NO. 32 J U N E 2 0 1 5
SPORTS
LEISURE
LIFESTYLE
READ ME I’M FREE
EXCLUSIVE
LOOK BACK ON AFC BOURNEMOUTH’S INCREDIBLE SEASON
Christchurch
Bournemouth
Poole
HIGHLIGHTS NO. 32
4 Poole Pirates
Update from Poole Readypower Pirates
10 My Team
Meet Poole Phoenix Handball Club
JUNE 2015
4 6 8 10 12 17 18 20 22 23 26 27 30 32 36 38 39
POOLE PIRATES BE INSPIRED THE SCRUM DOWN MY TEAM AFCB SPECIAL VILLAGE NEWS THIS MONTH JOBS COACH SPORT TALK WEST HANTS EXERFORMANCE YOGA ZONE THE SWELL SPORT NEWS MERCEDES-BENZ UP THE CHERRIES COMPETITION TIME
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Exclusive feature about the rise of the Cherries
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The Swell
Interview with local windsurfing expert, Julien Ives
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PIRATES
NEW SKIDS ON THE BLOCK THE POOLE READYPOWER PIRATES HAVE SET ABOUT THE NEW SPEEDWAY SEASON IN FINE STYLE. THEY RECORDED THREE AWAY WINS OUT OF THEIR FIRST FOUR ELITE LEAGUE ROAD TRIPS, UNDOUBTEDLY A MASSIVE BONUS IN THEIR LEAGUE CLIMBING ASPIRATIONS. However, whilst we reported last month that our local speed heroes had made an encouraging start to the new shale year, it has not been without some turbulence along the way. Such is speedway. There have been injuries along the way with Pirates losing key men in the early weeks. All three heat leaders had spells on the sidelines, Chris Holder, Davey Watt and Maciej Janowski missed matches after track crashes, as well as reserve Kyle Newman, causing more than a few selection headaches for Owner Matt Ford and Team Manager Neil Middleditch. At home, a narrow defeat by Coventry and a draw with Belle Vue compounded the problems. It’s at time like these the remaining riders are tested to the max, having to step up and deliver their best in the name of the team. Someone once said that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and when Pirates looked down the ranks of their team they found the toughest of them all were their debutant signings of young Polish ‘whiz-kid’, Kacper Gomolski and their latest Australian ‘hot-shot’ Dakota North. The newest ‘skids’ on the block at Wimborne Road have grabbed the headlines with some dashing and courageous displays that have won over a huge following from the Pirates’ faithfuls. It was clear from the start that Pirates rated the pair as two riders most likely to improve their starting average and they have not disappointed, gaining in excess of a point each, in real terms, and still climbing. Both men have topped the score chart at least once already in the opening weeks and their contributions have been reliable and solid at a time when the side was at its most troubled in terms of rider availability. So much so that each has received the accolade of ‘rider of the night’ at least once.
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DAKOTA NORTH, Followed in Dad’s wheel tracks with the Pirates.
Gomolski, the youngest of the 2015 squad, started the season on a bargain average of 3.94 points based on previous years in the UK before reaching his current, much improved, standard. He has been regularly hitting around the seven point mark per meeting and bagged a personal best for Poole in March with twelve against the Somerset Rebels. Speaking little English, interviews with the young Pole are rare, but on the few occasions he has taken the mic he has made it clear that he is more than happy to be racing at Poole.
basis. It would be great to put a couple of points on my average and that would help us achieve the whole club’s aim.” Aussie, North, who has hit double figures three times since March, enjoys links with the town as his mother was from Poole and his father rode fleetingly for the Pirates during the eighties. “We have some pictures at home of Dad’s days riding for Poole. It feels good to be here and hopefully I can do an even better job than he did. It’s also good to have such good riders and friends around such as Chris (Holder) and Davey (Watt) along with Kacper, Kyle (Newman) and Magic (Maciej Janowski) who all fly around here! I’m here to do my best and, in return, I hope I can gain the support of all the Pirates’ fans.”
Speaking via the Poole programme recently he told followers, “The club and the supporters here are very good. I always preferred that if I race back in England I wanted to race for the Poole Pirates so, for this season, my dream has come true. If I win, KACPER GOMOLSKI, Always wanted to ride for the Poole Pirates. I like to complete a victory lap and wave to the fans to show my thanks for their great support. Everyone has made me feel so welcome and It would be a brave soul to challenge the fact that both riders have gained total respect amongst I appreciate that. I am really trying to commit all I can to Poole this season and help them get to the playoffs. the many stars of the skull and crossbones and a sentiment that owner Matt Ford is quick to endorse, It would be fantastic for them to win the league this “These guys really have the ability to write themselves year for the third consecutive time and for me to be into the history books. The strange thing is that many part of that team.” of speedway’s so called ‘pundits’ were writing Kacper off before even a wheel was turned. In my tradition Meanwhile, Dakota “Dak” North is keen to agree of finding fresh talent every year that fact alone really with his Polish team mate on his aims for the year. appealed to me! Now look at them both, we couldn’t “Obviously I want to help the Pirates win the league, ask for more from our ‘new kids on the block.” but I also want to have a good season on a personal READYPOWER PIRATES HOME FIXTURES JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 2015 WED
3RD JUNE
KING’S LYNN
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
17TH JUNE
COVENTRY
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
8TH JULY
LAKESIDE
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
15TH JULY
RESERVED
WED
22ND JULY
WOLVERHAMPTON
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
29TH JULY
SWINDON
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
5TH AUG
LEICESTER
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
12TH AUG
BELLE VUE
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
19TH AUG
SWINDON
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
26TH AUG
RESERVED
WED
2ND SEPT
KING’S LYNN
ELITE LEAGUE
7.30PM
WED
9TH SEPT
RESERVED
Fixtures subject to change please check website for confirmation - www.poolepirates.co
CRICKET
DORSET DISABILITY COUNTY CRICKET CLUB WE WELCOME BACK ROB FRANKS WHO WAS LAST SEEN IN THE GAME TALKING ABOUT HIS DISABLED DARTS ACHIEVEMENTS. WE CAUGHT UP WITH ROB TO FIND OUT ABOUT HIS RECENT NEW APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY CAPTAIN OF DORSET DISABILITY CRICKET CLUB.
PHOTO: SALLY ADAMS
“I’VE GOT MORE METAL IN MY LEG THAN ROBOCOP!”
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Hi Rob, welcome back to The Game. Firstly, how is the Darts going? Hi, the darts isn’t going too bad but I’m having the summer off playing due to my cricket obligations but I’ll be back on to darts come September. Congratulations on becoming County Captain for your cricket club. When did you first get into cricket? Thank you. I first started playing when I was 6 years old for Frome Cricket Club. Frome is my home town. Bar a couple of seasons, I’ve been playing ever since. People often ask me whether I bat or bowl and to be honest, I couldn’t make up my mind which one I wanted to do so I decided to do both and become an all rounder which I love doing as it means I can (hopefully) make a difference with both the bat and the ball (that’s the idea anyway! ). …and how does it feel to be captain of your club? To be selected as a captain of any team is amazing but to be a captain of your county cricket team at any level is special. It gives me a huge buzz that the decisions I make on the pitch whether good or bad can influence the game and ultimately help to win or lose the match. For those who missed your last interview, can you tell us a bit about your disability and how you overcome this when you’re playing cricket? In 2012, I was diagnosed with a bone tumour in my left distal femur which I had removed and in 2013 it came back and I had it removed again. Unfortunately, the operation went wrong and I ended up with no feeling from below the knee rendering my left leg pretty useless. Then in July 2014, while I was playing for Dorset Disability Cricket, my leg snapped through the operation site and I’ve now got more metal in my leg than Robocop! When I play, I now bowl from a standing position and bat as usual but with a runner (which is great as I don’t have to run anymore). When I field, I field at slips with my crutch next to me. Can you tell our readers more about Dorset Disability County Cricket Club and some history/highlights? We have been going a number of years but have only been in a league for around 3 years. We are based at Dorchester Cricket Club (all spectators welcome) and this year with the players we have, I feel we have a huge
chance of making a statement in the County Championship. Also this year, we have a special reason to do well as our county manager, Gordon Pickergill passed away in April 2015 from cancer and he really was Mr Dorset Disability Cricket so this season is dedicated to him! …and how about your own personal achievements with your cricket? I have a few personal achievements that spring to mind, obviously becoming County Captain stands tall in my mind but in April 2015, I was handed the captaincy of England Disability Team for a match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester which is a massive honour and something I’ve always wanted to do. Another achievement was being named ‘player of the year’ in 2011 at Corfe Mullen Cricket Club. We had a good season that year and in my mind, 1 of 11 players could have been named ‘player of the year’ but our skipper, Wiggie, decided I was to be named (and to be honest, to this day, I’m baffled why I was picked!) Lastly, another huge achievement was watching my little boy, Harry, hit a cricket ball in the back garden for the first time. He was only 2 at the time and I felt hugely proud that he managed it. Now he’s cricket (and darts) obsessed so watch out for his name in the future! I would also like to thank my long suffering wife for all the support she has given me in my cricket endeavours as she was the one that gave me the drive to carry on and try out Disability Cricket and if it wasn’t for Carla, I wouldn’t be playing now - she really is a diamond and also a cricket widow in the summer! Finally, I want to thank my sponsor for supporting me and giving me an elite player contract. I’m sponsored by SM CRICKET www.cricketdealdirect.co.uk (Pop over and have a look for some cracking deals).
How can people find out more about your club and get involved? We are on Twitter and Facebook: Twitter @dorsetdisablecc My Twitter @robfranks180 Facebook /dorset disability county cricket club Internet : www.dorsetcricketboard.co.uk Thanks for telling us about your club and we wish you all the best for the future.
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RUGBY
THE ALAN THORNE MEMORIAL TROPHY WAS AWARDED TO NIALL GAFFNEY
The Lions Awards Ceremony Bournemouth Rugby Club held their annual awards dinner on Friday May 15th which was attended by over 100 players, committee members and supporters. Awards were presented as follows:
• Player of the Year - Joe Rees. • Young Player of the Year - Lewis Dennett, one of the Colts who has moved seamlessly into the First XV set up and has scored many points this season.
HAMISH RENWICK, CAPTAIN OF THE YEAR Finally, we were very proud to welcome John Yarwood and members of Sam’s family to award the ‘Sam Yarwood Trophy’ to Grant Hancox who has made a big impact within the club since he arrived this year.
• Most Improved Young Player of the Year James Fisher, another Colt who has moved up into the second XV. • 2nd XV Player of the Year is awarded to Lewis Nicholls. • 3rd XV Player of the Year - Mike Treloar. • 4th team Player of the Year - John Jones.
GRANT HANCOX, WINNER OF THE SAM YARWOOD TROPHY PICTURED WITH JOHN YARWOOD, JAKE YARWOOD AND RACHEL PITMAN
• Captain of the Year was awarded to Hamish Renwick, the U18 Colts Captain, who led his squad to the D&W finals, Clubman of the Year was awarded to Greg Pike, Vice Chairman for Y&M who has worked tirelessly this year for the Y&M section. • The Alan Thorne Memorial Trophy was awarded to Niall Gaffney in recognition for the mammoth task of balancing the books over the last few years.
