Welcome to Mudeford Mag The Your
A warm welcome to our new editor!
Janine Pulford retired as editor in May after 21 years. Janine has passed the baton to Luke Graham, who has worked as a journalist since 2015. Now that Janine is concentrating on her fiction writing, Luke has seamlessly moved into his new role and is keen to serve the local community by sharing interesting and informative articles about the local area. Luke has been visiting Dorset since 2010 and moved here with his family in 2020. Like me, he enjoys the quality of life that this beautiful area provides. I personally am taking time to enjoy my garden at this time of year. I love the change of seasons and find CK Gardens’ suggestions really helpful when thinking ahead to my autumn planting and preparation. I love to sit out there and enjoy a good book – we have some excellent suggestions and book reviews in this edition which may help you choose if you are looking for a bit of inspiration other than the traditional ‘beach reads’. However you spend your time, I hope you enjoy it and of course, don’t forget to find Sammy the Seagull somewhere in the magazine and enter The Regent’s competition.
Rebecca Smith
Are you where you want to be?
By Elizabeth McPherson
I used to hear about the benefits of getting older, but I didn’t really believe what I was told. How could getting older make you happier? Being just a year off 60 and having spent most of my life trying to be ‘happy’, I have found an inner peace that I never dreamed possible. I am convinced it is because I am older and therefore, in theory, wiser. I thought I would share some of these key ingredients with you, as they say sharing is caring, and when you have a formula as bulletproof as mine, it would be selfish not to tell everyone about it.
• Let go of anything that no longer serves you – that could be material possessions or thoughts that do not enhance your life. We all have memories, both bad and good. Holding onto things that make you sad will only hold you back.
• Be grateful – there is always something to be grateful for, even if it’s that first cup of tea in the morning.
• Write imaginary letters to those you need to forgive. Once written, either burn them or send them out to sea, sending out love.
• Love yourself unconditionally – loving yourself is the most important lesson to learn.
• Never take anything personally – someone else’s stuff is their stuff, not yours.
• Always do your best, in whatever you do.
• Believe that good things are coming your way. If you believe it, you will receive it, that is Universal Law.
• Never have any regrets other than to learn from them.
• Be true to your word. If you say you are going to do something, do it.
• Practise self-care – walk in nature, exercise, eat nutritious food.
• Hang out with friends & family, those who light you up.
• Handle the bad times with dignity and embrace the good times like the precious jewels they are.
• Live your life with passion and joie de vivre.
And most of all, accept who you are now, and how far you have come. Life is our school and reaching contentment is the goal.
With Love Beth www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk
COMPETITION FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR AN EVENING OF COMEDY
WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER, REGENT CENTRE, CHRISTCHURCH 7.30PM
Live At The Apollo star Geoff Norcott will headline at the Regent Comedy Club, 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.
“One of our most refreshingly funny comedians of any stripe” — The Times
Joining Geoff is a fantastic supporting bill with Australian fireball Thomas Green, king of the misanthropes Radu Isaac, and the masterful Jarred Christmas as host.
18+ only. May contain strong language and adult themes from the start.
Support acts subject to change from the ones advertised.
REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE
01202 499199
TICKETS £19
For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the show, simply find Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere inside this month’s magazine (excluding this page).
Email the page number where he appears and your contact details to competition@themudefordmag.co.uk
Closing date is 30 September 2024
PREVIOUS WINNER: The winner of the Money for Nothing tickets was Dan Dixon who correctly stated page xx as the answer.
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
sponsored by Louis P Creative
Coffee Break Time
Pupils combat pollution with drain art
Students at schools in Poole and
Christchurch
created artwork for their schoolground drains as part of a project raising awareness about ocean pollution.
Working with Sarah Wise from education centre DEED and artist Miroslav Lucan from LucanArt, groups of Year 5 pupils from Mudeford Junior school in Christchurch and Heatherlands
Primary school in Poole designed the artworks to encourage their fellow students to look down and consider what happens if their litter gets washed down the drain.
Designs were chosen which pupils and staff felt stood out the most. Noah in Mudeford came up with the winning design of ‘Only Rain Down the Drain’. His design was then brought to life by Mirek from LucanArt.
Sarah Wise, centre co-ordinator for DEED, said: “Ocean plastic pollution is one of many environmental problems we are facing, and small actions like Drain Art really help our young people to be part of a more positive future.”
Sarah McKinley, senior leader at Mudeford Junior, said: “The Year 5 children have been learning about ocean pollution as part of their community week. They have become educated,
informed and inspired about making a difference to protect our seas and this project has enabled them to spread that message to the wider school community.
“The children were thrilled to be part of this project and for Noah to see his design painted as a reminder for all is just wonderful.”
LucanArt
Mudeford Junior’s Noah with local artist Miroslav Lucan. Picture credit: Sarah Wise
Skydive for a hero
Louis Pulford meets Angie from Lewis-Manning
I recently decided to take a leap and committed to doing a 10,000ft skydive in support of a hospice nurse at Lewis-Manning, Pulford Publicity’s charity of the year.
The goal of this exciting event is for each jumper to raise £450 for the charity, so I thought it would be a nice idea for our readers to get to know a little bit about the nurse who is the reason behind this skydive.
So, let’s get a little introduction, what’s your name and what do you do at Lewis-Manning?
My name is Angie and I am a Staff Nurse. My working week is a mix between running Day Hospice and visiting patients at home to do assessments. In summary my focus is to assist people to live their lives in the best way possible, listening to their wishes, and to be beside them to help overcome obstacles and difficulties as they arise. What do you enjoy most on a day-to-day basis being a nurse?
The people inspire me. The people I work with, the people I care for and their families and friends. I love working within a team. The Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Team are absolutely fantastic to work with, they care so much about our patients but also we care about each other too.
