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ISSUE 19|JULY 12-25, 2013
www.seekernews.co.uk DORSET’S FINEST NEWS, SPORT, ARTS, EVENTS, HERITAGE, FOOD & DRINK, BUSINESS, LIFESTYLE
Coast oF liVing jurassiC bus tour page 18
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eDiTor steve Cook steve@seekernews.co.uk DePuTy eDiTor nick Churchill nick@seekernews.co.uk assoCiaTe eDiTor Dawn Cook dawn@seekernews.co.uk sPorT Paul baker paul@seekernews.co.uk non-leaGue fooTball richard button richard@seekernews.co.uk moTorinG Chris adamson chris@seekernews.co.uk PHoToGraPHy siân Court sian@seekernews.co.uk aDVerTisinG sales@seekernews.co.uk WebsiTe www.seekernews.co.uk faCebooK www.facebook.com/seekernews special thanks to Claire Hillsmith, alex frith, steve Harris and simon Carlton
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editorial
W
ow! Who’d have guessed that was going to happen? The Galacticos are coming to Dean Court. Ronaldo, Mesut Özil and Kaka, Zidane and Ancelloti on the bench – these are true superstars of the game. Yes, the tickets are more expensive than we’re used to, but that’s what you’d have to pay to see Real Madrid play anywhere; and if you were a Chelsea or Arsenal fan you’d be expected to pay those prices week in week out. This is a once in a lifetime experience, on a par with seeing a great band play your local concert hall – and these ticket prices look like bargains compared with those for the Rolling Stones. This is the match that we’ll all tell our grandchildren about, in much the same way that those who saw Georgie Best pull on the cherry red shirt, or were there the day we beat United reminisce.
steVe Cook editor seeker news
I used to have a season ticket at Old Trafford and it will be great to watch Cristiano Ronaldo again, he’s a supremely talented footballer. I always thought the long trip to Manchester was worth it just to watch him warm-up, running with the ball and doing step-overs as quickly as his team mates could run without a ball. None of us will ever forget the day he walks out onto the pitch at Dean Court.
Crossword ToP 5 sTories on solution seeKer neWs.Co.uK 1) Badgers find new home on roundabout
2) New Pole star for Poole 3) AFC Bournemouth to host Real Madrid 4) Innovative financing solution secures jobs at Field 5) Ben Fogle and Royal Marines motivate Bournemouth Collegiate School adventure teams challenge
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1) Oops, 2) ego trip, 3) Tight-fitting, 4) embezzle, 5) Occult, 7) Rotunda, 8) Tie the knot, 11) Pilot episode, 14) Act the fool, 17) Calculus, 19) etching, 21) Proviso, 22) Argali, 25) Idol.
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ACROSS
seeker news 3
july 12-25 2013
airline’s off-season return Now is the winter of Ryanair’s content
B
udget airline Ryanair is to run a full winter timetable from Bournemouth Airport – three years after it stopped off-season flights. As a result of high demand from Bournemouth this summer, the low-cost operator has said it would run six routes to winter sun destinations including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Malaga, Alicante and Barcelona-Girona.
In all there will be 3,400 seats a week flying in and out of the airport. Ryanair began operations at the airport in May 1996 with just one daily route to Dublin. It now flies to some 16 destinations in the spring and summer and by the end of the year up to 470,000 passengers will have flown from Bournemouth with Ryanair. But since 2010 the airline has not flown from Bournemouth Airport
new york-bound Passengers can now fly from Bournemouth to New York after it was announced that Aer Lingus Regional flights can now connect through Dublin to complete pre-clearance and customs, ahead of their onward journey to the US.
It is estimated the new service will save passengers up to two hours on arrival at destinations including New York, Boston, Chicago and Orlando.
over the winter months, citing the government’s air passenger duty tax as the reason. This year the winter break was longer than usual, with flights only beginning again on March 14 as Ryanair blamed oil prices for the delay in launching their spring/summer timetable. Ryanair is not guaranteeing a winter timetable beyond this year, saying it needs to be sure of its success first.
Superman and Solitude
The spectre of the Imax was finally laid to rest with a little help from Superman. As Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra struck the opening chords of the theme from the 1978 Christopher Reeve film you could feel that this was the start of something wonderful for the former site of Imax’s Fortress of Solitude on the Pier Approach. The free concerts on June 28 featured an assortment of popular pieces including further
Hollywood hits from Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as Dvorak’s New World Symphony and Night on Bear Mountain.
A programme of free events will keep the public entertained throughout the summer, from a Queen tribute act to open air film nights and performances from the jazz orchestra there is something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the events list at www.seekernews.co.uk/waterfront
“Since we launched the spring/summer timetable back in March we have seen an increase and a strong demand for the flights,” says Lesley Kane, Ryanair’s head of marketing. “Hopefully [the winter programme] will be successful and we will be back on a year-long basis.” Bournemouth Airport recorded an 8.3% growth in 2012-13 on the previous year’s figures of 619,727. Pictures: steve cook
NEWS
The gills just wanna have fun
Fish numbers in a Dorset river have risen “significantly”, according to Dorset Wildlife Trust. The Wild Rivers Project found the fish population in a stretch of the River Frome at Lower Bockhampton rose after habitat improvement work last year. Overall, 12.2 brown trout, grayling, salmon, pike and eels were recorded per 100 sq m, compared with 7.3 in 2012. The trust said the rise was “extremely important to the sustainability of the river and its future biodiversity.”
Tobacco tail-off
Illegal tobacco sales in the South West are falling. According to new research by Smokefree South West, the number of smokers buying illegal tobacco has fallen by a fifth in two years – from 20% to 16%. Director of Public Health Dorset, Dr David Phillips told reporters: “We know that price is a key factor in people deciding to smoke and, as such, price is a key part of the government’s approach to tobacco control. Anything that undermines it promotes smokers to consume more.”
Cray saving
White-clawed crayfish are being introduced on Lulworth Ranges in a £150,000 project to save them from extinction in the South West. The UK’s only native crayfish is under threat because of the spread of the non-native American signal crayfish. Now, more than 100 of the crustaceans have been moved to MoD land on Lulworth Ranges.
Pavilion reopens
Weymouth Pavilion is expected to reopen next Friday after councillors approved a bid by Weymouth Pavilion Community Interest Group to take over the running of the venue. The theatre closed on May 31 when Weymouth and Portland Borough Council ruled it had become too expensive to maintain.
Comic cash
Comic Relief is to award grants of up to £10,000 to worthy causes in Dorset. Community projects including sports activities, employment schemes, volunteer and staff training can apply for funding. To apply visit www.dorset communityfoundations.org.
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july 12-25 2013
tHIRD COUNCIL LOOKS INTO SHARING SERVICES
A
s government cuts continue to bite a third district council has approached the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership with a view to making further savings. Christchurch and East Dorset district councils saved around £2 million when they joined forces in January 2011 to share wholesale services. The move has been highly commended in a local government awards scheme – The MJ Awards – and quoted by government as a positive example of shared services. Purbeck District Council leader Cllr Gary Suttle told reporters: “We have seen that partnership working has reaped dividends for Christchurch and East Dorset councils and are aware of the benefits that sharing services with the other two councils would bring.” And with government continuing to encourage joint working between councils, Purbeck’s approach has been well received.
“Sharing services does not mean losing identity”
“It makes perfect sense for Purbeck District Council to join with our partnership working as it will enable all three councils to make further savings by streamlining services and removing duplication,” said East Dorset District Council leader Cllr Spencer Flower. “Sharing services does not mean losing identity, sovereignty or local democratic accountability. All of these can be protected through a legal agreement.” Purbeck’s approach will need to be considered by councillors of all three councils if it is to be taken further and a business case is to be drafted to explore the possible advantages and disadvantages to all three councils if a new partnership was agreed. “As well as generating savings and maintaining service provision, our partnership has given both councils more influence and has built a stronger reputation for them,” said Christchurch Borough Council leader Cllr Ray Nottage.
Vader soaks up the sun as Winton celebrates
picture: Steve Harris
Thousands lined the streets as the sun shone on the eighth Winton Carnival. With the parade led by the Spider-Men of the Bournemouth Carnival Band and Poole town crier David Squire, the parade on June 29 was cheered on its route along Wimborne Road to Winton Recreation Ground. With dancers, clowns, samba and marching bands, the procession even had room for Darth Vader to get in on the fun. Mel Bray from the organising committee told reporters: “The thinking behind the carnival is that in a community having fun and coming together, bad things happen less. “We’re really trying to create a village idea here. If people enjoy themselves together, there is less room for antisocial behaviour. “It’s a day to make people happy.” picture: simon carlton
Folk flock to the quay Locals and visitors alike flocked to Poole for the new Folk on the Quay festival. A weekend of live music, dance and food, the festival was created by Folk Dorset in collaboration with Poole Tourism to share the joy of folk music with the community. There were four stages set up for performances on June 29 and 30, with artists ranging from Bournemouth natives Fearne to diverse acts with European and international influences.
The Thistle Stage welcomed award-winning English musicians such as Spiers and Boden, BBC Folk Award winners for Best Duo, and Roving Crows, who merge reggae influences with traditional folk music. Other stages featured a range of folk-inspired performances combined with rap, reggae, jazz and ska. The sun shone, the ale flowed, the bands played and the Morris dancers capered merrily at a great free event.
Alex Frith
seeker news 5
july 12-25 2013
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Head along
PICTUReS: STeve HARRIS
There’s a Monday Morning Meander at Hengistbury Head on Monday from 10am. There’s no need to book, just meet in the Solent Meads golf course car park in Rolls Drive. Cost £2.
sweet Dreamboat
tanks very much The Dorset countryside reverberated to the sounds of battle as the Tank Museum at Bovington played host to Tankfest. With tanks ranging from the First World War to the Cold War this was a collection of working armour unmatched anywhere in the world. It wasn’t all lumbering heavy metal though as the crowds were entertained with live music and displays of 1940s-style dancing. Dorset Army Cadets joined military personnel for the finale as the Cold War turned hot with NATO forces squaring up to a force of Soviet tanks, whilst under constant threat of a nuclear attack.
£670m boosT for Poole eConomy?
O
ne of three ports shortlisted to host the Navitus Bay wind park’s operational headquarters, Poole’s economy could be in line for a £670 million boost. That’s according to Navitus Bay Development Limited (NBDL), which has announced that Poole, along with Portland and Yarmouth, is being considered as the site for the wind park’s operations and maintenance base, supporting some 160 local jobs. “The Port of Poole is well placed to provide Navitus Bay Development Ltd with first class port facilities and excellent
Finding Hardy folklore The novels and stories of Thomas Hardy are filled with examples of folklore, but were these country traditions actually taken by Hardy from the Dorset of his childhood, or were they products of his fertile literary imagination? Dr Peter Robson will explore this question in an illustrated talk at the County Museum in Dorchester on July 25. Visit www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.
service levels, which we believe are crucial for the success of this project,” Poole Harbour Commissioners’ chief executive Jim Stewart told reporters. “The Port of Poole looks forward to working closely with the developers to finalise the full details of the operations base, with the ultimate aim of bringing jobs and economic benefits.” NBDL will now establish memoranda of understanding with the three ports to formalise their commitment to use local ports for operation and maintenance and maximise opportunities for construction activities in the area.
lgbt pride Festival
Bournemouth’s LGBT Pride Festival, Bourne Free is an annual celebration of local diversity and the constant strive towards universal equality for all through entertainment and awareness. Events run from today all weekend with the Bourne Free Parade getting under way at noon on Saturday from East Overcliff Drive to arrive at The Triangle at 1pm.
Wimborne’s Dreamboats Race Day on Sunday finds local pubs, clubs, groups and organisations entering teams of three to compete for a much-prized trophy and prizes of Ringwood Ale. An afternoon of family fun is promised at Riverside Point.
stanpit boot sale
There’s a car boot sale from 7.30am on Sunday at Stanpit Recreation Ground, Christchurch. Sellers’ cars £5, large vans and cars with trailers £8. All proceeds to charity.
Kids’ workshop
A summer programme of workshops for children kicks off on July 25 at Walford Mill Crafts, Wimborne. Themes range from robot making to T-shirt design, rag dolls and wire figures. visit www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk.
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Joining forces
Dorset Police has joined a new National Police Air Service (NPAS), which is replacing local police force helicopters in England and Wales. Previously, Dorset had its own aircraft, but is now joining Devon & Cornwall, Avon & Somerset and Gloucestershire in the new national service. The aircraft would remain in Devon, Dorset and Bristol, the forces said.
Wild things
Wild About Bournemouth day on July 20 is a family fun event to celebrate local wildlife with various wildlife-related activities and attractions. The day is being organised by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Bournemouth Naturally. Find the stand at the top end of Boscombe Chine Gardens.
Traffic-free market Christchurch Market every Monday in the traffic-free High Street and Saxon Square boasts some 50 stalls selling a variety of produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and plants. It’s all set up and ready to go from 9am.
july 12-25 2013
more added to castaway cast by NICK CHURCHILL
T
he Seeker News Castaway Challenge is taking shape as volunteers begin to sign up.
They’ve all agreed to be marooned on a remote beach somewhere on the Dorset coast where they’ll be schooled in the arts of survival, from building shelters to foraging for food, sea fishing and navigating by the stars. First to sign up was Steve White, a Supported Living team leader at Diverse Abilities Plus, the Dorset-based charity that runs the challenge. “I’m very much an outdoors sort of person, I love country sports, a real hunter-gatherer,” says Steve, 19. “Some people might be thinking the Challenge will be good for their jobs and while I think it could help with team building and things like that, I’m doing it because it sounds like fun. “I’m certainly not going to miss my mobile phone or any other technology.” A-level student Nathan Sweeney, 18, may well have a head start on
From left, Courtney Stirling, Nathan Sweeney, Sharon Wells, Steve Cook, Steven White
some of the other castaways – he’s a regular on fishing trips with his dad and knows his way around with a filleting knife. “I’m quite happy gutting fish and skinning rabbits, we always cook after a trip on
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dad’s boat,” he says. “I can’t wait to get going, I’m really looking forward to the Challenge. I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve been camping but I’ve never had to survive on an island before.
Editor’s comment Okay, so my preparation for going into the wild isn’t going quite to plan. I had visions of learning map reading and survival skills from my neighbour, Chris, a helicopter pilot and Lifeboatman. Nick, our deputy editor and former (by about 25 years) teenage fishmonger was going to teach me how to gut a fish. I was going to do so many things to prepare myself for the great outdoors, you never know I might even tune in to Bear Grylls or Robson’s Extreme Fishing. But no, so far my preparation consists of investing in a Wilson volleyball from eBay, it is an official Castaway one though, so at least I’ll have some company – and he won’t be too fussy if the food isn’t up to par and we get lost.
steve cook
“One of the main reasons for doing it is because I want to do something to help others. I’m also looking forward to learning something more about plants and wildlife.” Nathan is trying to get teachers and fellow students at Corfe Hills School to help out as well as Wireless Data Services, the Poole company where he works part-time. His close friend Courtney Stirling, 18, a mobile technical support advisor at Wireless Data Services in Poole, has also signed up. “I hate being static,” he says. “I always have to be up and doing something. I’m always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and my skills. “It is essential to me to always have a challenge to take part in and avoid living a repetitive, robotic lifestyle. “Also, the idea of taking part in this and doing something for charity just seems golden.” The Seeker News Castaway Challenge runs from September 21-25 and is open to anyone over 18 years of age. To find out more about visit www. diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk
School art set for hospital stroke unit
For more information or to arrange an appointment with the wedding coordinator please call us on 01202 763653 or visit www.rivierabournemouth.co.uk Alum Chine, Bournemouth BH4 8JF Terms & Conditions apply. Subject to availability. New bookings only.