Pictures: www.alexwphoto.co.uk AlexWilliamsonPhotography
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GREG PIKE, CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR
Bournemouth are looking forward positively to the new season and welcome new players to come along and try out during summer pre season training which will be starting in the next few weeks. Details of pre season training and sessions will be on the FB page and website. Bournemouth Touch will be continuing to train over the summer on Thursday evenings at 7pm at Chapel Gate Sports Club, they are welcoming anyone over the age of 13 with an accompanying parent who does not have to play but must remain on site during the training sessions. Article: Julie Boddington
Bournemouth Rugby Club wouldn’t function without the ‘behind the scenes’ work of our valued volunteers and we would like to take this opportunity to say a massive ‘Thank you’. We are always looking for more volunteers so if you can spare a couple of hours a month got to help out your local rugby club, come on down and see what you can do to get involved.
BMTH 7s
ONE BIG 7s WEEKEND! 30,000 party people, 386 sports teams, 10 arenas, 3 days of sport and music…they came, they partied, they played and yet again, the Bournemouth 7s Festival 2015 was a resounding success! Branded as the PARTY OF THE YEAR, the 8th Bournemouth 7s Festival opened its gates to give a warm welcome to thousands of sports and music fans over the late May Bank Holiday weekend launching the official start to the summer. Record numbers flocked to Bournemouth Sports Club to experience the delights of the event, some for the first time and others returning for more of the familiar unrivalled buzzing atmosphere the festival has become famous for. The Game spoke to local festivalgoer and rugby fan, Joseph Murphy-Sullivan getting his account, first-hand to describe his weekend at the 7s… “So it was that time of year again. The one we all look forward to so desperately…the Bournemouth 7s. For weeks Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and everyone you’d meet was talking about it. More often than not, all the talk and hype can be a problem and fall somewhat flat but not with the Bournemouth 7s. If anything, it went above and beyond! We set off early on the Saturday afternoon, once we’d all met and put our costumes on ready for the weekend. As soon as we got near Chapel Gate, the whole place was buzzing. We decided to take it all in and get our bearings so went on a big long walk around the whole site; watching the netball, rugby and our new favourite sport, Bubble Ball, along the way! As the sun began to set, we headed for the German beer tent. I’m not sure if it was the dancing on the tables or the lederhosen we were wearing but we felt this was our spiritual home! We spent hours
dancing away and even perfected the very famous dirty dancing lift after several attempts of trying! In every tent you went into, there was someone to say ‘hi’ to and some great music to dance to. Everyone was in the perfect mood with very little trouble. The weather that was rumoured to turn sour behaved and the rain stayed away apart from a little light drizzle that didn’t turn into anything much. There was not a single hitch in the plan. Although the phone signal was rather problematic when trying to meet friends, the safer and funnier method was to stand on your tip toes and do your best meerkat impression! We opted to leave the fancy dress though so we didn’t have to worry about heat exhaustion. The second night was again, brilliant with even more dancing and friends old and new popping into the scene. The synchronised dancing by the boys was also on complete point.
“AFTER WAKING UP ON THE SECOND DAY, IT WAS TIME TO ALL MEET UP AGAIN. SOME OF OUR GROUP HAD ENDED UP A BIT FURTHER AWAY THAN THEY HAD PLANNED BUT IT WAS AN EASILY FIXED SITUATION AND AFTER A DEBRIEF AND SOME WAFFLES, IT WAS TIME TO GET BACK ON IT!”
It was all over far too quickly but the welcome sight of the shuttle buses was a real life saver! Expecting it to be fairly subdued, we were of course wrong. Two of the loudest girls I’ve ever met in my life were present along with other party-goers so we couldn’t quite get out of the festival vibe! There really is no other festival like the Bournemouth 7s. If you didn’t go this year you massively missed out. Even if you don’t play any of the sports offered or aren’t particularly a huge sports fan, there is honestly something for everyone!” Every year, the Bournemouth 7s Festival keeps getting bigger and better and never fails to impress the festival-goers and sports fans who travel from all over the country to play and party at the world’s biggest sports and music event. So, as the sun sets on another big 7s weekend and with all the tents, trucks and teams packed away for another year, we bid farewell to the Party of The Year and say ‘bring on 2016’!
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MY TEAM
HANDBALL CLUB WE TALK EXCLUSIVELY TO FOUNDER AND HEAD COACH OF POOLE PHOENIX HANDBALL CLUB, JOHN PEARCE TO FIND OUT ABOUT HIS DRIVE FOR HIS SPORT AND HOW HIS CLUB IS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES TO ENJOY SPORT IN A WELCOMING AND FUN ENVIRONMENT.
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HI JOHN, THANKS FOR TALKING TO US. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CLUB AND THE EARLY DAYS WHEN YOU LAUNCHED LAST YEAR… The early days were incredibly hard. There were sessions when there were only a few people turning up and we had hall fees of £40 per hour to pay. We struggled to find a sustainable venue and this resulted in us moving around from location to location which made it even more difficult. I’ll be honest, there were so many times when I just thought this was never going to take off. It was a really surreal feeling trying to get it going. I always knew where I wanted it to go, but at the time we were just so far away from that vision you wondered if it would ever happen.
and was able to keep training in Denmark. I then worked my way up to play in the Danish 1st division and was then fortunate enough to play in Norway for a year. All of this eventually led to me being selected to represent Team GB at London 2012 which was obviously an incredible experience. It’s clichéd but it guess it happens so quickly you don’t really process or comprehend what happened until it’s over and you’re so focussed on competing that you don’t get a sense of the wider picture until you step out of that bubble. I had ruptured my ACL 10 weeks before the games and needed surgery to reconstruct it. Straight after my final match I went in for the operation and I was then sent home to recover. So it was a really frantic and crazy experience but one that will never leave me.
YOU’VE HAD A PRETTY INCREDIBLE JOURNEY WITH YOUR SPORT AND COMPETED FOR TEAM GB IN THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT AND MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN SPORTING HISTORY? I was picked up in 2007 at Loughborough University as part of UKsports talent identification scheme looking for athletes to transition into Olympic Sports to represent Team GB at London 2012. I put my name forward for a trial in January and then went on a series of selection camps throughout the year. At the start of 2008 they asked my to join the full time program in Aarhus, Denmark. So I left my family, my education and the country and moved to Denmark in January 2008. I spent a year in Denmark on the Team GB performance program before funding cuts in 2009 stopped the program. At that point, I had to fund myself out in Denmark or quit and go home. I managed to get a job painting toilets and cutting down trees at a school in Denmark
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO LAUNCH A CLUB OF YOUR OWN? I guess anger really and perhaps disappointment. Probably not the usual reasons for starting a club but it really was the driving emphasis in starting the club and continuing and pushing it so hard. After the UKsport funding cuts in 2012 and having effectively sacrificed everything I had at the time to represent my country, I just couldn’t bear to watch everything I had worked for over the past 5 years crumble to nothing which was how it felt at the time. I love this game and how it is growing in this county. The joy I see on kids’ faces when they play something new made me fight for it. Also, I still wanted to play and sometimes you have to create what you want to be involved in.
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YOU HAVE SENIOR, JUNIORS AND MINI TEAMS WITHIN THE CLUB, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS? The Men’s senior team entered and competed in the South West League this year for the first time which is a massive step for the club as it’s our first registered competition. We have just finished 2nd in the league and potentially may be promoted into the South Championship. We have developed a Women’s team who have competed in a number of fixtures this year and they came 2nd at Last years British Beach Handball Championships that are hosted here in Poole! Our goal keeper Jack Aguera represented GB U21 in the European qualifiers which was incredible and some of our U16 players have been invited to National Academy Trials. The Juniors is perhaps where are biggest successes have come this year as we now have developed an U16 boys and girls team which is something we are really proud of. Our U16 girls represented the county at Nationals where they came 4th in their first year. To be honest though, as great as that is, the results aren’t really important. Its more that we have got kids who haven’t really taken to other sports and got them involved with Handball and turning up regularly to be involved and experience what it is to be part of a team. Particularly for the girls when obviously there is so much information out there about participation rates slumping in teenagers, so we are really pleased to see such a buy in from them. We now have a mini section for primary school kids, which is pretty mental, and not something I envisaged happening this quickly and that is open to all abilities from school years 4-6. WHO IS WHO WITHIN THE PEOPLE WHO RUN THE CLUB WITH YOU? Within the club, we have me and then we have Liz Roberts from an organisation perspective. Liz came on board last year and has pushed this club further and faster than I thought possible in such a short space of time. Liz is the Vice Chair and is the Head of Junior Development. She transferred from netball to handball about this time last year and that’s when we launched the club officially as Poole Phoenix Handball and joined the England Handball Association as a registered club. So it’s been a pretty epic year. …AND YOUR CLUB IS KNOWN FOR HAVING OUTSTANDING COACHING, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU DEVELOP NEWCOMERS TO THE TEAM AND WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT? I hope they can expect quality a quality environment, quality people and quality coaching; we have worked really hard to try and note improvements other clubs could make and put a real emphasis on the little things that make a big difference. Both Liz and I are highly qualified coaches and ensure that all coaching associated with Poole Phoenix is delivered by fully qualified and exceptional coaches. We strive to be the very best and hopefully people can feel that when we deliver sessions and the way we run the club.
NOW YOU ARE ESTABLISHED, HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB AND WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE? Well, my ultimate dream or goal is to win the Champions League in 2035 for Men and Woman so we have 20 years from now to get moving! People mostly laugh at that but I really believe in aiming for the absolute best that you can possibly be and then see where the chips fall; someone has to win it. I’m really excited by what’s currently going on at the moment, our short terms aims are to build up the club now to get full representation through Minis – U12 – U14 – U16 – U18 and Seniors across both men’s and women’s. That’s really important and the major focus so hopefully over the next year or so we can achieve that and then look at the next steps. Really we need to start finding local supporters in Poole to help continue our rapid growth. YOU’RE ACTIVELY INVOLVED WITH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE AREA, HOW DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED? We have been really lucky with the take up of schools with the game. Last year saw two schools enter the Dorset School Games Handball competition with about 30 kids. This year saw 16 schools and 357 kids join the competition so it’s a massive massive step up in participation which means that kids are clearly loving playing the game which is the most important part! To get them to play for Poole Phoenix I guess I bully them! I really go and actively seek them out and this has worked quite well with the girls as I don’t think aside from Netball they really get asked to come and play club sport so when they get offered something different most have jumped at it. Its really helped getting friendship groups coming to the club together and that’s helped get more people coming on board. GIVE US THREE BENEFITS OF PLAYING HANDBALL… Fun, Friends, Fitness. HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CLUB? Anyone interested in knowing more can find us here. You are more than welcome to come and give it a shot. My advice is just to try, if you hate it I won’t force you to come back… You might even enjoy it. Thanks for telling us about your club. We look forward to following your progress. WEB: WWW.POOLEPHOENIX.COM TWITTER: @POOLEPHOENIX FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/POOLEPHOENIX INSTAGRAM: POOLE PHOENIX
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AFC BOURNEMOUTH
THE GAME LOOKS BACK ON ALL THE GOALS, SIGNINGS, SAVES AND KEY MOMENTS FROM THE CHERRIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE WINNING CAMPAIGN. ARTICLE: ALEX SMITH
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here isn’t much AFC Bournemouth supporters haven’t seen. Whether it’s their club on the brink of a financial crisis, pulling off a Great Escape or welcoming the world’s most iconic team in a one off match that captured the attention of the globe, there’s rarely a dull moment at Dean Court. But perhaps the 2014/15 season surpassed all that had gone before. It had everything – club records, high profile transfers, more than 100 goals and ultimately a first promotion to the top flight. The Cherries’ intentions were clear from as early as the very first minute of their opening game. Within 24 seconds Marc Pugh had brought down Matt Ritchie’s inswing cross and opened the account for Eddie Howe’s side as they headed for the top of the table.
