Boscombe Mag April 09

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April/May 09

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BOSCOMBE

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AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

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Your free bi-monthly mag for everything Boscombe

Boscombe Mag April 09

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In this issue . . .

6

Wellbeing Beechwood Dental Practice

7

Editor’s Choice

8

Town News Indian Summer at Baraka

9

Little Gems Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service

10

Waggy’s World Balcony Gardens

12

Spotlight on . . . The Gallery at The Chine

13

Town Map

14

Financial To Fix or Not to Fix

16

Food Bites Gorgeous Weekend Brunch

18

Entertainment

20

A Lighter Look on Life St George’s Day

21

Just For a Giggle:-)

22

Services and Useful Contacts

12

16

Cover images: Urban Beach and Boscombe Seafront, courtesy of Sean Gardiner

It’s All About Boscombe is designed and published by Gazelle Design, Tel: +44(0)1202 599077 Advertising enquiries Sarah Mitchell or Sue Peck, Tel: +44(0)1202 599077 Email: sarah@gazelledesign.co.uk Gazelle Design wish to express their appreciation for the help and assistance provided by various organisations and individuals in the production of this magazine. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct at the time of going to press. Neither Gazelle Design, its employees and agents shall be liable for any inaccuracies or omissions, or for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on any information contained. No part of this publication, including advertisements designed by Gazelle Design, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the written permission of Gazelle Design. ©Gazelle Design 2008

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FENCING - DECKING - GATES SHEDS - CABINS - SUMMERHOUSES

The Fencing Centre, Chapel Lane, Parley, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6BG T: (01202) 579539 F: (01202) 579792 E: sales@fencingcentre.co.uk

www.fencingcentre.co.uk

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Welcome . . .

elle

GAZ

I have been overwhelmed by the amount of positive feedback we’ve received about this mag and I’d like to thank everyone for their comments, without which our job would

“

Please drop us in as many copies as you can, they are really popular.

“

be a lot harder:-)

Joe, Cafe Boscanova

Well, a lot’s been going on here since the last mag.

We now have a new contributor to the mag ~ Pete Granger. He’ll be writing our ‘Just for a Giggle’ feature from now on . . . make sure you check out his first contribution in this issue on page 22 . . . we hope, like us, it’ll put a smile on your face ~ thanks Pete:-) The team here have decided to create a new website for the magazine and for Boscombe in general which is due to be launched online on April 9th ~ make sure you visit us at www.itsallaboutboscombe.co.uk ~ it’ll be full of the regular mag contents and will also be a source for visitors to the town with news, history, community news, town news, events and lots, lots more.

If you’d like us to include your company on the new website then please give Sarah or Sue a call on 01202 599077 ~ they’ll give you all the info:-) Please feel free to contact me at my email address helene@gazelledesign.co.uk if you have any news, information, events or chit-chat . . . all feedback is gratefully accepted.

Helene Bowman-Brown, Editor TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

Boscombe Chine Gardens courtesy Sean Gardiner

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tice

Be ec

relationship and effective communication with their dentists are less anxious about examinations and treatment.

d Dental P o o

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Wellbeing ~ Beechwood Dental Practice Advertorial

Caring about your smile Local Dentist Awarded Denplan Excel Accreditation Beechwood Dental Practice in Boscombe Manor is celebrating having achieved the high standards required to join the Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme. The programme, developed by Denplan, helps dentists to develop better relationships with their patients through good communication and improving people's experience of going to the dentist.

The Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme is the first to be approved by the Patients Association and was developed as a result of studies showing that patients who enjoy a good 6

Principal Dentist Anthony Inman says: 'I am delighted for all our patients and the Practice Team. This is the culmination of lots of hard work by the whole team, and reflects our attention to detail in all aspects of our Practice.'

Beechwood Dental Practice offers high quality dental care for the whole family and is currently happy to accept new patients. Located on Beechwood Avenue, opposite Shelley Park, we are conveniently close to the town centre. We offer a full range of treatments, including cosmetic dentistry, a dental hygienist, white fillings, crowns, veneers and tooth whitening.