Artwork produced by students from Highcliffe School will be helping stroke patients recover at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). A group of students from the Christchurch school visited the hospital’s Stroke Unit and learned more about how their artwork – produced as part of their final year project – will be helpful to stroke patients through their recovery.
“Having artwork on the Stroke Unit is vibrant and uplifting and benefits both patients and staff. It really brings life to a clinical environment,” says Nikki Manns, acting clinical leader for the Stroke Unit. Stroke care at RBH is delivered by a team of doctors, nurses, language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers, the community co-ordinator and research team.
seeker news 7
july 12-25 2013
hosting chernobyl children words & pictures by claire hillsmith
O
n April 26, 1986 a nuclear reactor exploded at a power station in Chernobyl, Ukraine. The effects of the Chernobyl disaster are ongoing as survivors and their children suffer daily with bronchial problems, different types of cancer, birth defects and cardiac abnormalities. More than 350,000 people were evacuated from the areas around Chernobyl, but 5.5 million still remain. They struggle with poverty, poor diet and fear of the effects of radiation that were felt as far away as North Wales. The Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline has been working since 1991 to help young victims by bringing them to Dorset for month-long holidays, which can increase their life expectancy by up to two years. During their stays here, the children live with host families and are supported by a chaperone from Belarus, along with Chris and Debbie Williams who organise day-trips, special events and vital medical checks, such as visits to a dentist and doctor for each child. On their most recent visit, the youngsters had the chance to spend the evening at the Poole Cycle Speedway Club (PCSC) where they were able to ride bikes around the racecourse and interact with the local children.
Pete Barnes, club secretary at PCSC first noticed the charity in March, when he read about its search for host families and realised he could help give back to the community by supporting these children during their time in Dorset. “Our children are very lucky with the experiences they have grown up with, and what they have yet to explore so the least we can do is ensure these children from Belarus have the opportunity to do the same,” Pete explains, as he helps the children ride around the track.
“Spending just one month in England can increase each child’s life expectancy by two years”
“We host the children here for an evening where they can interact with other children, have a good time and we provide them with a buffet, a PCSC T-shirt and a framed photo which they can take home with them.” What makes this trip possible for the children is not only the people who work for the charity, but the people who fundraise, who host a child for a month and anyone else who becomes involved in the process of bringing them to Dorset and looking after them once they return home. Chris and Debbie took over the charity in 2006 and since then have brought over 11 children each year. It costs more than £8,000 to accommodate the children for one month. This includes their visas, food and the events that the children take part in and means that fundraising must take place throughout the entire year. Chris explains: “By spending just one month in England it can increase each child’s life expectancy by two years because they are breathing in clean air and consuming uncontaminated goods.” Pete has decided to sponsor a child by giving £100 to the charity to cover the cost of a child’s visa. Chris points out such donations could be from individuals, groups or businesses, but would mean a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young child.
news
Centre rates fall
Traders at the Sovereign Shopping Centre, Boscombe are to see their unit business rates reduced following a successful appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service by Dunlop Heywood, a nationwide property consultancy. Following the closure of TJ Hughes in 2011, an application was made for a reduction in rates for all tenants at the centre and all occupants will now receive a refund of 7.5% for the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 business year, plus see a reduction in their rates, of 7.5%, for the 2013/2014 period.
Conception craft
There’s a craft fair on Saturday from 11am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception & St Joseph, Christchurch. With wood-turned bowls, handmade jewellery, knitted scarves/shawls, books, plants and produce, handmade cards and bric-a-brac, it’s also a chance to see the new parish centre and gardens.
Presidential art
CADArts’ President’s Collection of paintings and artworks can be seen at the Hayloft Gallery, Christchurch until Thursday.
New shack for alcohol dependency work
Homeless people with alcohol dependency issues are to benefit from a new Therapy Shack has been opened at Hannah House, which offers supported accommodation to people trying to get off the streets of Bournemouth. Staff provide a range of support to service users on a one-to-one basis and due to space restrictions these sessions have previously been held in communal areas where they can be interrupted by other residents. Opened by the mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth, Cllr Dr Rodney Cooper and his wife Elaine, the Therapy Shack will allow for these support sessions to be conducted in a private and designated space.
“I would like to thank the mayor and mayoress for coming along to Hannah House and opening our new Therapy Shack, which is going to make a big difference to the service users we support there,” says Lorna Trent, fundraising manager of BCHA, which established Hannah House more than 20 years ago. Staff support service users 24 hours a day and try to engage with them at every opportunity, encouraging people to reduce their alcohol consumption. The mayor and mayoress spent the afternoon learning about the work of Hannah House and speaking to residents about how BCHA is helping them.
The mayor and mayoress declare the Therapy Shack open joined by (from left) residents of Hannah House, Beki Nightingall, Project Leader of Hannah House and Des Day of Supply Shack
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8 seeker news
july 12-25 2013
neWs
CyaniDe TesT breaKTHrouGH
D
orset-based marine biologist Chris Brown is championing a campaign to curb the deadly practice of cyanide
fishing. Although illegal in most countries, the use of cyanide to catch live fish for both the ornamental and food markets is still widespread in parts of East Asia. Now, for the first time, a test developed by a Portuguese University research team has made it possible to find out if a fish has been exposed to cyanide – without having to kill and dissect the fish first. And more than 40 Sea Life centres around the world have begun random testing of newly acquired fish stocks in a bid to staunch the trade. “Cyanide fishing has decimated fish populations and killed huge areas of coral reef from the tropical midPacific right across to east Africa,” says Chris, who is based at the network’s main collection centre at Weymouth Sea Life. “Fishermen squirt the poison into the corals to stun fish, enabling them to make quicker, bigger and more lucrative catches, even though most of
the fish caught will often be dead by the time they reach port.” The test developed by Dr Ricardo Calado at Portugal’s University of Aveiro, involves transferring a fish into artificial sea water, leaving it long enough to pass waste and then
bernie’s thanks for flood bravery Bernie Mannings, a flood rescue team volunteer and RNLI trainer from Poole, has received the Thanks of the Institution from RNLI operations director Michael Vlasto. Martin Blaker-Rowe, also an RNLI trainer from Poole, was given his Bronze Medal certificate at the RNLI College. The pair were part of the RNLI’s flood rescue team that negotiated strong currents, debris and darkness to rescue a woman who had been swept from her car near Umberleigh, Devon on December 23, 2012. Vanessa
Glover was found clinging to a tree in the fast-flowing waters and was plucked to safety by the team. During the rescue, Bernie was responsible for deciding how, where and if to launch the boat while Martin was crew on the boat. In all five volunteers were honoured for their efforts in the rescue. “This award means a lot – it’s recognition for the whole Flood Rescue Team that what we do can be risky,” said Bernie. Martin added: “It’s an honour to be presented with this certificate alongside my colleague Bernie.”
FaitH matters
One of the possible titles for this column, which will feature contributions from differing faith leaders from the local area, was Faith Matters. Clearly this was meant as “matters of faith” but when I first saw it, I saw an assertion – faith does matter. I agree – I’d find it rather difficult to be a Rabbi if I didn’t, I guess! Not blind, unquestioning faith which is anathema to my own personal religious
Chris Brown and a tropical puffer fish
sampling the water for a specific byproduct of cyanide. “A positive result will tell us if the fish has been exposed to the poison, which might mean it was caught using cyanide, but may simply mean it was taken from an area where the poison
has been used by others. Either way, it will enable our suppliers to track the delivery back to source and identify the holding facility they were first housed at,” adds Chris. “Everyone we work with wants to stamp out this evil practice and already polices the supply chains, but without having a representative on every single tiny fishing boat it has been impossible until now to be sure that cyanide has not been involved. “For the end purchaser, a cyanidecaught fish can appear perfectly healthy, and then die mysteriously days or weeks later.” Chris was shocked by the extent of the problem when he travelled to China earlier this year in search of sustainable supply sources for the Sea Life chain. “In some coastal collection centres I saw tanks full of newly-delivered reef fish which the fishermen who landed them freely admitted they had caught using cyanide,” he says. In spite of being the world’s largest aquarium chain, Sea Life’s own import of wild-caught fish amounts to less than 0.003% of the global catch, most of which goes to the hobbyist market.
green teens brand new role for keith to treasure win uk award
Two Bournemouth teenagers have won national honours for their eco-friendly venture. The students from Avonbourne College have scooped the Best Group and Social Impact awards in the nationwide Tenner Challenge. Georgia Brooker and Danni Cotterill, both year 10 students, formed their own social enterprise company using £10 they each borrowed from the competition. Their business, Corgreen, sold fair trade goods and raised £700 for the World Wildlife Fund.
After three decades working in the arts, Keith Lancing is embarking on a new role as treasurer for a Bournemouth charity. The former general manager of the Regent Centre in Christchurch, Keith exited the stage of his former career after being diagnosed with MS to bring his vast experience to the Bournemouth 2026 Trust. Keith, 58, will give up his time to oversee the financial matters of the charity, which unites more than 250 local organisations
to address challenging issues in Bournemouth. “I’ve always had an interest in promoting work in the community and helping people achieve their aspirations,” says Keith. “Since I gave up work in the arts and theatre industry due to ill health I have been looking at ways I can do something that is beneficial to the community. “I’m very much looking forward to working with Bournemouth 2026 and doing my bit to help them achieve their goals.”
by rabbi neil amswych, principal rabbi of bournemouth reform synagogue
experience but, rather, faith in something that transcends what we have now. That could be faith in a higher power, faith in the goodness of humanity, faith in a positive future… faith in something more than our everyday lives. Where religion has frequently fallen down is when it became preoccupied with faith as an end-point. In fact, religion is actually greatest when it brings out our faith in a better world and leads us to work to create
“religion is actually greatest when it brings out our faith in a better world and leads us to work to create that world” that world. Faith without corresponding action can easily become a self-gratifying irrelevance.
So, faith matters but only if we make it matter. Personal faith is important because it is the fire that gives energy to the rest of our endeavours but personal faith on its own is not enough. This is why faith communities form, to share a common vision of a positive future and to act on that vision. The fire of faith may burn within but what counts in this world is the energy that that fire gives out to the rest of humanity.
seeker news 9
july 12-25 2013
neWs
a HooVes WHo of beaCH Polo by aLex fRItH
S
andbanks is bracing itself for the rumble of hooves at the Asahi British Beach Polo Championships today and tomorrow. The event has attracted teams from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales to compete for the championship title. There’s also the Oakley International Sand Slam beach volleyball, as well as a fashion show hosted by Zsa Zsa boutiques with the proceeds donated to the Variety children’s charity. Doors open for the two-day event at 1pm today and the Championship polo matches begin at 3pm, followed by the charity fashion show and Oakley beach volleyball throughout the afternoon. Guests can enjoy the bars and food venues in the retail village during the day, before dancing the night away at the Sandpolo Beach Party, featuring live music and DJs. The prize giving will take place at 7pm on Saturday to round off the weekend’s festivities, followed by an afterparty in Bournemouth at the Aruba nightclub. For more information www.sandpolo.com.
seventa Events & Hospitality
info@seventa.co.uk Seventa_ad.indd 1
01202 237 433
www.seventa.co.uk 05/07/2013 08:21
10 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
business
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Time To Tone uP
‘Y
our call is important to us...” So when you call, why is there never anyone there? Teflon shouldered telephonists and robotic option menus do their best to pass you on – until you give up. And when you do get someone to actually listen to you, do they then act on your instructions/ pleadings/despair? Is that a good way to keep customers? Today, we are totally connected. We literally have phones coming out of our ears – but who is actually listening to what is being said? Traditional red phone boxes are endangered as they become hopelessly outmoded. They usually don’t smell too good either, but at least no-one else in the street has to hear you screaming at your bank manager or your business partner... And what about those sales call experts, highly trained to call you just as you sit down for tea or rattle through a screed with so little passion that it might as well be a recording? And don’t get me started on those recorded automated pitches... grrrrr! Most of us try to disentangle ourselves from unwanted sales calls with a degree of politeness, but as Stephen Fry observes, the
nigel Hedges
phone shrieks: “Talk to ME, talk to ME” despite what you’re doing and who you are with (especially if you are with one of your customers). And what do we do? We answer it! As they say in TV dramas: “Leave it, it’s not worth it”. In fact, how many times has it been ‘worth it’? Now, just think. Is that how you want your business to be perceived? Do you offer your promotional pens to new customers only? What about the ones (customers that is, not pens) you already have – do you want to lose them? It costs more to replace them or to get them back. Listen to your customer, tell from their tone if your entreaties are welcome and don’t ring at tea time!
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extension’s a steel at £100,000
Wareham-based steel construction specialists Jade Aden Ltd have been contracted to build a 100 sq m extension to the workshops of Horton Commercials on the Ferndown Industrial Estate.
Managing director Dave Wolfenden, who founded the commercial vehicle bodyworks and repair centre in 1987, said that once the £100,000 construction is completed in September the extra vehicle bay will enable the busy team of 12 skilled body builders and mechanics to meet the increasing demand for their skills
Pictured, from left, Dave Wolfenden with Jade Aden’s MD Grahame Gibson, project manager Andy Hitchmough and Horton’s general manager Jeff Wentworth
by local businesses and authorities. “We are delighted to be able to expand our capacity with the extension,” said Dave. “We are planning ahead for what we anticipate will be a busy period as European legislation changes how bespoke vehicles are constructed.” The dedicated team builds or repairs all sizes and types of commercial vehicles using a diverse skill set which can be applied to small specialist utility vehicles through to a complex horse box construction.
seeker news 11
july 12-25 2013
is bournemouth set to become a business big-hitter? From left, Jenny Tooth and Steve Berry CEO and chairman of UK Business Angels Association, Mandy Payne president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Peter Eales, operating board director of Silicon Beach Business Angels
Bournemouth could become a vital finance and business hub for the UK. That’s the message from Silicon Beach Business Angels and the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA) after a joint conference held at Pavilion Dance attended by some of the UK’s leading Angel investing experts. “This is great to have senior advisers from The City and the world of finance who recognise the importance of the area,” said Mandy Payne, president of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The conference, Angel Finance – the View from the South Coast, attracted a range of guest speakers
from the investment and finance sector. Jenny Tooth, CEO of UK Business Angels Association introduced Kathryn Robertson, senior policy adviser from HMRC. Tim Mills from the Angel CoFund explained how they match money provided
by angel investors. James Austin from BGF said they provide money for medium sized SMEs whilst Lucy Tarleton from the London Stock Exchange explained how AIM can provide opportunities for growing companies making them public listings. Irene Graham from
urban marK’s menTorinG moVemenTs
O
ne of Dorset’s most talked about entrepreneurs is encouraging others to use a business mentor – just as he has done.