“WE’VE SET A MARKER DOWN IN TERMS OF OUR PERFORMANCE. IT’S A GREAT START BUT THAT’S ALL IT IS,” HOWE, AFTER HIS TEAM’S PERFECT START – A 4-0 WIN AT HUDDERSFIELD TOWN.
One game down, 45 to go. That was the message, but it didn’t stop the supporters dreaming big having seen the side record a club best finish of tenth just a few months before as they narrowly fell short of a place in the play-offs. The picture looked very different at the beginning of October though as an inconsistent run of results left the Cherries in 15th place. By this stage, Artur Boruc had been brought in on loan from Southampton, adding Premier League and international experience behind the defence. If the team were looking more assured, they were more resolute too. Having lost Yann Kermorgant to a first half red card, Callum Wilson scored twice to seal a 2-1 win at Bolton Wanderers. “We stuck to our principles, kept passing the ball and got three points which spurred us on,” captain Tommy Elphick remembered. That was the first of seven consecutive victories in all competitions and although Howe was hoping the club could continue to go under the radar, they were becoming hard not to notice. He and summer signing Wilson collected the Sky Bet Championship manager and player of the month awards following a run of exhilarating performances.
“I think it’s not really for me personally but for the team,” he said. “I think if you win individual awards, the credit has to go to the side and more importantly the players. The players are the ones that go out there and play. We have had an outstanding month and I think to a man the squad has performed.” The Cherries were on top form and put eight past manager-less Birmingham City at St Andrew’s to set a new club record away win. “They got a man sent off early but it can sometimes prove to be quite tough getting 10 men behind the ball,” hat-trick hero Pugh explained after the final whistle. “In the end, it could have been 13 or 14 quite easily. Their keeper made a few great saves but for us, there were some great performances all round.” With the media interest growing all the time, international managers were beginning to take notice of the men in red and black too. Wilson earned his first England under-21s call-up, while Baily Cargill also made an under-20s debut for the Three Lions. Later on in the season, Harry Arter and Ritchie would also be recognised by Republic of Ireland and Scotland as they were included in squads for Euro 2016 qualifiers.
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AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Back to club matters and the Cherries were in the top six, where they would stay for the rest of the campaign. They went unbeaten in the final three months of 2014, winning 12 of their 16 matches before the turn of the year. Their only defeat, and the first for goalkeeper Boruc during his initial loan period, came against eight-time winners Liverpool in the Capital One Cup. By that point, the Cherries had created history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, knocking out Premier League side West Bromwich Albion along the way. “I think it’s an experience we will learn from,” Howe reflected as he turned his attention back to domestic duties. “It will make us more hardened to the atmosphere at games like this and you would like to think they will be here on a more regular basis. That’s not to say we will get promoted, but it’s just making sure you respond to the challenge. I thought it was another positive step towards doing that. It shouldn’t be seen as a setback for us.”
The team were beginning to be labelled promotion favourites and lived up to the expectation, continuing to set the pace, through a challenging January. However, February was a different proposition. The Cherries won just once in six games and suffered back-to-back defeats to promotion chasing Brentford and outside play-off hopefuls Nottingham Forest. “We have to go away and come back better and stronger for it,” Howe responded. “There’s no doubt everyone will write us off at this stage. From people outside the club, they will say: ‘Well, that’s Bournemouth done’.
“CRITICISM AND NEGATIVITY FIRES YOU UP TO PROVE PEOPLE WRONG. IT’S UP TO US TO USE THAT FOR MOTIVATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESSES. MY MESSAGE TO THE FANS IS WE NEED YOU MORE THAN WE HAVE DONE AT ANY OTHER STAGE THIS SEASON. WE WANT TO COME BACK STRONGER.” EDDIE HOWE
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WITH THE PRESSURE THAT WAS ON US TO GET A WIN AND THE RELENTLESS RUN OF GAMES WE HAVE BEEN ON, IT’S SPECIAL. ESPECIALLY COMING TO A GROUND LIKE THIS AND PUTTING AWAY A GOOD TEAM AS EMPHATICALLY AS WE DID.” TOMMY ELPHICK
A 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers – the first time they had failed to score at home - in their next outing did little to ease supporters’ nerves. The Cherries, who had always found a way to undo their opponents in the final third, seemed to have lost their way. Without a win in five, they welcomed Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of March, grinding out a 2-1 victory against one of the most difficult visitors. Confidence was again growing and evident in the televised match against Fulham. The side were simply unstoppable as Brett Pitman scored a fantastic solo goal and Steve Cook got in on the act with a spectacular final fifth in a comprehensive victory at Craven Cottage. “It’s up there as one of the best away performances of the season.”
Pitman was the man of the moment and netted a hat-trick eight days later, becoming the club’s third highest league goal scorer in the process. He had risen through the leagues with the club on its rapid ascent and looked a reformed player and character as he continued to meet every challenge with the ever evolving Cherries. “Being out of the team is tough, it’s not something I’ve been used to when I’ve been here,” he offered. “I’ve had to wait my time and work hard. I’m in the best shape I’ve been. I’ve worked hard at my diet and in the gym and to think I got my reward is pleasing. I worked hard in the summer and pre-season, I’ve changed my diet a little and it’s paid off.”
“If we want to go up we have to beat teams like Middlesbrough or at least get some sort of result,” Arter said ahead of the game. “Everyone calls these games six-pointers and usually you tend to ignore that but on this occasion it probably is the case and a challenge we are looking forward to.” However, the game was over as a contest as Arter added to his list of goal of the season contenders, to make it a second goal in a 3-0 win. It had been difficult to fault his team’s season, but some had questioned Howe’s decision not to add to his squad during the January transfer window while they had the opportunity to strengthen.
Taller challenges lay ahead in the shape of Middlesbrough as two of the league’s outstanding teams went head-to-head.
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AFC BOURNEMOUTH The club were active, with Boruc extending his loan spell and Charlie Daniels and Ritchie joining Simon Francis, Steve Cook and Arter in signing new deals, but there were no new arrivals. Rivals Derby County were amongst the busiest clubs in the second tier, acquiring Darren Bent, Thomas Ince and Jesse Lingard on loan from Aston Villa, Hull City and Manchester United respectively. But Howe had faith in the squad he had assembled the previous summer. Nine of the 11 players who started the opening day win also featured on the final day. Those members of the squad also made more than 40 league appearances, demonstrating their manager’s belief that he had the best squad in the division. While others spent generously around them, Howe continued to work impressively with the resources available. Hard work on the training pitches and in the gym meant there were no long-term injuries and carefully planned tactics tailor made to their opponents to ensure they kept on picking up points. They were the same attributes that had helped inspire the club to defy the odds and retain their Football League status in 2009. Howe was still doing it six years later, although on a much bigger stage against more high profile opponents, including former England manager Steve McClaren, Jose Mourinho’s old Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka and Mick McCarthy, who has two second tier promotions on his CV. He did feel the need for one more addition though as Kenwyne Jones arrived for the run in from Cardiff City. With hundreds of Premier League appearances to his name, it certainly was a statement of intent. “The way they train, the way they prepare, has been on point. In all honesty, over my career it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” he told the media shortly after putting pen to paper on a short term loan deal. “I’m quite excited by it and I think they do have the formula to do well so kudos to the manager, the staff and the football club for the way they have been going about their business, and hopefully they’ll be able to take that into the last seven games and also into next season. It’s been a short time but I’m very much impressed with his [Howe’s] work rate and his attention to detail and his philosophy, so I think on the club front for me, without fail, he’s probably the best manager I’ve worked with, in that short space of time.” Jones offered something different, complimenting Wilson pace, Kermorgant’s ability to link midfield and attack, Pitman’s clinical finishing and Tokelo Rantie’s pace. It took just three minutes for Jones to repay the faith, heading a crucial equaliser against fellow top six team Ipswich Town. The result proved the Cherries had a different side to their game, showcasing their determination in a clash of styles at Portman Road. They would need those qualities in the final few weeks, starting with a home fixture against Birmingham City. In the opening 20 minutes, the Blues were two goals ahead but left empty handed following an emphatic comeback that showed the Cherries weren’t wilting under the pressure.
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The games were coming thick and fast and at Brighton they then showed patience. Once again selected for Sky Sports coverage, the front two of Kermorgant and Wilson proved to be the difference in the end to settle a tight contest as they edged closer towards the finish line. They kept on winning but so did those around them. The race at the top of the Championship was unprecedented with the top eight teams all holding realistic chances of automatic promotion until the very end. Every Saturday at 5pm, supporters weren’t looking for the results of one or two rivals but five or six as they attempted to make sense of the table and how it would look on the final day. Following a heart-breaking injury time equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, it looked like the play-offs could be the Cherries’ most likely destiny. But without kicking a ball, the complexion changed all together again. A defeat for Middlesbrough and draw for Norwich meant a victory in the Monday night match against Bolton Wanderers would all but secure a historic promotion. The focus of the footballing world was on Dean Court, which was full of more than 10,000 nervous fans, as they kicked-off what they hoped would be the final home match of the season. The stakes were high but it didn’t show as Howe’s side produced one of their best performances of the campaign, blowing Bolton away to start the promotion party. “It’s just incredible really, it’s difficult to describe,” he said. “It will take some time to sink in really because we’ve been so intense
and the games have come so quickly that you really do focus on each one as though your life depends on it and then when it’s over its difficult to sum up how you feel. “But it’s a great day for the football club, great day for our supporters and we’re just really pleased to be able to make them feel like this.” There was just one more assignment remaining for his team who took more than 4,000 supporters to The Valley for a final day fixture against Charlton Athletic. With their top flight status almost guaranteed, they could play without pressure. They were at their incisive best and out of sight in just 12 minutes thanks to goals from Ritchie and then Arter. They had led the way for most of the campaign, only to appear set for a second place finish as Watford had moved ahead to become league leaders. In a season that had been as unpredictable as it was exciting there was one final twist as the Hornets conceded a late equaliser to hand the Cherries the title. “I do think we deserve it,” said Howe, who claimed the first silverware of his career as a manager. “In my opinion, we have been the best team this season and led the division for the longest time. It’s fitting reward for the players - once again they were magnificent. We’ve consistently been the best team. I’m delighted the players can call themselves champions and we leave here on a real high and it’s fully justified.” With thanks to Alex Smith, News and Editorial Executive at AFC Bournemouth for the article. Thanks to Amy Maidment and Naomi Baker for the photography. Photography: Amy Maidment (vs Bolton) Naomi Baker (vs Charlton)
VILLAGE HEALTH CLUB PARTNER
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OFFICIAL HEALTH CLUB PARTNERS AFC BOURNEMOUTH ON GAINING PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE AS CHAMPIONS. This is a fantastic example of a strong, motivated and tight team who work well together under great leadership. The promotion is an incredible boost to the town and amazing for the club having come such a long way in the past six years. Well done Eddie and the team on a hugely successful 2014/2015 season.