Are you worried about crooked front teeth? With the revolutionary Inman Aligner we are able to straighten your smile quickly and efficiently without the need for ugly fixed braces.

Beechwood Dental Practice can be found at: 8 Beechwood Avenue, Boscombe Manor, Dorset BH5 1LX For details on all aspects of our Practice ring: 01202 397074 E: smile@beechwooddental.co.uk or visit www.beechwooddental.co.uk

50% off

a New Patient Consultation for readers of “It’s All About Boscombe” if you mention this advert!

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Editor’s Choice A new feature to “It’s All About Boscombe” . . . my favourites in and around the town. These are my honest, independent opinions based upon customer service and quality of goods experienced by me which I’d like to share with you ~ I hope you get to enjoy them too:-)

These are fab!

For those of you with any secrets to hide, objects to conceal, goods to stash, or if you just lose stuff really easily, these flippy floppies are for you. They feature a hidden, in-sole compartment for storing anything from personal items, to cash and credit cards, and because your flippy floppies stay on your feet, you won’t have to worry about losing your valuables.

You can get yours from Sorted Surf T: 01202 399099 or visit www.sortedsurfshop.co.uk

THINKING OF SELLING OR LETTING YOUR HOME? IF SO CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET CONSULTATION AND ADVICE ON ACHIEVING THE BEST PRICE

7%* Full Management (On presentation of this ad) * Terms and conditions apply

FREE FEES for every 10th Instruction for April, May and June Sales & Lettings

A great evening out!

I would just like to praise and thank the brilliant staff at Urban Beach for their friendly service ~ they talked to us; for caring ~ they put themselves out for us; for smiling ~ everyone gave us a smile and the for the food ~ absolutely fabulous!

The atmosphere, staff and food are spot on . . . I can’t wait to experience Urban Reef @ The Overstrand when it opens!

Take a trip to Urban Beach Sea Road, Boscombe or visit www.urbanbeachhotel.co.uk TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

FREE Continuous!

Landlords’ Rent Guarantee

3 BEDROOMED HOUSES Required FOR SALE for waiting buyers

FOR AN OPEN, HONEST AND TRANSPARENT SERVICE Please Call McKinlays on 01202 64 69 64 www.mckinlays.co.uk

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Town News ~ Indian Summer at Baraka and she also creates 'one-off' recycled knitwear that customers really love because they are so warm and funky . . . you definitely won't see another one the same.

Baraka means blessings in Arabic, and Julie Ann says she feels very blessed to be doing a job she loves so much. At Baraka they offer a personal service, including alterations, put buys and personal styling. Starting on April 1st Baraka are running monthly jewellery making workshops, teaching basic skills to enable you to make a necklace or bracelet and earring set, using glass, metal, shell and semi-precious stones. Workshops are from 7pm to 10pm and cost £15 plus materials.

You can find Baraka at

Owner of Baraka, Julie Ann, has a passion for fashion, so much so, she has just travelled to India in search of colourful summer fashion at the right price.

16 Sea Road, Boscombe For workshop bookings call: 01202 394949 or visit www.baraka.uk.com

She is really excited about this season, she has found new suppliers, higher quality garments, larger sizes and her own designs are on their way. First to arrive are a range of discounted designer surf-wear including Billabong, Rip curl, O'Neil and Roxy.

There's lots of new Silver Jewellery from Rajasthan, unique beach wear, sexy satin dresses and sensual chiffon gypsy skirts.

Julie Ann believes that fashion is an outer expression of how we feel and that we need different clothes to reflect our moods. She loves clothes that celebrate uniqueness and individuality 8

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS

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Little Gems . . .

Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service is based on the belief that their customers' needs are of the utmost importance.

Their entire team are committed to meeting those needs.

As a result, a high percentage of their business is from repeat customers and referrals.

If you dream of walking into an immaculate house without taking the time or effort, Mrs Mop's Housekeeping Service is ready to help. Their cleaning services cover a wide range of tasks to free up your time so you can concentrate on the important things in life ~ family, friends, career and hobbies.