Mark Cribb, creator of the ‘Urban Brand’, said the help he has received from the Dormen mentoring service has been crucial to his success. Eight years ago he bought a run-down bed and breakfast in Boscombe that is now the hugely successful Urban Beach, an award-winning boutique hotel, bar and bistro. This has since spawned Urban Reef, the seafront restaurant near Boscombe Pier,
and now Urban Farm, a plot in the New Forest where foodstuffs are grown for his kitchens. The busy father of two said that when things were getting out of control he contacted Dormen. “Dormen made some enquiries and found me a mentor with a history in the catering industry who also had wider business knowledge, Martin Spooner. He joined the Urban fold and has been a fantastic mentor ever since. “I got a voice of reason to bounce ideas off about where the business was and where it was heading. Whatever support
the British Banking Association explained how investors and investees are supported by the association. Bill Cotton, Bournemouth Council’s director of environment and economy explained the town is in the top 10 for productivity, skills and qualifications, workforce growth, low unemployment, patents per 1000 population, businesses per 1000 population and start-up rates. “This event puts Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Dorset firmly on the map for Angel and venture capital finance,” said Silicon Beach chairman Steve Berry. “The big names were here – the London Stock Exchange, banks, HMRC, City money lenders – they realise that we mean business!”
business
enterprising student in final
A student from Bournemouth and Poole College has been selected as a finalist for the National entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Peter Jones enterprise Academy. Michael Pocock is among six finalists to submit their business ideas to the judging panel, which was led by Dragon Peter Jones CBe and included leading figures from the worlds of business and education. “The past year at the Peter Jones enterprise Academy has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and to get this far has been incredible,” says Michael. “I’m ready for my business to launch and can’t wait to take the next step.”
Tapping resources The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has praised the decision of Wessex Water to invest an additional £50 million into improving services for its customers.
Wessex Water has become the latest company to respond positively to CCWater’s call for water companies to share the benefits of their financial success with customers.
a second briefing Martin Spooner, left, with Mark Cribb, creator of the Urban brand
you need in your business, I recommend getting in touch with Dormen.” Martin, who also runs his own consultancy, Invest Dorset, added: “A good mentor listens, understands, interprets and opens a discussion about the issues the mentee is concerned about. “Mark is a fine example of a capable, forward-thinking entrepreneur and many may argue he does not need a mentor. But the power of relating to an independent third party, enabled him to move on more rapidly with greater confidence.” For more details visit www.dormen .org.uk
Following the success of the first Mazars Business Briefing attended by 50 finance professionals from all sectors of the Dorset business community, the second in this series of events takes place on Tuesday at AFC Bournemouth’s Goldsands Stadium. The Business Briefing is a free breakfast seminar aimed at keeping finance professionals working in business up to date. For details or to register, contact Sandra Waring at Mazars on 01202 680777 or email sandra.waring@ mazars.co.uk
12 seeker news BPEAJ.pdf
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business
solar farm for CHrisTCHurCH?
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CM
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Award Winning Business and Tax Advisers
Most Innovative
Medium Sized Firm in the UK Inspire is an accountancy firm with a difference. Our approach is fresh and innovative and is centred on the needs of our clients. We focus on providing proactive and commercial strategic advice to owner managed businesses and the entrepreneurs that run them. We are recognised as a specialist in our field and have a proven track record of making a real difference for our clients. We are very proud of the many awards that we have won which set us apart from other firms. Our highly experienced team possesses an unrivalled breadth and depth of experience, providing a real alternative to more traditional accounting firms.
Why go anywhere else?
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lans have been submitted for a 173-acre solar energy farm on the outskirts of Christchurch. If approved the multi-million pound scheme will use photovoltaic (PV) panels capable of directly converting sunlight into electrical current. It will generate approximately 36 megawatts (MW) of low carbon ‘green’ electrical power, meeting the electricity needs of about 9,000 homes. The company behind the scheme, Eco Sustainable Solutions, submitted a planning application to Christchurch Borough Council for a solar farm to be built on land bordering Eco’s renewable energy park at Parley. Established hedgerows or woodland surround the proposed site. The PV panels will be ground mounted on racks angled at 30 degrees and between 0.8 metres (2ft 7ins) and 2.9 metres (9 ft 6ins) high. Their height will allow the land to still be used for agricultural use, specifically grazing. The solar farm is expected to take about six months to build and, once commissioned, will operate for some 25 years.
Trelawney Dampney, Eco’s managing director, said: “Solar farms are a simple and proven technology providing a source of safe, locally produced renewable energy for many years after construction. “It’s a clean, green way of generating energy with the panels having a low visual impact on the local landscape and creating no noise, pollution, by-products or emissions. We believe they’re the way forward.” Founded in 1994, Eco employs 50 people and has an annual turnover of £10 million. The company owns and operates the UK’s leading purpose-built site for organics recycling and renewable energy generation, currently processing 250,000 tonnes of organic material each year across four facilities. In March, British Solar Renewables Limited was granted planning permission to build a separate 118 acre solar farm at Parley on land operated by Eco. Work has now started on the scheme which will generate approximately 20MW of electrical power, enough to meet the electricity needs of about 5,000 homes.
“it’s a clean, green way of generating energy with the panels having a low visual impact on the local landscape”
ryan passes with merit
Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Ryan Greening has recently passed his MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution with a Merit. Ryan, a director with Bennington Green, the Bournemouth-based property consultancy, says: “The MSc has built on my practical experience dealing with construction law and the management and resolution of disputes and provides a recognised level of aptitude in this specialist sector of the industry.” Nigel Soloman, Bennington Green’s MD, adds: “It comes as no surprise to us all that he has achieved this. We are all very proud of him.”
Shane Watson, Issi Nash, Jonathan Stretch, Hazel Pittwood and Nick Douch of the Dorset Funeral Plan with their Customer Care Award at the National Funeral Exhibition in Coventry
award for top funeral care
The Dorset Funeral Plan has scooped a major national award for its high standards of customer care. The plan, which is run by the Douch Family Funeral Directors, scored very highly on a national survey, with more than 95 per cent of Dorset Funeral Plan purchasers “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the service provided. No-one was dissatisfied and 99 per cent of those who responded said they would recommend the plan to someone else. Staff were presented with the Customer Care Award at the annual National Funeral Exhibition in Coventry.
seeker news 13
july 12-25 2013
business
a crafty construction the new Calor of football businessdirectory
Dorset chartered builders Greendale Construction is helping to make dreams come true for one Ringwood charity with the construction of two new craft workshops at The Lantern Community campus. These will enable adults with special needs to benefit further from the community’s holistic approach. The Lantern Community offers adults with a learning disability the chance to partake in a mutually supportive environment and has spent more than ten years fundraising for the project. The new pottery and weavery being built by Greendale will use green methods wherever possible and be open to the 34 adult residents and 10 day placements with a learning disability. The workshops have been developed to a very high environmental
Greendale director Rob Hooker with Emma Borbely-Bartis from the Lantern Community standard, planned to substantially exceed the energy conservation requirements, reducing the dependence on energy. The Lantern Community day services manager, Emma Borbely-Bartis, explains: “Our new craft centre will create many more places for people with a learning disability to be involved in meaningful work each day. “After 10 years of fundraising, we at last feel like the dream can become a reality.”
Poole-based Elite Sponsorship Management has pulled off a major coup by securing a new title sponsor for the Southern Football League. Local clubs Wimborne Town, Poole Town and Weymouth all compete in the Southern League and Elite Sponsorship has negotiated a deal for Calor Gas to become the new League sponsor for the 2013/14 season.
The Southern Football League will be known as The Calor League, which will be the title for all three divisions. Elite Sponsorship was founded in 2008 by Steve Parrott and has achieved considerable growth as one of the few successful sponsorship agencies operating outside London. Steve Parrott says: “We are delighted to be appointed as the exclusive agency to the Southern
Alastair Lovell, marketing manager Calor Gas (left) and Steve Parrott, Elite Sponsorship League to secure a new title sponsor for the forthcoming season and prove that you don’t have to be based in London to win high profile sporting sponsorship contracts.” Alastair Lovell, marketing manager of Calor, adds: “It has always been important for us to support the community and provide expertise in LPG energy. “Calor’s community commitment is further strengthened by this new and exciting sponsorship of the Southern Football League.”
insPire maKes a CaPiTal inVesTmenT
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oole accountants and tax advisers Inspire are to improve their offering to clients by taking over a London-based accounting company. “We have been more and more active in corporate finance and in the international aspects of tax advisory services so the opportunity to gain access to wider markets and contacts afforded by opening a London office is a natural next step for us,” says managing director Warren Munson who founded the company in 2004. “The expansion means we can enhance our offering to our existing client base while strengthening Inspire’s position in the market.” The company recently announced the completion of a £2.3 million funding package for Field International Group, the Poole design and manufacturing business focused on the aeronautical and defence sectors. “Innovative thinking allowed us to come up with an effective solution that benefited all stakeholders,” adds Warren. Inspire has acquired the accounting firm 40 Four with its client list
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 mouthwatering 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
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by NICK CHURCHILL
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 www.nova-cleaners.co.uk sales@nova-cleaners.co.uk
From left, Warren Munson, Andrew Singleton, Lee Inman and Ian Govier of predominantly digital media, television and creative industry professionals. The London office will be managed by associate director Lee Inman. “We have just recorded a 25% yearon-year growth and this expansion represents a prudent progression of the business.”
Inspire was named Apprenticeship Employer of the Year by Bournemouth and Poole College and has seen its workforce grow by more than 50 per cent, recruiting 19 new members of staff in the last 18 months. They have twice been named the best independent firm in the South West in the British Accountancy Awards.
Designed by local business women for women in business across Dorset, we run informal, friendly and effective bimonthly events, so just six a year; three in Bournemouth and three in Wimborne. Our healthy breakfast meetings run from 9.00 to 11.00am and for just £15 include breakfast, inspirational speaker and stallholders. All Dorset ladies are very welcome at DWiB meetings, to enjoy our coast and countryside venues, a healthy breakfast and an even healthier chance to network in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
01202 649811 www.dwib.co.uk rsvp@dwib.co.uk
14 seeker news
NEWSCHARITY Fans’ 181-mile walk for WCT
Four Poole Town supporters are preparing for a 181-mile walk around Dorset. Paul Chapman, Tony Jacobs, Phillip Sansom and Perry Vaughan are hoping to raise £3,000 for Poole Town and for the club’s chosen charity, Wessex Cancer Trust. This July, the four aim to walk the entire county in four days, starting at Sandbanks and arriving back at Tatnam. Get behind their efforts at www.justgiving.com/ prideofdorsetwalk2013.
Trust in running
Dorset Wildlife Trust has become an affiliated charity with the Bournemouth Marathon Festival and is inviting runners of all abilities to help raise money for wildlife in Dorset. There are places available in a range of running events taking place in Bournemouth on October 5 and 6. There are also junior events, offering a chance to run 1.5k or 3k for age 14 and under. You can apply to an event and run for Dorset Wildlife Trust by visiting www.run-bmf.com
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
£16,000 for visually impaired
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ital grant cash is to benefit visually impaired people in Bournemouth and Poole. A £16,000 grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation will help fund a co-ordinator for Dorset Blind Association’s Home Support Service in Poole that provides direct support for people with sight loss to maintain full, healthy, independent and sociallyactive lives as far as their sight loss will permit. A further award of more than £1,700 from from the Co-op’s Community Fund is to help with the running costs of the charity’s social clubs in Bournemouth.
“Dorset Blind Association is really grateful to both organisations for their kind and very generous support,” says Jonathan Holyhead, chief executive officer of Dorset Blind Association. “Demand for our services is growing constantly and like many other charities we are finding it increasingly difficult to secure all the funding and other resources we need to meet that demand. These grants represent a real boost to our work. “The donation from the Lloyds TSB Foundation safeguards our community support
service in Poole for the next two years and the contribution from the Co-operative Group, South & West Region will further enable our social clubs to improve the general sense of well being of those who attend, which in turn helps them to maintain a positive, healthy outlook on life.” The Home Support Service in Poole is coordinated by Carol Jenkins, who has worked for Dorset Blind Association for six years. “I provide visually impaired people in Poole with a lot of direct support and I also encourage many of them to provide mutual support through peer support, mentoring and buddying.”
Big generosity from Big Yellow Bournemouth-based KiteRight is the world’s first charity dedicated to using kitesports to empower, support, change, educate and employ people of all ages with physical, mental health or learning challenges. And it has just received a very valuable donation – space! Having visited The Big Yellow Storage Company in Poole to look at storage options, KiteRight founder Gary Hawkins was overwhelmed by their offer of free storage for the charity’s equipment. Following further expansion recently, Gary’s house was again starting to fill up
with kit so Big Yellow has offered to double the storage space available – for free! “Big Yellow’s open, friendly and receptive approach has been a huge help towards KiteRight being able to grow,” says Gary. The Big Yellow Storage Company has a proactive charity support service and the company donated more than £56,000 of storage to charities across the UK in 2012. Big Yellow staff have also raised some £25,000 for good causes since last April. Find out more about KiteRight at www. kiteright.org
seeker news 15
july 12-25 2013
lifesTyleWHere To Go Where to go and what to see for all the family JULY 13 rnas yeovilton air Day Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton annual Air Day is the Royal Navy’s premier air show and an actionpacked day out for all the family.
JULY 13, 14 JULY 13 Horton & Chalbury Village fete Chettle House A traditional village fete with games, Garden & Craft fair plants, books, arts and crafts, bric-a-
JULY 16 scrapbooking
There’s a beer tent with real ales and a barbecue, as well as plenty of children’s activities, with dancing and live music from Hannah Robinson and other acts.
The class will be run by Kathey Archer and is aimed at adult beginners and intermediates. Instead of simply placing photographs in an album, Kathey will demonstrate ways preserving the stories behind the images.
brac, a bottle stall and tombola, fresh local produce and homemade cakes.
With a full five hours of flying displays, there’s lots to see in the sky with historic warbirds, fast jets and formation teams, but there’s just as much happening on the ground as well. The action reaches a crescendo with the day’s showcase event, the world-renowned Commando Assault Finale featuring troops, aircraft and pyrotechnics galore!