Meets with Treats this summer at Village Bournemouth Q. How important is it to have regular staff/team meetings? A. Regular staff/Team meetings are essential. Staff meetings allow you to share information and training with all staff, which will improve the customer’s experience. If done well, they can also be great for building morale and sales. Use your marketing skills to break out of the stereotypical business meeting: the boring, dry presentation of information. Staff meetings can also help you identify small problems before they become large or identify good ideas earlier rather than later. The best meetings involve two-way communication, so ask your staff about their concerns and ideas, and about what they have heard from customers. Plan your meetings to make them more effective and lively. Over the course of a year, you might cover issues such as workplace safety, treating customer data with care, and your business’s plan in case of an emergency (theft, fire, power outage, etc.). To make meeting times more fair and less of a burden to employees, have the group give you input about the best day and time for meetings. If choosing the same day and time means that one or more people have to come in on their day off routinely, rotate the day each week so that everyone has to take a turn coming in on a day off.
Pay people for their time. Feeding them is a good idea as well—and might help make the event more “social” and not such a burden. Here at Village Bournemouth we have a great dedicated meetings hub to help make that team meeting something special. The hub includes break-out area with unlimited tea, coffee, snacks and branded soft drinks, free WiFi and free parking. Each meeting room benefits from complete natural daylight, airconditioning and LCD TV or HD projector and screen, stationary box, Flipchart and pens, sweets and water. Our meeting rooms have inspiring names such as Activation and Motivation and can accommodate from 4 delegates up to 200 delegates dependant on your requirements. You could end your meeting with drinks in the pub or maybe dinner in the restaurant. Maybe ask our gym team to assist with an energiser session during the event or maybe our spa could offer some relaxation? If you book you event this summer at Village Bournemouth we will treat you with some ‘SUMMER TREATS’ with choices from Starbucks vouchers, UpperDeck bedroom upgrades, Goody bags, Leisure Club passes or Dinner for two. Terms and conditions apply. Call 0871 222 4574 or email bournemouthhub@villagehotels.com quoting ‘summertreats’.
Twitter: @VURVBO Facebook: www.facebook.com/VillageBournemouth Address: Village Urban Resort Bournemouth, Opposite Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Deansleigh Road, Bournemouth, BH7 7DZ T: 0871 222 4574 www.VillageUrbanResort.co.uk
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EVENTS
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH A SELECTION OF EVENTS FROM THE SPORTING AND LEISURE CALENDAR HAPPENING LOCALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD. WE’VE PICKED THE HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT’S NOT TO BE MISSED IN JUNE. WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WORLD CUP JUNE 6TH - JULY 5TH CANADA Canada are the hosts of this year’s competition where both Germany and the USA aim to win the title for the 3rd time and England will do their best to win it for the first time.
24 TEAMS WILL BATTLE IT OUT TO IN THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITION IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL TO BECOME THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD.
ROYAL ASCOT 16TH - 20TH JUNE One of the centrepieces of worldwide horse racing, Royal Ascot will see over 300,000 people come and go to watch horses, jockeys and impeccably dressed people do their best to beat the rest! With over £5,000,000 in prize fund at stake, there will be no end of talent on display.
WIMBLEDON 29TH JUNE - 12TH JULY The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon 2015 is the only of the four Grand Slam tournaments to be played on grass. Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitová will be looking to defend their singles titles and to add to the £1.7m prize find they won last year!
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JUNE 2015 GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND 13TH AND 14TH JUNE Celebrate this very British sport with free tennis sessions and activities running at a number of local courts across the weekend of 13th and 14th June. With Wimbledon around the corner, and the summer months ahead, it’s the perfect time to pick up a racket and join in the fun. Bournemouth’s very own West Hants Club hosted the world’s first “open” tournament where professionals played against amateurs in 1968. Many of the sport’s great names have played on the Club’s Centre Court including Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Illie Nastase, Ann Jones, and Virginia Wade. The West Hants Club is now affiliated with several courts across Bournemouth with costs to suit all pockets and coaching available for all levels. Free tennis sessions and courts will be on offer on 13th and 14th June as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend, a national campaign that aims to encourage people to dust off a racket and get on court. There will be many different activities running throughout the weekend for
all ages and abilities which will include games, drills, free play, family sessions, and a fastest serve competition. Coaches will be on hand if you would like advice on how to improve your technique or have questions about the courts and courses we offer. All the sessions and activities are free so to find out more about what’s happening at your local courts, please visit: www.tennisbournemouth.co.uk *Redhill Tennis Courts in Moordown* – Grand Re-Opening! Saturday 13th June from 10am – come along and meet our mascot, Mr Lobby who will be there to launch our latest site!
www.tennisbournemouth.co.uk
RACE FOR LIFE BOURNEMOUTH SEAFRONT SUNDAY 14TH JUNE / POOLE PARK SUNDAY 21ST JUNE Race for Life has more types of event than ever in 2015 - from 5k events all the way up to a Marathon, so there are lots of ways to get involved and support Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. Join the thousands of women taking part this year in Bournemouth and Poole and do your part to hit cancer where it hurts. Find out more: http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
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THE JOBS COACH
With The Game’s resident jobs coach, Julie Cook-Hughes
SOS RECRUITMENT ACHIEVE SUCCESS AGAIN - THE HEAT WAS ON - THE AUCTION HAMMER WAS HOT AND THE ATMOSPHERE ELECTRIC ! A CHARITY EVENT EXTRAVAGANZA...
Julie Cook-Hughes, Managing Director & Founder of SOS recruitment
Julie Cook-Hughes has over 20 years’ experience in recruitment, she is a spirited, energetic and forward thinking Managing Director who is hugely appreciative of her dedicated Management Team and their team members. Her extremely successful business has been built over 14 years and she has every right to feel extremely proud of the successful business she has created. Julie values her staff and continually shows her appreciation, recognising their efforts on a daily basis – no mean ‘feat’ for such a busy person. Julie is an approachable person, who will always listen to new ideas and initiatives and drive her business forward to ultimately make the business even more successful. As far as SOS Recruitment are concerned we truly know there is ‘no better Recruitment Agency’ – do not take our word for it, contact us NOW!
ulie Cook-Hughes, Founder and Managing Director of SOS Recruitment, was extremely proud to host a hugely successful day contributing to an extremely worthy charity - “SMILE4JACOB”. Julie’s passion, drive and commitment to SOS Recruitment’s charities are testament to how successful this day was. This event was most certainly a notable date in SOS Recruitment’s Calendar of Events for 2015.
Julie, together with James Morby (International Entrepreneur and also Julie’s partner), have worked closely with a group of Year 11 Students from Bournemouth School for Girls in conjunction with Shore Ideas, a Social Enterprise project giving young people in the local area the encouragement and guidance to realise their true potential as entrepreneurs, making a huge difference in the local community raising funds towards local charities of their choice. Both Julie and James are proud to be ‘Lions’ in the ‘Dragons Den’ through Shore Ideas working closely with the group of girls who chose SMILE4JACOB as their nominated charity which aims to raise vital funds for an extremely poorly 15 year old boy called Jacob. Barclays Bank took an active role alongside the teams, together with Julie and James. SMILE4JACOB was chosen by the girls at Bournemouth School for so many reasons. Jacob, the young lad in question, needs frequent stem cell treatment to lengthen his life. When he was only 9 years old, Jacob was diagnosed with a severe brain condition and his family were told that he possibly only had 2 years to live. The stem cell treatment he requires takes place overseas in Germany and this procedure relies on the charitable individuals who hold such events as ‘Football Fever’. A LITTLE MORE ABOUT JACOB… Jacob was always a very popular boy at school – the class clown! Although he was always a bit clumsy and wasn’t the best with neither co-ordination nor his attention span, he was a great swimmer and he loved karate and playing football with his friends. Unfortunately on 6th October 2009, Jacob was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and, after just a few weeks of this diagnosis, Jacob was unable to speak, eat, walk or sit - this most devastating news hit his family and friends hard as you can imagine. Jacob has been extremely lucky to be the first boy in the world to have the stem cell treatment procedure for ALD. The treatment itself proved to be successful; however more treatment is required periodically and this is only a small step on the road to long term recovery. Jacob requires specially adapted equipment, both at home and outside, and has a customised wheelchair which needs to be changed as he grows, costing £23,000 each time. As you will appreciate, such specialised equipment is not readily available on the NHS. Also, the specialised stem cell treatment is not available in the UK.
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FOOTBALL FEVER was an outstanding success! Let’s talk about just a few of the highlights of this exciting day… Julie took her mentoring responsibilities extremely seriously resulting in winning “Best Supporting Mentor on the project”.
The daytime event at Ringwood Town Football Club was a huge success with hundreds of people attending – the highlight being ‘Zorb Football’ with star legends in attendance, mentoring and taking part with the players, such as Steve Fletcher, Jimmy Glass and Gareth Stewart – cameras were flashing like crazy! These honourable and talented individuals were truly outstanding and worked so hard on the day. If you have never played Zorb Football, it’s not easy, it’s a challenge in itself and tricky to say the least! A few bruises and many laughs were had by all. We were also extremely fortunate to have representation from Barclays who were also sponsors on the day - Craig Jamieson, Director and Head of Wealth & Investment Management attended. He brought along with him the Barclays Premiership Trophy, which took pride of place at the event and was placed, as you can imagine, on its very own pedestal. Craig Jamieson and his colleagues took their personal time to contribute towards SMILE4JACOB on the day and their time, dedication and contribution was hugely appreciated by all. Many superb photographs were taken before this precious piece of history was safely delivered back to Match of the Day in the evening! Other heart warming attractions on the day included the man himself “Jacob” – he was with his mother and younger brother and was surrounded by so many. His winning smile is enough to melt anyone’s heart. Despite not being able to communicate very well, his delight on the day was obvious by his laughter and smiles alone which spoke volumes – he was most certainly a “star attraction”! Many kind and dedicated friends, family and employees of SOS Recruitment spent time on the day ensuring events ran smoothly with bouncy castles, face painting, tombola, colouring competitions, food and beverages and other family fun attractions on the day! Following on from these highly energised daytime events, a further evening of entertainment was ahead. REEF AND BEEF FOOTBALL FEVER – SMILE4JACOB AUCTION The evening kicked off with a superb number of guests attending this event – well why wouldn’t they? With such a good cause and the amazing auction prizes, who could resist? Once again, the legendary Steve Fletcher, Jimmy Glass and Gareth Stewart came along with Jimmy in the role of Auctioneer – he was incredible, a complete natural and he encouraged the guests to reach deep into their pockets to raise thousands of pounds! Amazing prizes including signed memorabilia from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, together with signed footballs from AFC Bournemouth and Southampton. Furthermore, SOS donated a permanent placement voucher; Reef & Beef a meal for four and Barclays donated an invitation to watch Bournemouth Air Show on the Barclays Tall Ship. The atmosphere on the evening could only be described as contagious. Jacob, after his tiring but eventful day, came along too having had a little siesta and, once again, his smile lit the room! Julie runs her highly successful recruitment empire and still found huge amounts of time to dedicate to this project. Julie’s external spirit and energy shone through at both events along with her tenacious and hardworking manner ensuring that the everything went to plan - FOOTBALL FEVER SCORED HIGH!