Mrs Mop’s offer competitive rates for all types of cleaning ~ weekly, fortnightly and monthly domestic and commercial cleans, end of tenancy cleans, preparation or clean-up for special events, holiday homes, lettings and even after builders cleaning! They also offer an ironing and laundry service, window and gutter clearing.

Contact Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service on 07528 558475 or visit www.mrsmopshousekeeping.co.uk

KANTARA Guest House

01202 557 260 kantaraguesthouse.co.uk

Single/Double/Treble/Family Rooms En-Suite on request Colour TV/Coffee/Tea in all rooms Stag/Hen weekends by arrangement 8 Gardens View, Bournemouth BH1 3QA TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

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Waggy’s World Balcony Gardens bring another dimension to your life!

Many types of gardens can be created on balconies.

With the addition of floral colour, a balcony becomes an entertainment centre just right for relaxing.

Turf, small shrubs, and dwarf trees can be used to create a suburban landscape in miniature above the ground.

Balconies even offer the opportunity for food production, with flowering fruit trees and containergrown herbs and vegetables.

Whether transforming a high-rise penthouse or a simple second-floor terrace into a garden, a set of guidelines will aid in creating your “garden on high.” First, consider how you wish to use the area. Are you looking for a colourful relaxation area or just privacy from an adjacent block of apartments?

Second, evaluate the microclimate. Toward which direction does the balcony face? Note how much sun the area receives and for how long. If the balcony is recessed, does direct sunlight reach it at all? If the situation is very open, will you and your plantings be subjected to buffeting winds and scorching sunlight? Look at the area with a very critical eye before putting a lot of money into the project. Some minor remodeling may need to be done to make the area inviting to both people and plants.

Safety considerations are another important factor to think about. Most balconies are required by building safety codes to support 60 pounds per square foot. Be sure to use a lightweight growing media which can reduce weight by up to 60% over standard garden soil.

10

Avoid using heavy containers; plastics and cedar wood are recommended for low-weight situations.

Wood containers are one of the more popular containers used in the balcony garden, besides liking the look and feel of wood planters, some town houses, penthouses, and apartment blocks have terms in their lease that only wood planters are allowed on their balcony or terraces due to safety and weight limitations.

Other light-weight and rustic looking planters are the bamboo planter or willow planter.

Once you have evaluated the balcony for comfort and safety, you may start looking for plant materials. Spend some time reading, looking for information which focuses on container gardening. Choose plants suitable to your site. Vertical Gardening is also well suited for gardening in a limited space.

Container gardening often is the easiest solution. Pots and planter boxes come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, take up little space, and are movable and easily maintained. Don’t be limited to the “usual” standard annuals. Try long-blooming perennials, which, with a little extra care, can last well into winter.

Plant the perennials in large wooden planters. The larger the soil volume, the more success you will have at over watering your plants. Avoid small containers as well as plastic or terracotta that may crack when the water you apply in the winter freezes. After the first fall

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of frost, cut the perennials back, mulch well and move the container to a shaded area. Water two or three times a month, especially if the containers collect no snow in their winter location.

In spring, move containers to their permanent location, remove the mulch and water regularly. Vegetables, herbs, roses and even dwarf fruit trees can be grown this way.

The plants on an outdoor balcony will usually be enjoyed indoors as well, so be sure to plant eye-catching displays where they can be viewed through glass doors. For example, miniature conifers in a wooden trough offer year-round viewing pleasure. Clematis trained up a permanent trellis does wonders to disguise an unsightly view.

Many summer bedding plants are suitable in a sunny, balcony location.Try Grandiflora Petunias, graced by big, bright flowers, or compact Salvias with red blossoms on strong, stocky spikes.

Even a shady position still provides a multitude of choices.

Experiment with shade lovers including climbing or trailing Ivies; year-round, evergreen plants such as Boxwood; and annuals like Impatiens or Browallia to brighten sheltered areas.

One popular way to display a variety of plants in a small space is the “three-tier” design. Upright plants are used against a wall or trellis, or as the centerpiece in a planter box to add height. Bushy, medium-height plants fill in the bulk of the container. The planter boxes come in various sizes and shapes such as rectangular, square, with raised legs and also cylindrical which are suitable for shallow-rooted plant materials. Trailing plants placed on the edges of the planter tumble over the sides softening the composition.