The fun starts at noon and continues until at least 4.30pm. entry is £1 for adults and 50 pence for children. www.hortonandchalbury villagehall.co.uk
www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Yeovilton-Airday
JULY 17-21 larmer Tree festival Once again, North Dorset’s idyllic garden festival cranks into life with five nights of music, mirth and merry-making. The musical line up kicks off on the Wednesday with the mighty van Morrison. He’s followed on Thursday by Kevin Rowland and his reconstituted Dexys line up with help from The Beat and Richard Thompson’s electric Trio. Friday night is Seasick Steve’s night and on Saturday there’s Imelda May before Bellowhead and KT Tunstall bring the curtain down on Sunday. www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
A Queen Anne country house in mellow red brick, set in beautifully kept gardens with views over the idyllic Dorset countryside in which it nestles, Chettle House is surely one of the county’s best-kept secrets. The garden and craft fair takes place on the elegant lawns that surround the house. Most of the stalls are in marquees and represent both traditional and contemporary crafts with exhibitors happy to demonstrate. www.craftcarnival.co.uk
JULY 19-21 Tolpuddle martyrs festival & rally
Participants will need to bring along some photographs and a scrapbook. www.priest-house.co.uk
JULY 20 leigh food fair and Classic Car show The eighth annual festival of food and four wheeled transport returns with a mouth-watering array of tasty treats on offer from stall holders such as Alweston Jam and Chutney empire, Bridport Pies, Dorset Blue Cheese and Soup Company, Dorset Fishwife and Reads Coffee Roasters.
The TUC’s annual festival and rally weekend celebrating the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs reaches its traditional climax on the Sunday afternoon with the spectacular procession of union banners. Once again, Dorset’s best known socialist singer songwriter Billy Bragg will play and Frances O’Grady will speak for the first time as TUC General Secretary.
Leigh village hall is the hub of the fair, which opens at 10am. The classic car show will see some fine old motors parked outside.
www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
www.sherbornetown.com
Win! Win! Win! everyone’s a winner in our special Splashdown competition! Lemur Landings at Tower Park is celebrating its first birthday this month and to mark the occasion we’ve got two very special party prizes to give away! That’s right, not one but two chances to win your very own party for up to 10 children at either Lemur Landings or Splashdown water park. But even if you don’t win a party there’s a special Lemur Landings discount voucher for everyone who enters the competition. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer this question? The friendly lemur at Lemur Landings is called: (a) Stewey (b) Hughie (c) Lewey enter by sending an email with your answer in the subject line to splashdown@seekernews. co.uk. You’ll need to provide your full name and address as well as the date of birth of the party child and if you’d prefer a party at Lemur Landings or Splashdown. All entries must reach us by noon on Friday, July 19. The parties must be taken before July 18, 2014. Normal rules apply.
The Priest’s House Museum & Garden in Wimborne Minster is hosting a masterclass on how to create beautiful scrapbooks.
Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay
music makes magical return Stoke Park in Guildford was home to Guilfest for 20 years but when the organisers went into administration after last year’s event the future looked like it was going to be a bit quiet. That was until Live Nation and Magic 105.4 stepped in to organise a brand new two day festival on the site – Magic Summer Live. Running over this weekend, the event features headliners Bryan Adams and, in their only UK appearance this year, Jamiroquai and is expected to attract 25,000
people each day. Also on the lineup will be Ocean Colour Scene, James Morrison, Joss Stone, Squeeze, Level 42, Soul II Soul, The Overtones and Kim Wilde. Neil Fox, Magic 105.4 Breakfast presenter, says: “This is going to be an amazing weekend. “Some of my favourite acts who are all fantastic live, playing at a beautiful new location for Magic Summer Live. “Roll on summer!” Tickets are still available at www.magicsummerlive.co.uk
16 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
LIFESTYLE
trusting in our landmarks
D
We’re giving away a year’s family membership of the National Trust entitling the whole family free entry to all National Trust properties. To enter simply tell us Lawrence of Arabia’s full name. Answer in the subject line of an email to nt@seekernews. co.uk to reach us by noon on July 19. The winner will be advised after that date. Normal rules apply.
Gardens and a tea house on the grounds nearby. Cloud’s Hill, the Dorset home of soldierwriter Lawrence of Arabia, and Max Gate, where Thomas Hardy wrote some of his best known works, including Tess of the d’Urbervilles, also belong to the National Trust, as does Studland Beach and Nature Reserve. For more information on these and other locations, visit www.nationaltrust.org.co.uk
1) Mad dash to WW1 oblivion (4, 3, 3) 6) The true sort was John Wayne’s (4) 9) Return investment for greater return (6, 4) 10) Swelling of a meibomian gland (4) 12) Precocious and very spoilt little girl (4) 13) Last perhaps of a very large number (9) 15) Playful leap or a caper (8) 16) Take the homeward trip once more (2, 4) 18) Signed for agreement in time of war (6) 20) Accept the inevitable (4, 2, 2) 23) Very odd indeed (9) 24) Symbol of function selected by the cursor (4) 26) Leave it out! (4) 27) Remember, remember, November and anything else (4, 2, 4) 28) It defines a company perhaps (4) 29) Very good for wood (7, 3)
The competition is not open to employees of the National Trust or their families. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. There is no cash alternative. Entrants must be over 18 years of age The National Trust will not be responsible for any transport or accommodation costs incurred in the fulfilment of the prize. There is no purchase necessary to enter into the prize draw.
gardenwatch by Sally Bishton Garden Design 01202 889153 / 07752 641189 www.sallybishton.com
solution on page 2
CLUES ACROSS
WIN! win!
Corfe Castle. Below, Kingston Lacy
CROSSWORD
orset is home to a range of landmarks and properties maintained by the National Trust on behalf of the nation. From historic sites such as Corfe Castle, to stunning nature reserves, beautiful beaches and stately homes with art collections of national importance, the trust looks after some of Dorset’s most iconic views. Corfe Castle is one of the county’s most recognisable points of interest. With incredible views across the Purbecks and its long and warlike history, it’s the perfect setting for adults and children alike to explore and discover. Brownsea Island likewise has a view of the Purbeck hills, and was visited by Lord Baden-Powell’s first Scouts camping group in 1907. Perhaps best known for its nature and wildlife, Brownsea Island is home to the rare red squirrel, as well as a number of rare birds and other wildlife. Created in the style of an Italian palace, Kingston Lacy is the former home of the Banks family. Filled with family souvenirs and one of the country’s most important collections of art, it is a beautifully preserved slice of history. Outside, there is plenty of space to roam, including the majestic Japanese
by alex frith
CLUES DOWN
1) Oh dear, whoops-a-daisy (4) 2) Give yourself a pat on the back for your perfection (3, 4) 3) Very closely applied to the body (5-7) 4) Violate the trust and take the cash (8) 5) Mystical secrets beyond our understanding (6) 7) Round room with a dome perhaps (7) 8) What they went to the chapel for in the song (3, 3, 4) 11) Introductory showing of a potential series (5, 7) 14) Behave like a complete clown (3, 3, 4) 17) Deals with infinitesimal changes to a variable (8) 19) “Come up to my bedroom to see one” (7) 21) Assumption on which rests validity in effect (7) 22) Wild sheep from central Africa (6) 25) Image of a false god – probably (4)
Aahhh, scorching July (we hope!)… long hot summer days and warm evenings, time to make the most of your garden with family and friends, barbecues sizzling, beer chilling! The main gardening task for July is to keep your containers and hanging baskets watered, new planting and lawns are particularly susceptible to dry conditions as well. Some of the perennials that prefer damp soil may start to wilt if they get too dry, the lovely astilbes with their fern-like foliage and long lasting pink or white plumes are in flower now, they may also need watering occasionally. Using recycled water from a water butt is preferable, also if you have time it’s much better to water in the mornings as slugs and snails are more active at night and love damp conditions. There is evidence that just by changing to morning watering you can reduce slug and snail damage to your plants by a significant amount. Don’t forget to top up your pond either as the water will evaporate in hot weather. Now is the ideal time to treat your garden furniture, fences, sheds and decking with a timber preservative – if the sun is shining! Keep dead heading your annual bedding plants for continuous flowering, the New
New Guinea impatiens
Guinea Impatiens are very showy and I like them as they will still put on a good performance in a shadier spot as well as full sun. In the greenhouse the lush green foliage you have carefully cultivated will attract various creepy crawlies and aphids, if you do see any take the affected plants out of the greenhouse and spray with an organic pest/ disease control spray. Although the main sowing period is coming to an end in the vegetable garden, you can still sow lettuce, French beans and carrots for a later crop. We are lucky to have some lovely gardens locally that open to visitors, Cranborne Manor Gardens is a particular favourite as it is so beautifully designed – the Manor gardens are open at this time of year on Wednesdays from 9am. Take a look at www.cranborne.co.uk for details, it’s well worth the drive. There’s a good plant nursery and café as well.
seeker news 17
july 12-25 2013
all local brews, even lager As many festivals start to stock the bars with their ales, ciders and lagers for the ever-so thirsty revellers, not many would be able to say, hand on heart, that all their ales and draught products have been sourced locally. They might be able to find the odd real ale from their region, but when it comes to lager they invariably go abroad for the fizzy stuff. Not so at Purbeck Folk Festival for this year all their ales, draught lagers and ciders come from within a 50-mile radius of the festival site near Swanage. “This year we are working with local brewery Sunny Republic from Winterborne Kingston who are brewing their first batch of lager to be available at a festival,” says Michael Callaghan of Purbeck Folk Festival. “We are very much a real ale and cider-drinking bunch down here but we still have a few who prefer lager to the cask ale.” The Purbeck Folk Festival takes place on August 23-25 at Langton Matravers.
lifesTyleWHere To Go
seainG is belieVinG
Taste of italy
Dorchester hosts Italia In Piazza, the real Italian food market on Friday and Saturday from 9am in South Street. expect a feast of Italian delights, from cheese and cured meats, to pasta, olives, biscuits, olive oils and vinegars.
Honey bunch
D
Learn a large slice of all there is to know about honey at the Remarkable Powers of Honey worksop at Highway Farm, Bridport on Saturday.
orset Seafood Festival, on Weymouth Quay this weekend features an extended and diverse programme of events, including an outdoor pop-up screening of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with live DJ and musicians providing the musical score for the film. The festival has grown over the last five years and is now the UK’s second largest seafood festival and one of the most successful events in the county. Due to popular demand the festival’s programme will continue into the evening with the help of b-side, Weymouth & Portland’s multi-media arts festival,
delivering the pop-up cinema event. The Fishermen’s Mission is the chosen beneficiary of money raised from the this year’s Festival. During this two-day event Weymouth’s picturesque harbourside will be a hive of activity with more than 80 stalls creating a street food festival where seafood is freshly prepared in a variety of dishes. Street food events are a growing trend in the UK and the Dorset Seafood Festival provides the opportunity to sample some of the best seafood in the South West. Joining the conviviality will be well-known local chefs Mark Hix, Mat Follas, John Wright, Lesley
Waters, Russell Brown, Richard Bertinet, Matt Cook and Duncan Lucas who will be demonstrating some of their favourite fish dishes on the demonstration stages. “We recognise the importance of broadening the event’s offer and are committed to increasing its appeal,” says festival committee member Brian Cooper. “The b-side pop-up cinema event will allow visitors to enjoy the festival until the sun goes down and experience the uniqueness of the resort on a balmy summer evening. “It’s also a relevant film, famous for its groundbreaking work in actual underwater photography by George M Williamson.”
Nature’s gold, honey can be used as an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In a truly indulgent day, you can create beauty preparations and experiment with tasting, remedies, as well as learn about its healing, properties. Call 01308 424321.
fancy a forage?
Summer brings a full menu of wild food for the forager. To find out about nature’s harvest a course in summer foraging meets at Toller Porcorum village hall, near Dorchester at 9.30am on July 20. For more email info@hedgerow-harvest.com.
BREATH-TAKING EVENTS ‘HIGHCLIFF’ STYLE Air Festival Gourmet BBQ— Saturday 31st August After the quick sell out of our Highcliff Hospitality package, we are proud to launch a new additional date! Join us for a delicious two course BBQ with a relaxed family atmosphere and the best views of all the action. Only £20.00 per adult and £10.00 per child.
Autumn Soirée Dinner Dance — Friday 27th September Join us for an evening of fabulous live swing music from our ‘house’ band 5th Avenue. Enjoy an apéritif on arrival, delicious three course menu and ‘big band’ entertainment. For only £42.00 per person, you will dance the night away!
Pudding Club— Thursday 24th October Dine with our Executive Chef and indulge in ‘proper puddings’. Treat yourself to a selection of traditional homemade puddings, glass of wine and lashings of that all-important custard, before casting your vote on ‘Pudding of the Night’. Only £25.00 per person or £40.00 per two people, an evening full or pure temptation! For more information, contact our sales team on 01202 200816 or visit our Facebook page.
BOURNEMOUTH HIGHCLIFF MARRIOTT HOTEL St. Michael’s Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5DU T. 01202 557 702 | F. 01202 293 155 BournemouthHighcliffMarriott.co.uk
Marriott International 2013. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Live the ‘Highcliff’ Style
18 seeker news
specialfeature
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013 MAIN PICTURE: SeekerPhotos.com/Suzanne Symonds-Gale ADDITIONAL PICTURES: CLAIRE HILLSMITH
the jurassic coast by x53 E
ver wanted to explore Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, but didn’t know where to start? I wasn’t too sure either until I stumbled across the Coastliner X53 service from Poole to Exeter. The hop-on, hop-off service allows you to visit towns and villages such as Wool, Weymouth and Lyme Regis as it takes you on a journey along England’s first World Heritage Site. As I hadn’t yet found the opportunity to explore this side of Dorset since moving here three years ago, I decided it was time I ought to. The coach leaves Poole and takes you past beautiful country houses, little streams, stunning gardens and a patchwork of fields. As a retired couple from Worcester explain the majority of the people on the
bus have a bus pass, which means they can travel for free, it’s even easier to see why people are so keen to take advantage of this service. One of the ladies I meet has been driving down to Dorset nearly every summer for 35 years, with her husband. Making the most of the various caravan parks in Dorset, they are able to find a base and then use services such as the X53 to explore the county’s coastal walks and lively beaches. They say the bus is far cheaper than the train and a much more relaxing journey. People are incredibly sociable on the bus, everyone chatting about their plans for the day and the driver is very friendly, talking to his passengers as they get on and off.
