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W
ow, where did that last year go? It seems like only yesterday I mentioned my idea to launch a magazine to the Seeker team, and now, in the blink of an eye Seeker News is a year old. A year after we confounded conventional wisdom and launched a brand new, free distribution print magazine we’re still here. What’s more, the first anniversary issue of Seeker News is bigger than ever. But size isn’t everything. We’ve also increased our distribution and from next month Seeker News will be going out to an even wider audience from a range of outlets including most of the area’s supermarkets. A great magazine doesn’t appear without a lot of hard work by some very
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Editor Seeker News talented people and this month we’re delighted to welcome a very familiar face aboard as former Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth joins the team. As many of you know, Neal brings with him a wealth of journalistic experience and a lively, wonderfully entertaining writing style that will add a new dimension to the Seeker News mix. The new year has also brought with it the arrival of our very own Dynamic Duo – Seeker News’ advertising managers
2 Local dad scoops top mums award
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I’d like to extend a massive thank you to all our readers, advertisers, distributors, suppliers and contributors. I hope you enjoy our first birthday issue and continue to support our efforts to bring you Dorset’s liveliest, brightest blend of news, life, business, sport and arts for many years to come. 2012 was an exciting journey for us and 2013 is set to be even bigger, we look forward to sharing it with you. Don’t forget to submit your stories, email news@seeker.uk.com
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Mandy Blades and Ria Inwards – who’ve been busy introducing themselves to valued clients old and new. If you haven’t heard from them yet, rest assured you soon will.
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News: Neal Butterworth – neal@seeker. uk.com Cherries & Golf: Kevin Nash – kevin@seeker. uk.com Non-league football: Richard Button – richard@ seeker.uk.com Photography: Siân Court – sian@seeker.uk.com
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City Deal puts merger back on the agenda
THE ONLY WAY IS I
words: NICK CHURCHILL
t’s an idea that has been around at least since the 1970s and the concept of uniting Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch as a single entity is continuing to exercise the minds of local people and politicians well into the 21st century. Driven by the rapid expansion of all three conurbations during the 1960s, the notion of what might be referred to as Wessex City has surfaced again in recent months after the government
invited Bournemouth to compete for a City Deal. Part of the Coalition Government’s plans to transform the powers available to local leaders to deliver growth and jobs in their communities, the first wave of City Deals struck last year with Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle is expected to create up to 175,000 new jobs and 37,000 new apprentices.
picture: SEEKERPHOTOS.COM/MICHAEL BOND 4 seekernews.co.uk 4 seekernews.co.uk
WESSEX In order to make a bid based on the whole conurbation, Bournemouth Council has invited Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset to take part in discussions and support the bid. Among the ideas put forward for discussion are the creation of an Enterprise Zone for Bournemouth Airport and Poole Port and the pooling of transport funding to invest in key infrastructure, which could include roads around the airport. Bournemouth is included with Reading, a joint bid from Southampton and Portsmouth, and Brighton and Hove in the second wave of City Deals announced last October made up of the next 14 largest cities and their wider areas and the next six with the highest population growth between 2001 and 2010. Business leaders and politicians are working on proposals to illustrate how they plan to strengthen local governance, increase efficiency and work towards harnessing greater input from the private sector.
“I want Bournemouth to come up with ambitious and innovative proposals to help them make changes that will be felt by everyone across their region,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg last October as he launched the second wave of City Deals. “In the best English tradition we have witnessed a quiet revolution across the nation’s eight largest cities. “From control over buses and trains and the freedom to plug skills gaps, to powers to earn back tax and set up local investment funds to spend on local projects – the deals are unlocking the huge potential of our cities so they can go for growth.” A cornerstone of the Coalition Government’s economic recovery plans, City Deals are not intended to confer new city status, but to devolve certain powers and stimulate regional growth. “For Britain to prosper we need Bournemouth to prosper,” said cities minister Greg Clark.
“City Deals put Bournemouth in the driving seat. It can seize the initiative and show what it needs to prosper and grow, even if it’s new and different. “If it’s in Bournemouth’s interest and the national interest, we’ll strike a deal and make it happen.” But in spite of the rallying cries from Westminster and a positive reception from Bournemouth council leader Cllr John Beesley, local reaction has been mixed at best. Other Bournemouth councillors have expressed concerns about a merger, as have their counterparts in Poole and Christchurch, who have delegated power to the council leader Cllr Ray Nottage to negotiate the council’s involvement. Poole council leader, Cllr Elaine Atkinson has said the three local authorities already have joint appointments in adult social services and Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset councils all belong to the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, which
picture: SEEKERPHOTOS.COM/MARK V PIKE seekernews.co.uk 5 seekernews.co.uk 5
promotes economic growth in the region. Adult learning services in Poole and Bournemouth are already merged and Dorset is to join them, saving the councils more than £700,000. In a statement last November, the chief executive of Bournemouth council, Tony Williams said: “For years we have been working with our neighbouring councils on successful shared services and initiatives such as recycling and waste, the Bournemouth and Poole 14-19 Team, adult education, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, shared public health responsibilities, the Youth Offending service and most recently the City Deal. “We have an excellent track record of working together to cut costs whilst maintaining frontline public services.” If the City Deal bid is successful, Bournemouth will be granted greater freedom from central government. It will not become a city. The merger of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch councils into a single authority is a prospect that has excited the recently-formed Uniting the Conurbation Action Group chaired by former Bournemouth mayor and long-serving councillor Douglas Eyre. Its manifesto claims the major benefits of a merger would be saving money and increasing economic influence. It states: “There are serious issues relating to better governance involving all citizens of the south east Dorset conurbation centred around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. “We are a conurbation of 357,000 people, which approaches the size of Bristol and exceeds that of Cardiff and Southampton but is split into three or four local government units. This
is hardly a case of small is beautiful because there is massive and very costly duplication of administrative resources across the board.” Others doubt the validity of the whole idea, given that economic evolution has effectively eroded geographical boundaries to trade – certainly on a local level. “The historic boundaries created by tribes pre-Roman and in later times by how far you could walk or perhaps ride a bike or horse to work are completely outmoded,” says Malcolm Scott-Walby, chairman of Buy Dorset, the organisation that promotes the skills, services and goods available in the county. “The reason we have a viable community here in Dorset is the superb mix of businesses, countryside and leisure facilities: we have some great industrial companies based locally – Hamworthy, Cobham, Aish with all their subcontractors and suppliers; finance and insurance – JP Morgan, LV, Nationwide, Teachers Building Society; some great food producers – Clipper Teas, Hall & Woodhouse, Dorset Cereals, Ryvita. “Each town on its own is pretty lonely and insignificant. It is the combination of the towns, the countryside and the coast which is rich and has the greatest potential if only it can work together. “My wish is that we move on from shopping and tourism and that we value what we have as a mix of industry and business and seek to attract more professionals and high value industries (in the widest sense) and their families, with all the cascade of jobs and spending power which that entails, to the area in order to provide good employment opportunities to our youth.”
I don’t want to see unification By Annette Brooke MP, Mid-Dorset and North Poole I am very much in favour of City Deals, as I want to see a shift in the relationship between national and local government. I think local organisations and people are the best drivers of economic growth and jobs. The second wave with possibly 20 more regions has included Bournemouth and the surrounding area and for me the challenge is for the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and local councils to work together on promoting growth and jobs, but not for the areas to lose their individual identities. Personally, I do not want to see the unification of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, but I want to see close working together where it is in everybody’s interest. We have to recognise the interdependence between areas and play to our strengths but not attempt unnecessary mergers and new structures.
picture: SEEKERPHOTOS.COM/CHRIS CHAPLEO 6 seekernews.co.uk 6 seekernews.co.uk
SeekerNEWS
Inquiry into the merger of trusts T
One of Dorset’s best known landmarks could be beyond the reach of some holidaymakers and locals alike this summer. For the steps to Durdle Door beach, which have crumbled in the winter weather, are not going to be rebuilt for the summer season according to Lulworth Estate boss James Weld. Public access to the cliffs and beaches has passed from the Estate to Natural England under the Maritime and Coastal Access
he controversial proposed merger of two Dorset NHS hospital trusts is to be investigated by the Competition Commission. Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Foundation Trust currently compete for GP referrals for specialist treatment. Although the two trusts have already selected a board of directors to lead the combined entity, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is concerned about two competing trusts being allowed to combine and has referred the proposal to the mergers watchdog. A statement from the OFT said: “The evidence before the OFT is that the merger would combine two trusts that compete closely for GP referrals for many specialties and it is likely that the merger would result in few realistic alternative providers for patients and NHS commissioning groups.” The statement said the merger might reduce the hospitals’ incentives to improve the quality of specialist services including rheumatology, rehabilitation, general medicine, general surgery, geriatric medicine, dermatology, clinical haematology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, cardiology and palliative medicine. Tony Spotswood, who would become chief executive of the merged organisation, said: “There will now be a period of further analysis, which we anticipated, being the first foundation trusts in the UK to follow this process. “It will hopefully reassure us all that a merger is indeed in the best interests of patients and staff.” The trusts have previously said the merger would enable the hospitals to create centres of excellence.
Act 2009, which is establishing 4,500km of coastal path around England. Natural England has been allocated a budget of £17,000 to maintain coastal access between Portland and Lulworth. But Mr Weld says Lulworth Estate has been spending £45,000 a year to take care of a 6km stretch from White Nothe to Lulworth Cove. Now estate workers have put up a barricade to close the path to the beach beside the famous limestone arch.
TELLNUESWS YOeUwRs@seeker
“The merger would combine two trusts that compete closely for GP referrals”
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A Dorset village library, originally earmarked for closure, has become the first of seven such facilities to be taken over by volunteers. Puddletown Library was set to close after Conservative-led Dorset County Council cut funding for nine of the county’s 34 libraries in 2011 in a bid to save £725,000. But with the support of former BBC chief news correspondent and Dorset resident Kate Adie, who helped with the official opening,
the library will be open four days a week and staffed by a team of 28 unpaid volunteers. Dates have also been agreed for the transfer of Chickerell, Wool, Colehill and Stalbridge libraries, which will be independent and self-governed, but supported with books and IT services from Dorset County Council in a deal worth £5,500 a year for each site. Funds for rent, lighting, heating and insurance have to be raised by the volunteers. seekernews.co.uk 7
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SeekerNEWS
picture: CARL WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Carl Wilson as undertaker on right
Neigh bother...
S
hoppers at local Tesco stores were surprised to find a four legged friend had joined them recently.
In a comedy stunt staged by Poolebased video production company, The Wildfire Team, photographer Carl Wilson dressed as an undertaker to escort a pantomime horse called Ketchup to Tesco stores at Littledown, Westbourne and Branksome in memory of all the Dobbins that made their way into Tesco burgers.
Rallying round
The video has since gone viral, clocking up hundreds of hits. “As a few people are pulling a similar stunt, I think Tesco should play on it and put some hay and water outside the stores just to show they can have a sense of humour,” says Carl. In the video he is seen leading Ketchup to the door of Tesco and laying a wreath at the Littledown store, before reciting a moving eulogy to Ketchup’s friends inside the Tesco Express at Westbourne and finally being asked to leave the store.
Riding out
Touchingly, the security guard can be seen patting Ketchup’s back as he escorts him from the store. “That was a very moving moment,” said Carl. “It may have been a trick of the light, but I thought he was genuinely upset at having to throw us out – we thought Tesco was an equine opportunities employer!” Tesco declined to comment on the prank. See the video at www.seekernews .co.uk/ketchup
Force for health
The Rallye Sunseeker will make up the climax of the British Rally Championship on October 18 and 19 this year.
More than four bicycles were stolen every day last year in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.
Three Dorset organisations have joined forces to improve health provision in the county.
The event also moves from its base in Bournemouth to Poole for the first time – with the champions being crowned on Poole Quay.
And that doesn’t include others that were taken where the crime was recorded as a burglary.
Help and Care, Citizen Advice in Dorset and the Dorset Race Equality Council have come together to form the Healthwatch partnership and give a voice to residents who use health and care services.
Drivers will take on more than 60 miles of road around Dorset woodlands and heath. In previous years the event took place in February, and was the opening round of the championship, but organisers have moved it to the end of the calendar to set up an exciting finale to the campaign.
Some 1,724 bikes were stolen in 2012 – up from 1,605 in 2011 – with 571 being taken in the last four months of the year alone. It is thought highly skilled thieves are following riders on expensive bikes and also using cycling GPS applications to find out where people live.
The team will influence how services are set up, commissioned and delivered, as well as provide advice and information on health and social care. The project is part of a national scheme introduced through Government health care reforms. seekernews.co.uk 9
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SeekerNEWS
‘There are some evil people around’ B ereaved families were left distraught after 25 graves were desecrated in a Poole cemetery. Family members found their loved ones’ memorials strewn across the Dorchester Road site after a night time attack. Several headstones had been pushed and kicked over, others were broken while floral displays and wooden crosses for the more recently deceased were thrown around and trampled on. One of the damaged graves was that of six-month-old boy who died eight years ago. “It’s absolutely devastating – the people who did this have no idea
picture: SIÂN COURT
words: NICK CHURCHILL
picture: STEVE COOK
what they have done to the families affected,” the boy’s mother, who does not want to be identified, told reporters. “We were called by friends and we walked straight up there. It was a terrible scene. An elderly man was already at his wife’s graveside, absolutely distraught at the damage. “There was another lady who was in bits. She said she didn’t have the money to replace her husband’s headstone. “The people who have done this must be made to realise what they have done.”
Jean Humphries and her son Gary found the grave of his brother Wayne had been smashed when they went for their weekly visit. “I’m only glad my disabled husband didn’t come as well, it would have killed him,” said Mrs Humphries. Wayne took his own life 11 years ago and was found by his father. “The only reason my husband isn’t here is because of the cold. We only recently cleaned all the snow off the grave it looked lovely. There are some evil people around.” All the damage was to new, tended graves, not older ones. z A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Having learned about the plight of orphans in South Africa through her church, Merve Ackam decided she had to do something to help.
Christian movement that trains community leaders. She plans to stay for three months, although the rest of her group will return after four weeks.
Now she’s set to travel to South Africa with a group of volunteers from St Mary’s Longfleet in Poole. They’ll be working with an orphanage in Johannesburg, helping sick and parentless children, from babies to young teenagers.
“I’ve always wanted to travel and make a difference to people’s lives. Hopefully, using contacts made through the church, I’ll be able to travel to other centres in Africa before I come home.
“Some of these youngsters are living with HIV and other terrible illnesses, they’ve no other homes to go to and no parents – it makes me feel very grateful for the life I have in Poole,” says Merve, who moved to Dorset from her native Turkey with her parents 13 years ago. “It makes me feel very agitated when I hear people complaining and getting into petty arguments about nothing in particular and I know there are these kids who desperately need help.” Merve will be staying on a campsite run by J-Life Africa, a non-denominational
“There’s a lot of pressure to find a career and settle down, but there are so many things I want to do first. It would be my dream to make a career in international aid.” Merve has to raise £1,500 to make the trip and is organising sponsored events and fundraising activities. “I work full time and I’m saving as much as I can, but I hope local businesses will be able to contribute as well,” she says. To help Merve make the trip to South Africa, email her at merve-akcam-10@ hotmail.co.uk. seekernews.co.uk 11
SeekerNEWS
MY... DAY IN THE SNOW
picture: CHRIS RUSSELL
picture: BARRY WHITE
Go with the
SNOW
picture: CHRIS RUSSELL
picture: SIÂN COURT
picture: TAMARA ESSEX
picture: CHRIS RUSSELL
NEXT MONTH: MY... WEEKEND
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picture: JULIE-ANNE HOULDEY
SeekerNEWS
The world according to
butterworth
Former Bournemouth Daily Echo editor-in-chief Neal Butterworth’s columns in the Echo and Advertiser Series ran for more than 25 years and helped earn him three prestigious industry awards. Now that he’s back from his adventures in Spain, he’s joined the Seeker News team to take a sideways glance at life.
