BH6&7 | March 2025

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Six & Seven

2023

Charity of the year

www.themudefordmag.co.uk

March 2025

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Welcome to

Six & Seven

Your local magazines

A spring in your step I love spotting the first tentative signs of spring on my walks at this time of year.

Whether it is the delicate snowdrop flowers peeping through the frost, or the first buds appearing on the trees, it is all part of nature’s message to us that brighter days are coming. In January, I spotted a robin on my dog walk, then came home to a wren hopping about on the lawn and three squirrels chasing each other around the branches of the oak tree in my garden! What a treat to see. I hope you are wrapped up warm and able to enjoy some of this display of nature’s positivity for yourself as the days start to get longer.

As always, we have lots of interesting contributions from local charities and businesses to inspire you as we move into the warmer months. I personally am enjoying being taken on a tour of the UK’s lighthouses and hope to see some of them on my trips away later this year.

Rebecca Smith

Regent competition

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Puzzles

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The Grounded Community Health Sciences University launches new service Christchurch bus works begin

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Stewarts

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Book reviews

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Recipe by Colin Nash

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Maple Tree Therapy

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Christchurch History Society Travel

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Evergreen plants forever

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South Foreland Lighthouse

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CHOG

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Puzzle solutions

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Christchurch Food Bank+

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DCCF

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RNLI

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Short story by Marilyn Evangelou

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Regent listings

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Rituals can change your life

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Sobo Beach wins planning extension

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Hengistbury Head history revealed Princess Anne welcomed as university chancellor Profile: Louis Pulford, Louis P Creative

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Editor: Luke Graham Pre-press administrator: Rebecca Smith editorial@themudefordmag.co.uk

01202 941468 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

The Mudeford Mag does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be produced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher

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Production: Ben Pulford Lead design: Louis Pulford Sales: Simon Thornton, 01202 941470 simon@dorsetview.co.uk Design: Dexter Elliott www.pulfordpublicity.co.uk www.themudefordmag.co.uk

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Competition

WIN TICKETS TO THE REGENT COMEDY CLUB WITH GEOFF NORCOTT THURSDAY 10 APRIL 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH Email the page number where he appears and your contact details to competition@themudefordmag.co.uk

Hot on the heels of his sold-out national tour and regular appearances on Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg, Mock The Week and many more, Live At The Apollo star Geoff Norcott returns to headline the Regent Comedy Club.

Joining Geoff is a fantastic supporting bill with Mock The Week and As Yet Untitled’s multiple award-winning Jonny Pelham, and the sublime Will Duggan as host.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the show, look for Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere within this month’s magazine (excluding this page).

REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE 01202 499199 TICKETS £19 8 | themudefordmag.co.uk

Closing date is 23 March 2025

PREVIOUS WINNER: Congratulations to Chris Freeman, who won tickets to see Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story by correctly answering that Sammy was hidden on page vi.

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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 xxii

Coffee Break Time sponsored by Louis P Creative

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Grounded Community receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Grounded Community, a charity based in Boscombe, Bournemouth, have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Grounded Community works with volunteers to give the community access to healthy, nutritious food. They grow fruit and veg, provide skills and workshops, maintain bee hives, produce compost, install raised beds, preserve and redistribute food surplus and create networks to help others share food.

Grounded Community is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.

2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14 November, King

Charles’ birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire; a group preserving a historic 12th century castle in South Wales; volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling; and an organisation providing opportunities to engage in the arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh.

Representatives of Grounded Community will receive the award crystal and certificate from Michael Dooley, LVO, DL, LordLieutenant of Dorset, later this summer.

In addition, two volunteers from Grounded Community will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in summer 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

John Hanson, head of trustees at Grounded Community, said: “It’s an honour that our efforts have been recognised, working with our community to give everyone access to healthy and nutritious food. It’s a testimony to the passion and commitment of our volunteers, who work so hard to achieve this mission together.”

For more information about the award and its recipients, as well as full details on how to make a nomination, visit https:// kavs.dcms.gov.uk. Nominations for the 2025 award opened on 1 September 2024.

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Pain relief and imaging diagnosis service launches -Advertisement feature-

Bournemouth’s Health Sciences University (previously AECC University College) has launched a new Rapid Access Service, designed to help people with back pain, joint pain, tendon pain, sports injuries or muscle strains.

This service offers faster access to MRI, X-ray, ultrasound and guided injections. With short waiting times and no referral needed, Health Sciences University’s clinical experts can help you on the road to recovery – faster.

Accessing ultrasound or MRI scans: This new rapid access imaging service helps you get a diagnostic scan, without needing a GP or healthcare professional referral.

After your initial assessment, the team refers you to their onsite imaging department for MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray scans to help diagnose your condition promptly. Following your scan, you’ll have a comprehensive review session with a clinician to discuss your results and the next steps for your care.

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Ultrasound-guided injections: Health Sciences University (HSU) also offers precise, effective relief for joint and tendon pain through consultant-led ultrasoundguided injections. You can access treatment quickly via the Rapid Access Service (no referral needed) or via GP referral.

Studies show that ultrasound-guided injections have an accuracy rate of between 95–100 per cent, whilst blind injections have an accuracy rate of between 30–70 per cent.

Gila came to HSU with a painful shoulder injury from playing tennis. She explains: “The consultant carried out the injections with the ultrasound machine to guide him, so he was able to see exactly where he was putting the injection.

I haven’t had any pain since the injection.”

Find out more: hsu.ac.uk/imaging.

You can also call: 01202 436503.

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Fall in love with your conservatory again -Advertiser announcement-

In the space of a decade, the conservatory roof replacement market has absolutely rocketed, as homeowners discover there is an alternative to their tired polycarbonate or glass roof.