Balconies have been transformed into the “backyards” for thousands of apartment, flat and townhouse dwellers across the country.

Be adventurous. Your balcony may just be the spot!

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

Apsecurity For local friendly service Key Cutting Locks Supplied & Fitted Watch Straps/Batteries Supplied & Fitted Handy Man Service Cycle Spares ~ Engraving

NOW AVAILABLE SPARES AND REPAIRS FOR ALL MAKES OF UPVc DOORS AND WINDOWS On-Street Parking

81 Palmerston Road, Boscombe BH1 4HW Tel: 07 502 195 406

Open: Mon to Fri 9:30am -14.30pm; Sat 9:30am -17:30pm

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Spotlight on . . . The Gallery Built in 1874 by Christchurch M.P. Sir Henry Drummond Wolff, the Chine Hotel, originally the Boscombe Spa Hotel, has been part of the FJB Group since 1955.

Formerly owners of a large chain of theatres, the Group diversified into hotels and the array of photographs on display at the Chine bears testimony to the number of legendary performers with whom the Group had links over the years.

But the Chine has no intention of resting on its past and the recent refurbishment of the public areas has introduced not only a stunning, contemporary look to the hotel blending perfectly with the original Victorian building but allowed the creation of The Gallery brasserie and bar.

Executive Chef, Carl Munroe and his team have created seasonal menus using, wherever possible, food from local and sustainable sources. Enjoy a light snack or a three-course lunch ~ the choice is yours. Dinner offers a good selection of starters, main courses (including vegetarian options) and desserts; whatever you choose, there will be the perfect wine to complement your meal.

With magnificent, unspoilt sea views and just a short walk from beautiful beaches, the hotel is within easy reach of the new surf reef (opening late 2009). Visitors to the Chine will also enjoy three acres of secluded, mature gardens ~ recently winner of two prestigious awards by Bournemouth in Bloom.

For weddings, meetings, holidays (long or short) or dining with friends, family or business colleagues ~ the Chine Hotel and The Gallery brasserie and bar ~ just perfect!

Reservations at The Gallery can be made on 01202 646622 For all other enquiries contact The Chine on 01202 396234 TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

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Map index of advertisers 2

16 17

TO SOUTHBOURNE

3

TO CASTLE LANE & PARLEY

18 19 20

POLICE

15 1 14

4

13

P +

WC

11 12

6

WC

P

P P

+

P

7

+

+ 10 8

5

9

WC

P TO CHRISTCHURCH

Map not to scale TO BOURNEMOUTH

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

McKinlays Fence Stores Ltd Crystal IFA APSecurity Kantara Guest House The Royal Arcade Baraka

8. Urban Beach 9. Gazelle Design 10. Beechwood Dental Practice 11. C&S Carpet Cleaners 12. Dorset Contract Flooring 13. Belvoir 14. Fishtails

15. Balti House 16. Southbourne Blinds 17. Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping 18. Bond & Co 19. Forest Leisure Cycles 20. Gas Boiler Services

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS

KEY Parking Doctors WC Toilets

P +

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Financial To fix or not to fix . . . that is the question With house prices continuing to fall and the Bank of England reducing bank base rate almost as quickly, you might well think that first time buyers and people looking to re mortgage might well sit on the side lines waiting for yet another cheaper deal to come by.

However, this could be the best time for many years to actually take some positive action as, with right advice, there are deals available to suit most applicants.

If you’re a first time buyer you should be looking to take advantage of the falling house prices and although a larger deposit than 18 months ago is now required to secure the best rates, there are lenders willing to help First Time Buyers onto the housing ladder.

With many lenders reducing their standard variable rate (SVR) the re-mortgage market has put householders in a quandary, do they stay on the prevailing low SVR or do they pay slightly more to secure a fixed rate for years in the future?

There is a strong case for fixing now. Not only are fixed rates generally as low as they 14

have been for many years, they also offer great long term value and stability. If (and it will only be a matter of time) the Bank of England decides to increase interest rates, the attractive fixed rates currently available will almost certainly be withdrawn overnight.