I
was drifting around in that slightly surreal halfway house between sleeping and waking when Shakira’s sexier younger sister placed her lips close to my right ear.
Her corkscrewed ringlets brushed against my face, accompanied by a very faint whiff of a light, but expensive perfume. At least four of my senses were on red alert. Another three I wasn’t aware I possessed appeared keen to join the party. She whispered just one three-syllable word, in a slowmotion kind of way that made Joanna Lumley sound like Joe Pasquale. “Enema.” It is remarkable just how many Spanish words are very similar, if not exactly the same, as their English counterparts, especially when it comes to medical terms. I thought I had food poisoning when I was admitted to the Costa del Sol hospital in the early hours of Wednesday, November 29. We had moved to the area with a view to starting a new life somewhere in the country and this was my first night in a hospital – indeed my only illness – since I was three years old.
Granted, it was a fascinating ten-minute insight into my ailing insides and, for the most part, considerably more appealing than watching Celebrity Big Brother. Two hours later, a female doctor with what I can only assume now to be a slight speech impediment, informed me that I had a tuba in my colon. This came as a bit of a shock as you would imagine. Although I had slept fitfully in the busy observation ward – imagine Tesco Tower Park on a Saturday afternoon two days before Christmas – I felt sure I would have noticed the introduction of a very large brass musical instrument into what was fast becoming the most sought-after rear end in southern Europe. “No, it is tumour,” she said and while I had to quickly bemoan the irritating Spanish trait of constantly omitting the indefinite article, I suddenly realised this was nothing to do with the dodgy prawn sandwich purchased in a supermarket near my workplace three days earlier.
You’ve got to have a sense of tumour
Thanks to the Spanish hospital system, remarkable for its speed and efficiency if not its communication skills, over the course of 24 hours, several metallic instruments and plastic foreign objects were inserted into my rear end, aided and abetted by the (sometimes) gentle digits of a handful of stunning nurses.
The nurses had another thing in common; a command of the English language matched only by my own pidgin Spanish. After three X-rays, I was wheeled into a room with a television and several serious-looking people in gowns. After a flurry of Spanish, one said “Endoscopy”, which I had previously thought was the catalyst for a spell in one of the Harry Potter films. Someone with a dictionary of English Phrases You’re Never Likely To Need As A Tourist said: “We will put a camera up your bottom” and held up something that was only slightly less alarming than the Canon 1100D with zoom lens I had imagined he was hiding. With my dignity already crushed, I had to lie on my side and watch the contents of my digestive system in HD on a telly in my direct line of sight. “Can you turn it over to the football?” I offered, which was met with a stony silence even by those who understood English.
In their rather charming, but equally irritating way, the doctors had told my wife how serious the situation was at least 18 hours before me, leaving her to assume during visiting hours that I was bravely protecting her from the truth. So when the specialist eventually summoned up the wherewithal and the vocabulary to explain what was going on, I assumed I would be lucky to see Christmas or my 55th birthday on January 13.
He asked me whether I would like my treatment to continue in Spain or to return to the UK. I was on a flight out of Malaga less than 24 hours later. Two days later, my family doctor set the ball rolling, I was seen by a cancer specialist the next day, a surgeon several days later and on December 13, had my first intravenous chemotherapy at Poole Hospital. Everything about this process has blasted those dreadful fears we felt in Spain to smithereens. From the positivity of the people treating me, to the support of wonderful family and fantastic friends, I know at some stage I will kick cancer’s sorry ass. And because my own cancer can’t at this stage be cured, I’ll just have to keep sticking the boot in. Believe me, cancer has me to contend with, not the other way round. So I am another expensive addition to the roster of people whose lives will be prolonged by the treatments they receive in the 21st century. But if I can be so bold as to speak up for those people fighting – and beating – cancer and the people who love them dearly, I’d like to think that, like l’Oreal, we’re worth it.
Over the course of the year, Neal will be supporting local cancer charities through his website Neal Butterworth Media at www.nealbutterworth.co.uk, including a seminar on the future of the local press with all proceeds going to charity. If you would like your cancer charity included for promotion on the website, drop an email to neal.butterworth@gmail.com. See you next issue. seekernews.co.uk 13
SeekerNEWS
CHARITY
Victoria Stark and Jonathan Holyhead
Real Plus for the DBA D words: NICK CHURCHILL
orset Blind Association has received a welcome New Year’s boost with a grant of £5,000 from the Santander Foundation’s Community Plus initiative. The grant will help meet the running costs of the charity’s home visiting and support service in Poole over the next two years. Dorset Blind Association was nominated for the award by Victoria Stark, who works at Santander’s Parkstone branch. Her daughter has recently been diagnosed as partially sighted. “We are delighted to be supporting Dorset Blind Association and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people,” she says.
“Community Plus allows our staff and customers to nominate local charities that are most in need of assistance.” Jonathan Holyhead, chief executive officer of Dorset Blind Association, says the charity is delighted to be one of the first in Poole to receive a grant from the new scheme. “We cannot thank Santander enough for its generosity and it is especially gratifying that this grant comes as a result of a local member of their staff wanting to help us to maintain the help and services which we offer for people with sight loss in Poole,” he says. Dorset Blind Association’s Home Support service helps people to remain living independently at home. It provides advice, training and support
Matchams Karting in Bournemouth is to play host to an adrenaline-fuelled charity go karting competition in aid of Forest Holme Hospice on March 14. All participants will get that chance to race 200cc karts round the twists and turns of the Matchams Karting circuit in hot pursuit of 14 seekernews.co.uk
to ensure people are accessing all appropriate services and benefits, and have suitable equipment and home adaptations. “After assessment by our staff, volunteer visitors then provide regular, ongoing friendship and practical support with simple everyday living tasks. This grant will be invaluable to this work,” adds Jonathan. The Santander Foundation donated some £4.5 million to UK charities last year to help disadvantaged people. Since the foundation was founded in 1990, £40 million has been contributed to the charities. Community Plus is a new initiative with a fund of £1.23 million which will provide grants of up to £5,000 to small, local charities.
the team winners’ trophy for the most laps completed during the 90 minute endurance race. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Forest Holme Hospice in Poole. To enter a team call 01202 442558 or email Hannah@ forestholmehospice.org.uk.
SeekerNEWS
HAVEOT YOU OGRY? A wSsT@seeker
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It’s still a black and white world in some Bournemouth households. According to new figures from the TV Licensing authority, 48 homes in Bournemouth still have black and white television sets. Across the UK, more than 13,000 monochrome sets are still in use, most of them in London, with 2,715. Bournemouth has fewer black and white TV licences than Southampton, which has 69, but more than Portsmouth, where there are just 21. A black and white television licence costs £49 a year, while a colour licence costs £145.50.
Council pulls funds from disability firm B ournemouth council is to withdraw funding from a factory that provides employment to disabled people in a move that is likely to result in its closure. Dorset Enterprises, in Elliott Road, is best known for making deckchairs and employs 23 workers, 19 of whom live with a disability. But the council has decided it can no longer continue to financially support the factory. A report to cabinet members revealed the company has averaged losses of almost £471,000 a year for the last three years.
With no reasonable expectation the financial position will improve and claims potential new owners have been deterred by the requirement to keep staff on existing terms and conditions, the council is to pull its funding. But it had pledged to try to redeploy staff where possible. Factory manager Paul White, who has worked at Dorset Enterprises for 16 years, told reporters staff would attempt to draw up a proposal to salvage some of the business. Dorset Enterprises also offers free work experience and training to local pupils, including many from special schools.
On the watch
Neighbourhood Watch organiser Norman Decent is to start another town centre group in Bournemouth. He has already added the Triangle to the West Hill Neighbourhood Watch near the West Cliff and renamed it the Poole Hill group. Now he is setting up meetings for the Madeira Road area near to the magistrates court and the town centre police station in the hope the community is prepared to co-operate in making the area safer.
Estate crime down
Crime on the once-notorious Townsend estate has fallen by 20 per cent during the past year, with the number of anti-social behaviour incidents down by almost a quarter. Dorset Police revealed the figures at a meeting of the Townsend Together Team as members heard how three Acceptable Behaviour Contracts had been issued to young people on the estate and drugs had been seized at two addresses. Ten years ago Yellow Buses suspended services to Townsend after a rash of violent attacks, but now crime has dropped by a fifth and locals are being urged to report incidents of antisocial behaviour to the police. seekernews.co.uk 15
SeekerNEWS
Bridges too far?
picture: SEEKERPHOTOS.COM/BRIAN KING
In a flap on film L ush cosmetics company founder and former Seeker News cover star Mark Constantine has donated £22,000 to establish a unique webcam venture that means bird lovers around the world will be able to enjoy the delights of Brownsea Island in the comfort of their own homes. Two strategically placed, roving cameras around the sheltered lagoon will be able to follow the thousands of nesting birds. A committed birder, Mark is keen to spread the word about Brownsea’s internationally important habitat and its thousands of annual visitors. “I’m delighted to be involved,” he says. “Part of what this is about is to educate people and explain why the lagoon is so important.” In winter up to 30 different species visit Brownsea, including ducks,
waders, gulls, geese, spoonbills and birds of prey such as peregrine falcon and merlin. The greatest number of wintering avocet recorded is around 1,720, and in summer breeding birds include common and sandwich tern, seagulls and for the first time last summer a Mediterranean gull. A partnership between Dorset Wildlife Trust, which runs the island’s nature reserve, the National Trust which owns the island and the newly launched Birds of Poole Harbour website, the aim is to educate and inspire people to visit. Nigel Webb, chairman of DWT, said: “There is probably nowhere else in Britain where you can see so much in such a specific area.” See Brownsea Island lagoon live at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ brownseacam or birdsofpooleharbour. co.uk
A shellfish farmer, a chartered accountant and a town planner have been appointed as Poole Harbour Commissioners to help run the Trust Port and oversee the 10,000 acres that make up Europe’s largest natural harbour.
advertised externally with interviews being carried out by an independent selection panel.
The three new recruits, Gary Wordsworth, Brian Ford and Doug Cramond, who are all based locally, will add further diverse skills and experience to what is already a varied panel of commissioners. Three vacancies are advertised each year, unless existing commissioners’ time is extended, with the successful candidates expected to hold the position for three years. The vacancies are 16 seekernews.co.uk
Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners said: “We look forward to welcoming Brian, Doug and Gary to our board of commissioners who are all dedicated to assisting the organisation in managing the Port of Poole and Poole Harbour. They all bring additional skills and expertise to what is already a broad reaching knowledge base. “It is critical that we have a strong and experienced board and I am confident that we have that in place for 2013.”
Poole’s two bridges road system has been heavily criticised by a council select committee review of the £1 million Marston Road/Bay Hog Lane gyratory system. Nine recommendations have been made to the council after the committee heard residents’ safety concerns that highlighted a range of issues such as the lack of pedestrian crossings. Urging the council to act swiftly the committee’s report suggests an action plan to examine and address any safety concerns. Further proposals include a two-way traffic system instead of the present one-way gyratory, appointing a ‘place champion’, involving the public and user groups at an early stage in future schemes and giving a higher priority to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists when planning new schemes.
Cop Co-op chop
Plans for a late-night supermarket at a former police station have been rejected by civic planning chiefs. Borough of Poole’s planning board ruled unanimously against plans that could have paved the way for a new Co-op convenience store at the former Ashley Road station house at Upper Parkstone. They cited pedestrian safety concerns and the potentially negative impact on existing retailers as reasons for their refusal of the application. Poole councillors made their ruling despite a recommendation from the planning department to grant permission.
Buoyant building
The RNLI has been given the go-ahead by Poole council for a new £11.2 million boat building centre. The scheme will create 90 new jobs in Poole, with a further 25 filled by existing staff, and will enable the charity to bring its all-weather lifeboat production in-house, securing the future of its boat-building and maintenance. The new centre will be built on land at the West Quay Road depot already owned by the charity, which will save £3.7m a year once it is up and running. The centre is expected to pay for itself in less than 10 years.
SeekerNEWS
GOT ING H SOMEETT OFF TO G CHEST? YOneUwRs@seemker
picture: SIÂN COURT
.uk.co
Deadline set for Druitt Hall
C
ampaigners face a new battle after saving Druitt Hall from demolition – as Christchurch Borough Council has announced plans to close the facility in March. The Council had wanted to demolish the building and landscape the site, but the proposals were rejected by the planning committee.
Must-have hut
The tenacity of one local sun-seeker paid off as Keith Duell snapped up the only full summer season beach hut available at Avon Beach this year. The 68-year-old camped out for five days and nights to be first in line and was joined by around 30 people in the early hours of the morning as the prized seasonal beach huts were allocated for six-week time periods on the first Monday of the new year. Mr Duell’s hut, which costs £850 a year, is so sought after because families can keep them until they choose to give them up.
More than 1,000 people had signed a petition calling for the plans to be refused and some 200 people wrote letters of objection. The Friends of Druitt Hall campaign group announced it planned to submit its own application for a replacement hall, with local businessman Dr Alistair Somerville-
Conjoined councils
Christchurch and East Dorset councils could soon operate from one council headquarters – in Christchurch – if new plans come to fruition. A report outlining the council’s partnership for the next five years has been heard by the resources committee at Christchurch Council. Council offices at Furzehill will be disposed of and the Civic Offices at Christchurch will continue to provide customer services and retain the council chamber. There is no formal timetable for the move, but council officers say it could take three years.
Ford working on a business plan to financially support the new hall, as well as maintain the existing structure. The group has applied for the building to be nominated an asset of community value. But the council says the hall will still close on March 31.