Instead of a conservatory which resembles a greenhouse in summer and an igloo in winter, homeowners have jumped at the opportunity to create a useable, year-round living space with a fully insulated, lightweight tiled roof.

VANTAGE Conservatory Roof Solutions offers the Supalite Tiled Roof System which is easy to install and provides homeowners with a desirable solid roof that fits onto their existing conservatory window frame and eliminates the dramatic changes in temperature seen in traditional conservatories.

This will not only make your conservatory warm

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in winter and cool in summer but gives the appearance of an extension, with a choice of tile finishes to match your existing property.

The Supalite system is available with Tapco Slate or with ExtraLight shingle tile, which is a metal roof tile finished with a hard-wearing natural stone coating. ExtraLight is fully approved by the LABC and BBA and is the only shingle tile to be tested down to 10-degrees by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), passing EN 15601.

Recent clients Keith and Anne said: “Craig and Scott from VANTAGE were very efficient, tidy and delivered on time. We could feel the difference in temperature while they were working on the project, and we are very happy with the final result.”

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All aboard! Bus travel improvements begin in Christchurch Waiting for a bus is to be made more comfortable for Christchurch passengers Work began on 6 January to replace the existing stops along the High Street. Two larger stainlesssteel shelters on either side of the road will include glass roofs, full-width seating including space for wheelchair users, and raised kerbs to allow easy level access on and off the bus.

The shelters will also be fitted with electronic displays to provide up-to-the-minute information on bus departures, and CCTV with high-definition footage live-streamed directly to the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s control room for added passenger security.

In addition to improving accessibility to the bus for wheelchair and pushchair users, existing raised brick planters will be removed

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and replaced with smaller pedestal planters, so that the pavement outside Christchurch Library can be widened to provide more space for pedestrians. Additional benches will also be installed.

The improvement works have been funded as part of BCP Council’s successful bid to the government for £8.9m to deliver the conurbation’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Andrew Wickham, managing director at Morebus, said: “I’m pleased to see these latest improvements by BCP Council will benefit those travelling on our 1a, 1b, 1c, x1, x2, 24 and 33 buses through Christchurch.”

The works are expected to take 12 weeks to complete.

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Book

Reviews

The Leopard in My House

Three Days in June

by Anne Tyler, hardback £14.99 A funny, touching, hopeful gem of a novel about love, marriage and second chances. It’s the day before her daughter’s wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines. First thing, she loses her job – or quits, depending on who you ask.

Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door expecting to stay for the festivities.

He doesn’t even have a suit.

Instead, he’s brought memories, a shared sense of humour, and a cat looking for a new home.

Just as Gail is wondering what’s next, their daughter Debbie discovers her groom has been keeping a secret. As the big day dawns, the exes just can’t agree on what’s best for Debbie.

by Mark Steel, hardback £22 One morning, while shaving, the comedian Mark Steel noticed that one side of his neck seemed larger than the other. After a whistlestop tour of assorted medical professionals, a consultant delivered the ominous words that would define the next months of his life: “I’m afraid it’s not good news, Mr Steel.” So began a journey into the heart of the NHS, as he embarked on the long and uncertain road to cancer recovery via a range of mildly torturous and entirely miraculous treatments. What, if anything, might he learn about himself and our capacity for coping with life when times get tough? A frank and funny diary of one man’s rather trying year, this is an unforgettable and uplifting story of getting ill, getting on with it, and getting better.

Professor Hoot’s Big Machines hardback £12.99 Professor Hoot is investigating what big machines are used for and how they can make our lives easier, from powerful bulldozers and towering cranes to the trains and planes that criss-cross the planet.

An entertaining comic strip approach to KS1 science topics, Professor Hoot’s Science Comics are accessible and full of fun. Each book is an adventure and a chance for readers to learn something new, before testing their knowledge at the end of each book in Professor Hoot’s quiz. Collect each adventure: Big Machines; Dangerous Animals; Dinosaurs; Robots and AI; Space; and Volcanoes and Earthquakes.

Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of great new titles for spring, as well as jigsaws, cards, homewares and gifts? You can also place orders for books we don’t have in stock.

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. iv | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Suet Crusted Venison Pie

By Colin Nash | Head Chef | colinnashrestaurant.co.uk

INGREDIENTS: 2½ tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil 1kg venison diced into 3cm cubes 100g smoked bacon (diced) 1 medium onion (diced) 1 stick of celery (diced) 1 medium carrot (diced) 2 bay leaves 200g wild or chestnut mushrooms (quartered) 3 tbsp plain flour 150ml red wine 700ml beef stock 1 egg (beaten) Suet pastry: 250g self-raising flour 125g beef suet 150ml cold water ½ tsp salt and pepper

Method: Step 1 - Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Heat half the oil in a large flameproof casserole, brown the venison well in batches for 10 mins over a high heat, then set aside. Scatter the bacon into the pan with another half tbsp of oil and sizzle for 8–10 mins until golden. Stir through the onions, celery, carrot and bay leaves, drizzling with the remaining oil, and cook over a low heat for 5 mins until browned. Lower the heat to medium, then add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes more until softened.

Step 2 - Scatter over the flour, stirring until the flour turns brown. Tip the meat and any juices back into the pan and give it all a good stir. Pour over the wine and bring to the boil. Bubble for a few minutes, then pour over the stock. Season with salt and black pepper and bring to a simmer.

Cover with a lid and put in the oven for about 2 hrs until the meat is tender. Allow to cool. (This can be made two or three days prior to use.)

Step 3 - While this is cooking, you can make your suet pastry by stirring the flour, suet, water and seasoning together with a strong spoon. (Don’t use a machine as this will break up the suet needed to form lovely holes in your pastry.)

To make the pie, heat the oven to 220C/gas 7. Tip the venison filling into a 24–26cm pie dish. Roll out your suet pastry on a floured top with a rolling pin, keeping everything well-floured. You want about 10mm thickness, so quite thick. Cover the pie and tidy up by removing any surplus from the over flap.