I have been a Registered Nurse for too many years to admit to. In that time I have met many extraordinary people – patients, family members, friends who have lived very difficult lives with such dignity, love and humour. How do you prepare yourself for a day’s nursing?
I try to get a good night’s sleep, try to tame my hair from being too wild and ensure I am not rushing to work. Can you give us a high point in your career? There have been so many that I can’t pinpoint just
one. Working at Lewis-Manning is amazing and I feel privileged to be able to treat patients with such time and care. I have seen first hand that this is not always the case in other parts of the country and I am grateful to be able to have the time and resources to look after our patients. I feel so lucky to have had such an endlessly interesting career, with so much variety including working overseas and making very special lifelong friends who I have shared it all with.
Are there any challenges on a day-to-day basis and how do you tackle them?
Keep calm and prioritise what needs to be done first.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of nursing?
Playing the piano and ukulele – badly. Have you heard of playing the right notes but not necessarily in the right order?
Plus being with my fantastic family and friends. How did you get into this type of nursing?
Five years before I started at Lewis-Manning I assessed a patient they were caring for who transferred to the service I worked for. I knew at that time I wanted to work for them because I was so impressed with their ethos. It took a while for it to be the right career move, but now here I am.
How do you decompress after a stressful time at work?
Support, listening, advice and lemon cake with my Lewis-Manning colleagues.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become a hospice nurse?
I would say gain some general experience first in a variety of places.
So, there we have a bit of background about the lovely Angie.
If you would like to donate to help me raise £450 for this day-to-day hero, follow the link to my donation page www.justgiving.com/page/louis-pulford-1720426098624
Members of the Dorset Coast Forum visited Hengistbury Head recently to see works progressing on the Long Groyne. They witnessed huge rocks (each weighing between six-10 tonnes) being loaded into dumper trucks with excavators and moved along the beach. Coaster ships have brought in rocks from France and Norway through a set route at high tide.
We Solve Murders
by
Richard Osman, hardback £22.00
From the bestselling author of Thursday Murder Club comes a brand-new series featuring an iconic new detective duo and a thrilling new murder to solve. Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favourite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over. Adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now. Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive, which was meant to be an easy job, until a dead body, a bag of money and a killer with their sights on Amy all appear. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a deadly enemy? If you haven’t tried The Thursday Murder Club series yet, why not give them a go? All available in paperback, £9.99 each.
Book Reviews
Precipice
by Robert Harris, hardback £22.00
Precipice is the thrilling new novel from Robert Harris. It is summer 1914 and the world is on the brink of catastrophe. In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley, aristocratic, clever, bored and reckless, is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. Asquith. A man more than twice her age, he writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state. As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top-secret documents, and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history. Robert Harris seamlessly weaves fact and fiction in a way that no writer does better.
Impossible Creatures
by Katherine Rundell,
paperback £8.99
From Katherine Rundell, the British Book Awards’ Author of the Year, comes the paperback release of the first novel in the award-winning Impossible Creatures series. Christopher is stunned when he discovers a passage to the Archipelago: a cluster of magical islands where all the creatures of myth still live, breed and thrive in their thousands. There he meets Mal, a girl from the islands, who is in possession of a flying coat and a baby griffin and who is being pursued by a killer. Together they embark on an urgent quest to discover why the creatures are suddenly perishing, voyaging across the wild splendour of the Archipelago, where sphinxes hold secrets and centaurs commit murder, in a bid to save both the islands and the world beyond them from a rising evil before it’s too late. Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of lovely new publications for autumn? Or you can contact 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or visit social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that is on offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.
Secret Mash
BY CHRISTIAN ØRNER | SALT Cø. Private Chef and Chocolatier | www.salt-co.co.uk
At SALT Cø. when we do our dinners where we come to people’s homes to cook or when we host in our kitchen over in Upton, one of the things we get complimented on the most is our potato dishes. As a chef, I love potatoes! You can do so much with them.
Here’s how we do our mash: INGREDIENTS:
• Type of potato: 250g Maris Piper (super important).
• 30g Salted Butter.
• 20g and then 100g Double Cream. (You can use milk. If you do, remember to use less to get the same consistency as cream is thicker than milk, obviously.)
• Salt to taste. (I use Maldon Sea Salt which I cold smoke myself. You can buy Maldon Sea Salt unsmoked from the supermarket or online. You can also buy our smoked salt through us directly.)
METHOD:
(For two people)
• Wash and peel 250g of Maris Piper potatoes.
• Place peelings in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil.
• Once at the boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
• Whilst potato skins are simmering cut the potatoes into even-size chunks. Size isn’t so important, the smaller they are the quicker they will cook. I usually cut into bite-size chunks.
• Once 30 minutes is up, strain the potato stock through a sieve into a bowl. Discard cooked skins.
• Place potato stock into the saucepan and add the potatoes. Add more water to cover the potatoes. Return the stock to the boil and simmer until potatoes are soft.
• Drain the potatoes through the sieve and when empty return cooked potatoes to the saucepan and return to the heat.
• Gently break the potatoes to release excess steam.
• Remove potatoes from the heat and pass through a potato ricer (a giant garlic press – you can buy them online or in large supermarkets) into a clean bowl with 30g salted butter.
• You could end it there. You’ll just need to season it with the salt, and you’d have a nice mash. But to make it extra fine:
• Once it has all gone through the ricer, fold through the butter and immediately press the potatoes through a fine sieve (this is what we do).
• To serve the mash: add 20g double cream to a clean saucepan. Bring to the boil.
• Add your potato and gently fold the warm cream into the potato. Season with Maldon Sea Salt and enjoy!
When I make mash for a SALT Cø. dinner, I “have to” make double. Once I have served the dish with the mash intentionally on, I serve the remainder in an extra bowl. It ALWAYS gets eaten.
And most importantly, if I don’t leave some for my fiancée, Laura, when I come home I find the spare bed kindly made up for me…
SELF-COMPASSION
Are you overly critical of yourself and constantly beating yourself up for being inadequate? Can you not face your inadequacies or weaknesses for fear of hating yourself?