My first stop is Weymouth and with the sun shining over the entire town, people are racing for the beach. Despite the majority of tourists being too busy to stop and chat, the shop owners are happy to offer advice on where to go – the lady in the bakery even makes me lunch as they had run out of sandwiches. It’s people like this which make destinations like Weymouth more appealing to tourists as they know they will be welcomed by the locals whether they need guidance or just a friendly chat. Weymouth also offers a market on a Thursday and Saturday, albeit small, but the stall holders still crack jokes and give the feel of how markets used to be. With buses every two hours, but only running back to Poole until 16:23 during the week, it’s worth creating a plan for
the day to make sure you catch the last bus home. The Coastliner is a wonderful experience for young children as there is so much for them to look out for, especially railway tracks and animals such as cows or horses. A young girl sat in front of me with her mum plays I-Spy and shrieks with excitement every time we pass a new train station or more sheep. We soon agree the bus is a much more interesting, and cheaper, journey than the train and the mum goes on to explain how she often visits her mother in Poole and stops in Weymouth on the way home, if the weather is nice, to break up the journey back to Tivington. The trip from Weymouth to Bridport is incredibly endearing as you follow the coastline, which looks even better on a
july 12-25 2013
Claire Hillsmith takes in a Dorset wonder by the friendliest mode of transport available
clear day when the sea is glistening under the sun. I get off at Bridport, which relies on tourism and is well known for its vintage shops and high quality local food. It boasts a vintage quarter, which provides jobs for nearly 100 people and the town itself offers a variety of shops and cafes. Whether you live here or are just visiting, the Coastliner journey is a perfect family day out and a great opportunity to explore the west of Dorset at your own pace. An unlimited day travel ticket is ÂŁ7.70 per adult, or for a family of five (maximum of two adults) the FirstDay South West Family ticket is ÂŁ17. All the bus route information including timetables and fares can be found at www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/dorset/
seeker news 19
20 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
HeriTaGe
goldenyears Who played here in history, July 12-25
Above, Bournemouth bus station with Muriel (later Cheam House) in the background, once home to the 19th century artist and illustrator Aubrey Beardsley. Below, showing the now demolished Merville Hotel on the left and the former bus station on the right in 1974 Looking south across Bournemouth Square showing the tram shelter and the entrance to the former bus station behind with Bobbys department store (now Debenhams) on the right
bus sTaTion reTurn by fare means? P
Get the right result with our inspired legal solutions
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by NICK CHURCHILL
lans to develop a new bus hub in the centre of Bournemouth appear to hinge on the council being able to buy back the site of the town’s former bus station from developers. Currently in use as an NCP car park, the old bus station opened in 1931 and was expanded in 1959, running Hants & Dorset and Royal Blue National coach services. The site has planning permission to build a cinema and restaurant complex, but Bournemouth council has said it intends to apply for planning permission for a bus transport hub and then, if that is granted, negotiate with NCP and its development partner Licet over buying the site.
Reports suggest the council is prepared to compulsorily purchase the site if necessary, as it did with the Imax building. The original bus station was severely damaged by fire on the night of July 24/25, 1976. The fire, believed to have started in a tyre store, destroyed 16 coaches on the lower level, however, some 80 buses on the upper level were driven to safety. Buses had to use makeshift stops around the Square and Triangle areas and were temporarily garaged in the old Royal Mews garage in Norwich Avenue, until being moved to Poole in 1980. The last service left the original bus station on Saturday, November 29, 1980 and the building was demolished soon after.
www.ellisjones.co.uk
...Looking after you Bournemouth
Canford Cliffs
ringwood
swanage
Damage to a Royal Blue coach following the fire in the Exeter Road bus station
FIve YeARS AGO 15: Jay-z + Mark Ronson – BIC. 20 YeARS AGO 15: Clannad – Poole Arts Centre. 25 YeARS AGO 17: englebert Humperdinck – BIC. 18, 25: Danny La Rue + Wayne King – Pavilion. 23: Joe Strummer & the Latino Rockabilly War – Poole Arts Centre. The infamous Rock Against the Rich tour, notable in Poole for being the scene of a near riot when ‘crusties’ pulled over a speaker stack in protest at Strummer representing Class War. Heady days! 30 YeARS AGO 16, 23: Mike Yarwood + Brotherhood of Man – Winter Gardens. 17: Big Country – Poole Arts Centre. 35 YeARS AGO Linda Lewis – Poole Arts Centre. 40 YeARS AGO 19: Roy Wood’s Wizzard – Royal Ballroom, Boscombe. 15: The Foundations – village Bowl. 45 YeARS AGO 12: The Status Quo + The Rubbersoul + The Promise – Pavilion Ballroom: Quo tour in support of first album. 14: Frankie vaughan + Miki & Griff – Pavilion. 15, 22: Tom Jones + Ted Heath Orchestra + Roy Castle – Winter Gardens. 19: Amen Corner + Groovy Kind + The Fusion – Pavilion Ballroom. 24: Fleetwood Mac – The Ritz: Road testing Christine Perfect on keyboards ahead of second album, Mr Wonderful, out in August. 50 YeARS AGO 14, 21: Millicent Martin + Tommy Cooper – Pavilion. 19: The eagles – Pavilion Ballroom: Bristol surf group, not the cocaine cowboys from California. 25: Johnny Quantrose 5 + zoot Money – Le Disque a Go Go. 55 YeARS AGO 17, 24: Beverley Sisters + Bob Monkhouse – Winter Gardens. 20: Humphrey Lyttledon – Winter Gardens.
seeker news 21
july 12-25 2013
review vampire weekend
pictures: siÂn court
O2 Academy, Bournemouth
ARTS
review shake & stir festival Southbourne, Bournemouth
For four days Southbourne was buzzing with the sights and sounds of yesteryear as the first Shake & Stir Festival celebrated all things vintage. With live music in the pubs and bars, Fisherman’s Walk was home to handmade arts and crafts, while the bandstand was surrounded by people of all ages dancing to Loose Connection and Bourne Valley Jazz. On the cliff top, Cafe Riva provided more entertainment where they had set up a large scale tent to accommodate live performances from fun-loving Elvis tribute Andy Macnewman and last year’s Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Jive Aces, with extra atmosphere from the people dressed in vintage clothing and the ladies sporting old fashioned hairstyles.
Claire Hillsmith
review carnaby street Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
Kicking off the first night of their final week on tour, the talented cast of Carnaby Street had the Pavilion audience singing and dancing along to the many hits of the sixties. A hopeful Liverpudlian musician named Jude has hitchhiked to London’s West End in search of fame and fortune, with his best friend Penny in tow. From Paisley prints to pin-stripes the costumes were constantly changing and were all fantastic in capturing the essence of the sixties as band manager Jack Spratt takes us through his struggles, he and Jude learn some hard truths along the way. Although the storyline is quite basic, the songs are full of energy and the cast is exceptional, both individually and as a group, making the audience laugh at the quirky one-liners and flamboyant dancing.
It’s only taken them five years but Vampire Weekend finally made it to Bournemouth! The New York four piece band played at the O2 Academy as an intimate warm up show three days before their appearance in front of thousands on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. Well received from the outset they really pleased the crowd with the upbeat Diane Young, which made sure everyone in the house was moving. This was soon followed by another surefire punter-pleaser, Holiday. It is impossible to stand still during this song as well – even if you’re unfamiliar with it your feet won’t be able to resist its ample charms. Although there wasn’t much talking between the band and the crowd there doesn’t need to be when the audience is happy to wallow in the soft vocals of Ezra Koening during songs such as Obvious Bicycle and then sing along to hits like A-Punk and Oxford Comma. Never ones to labour a point, Vampire Weekend keep their songs short, sweet and ridiculously catchy. It may not have been the longest set I’ve ever witnessed, but it was definitely one of the most memorably intense.
Claire Hillsmith
Head injury sees Toots pull out
Siân Court
review Paul weller Southampton Guildhall
Maybe it was down to the band not having played much this year, maybe it was just a sticky night and the sound was doing battle with the Guildhall’s challenging acoustics, but we were some way south of prime Weller.
wanted to be and by the time they got to Friday Street, a dozen or so songs in, it sounded like it was stuck in Thursday.
He did his bit though, leading from the front, jabbing fingers, nodding his head, pulling shapes, even windmilling his guitar a couple of times, yet not even such exertions could kick the band into life and the first half of this Hard Rock Calling warm-up was decidedly sluggish.
A loose reading of My Ever Changing Moods hinted it could be different, as did a swinging take on The Attic before 7x3 Is the Striker’s Name seemed to galvanise the band paving the way for That’s Entertainment to really pull it all together, followed by a spiky Start! Whirlpool’s End kicked like a mule and The Changing Man brought the set
Straight out of the blocks, Sunflower dragged a half beat behind where it
Sea Spray and the rarely performed Going Places did little to advance the cause.
to what felt like an early end. A jazzy meander through Out of the Sinking set the tone for a muted encore that ended with Sonic Kicks’ closer Be Happy Children followed by a lengthy wait for a celebratory Town Called Malice, then home. Although this didn’t quite match what he’s capable of, at 55 Paul Weller is making some of the most vital music of his career and remains a genuinely awesome live proposition when he hits his stride. He will be back.
Nick Churchill
Reggae legends Toots And The Maytals have pulled out of this year’s Camp Bestival line up. The Jamaican band has cancelled all planned festival appearances because Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert is still having tests and treatment for a head injury sustained when he was hit by a large vodka bottle at America’s RiverRock Festival in mid-May. It has been reported the band is preparing a $21 million legal case against the assailant, one William Connor Lewis, who will also face trial on a felony assault charge. Toots’ attorney Michael R Shaprio told reporters: “Toots and his management team share with me the view that we should only sue those who we know to have responsibility for this vicious attack. “At this moment in time, the bottle thrower, Mr Lewis unquestionably falls in that category and thus the $21 million civil action against him.”
22 seeker news
arTsinTerVieW
I
n 2012 The X Factor produced yet another boy band sensation by uniting group Triple J with solo singer George Shelley, to become Union J. They finished fourth and received an early Christmas present when Sony Music offered them a record deal, which enabled them to begin writing their debut single, Carry You. Earlier this year they performed at Bournemouth’s Wave 105 Live event alongside Loveable Rogues and Paloma Faith, but now the boys are excited for their upcoming tour, Magazines and TV Screens, which hits the BIC on December 22. Jaymi Hensley, one of the original band members, is excited to be coming back in Bournemouth. “I first came here six years ago to support Westlife on their UK tour and to be back headlining on our own is so exciting. I really can’t wait to do more gigs, singing live is my biggest passion.” Not only did they boys perform at Wave 105 Live, they also made their Capital Summertime Ball debut at Wembley this summer, the sun breaking through the clouds as they performed their debut single for 80,000 cheering fans. Apparently, the boys were so overwhelmed they forgot their choreography, laughs Jaymi: “We all just looked at each other and panicked!” But as they improvised their moves, it was impossible to tell they were nervous. These lads are naturally talented and clearly on the way to bigger things.
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
sTaTe of THe
union by CLaIRe HILLsmItH
Before the tour starts, Union J aim to release their first album in October, which they want to promote here in the UK first before heading over to America, Australia and the rest of the world. They feel focusing on their fans at home is the first step. “Our new album is something different, it’s new music with a good body,” declares Jaymi, as he is full of positivity for the boys. “We haven’t written a song on our own yet, but we are able to help and have had a lot of our own input.” With regard to creating new music, the boys have been contacted by Jaymi’s idol Jason Derulo, who has told Union J they should make a collaboration happen. “He’s in town this week so we should be meeting up with him, and then if things go to plan we’ll fly out to the States to work on something together.” The boys have already met Rihanna and Will.I.Am, and are looking forward to meeting more people as they create new music and finally make their dreams come true as Union J.
jaymi on:
His name
“When I was about 14, I went to school with so many James and Jamies, so I decided I needed to do something different and the spelling just kind of stuck.” His hometown “I’ve moved up to London now, but I love Luton. It’s my home and I’m always going back there to visit friends and family.” The fans “I can’t think of any crazy messages we’ve received, but the craziest present has to be girls’ underwear being thrown at us.”
The aim of the ‘Green Deal’ is simple: it is to SAVE UK home owners money by reducing energy bills! Some ways in which you can reduce your energy costs
You can keep heat in: Loft / Cavity Insulation, Draught proofing, Secondary glazing Heat your home and hot water more efficiently: Cylinder thermostats / Fan-assisted storage heaters / H/W showers, taps, systems / Oil-fired condensing boilers Save on your electricity: Lighting systems, fittings and controls / Solar PV The ‘Green Deal’ scheme lets you pay for some or all of the improvements over time through your ELECTRICITY BILL
To find out how you can reduce your energy costs through the ‘Green Deal’ call: David Mitchell t: 01202 233433 m: 07973 770252 www.greendealadvisor-wessex.co.uk
seeker news 23
july 12-25 2013
arTsCinema
CominG
soon
if you onlyer see one oTHonTH film THis m ith catch up w You should and the gang in g Simon Peg ’s End, the latest d rl o W e h T om the rror film fr comedy ho at brought us team th he Dead Shaun of T Fuzz t o and H
mirren’s monsTers I n a long and illustrious acting career Dame Helen Mirren has consistently caught the eye with a range of intriguing roles. She’s been a gangster’s moll in The Long Good Friday, an uncompromising detective in Prime Suspect and even played the title character in The Queen – a performance that won her a BAFTA and an Oscar. She recently reprised this royal role on stage to great acclaim and will soon return as another character she has previously played, kicking ass for laughs in the retired spies actioncomedy Red 2, but before that she can be heard in Monsters University, Pixar’s eagerly awaited prequel to their 2001 hit Monsters Inc. “It was so great not to have to get up at five in the morning for hair and make-up,” Mirren laughs, noting that the pressures of voicing an animated character are quite different from a live action movie. It also allows her to play a terrifying incarnation she would never get a chance to essay in her day job, the domineering Dean Hardscrabble, headmistress of the eponymous educational establishment where budding ‘scarers’ Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) first meet. “It really comes down to a combination of working with your
Cinema with anwar brett
director, and then of course the animators, who are incredibly creative people who come and visualise the character. But it’s really a question of finding the right voice, once you’ve found that then the character follows along quite naturally.” It’s tempting to wonder whether the imposing Ms Hardscrabble – a cross between a dragon and a centipede with (of course) a refined English accent from Mirren – was inspired by any of the actress’s own former teachers. “Not really,” she muses, “though funnily enough I suddenly remembered my own headmistress earlier today. My first meeting with her, when I was 10, was at my grammar school interview. I can remember the terror, I was so frightened of her – she was a nun as well – but she gave me the best advice that I’ve ever had and I’ve lived by ever since. “She said the thing to fear is fear itself. She understood that. So actually she was scary, but she was ultimately
quite benign and wise, and I like to think that Dean Hardscrabble is like that, not just nasty and scary. She’s got a wisdom about her.” These days the 67-year-old actress must reflect that she is more likely to be an intimidating presence to others, a film star with bags of glamour and a Dame to boot. “I was quite worried about accepting the honour for that reason,” she sighs, “because you don’t want to be set apart. There were certain actors who were quite intimidating when I was young. When I came into the acting profession there was a hierarchy. “You simply didn’t sit at the same table as the leading actor. It was coming out of that 1950s period, you know, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, these were very, very intimidating and powerful people, though they probably didn’t mean to be.” It’s not just her status as an industry veteran that marks Mirren out. A director who worked on a movie with her
Friday, July 12 Monsters University (3D) (U) Pacific Rim (3D) (12A) Friday, July 19 The World’s End Thursday, July 25 The Wolverine (3D) Friday, July 26 Frances Ha (15) Wednesday, July 31 The Heat (15) The Smurfs 2 (3D) Friday, August 2 The Conjuring (15) Only God Forgives Red 2 (12A) Wednesday, August 7 Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters (3D) Friday, August 9 Grown Ups 2 (12A) The Lone Ranger (12A) 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.
last year could barely contain his lusty enthusiasm for an actress who is enjoying a sustained period of success at a point where others complain the great roles are increasingly difficult to find. “I’m very lucky,” she generously claims, “but I have to say that while every stage of my career has been different there have always been really interesting things to do. “You make choices in your career, and with some of them people look at you asking ‘what are you playing that for?’. But you have to make those odd choices sometimes, if you have the opportunity to make choices at all.” In the end, ironically given the theme of her current film, it’s all about taking your chances and controlling your fear. That is the most important acting challenge of all. “I think that’s exactly what you do,” she adds, matter-of-factly. “You get on with it. You go ‘okay, I’m frightened, but that’s not the end of the world,’. It’s my business, I’ve just got to get on with it and do what I’ve got to do. “The other good thing is to pretend that you’re not frightened. Someone said that to me once. Of course you’re frightened, but act as if you’re not. That’s great advice. Just pretend.”