As with all financial products there are many options available to suit different client needs. If you are one of those people who think they could benefit from some of the low deals presently available then give Crystal IFA a ring to discuss your options.

Contact Paul Kemp at Crystal IFA Tel: 01202 528677 W: www.crystalifa.co.uk

N O O N E B E AT S U S O N P R I C E WE STOCK A STUNNING RANGE OF VENETIANS ~ VERTICALS ~ ROLLERS ALL WITH A CONSERVATORY 5 YEAR GUARANTEE BLINDS

WOODEN RANGE 45% OFF! CALL US NOW ON

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01202 432925

OR VISIT US AT 136 SEABOURNE ROAD, SOUTHBOURNE BH5 2HZ

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS

Boscombe Mag April 09

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www.belvoirlettings.com/bournemouth bournemouth@belvoirlettings.com

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BELVOIR! the lettings specialist

TENANTS! LANDLORDS! We are the lettings specialist!

LET . . . us do all the work!

01202 39 49 59

FISH AND CHIPS

20% OFF with this ad Valid til 31.5.09 775 Christchurch Road, Boscombe BH7 6AW

Telephone orders welcome on 01202 421075

Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service Domestic & Commercial cleaning Regular or one-off cleans 219 Barrack Road Ironing & Laundry Service Christchurch, Window Cleaning Dorset BH23 2AX Tel: 07528 558475 Gutter Clearing email: mrsmopshousekeeping@gmail.com

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Food bites ~ Gorgeous Weekend Brunch Brunch ~ the relaxed weekend meal that combines breakfast and lunch ~ is finally coming into its own here in the U.K. Brunch is reminiscent of being a pampered child, of being cared for ~ no rushed cornflakes, no burnt toast, no quick croissant while rushing to work. Brunch is a celebration of a day off.

In North America, normally queue-shy inhabitants are happy to line up for an hour for a table at their favourite brunch spot.

Who wouldn't be? Brunch means you can drink at breakfast time ~ Bloody Marys and Mimosas are popular brunch cocktails. Exotic coffees often come complete with amazing coffee art drawn in the froth.

Brunch means you can eat anytime between 10 am and 4pm and everyday food like bread gets turned magically into French toast.

Before you ask, it's not toast and it’s not eggybread. It's a divine breakfast cake that can be made with chocolate or with bananas or topped with fruit compote, or stuffed with ricotta or topped with ice cream ~ the possibilities are endless!

Try this lovely version at home for a happy weekend breakfast. Or, if you feel like being pampered, French toast is on Café Boscanova's new Brunch menu.

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Hypnotherapy Winchester - Bournemouth weight loss - stop smoking - confidence motivation - self esteem - fears - phobias habits - driving test/interview/exam nerves - improve sleep - release negative emotions - stress relief - and much more

Kevin J Baker

Dip.Hyp.

Phone: 07733 479 665 Email: kevinjbaker@yahoo.com

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS

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GAS BOILER SERVICES

French Toast with fruit compote and yoghurt

FOR ALL YOUR HEATING NEEDS ●

Boiler Servicing

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Break the four eggs into a bowl and mix with the whipping cream.

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Add the orange zest and a teaspoon of vanilla.

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Plumbing Service Available

Serves 2 1 loaf brioche bread 4 eggs 100 ml whipping cream Zest of 1 orange 1 tsp vanilla

2 tblsp Vegetable oil 4 tblsp Yoghurt 4 tblsp Fruit Compote 3 tblsp of cinnamon sugar

Method Cut four thick slices of brioche bread.

Dip the bread into the batter mixture.

Heat oil in a 10 inch frying pan. Add the battered bread.

Turn the bread frequently until it is slightly golden.