If so, read on…
Self-compassion is giving ourselves the equivalent kindness and care as we would a good friend. Compassion means ‘suffer with’, so to feel compassion one first needs to notice and acknowledge our own or another’s suffering. This may occur when we fail or make mistakes. Then step two is feeling moved enough to want to help in some way. It is important to remember that imperfection and inadequacy is part of being human and something we all experience.
Self-compassion involves offering ourselves kindness and understanding when you notice something about yourself you do not like or consider yourself to have failed. Instead of beating yourself up for your shortcomings, do not be so hard on yourself. Acknowledge the difficulty you are having and attend to yourself with kindness and understanding. Alexander Pope wrote the proverb, “To err is human; to forgive divine,” expressing the idea that forgiveness is a worthy response to human failings.
Self-compassion is different from self-pity, where one is wrapped up in one’s own emotional drama, with exaggerated feelings of suffering, and feelings of being isolated and worse off than others. Self-compassion is where you understand that it is normal and natural for humans to struggle at times, and it is a shared experience that everyone experiences at some point. In using self-compassion, personal failings can be acknowledged with kindness and do not need to be hidden for fear of hating oneself. To instigate change we need to be able to see ourselves clearly without the fear of self-condemnation.
Self-esteem, on the other hand, refers to our sense of self-worth and how much we like ourselves. While there is little doubt that low self-esteem is problematic and often leads to depression and lack of motivation, trying to have higher self-esteem can also lead to problems.
Self-esteem is often based on how special we are, inferring it is not okay to be average. We must feel above average to feel good about ourselves and may need to put others down to feel better about ourselves. Furthermore, our self-esteem is often dependant on our latest success or failure, meaning that our self-esteem fluctuates depending on ever-changing circumstances.
In contrast to self-esteem, self-compassion is not based on self-evaluations. People feel compassion for themselves because all human beings deserve compassion and understanding, not because they are above average. This means that with self-compassion, you do not have to feel better than others, to feel good about yourself. Self-compassion also allows for greater self-clarity, because personal failings can be acknowledged with kindness and do not need to be hidden. Practising self-compassion leads to increased resilience.
Dr Armorel Wood MBACP, accred MNCS Private Professional Counsellor 07765915211 | woodarmorel@gmail.com www.mapletreetherapy.org
King Henry VIII’s Progress to Christchurch
By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society
Did you know that King Henry VIII visited Christchurch? Christchurch History Society, along with Christchurch Priory, the Red House Museum, and local historians, took part in events in May with the Royal Palaces Trust. The Trust has embarked on a huge project, called ‘Henry on Tour’, to research the Progresses of Henry VIII. A Progress is the term for travels around the kingdom that were used by the king and queen to see and be seen by the public. There are two documented Progresses to Christchurch, the first in 1510 and again in 1516. It is also possible that Henry visited in 1535, though this has yet to be proven.
The Henry on Tour project has a set of themes; kingship and queenship, logistics, performance and legacy. Henry’s 1510 Progress was the first of his reign. It is thought he stayed at the Priory for five days, from 13 to 17 August. He would have been here for the Feast of Assumption, an important date in the church calendar.
The project is investigating the logistics of this Progress. For example, it is likely that he stayed in the guest quarters of the Priory, though possibly some other manor house locally. He would have brought with him a huge entourage, but where would they have encamped? Henry’s household accounts tell us that the cost of stabling was 59 shillings per day – around £2,000 today.
The Henry on Tour project also worked with the vicar and choirmaster at the Priory and undertook a series of musical events. These included a recital and concert, along with a celebration of Lady Mass and a service of Compline, recreating the services Henry would have attended in the church.
In 1516, Henry returned to Christchurch, evidenced because a Privy Seal warrant was issued from here on 18 August. In the 1535 progress, Henry came to the west country again, accompanied by Anne Boleyn. This was a year before the dissolution of the Monasteries. Unfortunately, there are gaps in available documents, so it is unclear as to whether they stopped at Christchurch. John Draper was the Prior at the time. If they did call at Christchurch, could it have been an opportunity to persuade Henry to save the Priory Church for the town?
You can read more about the Henry on Tour project on the website www.henryontour.co.uk where there is a blog specifically about Christchurch.
Talks:
1 October – CHS, AGM – Followed by a short digital presentation by Janet Burn from her own collection of glass slides. Open to all. For details visit www.historychristchurch.org.uk
Letters Patent issued by King Henry VIII under the privy seal on 13 August 1510 ‘at our Monastery of Christchurch’
A day on board the Regent Seven Seas Splendor
At the end of June, I had the opportunity to spend some time on board the cruise ship Regent Seven Seas Splendor in Southampton. I have cruised several times with Regent, on Mariner and Voyager but this was my first chance to experience Regent Splendor. This ship doesn’t sail from Southampton very
often, so when I was invited to have a tour of the ship and lunch, I of course accepted. I was welcomed on board with a glass of champagne – a great start to the day! Known as ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet’, this ship is quite simply luxury perfected. It combines exquisite style and comfort with unparalleled service. Splendor can accommodate a total of 746 guests and was launched in February 2020. There are currently six ships in the Regent fleet. They are all mid-size ships and Splendor has a guest ratio of 1:1.4. The result is incredible service, plenty of personal space, no queues and no waiting.
After enjoying a glass of champagne in the Meridian Lounge, my tour of the ship began with a visit to the Grand Suite. It boasts one spacious bedroom and two marble and stone detailed bathrooms. Outside there is a large private balcony with table and chairs, perfect for breakfast. My tour continued with a visit to the Splendor Suite and the Master Suite, both very spacious and luxurious with benefits such as a personal butler and priority check-in. The Master Suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and even includes a complimentary cocktail party for eight and early access to your suite on embarkation day at noon. After viewing the suites in detail, I was taken to see the Penthouse suites. These are up to 644 sq feet with a separate bedroom and living area. They also have a personal butler service and a daily canapés service. Accommodation on board Splendor ranges from 300sq feet to more than 4,000, and all have a private balcony and a separate sitting area.