OVER £8,000 WAS RAISED – I THINK YOU WILL AGREE, A HUGE WELL DONE IS IN ORDER FOR ALL THOSE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED! Jacob’s brave and precious life has touched many of us and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took out time and contributed to the success of this – it really could not have happened without such dedication by so many. I am convinced this article has touched you; therefore if you are someone who wasn’t able to attend the events but would like to help Jacob with his fight, please contact SOS Recruitment – we can navigate you to the donation page on his website. Let’s take this opportunity to thank Julie and EVERYONE for their contribution on this fantastic day! To find out more about Football Fever or to make a donation, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/Football-Fever-2015
DON’T GET LEFT ON THE BENCH If you’re looking for a new challenge, have recently been made redundant or need a new start talk to SOS recruitment!
We specialise in Contract, Temporary and Permanent recruitment at all levels, covering: Administration, Banking, Business Development, Customer Service, Finance, HR, Insurance, IT, Legal, Management, Marketing, PR, Property, Sales, Construction, Engineering, Industrial, Technical, Healthcare and Domiciliary
Contact a member of the SOS team now: Call: 01202 292888 | Click: jobs@sosrecruitment.co.uk Come in: 181-183 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1JU www.sosrecruitment.co.uk
MUAY THAI / BOXING
“MUAY THAI IS MY PREFERRED STYLE BECAUSE OF THE CULTURE BEHIND IT AND THE ‘ART OF 8 LIMBS’ YOU CAN USE FOR DEFENCE AND ATTACKING.”
TREVOR SOKO WE SPEAK TO LOCAL THAI BOXER, TREVOR SOKO TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS SPORT AND AMBITIONS. NAME: TREVOR SOKO SPORT: MUAY THAI AND BOXING Hi Trevor, thanks for talking to us. Tell us a bit about your background and how you first started your fighting career… I started with Shukokai Karate and Taekwondo and then did a bit of boxing with my Uncle Lloyd. I was a doorman’s worst nightmare back in the day and a doorman called James ‘Bushy’ Carlisle and one of the boxing coaches, Lee Harris, encouraged me to take up fighting. So, I progressed into Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing and a little bit of MMA at Bulldog Gym and then moved to various gyms until finding my home and heart at Look Borai Muay Thai Gym in Southampton. What is your preferred style and why? Muay Thai is my preferred style because of the culture behind it and the ‘art of 8 limbs’ you can use for defence and attacking. Who used to inspire you when you first started out and who do you currently look up to? Janine (the machine) Davis, Lee Harris and Inigo Eceizabarrena were my very first instructors. As for my inspiration, David Pacquette, Micheal Wakeling, Remy Bonjasky,
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Master Ronnie Green and the one super amazing Pernell ‘sweet pea’ Whittaker are all people that inspire me. Can you tell us about your training and where you go? All the training I do is a mixture of outdoor and indoor sessions. I train out of Exile Gym in Southampton and Steve Bendall’s Gym in Bournemouth. I got linked up with Steve through local top sportswear brand, Pure Warrior and Marc Smith who runs it. …and Pure Warrior are one of your sponsors. How does Marc and the guys get behind you? Pure Warrior are not just a sports brand, they are like family. They look after my training at Steve Bendall’s and make sure my nutrition is on top form through Elite Health Foods as well. Pure Warrior look after a range of talented athletes and are very good at taking the strain off an athlete when it comes to the promotion side of things as well. You recently unfortunately had to pull out of a major event that took place at Wembley, the Super Fight Series, what are you working toward next? After my disappointing injury, I had to pull out of the event but I am moving into boxing. We have an upcoming fighter from Look Borai Gym soon to join Pure Warrior called Mo Abdurahman. He is fighting at Wembley instead of me in a different weight class and is one to look out for this year.
What’s the best and worst part of your training? When training, the worst part is nutrition and energy levels but I am lucky that Pure Warrior support me and have that covered! Do you recommend your sport for fitness? I do recommend Muay Thai for fitness and it’s good for self defence. Look up the local gyms that offer professional tuition but if kicking is not your thing, then boxing is the one to get into for fantastic all round fitness. Head up to Steve Bendall’s Gym - he has a good stable of talented fighters, you might even bump into the Pure Warrior team, they are everywhere!
The Superfight Series that took place at Wembley in May was a good platform and it set the bar to showcase UK talent. A few pullouts before the event did not stop the show with various gyms supporting by filling the gaps with more quality fighters. It showed how our Martial Arts community wants to see the sport progress and be represented by talented fighters. A big ‘thank you’ to Amir Subaic, Paul Palcic and the Superfight Series for the opportunity. Thanks for speaking to us, Trevor and we wish you all the best for your future.
WEST HANTS
Be better at your sport BY ADRIAN WOODALL, WESTOVER CROSSFIT AND WEST HANTS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN SPORT, AT ANY LEVEL, YOU’LL KNOW HOW IMPORTANT AND ENJOYABLE IT IS TO BE ABLE TO FOCUS ON THE GAME, RATHER THAN YOUR FITNESS (OR LACK THEREOF), OR ACHES, PAINS AND INJURIES. ow do you keep fit for your sport, do you keep fit for your sport? Today I’m introducing a ‘performance pyramid’ model developed by the founder of CrossFit, Greg Glassman. An understanding and mastery of this model will make you a better athlete. Got your attention? Ok time to understand it… Take a look at the pyramid, you’ll see that Sport sits at the very top, the end product. An end product that can only ever be as broad, strong, efficient, and successful as the foundations propping it up. To get the most out of your sporting endeavours and to give yourself the very best chance to compete optimally, emphasis and time investments should match the proportions of the pyramid. Any deficiencies you have, at any level, will cause components above it to suffer. Conversely, if you are of the school of thought that you only need to play your sport to get fitter for it, whilst neglecting
the components below, you will inevitably become unstuck when you are pushed outside your comfort zone in any way. Whether it be through getting tired, hurt or injured, or simply losing to a fitter opponent.
METABOLIC CONDITIONING (Cardiovascular fitness) Your engine, the need to have the endurance and stamina to meet and maintain the requirements of your sport is fairly obvious.
An example, if you always run for 20-30 minutes, even at a very good pace, you will test weak at anything less than 20 and more than 30 minutes. This isn’t limited to running, the same applies to strength and power training, range of motion (flexibility), intensity of exercise etc.
GYMNASTICS This doesn’t necessarily mean the stuff you see on TV, this means anything where you are using and controlling your own body mass. A few exercise examples are squats, lunges, press-ups, dips, pull-ups and handstands. Pretty much every sport or game involves the linking together of body movements in a coordinated manner.
With the CrossFit practice of ‘constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity’, workouts can last from less than 5 minutes to over 30 minutes, and with a variety of formats and movements to challenge the body and its energy systems differently every time.
WEIGHTLIFTING AND THROWING After body control and awareness comes the control and movement of external objects. In the gym the 4. Weight lifting tools are barbells, dumbbells, kettle bells, med and Throwing balls etc. In sport this comes in the form of 3. Gymnastics striking and throwing balls, holding bats (Body control) and rackets, and tackling or manhandling an opponent in contact sports. 2. Metabolic conditioning
So we know that sport is the end product, and the larger the triangle the more athleticism you will have to call upon in sporting activities. But what about the others beneath it, are ALL of these things necessary? Well yes, they are. Let’s work up from the bottom…
5. Sport
1. Nutrition
NUTRITION We’ve all heard ‘You are what you eat’ and never has this had more relevance. What you eat lays the foundation of your body and every function it produces at a molecular level. What would you expect if you put cheap or dirty fuel into a high performance engine? Eat the food nature intended. Meats and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not bodyfat.
SPORT The end product, the chance to express, enjoy and test your athletic abilities and skill.
Here at Westover CrossFit the programming is carefully designed so that a good balance and dose of each of these fitness components are trained. We have tennis, squash and racketball players, marathon runners, triathletes, golfers, rugby and football players, from recreational to elite levels. All of these athletes are benefiting from ‘cross-training’ to create a bigger ‘end product’ from the bottom up. www.westovercrossfit.com
A variety of classes now at The West Hants Club
NETBALL
BIG DREAMS
SHE’S THE LITTLE GIRL WHO HAS LEFT A BIG MARK ON THE NETBALLING WORLD – THE GAME MAGAZINE CATCHES UP WITH ENGLAND AND TEAM BATH STAR MIA RITCHIE TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER AMAZING RISE TO PROMINENCE. WORDS: KELLY SOMERS / PHOTOGRAPHY: AMY MAIDMENT
t’s every child’s dream, stepping on to a sports pitch for the first time, hoping that one day they make it to the top of the game and are afforded the opportunity to represent their country. And for Hampshire netballer Mia Ritchie, her mindset was no different. Initially introduced to the game when her mum set up a club in Lymington when she was just 10-years-old, Ritchie’s love for the game was prominent throughout her childhood as she represented her junior and secondary school, before being picked for the mid-Hampshire County netball association. Rising through the ranks, in April 2012 she saw her dream become a reality, as she was named in the starting line-up for England’s 53-48 win over Barbados. “I have always just wanted to play netball – I have always loved it,” she tells The Game. “I had dreamt of playing in an England dress ever since I stepped on a netball court at 10 years old, and when it happened, I couldn’t have asked for anything better – I was playing on my home court in Bath and had loads of family and friends there to support me. The coaches from Team Bath were all there and I remember them being in the crowd encouraging me and supporting me all the way through the game. When I got told I was starting the game I couldn’t believe it. That feeling of being on the court at Bath University that day as an England player was amazing and is something I’ll never ever, ever forget.” But that wasn’t her first taste of success, as Ritchie, who’s affection for the game is palpable, explains. Having taken a gap year after university as she weighed up her future options, she eventually opted to study sports performance at prestigious sporting university, Bath. She then went on to captain their first team and in 2012 lead the side to their first BUCs title in five years, with an enthralling 72-60 win over Leeds Met Carnegie, before a year later winning the Superleague with Team Bath. “Winning BUCs was amazing – probably one of the best netballing days of my life. I’ll never ever forget it.,” she beamed. “Some of my best friends were in that team, life long friends that won it with me. I was fortunate enough to be captain and
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they haven’t won it since, so I’m still holding on to that! It was amazing, and my family were all there, so it was a really special day. Winning Superleague was incredible too, as that really is the pinnacle. I had been playing wing defence for a whole season due to the calibre of players we had at the club, and it was a new position for me. The final itself was a great game, we just managed to pull it out the bag in the last quarter and to beat a Welsh team, Celtic Dragons was a highlight. All netballers give up so much, and have to make so many sacrifices for netball. I have missed so much family stuff, so when you experience special things like that it brings home everything that you’ve missed and makes it more special.” That is the most poignant comment Ritchie makes during the interview, and when pushed further it is clear that those sacrifices are constant. Alongside her commitments for Team Bath and England, Ritchie juggles a her job as a teacher at Monkton School – meaning her working and training days can last for over 14 hours. “I get up at about 6:30 and go and train for an hour and a half - this is mainly conditioning or weight sessions,” she explains. “I then come back and work,
“THE FEELING OF BEING ON THE COURT AT BATH UNIVERISTY THAT DAY AS AN ENGLAND PLAYER WAS AMAZING AND SOMETHING I WILL NEVER FORGET” teach some PE and I then have team training in the evening, whether that’s for England or for Superleague for a couple of hours and then I normally get in at about 10 o’clock. When I don’t have training I do duties in the boarding house, so I put the kids to bed and make sure they’re in on time. A typical day starts for me at 6:30 and could go on until 11:30pm = long days but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it. “ Ritchie’s job as a PE teacher at the independent boarding school in Bath is clearly one she lives and breathes – she also lives on the school’s grounds during term time – and she says she hopes that her commitment to the cause has lasting benefits. As a success story of the game, her aim is to also inspire the girls at the school to live their dreams like her. “This season especially some of the girls I teach have come to watch the Team
Bath matches, and they are always so supportive, bringing their banners. I think being an athlete myself that they look up to me, especially those who want to progress with their netball. They always come and ask me questions, finding out what they need to do to improve, which I think is really good. I get a buzz from that because before I was here they might of thought that they weren’t good enough to be a netballer, especially some of the smaller girls thinking they are too short to play netball. Well they’re not! I love the kids, and that’s why I work here and I hope I can also help make some international netballers from my time here.” And with Ritchie’s netballing success rate so far pretty high, you wouldn’t bet against seeing graduates of Monkton pulling on an England dress like their teacher one day soon.