To serve, place toast on a plate, top with yoghurt and fruit compote, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

subject to parts availability

Chef’s Details Tansy Austin, Head Chef Café Boscanova, 650 Christchurch Road, Boscombe Tel: 395596 E: cafeboscanova@googlemail.com www.www.cafeboscanova.com http://tansyskitchen.blogspot.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

Mobile: 07926 039137 Office: 01202 253968 www.gasboilerservices.co.uk

121684

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Entertainment

At Opera House

www.operahouse.co.uk

570 Christchurch Rd, BH1 4BH

April ◗ Slinky 12th Birthday Pt 1 ◗ Circus ~ Gay Night ◗ Carl Cox May ◗ Slinky 12th Birthday Pt 2

Fri 10 Sun 12 Fri 17 Fri 1

At Tiffany’s Bar 677 Christchurch Rd, BH7 6AA

◗ Student Night ◗ Salsa Night ◗ Party Night Opening ‘til 2am

Tel: 729038

Tue’s Thu’s Fri & Sat’s

At Moontree Gallery @ Baraka, 16 Sea Road, Boscombe BH5 1DB

◗ Reiki Attunement Workshop ~ 1st Degree ◗ Reiki Share Evening ◗ Reiki Attunement Workshop ~ 2nd Degree Photo courtesy Urban Beach

www.moontree.org.uk

April 25/26 April 27 May 24

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

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Family Fun Day @ Boscombe Chine Gardens On Saturday the 11th April, The Friends of Boscombe Chine Gardens will be holding their annual Family Fun Day, in Boscombe Chine Gardens.

As in previous years there will be plenty to keep the family entertained for the whole day. This year we are pleased to have a display of Bread Making and a number of small Farm Animals to learn about. There will also be the free Nature Trail for the under 15's to discover, with a gift for all those that complete the trail questionnaire. The children will be able to have their faces painted; ride on a train around the gardens; talk to our local Fire Brigade and sit inside the Fire Engine; have fun on the trampolines and ride on the roundabout.

Scruffs Dog Show is open for all comers, enter as long as the owners behave themselves! There will be many other stalls to enjoy and things to do. In addition we will also have a full afternoon of live entertainment, including Count Backwards!

For eats, you can try the BBQ or you can sit on the Clock CafĂŠ terrace and enjoy their fantastic organic menu. The mini golf will be open and the children's water play park promises to be a splashing good time.

Come and enjoy Bournemouth's latest Nature Reserve and relax in your open space.

Anyone wishing to join the Friends or find out more about renting a stall can do so by contacting: Cllr Chris Wakefield @ 6 Wharncliffe Road, Boscombe BH5 1AH E: cmwakefield@btopenworld.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

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A Lighter Look on Life It's St. George's Day on 23 April and that always reminds me of William Shakespeare.

You see, we used to live in Warwickshire and I remember wandering up the High Street in Stratfordupon-Avon one 23rd April when it fell on a Saturday, wondering why we English do not celebrate the slaying of dragons. The Irish moved to New York so they could have a parade for St. Patrick every year, so it wouldn’t hurt us to get the paper mache out, would it? A bit of the Blue Peter spirit and you’ve got a nice green monster that we can yell at and throw stones at, and dodge the flamethrower in its mouth. (Health & Safety can stop reading now. I’m only joking. Really.)

Anyway, back in Stratford I was mulling these thoughts over in my mind, as you do, when a parade appeared out of nowhere. Floats manned by schoolchildren trundled past, led by a brass band, and right at the front was a chap dressed in a leather tunic and breeches, with a suspect goatee beard, who did not look at all like I had imagined St George.

That’s when I discovered that Shakespeare was born on 23rd April ~ he shared his birthday with St. George’s Day. Maybe that’s why we don’t celebrate it any more. Just imagine, you’re the best playwright in the land, admired for your turn of phrase and wit, lauded by commoners and royalty alike for the deep emotions you can stir up with a few well-judged words. You are the Oscar Wilde of your day, and some ancient soldier with a dragon complex steals your birthday every year. What’s a celebrity to do?

by Keith Hart

20

Maybe Will decided to do something about it. A word here, a well placed joke there, and a bon mot to the newspapers, and all of a sudden no one wants to know about St George’s Day. Job done!

And anyway, what’s so great about slaying a dragon?

I rather like the idea of dragons and think I have missed out by living at a time when they are rather thin on the ground.

Who hasn’t read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and not envied Hagrid the chance to study Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback?

Who wasn’t moved by the death of Smaug, the last fire drake, in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”?