The Concierge suites have the added benefit of including a one-night pre-cruise hotel package with breakfast, giving you the chance to explore the port you are sailing from.
Next was the chance to visit the restaurants on Splendor and, of course, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch. The restaurants on Splendor
include Pacific Rim, La Veranda, Chartreuse, Prime 7 and the main dining room Compass Rose. Speciality dining is included; there are no supplements to pay. You can dine whenever you wish and with whom you wish.
It really is an all-inclusive experience with Regent: gratuities, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited drinks including fine wines and spirits, speciality restaurants, valet laundry service, unlimited Wi-Fi, flights and transfers are all included. A cruise can be a great way to explore a destination without lots of packing and unpacking.
If you would like to know more about cruising with Regent Seven Seas or if you have any other travel plans, please contact me.
T 01202 375150
M 07929626156
E sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com
W www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen
SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
Perfect plants for autumn gardens
By Colin Knapman
Autumn is usually the season when the garden starts to look a bit tired and bedraggled as many of the plants have finished flowering and the leaves begin to drop. However, there are plenty of plants that still look good, especially if we continue to have milder weather in the autumn months.
Here are just a few suggestions for autumn planting.
For structure and all-year-round interest, choose evergreen shrubs such as:
• Pyracantha for flowers and autumn berries
• Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ – a beautiful compact shrub
• Nandina Domestica for an autumnal feeling
For rhythm and balance, select a group of plants that can be clumped together for impact and repeat this throughout the border. These can include ground cover plants such as Sedum, Cyclamen, or Violas, along with closely grouped taller plants such as Japanese Anemone, Aster x Frikartii and many more beautiful ornamental grasses.
If space permits, then add a small tree such as Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ with its stunning autumn foliage.
For further advice and detailed planting plans, contact Colin Knapman by phone or text on 07925 166757.
Orfordness Lighthouse
by Keith Morton - Association of Lighthouse Keepers – alkhurst@gmail.com
The east coast of England is a hazardous area for shipping with swift tides, banks and shoals. On one night alone in 1627, no less than 32 ships were cast upon Orfordness, a 13-milelong spit that runs along the coast. Now, on our lighthouse tour of England and Wales, we arrive at Orfordness lighthouse.
It was in February 1634 that John Meldrum was granted a patent to build two temporary lights between the Sizewell Bank and Aldeburgh Napes. His successor, Alderman Gore, built two timber towers to guide ships through the narrow gap. Next on the scene was Sir Edward Turnour who bought the land on which the lighthouses stood, as well as a large area of Lantern Marshes to give him greater access to the lights. After Sir Edward’s death in 1676, his son became the owner, but the lights at this time were badly maintained which resulted in complaints from the masters of vessels passing them. In 1720, the
lighthouses came into the ownership of Henry Grey, who replaced the wooden lighthouses with brick towers.
Ownership changed in 1792 to Lord Braybrook of Audley End, who had a new brick tower built further back from the sea. This became known as the Great Ore highlight. The previous light then became known as the small or lower light. The new lighthouse was designed by William Watkins, the son of a plasterer and stucco worker – this light lasted until 2020.
In 1836, an Act of Parliament authorised Trinity House to compulsorily purchase the lighthouse. 1914 saw the installation of a revolving lens with three sides to provide a flash every five seconds. In 1959, the lighthouse was converted to electric power, but it was not until September 1965 that the lighthouse became fully automatic and controlled from the Trinity House Control Centre in Harwich – the keepers were then withdrawn.
In a lighthouse review around 2004, Trinity House was concerned about coastal erosion and considered moving the lighthouse further inland. However, although contractors were brought in to provide estimates to move the lighthouse, this way ahead was not approved by Historic England. It was decided that the Orfordness lighthouse would be decommissioned and demolished. As a consequence, the power of Southwold lighthouse was increased to compensate.
On 27 June 2013, Orfordness lighthouse was formally decommissioned and all equipment was removed. The lighthouse was then purchased by the Orfordness Lighthouse Trust. Under the Trust’s stewardship, the lighthouse was opened to the public on specific occasions between 2013 and 2019. The long-term plan was to demolish the lighthouse and to build a replica using the top one third of the lighthouse elsewhere on the Ness. Winter storms in 2020 brought things to a conclusion and work to start the demolition began on 18 July 2020. The plan now is to sell off the 200-year-old bricks to raise the necessary funds to build the one third replica on the Ness.
Orfordness lighthouse in 2010
Springwatch visits Hengistbury Head
by Tom (CHOG)
This year’s BBC Springwatch was hosted in Dorset at RSPB Arne, and for episodes two and three presenter Iolo Williams headed to Hengistbury Head. He gave mention that over 300 bird species have been recorded in the Christchurch Harbour recording area, as well as acknowledging this year’s Ringed Plover family in the CHOG-funded conservation area on the Sandspit, plus the recent visits from the Isle of Wight eagles.
After a wet and windy first visit, Iolo had a sunny second evening to introduce the fascinating life of the Natterjack Toad. At Hengistbury, Natterjacks breed in the warm shallow ponds and dig tunnels in the sandy cliffs, where they shelter from the sun and to overwinter. A protected species in the UK, the management of the land at Hengistbury is key to the Natterjack’s survival here. The diverse range of habitats in the Harbour provides for other specialities, such as the heathlandloving Nightjars and a wide range of insects, including 77 different species of solitary bee.
For a more detailed breakdown of the Springwatch coverage, head to the CHOG Online area of www.chog.org. uk if you are a CHOG member. If not, sign up on our ‘Join CHOG’ page. Alternatively, you can catch up on the episodes from this year’s coverage on BBC iPlayer.
