie. Edie is desperate to uncover Anomie's true identity, and as Robin and her business partner Cormoran Strike become drawn into the quest, a complex web of online aliases, business interests and family conflicts begins to emerge. Strike and Robin find themselves embroiled in a case that stretches their powers of deduction to the limits and which threatens them in new and horrifying ways. If you are new to the series, we always stock the paperback editions of the first five books in the series and thoroughly recommend them.

Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement

by James Vincent, paperback £12.99

We measure rainfall and radiation, the depths of space and the emptiness of atoms, calories and steps, happiness and pain. But how did measurement become ubiquitous in modern life? When did humanity first take up scales and rulers, and why does this practice hold authority over so many aspects of our lives? James Vincent provides a fresh and original perspective on human history as he tracks our long search for dependable truths in a chaotic universe. Full of mavericks and visionaries, adventure and the unexpected, Beyond Measure shows that measurement has not only made the world we live in, it has made us too.

The Usborne Book of the Future

by Kenneth Gatland, hardback £12.99

First published in 1979, the Usborne Book of the Future is a fondly-remembered book from a time when people dreamed of the future as a place filled with wonder and amazing new technology. After more than 40 years of science fiction focussing on dystopias and doom, it's time to remind readers young and old that, in fact, the Future is still a place that holds hope and excitement. The book is built in three sections. The first explores all kinds of robots, the jobs they will do on land, sea and in space, and where they will get power from. The second is all about cities of the future, and how people will live, what new buildings they will build, how computers will change the world, and what people will do for fun. The final section is about the future of travel, from planes, trains and cars on Earth, to Space shuttles and journeys to colonise other planets.

Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of lovely new publications for summer? Or you can contact us on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find us on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that we have to offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.

Many ways to grow

By Grounded Community

We have monthly Basic Food Growing workshops and we have been holding seed swaps after these events.

We know that the next few seasons will be tougher to get fresh produce and we need to start to grow more local chemical-free food.

We encourage anyone who wants to start this journey to make the effort this spring.

If you need help setting up our growers’ team can support, but if you just need pointers our workshops are great.

If you are an experienced grower, you could offer support to others or give away your surplus food.

If you have fruit trees you can contact us to collect gluts to make jams, or maybe you like to cook and want to join our Gatherers’ preserving group?

We have a lot to achieve as a community. We want to make sure people don’t go hungry, but also that we get the healthy nutritious food our bodies need. The food industry standards are about to drop with US trade deals, the amount of fresh produce is in short supply. Farmers are struggling. https://www.forevermorefood. org/ is a local project to create fresh food boxes. Residents of Beaufort Road Estate, Southbourne are growing food and contributing to this scheme – you could join in too.

We recently held a second Growing Great ideas event with the BCP Access to Food partnership. A total of 50 people came along

Spring is in the air again and our gardens are buzzing. This season Grounded Community will be hosting lots of children’s activities including the return of Little Gardeners and bee experiences.

to collaborate and discuss ways to improve our local food production. It was an amazing evening hearing from like-minded people. Did you know BCP Council has a new foraging map?

Patricia from https://www.naturesynergies. com/ came and used surplus food to cook up tasty treats for us. She is hosting fermentation workshops this month.

There is a huge amount of energy to change our approach and attitudes to food, supporting local and practically setting up more growing spaces. Market and kitchen gardens, community growing, wild growing and foraging, small holdings, garden growing and homesteading. There are many ways to grow. Come and visit us and get your hands dirty this year. We believe that ‘Together We Can Grow’.

You can support our work and become a Friend of Grounded. Giving monthly to our charity really helps the community.

Get Growing and Stay Grounded

https://groundedcommunity.co.uk/

Hyper link for Friend of Grounded https://cafdonate.cafonline. org/22241#!/DonationDetails

Friends of Hurst Castle

At the end of Hurst Spit, opposite the Needles, Hurst Castle has stood guard over the western entrance to the Solent since the middle of the sixteenth century. With its magnificent Henry VIII keep and superb views over to the Isle of Wight, it’s a wonderful place to explore between April and October. Following the partial collapse of a wall in

2021, the Victorian wings were off limits for two years, but in 2023 much of the west wing –including the Garrison Theatre – is again open to the public.

The Friends of Hurst Castle was formed in 1986 to help support the castle, which is now owned by English Heritage. Over the years, our members have been involved with everything from upkeep and

educational displays to guided tours, litter picks and historical research.

We are always on the look out for new ideas and would welcome yours. Why not join us to discover more about this historic building – and perhaps to meet like-minded people?