Hospital hang-fire
Following the refusal of a multimillion pound scheme to redevelop Christchurch Hospital, directors of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital Trust have said they will reconsider plans. Agreeing to work with the council to find a positive outcome, the board is to consider an appeal before resubmitting the proposals which had included the extension of the hospital buildings to include the relocated Grove Surgery, a retail pharmacy, an 80-bed care home and 36 senior living apartments, as well as 81 key worker houses and flats. seekernews.co.uk 17
SeekerNEWS
THE BIG IDEA
A load of
BOLOGNA? W
hat’s happening to Britain’s high streets? It’s a question that has exercised many fine minds in recent years and many more not so fine ones. There have been questions in Parliament, focus groups, action plans, surveys and television programmes – even the celebrity world has got involved. The problem is obvious – big business is eating small business and moving to out of town shopping centres, business parks and enterprise zones where customers with cars can get to them easily and park for free. To describe the answer as elusive is something of an understatement. What’s needed is a sea change in how we think about business and community. It’s time to listen to bold new ideas, see how others organise and talk about what might work for us. I’ve been finding out about the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, with the fine city of Bologna at its centre. Relatively prosperous, economically dynamic, it was far better equipped than most of the country to deal with the recession. It’s also home to arguably the world’s strongest co-operative movement and could provide a blueprint for sustainable and democratic development. At the end of WW2, with its economy in tatters and factories forced into massive lay-offs, the elected left-wing
18 seekernews.co.uk
picture: ROBERTO SERRA/GETTY IMAGES
words: NICK CHURCHILL
local government rejected Soviet-style command economics, accepted the role of the market and set about creating local networks to support small businesses. By the dawn of the 21st century, the Emilia-Romagna was one of the 20 most prosperous regions in Europe. Large companies employing more than 250 people made up less than one per cent of total firms and those firms were worldwide brands such as Ferrari, Ducati and Tetrapak. The average firm employed just five people and in a region of four million there were more than 300,000 companies. The local economy is dominated by small and micro-firms operating in a highly decentralised manner that both compete and co-operate in a variety of formal and informal networks producing world class goods for domestic and international markets. Many of these tiny companies are owned by specialist workerentrepreneurs that are connected by a network of similar firms, a cluster of businesses around a larger, anchor firm. Very often these small companies evolve from a larger firm’s workforce as workers spin off to set up their own businesses, invariably retaining the mother company as a client. This ‘intrapreneurship’ stimulates creative thinking, ever-improving specialisation and a nimble base from
which to adapt to changes in the market. The region is also home to a sophisticated system of co-operatives that produces six per cent of the local GDP and employs ten per cent of the workforce. The direct participation of labour in the management of the area’s businesses has seen Emilia-Romagna pursue a competitive edge through quality and innovation, not price, thus rejecting so-called Low Road globalisation that is seeing firms across western Europe take their manufacturing to low wage countries leading to de-development and shortages at home. The system employed in EmiliaRomagna appears fruitful and fairly robust in the face of recession, so perhaps there’s something that UK plc could learn from it. Are the Italians simply better at co-operation than us? Probably not. Can a regional experiment work on a national scale? Why not? Should we think again about how we structure business? Possibly. Why do we let the corporate world exert such influence over policy making? Who knows? But let’s start talking... What’s your big idea? Do you have something you’d like to start a conversation with? Speak up and be heard. Set out your ideas and email bigidea@ seeker.uk.com
in association with
Declaration of
INDEPENDENTS W
ith HMV in administration, Record Collector magazine has moved to remind music fans there are some 700 independent record shops in the UK, selling new releases and back catalogue, compared to just 236 branches of HMV.
pleased at their demise as they think it hasten the end of the CD and speed up the shift towards digital streaming which is cheaper and easier to manage. But I see that as another case of technology moving too fast and beyond the general public’s real needs.”
picture: SIÂN COURT
In the local area, there is Square Records in Wimborne, with Bridport Music and Chunes in Weymouth further west. There are several other independent record shops in the area that sell second-hand records and CDs.
Record Collector has released a free online listing of independent record shops called Let’s Get Physical. The directory includes the addresses and contact number of more than 700 independent outlets. “All my customers are different, but they’re all attracted to the shop by the same thing – they like to browse and discover things they didn’t know they wanted,” says Paul Holman.
“Music will always be important to people, it’s too powerful not to be, but how we consume it is changing,” says Square Records’ Paul Holman whose family has been selling music in Wimborne since 1974.
“The news about HMV has sparked a massive response among our customers which again shows what music means to people. I had one chap leave a long, heartfelt message on our Square Records voicemail begging us not to close.”
The rise of online music sellers and downloading has has a massive effect on retailers and the prospect of HMV withdrawing from the high street is not necessarily good news for independents.
More than 2,000 record shops have closed since the 1980s, but music festivals and concert tours are attracting more people than ever.
“It will just force more people on line, or make them forget about shops like us all together,” says Paul. “HMV accounted for about one third of physical music sales so the knock on effect could be devastating for record companies, which will also impact on us.
“While it would be sad to see the demise of HMV we say: Support your local record shop and fly the flag of our proud Record Nation!” says Ian McCann, editor of Record Collector, the UK’s oldest music monthly.
“Having said that, some record company executives are supposedly
Employment law is often seen as a grey area for many business owners and managers. For this you will need sound legal advice on employment issues from a pro-active team of advisers. To discuss how we can help you contact Neil Andrews on 01202 667866 or email nandrews@coles-miller.co.uk
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SeekerBUSINESS
Mark Johns, PcW’s managing partner (second left) and PcW partners Anne-Marie Gates and James Robinson (second right) join team members in launching the new PcW app
Princecroft Willis (PcW) has moved into the digital fast lane by launching a new free mobile application which includes a business mileage calculator using GPS. The Dorset and New Forest chartered accountants and business advisers say the unique feature will allow users to record and log business journeys using their phone’s technology.
Other user friendly information on the app, which can be accessed via a mobile phone or tablet, include:
information when it’s needed, direct to you at a time when you want it.
z Details of tax savings for a range of initiatives including salary sacrifice
“We believe the new Princecroft Willis app is a big step forward in the way we work with our clients. The business mileage calculator, in particular, is a very useful tool which we think will be extremely popular.”
Mark Johns, PcW’s managing partner, said: “Apps are brilliant at delivering
The free app can be downloaded at the Apple app store and Google Play.
z Tax and loan calculator z Tax tables and allowances
Height of success
C
ommercial insurance specialists, Alan & Thomas Insurance Group are celebrating after being recognised as one of only eight high climbers in the UK’s Top 100 Independent Insurance Brokers list The annual list, compiled by Insurance Age magazine in association with Cornell Consulting, profiles the top 100 out of the UK’s 2,500 brokers. Alan & Thomas, which has offices in Poole and Gillingham, has climbed into the higher category having increased the annual book of business it controls to more than £20 million in Gross Written Premiums (GWP). Recognition as a high climber is something managing director Julian Boughton is particularly proud of.
“To increase our ranking in the Top 100 is a pleasing achievement in such a tough and competitive market, but to be singled out as one of only eight brokers in the UK to achieve significant growth is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” he says. The growth can be attributed partly to organic development of the company’s various commercial and personal high-net-worth divisions, but also to the two broker acquisitions it made in the early part of the year, which enabled Alan & Thomas to diversify into new Julian Boughton markets such as aviation. With more than 60 staff members, Alan & Thomas is the only independent broker in Dorset to hold the prestigious Chartered Insurance Broker status – the insurance industry’s gold standard for first class advice, service and support. seekernews.co.uk 21
SeekerBUSINESS
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Gold standard
Cherries’ chairman Eddie Mitchell says he is delighted to have secured longterm leases and licenses on all areas surrounding the Goldsands Stadium at Dean Court. Improvements on the council-owned lorry park began in December and the club has also completed development of the Kings Park training pitches and the car park next to the stadium.
New colleagues at Emerge, from left, Debbie Watt of Thinking Juice, Emerge director Matt Fleming, Andy Legg and Tina Davis of Marketing Matters, Emerge directors Gellan Watt and Peter Jones Poole-based integrated agency, Marketing Matters has joined the £45m Emerge group of companies and moved into the Holland House headquarters. Marketing Matters joins well-known local agencies Aylesworth Fleming and Thinking Juice and will contribute to the biggest pool of marketing talent on the south coast.
All of the existing staff will stay with the business and directors Andy Legg and Tina Davis will continue to head the business. “We have known the guys at Emerge for many years and have always enjoyed a mutual respect between our various businesses,” said Andy. “We are very excited at the prospect of working together and having access to such a deep and talented resource.”
Most recently, the chairman revealed plans to erect a south stand if the club won promotion to the Championship. “We are now in the position where we have secured all surrounding land at the Goldsands Stadium,” he told the club website. “We have negotiated 50-year licences on both car parks and hold a 999year lease without any obligations on the land where the south stand will be. “Furthermore, negotiations are very advanced to grant a new 125-year lease on the south end which would also allow for spa and hotel complex.”
The life-changing awards
N
ominations are open for the fourth annual Langtry Manor Business Women Awards. Last year’s finalists and local business people were welcomed to Langtry Manor by the awards’ founder, Tara Howard, and the 2013 category sponsors for the official launch. Having gone from strength to strength, the awards are also launching in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Exeter and Southampton with events hosted by awards pioneer Tara whose enthusiasm for recognising women in business has seen her referred to as the ‘ultimate hostess’. Talking about the phenomenal growth of the awards, business woman and mother of four Tara said: “It really is inspiring to see how much support and enthusiasm there is for the awards and what a difference they can make. “I’ve even had past winners tell me that the awards have changed their lives – that’s really powerful and drives me forward to expand and launch the awards in new regions to recognise more deserving women.” The Langtry Manor Business Women Awards, which celebrate the vital input of women in business, will this year see local business women competing in up to 14 categories, including:
The Island Bathrooms Inspirational Woman Award The Quality Electrical PA of the Year Award The Daily Echo Business Mother of the Year
Tara Howard The BournemouthTown.co.uk Online Business Award The Jobshop UK Employer of the Year The Heart Employee of the Year The Basepoint Home Business Award The NatWest New Business Award The Move On Rentals Lifetime Achievement Award The Dutton Gregory Small Business Award The Princecroft Willis Entrepreneur Award The Talk Moneywise High Achiever Award The Darren Northeast PR Networker of the Year Award The Lexus Poole Green Business Award
Last year’s awards were so popular and gained so much exposure and goodwill for the sponsors, that two of the previous winners have chosen to sponsor a category themselves for 2013. Using the simple online nomination process, respondents are encouraged to nominate a friend, relative, work colleague, boss, employee, client, or anyone they feel worthy of an award. “We’ve invested a lot into the technology behind the awards, to make it as quick and simple as possible, for both those nominating and those finding themselves nominated,” explained Tara. “What better way to thank and celebrate the efforts of the women in your life? Not wanting the men to miss out the Heart Employer of the year can also be won by a man, so go for it guys!” With last year’s winners ceremony a sell-out success, this year’s awards are set to be the same – if not bigger! z To nominate your favourite working woman in Dorset go to www.venusawards.co.uk seekernews.co.uk 23
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On the rise with Ageas L ocal employer Ageas 50, which operates 50-plus insurance brands Castle Cover and RIAS, is proud to be sponsoring the Rock Recruitment Rising Star of the Future award. The award invites local companies to nominate an outstanding young employee. Applicants will be nominated by a colleague for their achievements in the early stages of their career and for their contribution to the business. Louise Rolf, Recruitment and Retention Manager at Ageas 50, says: “As a local employer of choice, it is our aim to attract and recruit the right candidates to the right roles, providing opportunities to people at any stage of their career. “According to our internal survey results, 97 per cent of colleagues are prepared to do their best to make our organisation successful. In turn, we are committed to providing real
Angela Fletcher
progression opportunities and spotting great talent. “We have many schemes in place to spot rising stars and an excellent ethos of promoting from within. In fact, 98 per cent of managers in our
Bournemouth call centre started as telephone advisors.” The Rock Recruitment Star of the Future Awards recognise outstanding young employees, students and entrepreneurs in Dorset aged 16-26. “The Rising Star award presents an opportunity for employers to show appreciation to their excellent young staff,” says Angela Fletcher, managing director at Rock Recruitment, created the awards. “We will inform every single nominated person that they have been put forward by their colleagues as recognition of their hard work.” Entry to the awards is open for all six categories. To nominate or apply for the awards, visit www.rockstars. uk.com. The closing date is March 22 and winners will be announced a gala awards ceremony on June 6. Each category is sponsored by a local company which champions young people and their career development.
Trust in Andrew
A charitable trust dedicated to making life in Bournemouth better has welcomed a new trustee with a wealth of experience in helping young people. Andrew Glatter, pictured below, who is responsible for marketing at Bournemouth and Poole College, has joined Bournemouth 2026 Trust. As well as being a former trustee of the Streetwise Safety Centre, Andrew has worked at a national level through his former employers LV= with Lord’s Taverners (a leading UK youth cricket and disability sports charity) and with the charity Mary Rose Trust. The father of one said: “I’ve been very fortunate to see the positive impact community focused projects can have on young peoples’ lives. “I am very impressed by the collaborative approach that the Trust takes to supporting change and look forward to helping increase the opportunities available for young people in Bournemouth to realise their potential.” Bournemouth 2026 recently transformed from a government-funded Local Strategic Partnership, has four key priorities – regenerating Boscombe and West Howe, helping young people realise their potential and turning around the lives of troubled families. For further details visit www. bournemouth2026.org.uk
Annie Dougall, SBW’s billing manager, and Tony Spinks, compliance manager, proudly hold the Customer Service Excellence certificate watched by (left) Roger Harrington, managing director, and other SBW staff Outstanding customer service has resulted in Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW) being accredited with a prestigious quality standard for the 13th year in a row. The company, which supplies water to approximately half a million people in parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, has been re-awarded the Customer Service Excellence standard. A successor to the former Charter Mark scheme, the standard recognises customer service excellence in the public, private and voluntary sectors. SBW has now held the Charter Mark and its successor award continuously since 2000. Particular attention is paid to delivery,
timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude. The SBW assessor pointed out that the company was among only a small number of organisations to meet all 57 requirements of the standard. Roger Harrington, SBW’s managing director says he was proud that the company’s aim of keeping service at the heart of its operations is being recognised. “Most of our customers don’t have any choice of water supplier. Even though we are a monopoly supplier, I want us to provide a service which customers would rank amongst the best they find anywhere.” seekernews.co.uk 25
SeekerBUSINESS
&
young willing
With the corporate jobs market being squeezed and rising tuition fees for higher education, young people are increasingly tapping their own creativity and establishing themselves as entrepreneurs
B
y nature, entrepreneurs are ambitious people driven by a desire to grow even in the most testing economic circumstances. For this reason, the entrepreneurial sector is often cited as the engine room of the economic recovery. Research shows as few as 34 per cent of students aged 14 to 19 have a positive impression of business and yet entrepreneurs are being identified by politicians and the media alike as primary job creators. Michael Pocock, 21, gave up his job in sales and marketing last August and moved from London to Bournemouth to study and set up his own business through the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Bournemouth & Poole College. “I am developing a concept for a mobile phone app and website based around the evening/entertainment industry,” he says. “The idea is to be an advertising platform for nightclubs, bars and pubs, as well as offering consumer-friendly information for tourists or locals to see what’s on.” But if it hadn’t been for a pair of Adidas Predator football boots, Michael may have been lost to the world of entrepreneurship. “I was 11 and really wanted these football boots and when I saw my mum crying because she couldn’t buy them I realised money was quite important so I decided to go and earn it myself.
26 seekernews.co.uk
words: NICK CHURCHILL “I got a paper round but soon worked out it was going to take ages to save the money so I got a friend of mine to do the round and keep half the money. Pretty soon I had four paper rounds on the go and never delivered a single paper on any of them!” Michael got his boots and a decade later is now seeking investment to pilot the app in the Dorset area later this year before rolling out nationwide. “I’ve always been fascinated by anything to do with business, just like I’m fascinated by anything to do with football. But I’m also quite materialistic, I like nice things. I’ve seen what life’s like with money and what it’s like without and I know what side I’d rather be on.”
START-UP LOANS WSX Enterprise has been awarded a government contract to provide startup loans for young people in Dorset looking to start a business. Under the scheme loans will be available to people aged 18-24. An average of around £2,500 will be made available for new business ideas submitted for approval between now and the end of March. Interest is fixed at six per cent and the new entrepreneurs will have up to five years to pay back their loan. Visit wsxenterprise.co.uk/start-uploans for details.