24 seeker news
ARTS
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
THEATRE
ROCK/POP
CLASSICAL/JAZZ DANCE
BROWNSEA OPEN AIR THEATRE
HEAVEN’S BASEMENT
DORSET OPERA FESTIVAL
July 24-August 16, Brownsea Island To mark its 50th year of Shakespeare on the island Brownsea Open Air Theatre is to stage two productions – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 24-August 2) and Pericles (August 7-16). The season opens with the Bard at his most whimsical and magical. A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves three stories connected by the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens and Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons. Pericles will offer a change of mood, examining the King of Antioch’s incestuous relationship with his daughter. www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK July 12, 13, 7pm (Sat mat 2pm) Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
Three desperate housewives in small town America innocently wish for the man of their dreams over a heady brew of weak martinis and peanut butter brownies. But when their longings are made flesh in the arrival of one Darryl Van Horne, all hell breaks loose. Quite literally. Barton Peveril College, in collaboration with local schools, present the musical comedy with something for everyone. www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
July 17, Sound Circus, Bournemouth Well on their way to becoming one of the year’s most talked about – and widely seen – rock acts Heaven’s Basement follow their recent showing at Download and last weekend’s stint at Nass with their longest UK tour to date, including Sound Circus on Wednesday. The band’s acclaimed debut album, Filthy Empire is out now with new single Fire Fire already wracking up the views on YouTube. www.soundcircus.co.uk
www.dorsetopera.com
It feels like a festival in your back garden and to celebrate its 13th birthday, GotG has been extended to run all weekend this year. With all manner of stalls, a sausage and cider festival, alternative therapies and kids’ zone, the music line up is headed by The Agency, Pronghorn, Mutant Vinyl and the evermemorable Disco’s Out Murder’s In. Last year’s bash raised more than £3,000 for charity and this year’s beneficiary is Diverse Abilities Plus.
July 12-14, Various venues
July 13, 14, Ashley Cross
www.groovesonthegreen.co.uk
LARRY MILLER
July 19, 8pm Mr Kyps, Ashley Cross
Every year on Verdi’s birthday the residents of Beecham House, a retirement home for opera singers, unite to give a concert to raise funds for their home. When Jean Horton (Jan Wyld), a former grande dame fallen on hard times, moves into the home, the plans for this year’s concert start to unravel. www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk
www.mrkyps.net
July 18-20, 7.30 (Sat 2pm) Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
As well as touring the pocket version of Puccini’s classic La Bohème by the young artistes of the Dutch National Touring Opera, this year’s festival marks the centenary of the births of both Verdi and Wagner with productions of La Traviata and The Flying Dutchman. None other than Jonathan Miller is directing La Traviata with Phillip Thomas conducting; while Jeremy Carnall will conduct The Flying Dutchman for director Paul Carr.
GROOVES ON THE GREEN
Heavy blues virtuoso and consummate entertainer, Larry Miller is back in Ashley Cross and another intensely entertaining night beckons. “For me, my moment of inspiration was seeing Rory Gallagher live,” says Larry. “I had never experienced anything like it. So loud, so gloriously on the edge of total mayhem, yet Rory was still totally in control. How could I not do this too? Like Rory I work under my own name, with my own band. I do all the writing, singing, producing, playing and leading.”
QUARTET
July 12-27, Coade Theatre, Bryanston
Free charity ad donated by Seeker News, if you are a charity contact steve@seekernews.co.uk for more details
SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL The ever-popular festival returns for a 24th year with a typically far-reaching bag of musical tricks. Among the headlining highlights venerated broadcaster Chris Walker leads a Tribute to British Trad, while Art Blakey’s former sax man Jean Toussaint is in town with his Quartet and reedsman Alan Barnes and bassist Arnie Somogyi celebrate the genius of Charlie Mingus in Scenes from the City. Among a rich programme is plenty of edgier, more contemporary sounds. www.swanagejazz.org
CLASSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
July 13, 7.30pm Lighthouse, Poole With an unashamedly populist programme, the BSO return to Poole with conductor Maxime Tortelier at the helm for a concert than opens with John Williams’ Superman March and closes with Tchaikovsky’s mighty 1812 Overture. In between concert goers will be able to enoy a fine selection of popular classics including Rossini’s William Tell Overture, Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King and Parry’s Jerusalem. www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
BEST OF REST
BLOOM
ANIMATE!
Bloom, an outdoor festival celebrating authentic African dance through performance, music and participation, visits Bournemouth this month for one day only. With six free performances and six hours of free dance workshops, the day begins with Ballet Nimba’s performance of Bagatai, a highoctane piece driven by furious percussion and the undulating melodies of the balafon and fulani flute.
Covering the chronology and development of the art and technology of animation and its cultural impact, from the early Victorian parlour toys, zoetropes, magic lanterns and flip books, through the work of Eadweard Muybridge and into the golden age of animation in the early 20th century to the work of Pixar and the use of CGI in film and computer games. With a range of special events, guest speakers include Aardman animator Loyd Price and Disney artist Robin Allan.
July 20, 12.30 Pavilion Dance, Bournemouth
www.paviliondance.org.uk
WONKA’S GOLDEN TICKET
July 13, 14, 3.30pm Regent Centre, Christchurch Based on Roald Dahl’s ever-popular novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Christchurch-based Lawlor School of Dance stage their bi-annual performance at the Regent. When a young boy finds a golden ticket in his chocolate wrapper, he is whisked away to an extraordinary chocolate factory. Along with four other children, they must prove their loyalty to the factory owner, Miss Wonka, to win the ultimate prize.
July 13-October 19, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester
www.dorsetcountymuseum.org
Sean Lock
July 26, 8pm LIghthouse, Poole Having long since lost interest in the white van man, comedy god Sean Lock steps down from his Telly Olympus to share with us his thoughts about chaps who drive purple vans. All of which explains Purple Van Man, the title of the new stand up show by the regular TV panel guest from shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI and Mock the Week.
www.regentcentre.co.uk
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER
GIGI SUDBURY
July 12, 13, 7pm (Sat mat 2pm) Lighthouse, Poole
July 6-27, 10am (Wed-Sat only) The Art Stable, Child Okeford
Footlight Performance Academy is celebrating its silver jubilee with a 25th anniversary show that incorporates favourite routines from the last quarter of a century. In the grand tradition, it’s an all-singing, all-dancing tribute to living the dream on stage and features a cast aged two to 20.
Having moved from London to Dorset, Gigi Sudbury presents her latest exhibition, For the Rustle in His Tail: A Bestiary Alphabet, at one of the county’s most picturesque galleries. The work is a meditation on the artist’s dream of how animals could encounter the human world on their own terms. Gigi Sudbury won the Alternative Turner Prize in 2002.
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
www.theartstable.co.uk
seeker news 25
july 12-25 2013
miTsubisHi ouTlanDer
O
nce social outcasts, four-wheel drive sports utilities are now starting to re-invent themselves – the latest to get a green make-over is the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Rather than its mud-plugging, off-road, abilities new Outlander is being promoted as an environmentally friendly sevenseater that just happens to have four-wheel drive – much being made of its aerodynamic efficiency, class leading CO2 emissions and fuel frugality. Based on the platform of the Lancer Evo, Outlander has shed 100kg while aerodynamic tweaks to the bodywork such as smoothing out the A pillars, installing a more aerodynamic grille and adding an air flap under the engine has reduced drag by seven per cent. Power for Outlander comes from a revised 2.2 litre 16 valve DiD diesel with automatic stop-start technology on manual transmission versions or an intelligent six-speed automatic that adapts to individual driving styles. This boasts a CO2 figure of 140 g/ km for the manual and fuel returns of 52.3mpg using an Economy driving mode that applies gentler acceleration and reduces the air conditioning.
CHris adamson
There is also an economy mode for the four-wheel drive which varies the power transfer from 70% to the front and 30% to the rear to a 5050 division of labour. Mitsubishi boasts the Outlander has the longest load space in its class at 1.741 metres and one of the largest carrying capacities which goes from 591 to 1,022 litres with the rear and middle seats folded. Prices start from £23,699 and all versions come with a six speaker
FaCtFile
mitsubishi outlander gX4 auto price: £31,399 engine: 2268cc / 147bhp top speed: 125mph 0-62mph: 11.7 seconds Fuel consumption: 48.7mpg emissions: 153g/km insurance: group: 24e
moTorinG
audio with CD, MP3 connectivity and USB connection, cruise control, air conditioning, Hill Start Assist and an LCD display screen. The GX3 and GX3 Leather grade models add in the extra pair of rear seats, dual zone air conditioning, front fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, colour LCD screen, Bluetooth, privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. GX4 versions get leather upholstery, electrically operated and heated front seats, rear parking sensors, Xenon HID headlights, keyless entry and push-button start, Mitsubishi Communication system, electric sunroof and paddle shift controls for the automatic gearbox. Topping the range is the GX5 including Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation (that automatically brakes the car if it detects an obstruction ahead) and lane departure warning. If you think Mitsubishi is excited about the new Outlander wait until you see their plug-in hybrid electric version that’s about to be launched – it can be driven for more than 30 miles under battery power only and at speeds in excess of 70mph.
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26 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
Recruitment Open Evening LOCATION: UNIT C, ACORN BUSINESS PARK, BH12 4NZ DATE: 22ND JULY 2013 TIME: 4-9PM
Join us for our open evening to find out more about supported living, the chance to meet some of the people we support and talk with our friendly, helpful staff.
We can offer • • • • •
Hourly rates from £7.50 ph Full | Part | Zero contracts available Flexible working, including evenings and weekends. Full training provided - No experience needed Opportunity to achieve Diploma level 3
Website: www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk
01202 985600 Various opportunities industrial & commercial. Call Sandra Smart or visit our website
E-mail: recruitment@diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk
www.octopuspersonnel.co.uk
Telephone: 01202 718266
830 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, BH9 2DT
Charity no. 282197
Save Energy has vacancies for office based and field sales people. We have the sole selling rights to an exciting NEW product in the solar industry! DON’T MISS OUT opportunity. on this great opportunit PR and Content Manager Mechanical Design Engineer Bournemouth c. £30,000 Poole c. £34,000 Role Description: Role Description: • To increase the business’ brand value via media coverage and direct • Leading the Technical Design of Projects including the customer communications to ultimately amplify the revenue management of resources to achieve project timescales and potential of these channels engineering objectives. • To shape and manage content strategy to fit the business’ • Undertake in an efficient and cost effective manner, activities marketing and media objectives for the Design and Design Control. Main Responsibilities: Main Responsibilities: • Manage relationships with key media stakeholders. • Project Lead on projects allocated by the Engineering Director • Work with the businesses economics and research teams. • Responsible for full involvement with the customer, understanding and developing their requirements. • Ensure that all customer facing properties are up to date and optimised to lift the brand perception wherever possible. • Supporting, mentoring and monitoring the progress of the design team for allocated projects. • Devise and manage a company-wide social media strategy. Liaising with and reporting to other departments at a senior level. • • Manage events and their respective editorial content. • Reviewing and authorising project documentation and design Co-ordinate with speakers and stakeholders to ensure changes. consistent quality objectives are achieved. To apply, send your CV to suzanne.piesley@rockrecruitment.co.uk or call on 01202 478741. Please quote reference: SEEKER
We are Different. We are Rock. Christchurch 01202 478741 | Poole 01202 237129 | www.rockrecruitment.co.uk | info@rockrecruitment.co.uk
Call Tony now on 01202 721188 for an immediate interview.
Part time Sales/Administrator for our busy office in Lower Parkstone. To include Saturdays. Own transport required. Contact Gary Milton or Alex Nicholson in confidence on 01202 778855 or email alex@frostandco.net
aDVerTise your VaCanCies Here from as liTTle as £30
seeker news 27
july 12-25 2013
inTerVieW PoinTs by aLex fRItH
N
o matter which stage of career, job title, or position, interviews often tend to be nerve-wracking experiences and regardless of how basic or advanced your credentials are, can be the deciding factor on the outcome of your success. We have compiled a series of helpful tips in order to enhance and give clear insight towards a positive interview experience. In order to best represent yourself, arrive slightly early to avoid inconveniencing the staff or interviewer you are meeting. What’s more, it is your first opportunity to signify your punctuality, before the interview has even begun. If you happen to be in a waiting room surrounded by other candidates, do not reveal too much about your individual specialties, but remain friendly and genial towards your fellow candidates, making this part of the process as relaxed as possible. Irrespective of nerves, when your interview begins, do your best to
maintain a composed demeanour. When asked questions, speak a little slower than you would usually, as you will likely expedite your speech due to the pressurised environment. Maintaining eye contact is essential, as it shows confidence in your position. Be aware of your body language from beginning to end, as sitting up straight and putting forth a positive manner will be noticed and remembered by the interviewer. If you are asked questions that you do not know the answer to, do not attempt to divert the interviewer or make up a response, simply admit that you do not know. This will gain you more respect for honesty than if you attempted to
avoid or give a false answer. It is likely you will be asked to talk about yourself, both positive and negative, a test for the interviewer to see how you handle unstructured situations, your articulation, your overall impression of yourself and experiences which you feel are important. This is a crucial opportunity to present yourself in the best light possible and will set the tone for the remainder of the interview. Do not dwell on personal history too much and focus more on your most recent work experience whilst highlighting your most significant accomplishments and failures, which will show you are able to be self reflective and can admit responsibility, as well as understanding constructive criticism. Upon conclusion of your interview, even if you feel it has gone badly, do your best to end on a positive note, thanking the interviewer for their time whilst maintaining eye contact and a firm handshake.
Jobs
rubicon People’s Jessie moTT analyses how contemporary graduates are raising their game when it comes to applying for that perfect job and looks at how employers can improve their chances of employing the very best candidates from the next wave of graduate applicants. Research indicates that graduate job applications are becoming more refined and targeted as students strive to increase their employability. There has been a year-onyear increase of students who successfully gained placements with high profile employers. Meticulous recruiting methods and increased career coaching in universities will ensure that this trend is set to continue. As a result of the increased quality in applications, there has been a three per cent annual rise in the number of graduates who have successfully secured placements with major employers. This figure now stands at 45%. The research also revealed that for every graduate job role available an average of 31 candidates applied, which is a considerable drop in comparison to 2012 when 46 applications were received for each available job role.