Step 4 - Brush the pie with the egg. Make a few little slits in the centre of the pie to allow the steam to escape and bake for 30-35 mins until deep golden brown.

A few tips In the Colin Nash Restaurant, we make individual pies in pudding moulds and steam. Once cold, we remove from the mould and bake in the oven on an oiled baking tray until golden brown, just like the picture. You can add juniper berries, thyme or other wild game to this recipe. The leftover suet pastry can be rolled into balls and used as suet dumplings for another recipe.

Happy cooking!

Colin Nash Restaurant

Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF T: 01425 200050 W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk vi vi | themudefordmag.co.uk | themudefordmag.co.uk

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When does anxiety become a phobia?

As I have discussed before, the feeling of anxiety is equivalent to a feeling of fear, and appropriate fear is designed to protect us. Fear stimulates the production of stress hormones that circulate the body and trigger stress responses in the organs to prepare the body for ‘flight and flight’.

If there is imminent danger, then this response is appropriate, but with excessive anxiety it is our imaginations that are our downfall.

We imagine the worst, and as thoughts trigger feelings, this worst-case scenario triggers anxiety and stress symptoms such as racing heart, wobbly tummy, muscle tension, and so on.

We have all heard the expression that if you fall off a horse, then you should get straight back on again because if you do not, then next time it will be twice as hard. Anxiety is like this if we pander to it and avoid the situation that makes us anxious.

Our brains learn that in the short term, avoidance makes us feel better. The problem is we never teach our brain that non-avoidance is not so bad either and that anxiety levels will always eventually fall with prolonged exposure (around 30 to 60 minutes) to the feared object or situation.

The result of short-term avoidance is that the threshold of initiating the avoidance tactic lowers and thus our tolerance to the feared situation lowers. Our safe world becomes in danger of getting smaller and smaller. With our anxieties growing, they permeate our lives causing distress and limiting our choices.

Can we do anything about phobias?

Phobias are when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of anxiety about a situation, object, place or animal. The good news is that if the phobia is causing you distress and stopping you from living a fulfilling life, then psychological behavioural treatment is available to you. viii | themudefordmag.co.uk

The logic behind this is to challenge those beliefs and thoughts that create the anxious feelings. For example, why does seeing a spider make you anxious? Is this logical? Can a spider hurt you if you do not touch it? If you can replace your illogical, unhelpful thoughts with more logical, helpful ones and at the same time learn techniques such as controlled breathing to reduce your exaggerated anxiety symptoms, then you can begin graded exposure experiments to gradually expose yourself to the feared spider without feelings of uncontrollable anxiety.

This may sound simple but requires work with frequent repeated and prolonged exposures and takes time to achieve. Trained counsellors can assist you to overcome phobias using these techniques or others such as hypnotherapy.

Dr Armorel Wood MBACP, accred MNCS Professional Counsellor 077665915211 |woodarmorel@gmail.com www.mapletreetherapy.org.uk

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Talks:

Christchurch’s last Prior and a tale of hidden treasure

By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society When Henry VIII fell out with Rome, he ordered the dissolution of the catholic monasteries.

On 28 November 1539, the Priory of the Holy Trinity, Twynham was surrendered to Henry’s commissioners. Unlike many such buildings, and thanks to the efforts of the last Prior, John Draper II, the church was given to the parish.

There’s a legend that not only the church was saved, but also that some of the Priory’s treasures were secreted away from Henry’s commissioners.

The monasteries were very wealthy, and the commissioners’ job was to make inventories. This included details of any revenue, pensions and valuables held by the church. These valuables were confiscated for the Crown. It is recorded that goods and ornaments belonging to the Priory were sold to the value of £177-0s-10d (worth around £74,500 today) and a large amount of gold plate, silver gilt and silver plate went to the king.

The buildings Christchurch Priory’s South adjacent to the Quire Aisle and Draper chantry. church were Photo by Julie Ratcliffe demolished and John Draper was given a sizable pension and a substantial home at Somerford Grange. Would he have risked losing these, and incurring the wrath of King Henry VIII, by hiding treasure? x | themudefordmag.co.uk

Held at Clarendon Road Junior School, BH23 2AA, 7pm–10pm 4 March 2025: The English Civil War – Local People and Places by Neil McLocklin 1 April 2025: When Dorset Made History

by Steve Roberts

Before the Dissolution, the church would have been adorned with gold and silver ornaments. That some of these valuables were held back and hidden within the church is a story that has been passed down through the generations. The Priory’s incumbents were interrogated by the commissioners. It is likely that if anyone had any suspicions of the deceit, they would have stayed silent as it was an offence for anyone to be found with such items.

Prior Draper died in 1552 and was buried in the Priory. Would a clue to the whereabouts of the treasure have been buried with him? An intriguing epitaph on the grave of Christchurch benefactor, Robert White, said: “In names a hidden treasure oft doth lye, Presaging to the owner appinesse.”

In February 1811, during alteration work, John Draper’s tombstone was discovered.

Witnessed by the church wardens, the slab was lifted and the grave opened. Alas, there was neither treasure, nor a clue to its whereabouts; just the Prior, a chalice and a crozier.

Since then, Prior Draper has been left to rest in peace. You can see his tombstone outside the chantry that is named after him at the east end of the South Quire Aisle. But the possibility and whereabouts of any treasure remains an intrigue.

Given the Priory’s cathedral stature and the huge cost of its operation and maintenance, finding any treasure would come in very handy indeed! However, maybe the true treasure left behind in 1539 was the beautiful church itself.

Love history? Why not join us?