August and September see the peak of autumn migration, when the young birds from this year’s nesting season make their first journey south. Birds of prey will be busy practising their hunting skills as they become independent of their parents. Look out for Sparrowhawks, Peregrines and
Hobbies when you are watching your garden, visiting Christchurch Priory, or going for a walk along the coast. The Priory Peregrines fledged four chicks this year, so there’s a good chance of seeing one.
Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, known as 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 and the benefits of joining, such as receiving the annual bird and wildlife report which includes sections on birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and dragonflies.
Juvenile Peregrines photograph by Adrian Simmons
Peregrine Day at the Priory photograph by David Taylor
Puzzle solutions
The future is bright
In June I had two significant
anniversaries in my life.
The first one was a sad occasion as I remembered losing my father 20 years ago. He was an instrumental figure in our life and especially mine as the first child. He held the torch and encouraged us to read and educate ourselves. 20 years on and I still miss him dearly.
The second anniversary was a celebration. On 6 June 1998, I finally graduated from the Karolinska Institute dental school in Stockholm (Sweden) after five years of intensive training. Including my training on the job whilst studying, this means that I have been a dental surgeon for 28 years. It feels a lifetime, but I am very blessed that I am passionate about dentistry and enjoy helping people to achieve and maintain good oral health. Although dentistry is hard work both physically and mentally, my love for it has grown over the years.
In the past 28 years I have been working in my practice as a family dentist, but I also have sought further advanced training in the fields of implant dentistry, smile design and comprehensive restorative dentistry. In the last 15 years, I have had extensive training in the field of facial aesthetics and dermatology.
I actively seek learning and most of my weekends are spent by taking part in different courses all around the UK and world.
Recently I was in London for two days. The first day was in a very prestigious location in
central London run by Fillmed laboratories. Fillmed is a famous French company exclusively working with regeneration, skin aging and skin rejuvenation. I have known the company for many years, and they are always ahead of research and development. It was a fascinating day with many international and national speakers unlocking some of the secrets of anti-aging and rejuvenation. I came away with new knowledge and new modalities that I can now offer my patients in the field of aesthetics to help them achieve beautiful yet natural results.
The second day was a course in the field of digital dentistry and 3D printing. This was all about what the future holds in the field of dentistry. We had talented individuals who shared their knowledge and expertise in the new world of dentistry where everything is digital.
I spent two very different days with two very different people. But they both had one thing in common. That is the world of knowledge is expanding and with new research and developments in all fields of medicine, who knows what we are able to do in the next 28 years. Please speak to our team when booking your appointments. We are here to help.
Mrs Ella Aslani DDS Stockholm Principal Dentist – Copper Beech Clinic
Charity of the Year
A leap of faith: registrations open
Registrations opened in June for the LewisManning Hospice Care Skydive, which takes place on Saturday 21 September at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.
Participants will be taking an adrenalinepumping 10,000ft leap into the skies to raise essential funds and awareness of the hospice nurses and the vital services they provide for the community at Lewis-Manning.
This unique event not only promises an unforgettable experience but also offers participants a chance to learn more about the incredible work that the hospice nurses do supporting patients and their families impacted by life limiting illnesses across Poole, East Dorset, Purbeck and West Hampshire. Skydivers will be paired up with a hospice nurse and will support the vital work they do in our communities every day in hospice hubs and in patient’s homes.
The nurses are proudly supporting the campaign, and many have signed up to skydive themselves. Staff Nurse Hannah Quick said: “I have seen first-hand the amazing people this money will support. My patients show me every day how brave and courageous they are, so I feel it’s only right for me to do something out of my comfort zone.”
Among the brave individuals taking part is Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber of
Commerce. With a life-long fear of heights, Ian is facing the challenge head-on.
Ian said: “I cannot wait to skydive for LewisManning. I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life and even experience vertigo when looking up at the sky.
“When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital cause. The nurses at Lewis-Manning need our help, and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.”
Louis Pulford, director at Pulford Publicity is also taking a giant leap to support a staff nurse. See his interview with her elsewhere in the magazine.
Area fundraiser India Turner said: “We are super proud of our amazing team of skydivers [who have] signed up so far. Their bravery will have such a positive impact for our nurses and allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care. We would urge anyone interested in joining in, to register on our web site. It’s going to be a fun day.”
To sign up to the event and jump for a nurse, or to find out more information, visit lewis-manning.org.uk/skydive.
RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter
Our volunteers, families and friends have been busy, and members of the public have come out to support our recent events. Our May coffee morning was popular as always. Our third Blue Light Day and Lifeboat Station Open Day – moved earlier to 26 May – welcomed our search and rescue family and other organisations. Many thanks to our joint sponsors The Haven House Inn & Café and Winkworth (Highcliffe and Mudeford offices), the companies who bought advertising space in our event trifold, Highcliffe Sailing Club who held their ‘Coffee and Cake and Brew with the Crew’, and of course, the Lifeboat station volunteer crew for their massive contribution to making the day such a success.
In June we held our first Pirate Day on Avon Beach. This was an unsophisticated but fun and free children’s event with a variety of activities, a treasure chest, and a prize for the best dressed pirate courtesy of Snowtrax Activity Centre. Thanks to The Noisy Lobster for all their help and support. More events are planned for the rest of the year.
Dates for the diary Wednesday 11 Sept 2.15pm: Beetle Drive, Stanpit Village Hall
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.
Blue Light Day at Mudeford Quay Green. Drone photo by Jon Sawdon
Pirate and Stormy Stan at Avon Beach. Photo by Julie Honour-Jones
Short Story
Nutty Encounter
by Janine Pulford
The vision of someone so beautiful took my breath away. It was certainly a day to gasp for air, I thought, as I struggled to recover from the young woman’s crushing grip.
Her mannerisms were now gentle and fluid as she faced me.