As well as helping out in many ways, members receive a regular newsletter, Hurst Tidings, can take part in events such as our annual fish ’n’ chip cruise, summer barbecues and even the occasional concert or play, and are entitled to free entry to the castle.

To find out more, please contact our membership secretary, Tricia Hayne, on trjhayne@gmail.com

What to do if you spot a swarm of Honeybees

Who are you going to call if you see thousands of bees swarming? Eventually they may choose to alight in your favourite tree, garden bush or even the bird table.

During April and June honeybees will follow their queen to find a new home. Remain calm, it is also sensible to keep your distance, and keep children and pets indoors.

Remember, these vital pollinators need care and not a pest controller. It is much better for the bee’s survival if you phone your local beekeeping association (East Dorset Beekeeping Association contact is given at the end of this article), to collect them, before the little scout bees decide your chimney is the ideal place to live.

A bee swarm may rest for between a few hours and even two days before their scout bees have come back to tell them about a perfect permanent nest.

Firstly, a colony of bees prepares to swarm when they are raising lots of baby bees and it is getting crowded in their original hive. The queen bee decides to take half of the hive with her to find a new home. That could be between 1,500 and 30,000 bees including workers (female bees) and drones (male bees).

Secondly, the bee’s tummies will be engorged with honey for their flight. Because of this they will be in a docile, passive state of mind. In addition, they do not have a home to defend.

East Dorset Beekeepers have a swarm coordinator who can be contacted via the website and will try to find someone to come to your home, for free, to collect them.

Your trained swarm collector will be a passionate beekeeper who will ask a number of questions to help you identify if you have honeybees, or if you are describing wasps or hornets. They may ask you to forward a photo. Please be ready with as much information about

the location of the swarm as possible in case a stepladder is needed.

The swarm collector will guide you through what happens on the phone and arrange to pop over to your address if they are honeybees. You can learn a lot by watching from a safe area, preferably indoors.

To get the information, and who to call, check out the EDBKA interactive map on their new EDBKA website - https://edbka.org.uk/swarm/

THE RAPIDS OF GRIEF

Grief is a normal and natural emotional reaction that we experience in response to loss of any kind.

I often liken the grief experience to this metaphor: paddling along the ‘river of life’, negotiating the ups and downs of normal living when suddenly a loss; the death of a loved one, divorce, redundancy, life threatening illness, throws us unexpectedly into freefall down a churning waterfall, tossing us into the churning whirlpool below fighting for breath. The fall is unavoidable, the only way is down…

Our world as we know it is suddenly and inexplicably turned upside down. We are overwhelmed with churning emotions over which we have little control; shock, numbness, despair, yearning, denial, anger, to name but a few. Whatever other life stressess we are dealing with at that time may intensify the rapids. We fight for survival in the ensuing waters, gasping for air, and find it hard to understand how the rest of the world continues unaffected on the riverbanks beside us. Sometimes we are battered and bruised against rocks under the surface. Sometimes washed into calmer waters to rest for a while, before being caught up once more and thrown back again into the current and full force of the rapids. We cannot see an end to our turmoil but just keep paddling, a day at a time, just to keep our head above water and survive. Some

lucky ones find the support of paddle partners, or an experienced river guide, or sandbars to rest, along the way. This may make their journey more manageable but for others who lack support they paddle alone doing the best they can with the resources available. Eventually, in time, we begin to enter calmer waters with only the odd small whirlpool and eddy to throw us off course. We slowly begin to be able to refocus on the passing scenery and everyday events and notice, that we are now in a different part of the river than before our loss. We cannot travel upstream to our old life but need to learn to embrace this new experience and new direction. Our grief may never reduce in magnitude, but our new life may slowly enlarge around it. Continuing the bonds with our loved ones through memories, photographs, and talking about them will help integrate their loss into our lives moving forward. There is no RIGHT way to grieve. No two people grieve in the same way. There is no fixed period for grief to last. It may take months; it may take years.

There is no normal so whatever feels right for you is okay. You cannot avoid the pain of grief but, at best, just manage the pain in bite sized chunks and in between, endeavour to function on some level that allows you to manage and keep your head above water down that river. Be patient with yourself it will eventually get easier but if it is overwhelming and you feel unable to function and look after yourself, or others for whom you are responsible, then please seek a paddle partner or river guide in the form of bereavement support.

Dr Armorel Wood mBACP, Accred MNCS Private counsellor

077665915211

Email: woodarmorel@gmail.com

Mapletreetherapy.org.uk