Visit www.historychristchurch.org.uk

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Enjoy the laid-back vibe of Koh Lipe

Thailand: the land of smiles Thailand is a land of contrasts. Glittering temples stand beside vibrant markets and white sand beaches meet lush green jungles. Its reputation as ‘The Land of Smiles’ is well-earned with warm, welcoming locals. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to serene moments in villages untouched by time, Thailand’s charm has captivated travellers for decades.

Traditional longboats

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Sally Pullen

Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has a vibrant nightlife and bustling street markets. There is a unique blend of modernity and tradition. I would recommend exploring ancient temples such as Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun and visiting the famous floating market where vendors sell goods from their boats. I can arrange private tours or shared tours with an English-speaking guide. If you are only spending a few nights in Bangkok, it’s best to have a mixture of pre-booked tours and free time.

The northern region of Chiang Mai and the ‘Golden Triangle’ offer lush mountains and rich cultural heritage where you can trek through the jungle, visit hill tribe villages and learn about traditional crafts such as silk weaving.

For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, Thailand is home to some of the most worldrenowned spas and wellness retreats offering

traditional massages and treatments. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than indulging in a traditional Thai massage.

Combining acupressure, yoga stretches, and deep tissue massage, it is a rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling refreshed. I would suggest spending three to four nights in Chiang Mai. Thailand’s beaches and islands offer tranquil paradise. Beyond the most popular and wellknown island destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, you’ll find Krabi’s dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters — perfect for snorkelling or diving.

For those seeking a quieter escape surrounded by nature, consider Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe, which have a more laid-back vibe and are perfect for beach lovers with white sand beaches and calm turquoise waters. Koh Tao has some of the best diving in Thailand.

Thailand is also renowned for its hospitality and vibrant cuisine. From Michelin-starred fine dining and rooftop sky bars to spicy curries and fresh seafood dishes, the food in Thailand is full of flavour and variety. With street food at bustling night markets, there is no shortage of unforgettable culinary experiences.

A giant ‘yaksha’ statue stands on guard outside a temple

Thailand features many stunning temples

Suggested itinerary: • Stay at Capella Bangkok, an urban oasis that puts Thailand’s majestic Chao Phraya River centre stage and is just a 10-minute walk from the city’s Old Town. All rooms come with a balcony, and riverfront rooms have a private plunge pool.

• In Chiang Mai, live in balance with nature at Raya Heritage, a boutique and contemporary retreat on the Ping River.

• Round off your trip at Rayavadee in Krabi.

Villas set amongst tropical gardens offer total privacy, and you can dine at the atmospheric Grotto, one of Thailand’s most famed restaurants, hidden underneath an ancient limestone cliff by the sea. Best yet are the beaches, including Railay, which is regarded as one of Thailand’s finest, with limestone karsts and calm, clear waters.

Contact me to plan your Thailand holiday or for help with any travel plans.

SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR T M E W

01202 375150 07929626156 sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen themudefordmag.co.uk | xiii

Evergreen plants forever

By Colin Knapman Evergreen shrubs may initially appear to be just mundane background plants with mostly insignificant flowers and used to fill large spaces in your garden, but they can be quite spectacular as they add shape, texture and structure all year round.

Their interest lies in the variety of leaf shapes which can be as large as your hand or small like your fingernail, as well as every shade of green and variegation imaginable.

Evergreens for year-round interest Evergreen plants normally require very little maintenance apart from an annual pruning to keep them the size and shape you wish to achieve. They can be supplemented with colour throughout the seasons with everything from spring bulbs, summer flowering perennials through to autumn grasses.

A few of the favourites are Fatsia japonica, Mahonia Soft Caress, Skimmia, Pittosporum Golf Ball and variegated hollies.

For further advice on your garden space just give me a call.

Contact Colin Knapman by phone or text: 07925 166767

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Evergreen plants add shape, texture and structure, with little maintenance

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South Foreland Lighthouse

By Keith Morton | Association of Lighthouse Keepers | alkhurst@gmail.com Continuing just 15 miles further south on our tour of lighthouses in England and Wales, we soon arrive at South Foreland Lighthouse which is, in fact, a pair of lighthouses. If a mariner positioned his vessel so that he saw the two lights one above the other, then he was on a projected line direct to the notorious Goodwin Sands.

A light had been displayed at this location since the 1630s, but it was not until 1635 that the first significant light was built by Sir John Meldrum. In 1730, William Knott began a period of service as a lighthouse keeper at the lower lighthouse. Over the next 175 years, five generations of the Knott family served as lighthouse keepers at South Foreland, making them probably the longest dynasty of keepers anywhere in the world. In 1793, the braziers on both lights were replaced with an oil lamp and parabolic reflectors; to achieve this the lower light was converted into a two-story building and the upper light into a three-story building.

1832 saw Trinity House purchase the lease for both lights from the Greenwich Hospital.

Then, later, in 1841/42, the upper lighthouse was partially rebuilt. Following the rebuild, the upper light was fitted with a multiwick oil lamp together with a first order fixed dioptric optic manufactured

by Henry-Lepaute in Paris.

Afterwards, in 1846, the lower light was entirely rebuilt and provided with a fixed array of 15

Argand lamps and associated reflectors. At the same time, new accommodation alongside each lighthouse for the keepers was also provided.

The 1850s saw Michael Faraday, who was the scientific advisor to Trinity House, exploring the feasibility of using electricity in lighthouses and he proposed several different solutions. 1857 saw Frederick Hale Holmes demonstrating his magneto-electric apparatus and suggesting that it could be used with carbon arc lamps. A trial was conducted at South Foreland Lighthouse in 1858, making it the first lighthouse to be lit with electricity. On completion of the trial, Holmes’s equipment was moved to Dungeness Lighthouse on a more permanent basis.

Souter Lighthouse on the north-east coast, which was built in 1871, was the first lighthouse to be designed specifically for electric operation.