Despite my near-death experience, all that ran through my mind was: she’s gorgeous, but way out of your league, Jonathan Bright. Anyway, you’re destined to live alone because you can’t connect with women.
Aware I hadn’t said a word since she’d rushed through my front door when she heard me choking, I tried to think of something normal to say, like ‘Thank you.’
Instead, I blabbered, “I had a tiger nut stuck in my throat. I got one stuck up the back of my nose once. I’m not going to eat tiger nuts again.”
“Never heard of them,” she said as if she thought I’d lured her into my house under false pretences, but I’d had no idea she was passing when my breathing nearly stopped and I pulled the door wide to get someone’s attention.
“What you up to in there, darlin’?” a young man swaggered in as if he had every right to.
He was handsome and clean-shaven with neat black hair and a chunky gold chain around his neck. Probably in his early thirties with the sort of good looks that suited hers.
A huge dog bounded in and landed both front paws on my chest. I stepped back, alarmed – so she and her partner had a dog – an overfriendly Afghan hound that was probably called Sasha. Thank goodness they were out walking when I needed help.
“Sasha! Here!” Her voice was firm, but soft, and the dog obeyed.
I wondered how many other things I could get right. The man, for instance. He was a
typical Tyrone and was sure to be a builder who earned pots of money.
“Hullo, mate? Lard’s me name. You okay?” The man shook my hand so firmly I was left with shooting pains in my fingers and imagined a slogan above his head saying: ‘Don’t mess with Lard’.
How could anyone be called Lard? It was an awful name and I wondered frivolously if the mystery woman was called Dripping, but I’d already decided her name was Tiffany.
“I was choking. I thought I was going to die,” I explained.
“She sort you out then, mate?” Lard jokily hunched his shoulders up and down like a vulture.
He was built like a bulldozer and I could see a six-pack trying to burst out of his T-shirt. No doubt his chest was covered with a swathe of hair. I’d read that women prefer hairy men. My own smooth offering would be well down on ‘Tiffany’s’ list, along with my receding hairline. It wasn’t fair that I could be so disadvantaged at such a young age. On the plus side, I was gallant and polite, and knew her dog’s name before she said it, surely that counted for something.
“We’d better be going,” she said, taking Sasha by the collar and making for the door.
“I’m glad you’re all right.”
But I couldn’t let her walk away. She was an angel who’d saved my life.
“Could I get you a drink? As a thank you?” I offered.
“I’ll have a half,” Lard quipped, ruffling his shoulders again. The girl looked at him with slight disapproval.
She turned to me and said, “I’d love an orange juice, but I can’t stay long, we’re super busy.”
“That’s right, darlin’,” said Lard, “Got to get the new bed in the right position.”
I cringed. This man was so rough around the edges, he could have cut grass with his bare feet, but at least they weren’t married. I’d already checked their fingers for rings. I couldn’t work out what ‘Tiffany’ saw in him. And what did the guy mean about the bed? Was there a right position for a bed? Mine was firmly on the floor. Perhaps Lard was going to suspend theirs from the ceiling. He looked strong enough to achieve it.
The woman wasn’t fazed by Lard’s comment and replied, “It will be a relief when everything’s in the right place. Moving house is so stressful. You carry on without me. I’ll be back shortly.”
Glancing through the window, I saw a large van parked in the road with Cakeson
Removals plastered down the side.
“Oh, you’re my new neighbours.”
She followed me into the kitchen. “Summer Jones, pleased to meet you.”
I was wrong about her name too and visions of knocking her wealthy builder off his plinth with my chivalrous disposition vanished.
“Mine’s Jon.”
“Well, you’re the first person I’ve ever been introduced to by a genuine nut.”
We giggled and then she surprised me by saying, “I’m your new neighbour, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of you. That man’s Lard Cakeson.”
For a second time my kitchen rocked with laughter and as her hand brushed mine when she took her orange juice, I felt breathless all over again and I’m pretty sure she did too.
(01202)
LIVE ON STAGE
CHRISTCHURCH GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Thu 5 – Sat 7 Sep
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Christchurch G&S Society are staging a traditional presentation of one of the most popular G&S operettas The Pirates of Penzance
ROYAL OPERA & BALLET: THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (12A) | Tue 10 Sep: 18:30
The Royal Opera and Ballet are back for a brand-new cinema season, broadcast live from London.
REGENT COMEDY CLUB WITH SUZI RUFFELL | Wed 11 Sep: 19:30
Suzi Ruffell, firm favourite on Radio 4, Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, The Last Leg, and more headlines our next comedy night.
GRINDFEST – 35MM FILM FESTIVAL | Fri 13 – Sun 15 Sep
Dirt in the Gate Movies are back with their three-day 35mm genre film festival. Three-day passes and individual film tickets available.
THE SOUNDS OF ROD STEWART | Thu 19 Sep: 19:30
Get ready to be entertained, boogie along, sway to the music and maybe even feel like you’re “Sailing” through the nostalgic hits of Rod Stewart’s illustrious career.
STEAMPUNK ORCHESTRA | Fri 20 Sep: 19:30
Step into a realm where classical elegance converges with the pulsating energy of classic rock, indie, and pop hits.
THE
DOLLY SHOW | Sat 21 Sep: 19:30
As seen on BBC ONE, ITV’s This Morning, Channel 5, and voted the UK’s BEST Dolly Parton Impersonator, West End star Kelly O’Brien returns to the Regent with her world-class show.
BOURNEMOUTH CONCERT BRASS: LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Sun 22 Sep: 19:30
Bring your flags and whistles, and your vocal cords, to join in this most patriotic event.
UK PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE
| Fri 27 Sep: 19:30
Celebrating 30 years since the iconic PULSE tour, this highly authentic show recreates the atmosphere of Floyd live – featuring top-flight musicians, a stunning light show and over two hours of incredible music.