Michael’s ambition and determination mark him as a model entrepreneur, but the decision to plough his own furrow was a far more pragmatic one for Jacob Porter-Jones. After realising he couldn’t afford to be a tailoring student and travel between London and Oxford where he was based he quit his course and returned home to Ashley Cross where he turned his mum’s front room into a clothes shop! The story attracted the national newspapers and Jacob opened with the kind of fanfare more seasoned businesses can only dream of. “It was great for business at first, although it would have been better if we’d had the website up and running before it all went out,” he says. “There’s no way I can regret giving up my studies. Tailoring is my first love and I can always go back to it, but it takes 20 years of training before you can make a suit properly and breaking into a career on Savile Row is difficult because once they’re in they tend to stay for life.” But a good story and great publicity don’t pay the bills and times are hard – even for living room retailers. Jacob has since closed the physical store to concentrate on promoting his business online. However, such nimble flexibility is endemic to the entrepreneurial spirit which is driven by creative thinking, innovation and bold decisions – which
SeekerBUSINESS
Young entrepreneur Steph Bates
“The clothing line started after I wore some clothes I’d made myself with the words Dumb Blonde on them”
is how circus performer Steph Bates, from Corfe Mullen, found herself in business as a serial entrepreneur. Having fallen out of school at the age of 14 to appear as Alice at the former Alice In Wonderland park at Hurn, Steph effectively launched herself on the world as a performer. “I did dance and gymnastics from the age of three so I was always into performing. The fact there aren’t many nine-to-five jobs in that line of work meant I was inevitably going to be working for myself and I love it,” she says. With her partner Doug, aka Douglas Disorderly, Steph performs with the touring Circus of Horrors, squeezing herself into a 15-inch wide bottle and performing a unique Iron Jaw rope trick in which she hangs from a fellow performer’s hair by her teeth. But away from the bright lights, Steph runs a clothing line called Dumb Blonde, has a pole fitness academy with her sister Chloe and appears as Alice with Doug as the Mad Hatter in a Wonderland-themed magic show. “The Circus of Horrors doesn’t tour every week of the year but I still need to pay the bills so I looked at what I could do to earn a living. There were other pole classes, but they tended to be in groups so my sister and I set up doing private lessons. “The clothing line started after I wore some clothes I’d made myself with the words Dumb Blonde on them. So many people asked me where I got them that I decided to start making them. Now I sell them on my website and through the Circus as well. Next I want to start having the clothes made in the States as I’ve had a lot of inquiries from the USA. “That’s how I’ve ended up with so many businesses and there will no doubt be more – I’ve no plans to stop performing but if I do I may have a look at teaching circus skills.”
Do You know a
?
An outstanding young person who has started their own business
The
Star of the Future Awards
Nominate an entrepreneur aged 16-26, or apply yourself, at:
www.rockstars.uk.com
seekernews.co.uk 27
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APPOINTMENTS
SeekerBUSINESS MITIE Tim Morgan
The Cleaning and Environmental team at MITIE, the strategic outsourcing and energy company, recently appointed Tim Morgan as business development manager for the south coast. Tim has many years of experience in tailoring cleaning solutions to add to the unrivalled capabilities of MITIE’s locally-based operational management.
Intec Printing Solutions Mark Baker-Homes It was back to school for Engage Executive Jobs who recently took part in the Poole High School Employability Exhibition, which offers young people the opportunity to find out about local businesses and industry. The executive division of independent recruitment specialists, Jobshop UK,
joined other local employers who set up stalls at the school where the students could come along, find out about the company, ask questions and try some practical typing exercises designed to check speed and accuracy – with the added bonus of ShakeAway vouchers for the winner of the fastest fingers!
Poole-based Intec Printing Solutions has strengthened its global operations by appointing a Business Development Director. Mark Baker-Homes has moved from global pre-press manufacturer Glunz & Jensen where he was responsible for its worldwide inkjet programme.
Seeker News: Ria Inwards & Mandy Blades
S
eeker News is celebrating its first birthday this month and has welcomed two new advertising managers to its rapidly expanding team. Mandy Blades, right, comes from a sales and recruitment background and joins us from English 2000 language school where she was a placement officer. “This is a great time to be joining Seeker News, just in time for its first anniversary,” says Mandy, who ran the Coconut Court Beach Hotel in Barbados for 16 years before moving back to the UK. “Seeker News is a unique publication and I’m really looking forward to helping it continue to grow over the coming years.” From London originally, Ria Inwards moved to Bournemouth three years We are Engage Executive Jobs, a new division from the dynamic and professional team at Jobshop UK. With years of experience Engage Executive Jobs are offering a personal, ethical and honest service, making them a perfect recruitment partner for you.
Douch Family Funeral Hayley Snook ago from Spain where she worked in sales and marketing on the White Isle, Ibiza. “My family are all in Dorset so I was only ever going to leave Spain to come here and I’m looking forward to getting to know the area even better in my new role,” she says. “I’m really excited at the prospect of meeting new clients and bringing a bit of the Mediterranean to Seeker News.”
Lorraine Lindow (left) is retiring from the Douch Family Funeral Directors as PA to MD Nick Douch (centre) and is being replaced by Hayley Snook (right). The three are pictured outside the Douch and Small branch, one of seven across Dorset. A new member of staff has joined the Douch Family Funeral Directors as PA to the managing director. Hayley Snook, who was formally PA to the vice chancellor at Bournemouth University, will be supporting Nick Douch, who is based in Wimborne.
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DORSET AND HAMPSHIRE’S DEDICATED EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT TEAM seekernews.co.uk 29
Grow your business in today’s challenging economy with Bartercard
Grow your business in today’s challenging economy, by converting excess stock, downtime and spare capacity into into valuable goods and services. Bartercard is unlike any other credit or debit card, because it allows you to exchange your services or products whilst preserving your all-important cash resources. Bull & Boat Restaurant, based in Dorset, Hampshire, has been a Bartercard member for 8 years and has really used the Bartercard’s benefits to its advantage. Bull & Boat is set right on the beach, the venue offers fantastic seafood, crisp white wine, locally farmed organic
‘Bartercard has helped me keep cash in my business by offsetting day to day restaurant expenses using my empty tables. Providing you work together with the team at Bartercard, you will reduce spare capacity and help contain cash within your business.’ Billy Lightbown, Bull & Boat.
Join Bartercard- The World’s Largest Trade Exchange - today and quote ‘Seeker UK’ to receive Free £500 * of Directory Advertising Bartercard operates in 6 different countries across the world, with over 4,000 members in the UK alone, Bartercard offers approximately 10,000 different services in a variety of Industries including Hospitality, Marketing, Printing, Accountancy, Professional Services & many more.
chicken and pork and fine vegetarian dishes, but found itself with spare capacity at certain points in the week. Joining Bartercard enabled the team at Bull & Boat to refurbish the restaurant, installing a large chrome bar, pale wood and white furniture to match the natural setting which offers truly outstanding views! Billy and the team also spend regularly on monthly business expenses such as Commercial Cleaning, Printing of
Bull & Boat Restaurant, 2 Ulwell Rd, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1LH Tel: 01929 422222 Website: www.bull&boat.co.uk
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To discover how Bartercard can benefit your business, please call 0845 219 7060 today Visit : www.Bartercard.co.uk Email: Info@uk.bartercard.com
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SeekerBUSINESS
D
CAUTION ENTREPRENEURS AT WORK
orset business experts have criticised a new study carried out by AXA Business Insurance and the Association of Business Psychologists that claims to show small business owners are far more cautious than the general population. Contrary to stereotypical perceptions of entrepreneurs as maverick individuals with an inherent appetite for risk, the analysis found the majority (52 per cent) of respondents fell within one of three risk types – wary (22 per cent), prudent (15.2 per cent) or deliberate (14.8 per cent). The entrepreneurs surveyed showed far less adventurous characteristics (3.6 per cent) than the average general public (12.8 per cent). But is the comparison a fair one? “Some 80 per cent of businesses fail within the first year, so business owners have taken a massive risk in launching a business at all,” says James Sale, the Bournemouth-based creative director of Motivational Maps. “Imagine you have decided to walk on a tightrope across the Niagara Falls. Your average member of the public, who has a secure job, wouldn’t dream of even contemplating such a risky undertaking, but the entrepreneur, having accepted that massive risk, then seeks to minimise it by taking extremely prudent and measured steps along the way. “The report seems to be commenting on the risk-aversity of the steps on the journey, but not acknowledging the huge risk involved in deciding to make it in the first place.”
The research also claims to show that individuals who are more calm, confident, optimistic, organised, methodical and measured have greater financial resources and may, therefore, be more successful small business owners. But business psychologist Dr Dave Richards an expert in entrepreneurial success, growth and transformation strategies and chairman of Ceuta Capability, also questions the validity of the study’s conclusions. “The findings are portrayed as surprising. However, there are two issues. First, the study only scratches the surface of entrepreneurial and business psychology. Second, public conceptions of entrepreneurship have been perverted by the media, and in particular shows like The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den.” Darrell Sansom, managing director at AXA Business Insurance, says: “We often think of entrepreneurs as being adventurous renegades, renouncing the more common commercial work environment in search of their own fortunes and in support of their passions. So it’s fascinating to see the level of vigilance they employ when compared with the broader population.” The business owners surveyed represented limited companies, sole traders and partnerships. Those involved in partnerships were more likely to be cautious whereas sole traders were more carefree. In total, the research identified eight characteristics and found that small business owners were more likely than the general public to be wary, intense, prudent or deliberate. And they were less likely than the general public to be spontaneous, composed, adventurous or carefree.
words: NICK CHURCHILL
Dr Dave Richards, top, and James Sale
seekernews.co.uk 31 seekernews.co.uk 31
SeekerBUSINESS
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SOCIAL DIARY
SeekerBUSINESS
DCCI January Networking Lunch Alcatraz Brasserie, Bournemouth, January 16
Len Atfield-Cutts, Nikki Judd
Shirley Ewart, Kim Chaplin, Carlie O’Neill
Tim Chappell, Dexter Bree
Andy House, Peter Scott
James Allington, Martine Tolley
Sally Croft, Eric Holt, Chris Mower
Mike Clark, Kathryn Cook
Tom Ross, Rebecca Osborne
Dan Beale, Jo Legg, James Noel
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Capturing your event l
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List your business in our directory from as little as £50/month. Call Ria on 01202 779604 or email ria@seeker.uk.com for more details
ANGEL IN HEALTH Angela Sylvia Inwards FMAR
Russell Jolley, owner of The Conditioning Centre, is a fully accredited S&C coach by the UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA), Head Strength & Conditioning coach for sportBU at Bournemouth University and coaches hundreds of athletes every week. New offer: 50% off the first month www.conditioningcentre.com Unit 2, 14 St Clements Rd, Poole BH15 3PD 07825 392324
Practising since the year 2000, Angela is a Harley Street trained Complementary, Holistic Therapist and Reiki Master. Sports and Remedial Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Mother to be Massage, EFT & Matrix Re-Imprinting are amongst her many therapies. Angela performs Angel Card Readings face to face or over the Telephone/Skype, she has a healing room or can do home visits and gift vouchers are also available. Feel better & call her today! 07794 375767 angelinhealth@gmail.com www.naturessunshine.eu/uk/angelinhealth www.zambroza.co.uk/angelinhealth D2D_Press_Ad_80x57_v1_HI.pdf
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Winner of 2012’s ‘Best Restaurant in Bournemouth’; the Highcliff Grill serves locally sourced fish, meats, shells and fine wines in a stunning location. Offering a mouth watering four course ‘Taste of Dorset’ menu for only £31.50 per person, the Highcliff Grill is Bournemouth’s best kept secret. 01202 200800 www.highcliffgrill.co.uk mhrs.bohbm.ays@marriotthotels.com
30/01/2013
12:49
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Quantum Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency focusing on recruitment within the healthcare, office, hospitality and construction sectors throughout the UK. We offer a permanent recruitment service using both reactive and proactive techniques to ensure timely delivery of a quality service to both clients and candidates.
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Nova Contract Cleaners was established in 1968 and has gone from strength to strength over the last 45 years. We offer the highest quality of service across our commercial cleaning, window cleaning, surgery cleaning and specialist cleaning divisions. We are EN ISO 9001:2008 accredited and our management team are certified members of the British Institute of Cleaning Science. 01202 536770 sales@nova-cleaners.co.uk www.nova-cleaners.co.uk 34 seekernews.co.uk
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Poole Hospital Charity fundraise for all the wards and departments at Poole Hospital ranging from A&E to the Children’s Ward and the Dorset Cancer Centre, funding equipment and care above and beyond that provided by the NHS. The generosity and support of the local community can help make a huge difference to the experience of hundreds of patients. 01202 448449 fundraising@poole.nhs.uk www.poole.nhs.uk/fundraising www.facebook.com/#!/PooleHospitalCharity
Whether you’re looking for worldwide parcel delivery, courier or postal services; print and copy; mailbox rental or a virtual office package, you can trust the experts at Mail Boxes Etc. Commercial or private, last minute, one-off or a complete suite of services, we’re here to help. Whatever your needs, we’ll be happy to personalise our service for you too. 01202 299151 info@mbebh1.co.uk www.mbe.co.uka
Wessex Cancer Trust promotes awareness and provides counselling and complementary therapy services. Each year many receive grants to alleviate hardship resulting from the impact of cancer on patients and their families. The Trust has funded projects including the Piam Brown Children’s Oncology Ward at Southampton General Hospital and research at the University of Southampton. 07545 145776 wct@wessexcancer.org www.wessexcancer.org
SEEKER BUSINESS CLUB
SeekerBUSINESS
A Quinntessential guest T he Seeker Business Club breakfast in January fell foul of the snow so we all went out for a snowball fight (see p12), this breakfast at Sevens Boatshed has now been rescheduled for Friday, February 15 so pop online and book now for some post-Valentine business fun. In March we’ll be taking the sea air at the Haven Hotel with a business lunch on Friday the 15th in the company of our very own news supremo Neal Butterworth. For April’s event we’ve got something a bit special for you. We’ve got together with our old friends at Lighthouse Poole and our new friend the amazing Ray Quinn to offer you a VIP evening watching Ray in Little Voice. Ray (X Factor, Dancing On Ice) stars alongside Beverley Callard (Coronation Street) and the sensational Jess Robinson, in this sparkling new production of Jim Cartwright’s play was made famous by the 1998 film starring Jane Horrocks. Little Voice is a story of music, divas and romance featuring songs by some of the world’s greatest female stars, including Shirley Bassey, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.
Jess Robinson as Little Voice and Ray Quinn as Billy
Join us on Thursday, April 18 at 5.30pm for a reception including buffet and the show, feel free to invite partners as it’s going to be an informal night of fun and Ray’s even going to pop in for a chat. For details of membership and to book any of these events online visit www.seekernews.co.uk/sbc
Members Seeker
BUSINESS CLUB
EVENTS LISTINGS February 12 – 7.45am-9am Pancake Breakfast to launch new Apprenticeship Training Agency, Bournemouth College, Bournemouth
February 15 – 8am-10am Seeker Business Club – February breakfast, Sevens Boatshed, Poole Dorset
February 12 – 9am-1.30pm Unlocking People Power Conference 2013, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth
February 20 – 4pm-6pm College Business Information Series – Business Essentials – How to fail successfully (not catastrophically), Bournemouth and Poole College, Bournemouth Dorset
February 12 – 9.15am-4pm Tasty Marketing Training Courses, Tasty Marketing, Poole
February 21 – 6pm-8pm DJC Meet & Drink, Banana Wharf, Poole
February 12 – 6pm-7.30pm Training – How you DO-IN?, The Green house Hotel, Bournemouth
March 7 – 6pm-8pm DJC Meet & Drink, Hot Rocks, Bournemouth
February 13 – 9am-11am Dorset Women in Business – Ladies networking breakfast, Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster Dorset February 13 – 9am-1.30pm Unlocking People Power Conference 2013, Eastpoint Centre, Southampton February 13 – 5.30pm-9pm South Coast Connections – Business Scene, East Cliff Court Hotel, Bournemouth Dorset
March 15 – Noon-3pm Seeker Business Club – March lunch, The Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Poole Dorset March 21 – 9.15am-4pm Tasty Marketing Training Courses, Tasty Marketing, Poole March 21 – 6pm-8pm DJC Meet & Drink, Banana Wharf, Poole April 18 – 5.30pm-10.30pm Seeker Business Club – VIP Reception at Little Voice with Ray Quinn, Lighthouse, Poole Dorset
For further details of these events or to list your events for FREE visit www.seekernews.co.uk/events seekernews.co.uk 35
picture: STEVE COOK
eunan o’kane Cherries 36 seekernews.co.uk
Seeker SPORT
seekernews.co.uk 37
Happy birthday Congratulations to Steve, Dawn and all the hard working staff at Seeker News – Great News – Great Magazine from all of us. Dorset Soils & Aggregates Ltd Ferndown 01202 874207
Congratulations on an amazing first year, a great achievement. Enhanced, one of the South’s leading and National award winning IT companies, wish you every continued success.