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EXERFORMANCE
IF YOU LOVE YOUR FOOD AND LOVE YOUR HEALTH, YOU’LL LOVE THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL FOOD INSPIRED ARTICLE WITH TOP FITNESS AND NUTRITION EXPERTS, EXERFORMANCE. WITH A STARTER, MAIN AND DELICIOUS DESSERT, READ HOW YOU CAN STILL ENJOY FULL FLAVOURS WHILST GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FOOD.
Wholesome Slow Cooker Beef
Avocado Hummus
Our Avocado Hummus is a fantastic, easy healthy snack idea – enjoy it as a part of your fitness training regime. Avocados are nutritional powerhouses and are full of heart healthy fats and essential vitamins. INGREDIENTS: • 1 Ripe avocado • 400g can of chickpeas drained • 1 garlic clove • 1 lime juiced • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons tahini • 1 teaspoon cumin • Pinch salt and pepper DIRECTIONS: • Add all ingredients into food processor and blitz until smooth • Enjoy with anything from cooked chicken breasts to pitta breads or vegetable sticks • Will last for up to a week in the fridge
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adults, to meet the demands of your sport so that your athletic performance is improved whether for competition or recreational pursuit.
We offer Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training, Nutrition and Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation services.
We are fully committed to your success.
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Blueberry Coconut Cheesecake – a light and sweet delicious treat – the perfect accompaniment to any meal. A clean eating dessert full of antioxidant rich blueberries to include as part of a weight loss programme and enhance sports nutrition. Blueberries are a wellknown super food packed with powerful antioxidants and what better way to add them to your diet but in this Blueberry Coconut Cheesecake? BASE INGREDIENTS: • ½ cup Coconut Oil • ½ cup Linseed • 1 cup Ground Almonds • ½ cup Raw Honey Topping Ingredients: • 1 cup Blueberries • ½ cup Coconut Butter- we like this one • ½ cup Raw Honey • ½ cup Coconut Flakes • 2 cups Full fat natural yogurt • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence- ensure it has no added sugar DIRECTIONS: • Melt the coconut oil and honey together • Stir in the ground almonds and linseed until combined thoroughly • Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking tray and refrigerate • Melt the coconut butter in a bowl • Add in the yogurt, vanilla and honey- mix well • Stir in the blueberries • Spread the topping evenly onto the refrigerated base • Top with some coconut flakes and place in the freezer for 2 hours to set • An ideal accompaniment to any meal or as a light and fruity trea
FOR MORE NUTRITIOUS FOOD RECIPES AND FITNESS ADVICE, SIGN UP FOR THE EXERFORMANCE FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER:
Exerformance was established by James Davies in 2013 with the aim of providing the very best specialist fitness training programmes.
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At Exerformance we create bespoke programmes Twitter@exerformance www.instagram.com/exerformance for individuals and teams from teenagers to
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Exerformance Wholesome Slow Cooker Beef is a deliciously satisfying healthy recipe to arrive home to after training. It’s our version of the classic French pot-aufeu. Opt for organic, grass-fed beef where possible and serve with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. INGREDIENTS: • 500g diced beef steak • 4 onions • 4 cloves of garlic • Any vegetables of choice- carrots, parsnips and sprouts work well • 500ml fresh beef stock or an organic beef stock cube • 5 Pints water • 2 tablespoons tomato puree • 2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard • Pinch of salt and pepper DIRECTIONS: • Add all ingredients into a slow cooker or bottom shelf of an oven at 120 degrees – Cook on low for 8 hours
Blueberry Coconut Cheesecake
JAMES DAVIES
BIKRAM
WELCOME TO THE YOGA ZONE, A WELLBEING FEATURE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BIKRAM YOGA, BOURNEMOUTH. FIND OUT ABOUT THIS POPULAR FORM OF HOLISTIC EXERCISE, LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND FOLLOW THE POSTURE OF THE MONTH.
POSTURE OF THE MONTH TREE POSE / TADASANA Benefits: • Assists in correcting bad posture • Increases hip, knee and ankle flexibility and mobility • Stretches spine • Releases abdominal tension • Relieves lower back pain • Tightens gluteal muscles • Good for circulatory problems, arthritis and rheumatism
STRETCHING THE SPINE The human spine really is a master piece of engineering. The four curves of the spine and their varying shapes perfectly balance the two primary functions of our skeletal system: stability and mobility.
Regular stretching exercises help keep muscles and ligaments flexible. They can also reduce stress on joints and improve the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body. Without it, stiffness, limitation of movement, and pain can occur or increase. Stretching is also an important way to prepare the muscles for vigorous activities such as aerobics or playing a sport. That is why stretching exercises should also be done before and after a workout to prevent muscle strain and soreness and to help avoid injuries.
The spine is a complex structure comprised of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. It’s designed to move side-to-side and front to back, as well as carry the bulk of the body’s weight. That’s why it’s so important to keep all its parts in good working order.
TESTIMONIAL I visited Bikram Yoga Bournemouth for the first time 4 weeks ago. As a 52 year old male, I expected to be surrounded by lots of women my own age and older and I was a little intimidated by that, but thought I should give it a go anyway as i have had terrible lower back pain for some time and have been advised to start with some hot yoga. The studio was full of women and men of all ages, I even spotted a lad that looked no more than maybe 13 years old. What a mixture. The reception staff briefed me on where to go, what to expect in class and immediately a group next to me checking in said
hello and stopped for a chat. As I walked in the room the heat hit me and i wondered what I might have let myself in for. The class was tough, I will not lie. I sweated buckets and had to sit down on more than one occasion. That was ok though, I had time to get my breath back and got myself back up when i was ready. I watched the “regulars” at the front and wondered how they ever got themselves in to such bendy shapes. It was an eye opener when I met a few of them after class and they said they had only been coming for 9 months – wow! After class, I felt shattered. I went home and had
the best night’s sleep I have had in months. I was surprised to feel some immediate relief from my back pain. The following day i felt full of energy and craved a healthy breakfast instead of my usual croissant and coffee. I have been attending twice a week since then and my back pain is gone. The craving of healthy food I am told, is a normal reaction when you attend bikram regularly. The staff and members at the studio are really great and I always enjoy being there. It is a great place and I recommend everyone to give it a try! John (Bournemouth)
“THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YIELDS THE GREATEST POSSIBILITY FOR CHANGE” BIKRAM CHOUDHURY
PHOTO: SEAN GARDINER
Look out in next month’s issue for more about Bikram Yoga and Aerial Yoga and visit www.bikramyogabournemouth.com or call 01202 390090 for more information.
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CASTLE CAMERAS
E H T H IT
W E LIF
O R P O G BY
HOF BEN SC
IELD
mall wearable action cams and For me personally, GoPro is still the head cameras have exploded manufacturer to beat in the action in popularity, and with HD video, camera market, and its HERO4 Black is the most advanced model yet: a underwater recording and some of the maximum resolution of 4K at a rate of best frame-rates on the market, you can 30fps is the headline feature, but you see why. get all of the GoPro build quality and a wide range of accessories to pick from Whether you’re snowboarding down as usual. Mount Fuji, swimming with dolphins or just spending quality time with the Living on the south coast really allows kids, the ‘first person’ videos created you to experiment and explore with by wearable cameras, capture the most natural memories when they matter most. action cameras from walking with the dog to using it for a wide range of activities. Their diminutive proportions, robust They are fantastic for capturing the action design, simple mechanics, ultra-wide moments of activities and day to day fields of view and ability to be worn on life. I take my GoPro everywhere with me the body and used from almost any from sticking it to the bonnet of my car vantage point, help give video footage to capturing bad drivers, using it in the and stills a real sense of drama. waves to exploring the coastline. It is so useful in so many ways; it really allows If you’re looking to capture yourself you to get creative to where you use it surfing a tube, leaping off a cliff or riding and how you use it. Ideally, you don’t the rapids, then a wearable camera is want to be anymore than a metre away what you need. All action cams come from the camera. with a small selection of very basic mountings, usually of a sticky pad nature Some of my favourite accessories for for affixing the camera to helmets and the GoPro include the pole, bopper handlebars. There are also various (floating handle to fit in one hand), chest mounts and accessories available that mount and the suction mount. There are allow you to attach it to virtually anything you desire.
S
Here’s my pick of the top wearable action cameras on the market.
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hundreds of mounts and accessories for the camera. You can even get creative and make your own from PVC piping and all sorts of other materials. The next best thing about capturing GoPro photos and video clips is editing them into something wonderful. Using the GoPro studio software you can create some beautiful simplistic edits to really show off your camera skills to then upload to your favourite social media pages. I particularly enjoy taking mine into water to capture the ocean and also when out skating and cruising in my Beetle. If you wish to look at my GoPro photos and video just visit my instagram page @southcoastschoey.
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prices correct as of 21/05/15, prices may change, see website for current details
WINDSURFING
THE GAME TALKS TO JULIEN IVES, LOCAL WINDSURFER AND EXPERT WATERMAN ABOUT THE THRIVING SCENE ON THE SOUTH COAST.
PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL READ@THINKPHOTOGRAPHY
NAME: JULIEN ‘JULES’ IVES SPORT: WINDSURFING, SURFING AND KITESURFING RECOMMENDS: EASYRIDERS AND H2O
Thanks for talking to us Jules, what got you into windsurfing and how long have you been doing it? I started windsurfing around 1985 when I was only 13. I was always out with my family on the water as they were into their sailing and owned their own yacht. Almost every weekend, we would sail around the coast of Dorset with a lot of this time spent cruising the shores of Poole Harbour. I was always mesmerised by the windsurfers and used to spend hours watching them blasting up and down. I eventually persuaded my parents to let me take lessons and spent many weekends, months and years practising in the safety of Poole Harbour before I was ready for the open sea. I’m 43 now so if my maths is right, I’m in my 32nd year of enjoying and loving the sport still every day. As well as your windsurfing, you’re also a keen surfer and kitesurfer, which is your favourite if you had to choose? Yes, I did a lot of kitesurfing when it first started to come on the scene around 1999 and was still quite low key. It was such a new sport back then and there were only a handful of local guys doing it.