This indicates that graduate candidates are focusing more on quality and less on quantity of their chosen job applications. Because of these rigorous recruitment methods, universities have been put under more pressure from the government to prepare undergraduates for the job application process, which means employers are able to accurately select the strongest candidates who are most suitable for the job in question. To ensure that employers attract the strongest of the most suitable candidates it is important to be clear about what they’re looking for. Looking beyond academic achievements and considering extra-curricular activities, as well as relevant work experience and consistency of grades, is highly beneficial particularly when dealing with a high number of candidates who fall into the 2:1 degree bracket. To read more from Jessie visit www.rubiconpeople.co.uk
NEWSPAPER DISTRIBUTOR Seeker News are looking for a reliable person to deliver the newspaper to a number of drop points around the area. Two days work every fortnight. For more details please contact Dawn Cook on 01202 649811 or dawn@seekernews.co.uk
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• Commercial • Construction • Healthcare • Hospitality Quantum Recruitment
Email: enquiries@quantum-recruitment.co.uk www.quantum-recruitment.co.uk
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28 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
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PROPERTY TO RENT - CALL TO BOOK A VIEWING 01202 301244
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COMING SOON 2 x 1 BEDS and 6 STUDIOS
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seeker news 29
july 12-25 2013
bringing gardens to the villagers A
community based grow-yourown vegetable project recently travelled to a North Dorset village. Spectrum Housing Group’s Growing Spaces scheme provides a raised bed and vegetable plants to households in targeted areas. The National Lottery’s Local Food initiative has provided funding for the project for the past five years, which since 2008 has installed more than 500 raised beds in neighbourhoods on the Isle of Wight. With the project moving inland, residents of Hod View, an estate of 64 properties in Stourpaine, were the first to take up the offer of raised planters for their gardens, enabling them to grow their own vegetables. “We offered the project to everyone on the street, and so far 18 households have taken part,” says Tim Crawshaw, community investment officer at Spectrum Housing Group, who assisted green-
“We offered the project to everyone on the street, and so far 18 households have taken part”
fingered residents at Hod View alongside Spectrum’s resident involvement officer Liz Baker and neighbourhood housing officer Kerry Harvey. “Of the households taking part, some residents were already experienced gardeners while others, especially the younger residents, were picking up trowels for the first time.” adds Tim. “The plant and seed drop session was a great success, giving residents everything they need to get started with their raised bed.” The Landscape Group, Spectrum’s contactors who deliver the grounds maintenance service, first installed the
raised planters and then Spectrum’s officers spent time on the estate handing out plants, seeds and tools to enthusiastic gardeners. The residents at Hod View now have all they need to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs for the kitchen. “Everyone is pleased with their raised beds and the opportunity to grow fresh vegetables, especially those who had never done this before,” says Tim. “We will visit participants during the summer to see how they are doing and to offer advice wherever required and will be taking the project to Ten Acres in Shaftesbury shortly as well. “We are also planning a small harvest event to celebrate growing achievements in September, where growers can display their success and perhaps learn a new recipe or two in our country kitchen.” To find out more about the Growing Spaces project, visit: www.growingspaces.co.uk/
Lettings specialists hire two
Bournemouth’s leading Buy to Let specialists Bournecoast is delighted to welcome two new members of staff to its team. Helen Denby Ash and Mark Chesworth bring with them a wealth of experience from working in the industry for many years. Lettings Manager, Chellenka Davis says: “We are delighted to welcome Helen and Mark on board. With the current demand for rental properties our lettings department is very busy and we wish to be able to offer landlords and tenants the best possible service.” If you would like your property news to feature on these pages please email your stories to Steve Cook via steve@seeker news.co.uk.
First-time buyers find mortgage respite
The number of mortgages offered to first-time buyers this year has gone up by 50%, according to the Building Societies Association. And even more loans were offered to those with a 10% deposit or less – almost 9,000 in the first five months of the year, compared with
3,400 in the same period last year.
mortgage lending – up from a 20% share a year ago.
According to Bank of England figures, building societies advanced £14.5bn in mortgage lending over the five months, helping 32,000 first-time buyers get on the housing ladder.
On a net basis, which takes into account repayments on existing mortgages, the total amount lent by building societies is also up and lending by mutual from January to May amounted to £4 billion, more than double the amount lent last year.
Lending to first time buyers accounted for a quarter of all
PROPERTY Sharon Canning Director of lettings specialists Move On, answers questions from landlords & tenants
QUESTION:
We have been approached by a prospective tenant who wants to rent out our threebedroom property for herself and her children. It would appear she has recently split from her partner and would like to move into the property with her ex-partner paying the rent. What is the procedure in doing this correctly? Do we issue a Tenancy Agreement in both their names? Are there any pitfalls we should be aware of?
ANSWER:
You could issue a Tenancy Agreement in both their names. However, this will give the ex-partner equal rights and also allow him to serve notice on the property. This could become messy if later on during the tenancy, things are not so amicable. I would recommend you issuing an Assured Shorthold Tenancy in her name with the children as permitted occupiers and then the ex-partner acting as guarantor for them. However, you must still proceed with the referencing and credit checks on both parties to ensure suitability and affordability. I have found in my experience, that sometimes this is requested because the person residing in the property is not credit worthy, or they are looking to claim Local Housing Allowance (LHA). With one name on a tenancy this will be acceptable, but if the ex-partner suddenly doesn’t appear to be the ‘ex’ anymore, but they do not inform the council, it means they could be claiming fraudulently. Be aware of tenants offering six months’ rent in advance as well. This also can mask other things, so as a matter of precaution, we always reference people over the age of 18. As guarantor, it is important to ensure they have enough earnings to cover an additional rent, we also make sure the guarantor is fully aware of their responsibilities. All too often a guarantor thinks they are confirming the tenant is good for the rent and not that they are ultimately responsible for paying the rent if the tenant defaults. Where absolutely possible, as an additional precaution the guarantor should be a homeowner, as they are unlikely to want a second charge on their home if the tenant does default. Always take photo ID and ask for utility bills from the last three months on all persons being referenced. Of course, all could be completely above board and the referencing will ensure you have done your due diligence. Frequent property inspections will highlight any anomalies. For up to date information on the latest legislations email sharon@moveonrentals.com
30 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
CHerries
Harte and soul for Cherries
PICTURe: AMY MAIDMeNT
stepHen purCHes
Pre-season has been fairly hectic as usual and then we were all taken by surprise with the Real match – it’s not a bad pre-season, West Ham one week, Real Madrid the next! It really shows how far the club’s come, to secure the Real Madrid match shows the ambition at the club and it’s a great show of respect for us that they decided to come here. It will be a brilliant game for the fans, the players and the club. On another note I’m really pleased with being put in charge of the development squad now that Chris Hargreaves has joined Eddie’s staff with the first team. It’s a big responsibility and lots of hard work, but it gives me a great insight into the other side of the game. It’ll allow me to develop my coaching career and still play when needed. There’s some good players in the development squad – Josh Wakefield and Josh Carmichael have already had a taste with the first team and Baily Cargill’s come on well over the last year. They’re all putting in the work to get noticed and hopefully make a career in the game. My recovery is ticking along nicely, I’m joining in the training sessions with the development squad and came on for the last 20 minutes against Wimborne. I’m ready to play in my testimonial and as for running out against Real, well, we’ll have to see how I get on against West Ham first!
New signing Ian Harte says it was the ambition at AFC Bournemouth that convinced him to link up with Eddie Howe’s squad. The former Leeds, Sunderland and Carlisle left back, 35, has signed a one-year-deal after being released by Reading. “There were a few clubs (interested) but I came to see Eddie and having had a chat with him and seeing what he wants to do and where he wants to push on with the squad of players, I thought it’s a great opportunity and I made my mind up then,” Harte told Hot Radio. “I played here a few months ago when we had a friendly game on the training pitch. There are great facilities here and it’s a club going somewhere with ambition and I just wanted to be a part of that. It is a great achievement getting promoted and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
turning Fogden into a fullback Eddie Howe is working with the versatile Wes Fogden to try and convert him into a fullback during pre-season with a view to providing cover for Simon Francis next season. The former Brighton trainee notably played at left-back for more than an hour in the
vital win at Stevenage in March and Howe is confident Fogden can successfully make the transition. “We have two full-backs who, in the main, stayed fit last season but we were lucky in that respect. So, we felt we needed cover,” Howe told the club’s website.
sam signs as professional Teenage talent Sam Matthews has put pen to paper on his first professional contract that sees his scholarship turn into a two-year professional contract following his 17th birthday. Matthews has been training with the first team squad since the start of pre-season
and travelled to Switzerland as the Cherries stepped up their preparations with a fiveday training camp. “I’ve been at the club since I was 10 or 11 and I love it here. I want to stay here and I’m really happy at the moment,” he told afcb.co.uk.
Wimborne ToWn 1 afC bournemouTH 2 CuTHbury, July 6
Jordan Chiedozie
Josh Wakefield
PICTUReS: STeve COOK
Stephane Zubar
Josh Wakefield
Stephen Purches returned to the pitch for the first time since breaking his leg last season as he took charge of a youthful Cherries development team bolstered by first teamers Stephane Zubar and Wes Thomas against the canny tactical nous and physical strength of Steve Cuss’s ambitious Wimborne Town at Cuthbury.
Stephen Purches
july 12-25 2013
seeker news 31
sPorTCHerries
‘i’ll be sTarsTruCK!’ Cherries midfielder prepares to face spanish giants by NICK CHURCHILL
M
idfield schemer Harry Arter says he’ll be “starstruck” if he finds himself running alongside Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at Dean Court next Sunday.
can, but for me the lesson will be in seeing their mental attitude and how they prepare – if we can bring a bit of that into our game for next season we’ll be in good shape.”
Harry Arter
The game comes as part of AFC Bournemouth’s preparations for their first season in the Championship – the highest level the club has played at since 1990.
“First of all, I’ll be doing well just to keep up with him, but I’ve got to admit I’ll be totally starstruck as well,” says Arter.
“None of us saw this game coming. Clearly it’s not like the other pre-season games, but it will be a massive learning curve for us. I know it’s their first game back, but I’m sure they’ll be incredibly professional.
Turning the football cliche that it’s ‘just another game’ on its head, the 23-year-old, who has to shake off a slight calf problem, is making no secret of his excitement at the prospect of playing the Spanish giants.
“I expect them to keep us moving all game so if we can stick with them and match their movement it will give us a massive confidence boost.
“Oh, I’ll be fit for the big game, there’s no way any of us wants to miss that. “Obviously it’s Real Madrid so everybody expects us to get beat, but if we can match them for fitness and make them work a bit, then maybe someone will nick a goal. It’ll be a dream come true for anyone who does that.” Real’s institutional relations manager, legendary former player, Emilio Butragueno said the club is looking forward to its trip to Bournemouth, telling reporters: “We are delighted that Real Madrid will play their first pre-season game on British soil and we eagerly anticipate the challenge from our English opponents.”
And Harry Arter is determined that challenge will be as tough as the Cherries can make it. “We’re not just making up numbers. The gaffer will want us to get everything we can out of a game like this. “Players like Ronaldo are superstars, they’re incredible and worth every penny they make out of the game. I’m not sure we’ll be able to do some of the things they
“Mind you I’m glad it’s not the last game before the season starts – I reckon there will be a few aches and pains throughout the squad on the Monday!” And after Real Madrid this summer, who do they fancy next year? “Oh Barcelona would be a treat – they could make Real look like an easy game for us. Bring them on!”
WHo are real maDriD?
The most famous football club in the world, with a long and proud history of winning many domestic and international titles, Real Madrid have earned a reputation of supreme excellence since its formation in 1902. With a record 32 Spanish La Liga titles and nine european Cups/ Champions Leagues – five in a row from 1956 to 1960 – they are europe’s most successful club side. Although the team’s management has changed hands numerous times Real Madrid’s name has long been synonymous with sporting prowess. Its roll call of past players includes legends of the game such as Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano, Hugo Sanchez, Roberto Carlos, Raul, Luis Figo, Ronaldo
and zinedine zindane, as well as english stars Michael Owen, Steve McManaman and David Beckham, who arrived in 2003 as one of the famous Galacticos. In recent years Real’s success has been eclipsed by the tika-taka of Barcelona and manager Jose Mourinho departed at the the end of last season, which he dismissed as the worst of his career – Real finished runners up in La Liga and the Copa del Ray and were beaten Champions League semi finalists. Last month, former Chelsea, Milan and Paris Saint Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti returned for his second stint in charge at the Bernabeu, announcing former Galactico zidane and english coach Paul Clement as his assistants.
with a record 32 spanish la liga titles and nine european Cups/Champions leagues – five in a row from 1956 to 1960 – they are europe’s most successful club side.
From far left, José Callejón, Xabi Alonso and Ronaldo
32 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
SPORT
NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL BY Richard Button
Magpies boss runs rule over his new arrivals at pre-season When Wimborne Town returned for pre-season training last week it gave manager Steve Cuss the chance to meet the men he hopes will help the Magpies fly to new heights in next season’s Southern League South and West. The Magpies’ boss was also pleased with the physical condition of his players before they had even broken sweat on the training ground. “All the lads are in good condition,” said Cuss. “They have obviously looked after themselves during the close-season. There will be a lot of competition for places in the coming season and the players know they will have to be on top of their form.” Competing for those places will be the club’s summer acquisitions and Cuss took time out to pose with three of them – Mark Gamble, Sam Griffin, and Ollie PhillipsonMasters – for the Seeker News camera. New arrival James Stokoe was absent, but for all the right reasons – the big frontman was on honeymoon! Cuss pulled off a fifth summer signing on the eve of the Magpies’ pre-season opener against AFC Bournemouth – defender Luke Whitley, a capture from Southern Premier AFC Totton.
picture: Simon Carlton
From left: Steve Cuss, Mark Gamble, Sam Griffin, Ollie Phillipson-Masters
Taffy joins Bash Poole add experience of AFC Totton captain Pettefer Cuffie adds two
Evergreen Taffy Richardson has agreed a deal to join Bashley, Seeker News can reveal. The move ends speculation that the 46-year-old, who quit Southern League South West champions Poole at the end of 2012-13 campaign, would be arriving at the New Foresters as coach. Instead, Richardson insists his intention is to play Southern Premier football in the new term, but he will assist on the training ground.
Poole Town boss Tommy Killick has upped the ante ahead of the new Southern Premier campaign with the capture of Carl Pettefer from beleaguered AFC Totton. The 31-year-old midfielder brings a whole host of experience to Tatnam, having previously played for Portsmouth, Southend, Oxford and AFC Bournemouth. Pettefer, who was captain at the Hampshire outfit, is one of three players plundered from cash-
strapped Totton during the summer with Jonathan Davies and Richard Gillespie also succumbing to the Dolphins’ lure. Killick has also added Ian Oliver, signed from local rivals Bashley to the squad as well as Jacob Rowe from Worcester. And with the only departures being skipper Michael Walker to Weymouth, Taffy Richardson to Bashley and Keith Emerson being forced to leave because of his army commitments, Poole are now stronger numerically.