01202 308 000 www.enhanced.co.uk
Tanner & Tilley have worked with Seeker for many years and it is fantastic to see the magazine reach its first birthday so successfully – Happy Birthday Seeker Magazine Carlie O’Neill Associate Director Marketing 01202 430348 www.tanner-tilley.co.uk
We are so pleased to be working with Seeker, the support given to the Orchard project at Kingston Lacy was incredible, we look forward to regular updates on the apples, and indeed the cider, thank you Seeker for supporting the National Trust in Dorset www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dorset
We would like to wish the whole team at Seeker News our congratulations C h a r t e r e d T a x A d v i s e r s & C h a r t e r e d Certified Accountants on reaching your first year anniversary. Seeker News is an interesting and informative magazine that plays a big part in the local business community.
inspire
A very happy birthday to Steve and all the team at Seeker from your friends at the Dorset Blind Association. Congratulations on your first successful year and we hope you have many more ahead. Dorset Blind Association – helping to make life better for Dorset people with sight or hearing loss, and their families.
0800 0776410 www.inspire.uk.net
Dorset Blind Association 01202 712869 info@dorsetblind.org.uk www.dorsetblind.org.uk
A very Happy 1st Birthday to Seeker News and congratulations to everyone in the Seeker Family, may your second year bring you continued growth and success.
Thought we’d take out an ad in a prestige publication to celebrate your 1st Birthday, so here it is Happy Birthday Seeker... looking forward to the party
Domestic Angels 01202 267350 info@domestic-angels.com www.domestic-angels.com
38 seekernews.co.uk
MfP Website Marketing www.consultancymarketing.co.uk 01202 257423
to us!
It may be only one candle but Seeker News has had some help to blow it out
Congratulations to Steve and the team on Seeker News’ first birthday. The best place to keep up to date on local businesses. Ann Symes Quay Development Coaching Quaydevelopmentcoaching.com info@quaydevelopmentcoaching.com Tel 01202 690415 Mob 07970 744120
Congratulations to the Seeker News team, always a great read, here’s looking ahead to the next year. Humphries Kirk www.hklaw.eu
It has been a great experience working with Steve and the Seeker News team during the last year and we are pleased that the publication is going from strength to strength. The magazine has really filled a gap in the market for the business community in the Dorset area and we look forward to what the future has in store for Seeker News. John Grinnell, centre manager, Dolphin shopping centre www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk/
Breeze Volkswagen in Tower Park, Poole wishes Seeker News a Happy 1st Birthday and a successful 2013. www.breeze-volkswagen.co.uk T: 01202 713000
Congratulations to Steve, Dawn and all the Seeker team on your 1st Birthday. Thank you for your continued support of Wessex Cancer Trust www.wessexcancer.org
Mark Liddle llp are delighted to have been supporting Seeker News and wish Steve and the team all the best for the years to come. Mark Liddle www.markliddle.com
seekernews.co.uk 39
SeekerBUSINESS
Free charity advert provided by Seeker
Do You know a ROCK ?
Raise money, help others, feel good! Through fundraising activities and events, charitable donations, legacies and voluntary support, the Charity helps to enhance services and facilities at Poole Hospital, so that the very best care can be provided for all.
The Rock Star of the Future Awards Rising Star of the Future (employee) Entrepreneurial Star of the Future Student Star of the Future Media Star of the Future (employee or student) Inspirational Star of the Future (employee or student) Star of the Future Apprenticeship (prize: employment contract!) Entrants must be aged 16-26. Nominate or apply at:
There are lots of ways you can support Poole Hospital Charity.
www.rockstars.uk.com
01202 448449
fundraising@poole.nhs.uk Charity Number: 1058808
Digital Storm are proud to support Poole Hospital Charity The Creative Ideas Agency
01202 440333 www.digitalstorm.co.uk
You poor thing. Can’t get out to pick up the latest Seeker News? From next month Seeker News will be available from a large number of retail outlets throughout Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne & Ringwood. If you’d like to avoid the hassle of picking one up and would rather receive it in the post hot off the press sign up to receive it for only £15 for 6 issues www.seekernews.co.uk/subscribe
01202 779604
Seeker NEWS
www.seekernews.co.uk
40 seekernews.co.uk
Sponsored by:
Seeker ARTS
SPON THIS PSOR Your lo AGE go here e ma info@ seekiel .uk.co r m
Drunk in public words: NICK CHURCHILL
T
hey said it could never happen, but almost-legendary rockin’ blues masters The Rolling Drunks are to reform.
The Dorset band tore up the local live music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s before succumbing to the demands of growing up, mortgages and model citizenship. With their (literally) incendiary blend of superfast R&B, lots of lager and lashings of lighter fluid, they released two cassette albums, a series of t-shirts and all manner of on-stage shenanigans, supporting the likes of the Fine Young Cannibals, Small Faces/Humble Pie singer Steve Marriott and Groundhogs’ leader Tony McPhee along the way. With the original line up scattered to the four corners of the country – and Japan – organising the reunion was no mean feat, but harpist and main mood generator Carl Wilson persevered. “I’ve got a big birthday that weekend
and couldn’t think of anything better to do than get the Drunks back together, so we met up and nobody flinched, had a couple of rehearsals and we’re ready to go,” he says. “It’s probably all downhill from here – a Rolling Drunk gathers no moss and all that!” Carl will be joined by original singer/ guitarist Simon Clay, drummer Simon Lyne and keyboardist Chris Tetley, with bassist Dave Saunders. “It’s Dave’s birthday that weekend as well. He was our second or third bassist – the Drunks’ bassist was always a bit like the Spinal Tap drummer, we got through a few!” says Carl. The band’s actual birthday is lost in the mists of time, but Carl remembers being asked to support a band called Thrash who were playing the notorious basement Bacchus bar in Bournemouth.
“We got a band together, but exactly when that was I’ve no idea – we kind of worked out the band must be 25 years old, half the Rolling Stones’ age!” Thrash are now known as The Toad Moment and will support the Drunks at Kyps, along with another former bassist Martin Kitcher (ex-Agagaga, Kitch etc) making a very rare live appearance. Martin’s Best Of album can be heard now at www.soundcloud.com/ martinkitcher The Rolling Drunks + Martin Kitcher + The Toads February 17 Mr Kyps, Poole 01202 748945 www.mrkyps.net
The Drunks play an out-of-town warm up the night before, on February 16 at the Square & Compass, Windmill Hill, near Ilminster in Somerset.
seekernews.co.uk 41
SeekerARTS
From The Jam
Ronan Keating
www.rockstarimages.co.uk
www.charlieraven.com
MR KYPS, JANUARY 18
BIC, JANUARY 27
Peter Andre BIC, JANUARY 22
www.rockstarimages.co.uk
Donny & Marie Osmond BIC, JANUARY 25
www.rockstarimages.co.uk
seekernews.co.uk 42 seekernews.co.uk
SeekerARTS
In the T S E T IC R T S sense words: REBECCA CROSSLEY
S
trictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole brings his latest live dance show Licence to Thrill to Poole this month. After another busy series of Strictly, in which he partnered former Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, Brendan is raring to take his theatre show to audiences around the country. “I can’t wait to get it on the road,” he says with typical enthusiasm during a break in rehearsals. “We’re at the stage now where we’re getting excited about the whole thing, all the last little bits and bobs coming together. I wanted to make something special for every single person that comes along – men, women, children, grandparents – there’s an element of something in there for everybody.” The evening provides spectators with a range of fantastic entertainment, including a live big band, dance performances and chat. “I like to refer to it as ‘an evening with Brendan Cole’ rather than a dance show,” he laughs. “I’m always on stage, hosting the show throughout. It’s much more interactive than just a dance show, I want to create an intimate atmosphere for the audience.” Licence to Thrill follows Brendan’s sell-out debut tour in 2010. After four successful tours of the show wowing audiences across the UK and Ireland, Brendan hopes the new production will be even more stunning. “In putting this show together I was inspired by first one and knew things I wanted to add to make it even better than the last one! It’s a big challenge, but a phenomenal project to have. “We’ve got a spectacular cast this year; a 14-piece band and troupe of six dancers, a lot of them known worldwide. My leading lady, Fauve Hauto, has just won the French version of Dancing with the Stars. “ A long-time star of Strictly Come Dancing, Brendan has been on the show since winning the first series in 2004 with partner Natasha Kaplinsky. “I love it, there’s something magical about being able to do your thing with such a fantastic bunch of people. I like to think of our jobs on Strictly as a dancer, entertainer, teacher, psychologist, councillor… everything involved in overcoming the emotional challenges, and struggles with the entertainment side.” As well as competing in Strictly and co-ordinating his live show, Brendan and his wife, model Zoe Hobbs, welcomed a new arrival into their family on Christmas Day last year. Whilst clearly passionate about his career, Brendan is clear on his priorities. “I’ll be juggling everything to make sure my family is looked after, which can be difficult on Strictly as it takes up so much time every week. But everything is fantastic, and my wife and daughter come first. “I’m really excited about this next chapter in our lives.” Brendan Cole: Licence To Thrill February 28 Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk seekernews.co.uk 43
SeekerARTS
review
The Burlesque Show Lighthouse, Poole
V
ariety is, they say, the spice of life and The Burlesque Show certainly gives you ample portions of variety and spice! Hosted by the vivacious Miss Kiki Kaboom, pictured, with style, panache and no small measure of sexy cheek, the show featured an amazing collection of talent. From the beauty and grace of burlesque through the acrobatic feats of a trio of Cossacks and feats of inhuman strength and poise on the Chinese pole, the night had plenty to offer. For me the highlights had to be to the gag reflex inducing mouth juggling of Rod Laver who at one point was juggling five ping pong balls with his mouth and the music hall-esque ditties composed and sung by the Isle of Wight’s own Elliot Mason. A great night out that delivers so much more than just burlesque. Steve Cook
review
Madagascar Live! Windsor Hall, BIC Two of Bournemouth’s most popular entertainment brands have joined forces to herald a new era of adult fun. Live comedy and music promoters Funnybone have partnered with cabaret and party night favourites Rubyz to put a smile on the town’s weekends and week nights. Rubyz’ renowned party nights will transform Bournemouth’s Centre Stage venue every Saturday night. On Friday nights, Funnybone’s comedy club will continue to host some of the UK comedy circuit’s top jokers, while adjacent pub the Pig & Whistle has been transformed into the Ruby Lounge for cabaret and live music nights. Across the week, burlesque shows, folk and jazz club nights, the Chicken Soup choir and other live gigs will turn Centre Stage and Ruby Lounge into the south’s premier live entertainment venue. 44 seekernews.co.uk
We like to move it, move it – and I certainly do! All of our best crack-a-lackin’ friends from the Dreamworks movie are live and on the loose in this thrilling new musical adventure. The talented international cast bring Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria to life and don’t forget those hysterical penguins as they escape from Central Park Zoo and arrive in the mad kingdom of King Julien. Packed full of imaginative sets and costumes and amazing new songs that would make even the Grinch dance. Celeb-watch – CBeebies star Chris Jarvis was sat in front of me and he really liked the costumes and headpieces. The show certainly made Chris move it, move it! Sadie Cook, Junior Editor (age 9)
Sadie meets the cast of Madagascar
SeekerARTS
Cinema
with Anwar Brett www.anwarbrett.com
A Good Day to Die Hard
Wreck-It Ralph
T
Hyde Park on Hudson
his time of year sees a mixed bunch of movies at the cinema, awards contenders jostling with multiplex fodder that won’t be troubling the Academy on any level. So we have Sylvester Stallone in the violently unpretentious revenge thriller Bullet To The Head (15) screening alongside the classy airline drama Flight (15), with Denzel Washington playing a pilot with a dark secret underlying his mid-air heroics. Bill Murray plays FDR in Hyde Park on Hudson (12A), a fascinating insight into the life and loves of the (surprisingly randy) US president on the eve of a visit from British royalty. Real life, with a healthy pinch of artistic licence, also inspired Hitchcock (12A) as it tells of the legendary film director – superbly embodied by Anthony Hopkins – and his struggle to make Psycho. There are laughs in the patchy British comedy I Give It A Year (15) starring Rafe Spall and Rose Byrne, and a sharp intake of breath from the hilarious and naughty A Liar’s Autobiography – The Untrue Story Of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman (15). Family audiences will enjoy the sweet, computer animated tale Wreck-It Ralph (PG) while boys of all ages will surely thrill to the sight of Bruce Willis kicking ass in Moscow in A Good Day To Die Hard (tbc). More traditional Valentine’s Day fare is provided by This Is 40 (15), a ‘sort of’ sequel to Knocked Up, and there are gentler emotions conveyed between Terence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave in the heartfelt Song For Marion (PG).
Cloud Atlas Hitchcock
RELEASE DATES February 1 Bullet To The Head (15) Flight (15) Hyde Park on Hudson (12A) February 8 Hitchcock (12A) I Give It A Year (15) A Liar’s Autobiography – The Untrue Story Of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman (3D) (15) Wreck-It Ralph (3D) (PG) February 14 A Good Day To Die Hard (TBC) This Is 40 (15) February 22 Cloud Atlas (15) Song For Marion (PG) February 27 Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters (3D) (15) March 1 Broken City (15) Safe Haven (12A) March 8 Oz The Great and Powerful 3D (TBC) March 15 The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (12A) March 22 Identity Thief (12A) Jack the Giant Slayer (3D) Jadoo (12A) March 27 GI Joe: Retaliation (3D) (TBC) March 29 Good Vibrations (15)
Epic storytelling over nearly three hours, multiple locations and several time frames come in the hefty Cloud Atlas (15) starring (among others) Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in a story of past deeds having consequences through the generations. And there’s a fresh twist on a favourite fairytale delivered in Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters (15) – featuring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton. March features a new version of the fairytale style Jack the Giant Slayer (tbc), as well as a big budget prequel to a beloved family film Oz The Great and Powerful (tbc) with James Franco as the man who would become the fabled wizard of The Emerald City. Lunk headed kids’ actioner GI Joe: Retaliation (tbc) is also on release. From the saccharine soaked pen of Dear John author Nicholas Sparks comes Safe Haven (12A) a tearjerker that is everything you expect, both good and bad. Also out is Broken City (15) a hamfisted thriller about city hall corruption starring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. Later in the month there are laughs from feuding magicians Steve Carrell and Jim Carrey in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (12A) and Jason Bateman who finds his life turned upside down by Melissa McCarthy in Identity Thief (12A). Elsewhere, the British foodie comedy Jadoo (12A) tells of the bitter fallout between restaurateur brothers, and Good Vibrations (15) is the uplifting true(ish) story of an icon of the Belfast music scene.