The following year, South Foreland received its own permanent electric installation. As power was required by both lights, a power station was built mid-way between the two.

In 1865, John Tyndall succeeded Michael Faraday and was then engaged to conduct experiments with different types of fog signals at South Foreland. Sirens were then installed at some 22 shore stations and on around 16 lightships.

Over the subsequent years, many more experiments were conducted at South Foreland Lighthouse but with automation, and now GPS for mariners to use for navigation, the lighthouse was decommissioned in September 1988. It was then taken over by the National Trust and can be visited but there is no vehicle access, so visitors need to park in Dover and walk two miles over the cliffs overlooking the South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent was the first lighthouse ever to be lit with electricity Channel and Dover port. xviii | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Health benefits of getting out in nature

By Tom (CHOG) The health benefits of getting outside and enjoying your local area and wildlife are well known, and LiveWell Dorset’s ‘Healthy

by Nature’ online article acknowledges that studies have shown exercising outdoors is more beneficial than the gym. Engaging yourself in the natural environment can help you be physically active, reduce your blood pressure, boost your mood and increase your vitamin D levels.

So make sure you get outside, as and when you can, to enjoy the Christchurch Harbour area. While you are out, you may even spot some of the local wildlife, such as the Common Seal pictured below that has been seen around the Mudeford Quay area.

Further afield, there are currently some large-scale nature recovery projects in progress across Dorset and the nearby area.

In November 2024, members of Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, known as CHOG, attended the Dorset Bird Club and BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) Conference to hear more about them.

Speakers gave insights into the progress so far with biodiversity increases at Wild Woodbury, landscape recovery along the River Allen and the successes in restoring species to our skies, including Ospreys and White-tailed Eagles in Poole Harbour and on the Isle of Wight.

During the presentations, the benefits to our health and wellbeing from the projects were highlighted, as well as the gains for nature.

For more information about nature-based events that you can join, such as health walks or volunteering opportunities, please visit www.livewelldorset.co.uk/articles/healthy -by-nature.

As we approach spring, the sound of birdsong fills the air and migrant birds start to land on our shores. The first birds to arrive from the continent are usually Sand Martins, which can arrive towards the end of February, with Wheatears following on shortly after in early March. From mid-March onwards, warblers start to arrive and the numbers and variety of birds build to the peak of migration in April and May. For a wellbeing boost and the experience of migration in action, an early morning walk around Hengistbury Head and Wick Fields is definitely recommended at this time of year.

CHOG is an independent organisation and registered charity, which is dedicated to recording, promoting and conserving the wildlife of the Christchurch Harbour area. To find out more about CHOG, please scan the QR Code or visit www.chog.org.uk for the latest daily sightings, photographic archive (including photos of the species mentioned above) and details of spring migrants as they arrive.

Common Seal photograph by Scott Usher

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Puzzle

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solutions

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We are more than just food Introducing our new regular contributor: Christchurch Food Bank+

By Tracy Blick, CFB+ projects manager Christchurch Food Bank+ (CFB+) is an independent foodbank that relies fully on donations of both stock and financial support from the community, local businesses, trusts and donors. We are partners with Faithworks Wessex under their charity umbrella, and we have 2.5 staff members and 61 amazing volunteers.

At CFB+, we want to walk with our visitors on their journey out of crisis. Whatever brings them to the food bank, we want to help them feel equipped and empowered to ‘do life’ when they no longer need us. Everyone who comes to us has been referred through social services, housing, schools, doctors, adult services, children and family centres, and more – we work with 82 referrers across our community serving local individuals and families.

How do we help? As well as being a food bank, the + in our name refers to our other projects. For instance, we have in-house CMA debt advisors and budget coaches to help clients with money issues. We also have a home equip/furniture bank project which provides cookers, fridge freezers, beds, sofas, all furniture, bedding, bathroom and kitchen packs, even towels, cups and kettles – basically, everything you need to make a home!

This project is invaluable to those fleeing domestic abuse, leaving temporary accommodation, being housed after homelessness or just needing a replacement cooker or bed because theirs has broken and their funds are limited.

We have a community supper each week, where 60–80 people sit together and enjoy a hot meal and pudding with the company of others. After lockdown, this was a lifeline to so many, combatting isolation and helping to feel part of a community with others.

We also have cookery workshops, teaching people to cook, shop and eat healthy food on a budget. In the school holidays, we run parent and child cookery classes. xxiv | themudefordmag.co.uk

There is a hardship fund available, which enables us to provide an ‘extra’ help, such as putting electricity or gas onto a family’s meter, paying for petrol to get to work, bus fees for school or hospital, or clothes for someone coming out of hospital.

And we have a homeless assist project, working with our rough sleepers and sofa surfers and helping them with housing applications, job interviews, clothes, sleeping bags, meals and support.

If you are still reading, thank you. That’s a lot about us as an introduction, and we look forward to sharing good news, stories, testimonies and updates with you in future editions. Come and visit us to see what we do, visit our Facebook page or have a look at our website: faith-works.org/christchurch.

To learn more about how you can help us help those in our community, email: tracy. blick@christchurchfb.faith-works.org.uk.

CFB+ Projects Manager Tracy Blick, left and CFB Deputy Manager Sarah Lyon

Combatting isolation through community suppers

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Charity of the Year

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation: helping families facing hardship

By Jannine Loveys, fundraising manager at DCCF Huge thanks go to Pulford Publicity for taking the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) as its partner charity of the year for 2025 and enabling us to highlight our work on behalf of many local families living with a cancer diagnosis.

We are a local charity which steps in to help financially when families are facing extreme hardship because of cancer. To date, we have given over £750,000 in non-repayable grants to local families to meet costs such as accommodation, replacement household appliances, transport to and from hospital, and childcare.