SWING UNLIMITED: A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES | Sat 28 Sep: 14:30 & 19:30
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.
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
A grand day out
By Tricia Hayne
After months of seemingly incessant rain, the drier summer season finally arrived at Hurst Castle, setting the scene for fun and frivolity. If you have yet to visit us at the castle, here are some of the highlights that await you.
Start the day with a bracing walk along Hurst Spit, keeping an eye out for terns – common, sandwich and little – as they dive in search of fish. Or take a more relaxed ferry ride from Keyhaven, watching the boats and the birds as the river and the marshes unfold around you.
Ahead, the low line of the castle gradually comes into focus to reveal Henry VIII’s imposing circular keep. Standing guard over the waters of the Solent since 1544, it later served as a shortterm prison to Charles I prior to his trial and execution.
Fast forward 300 years or so, and two enormous ‘wings’ were built under Queen Victoria to house the great guns that were designed to repel invasion from the sea.
Today’s ‘invasion’ sees families, history buffs, photographers and day trippers, all drawn to this unique piece of our national heritage. Climb the steps up onto the roof for superb views across the Solent and down the river; explore the castle, right down into the dank, dark rooms below ground; imagine what life was like for the soldiers garrisoned here in truly spartan conditions. Not for them today’s café outside the castle walls!
For children, the castle is always fun, with the addition of trails and activities throughout
the school holidays. Take Tudor Tuesdays, for example, when visitors might come face to face with Henry VIII. Or Fun Fridays, which is all about creative crafts and colouring.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, volunteers from the Friends of Hurst Castle continue to work, restoring the Bofors gun, sprucing up the grounds, preparing new displays and maintaining the old. Why not join us and make this a regular haunt?
The Friends of Hurst Castle help to support the castle, which is owned by English Heritage. Our members are involved with everything from upkeep and displays to guided tours, litter picks and historical research. We are always looking to add new members to our group.
Members receive a regular newsletter, can take part in events such as our annual fish ’n’ chip cruise, and are entitled to free entry to the castle.
To find out more, please contact our membership secretary, Tricia Hayne, on trjhayne@gmail.com
…and across to the Needles © Tricia Hayne
Hurst Castle’s Henry VIII keep © Tricia Hayne
Looking back down Hurst Spit… © Tricia Hayne
CHRISTCHURCH u3a
By Paula Watton
While other societies may take a break in the summer, at Christchurch u3a things are still happening. Book clubs, cycling, gardening, tennis and motorbiking are just some of the groups which keep on going all year, so although the new programme came out in June and we were able to join groups from 1 July, Christchurch u3a didn’t close down for the summer.
Our official start of year for Autumn Term is Monday 16 September. There are several new groups starting.
‘Out of Hours’ Group continues to provide a variety of activities which should appeal to all from quizzes to lunches, garden visits to performances, and many more things. The unique thing about this group is that it doesn’t happen during the week in working hours as the other groups do. The clue is in the name as the times apart from that are, or could be, the loneliest. Not
anymore! There’s no upper limit on the numbers in this group and you don’t have to join in with everything.
As far as I know, Christchurch u3a is unique with this approach. Come and join us as we start our new year of exciting group activities.
Dates for the diary:
Sunday Lunch
15 Sep 2024, 13:00 East Dorset Tennis Club, Parkstone
For more information, visit christchurchu3a.org.uk.
New president elected to Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce announced its new president and vice president in June. They will be responsible for expanding membership across the whole of Christchurch, listening to the local business community and proactively promoting the town.
Tim Lloyd, managing director of the Captain’s Club Hotel at Wick Ferry, and Richard Oswald, owner of PP Printing in Bargates, were elected as president and vice president respectively at the Chamber’s AGM on 19 June. The pair will be in their roles for 12 months.
Tim is a supporter of the tourism industry in the BCP conurbation, while Richard has owned PP Printing for many years and is enthusiastic to help businesses and the local community in whatever way he can.
Tim said: “During this, my second time in office as president, I want to support Christchurch central businesses but also re-
build relationships with the outlying districts of Highcliffe, Burton, Grove and the Airport Enterprise Park.
“It is essential we get an overall view of what is needed by businesses across the conurbation, and I want to encourage new members to the Chamber and appoint a few new faces onto the Executive Committee who can help deliver on these promises.”
Tim Lloyd, left, and Richard Oswald
News From All Saints
As I write this at the end of June, the European Cup has begun and we also look forward to Wimbledon and the Olympics: a wonderful summer of sport as we marvel at the expertise and skill displayed by so many participants from around the world.
Each one of these sportsmen and women will have spent thousands of hours in training to reach international levels in their chosen discipline. Many will have shown talent at an early age and been encouraged to train regularly at clubs or school. Having been selected for county and national teams, the training will intensify so that their sport and fitness become a vital focus of their lives.
So, what are the qualities of a top sportsperson, apart from innate talent, of course? Discipline and determination are key, along with the ability to resist distractions. It is also essential to have the perseverance to continue after setbacks and disappointments.
The apostle Paul travelled extensively in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean and would have been familiar with the sporting competitions that were held there (the Olympics continued until the fourth century AD). In his letter to the Hebrews, he encouraged them to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. He is encouraging these early Christians not to be distracted by the temptations that surrounded them or even the fear of persecution but to “fix their eyes on Jesus”. This is vital advice for all Christians, but the notion of persevering and fixing your eyes on the prize is applicable to so many situations in life, from studying for exams to finishing that DIY project.
Perseverance is a quality much in evidence at All Saints as we await the results of the planning application for the rebuilding of our church after the fire of 2022. Hopefully we will have overcome this hurdle by the time you read this. We remain a strong and united church family, now led by Revd Kathy Hicken, meeting at Stanpit Village Hall.
Groups that took a break in the summer (Mainly Men, Little Saints and Messy Church) are reconvening in September. Our Harvest Festival will take place at St Luke’s, Burton, on 29 September.