Release dates are correct at time of publication, but may still be subject to film distributors’ jiggery-pokery. Some films are available in 3D, which is usually one D too many. Check online listings for times, certificates and all that other stuff. seekernews.co.uk 45
SeekerARTS The classic fairytale Rapunzel has been re-written by leading children’s playwright Mike Kenny to be staged as an inventive, visual and physical dance with live music and magical design. It is a story about a girl who is taken away from what she knows and protected from all the things that she loves. Placed high-up in a tower above the world and faced with the challenge of growing-up, she is found alone, dreaming … The producers suggest the show is not suitable for the under threes. Rapunzel February 17 Ocean Room, Pavilion Dance, Bournemouth 01202 203630 www.paviliondance.org.uk
To mark his 60th year in showbiz, 1960s acting legend Rodney Bewes from The Likely Lads is taking a brand new one-man show on the road. As A Boy Growing Up is based on a production Rodney saw many times in the 1950s at the Globe Theatre in London in which the Welsh actor and playwright, Emlyn Williams, put on a show of Dylan Thomas’ short stories. The production left a profound impression on the young Rodney who is now revisiting these stories, delivering them in his own inimitable way. Rodney has also announced this tour will be his last. As a Boy Growing Up February 14 Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 01202 885566 www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk 46 seekernews.co.uk
Peace, who made it onto the BBC Sound of 2013 top 10, have the coveted opening slot on this year’s NME Awards Tour. The band followed the success of the Delicious EP with the release of new track Wraith last month. Produced by Arctic Monkeys and Adele collaborator Jim Abiss, the track is an unashamedly euphoric 3 minutes 12 seconds of widescreen guitar anthemics and piano house breakdowns. Also on the tour are Miles Kane, Django Django and Palma Violets.
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This shot of the New Forest by Dorset photographer Jeremy Walker from Leigh won the Wild Woods category at this year’s British Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards. It can be seen, alongside the overall winner and 10 other category winners at the annual Awards exhibition at Moors Up-and-coming folk-roots band The Willows are to play Bournemouth Folk Club as part of their Sowing The Seeds tour. The band’s debut album, Beneath Our Humble Soil, is produced by Stu Hanna (Show of Hands, Lucy Ward, Megson) and comes out on Elk Records on February 11. The Willows also have a
st, the Disney’s Beauty and the Bea sical, award-winning smash hit mu nth mo this life to t ugh bro is being of the by Bournemouth-based Swish Curtain. success Following its overwhelming sion of ver l sica last year with the mu flights tic oba acr saw ch whi Pan Peter turn l wil ish Sw , ium over the auditor special to lavish costumes, flamboyant ying fl effects, magical illusions and essence of performers to ensure the true ce live ien aud the for d ture cap is ney Dis on stage. young The classic story of Belle, a the and n, tow ial vinc pro a in woman ce prin ng you a lly Beast, who is rea enchantress, trapped in a spell cast by an d in love be and love to rn as they lea e is tim But se. cur order to break the ... out g nin run film’s It also features the animated es urit Oscar-winning score with favo h as Be n suc from composer Alan Menke , of course, Our Guest, Home, Belle and st. Bea the and uty Bea sical Beauty & the Beast – The Mu February 21-23 uth Pavilion Theatre, Bournemo 0844 576 3000 www.bic.co.uk
Valley Country Park daily until March 17. British Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards until March 17 Moors Valley Country Park 01425 470721 www.bwpawards.co.uk session booked on the Bob Harris Show on BBC Radio 2 in the week of the Bournemouth gig. The Willows February 24 Bournemouth Folk Club, Centre Stage, Westbourne 01202 540065 www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
Following his stunning success with Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud in the Strictly Come Dancing Final, Pasha Kovalev premieres his brand new show in Christchurch next month. From the Ballroom to Hollywood finds Pasha and fellow Strictly professional Katya Virshilas, with a full cast of dancers, including Ryan and Lindsey, finalists from Got To Dance on Sky 1 and former Latin World Champions. The production will feature a series of beautifully costumed and stunning dance routines, accompanied by a full audio-visual backdrop, a Q&A section plus an appearance by 50 local dancers from Bournemouth Youth Theatre. From the Ballroom to Hollywood March 24, 25 Regent Centre, Christchurch 01202 499199 www.regentcentre.co.uk seekernews.co.uk 47
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BRIGHTEN YOUR NEW YEAR ‘HIGHCLIFF’ STYLE. Mothering Sunday Luncheon—Sunday 10th March 2013 Say ‘thank you’ and enjoy a three course menu with live music, aperitif on arrival and a special treat for mum, only £28.50 per person. For something sweeter, enjoy Afternoon Tea ‘Highcliff’ style for only £30.00 for two to share.
Easter Family Fun—Sunday 31st March 2013 Start the day with an Easter egg hunt, followed by a traditional 3 course Sunday luncheon complemented with live music. Only £22.50 per person to include an aperitif on arrival and coffee to finish. Something for all the family to enjoy!
Murder Mystery Dinner—Friday 19th April 2013 Put your detective skills to the test and use your intuition to discover whodunit! Enjoy a drink on arrival and an intriguing 3 course dinner for only £36.00 per person. Why not make a weekend of it with our accommodation and mystery packages!
To book or for more details, please contact us on 01202 557702. Booking is essential.
BOURNEMOUTH HIGHCLIFF MARRIOTT HOTEL Live the ‘Highcliff’ Style
AA Rosette 2009—2012
© Marriott International 2013. Terms & Conditions apply. Subject to availability.
ADVERTISE YOUR RESTAURANT ON OUR VOUCHER PAGE Seeker www.seekernews.co.uk
NEWS
With the exciting expansion of Seeker News we are introducing a great money off voucher page for restaurants. For only £240+vat restaurants and bars can get their offers in front of thousands of Seeker News readers both in the magazine and online for a whole six months. In addition to the vouchers printed in the magazine we will make the voucher page available for people to download from the website with additional promotion being done via the website and social media. With only 16 vouchers on the page spaces are limited so get in touch now by emailing mandy@seeker.uk.com or calling us on 01202 779604. 48 seekernews.co.uk
Seeker LIFESTYLE review TerraVina
Netley Marsh
words & pictures: STEVE COOK
‘W
ine is like music, it takes you on a journey.” I’m sat with Gerard Basset, OBE, co-founder of Hotel du Vin, one of the greatest wine men of his generation and reigning world champion sommelier. The occasion is the launch of the new fine-dining restaurant in his award winning boutique hotel TerraVina at Netley Marsh deep within the New Forest. The location is particularly relevant as it has such an impact on the food. Dorsetborn chef George Blogg is a trained geologist and he scours the Forest foraging for ingredients and tableware, like the pieces of bark which, once sealed, are used as platters. The menu consists of locally-sourced ingredients – Weymouth lobster, Lymington turbot, two-year aged Old Winchester cheese and tidal greens from Milford-on-Sea; and George’s skills at foraging are equaled by his expertise in the kitchen. Textures intertwine as the soft, light pumpkin and Dorset truffle soup mixes with crunchy pumpkin seeds; and this use of varying textures is a recurring theme in the dishes – beautifully moist goose pate with celeriac and pear; tender oxtail, hearts and crispy pig’s ears. Of course, with the world champion sommelier on hand the accompanying wines compliment perfectly including the surprise inclusion of an exciting Japanese sake. This is a meal to be savoured, Gerard recommends allowing at least three hours for the 12 courses and it’s not until midnight that we finally reach the delightfully named ‘little things.’ Lymington turbot, tidal If music takes you on a journey, then food greens and cockles must also and whilst this journey doesn’t go very far it does it in style and takes in some amazing local sights.
Goose, celeriac and pear
Chef George Blogg
With half the saturated fat of olive oil and bursting with essential fatty acids, rapeseed oil is known to reduce cholesterol, maintain heart health, joint mobility and brain function.
Salads not manly enough for you? Then try wasabi rocket. The team at Steve’s Leaves in Hampshire has been inundated with comments from blokes across the country about Steve’s fiery little wasabi rocket leaves.
It is also a rich, natural source of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E and Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and unlike olive oil even retains its health benefits at high temperatures (240C smoke point), so it’s especially good for cooking, marinating, baking, frying and roasting.
Known as the ‘man leaf’ at the Steve’s Leaves HQ, wasabi rocket has so impressed some men they’ve written to let Steve and the team know. Available from Ocado and Wholefoods, this hot little leaf has been mixed with other fab baby leaves like red spinach and mizuna.
Produced in Somerset, Fussels’ award-winning Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil is available from Asda, Tesco, select Waitrose stores and independent shops or at www.fusselsfinefoods.co.uk.
“Wasabi rocket is a fantastically fiery fellow,” says Steve. “The mix is naturally rich in vitamin A and folic acid and tasty enough to eat on its own or next to a grilled sirloin steak with a drop of balsamic. Delicious!” seekernews.co.uk 49
SeekerlIFESTylE
Before
picture: VITTORIO ZUNINO CELOTTO/WIREIMAGE FOR ELECTROLUX
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AFTER AFTER (After (After66months, months,twice twicedaily dailyusage usageof ofageLOC ageLOCTransformation Transformationand andtwice twice per perweek weekusage usageof ofthe theageLOC ageLOCGalvanic GalvanicSpa Spaand andageLOC ageLOCFacial FacialGels) Gels)
operators words: NICK CHURCHILL
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rad Pitt calls it his “wrinkle iron”, Simon Cowell refers to it as his “face machine” and Nicole Kidman has said she wouldn’t step out on the red carpet without it, now the Galvanic Spa is making an impact on the women of Dorset. The ‘magic wand’ the stars swear by uses long established galvanic current treatment to remove debris from the skin and replace it with a patented cleansing gel the makers claim can smooth out wrinkles and remove blemishes. Central to the Nu Skin anti-ageing treatment, the Galvanic Spa by ageLOC produces a painless electric current to help the active ingredients in the gel penetrate the skin. “What it does is change the way your genes express themselves, so they behave as a younger person’s genes would,.” says Nu Skin devotee Lucy Holloway, from Poole. “I’ve had incredible results from the treatment. I’m 56 and I could happily pass for late 40s – let’s say in a room full of 56-year-olds, I would look the youngest. Everyone’s different, of course, and everyone’s skin is different, but you can see an effect immediately.
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“And the more you use the treatment the more effective it becomes until you get to an optimum point. It has taken me about 14 months but I probably won’t look any better than I do now, so it’s a once a week maintenance job from now on.” Galvanic current was developed to treat stroke patients and people with Bell’s palsy. It is a constant low level direct current from a battery through two probes – one positively charged, one negatively charged – which is able to deliver water soluble products up to the dermal layer of the skin for maximum absorption and effect. Used on the body, the makers say it will smooth cellulite, tighten bingo wings and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. “It won’t make you look 20 years younger, but the effects are lasting. It’s more of a lifestyle change in that you have to keep it up, but it’s no hardship. “It’s also one of the only beauty treatments that offers a money back guarantee if it doesn’t do what it says it will.” To find out more about Nu Skin and the Galvanic Spa, email nuhealth@rocketmail.com or call 07827 999402.
RECIPES
SeekerlIFESTylE
Easter is almost upon us, so what better time to get busy in the kitchen with some very special chocolate recipes? We’ve teamed up with Dorset charity, Diverse Abilities Plus, which offers help and support to hundreds of children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, to tempt you with two mouth-watering recipes from Scrumptious, the charity’s fundraising book of cake recipes This cake won the Diverse Abilities Plus recipe competition. Not surprising as it tastes incredible – chocolatey, crunchy and chewy, what more could you want?
No Cook Chocolate Cake
300g plain chocolate 75g butter 2 tbsp syrup 405g tin, unsweetened condensed milk 175g dried fruit (apricots etc) 125g sultanas 200g Rich Tea biscuits
Break chocolate into pieces and place in a saucepan. Add butter, syrup and condensed milk. Heat gently until the chocolate has melted, stir well. Cut the fruit into small pieces, add this together with the sultanas to the chocolate mix, and stir thoroughly. Crush the biscuits in a bag until you have lots of chunky pieces. Tip the mixture into a loose bottomed cake tin and press down. Chill for four hours. Remove from tin and slice. Submitted by Sandra Blainey, who has a child at Langside School and Smithers
pictures: STEVE COOK
READER OFFER We have a special price available to Seeker News readers who can buy Scrumptious for the special price of £6.95 including p&p, compared to RRP of £9.95.
cookbook-offer and follow the instructions.
children and adults in Dorset with physical and learning disabilities.
To take advantage of this offer, simply visit www.seekernews.co.uk/
More info about the book is available at www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk/supportus/scrumptious/
To order by phone, call 01202 718266 (ask for Hugh and quote Seeker Offer)
All proceeds go directly to Diverse Abilities Plus, helping support hundreds of
All other inquiries to fundraising@ diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk
Nougat Chocolate Mousse
An indulgent dessert; the perfect way to end a meal. 295g Toblerone 275ml creme fraiche 2 medium egg whites 6 tbsp boiling water
Break chocolate into pieces and put in a heatproof bowl along with six tablespoons of boiling water. Place over a saucepan on simmering water until fully melted. Allow to cool and thicken. Fold in creme fraiche. Whisk the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Pour into individual ramekin dishes. Chill for six hours. Submitted by Helen Alexander, fundraising manager, Diverse Abilities Plus seekernews.co.uk 51
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
pictures: SIÂN COURT
A
Relax in luxury
n even more comfortable night’s stay is on the cards as Village Bournemouth has recently completed the extensive refurbishment of 22 bedrooms to its premium UpperDeck standard. Having opened its doors in 2005, Village Bournemouth soon became a popular destination for family holidays or weekends away to enjoy the spa and leisure club and for business travellers visiting for a couple of nights or relocating to one of Bournemouth’s many corporate head offices. The hotel also offers leisure membership for its state-of-the-art club and has regular visitors to its on-site Starbucks branch with its great coffee and free wi-fi. The hotel also
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has its own local – the Victory pub and kitchen – which was refurbished in April last year; and there’s great food served in Verve bar and grill, which offers a local evening menu and Sunday carvery. Over the years the brand has evolved and last year De Vere Village Urban Resorts was born with 25 properties throughout the UK. Each property is situated on the edge of a major town or city and everything the visitor needs is under one roof – hence Urban Resort – and of course De Vere as Village is part of the internationally renowned De Vere Group. Village Bournemouth’s new UpperDeck now offers the room upgrade for a wonderfully relaxing night’s stay. With the latest Sealy
SweetDreams beds and mattresses, duck feather and down duvet and pillows complimented with Egyptian cotton linen and very funky cushions, ultimate comfort is guaranteed. In the bathroom there are extra thick fluffy towels and luxury toiletries by Arran Aromatics (well worth pinching!). Guests will also find a Bose iPod docking station in their room, with Sky Movies HD on the TV and a Starbucks hospitality tray. To add to the the VIP feeling, an UpperDeck luggage tag automatically enrols guests in the UpperDeck Club with access to exclusive offers. For more information on what Village Bournemouth offers please call 0871 222 4574 or visit www.VillageUrbanResorts.com
SeekerlIFESTylE Pavilion Dance, Bournemouth’s national dance house, has put its best foot forward and introduced some new classes designed to help all ages get fit and active. The sessions range from OAP – Older And Perfect, a gentle exercise class for the young at heart on Friday afternoons, to Mini Ballet for the under fives on Wednesday mornings. There are new advanced classes in Contemporary and Ballet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings respectively; while new styles include Burlesque on Friday evenings and Caribbean Carnival on Tuesdays. Younger dancers aged 9-15 can learn new skills in Diving, Flying, Catching on Thursday afternoons and Martial Movement on Thursdays uses the training methods of diverse martial arts such as T’ai Chi, Kung Fu, Aikido and Capoeira. Classes run until March 28 and can be booked on the day or in advance on a week-by-week basis. Full information on 01202 203630 or www.paviliondance.org.uk.