We can only do what we do with support, and our fantastic volunteers, donors, and fundraisers have amazed us in 2024 with their commitment, originality, stamina and even bravery. All of these people have given up their time to help raise money for other local families who are struggling.

People such as 80-year-old Gordon Lewis who, along with Denise Rogerson, Fiona Wager, Gemma and Craig Hamblin and Paul Du Lieu, launched themselves out of a plane for the DCCF in October, raising £6,000 in the process. xxvi | themudefordmag.co.uk

Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr George Mayor of Bournemouth Farquhar ran a half marathon to Cllr George Farquhar also raise funds for the charity fundraised for us in 2024, completing his first ever Run Bournemouth half marathon in October. The mayor completed the course, his longest run ever, in well under two hours and has signed up to do it all again in 2025. The DCCF pays the registration fees of all its Run Bournemouth competitors. So please get in touch if you or your children would like to run on our behalf this year.

Attending our fun events is also a great way to support the DCCF. We hold coffee mornings, curry evenings, bingo nights, a kart racing event, quizzes and even an 80-year-old Gordon Lewis skydived annual glitzy in aid of DCCF in October 2024 gala – which will take place We look forward to bringing at the Hilton Bournemouth on you news of our work and Saturday 13 September 2025. events throughout 2025 and Any effort, big or small, as hopefully welcoming you to an individual or as a group of our wonderful local charity. friends, will help the DCCF Visit our website at make a difference to Dorset www.dccf.co.uk to find out families living with the added about our local events, or pressure of financial stress on how to apply for a grant. top of a cancer diagnosis.

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RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter New lifeboat for Mudeford RNLI

On 4 December, the Mudeford RNLI volunteer crew marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one as they said goodbye to their much-loved lifeboat, ‘Mudeford Servant’, and welcomed their brand new Atlantic 85, ‘Henrietta H’, into service.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer helm, Ian Parker, said: “Our Atlantic 85 lifeboat Mudeford Servant has helped us to save many lives over the past 18 years while keeping our crew safe in some severe conditions.

“It was sad to see her go, but we have received a fantastic new boat to carry on saving lives at sea.”

The new lifeboat, Henrietta H, was funded by the generosity of Dorothy Ann Hunter of Portsmouth, who passed away in April 2016 and bequeathed her entire residuary estate to the RNLI. An official naming ceremony for the new lifeboat will be held at Mudeford Lifeboat Station later in 2025.

Henrietta H comes home to RNLI Mudeford © Des Stevens

Kevin Dingley 50 years’ Volunteer Service to the RNLI Mudeford RNLI’s longest serving volunteer, Kevin Dingley, joined the Mudeford Lifeboat Station in 1974 at the age of 16, helping out around the lifeboat station. Kevin said that in those days the crew was mostly made up of local fishermen who worked in the area, the lifeboat was kept in a hexagonal wooden hut, and the gear was a few oilskins hanging up in the hut and some wellington boots. The boat had only one engine, a spare prop, a radio, a first aid kit and a compass, and you knelt in the boat!

In 2002, Kevin stepped down from the crew but stayed closely involved with the station and with the RNLI. In 2004, he became treasurer for the station and the Fundraising Crew who raise donations for the station. More recently, Kevin took on a new role in the RNLI, giving tours of the Poole RNLI College and factory.

RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Vice-Chair Robin Pellatt, centre, and Chair Adele Orr recognised and thanked Kevin Dingley for his 50 years of service © Hazel Stubbs

Join us For more information on our events or monthly meetings, or to get involved with our Fundraising Crew, please contact Adele at: adele.orr.63@gmail.com.

We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers for our fundraising team.

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Short

Story

My first home

by Marilyn Evangelou

I’ve spent 215 days in foster care and today is the day I get to meet my new family, I cannot wait. I don’t remember my real mum; I heard that she abandoned me, and these guys took me in. They’ve taken really good care of me, but I don’t want to be here forever; I want a real family.

My new mummy had long brown hair, she was tall and had a beautiful smile. She gave me the biggest hug when she met me for the first time. I like her. Dad had glasses and a beard; it tickled my cheeks when he hugged me. I like him.

It was time to go to my new home.

Mummy sat with me in the backseat and rolled the window down to let the cool air in.

She told me about my new sisters waiting for me and how excited they were to meet me.

Neither of them looked like mummy; they had light blonde hair like daddy, they were tall. They’re six and eight years old.

Mummy and daddy worked on lunch and my new siblings showed me around the house. It’s a big house, fancy too. The stairs were huge, but they helped me. They showed me our rooms and the many toys to play with. They were talking and walking fast, I couldn’t keep up, but they always waited for me. I have little legs.

The garden was beautiful and green; the swimming pool was gigantic. My sisters ran around the garden, calling me to follow, their smiley faces and open arms made my heart want to leap with joy. We ran around on the soft grass and smelt the sunflowers mummy had planted.

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all the wonderful things we’d do together, I couldn’t get a word in. It doesn’t matter, because I have a family now, people that love me, I can get used to this.

We were called inside for lunch and the girls ran ahead. I reached the backdoor and saw them all sitting at the table. My new mummy was dishing food out for us, it smelt heavenly. I walked in and watched them eat, I got to the empty chair that waited for me and sat down. I didn’t have a plate. My new family chatted together and ate. Should I ask for food? Must I wait to be served? Or do I help myself?

I felt awkward. I didn’t know what to do. It’s like they didn’t know I was there. I politely asked for food, and they all looked at me at the same time. The look on their faces were different because the smiles were gone. Did I do something wrong? Mummy grabbed some food and chucked it on the floor in the corner, lifted me up from my chair to the floor. “You can eat off the floor,” she told me and went back to her seat.