Every Blessing Vikki Miller
Church Contact: Maggie Raine 01425 616652
For details of all our services and groups please look at Facebook, www.allsaintsmudeford or the board outside the church.
BCP Council approves new solar farm
The council has granted planning permission for a new solar panel farm to be built in Christchurch that will produce enough energy to power over 18,500 homes each year.
Clean energy company Enviromena plans to build project at the 66-hectare Parley Court Solar Farm site Christchurch. It is the company’s largest self-developed solar project to date and has been in the planning process since November 2021. It required significant engagement and modelling with the Environment Agency to agree to a design which includes flood alleviation measures that will benefit both the site and nearby areas.
Enviromena estimates the project will produce over 51,000 MWhs of green energy and avoid more than 9,500 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
Mark Harding, European Development director at Enviromena, said: “With further
projects totalling circa 200MW submitted into the planning process in the past few months and a further 300MW expected to be submitted into planning by the end of the summer, we hope that this is the first of many planning consents secured across our self-development pipeline in 2024.”
The location of the future solar farm
Get ready to groove at the Clifftop Music Festival
Prepare to step back in time to the 1970s as the second annual Clifftop Music Festival celebrates the era of funk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Held on Wharncliffe Road in Highcliffe on 7 September, the festival will feature an array of tribute bands and local talent. This year’s headliners are The Sound of the O’Jays.
There will be dancing, vintage fashion contests, and a variety of fun activities for all ages, as well as a range of food and drinks from local vendors.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the 1970s Music Festival for its second year,” says Mandy Polkey, chair of the Highcliffe Action Team. “Last year’s event was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to build on that momentum and create an even more memorable experience for our community. It’s a chance to come together, let loose, and relive the magic of the 70s.”
The festival runs from 11am until 7pm. Tickets cost £8.30 for adults and children under 12 are free. Visit www.highcliffevillage.com/music-festival to see the full line-up and book your tickets.
A New Approach to Pet Insurance
Have you ever been shocked by hefty hikes in your pet insurance premiums? Have you ever had a claim denied only to find the insurer had placed exclusions on your policy AFTER accepting your money for all this time? Or did you miss something in the small print which means your policy doesn’t cover what you thought?
Sadly, you are not alone. These are just some of the increasingly common frustrations we are seeing our clients facing despite trying to do the best by their pets. With more and more pet insurers to choose from, finding what you need can seem an ever-more challenging task.
Don’t worry – you need look no further! Fortunately, at Priory Vets, we have found a solution and partnered up with Pet Proactive Insurance to provide a fairer, more straightforward pet insurance where exclusions for pre-existing conditions are declared BEFORE you take out a policy so you can rest easy knowing your pet is covered for any unexpected illness and injury.
As a company that only works with independent practices, Pet Proactive is able to offer very competitive prices which will remain competitive over the lifetime of your pet. Our partnership will directly benefit our clients as premiums reflect Priory’s prices and the high level of expertise which enables us to provide such a comprehensive level of veterinary care to our patients. Our partnership also makes the claims process much easier, enabling clients to make claims via our reception. We understand that finances are the last thing you want to be worrying about when your pet is sick. At Priory, we see pet insurance as a means for pet owners to budget for the unexpected, and if the worst happens, it enables our vets to carry out the most appropriate treatment, increasing the likelihood of recovery and a better quality of life for your pet. Having good insurance can avoid having to make heartbreaking decisions based on cost, ensuring your pet receives the very best care possible.
For more information on our partners Pet Proactive, and what to consider when looking for pet insurance, please visit our website @ www.prioryvetgroup.com/petinsurance
Eco talks to be held in Highcliffe
St Mark’s Church has organised two thoughtprovoking talks about the environment to be held in October. One is on “The Role of Nature in combatting Climate Change” by conservationist, eco farmer and entrepreneur Hylton Murray-Philipson, and one by Cllr Andy Martin entitled “Protecting our Natural Environment”.
The event will be on Friday 11 October 2024 at 6.30pm at St Mark’s Church, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe, BH23 5AA.
Tickets: £10 – adults, £5 – students. Price covers: cheese plate, first glass of wine or soft drink, and the talks. For tickets, email: parishoffice@stmarkshighcliffe.org.uk@ gmail.com or search on Eventbrite.
CHRISTCHURCH PROBUS CLUB
A friendly club for retired Professionals and Businessmen, meeting monthly 10.15am at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Mudeford. Guest speakers, excellent lunch, social events for wives and partners. Membership enquiries to Maurice Dowling 07769 897955 email mdowling@gmx. com or see website, www. probuschristchurch.com.
New disability centre opens near Christchurch
Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, celebrated the launch of its new adventure and activity centre, The Treehouse, with a grand opening in June.
The event was held to thank the volunteers and supporters who helped to build the centre.
Based on the site of Adventure Wonderland in Hurn, near Bournemouth Airport, The Treehouse includes a soft play, learning kitchen, sensory room, games room and cinema room.
Diverse Abilities acquired the site in January, and thanks to hundreds of volunteers,
The Treehouse was renovated by Easter. The charity is making The Treehouse its main office and is bringing many of its services into the purpose-built space.
Attendees at the grand opening included representatives from local businesses who provided sponsorship, volunteers, and Bournemouth Town Mayor George Farquhar.
The Mayor said: “I’m delighted to be invited to see The Treehouse and the Diverse Abilities team. I’m absolutely blown away by the amount of work, the generosity and the fundraising that went into the facility. It’s been great to be part of those sponsorships being celebrated today and to see the outcome of that work.”
Mark Powell, CEO of Diverse Abilities, offered a thank you for all the support the charity received to build The Treehouse. He said: “This is off the scale for us, and we will put it to good use.”
The Treehouse is available to hire for schools, charities and community groups. For more information, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/thetreehouse.
The Treehouse contains a large in-door soft play © Viewpoint Magazine