Going back to schools A Bournemouth school is appealing to past pupils and staff to get in touch. Bournemouth Collegiate School, formed by the merger of Wentworth College and Uplands School in 2009, is setting up an alumni group and planning a grand reunion. And the appeal is being headed by a family that has connections with all three schools. Nina Dunne, chair of governors at BCS, has been involved with the school since 2004. Her son Thomas attended Uplands School from 1998-2004. Nina also invited her sister-in-law, Sarah Smith (nee Dunne) who was a pupil at Wentworth Milton Mount from 1966-1969 and her sister Theresa Rowett (nee Keats), a former pupil at Uplands School from 1971-1979, to come along for a trip down memory lane. “It was wonderful being back at the school,” said Sarah. “ I remember lots of staff names from my school days – Miss Hibbert, Miss Wood, Miss Braeburn, Miss Kuhn and Miss Butler. I wonder what became of my school friends. “I would love to hear from Sara Stuart, Lesley Wells, Caroline Pye-Smith and Melanie Westall. Theresa hadn’t been back to the school since she left in 1979. “I really enjoyed my school days,” she said. “I remember the PE teacher who lived at school. She had a dog called Shamus who would come along to all the sporting fixtures! I too remember lots of names from school – Caroline Swaffield, Wendy
BCS family, from left, Sarah Smith, Nina Dunne, Theresa Rowett
Bolson, Diana Turner, Anne Ruby and Tiffany Standish.” Nina Dunne added: “I really hope that Seeker News readers who went to the schools will get in touch and spread the word with their school networks.” To reconnect with the school contact Kate Shaw, BCS head of development and alumni relations, at alumni@ bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk with your name, maiden name, years at school, school attended, address, email address, phone numbers and profession. A Facebook page has been created called Bournemouth Collegiate School alumni incorporating Wentworth College and Uplands School. Alumni are encouraged to like the page at www.facebook.com/ BournemouthCollegiateSchoolalumni and to follow the school on Twitter @BCSprincipal. seekernews.co.uk 53
54 seekernews.co.uk
MOTORING
SeekerlIFESTylE
test drive
Seat Leon
T
hey don’t come around often, new Seat Leons. But when they do, they do tend to cause a stir and the eagerly awaited third generation model due in showrooms in March is perhaps the most hotly anticipated of the series to date. Sharing the same VW Group platform that underpins the excellent Audi A3 and the latest VW Golf Mk7, the Spanish company’s new car adds a dash of style and flair without losing any of the quality, refinement and comfort of its German cousins. Whilst beauty is in the eye of the beholder, with its arrow head design, sharp lines and first-in-class optional LED headlamps, the new Leon will surely cut a dash in the hatchback market. Certainly when you first get in, you can’t fail to be impressed by the cabin. Gone are the hard-touch plastics of past versions, replaced by plush, soft feel materials and little details like back lit door handles and chrome surround switches. You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve just slipped inside an Audi. All models in the range, which at launch starts with the Leon S, rising through SE and onto the sporty FR, feature a colour touchscreen for controlling the on-board sound system and optional satellite navigation. Bluetooth telephone connection with
audio streaming is standard on all models, with air conditioning on S and dual-zone climate control on SE and FR. Five adult occupants can travel in comfort, as space in both front and rear is good for the class and with improved boot space of 380 litres, the new Leon will prove as capable a family car as it does a driver focussed hatchback. Under the bonnet, the new Leon shares the latest range of highly efficient VW Group petrol and diesel engines, so if it’s good fuel economy and low emissions you’re after, the 1.6TDI with the promise of 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km CO2 will suit. But if you want a truly spirited performer with little compromise on economy, then look no further than the range-topping Leon FR 2.0 TDI. With a powerful 184 PS engine, the 0-62mph sprint is dealt with in a
words: STEVE COOK rapid 7.5 seconds, yet it still returns an impressive 65.7 mpg average in government tests. Petrol fans have a choice of 1.2 and 1.4 litre TSI units, both of which are willing performers, whilst the 180 PS 1.8 TSI in FR specification gives the Leon true hot hatch credentials. Out on the road, every new Leon will surprise with its dynamic capability. It’s a car that reacts willingly to bends, taking every opportunity to show off its agile handling and rigid body control. Yet the carefully engineered suspension never feels too firm, meaning a comfortable ride over all but the worst road surfaces. Visibility is good, especially frontwards thanks to thin windscreen pillars, although the rear three-quarter view is hindered slightly by the styling of the C-pillar. All the driver’s controls fall easily to hand and the instrument panel is as it should be: easy to read. It’s no surprise that the new Leon sailed through the Euro NCAP safety programme with a five-star rating – every model in the range comes with seven airbags, anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control with emergency brake assist and active front head restraints. So the new Leon is safe, frugal, fast, practical, stylish and refined – what’s not to like? seekernews.co.uk 55
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pictures: STEVE COOK
C
The drive to be Bond
ould you be licensed to thrill... have you got what it takes to be a 00 agent? For one week only, during half-term, visitors to Bond In Motion, the world’s largest ever James Bond vehicle exhibition, at Beaulieu will be able to test their spy skills. As well as a special quiz trail and code-cracking exercise, there’s a Bond-style, eight-lane Scalextric track set up in the National Motor Museum,
with great prizes at stake for the fastest lap times. And the story of the real-life James (and Jane) Bonds can be seen in the Secret Army Exhibition, which chronicles Beaulieu’s history as a training ground for secret agents during the Second World War. The Special Operations Executive (SOE) trained agents at a number of large country houses scattered across the Beaulieu Estate before they left
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WGBS: The ride stuff A fantastic initiative from local social care and support provider BCHA, the Wheelie Great Bike Store (WGBS) is in the heart of Bournemouth’s student quarter at the Lansdowne. A bright and inviting shop with a viewing gallery, from where customers can watch the bike mechanics hard at work, there is everything you need to get on (or off) the road again. Trained bike mechanics can advise about each purchase and the store provides a maintenance facility where customers can get their bikes fixed and serviced to put them back on the Tarmac, the track or the hillside again. Always encouraging cycling for a healthier lifestyle, WGBS
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relies on donations to keep its wheels in motion. The shop is now appealing to Seeker News readers to keep it in mind when they are clearing out their garages and sheds and wonder what to do with unwanted bicycles and parts. WGBS will fix them up, strip them down for parts, or recycle the material to help reduce landfill sites. All proceeds from WGBS are reinvested back into local community initiatives supporting vulnerable adults and young people to access housing, health, learning and work opportunities. To contact WGBS to donate your old bike, or book your bike in for a service, please call 01202 310400.
to work with Resistance groups in occupied Europe. Bond In Motion displays 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films, including the Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me, the autogiro Little Nellie from You Only Live Twice and the Aston Martin Vanquish with adaptive camouflage seen in Die Another Day. Beaulieu is open daily, 10am-5pm. Details at www.beaulieu.co.uk.
Seeker SPORT
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SPON THIS PSOR Your lo AGE go here e ma info@ seekiel .uk.co r m
words: KEVIN NASH photo: STEVE COOK
‘I didn’t see it go in’
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UNAN O’Kane’s goal at Wigan was a special strike ... but he rates it a “very close second” in his all-time list. “I scored one for Torquay against Plymouth from close to the halfway line,” he says. Just like David Beckham’s wonder goal against Wimbledon then? “No, his was floated over the keeper ... I drilled mine just under the bar.” Back to the DW Stadium and the FA Cup third round tie against Robert Martinez’s stylish side ... how did he feel when he saw his powerful, precise left-foot strike hit the net? “I didn’t see it go in, to be honest. I hit it and then fell away. I knew it was a goal, though, because of the noise from the crowd.” O’Kane is from Feeny, a village in Northern Ireland, and represented his country at youth and under-21 level before switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland. He spent two years at Everton but was rejected for being too small, then played for Coleraine before moving to Torquay, where he made such an impression that he was selected for the PFA Team of the Season. His performances at Plainmoor, including that
wonder goal against Devon rivals Argyle, earned him a move to Cherries, after he rejected opportunities to join Swindon and Crawley. He is settled here, his girlfriend has moved over to join him and they are looking to buy a home in the Bournemouth area. “I like it here,” says O’Kane, 22. “You’ve got the best of both worlds. There’s everything you’d expect to find in a city, but you’ve also got the beaches and the countryside on your doorstep.” And the fans like his all-action style. “I’m not big, and people are sometimes surprised by how I play, but I’ve never shied away from a tackle,” he says. “I’d maybe like to play slightly higher up the pitch, but with Shaun (MacDonald) injured, someone has to play in that role. “The gaffer demands that we work at a high tempo, with and without the ball.” So what did he learn from two games against a Premiership side? “That you generally get more time on the ball, but the closer you get to their goal the more pressure you’re under. “And once you give the ball away ... well, it’s so much harder to get it back.” seekernews.co.uk 57
SeekerSPORT
Marc Pugh
Roberto Martinez, Wigan manager
The Cherries players salute the travelling supporters
Josh McQuoid
Eunan O’Kane scores for the Cherries
WIGAN 1 CHERRIES 1 January 5, DW Stadium
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pictures: STEVE COOK
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Steve Cook
Harry Arter
pictures: STEVE COOK
Matt Tubbs
Eddie Howe
CHERRIES 0 WIGAN 1 January 15, Dean Court
Wes Fogden
Wes Thomas seekernews.co.uk seekernews.co.uk 59 59
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Marc Pugh
Richard Hughes
CRAWLEY 3 CHERRIES 0 December 29, Dean Court
Josh McQuoid
Lewis Grabban
Brett Pitman’s cheeky goal makes it 2-0
pictures: STEVE COOK
Lewis Grabban
Josh McQuoid
Paolo di Canio & Eddie Howe
CHERRIES 1 SWINDON 1 January 5, Dean Court
Harry Arter celebrates his goal
pictures: STEVE COOK
Brett Pitman seekernews.co.uk 61
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CHERRIES
Court Report Cherries not only survived the Curse of Manager of the Month, they went on to follow Eddie Howe’s November award with an equally successful December. But could they overcome the Curse of Clem? The man from the Beeb – baldbonced and micro-bearded – bounced into Dean Court for the visit of Swindon, and suddenly the epic unbeaten run was in danger. Forget the boss’s prize, and the bad luck it often brings, because when Mark Clemitt comes calling he may as well be wearing a black hooded cape and carrying a scythe. From Wycombe to Sheffield, whenever a team is on a good run, the amiable and frighteningly wellinformed Clem is bound to come
with Kevin Nash
bounding along ... and a team of world-beaters suddenly resemble a sorry bunch of panel-beaters. But not Bournemouth, oh no. They gave a good account of themselves in front of the cameras, and so, to be fair, did Swindon. A draw was probably a just result, although it would have been interesting to see how things had panned out without the torrential downpour that put the second half in doubt. By the way, I thought Clem’s short feature on Cherries was a mini masterpiece (after a shaky start, the Football League Show now comfortably outstrips MOTD and its tired pundits) and Bournemouth is very lucky to have Howe as the public face of its football club.
Still with Swindon, not only was the game a cracker, especially in such atrocious conditions, but Paolo Di Canio’s performance down by the dugouts was almost worth the admission money alone. It was like watching Maestro, Strictly Come Dancing, Question Time and Tom Daley’s Splash rolled into one whirling dervish-ish mash-up of passion and fruitcakery. And the way that Di Canio, his team and supporters whooped it up at the end showed that the visitors were rather more pleased with their point than the home team... illustrating what a potential scalp the Cherries have become.
Who ate all the pies? Not just one of football’s wittier chants, but a plaintive plea from the H and C Football News people as they seek supporters’ votes for their Pie League. Cherries currently occupy one of the play-off positions – above Manchester United, where former chairman Louis Edwards’ meat and potato confections were the stuff of legend – but lag behind Morecambe (only in the world of football fast food could such a configuration possibly exist.) Go to the Cherries website (afcb.co.uk) for more info on the pie parade ... and send Dean Court’s home-made snack soaring towards the top spot.
Let’s hope that Ryan Fraser’s inauspicious start at Dean Court is but a temporary blip. The teenage winger, signed for £300,000 from Aberdeen, joined his new teammates for the warm-up at Walsall, then felt a twinge that was predicted to keep him out for up to three weeks. Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to seeing the diminutive Fraser in action ... after all, what football fan doesn’t enjoy the sight of a flying winger in full flow? Mel Machin always favoured tricky, rapid wide men ... the likes of Jason Brissett and Tony Scully may have been frustratingly hit and miss, but when they were on song, boy were they good to watch. John Bond got Tony Scott to provide the ammunition for Supermac, while Harry Redknapp had Richard Cooke putting them on a sixpence ... or rather a white headband ... for big Trevor Aylott. Cherries and wingers go together like fish and chips. With wee Ryan on one flank, and Marc Pugh giving his opponent twisted blood on the other, I reckon we’re in for a thoroughly entertaining run-in to the season.
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Harry Arter
The Cherries players salute the fans
pictures: STEVE COOK
Brett Pitman score his first from the penalty spot
Eddie Howe
CHERRIES 3 CREWE 1 January 26, Dean Court
Lewis Grabban
Brett Pitman celebrates his hattrick
Simon Francis
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CHERRIES
Fletch
with Steve Fletcher The Cherries legend writes every month in Seeker News
Bouncing back from a beating
Lewis Grabban scores the winner from the penalty spot against Hartlepool
picture: MICK CUNNINGHAM
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obody likes getting beaten, especially in this game, it’s horrible. Realistically it was always going to happen, but I’m not going to lie about it, we were pretty distraught after the Walsall game. It wasn’t so much that we lost, as much as we would have loved to go unbeaten to the end of the season that would have been a big ask, but it was the manner of the defeat that hurt. We were nowhere near our best and I don’t know why. There’s all kinds of factors – whether the game almost being called off took players’ minds off it I couldn’t say – but the fact is we didn’t play well and we got beat. It’s as simple as that. It came straight after getting knocked out of the Cup by Wigan
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when we played well enough to have got more from that game. We went from a 16-match unbeaten run to two defeats in four days and people started to wonder if the Bournemouth bubble had burst. But these are the moments you learn from in football and we bounced back with a great display at Hartlepool. That was one of the best footballing displays I’ve seen in 20 years at Bournemouth, we dominated the game and I felt the scoreline actually flattered Hartlepool a little. It’s like the gaffer said to us – even the best teams get beaten, they may even get beaten when they play well, that’s football, but they don’t get beaten twice, never mind three or four on the bounce. Hartlepool was massive for us, it took real spirit to go up
there, play the way we played and get a result. At the end of the day it’s points that matter, but we’re not going to compromise the way we play the game. We had an amazing unbeaten run after Eddie and Jason came back, but we hadn’t actually won in five games until Hartlepool – three of them in the league. That’s why it mattered so much. The dressing room is buzzing when you’re winning, but we’re keeping our feet on the ground, being professional and focusing on the next game. The gaffer won’t let us be any other way. If we’re still in this position come April then maybe that’s the time to start getting excited about promotion, but you won’t catch us talking about it until then.