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Surfing is also a big past time of mine and has been a big part of my life; I’ve travelled the world enjoying the waves. If I had to choose out of all three, I would probably always come back to windsurfing. What type of windsurfing do you do? There are various types of windsurfing – slalom freestyle and wave sailing; I would definitely say wave sailing. As you mentioned, you’ve travelled the world with your sports, can you tell us about some of the places you’ve been to and any favourites? Yes, before becoming a husband and father, basically from leaving school to my early 30s, I used to work hard in the summer and head off on my travels over the winter months, mostly surfing on these trips as it’s less to lug around with you. Places visited: OZ, Fiji, Indo, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaraguan, Costa Rica, Panama, France, Spain, Portugal, Tobago, South Africa, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic and the Canary Islands. It’s very hard to choose as I’ve got fond memories of them all. I’d say a trip that will always stick in my mind was a trip to a place called Bocas Del Toro, a little Archipelago of islands off the east coast of Panama. It was all about the island life with a Caribbean feel about
it - perfectly groomed waves with hardly a soul about. I should imagine there would be a few more souls there now. South Africa, Cape Town would be the favourite for kite surfing although the water is cold, the waves and wind are like clockwork everyday Cape Verde would be one of my favourites for windsurfing with good wind and waves in the winter months, which makes for a great winter location. The condition can be pretty challenging down there - being a little island off the west coast of Senegal, it can be pounded with open Atlantic swells. How does our part of the coast compare with other places you’ve been to? I would say we have some very special spots here on the south coast and to me; one of the best ones is right on our door step. On a good day, it’s as good as anywhere else in the world. You’ve been involved with some TV work, can you tell us about that? It was when I was kitesurfing and a fair bit younger than I am now, I had a call from a local guy called Nick Saya who was doing all the camera work for an advert they were about to shoot down in the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt. He asked if I’d be interested in going there for a week so he could get some good camera footage of
I WOULD SAY WE HAVE SOME VERY SPECIAL SPOTS HERE ON THE SOUTH COAST... ON A GOOD DAY, IT’S AS GOOD AS ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.
me kitesurfing. It was for the Egyptian Tourist Board and it got aired on prime time TV for a couple of years. What kind of manoeuvres and tricks are your favourites? I can’t say that I’ve really got any favourite moves; I just enjoy getting on the water and wavesailing. Have you ever had any bad accidents? No, not really any major accidents (just a dented pride now and again ha ha!) Which surf report do you use to check out surf conditions locally? Wind Guru, XC Weather, Magic Seaweed. Where is a good place for people to start out and give it a go and what age can you start? We live in a great area to learn all sorts of watersports and we have the advantage of Poole Harbour which is a great starting place as the water is shallow and very safe. I would advise anyone wanting to learn either windsurfing or kitesurfing to learn here and to go with two of the best schools for these sports in the area - for kitesurfing, the best around is Easyriders and for windsurfing, H2o Sports. You can start at any age really, if it’s in your blood, get out on the water and start learning! What’s your favourite hot spot in the surrounding area? There’s only one spot in my mind and that’s K-Bay. Thank you for talking to us about your sport and we wish you all the best for your future.
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WITH SOS
If you’re looking for a new challenge, have recently been made redundant or need a new start talk to SOS recruitment!
NEWS
We specialise in Contract, Temporary and Permanent recruitment at all levels, covering:
Administration, Banking, Business Development, Customer Service, Finance, HR, Insurance, IT, Legal, Management, IT STARTED WITH A GOAL, THEN ANOTHER GOAL, THEN ANOTHER GOAL AND THE REST IS HISTORY! Marketing, PR, Property, Sales, Construction, Engineering, Industrial, Technical, Healthcare and Domiciliary
Well done the Cherries on your Premiership win! Julie Cook-Hughes, Founder and Managing Director of SOS Contact a member of the SOS team now: Call: | Click: jobs@sosrecruitment.co.uk Recruitment, would like to01202 take292888 this opportunity to wish the players in: 181-183 OldHUGE Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1on 1JU and associates of AFCCome Bournemouth CONGRATULATIONS Or to: 212 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1PD winning the Championship and their promotion to the PREMIERSHIP. www.sosrecruitment.co.uk SOS Recruitment are proud to be the dedicated sponsor of AFC Bournemouth’s Training Ground. Julie and her team are extremely proud to be part of Bournemouth’s success, long may it continue! Julie has been extremely passionate about Bournemouth Football Club supporting them over the last few years and seeing that glorious minute of them winning the Championship was a breath taking moment. Such exciting times ahead – SOS Recruitment look forward to continuing to support AFC Bournemouth! Julie Cook-Hughes, Founder & Managing Director SOS Recruitment
WEST HANTS/THE GAME WINNER! Joseph Murphy Sullivan is an apprentice at JP Morgan working and living in Bournemouth. He loves all sport, apart from cricket and follows rugby the most, with his biggest love being Saracens! Joseph was The Game’s lucky winner of a three month membership at The West Hants Club in our Christmas issue and he shares his experience following the good use of his prize… “We all start the year with the best intentions of joining a gym and finally getting ourselves fit and healthy after the Christmas binge. After a heavy Christmas of wonderful food and drink my last Christmas miracle happened...I won a competition through The Game Magazine for a 3 month pass at The West Hants Club. No more excuses to be had! Since I was having a season off from East Dorset RFC due to a long list of injuries, my fitness had dropped massively. So, it was time to get my head back down and blast some cardio. The whole gym was very well catered to everyone’s needs. The changing rooms were always clean and tidy and the wide range of classes was brilliant.
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Though, I never had the minerals to try the Zumba class…it comes highly recommended! My main focus from February onwards was strengthening my back and to do cardio work. My perfect week was two spinning classes and three gym sessions. Though as we all know, life isn’t always that simple. But, when I was on a flow, I felt really good. It was nice to be keeping active even though I wasn’t playing rugby. I was very happy with the progress it was perfect timing for the Bournemouth 7s that took place in May and the Round The Island race that I’ll be competing in with my work colleagues for Ellen MacArthur Charity Research. With the months I spent in the gym, I’m feeling much more confident about and not looking like I’ve had a season out of rugby! Thanks to The Game and The West Hants Club for a great prize!” Joseph Murphy-Sullivan
We’ve gathered together a bunch of local news items so you can stay up to date in June.
QUAYS UNABLE TO UNLOCK CROSS IN TITLE DECIDER A heartbroken Priory Quays missed out on winning the Bournemouth FA Sunday Hayward Premier Division after a late injury time goal gave Victoria Cross a 3-2 win. After a goal-less first half, home side Priory were 1-0 up thanks to a low strike from Chris Burdon but visitors Victoria Cross managed to equalise shortly after through Aaron Stacey. The away team then took the lead with under twenty minutes to go thanks to a long range free kick that flew into the top corner. Victoria Cross were then reduced
to 10 men after two players squared off with each other, and Priory managed to equalise on the 89th minute thanks to Manny Ohameje. The referee added six minutes on for injury time, but it took just two for the league title to be sealed as Victoria Cross scored to win the game 3-2 with Sam Thompson getting on the end of a defensive mix up. Match Report - Alex Barnes @ scjournalism Match Photos - Steve Harris @ cabbycrabby
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH - TEAMJOBS GET GOING! many others have been fundraising in her honour for her two favourite charities, Macmillan Nurses and Prospect Hospice.”
TOUGH staff from recruitment specialist TeamJobs took to the saddle, the road and the water to help raise £8000 for Macmillan Nurses and Prospect Hospice. TeamJobs, based in Poole, joined seven other teams from all over the country in the gruelling fundraising event, the Purbeck Pursuit. The event, which TeamJobs sponsored, started from Stoborough Primary School near Wareham and involved an eightmile cross country run, followed by a 15-mile mountain bike ride, a six-mile kayak, a six-mile treasure hunt and a ‘fun’ relay race. TeamJobs resource manager and organiser of the event, Julian Knott said: “TeamJobs was very proud to sponsor the Purbeck Pursuit. This was the seventh event organised by the charity Sophie’s Legacy. Sophie died in 2008 from ovarian cancer after fighting against it for 10 years and since then TeamJobs and
Julian added: “It was a really tough day; We had an hour and half to complete each of the run, ride and kayak and then we had a timed ‘treasure hunt’ around Wareham in which we had to photograph 30 obscure things including ‘steps to nowhere’, ‘a black bearded man’, ‘a perfect family’ and even a scene from a horror movie. “The event then finished with a team relay race in the playground of Stoborough School.” The Purbeck Pursuit has so far raised almost £8000, with money still being donated.
LEAF VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS NET MORE VICTORIES LeAF Studio’s talented volleyball squads have stormed to victory in the final national indoor competition of the year. The Bournemouth school’s boys’ and girls’ teams both won the U18 Grand Prix finals held in Kettering, Northants, which pits the country’s eight best clubs against each other. Both of the LeAF teams stormed through the early rounds to get to the finals where the boys met Boswells Blaze, in a repeat of last year’s finals, and the girls met Gravenory and Mallory Eagles. And both teams did LeAF proud by not only winning but also by the exact same margin – producing two 3-0 set victories. Executive Principal, Gill Blanshard, said: “It’s great to finish the indoor volleyball season on such a high. The amount of hard work put in by our volleyball players is tremendous and it is great to see their efforts rewarded. They are continuing to make their name on a national level and we are very proud of each and every one of them.” The Grand Prix event is organised by Volleyball England and was held in the national training centre. LeAF’s girls overturned an early 5-1 deficit in their first set, thanks
to a run of strong runs from Lois Chitticks and Melina Xanthopoulou. They went on to win that set 25-15. Strong serves from Milly Smith and Hannah Symonds propelled them to a close 25-23 win in the second set. Attacking pressure, led by Angel Beckford, saw the girls take a comfortable lead in the third and final set, which they won 26-16. The boys, meanwhile, were pitted against close rivals Boswell. They comfortably saw out the first set 25-12 and strong serving and solid backing from Nathan Fullerton saw them close out the second set 25-18. The third set followed suit and with some powerful attack on the outside from Will Van Wingerden and Angelos Mandalaris saw them finish the final set 25-16. LeAF Studio is home to the UK’s only indoor volleyball beach training centre which is also used by Team GB athletes.The pioneering centre has also been used as the training centre for the England South team and last summer LeAF hosted its first international competition – the CEV Beach Volleyball Continental Cup. Elite athletes who study at LeAF combine their GCSE and A-level studies with top level coaching and sport conditioning.
If you would like to donate please visit: www.sophieslegacy.org where you will see links to the donation pages. BRING IT ON! - Julian Knott (bottom left) and the rest of the TeamJobs squad gear-up for the gruelling Purbeck Pursuit.
WINNERS – the U18s boys and girls volleyball squads were triumphant at the Volleyball England’s U18 Grand Prix Finals, held at Kettering.
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SCOOTERING
THIS MONTH, WE CATCH UP WITH LOCAL UP AND COMING SCOOTERING STAR, DARRYL TOWNSEND TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS SPORT…
NAME: DARRYL TOWNSEND SPORT: SCOOTERING SPONSORS: VORTEX-EXTREMESPORTS HI DARRYL, THANKS FOR TALKING TO US… WHAT GOT YOU INTO SCOOTERING AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT?
I am 20 years old and live in Poole, Dorset. I have been riding for about 4 years now. It all started when my friend bought one. I thought I’d have a go and it got to the point where I wanted one for myself so I bought a JD Bug for my first scooter and progressed from there, starting with learning the basics at my local skatepark. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY COMPS/ EVENTS YOU’VE BEEN PART OF?