The Dolphins’ boss also insists his squad is stronger in terms of ability compared with the side which romped to the Southern League South & West title last term. “I wanted to strengthen the side because we will be playing at a higher level in the new season,’ he says. “I want us to be up there challenging at the top. I most certainly don’t want us to be hanging around in mid-table.”
New Christchurch boss Michael Cuffie has replenished his squad with the arrival of Marc Fairbrother and Christopher Spears. Fairbrother, who had a previous four-year spell at Hurn Bridge returns after a year at fellow Wessex Premier Division outfit Blackfield & Langley. Spears takes the step up from First Division Ringwood Town. Departing Christchurch is Harry Cooper, off to Bournemouth Poppies.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
The other kind of football...
Have you ever wanted to play American football, but didn’t know where to start?
system in place they are hoping to create a more natural game for the British players.
Local side Bournemouth Bobcats are welcoming new players to try out for their team before the end of this season in preparation for the next.
New head coach Mark Newell had high expectations for the team based on their previous record, but is treating this season as a development year in which the new players are already improving impressively.
The Bobcats were reformed in 2009 by general manager, ex-player Tim Iles after having folded in 1991 and since 2011 have played in the British American Football League. “We have undergone a great deal of changes this season,” says Tim, explaining the Bobcats’ poor record this season – they’ve yet to win a game! “We have lost some great players due to work and family commitments and had a complete change around of staff.” As the team adjusts, the managers and coaches are working to create long-term goals and with a new
Mark and Tim both are appealing for players to try out, get a taste of the game and see if they enjoy it. “You don’t need to worry if you’re unfit, or slightly smaller as we welcome and accommodate everyone,” adds Tim. Defensive player of the year 2012, Adam Kolinski, advises newcomers: “Watch and learn the game, make sure you understand the rules. YouTube will be your teacher. Then get to the gym and start bench pressing, squatting, cleaning, and running. You need to be an athletic animal.
“You don’t need to worry if you’re unfit, or smaller”
“American football is an unusual game and unlike most UK games it is regimented and scripted. Players need to be aware of what everyone else is doing once they get on the pitch and the only way that will happen is through regular training and constant dedication.
“There is a great amount of respect amongst everyone involved and despite the hard work the game requires, it rewards you with a great team spirit and the Bobcats is the best place to start.” Visit www.bobcats.org.uk
claire hillsmith
seeker news 33
july 12-25 2013
rugby
budge up as dunn stands down
Former Scotland captain Budge Pountney has taken charge of Bournemouth Lions after longserving director of rugby David Dunn decided to step down due to “career requirements”. Dunn, the deputy headmaster at Ballard School, had been at Lions for more than ten years and guided the club’s steady rise to National Two South. Bournemouth Lions chairman Denis Eveleigh paid tribute to
sPorT
CriCket
PICTUReS:STeve HARRIS
Poole 208 Winton 158
Right, Poole mayor, Cllr Philip Eades
Dunn’s excellent service and revealed he would continue to be associated with the club. His successor Budge Pountney has 31 caps for Scotland and won the Five Nations. He also won the Heineken Cup as a player with Northampton before serving the top flight side as director of rugby. Born in Winchester, he lives at Nomansland and works at Totton College.
grasstraCk
CouPe De Grass by PaUL BaKeR
PICTUReS: SIMON CARLTON
A
roaring success! That was the verdict of organisers following one of Wimborne Motor Cycle Club’s showpiece grasstrack meetings at Corfe Mullen. The Rob King’s Party Open attracted thousands of fans for a weekend of top class racing in glorious Dorset sunshine. Spectators young and old enjoyed a great family day out at what is now regarded as one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Club secretary, Denise Read said: “We had a fantastic weekend. The sun shone, the crowds were big and the riders put on some wonderful entertainment. “It was a wonderful tribute and memorial for my late brother, Rob King, and he would have been so proud at the way things went. “On behalf of the club, I would like to thank all the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and riders who helped make it such a successful weekend. “Work is now underway planning next year’s meeting which we hope will be even bigger and better.” The blue ribbon title, the 500cc solos, was won by top British star, Cory Gathercole, with the Mike Read/Mark Hopkins and Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth combinations taking the 500cc and 1000 sidecar events, respectively.
tennis
saTurDay resulTs
Up to 350cc Pre 75s: 1st: Chris Mackett, 2nd: Neil Copestake, 3rd: Giles Dissme 500cc Pre 75s: 1st: Chris Mackett, 2nd: Steve Cox, 3rd: Luke Tuck Uprights: 1st: Graham Brown, 2nd: Luke Tuck, 3rd: Syd Sherman
sunDay resulTs
250cc Solos: 1st: James Shanes, 2nd: Ben Ilsley, 3rd: Rick Warry 350cc Solos: 1st: Mark Giles, 2nd: Ricky Gregory, 3rd: Jake Quintrell 500cc Solos: 1st Cory Gathercole, 2nd: Charlie Saunders, 3rd: Rod Melksham Over 40s: 1st Steve Leigh, 2nd: Mark Giles, 3rd: Mick Norton LH Sidecars: 1st: Martin Cuff/ Steve North, 2nd: Will Penfold/ Adrian North, 3rd: Charlie Ridley/Harry McQuirk 500cc Sidecars: 1st: Mike Read/ Mark Hopkins, 2nd: Rob & Sam Heath, 3rd: Barrie Bennett/ eiffion Hughes 1000cc Sidecars: 1st: Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth, 2nd: Paul Whitelam/Alan elliott, 3rd: Will Offen/Nicky Owen
judo
impressive court appearance in winton park Club’s voluntary gong
Tennis in Dorset received another boost after Winton Park in Bournemouth opened its new facilities. The news came just days after Poole Park launched its new park courts ensuring those inspired to pick up a racquet during Wimbledon fortnight had every opportunity to do so. Thanks to a £130,000 grant from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Winton Park has opened six new courts, four of which are floodlit. The site will also be run using the successful key fob system already in place at Shelley Park and Swanmore Gardens in Bournemouth and Poole Park. This system, which is unique
to Dorset, allows families to use the online booking system to access the courts and at a cost of £24 per annum for a family to play year round tennis is extremely good value. James Deem, the LTA’s Tennis Development Manager for Dorset and
Somerset, said: “After the success of Shelley Park, it’s wonderful to see more park sites being managed and opened at the affordable price of £24 a year for the whole family. It is a great offer to the people of Dorset to access the sport with fantastic local facilities.” Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns, added: “I’m sure the success of the programme at Shelley Park will be replicated at these new sites, and will help more people in the community to enjoy the sport of tennis on their doorstep.” To find out more about playing tennis at Winton Park, Shelley Park and Swanmore Gardens visit www. playtennisinthepark.co.uk
Dorset-based judo club, Nokemono Judokwai has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers. Nokemono Judokwai has been running since 2006 and operates from three sites across Dorset – in Broadstone, Charminster and Ferndown. “All the coaches are volunteers and do it for the enjoyment of our sport and to encourage children to become upstanding members of the community,” says Pete Anderson who runs the Bournemouth club. “We try to achieve this by getting involved in the community through various events and we also regularly visit schools, to promote sports and the benefits of being active.” To find out more about the club visit www.nokemonojudo.co.uk
34 seeker news
june july28-july 12-2511 2013 2013
PiraTes
WHaT a WonDerful WarD O nly one place to start this week – Darcy Ward! After two months out with a broken shoulder, the boy gets back on his bike, scores a maximum in the Swedish League on the Tuesday and then goes and wins the Danish Grand Prix on the Saturday. Sensational, incredible, amazing, emotional, dramatic, unbelievable, fantastic – have I missed anything? As many of you will know, Darcy lives with me when he’s in England, so I’ve seen first-hand the work he has put since suffering his injury. From his fitness and his mental approach through to his riding style, he’s been hard at it every day and he certainly got his just rewards in Copenhagen. It was an emotional night for the Middleditch family as we watched the Grand Prix on television – Darcy is one of the family and it meant a great deal to all of us, particularly my father, Ken. He and Darcy have done lots of work together at the bottom of the garden where dad has set out a little motocross circuit. The two of them have spent hours tweaking this and
middlo pirates manager
Darcy Ward and Chris Holder catch up at the Pirates meeting against Belle Vue only days before his first GP win
neil middleditch
tweaking that and it’s been fantastic to see the two of them out there together. It’s hard to believe dad is 87 because he still has the same drive and enthusiasm he’s always had when it comes to speedway. He’s an absolute font of knowledge and he loves working with the Poole boys and passing on those valuable pearls of wisdom. He was my great inspiration and mentor when I rode and he’s still a huge part of the Poole set-up. He loves the club, as we all do as a family, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to see the team succeed. Talking of team matters, what a difference a couple of weeks can make? One minute it was all doom and gloom, the next we win three
“sensational, incredible, amazing, emotional, dramatic, unbelievable, fantastic – have i missed anything?”
away meetings on the bounce and things are looking good again. We had to make some drastic changes for those meetings and a big hats off to the guests who came in and did the Pirates proud. With those points in the bag, Chris Holder in magnificent form and Darcy back, our bid for a play-off spot is well and truly back on track. But for the next few days Elite League speedway takes a back seat with the World Cup taking centre stage and as Great Britain manager, I’m really looking forward to it. We have a tough job on our hands against Denmark, Sweden and the USA in Event Two on Monday at King’s
Lynn, but I’m confident we can at least make the run-off in Prague on Thursday by finishing second or third. There’s actually no reason why we can’t win the meeting and I know the boys will be really up for it and determined to do their country proud. It’s a huge honour representing your nation and we are all well aware of the responsibility that goes with it. We are also acutely aware of what this competition means to the fans and no stone will be left unturned in our pursuit of success. British sport has had plenty to cheer about in recent times. Hopefully we can add speedway to that list next week.
seeker news 35
july 12-25 2013
PiraTes
weymouth wildcats back from extinction?
darcy takes danish victory After two months on the sidelines, Darcy Ward roared to victory in the Moldow Danish FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Copenhagen.
Neil Middleditch says he will back any move to bring speedway back to Weymouth. The Wildcats folded in 2010 but a group of enthusiasts are working hard to try and return the sport to the seaside town. The Poole manager said: “Weymouth is a real speedway town. I began my career there and so it has a special place in my heart. “Dorset is a proper speedway county. You can talk to people in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester, Sherborne and Bridport and they all know about speedway. “We need more tracks in this country and Dorset is an ideal venue. Weymouth has produced some great riders over the years and I’d love to see the Wildcats ride again. “I know there are some really dedicated fans down there and I’ll support them any way I can.”
And having taken the chequered flag, the Aussie immediately dedicated his first Grand Prix success to his parents. He said: “It’s what you always dream of and it has been a lot of hard work from when I was a kid. My mum and dad put their heart and soul into me to get me here. I’m very thankful for what they have given me.”
PICTURe: MAD FOTOS.CO.UK
WarD seTs siGHTs on Play-offs by PaUL BaKeR
D
arcy Ward has vowed to fire Poole into the Elite League play-offs. The flying Aussie is back in the Pirates’ line-up after two months out with a broken shoulder. Ward made a sensational return to action by winning the Danish Grand Prix in Copenhagen a fortnight ago. And now wants to inspire his British club side to championship glory. He told Seeker News: “It’s been hard being on the sidelines and really frustrating watching Poole struggle and not being able to do anything to help. It’s strange why things haven’t
really happened for us this year because on paper we have a great side. “But the boys have put a decent little run together of late and I am determined to do my bit to keep that going and get us up into the play-offs. “The pressure is on me a bit, especially because me coming back has meant Przemyslaw Pawlicki has lost his place after doing so well for the team. But I love a challenge and I have every confidence he can do it. “There’s a long way to go and it won’t be easy, but the play-offs are well within our grasp and it’s the very least the club and our fans deserve. And the
Holder out after nasty crash Chris Holder’s season is in tatters after the reigning world champion suffered multiple injuries following a horror crash at Coventry. The Pirates’ skipper came to grief as he and fellow Aussie, Darcy Ward, went in search of a last heat maximum to secure a crucial Elite League victory for their side. Holding first and second places going into the second lap, the pair were on course for success when suddenly Holder lost control, hitting the air fence with such force it punctured. After receiving emergency medical treatment trackside, he was rushed
to University Hospital Coventry where scans revealed a broken hip, shoulder and heel. He underwent surgery on his heel with further operations expected. The meeting was immediately abandoned with Coventry leading 43-41. That result stands as Holder was officially excluded following the crash. Poole’s popular captain now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Team manager Neil Middleditch said: “This is a massive blow for Chris Holder. It’s a great shame after a tremendous meeting.”
“i am determined to get us up into the play-offs”
way Poole have supported me through my troubles, it’s also the least I can do as well.” As for his own incredible comeback, the 21-year-old’s feet remain firmly on the ground. “It was pretty special”, he added. “I don’t think anyone was expecting that, especially not me. “However during my time off I worked hard on my fitness and made a few adjustments to the way I ride and everything came together on the night. “But I couldn’t have done it without the backing of a lot of people – people like Neil Middleditch and his family,
Matt Ford, the medical professionals who treated me and all the Poole fans who have given me so much support.” Despite Ward’s tribute to Poole manager Middleditch, he admits he’s hoping to get one over on his club boss in coming days during the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup. Ward is in the Australian side to face Poland, Russia and Lativa in event two of the competition in Czestochowa, while Middleditch is in charge of Great Britain. “It will be tough for us. Poland are a superb side and they are at home and so they will be favourites.”
CHerries pip tHe magpies page 30
darCy rides again!
dorset’s gridiron warriors
page 34
page 32
Seeker SPORT
www.seekerspor t.co.uk
THe real Deal C
ristiano Ronaldo, Xavi Alonso, Kaka, Luka Modric, Mezut Ozil, Karim Benzema, Pepe, Isco, Fabio Coentrao... Real Madrid’s footballing aristocrats arrive at Dean Court next Sunday to play a Cherries side that stands on the brink of the biggest season in its history. But while the Spanish giants have reportedly considered bids of up to £100 million for Spurs’ winger Gareth Bale this summer, Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe has had If you’re injured or recovering from an operation
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pirates latest meet reports at
seekernews.co.uk Harry Arter has defended the £60 asking price for Cherries’ match against Real Madrid
by NICK CHURCHILL to box clever to sign the experienced Ian Harte and Elliot Ward on free transfers. Generations of football fans have passed through Dean Court and none of them has had the chance to watch the biggest football club in the world line up against AFC Bournemouth. Some pundits questioned the inflated ticket price – £60 for non-season ticket holders – but Cherries’ midfielder Harry Arter reckons it’s great value.
“I’m aware it’s a lot of money to find when times are hard,” he says, “but every football fan dreams of something like this – when are we ever going to get the chance to see these players in our home ground? “Bournemouth will have to do incredibly well in the next few seasons to stand a chance of playing a competitive match against Real Madrid, so this is the closest we’re going to get. “You don’t turn down the chance to play Real Madrid, even in an exhibition match.”
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