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Webb on fine, modest form words: RICHARD BUTTON
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imborne Town attacking midfielder George Webb is modesty personified when it comes to describing his dramatic improvement in form this term. The 21-year-old former AFC Bournemouth professional was more often than not a bit part player last term, but this season Webb’s talents have shone through as he has become a genuine hot property. Following a victory at Swindon Supermarine in early January, opposition manager Dave Webb (no relation!) hailed George as a “quality player”, but still the Magpies’ player insists in giving the glory to his team-mates and manager Steve Cuss. “We have more strength in depth this season and that is massively important,” he said. “It has helped me find my feet in this league. “A lot of the confidence we have as a team is down to Steve Cuss. He has encouraged us to get the ball down and play. That is why we are playing much better. “It gives us all a much better feeling to be in the top half of the table rather than struggling near the bottom as we were last season.”
Burnley striker Charlie Austin returns to his former club Poole Town on March 19 for a fundraising dinner in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust, the Dolphins’ chosen charity. Austin made headlines earlier this season by becoming Europe’s most prolific striker, scoring 20 goals in just 17 games – a better record than either Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi!Tickets for the sporting dinner cost £25 to include at two-course dinner, a Q&A with Charlie Austin and entertainment by comedian Tony Rudd. Hot Radio’s Jordan Clark will host the evening. Details from karen@wessexcancer.org or by calling 07545 145776.
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Part-time challenge
Managing part-time players can throw up its own particular challenges, according to Bashley manager Frank Gray, pictured.
And he should know. The former Scottish international, who gained European honours during Nottingham Forest’s heyday in the 1970s, has managed professional and semi-pro clubs in the non-league game. “The big difference is that part-time players have their day jobs,” he explains. “So football is a recreation for them. Work commitments have to come first.” Despite the fact that football is not a major consideration when it comes to his players earning a living, Gray still demands his men are fully committed whenever they pull on a Bashley shirt. “I expect them to give total commitment when they are out on the pitch,” he says.
Priory commitment
Christchurch chairman Mark Duffy has welcomed the deal which sees teenage sensation Harry Cornick, pictured, sign an 18-month deal with League One AFC Bournemouth while still being able to remain with Priory for the rest of the season. A-level student Cornick, 17, was snapped up by Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe after impressing during trials in November. His form in the Wessex League had earned him rave reviews.
A Dorset derby?
This season’s Dorset Senior Cup Final could be a local derby after Poole Town and Wimborne Town were kept apart in the semi-final draw. Poole, chasing a possible league and couple double, were drawn against Western League Premier Division Gillingham Town. Poole last won the Senior Cup back in 2009, while Gillingham were victorious in the 2010 final. Wimborne have the toughest tie after being drawn against Southern League Premier Weymouth.
Walker running
Poole Town skipper Michael Walker is looking to land more than a championship winners’ medal this season. For the 6ft 4 central defender is set to run in the London Marathon on April 21 to raise funds for Whizz-kidz, a charity that helps disabled children. Walker was inspired to support the charity because of his brother-in-law who has a bone disease which could eventually see him confined to a wheelchair. Donations can be made at ukvirginmoney giving.com/Michaelwalker11. seekernews.co.uk 65
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Poole’s Steve Devlin and Jon Blake
pictures: STEVE COOK
Poole goalscorer Warren Byerley under pressure from Wimborne’s Adam Costello
Will Spetch starts another Dolphins attack Carl Preston watched by Warren Byerley (Poole), Steve Smith & Jamie Davidson (Wimborne)
WIMBORNE 0 POOLE 2 January 1, Cuthbury
Michael Charles (Poole) under pressure from Adam Costello (Wimborne)
Wimborne keeper Dan Ackerman 66 seekernews.co.uk
Scott Arnold
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RUGBY
Sam Hardcastle Tommy Booth
BOURNEMOUTH LIONS 3 REDRUTH 25 January 12, Chapel Gate
pictures: ALEX WILLIAMSON
George Drake
Will Brooks
Here’s to you Mr Robinson
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inger Jayrd Robinson can give Bournemouth Lions the edge as they bid to consolidate their position in National Two South. That’s the view of director of rugby David Dunn, whose capture of the pacy former Worthing and Havant man he hopes will take some pressure off his front men.
“He’s a young lad and a prolific scorer,” Dunn told reporters. “He is on the fringes of the England Sevens squad and couldn’t sign for us until he found out if he had been offered an England Sevens contract. That hasn’t happened for him this season.” Robinson has earned a reputation on the sevens circuit and has played for Apache.
“He has come in as a winger and will give us something that we haven’t had,” said Dunn. “We are aware that we haven’t had out-and-out finishers on the wing and we are hopeful that this signing will go a long way to putting that right.” z Lions’ rescheduled match against Dings Crusaders will now be played on March 16 at Chapel Gate.
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PIRATES
FIXTURES Chris Holder & Matt Ford
Poole Coastal Aluminium Pirates will face King’s Lynn in their first Elite league fixture for 2013. The Norfolk side visit Wimborne Road on April 3, but the Pirates’ season begins with the defence of the Elite Shield over two legs in the space of just 48 hours against league champions Swindon. The Robins host the first leg on March 28, with a Good Friday home meeting at Wimborne Road concluding the tie.
Full speed ahead
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ith the new season just weeks away Pirates’ boss Matt Ford has spoken frankly about the challenges Poole Speedway are facing. “I am reasonably optimistic about the side that we have put together for 2013,” he says. “The task of course is to go one better than last season – reach the play-offs and come out as overall champions. “For the second time in three seasons we failed to achieve that objective despite finishing top of the actual league table. That said I felt we had a great season on-track last year, despite all the problems and I feel that moving forward we have seven riders capable of flying the Poole colours high.” Away from the track, his major concerns are with the commercial operation: “We go in to 2013 season having suffered a financial loss in 2012, and lost two of our larger sponsors and so far we have not been able to recover that loss of income,” he says. “That in itself will hit the club hard as we rely heavily on sponsorship and advertising to keep the club on an even
keel and I would like to hear from any business, no matter how large or small, local or afar that might be interested in joining us as club partners. “I appreciate that we are in the midst of a financial squeeze right now and we can tailor deals to suit. “But for those that have a much smaller budget, we do present a range of opportunities more modestly priced, including race sponsorship, for the entire season, which includes advertising on the race card page, which is seen by everybody for the full meeting together with an announcememt over the public address system and featuring on the electronic scoreboard, before the race starts all for just £1,250 for the season. “Some space on riders’ kevlars for personal sponsorship also remains, including world champion Chris Holder and the precocious talent of Darcy Ward – two of the biggest talents in world speedway and a great way to get a corporate identity across Europe.” Matt Ford is appealing to potential sponsors and partners to show their support for his side. More details on 01202 681145.
Poole boss Matt Ford has brought Dawid Stachyra into the side for 2013, completing the Pirates’ side for the forthcoming season.
as much for all his help. Dawid had a good season last year in the Polish league, and I firmly believe that his short term stint with Belle Vue where he gained a 4.16 average was a well below par performance by him and I think even he agrees with that.”
The 27-year-old Pole becomes the third Ipswich rider to agree terms with Poole this season and in announcing Stachyra as his final man, Ford was quick to appreciate the co-operation of Ipswich promoter Chris Louis “Chris has been very helpful to us and I would like to go on record to thank him 68 seekernews.co.uk
Stachyra’s 4.16 starting figure takes Poole to within 0.04 of the points limit with a line up that includes Chris Holder, Darcy Ward, Maciej Janowski, Robert Miskowiak, Dawid Stachyra, Rohan Tungate and Kyle Howarth
During the course of the season the Pirates will meet Belle Vue, Eastbourne, King’s Lynn, Lakeside and Wolverhampton twice home and away whilst meeting Birmingham, Coventry, Peterborough and Swindon just once home and away. The Pirates still have to finalise the European league dates. The home matches are in bold.
March
Thurs 28: Swindon Elite Shield Fri 29 Swindon Elite Shield
April
Wed 3 King’s Lynn Elite League Mon 8 Wolverhampton Elite League Wed 10 Wolverhampton Elite League Wed 17 Reserved (Rain Off) Wed 24 King’s Lynn Elite League Sat 27 Eastbourne Elite League Mon 29 Belle Vue Elite League
May
Wed 1 Eastbourne Elite League Wed 8 Lakeside Elite League Thurs 9 Peterborough Elite League Wed 15 King’s Lynn Elite League Wed 22 Lakeside Elite League Wed 29 Coventry Elite League Thurs 30 Swindon Elite League
June
Wed 5 Reserved (Rain Off) Fri 7 Lakeside Elite League Wed 12 Birmingham Elite League Mon 17 Eastbourne Elite League Wed 19 Birmingham Elite League Mon 24 Belle Vue Elite League Wed 26 Belle Vue Elite League
July
Wed 3 Reserved (Rain Off) Fri 5 Coventry Elite League Mon 8 Wolverhampton Elite League Wed 10 Wolverhampton Elite League Wed 17 Reserved Wed 24 Swindon Elite League Wed 31 King’s Lynn Elite League
August
Mon 5 Eastbourne Elite League Wed 14 Peterborough Elite League Wed 21 Belle Vue Elite League Fri 23 Lakeside Elite League Away Sat 24 FIM GP CHALLENGE Ind
September
Wed 11 Kasprzak Testimonial
GOLF
On Course
Isle of Purbeck, hole 5
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SeekerSPORT
with Kevin Nash
Remedy Oak, hole 2
t may have been great weather for ducks... but it’s been absolutely abysmal for golfers. The Great Deluge, followed by The Big Freeze, has seen several courses under water (or snow) and out of action, Down 1 Came leaving many golf nuts kicking their Stunning views over Dorchester and over to Poundbury and the Iron Age hill fort at Maiden Castle. heels. Oak It’s at times like this that I like to 2 Remedy A fantastic par five with a near-island green. while away the hours that I would otherwise spend rummaging in the rough 3 Parkstone Another long hole, especially off the tips, another great devising my dream Dorset golf track... a golf course. collection of great holes from the many fantastic courses we are so lucky to have Park 4 Queens down here. An elevated green tucked away in the trees. Looking through the 18 holes listed of Purbeck 5 Isle Spectacular panoramic Poole Harbour views, fiendishly below, I soon realised that I’m no James hard-to-hit green. Braid or Alister MacKenzie... none of the great designers would dare to dream and West Dorset 6 Bridport up a course with just a single par three, Just over 130 yards from the white tees, drops 90ft from tee to putting surface. for example. Which is silly, as I really like the 7 Broadstone Amazing hole, an amazing heathland lay-out. shorter holes... they’re a fairer test for high-handicappers, and often feature 8 Rushmore Tough second shot over pond to tricky two-tier green. pretty water features or avenues of azaleas. 9 Dudsbury Long hole made longer by steep elevation. But I won’t pretend that my entirely arbitrary fantasy course is the final 10 Wareham Short par four, with interesting pitch to elevated green. word. The index one sixth at Ferndown, for instance, is both beauty and Crane Valley 11 Tester calling for a good tee shot and accurate approach. beast... yet I simply couldn’t omit the corresponding signature hole at Bridport (especially as it’s the only par three.) 12 Dorset Dare you take on the water? Aaah, go on! I could easily come up with an Heath 13 Knighton alternative 18 that would be just as Lovely short par four. good, and include holes from courses Park that don’t feature here... or different 14 Meyrick Stunning par five through a natural wooded valley. holes from those that do (the 11th at Purbeck, for example.) 15 Ferndown Pay safe and leave a long second, or cut the corner? It’s just a bit of fun, though, something Woods to pass the time until the sun peeks 16 Bulbury Super-slick green, so watch out if you’re above the hole. through the broiling clouds and we Weymouth can once again don soft spikes, rather 17 The shortest hole in a super tough closing stretch. than snorkels, to traverse the currently Magna (Parkland) sodden fairways. 18 Canford An excellent finishing hole, calling for two mighty biffs to So feel free to disagree... and let me reach the green in regulation. know how you’d do things differently.
MY DREAM DORSET GOLF COURSE
WELL done historymaking Georgia Hall, Europe’s number one women’s amateur ... and now double Olympic gold medal winner. The Remedy Oak ace carried the flag for Team GB at the opening ceremony in Sydney, then went on to become Britain’s first gold medal winner in an Olympic golf event for over 100 years, taking the individual women’s prize by two shots from the home nation’s Celina Yuan, and being part of the victorious mixed team. Georgia, 16, from Bournemouth, led from start to finish over four rounds, and couldn’t hold back the tears at the end. “I cried after the last hole because I was just happy it was over ... it was a long week, and I just wanted to make sure I won, so the pressure was there.” Now she has her sights set on Rio 2016, when golf returns to the main event. “Coming to Australia has given me a hint of the style of competition, and what to expect from everything that comes with it ... hopefully I can make it in three years’ time.” seekernews.co.uk 69
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HAVEOT YOU OGRY? A wSsT@seeker
ne
m
.uk.co
Get real words: HARRIET LOCK picture: JACK CHURCHILL
REAL TENNIS
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ost sport fans have heard of Real Madrid, but have you heard of Real Tennis? And did you know you could play it in Dorset? There are just 49 courts worldwide and Canford School is one of the only places in the UK where ‘The Sport of the Kings’, as some call it,, is played. The sport is played by all generations, but the rules are very different from those of lawn tennis. For example, the ball can bounce twice. Out on the court the prospect of a hard, heavy ball coming at you from any angle becomes slightly daunting,
but as the game begins to get going, you can’t help but realise it is fun and exciting – and should definitely be played by more people. Fern Toynton, 17, is a passionate player of the game at Canford. “Real Tennis is a unique and exciting sport to play because of the difference it has to lawn tennis, with the variation in racquet and ball size being a major factor,” she says. The two-and-a-half inch balls are handmade and consist of cork with fabric tape wrapped round it. Traditionally white, they were changed at the end of the 20th century to optic
FENCING
FITNESS
Sway Fencing Club’s newest intake of juniors ran out silver medalists at the recent British Fencing Southern Region competition day at Reading University. The U13s épée proved the highlight for Forest fencers as Serena Hogg, Arnie Seal and Aaron Crick enjoyed a level playing field in age, if not experience and, through close-fought matches, emerged in silver medal position. The Club entered teams in the U13, U16 and U20 events for épée and sabre, fencing in relay format, where each bout is fought to a five-hit interval or three minutes duration before a changeover. With only one U20 junior class for sabre, the Sway team of Rowan Tolfts, Steven Prevett, Jacob Crick and Sam Kessel faced stiff competition from much more seasoned competitors, including overseas internationals and members of the GB cadet squad, finishing a very respectable fifth place.
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yellow to improve the visibility, as was done earlier in lawn tennis. Fern plays three times a week, twice in practice and Saturday in a competitive match. “The scoring of the game is similar to lawn tennis, with serving being the most challenging part as you have to make sure that the ball goes over the net but first striking the wall or the side of the penthouse,” she explains. Being a full-time student at Canford, Fern finds it hard to play as much as she would like, but she says; “I would recommend the sport to anyone looking for something new and challenging.”
Sway fared better in the team épée competitions and the U16 team of Will and Emily Prendergast and Jack Gale turned around poor starts to make scores of 15 and 18 points. This push for competitive fencing in the New Forest is showing results already and helped by this season’s sponsorship from Lashmars Tax Accountants, Sway was able to kit out the four teams with regulation kit across the age groups.
Bournemouth residents and visitors will be able to enjoy bigger and better fitness facilities at the town’s Sir David English Sports Centre following a major investment by BH Live. Work is underway to triple the size of the existing gym and transform the first floor area with new state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The functional personal training zones are designed to create a friendly, supportive and welcoming environment for people of all abilities who are looking to be more active. In addition, a timetable of fitness classes to include spinning, aerobics, yoga and Zumba will be offered when the new facilities open in the spring.
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Fletch writes inside Kevin Nash’s dream golf course 72 seekernews.co.uk
EUNAN O’KANE on that goal