Is this supposed to happen? I ate quietly and tried sitting with them again, but they were finished. Something strange is happening and I don’t like it. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Tomorrow wasn’t better. I got shouted at a few times and I don’t know why. They didn’t include me in any meals, I didn’t sleep in the same room as my sisters, my bed was downstairs, and I didn’t have any toys of my own. The worst was being left at home alone all day and I was scared.

I heard the agency say that if there were any problems to call them, so I decided to

call. I remember seeing mummy use a phone once. I’ve never used one before. I can’t do it, how do you use this silly thing? I spent all afternoon trying to work it out, nothing. My world fell apart. I was all alone. I cried.

I hated watching mum throw food on the floor while everyone else ate together. So, I stopped eating. She gave me something different to eat, I refused.

She sat down next to me and encouraged me to eat and I walked away.

The next day, the family came home early, I was happy to see them. Mum was cooking while dad watched some TV and the girls came to tell me about their day. They have interesting days. It was time for lunch, they all sat down to eat.

I left; I decided I wasn’t going to watch.

Mum called me. I walked slowly back, and my eyes lit up when I saw my name on a bowl, placed on a little pink carpet, right next to mummy’s chair with a cushion beside it.

She called me to come and eat, I ran towards her and licked her face to show my gratitude. she told me she loved me and placed me down on my little chair to eat. The food was so good; I was starving. Mummy had bought me a bigger bed too, and another bed that went next to the couch so I can watch TV with them.

I even had new toys! The best was a stuffed animal that I sleep with every night; it was a Pomeranian dog, it looked like me.

I guess they love me after all.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

THE REGENT HIGH ST, CHRISTCHURCH (01202) 499199 www.theregent.co.uk

LIVE ON STAGE P*SSED UP PANTO: SLEEPING BEAUTY | Fri 7 & Sat 8 Mar: 19:30

After multiple sell-out shows, the hit adult-only panto is back in Christchurch for two days only!

HARI BUDHA MAGAR: NO LEGS, NO LIMITS | Thu 13 Mar: 19:30 From injured veteran to the world’s first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest, Hari shares his inspiring journey live on stage.

BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY | Fri 14 Mar: 19:30 The internationally acclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

NORTHERN LIVE | Sat 15 Mar: 19:30 Keeping the Faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the nation.

DEFYING GRAVITY: WEST END WOMEN | Fri 21 Mar: 19:30 A jaw-dropping celebration of women who have made their mark on the West End Stage.

BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS | Sat 22 Mar: 19:30 All Holly’s hits and other rock ’n’ roll classics are played live on stage by these five amazing actormusicians.

A TRIBUTE TO THE CARPENTERS | Fri 28 Mar: 19:30 Join us for one very special night, on top of the world, to create a dream come true, celebrating the legendary music of the Carpenters.

EVENT CINEMA

(Standard cinema showings published weekly) A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN THE MUSICAL | Sun 16 Mar: 19:30 This multi-award-winning show captured recently at the Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre is an extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences.

NT LIVE: DR. STRANGELOVE (15) | Thu 27 Mar: 19:00 Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL LIVE (15) | Sun 30 Mar: 14:00 | Wed 2 Apr: 19:30 Having won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005, this funny, uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience returns to cinemas.

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 for the latest information www.theregent.co.uk xxxii | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Rituals can change your life

By Elizabeth McPherson

A few months ago, I had a reminder that I needed to slow down or, even better still, rest Life is so hectic these days, don’t you think?

We seem to fly through life like a dose of salts, hardly even remembering what we did this morning, never mind about what we did last weekend. We have become a society focused on saving time, instead of taking our time.

Which is why I have started introducing rituals into my life. In other words, I follow a pattern, and that pattern keeps me calm.

I like to call them my self-care rituals, but they feel more important somehow. A simpler version of self-care that we can do every day.

My rituals include things like shaking off my coat and bag the minute I get home, putting them away in the same place. Making myself a cup of tea, before I do anything else.

No TV or radio, just peace and quiet as I process the day I have just had. You can apply these principles to any aspect of your life.

The idea of rituals was introduced to me in 2019, when I met a herbalist in Greece. He shared how, on going to bed, he set the intention of having a good night’s sleep and, better still, of having amazing dreams. It struck a chord with me.

Recently, I met with a client who told me that she had never slept well since she was a child. I asked her to apply the ritual protocol to approaching her bedtime, suggesting she stop all forms of technology at least an hour before bed, get ready 56 | themudefordmag.co.uk

for bed well before bedtime, take a shower or a bath, make a hot water bottle and set her intention for the night: a restful night’s sleep with awesome dreams to boot.

She told me the next day that it had worked, and that she had had a great night’s sleep.

Maybe by bringing a ritual into your life, it will work wonders for you too.

With Love, Beth X www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk Photo by Iulia Topan on Unsplash

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Sobo Beach can remain in place until October 2026 © ScottsMedia

Seafront bar wins bid to remain in Southbourne A popular seafront bar and restaurant in Southbourne has won planning permission from the council to remain in its location until late 2026 Sobo Beach, a seafront bar and restaurant popup venue in Southbourne, can remain on the site after winning permission from the council.

At the committee meeting on 19 December 2024, all 10 members of the Eastern Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Planning Committee voted to extend Sobo Beach’s permission to October 2026.

The team behind Sobo Beach, which was developed on the site of the demolished Bistro on the Beach building, were able to generate significant public support for their extension. More than 1,300 residents and patrons of the venue wrote to the council in support of the planning application. Sobo Beach also had the support of local Labour MP Tom Hayes, who described the committee’s decision as “fantastic news”.

On social media, Hayes said: “Thanks to the voices of our community and a successful planning application, Sobo Beach will remain on Southbourne Beach until 2026.

“It’s been my privilege to support their journey by writing to BCP Council’s planning committee, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together. Thank you again to everyone who got in touch with me.”