If you’re the cynical type and need convincing that dragons are much misunderstood warm and cuddly beings, then the solution is simple: sing after me . . .

“Puff the Magic Dragon, lives by the sea (in Boscombe with the goats), and frolics in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee” . . . you see, it takes you to a better place.

So let’s hear it for all dragons and celebrate them on 23rd April. The revolution starts here!

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Just for a giggle:-)

by Pete Granger There’s one thing I’ve never quite understood about Easter. What’s it got to do with rabbits?

Everywhere you look there are Easter bunnies, and they’re usually carrying an egg! Now it may be a few years since I left school, and correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t rabbits mammals? And don’t mammals have live babies rather than laying eggs?

So where do rabbits get the Easter eggs from?

I suspect that all those battery farms that people get so upset about are actually run by rabbits. They’re probably called battery farms because people believe all rabbits have Duracell batteries inside them! Most of the time the rabbits keep a low profile and let us humans believe they are only interested in making more rabbits, when in actual fact they are obsessed with making money from the eggs they farm.

However, every cloud has a silver lining, and I think the current credit crunch may put an end to chicken exploitation by rabbits. There just won’t be the profit in eggs any more, so I think the rabbits will abandon their battery farms and go back to doing what bunnies do best.

That will leave the way clear for the Easter bunny to be replaced by the Easter chicken, which is only fair considering they do all the work laying the eggs in the first place:-) TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 599077

Bond & Co Estate Agents of Boscombe East BH7 6BQ For Sales, Rentals, Management and Commercial property ●

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Large Prominent corner position to display your home until it's sold or rented.

25 years experience and down to earth valuations on all properties Cash buyers waiting to buy today, tenants waiting to rent Full advertising in local publications, including Call Mike Simpkins on 429333 or email mike@bondandco.net or gemma@bondandco.net

Boscombe Mag April 09

26/3/09

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Page 22

Services

Useful Contacts

Cleaning

General

Mrs Mops

One-offs, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or spring cleaning. Private and commercial.

Tel: 07528 558475 W: www.mrsmopshousekeeping.co.uk

Motor Recovery Services C T Mobile Autos

Mobile & Workshop Mechanic, Breakdown Recovery, Car Transportation and Fault Diagnostics.

Tel: 07896 607497

W: www.ctmobileautos.co.uk

Boiler Breakdown Heating and plumbing engineers.

M: 07926 039137

Property Maintenance DLA Property Maintenance

General property maintenance.

Tel: 01202 428436

M: 07766 740161

Get yourself seen by

21,000+

potential customers for just £11 a month!

Tel: 599077 E: sarah@gazelledesign.co.uk 22

Beach Office Bournemouth Council B&WH Water Citizens’ Advice Bureau Crime Stoppers Cruse Bereavement Support Dorset Lesbian & Gay Helpline Marriage Guidance Neighbourhood Management NHS Direct Report Anti Social Behaviour Samaritans Surfline Tourist Information

01202 451 781 01202 451 451 01202 590 059 01202 290 967 0800 555 111 08444 779 400 01202 318 822 01202 311 231 01202 458 972 0845 46 47 0845 605 22 22 01202 551 999 01202 434 344 0845 05 11 700

Travel

Gas Boiler Services Tel: 01202 253968

◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Bournemouth Airport Condor Ferries National Express Coaches National Rail Enquiries Star Radio Cars (Taxis) United Taxis Wilts & Dorset Bus Co. Yellow Buses

01202 364 000 01202 207 216 08717 818 181 08457 484 950 01202 391 919 01202 55 66 77 01202 673 555 01202 636 060

Emergencies ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Boscombe Police Station Bournemouth Hospital Bournemouth Police Station Childline Electric Gas Rape Crisis RSPCA (Cruelty Line 24hrs) Water

01202 222 222 01202 303 626 01202 552 099 0800 11 11 0845 770 80 90 0800 111 999 01202 547 445 0300 1234 999 01202 525 295

Boscombe Mag April 09

26/3/09

17:11

Page 23

Boscombe Mag April 09

26/3/09

17:11

Page 24