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Sobo Beach is made up of three shipping containers, a yellow double decker bus, and other modular buildings. As well as offering food and drink, the venue hosts community workshops and music events.

Rich Slater, co-owner of Sobo Beach, told this magazine: “After a long period of waiting and compromising we’re glad to have finally got over the hurdle of planning permission, and look forward to carrying on at the site until 2026, bringing together the Sobo community on the seafront.”

Prior to Sobo Beach’s creation, the council had created plans for a larger £7 million permanent development featuring a restaurant, showers, and 17 overnight-stay lodges, but these plans are currently under review.

Slater added: “We are also keenly aware that it took over 15 months to secure this temporary planning permission and given that the council has not got the resources to build a permanent solution on the site as planned, it’s imperative that work starts on a new plan for the future of Sobo Beach before too long.

“We hope to be a part of that future and will continue working to deliver the best possible experience for all in this beautiful corner of BCP.”

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Bournemouth University sheds new light on history of Hengistbury Head A joint project between archaeologists at Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, and the Russell Coates Art Gallery & Museum has used state-of-the-art conservation and digitisation techniques to unravel the mysteries on over 12,500 years of human history.

The project has delved into the curated collections held at the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre and archives at the RussellCotes Art Gallery & Museum to uncover new stories about the past. Digital X-ray analysis at Bournemouth University laboratories has been used to identify Iron Age objects used by people over 2,000 years ago on the headland. New finds include a preserved Iron Age saw encased in corrosion, which gives an insight into the tools available to people on Hengistbury Head during the Iron Age. Hengistbury Head staff and volunteers have also been working with digital heritage specialists from Bournemouth University to learn how to create 3D digital models of the objects housed in the Visitor Centre. The success of this project will allow BCP to unlock new access to the collections, helping the public

Left (A): photograph of an object previously thought to be an Iron Age currency bar. Right (B): an X-ray image of the same object showing the preserved teeth of a saw on the upper right-hand side (C). Photographs courtesy of Dr Heather Tamminen and Megan Russell

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learn about human occupation on the headland.

This pioneering project was funded by the government’s Regional Innovation Fund.

By introducing the latest conservation and digitisation techniques to these collections, which are seen by over 1.2 million visitors each year, their enduring value as an educational and research resource will be ensured well into the future.

Mark Holloway, BCP’s project lead said: “This is such a good example of two organisations working together for the benefit of the community - with improved access to the heritage and archaeology collections at Hengistbury Head.”

Hayden Scott-Pratt, curator of the Visitor Centre and Hengistbury Head archaeological collections, said: “This project will have a lasting impact on how people engage and interact with the incredible heritage on our site and has pushed our understanding of our collections by leaps and bounds.”

To find out more about Hengistbury Head, go to visithengistburyhead.co.uk. If you are interested in volunteering at the Visitor Centre, email Hengistbury.head@bcpcouncil.gov.uk for more information.

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Professor Lesley Haig, HRH The Princess Royal, and Independent Governor Monika Barnes

Princess Anne welcomed as chancellor of new university Health Sciences University, formerly AECC University College, in Bournemouth celebrated its official launch on Thursday 31 October. The momentous occasion was marked by the installation of Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal as the university’s inaugural chancellor.

Following the installation ceremony at Corpus Christi Church in Boscombe, Princess Anne visited the Health Sciences University’s Bournemouth campus and spent time meeting students, staff, patients and healthcare professionals.

To commemorate the occasion, The Princess Royal unveiled a specially commissioned plaque.

The vice-chancellor of Health Sciences University, Professor Lesley Haig, said: “It is a tremendous honour to celebrate the official launch of Health Sciences University with the installation of HRH The Princess Royal as chancellor. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our rich history of training and inspiring healthcare professionals.

“Our ambition is clear: to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, equipping the next 66 | themudefordmag.co.uk

generation of health professionals with cuttingedge knowledge, practical skills and compassionate care. Our vision is to establish Health Sciences University as a highly valued institution within the health and care sector, a trusted partner, and a cornerstone in the communities we serve, both locally and beyond.”

Monika Barnes, the university’s chair of the Board of Governors, said: “Today is a landmark in our university’s journey as we proudly embrace our new identity as Health Sciences University. This title is more than just a name; it represents our steadfast dedication to advancing healthcare, education and research. We have the distinction of being the only named health sciences university in the UK and with this comes a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

“We are truly delighted and honoured that HRH The Princess Royal has chosen to join us in this role, and we look forward to the future with optimism and confidence in what we can achieve together.”

For information on Health Science University, visit www.hsu.ac.uk.

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Louis Pulford

LOUIS P CREATIVE This issue, we’re shining a spotlight on our lead designer, Louis Pulford, who has produced the brilliant covers for this magazine since 2023 Hello, my name is Louis, you may have seen my photos and artwork on the covers of previous magazines, as I am the lead designer of The Mudeford Mag, BH Six & Seven and The Bulletin. We are now offering the covers to local photographers and artists to showcase their work in print, and so it would be beneficial to introduce myself and share a bit about my creativity.

I am a professional graphic designer, and my creative hobbies include photography and illustration. I work with many subjects in photography, from the ocean to woodland, landscapes, astro and macro; I am a master of not one subject but like to dabble in as many types of

Louis in Scotland scouting for landscapes

photography as possible to keep my spectrum broad and exciting. My favourite subject to photograph is mushrooms; the colours, contrasts and character of each subject is so pleasant to experience.

When it comes to illustration and art, I am self-taught, mainly using graphite. As a graphic designer and digital artist, I also use digital tools to illustrate and create digital paintings, front covers and other artworks within the work environment. My preferred workflows are using Adobe Photoshop on desktop and Procreate on iPad. I also create artwork with a pyrography tool and paint in my studio at home. My work leans in many directions, because variety is the spice of life.

W: louispcreative.co.uk | I: @louisp_creative

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