I have been in Grit Scooters competitions and many low key competitions at Prevail Skatehouse. I also won a street competition at The Front Skatepark in Weymouth. Most recently, I took a trip to London for the biggest street jam in the UK. It was without a doubt the best weekend riding I have ever had… YOU’RE A TEAM RIDER FOR LOCAL TOP SKATE/SCOOT/WAKE SHOP, VORTEX IN POOLE. TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THEM…
My involvement with Vortex has been going on for a year now. My role is to promote and ride parts from the shop and get involved with people who are just starting out to teach them some things I have learnt over the past 4 years of riding. In turn Pat (the owner) helps me progress as much as he can.
BEING SPONSORED BY A SKATE SHOP MUST HAVE ITS BENEFITS?!
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER SPORTS?
Of course there are perks like free or discounted parts and recognition from other riders knowing that you are a sponsored rider but also travelling around, going to new skate parks and meeting new people are great benefits of what I do.
Skateboarding when I just feel like relaxing or cruising down the beach in summer, I also enjoy a bit of dirt jumping when the weather is nice and 5-a-side football on the odd occasion.
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO PRACTISE/ TRAIN?
My local indoor skate park Prevail Skatehouse, Fleetsbridge , Portland, Dorchester, Wareham and Sherborne Skatepark. I like riding around the streets of Poole and Bournemouth finding new spots to go. WHAT KIND OF STUNTS DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
Handrails - my favourite rail trick is BS lip grind to Tailwhip and ledges. My favourite ledge trick is FS feeble 360 to FS smith to fakie feeble grind to 180 out. I also enjoy Tailwhip rewinds and Blunt stalls which is where you balance on the front of your deck; I can do the odd front flip at a competition if I feel like it... HAVE YOU HAD ANY FALLS/ACCIDENTS?
Yes, I have torn the ligaments in my left ankle, back and chest. I also have a scar on my left eye where I went head first into a wooden post at The Base indoor skatepark in Bognor Regis. I had to have 8 stitches and if it had been 1 centimetre closer to my eye, I would have been blinded. WEAR A HELMET KIDS!
IMAGES: FRC PHOTOGRAPHY FACEBOOK: FRCPHOTOGRAPHY TWITTER: FRC_PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO: AMY MAIDMENT’
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WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO GET INVOLVED AND WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO GO?
VORTEX EXTREME SPORTS ON POOLE QUAY! Also, go to Prevail Skatehouse to practise and ride with me and the team so we can teach you a few things... WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
Keep doing what I do ride, represent the shop, keep the friends, enter competitions and love what I do! BIG SHOUT OUT TO MY SPONSORS AND EVERYONE I RIDE WITH! Patrick Marsh (owner of Vortex), Tony Senior (management). Team riders, Zacc Scott, Adam Travers and Jay Phillips. Local riders Alex Stanzel, Josh Smith, Danny Miles, Jack Duggan, Kane Bartlett, Jack Milnes media, Jack Hicks and everyone else that’s helped me progress in my riding! FTS CREW! FINALLY, SUM UP YOUR SPORT IN THREE WORDS?
Time, Energy, Love. Thank you for talking to us, Darryl and we wish you all the best with your future.
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MERCEDES-BENZ
In a class of it’s own… A
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stylish performer with a great engine, that covers the ground effortlessly and is also fantastic at taking corners – you’re sure to get plenty of kicks from the renowned MercedesBenz E-Class. The current range of Saloon and Estate models maintain the E-Class’ reputation for luxurious style and supreme performance, so you are sure to be impressed if you’re seeking a transfer from one of its executive rivals.
“The current range of Saloon and Estate models maintain the E-Class’ reputation for luxurious style and supreme performance”
Much sought-after right now at Mercedes-Benz of Poole are the extensively-equipped AMG Night Edition versions, which bristle with exclusive styling and performance features. From bumper-tobumper, these cars cannot fail to turn heads thanks to a majestically, muscular profile distinguished by all-round AMG bodystyling, bi-coloured 5-twinspoke design 18-inch alloy wheels and squared, twin-pipe exhaust system in stainless steel. Its lavish looks continue on the inside, where its sumptuous leather sports seats with dark aluminium trim and 3-spoke, nappa leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel are complemented
With DIRECT CONTROL suspension and rear air suspension with self-levelling for Estate models, the E-Class is guaranteed to deliver a somewhat smoother ride than AFC Bournemouth’s promotion campaign.
WWW.THEGAMEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
by an array of dynamic finishing touches from the AMG floor mats to brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs.
Its communications credentials are also secondto-none and the AMG Night Edition boasts the COMAND Online sat-nav system with integrated media interface, Bluetooth® and Mercedes ‘Connect Me’ – an innovative package offering vehicle access via a smartphone. Like all of the latest cars to feature the famous three-pointed star,
its state-of-the-art specification includes a raft of safety systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST, PRESAFE® anticipatory safety system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS. The E-Class AMG Night Edition can be specified with an impressive choice of engines too. Amongst them is the 211hp E 250 petrol option and the 6-cylinder, 258hp E 350 BlueTEC diesel, which is paired to the phenomenal 9G-TRONIC PLUS 9-speed transmission. There is also the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which uses both diesel and electric power to maximise energy efficiency, and returns CO2 emissions as low as 107g/km together with economy of up to 68.9mpg (combined).
For further information on the E-Class AMG Night Edition – a car that scores on every level – please contact the sales team at Mercedes-Benz of Poole on 01202 501855.
Enjoy a promotion drive of your very own. Upgrade to the renowned E-Class from Mercedes-Benz of Poole.
Representative Example E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition (metallic paint, 7G-TRONIC PLUS auto)
With its distinguished good looks, sumptuous comfort, state-of-the-art features, effortless and efficient performance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undoubtedly ranked in the premier league of executive saloons. If your goal is to drive one of these acclaimed models then here’s the perfect opportunity from Mercedes-Benz of Poole. The E-Class AMG Night Edition and you – a match that you won’t want to miss.
For further information on our E-Class offers or to arrange a test drive, please call our sales team on 01202 501855.
36 monthly payments of*
£399.00
Customer deposit
£5,006.76
On-the-road price
£38,210.00
Retailer deposit contribution
£4,385.95
Optional purchase payment†
£18,600.00
Amount of credit
£28,817.29
Duration of agreement
36 months
Total amount payable±
£42,366.71
Acceptance fee Purchase activation fee† Representative APR Fixed interest rate
£0.00 £10.00 5.9% APR 5.76%
Mercedes-Benz of Poole Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 2BD 01202 501855 www.sandown-group.co.uk
SandownMercedes-Benz
@SandownMercedes
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the E-Class range: urban 20.3(13.9)-65.7(4.3), extra urban 36.2(7.8)-67.3(4.2), combined 28.3(10.0)-65.7(4.3). CO2 emissions 234-107 g/km. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA is the firm responsible for making this financial promotion and will act as introducing agent. Whilst these offers are only available through Mercedes-Benz Finance, we do arrange finance on behalf of other finance companies as well. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd may receive commission from the lender for acting as introducing agent. *Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz E 220 BlueTEC AMG Night Edition Saloon with automatic transmission and metallic paint at £38,210.00 on-the-road (OTR price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee and fuel). Finance offer based on a Mercedes-Benz Agility Agreement, on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges may apply. †Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. ±Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and retailer deposit contribution (if applicable). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Selected models only. Orders/credit approvals on selected E-Class models between 1 April and 30 June 2015, registered by 30 September 2015. Participating retailers. Retail sales only. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of print (05/15).
AFC BOURNEMOUTH
CROWD PLEASER
The Game meets AFC Bournemouth’s supporters’ player of the season, Harry Arter, to look back on a ‘perfect’ campaign.
Harry Arter spent the 2014/15 season winning games, winning admirers and winning over the doubters. In a team that is more than a sum of his parts, over the course of the past nine months he has emerged as a key figure in one of the best sides outside the Premier League. Sometimes accused of erratic performances at the start of his Cherries career, he has developed into an influential, all action midfielder worthy of a place on the international stage. “I felt confident that we could achieve something and I knew it could be a big season for me,” he said. “Every season you try to come back better than before and in the summer I watched what I ate more than I did in the past.
Frank Lampard as the inspiration behind his goal scoring run. “I can’t really put my finger on it,” he recalls. “I wasn’t preparing any differently and it was more of a coincidence than anything. A couple of the goals were good team goals and I was just in the right place at the right time. “He (Lampard) has made an unbelievable career out of scoring goals from midfield and I don’t think I will ever be able to master what he did, but it did help me a little bit. “I do work a lot on shooting from outside the area in training as well and it works better in games than it does in training! I don’t know if it’s because I concentrate more during the games, but thankfully a few have gone in.”
“The manager was bringing in some good players and I knew I had to give myself an edge. Competition was healthy last season and, along with Eunan O’Kane and Shaun MacDonald, Dan Gosling signed and there was talk of Andrew Surman coming back. “Playing in the first game gives you the opportunity to keep your shirt and that’s your focus when you’re running and working hard in pre-season. I would have been disappointed to miss out on that because if you look at the team that started, it will be more or less the team that finishes the season.” It wasn’t until December though that the Cherries’ and Arter’s season truly began to gather momentum, with wins from all five of their final league games in 2014. The midfielder scored in each one, starting with a crucial late equaliser against Wolverhampton Wanderers and finishing with a strike at Millwall which guaranteed the club would end the year top of the table. Before leaving The Den to celebrate the remainder of his 25th birthday he was quoted, citing
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“GETTING CALLEDUP AND BEATING MIDDLESBROUGH MADE IT THE BEST WEEK OF MY CAREER SO FAR WITHOUT A DOUBT.”
that there was no need to go away and do anything differently. It’s something I’m really proud of and it was a good experience. Even the little things like mixing with new players was good for me. “I’ve been at Bournemouth for five years now and being the new face can be daunting, but it’s good for character building even though I had to sing in front of everyone. “I came away with some new views having worked with Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, who are two really well respected people in the game. There were a lot of Premier League players in the squad too and playing international football is the biggest stage you can perform on.” Selecting his highlights of the season, Arter opts to choose two moments that fell within the space of a week for club and country. “Being part of the Ireland squad was a dream come true,” he offers. “But the game against Middlesbrough at home was one that stood out for me. It was the day we started to believe we could be contenders. “Everyone thought: ‘We can actually do this’. I also thought it was one of my best games I’ve had since I’ve been here and I flew out (for international duty) the next day. It was the best week of my career so far without a doubt.”
Talk of Arter earning a first senior Republic of Ireland call-up had been ongoing for the whole of 2014, but with his goals tally and influence growing, his performances were becoming hard to ignore. “Maybe the goals were something that helped me get noticed initially,” he adds. “Perhaps it gave them a reason to come and watch me and then hopefully other parts of my game helped me get the call-up. “The manager told me that I earned it because of the player I am and
Article: Alex Smith Photography: Naomi Baker
COMPETITION TIME
COMPETITION TIME WIN Two rounds of golf, including a hot drink & bacon roll for each player at Queens Park Golf Course HOW TO ENTER Like The Game Facebook page or follow us on Twitter Share or re-tweet the comp post Closing date for entries is Tuesday 23rd June 2015, the winner will be picked randomly from all entries and notified by Wednesday 24th June 2015.
Con to Ed gratula ti d the t ie How ons mag eam on e and ni th Goo ficent se eir d a Prem Luck in son. Que ier lea the gue ens , Pa Cou rk Golf rse.
GOOD LUCK!
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Summer Pay & Play Offers Enjoy playing golf at Queen’s Park this Summer and take advantage of our amazing offers
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Celebrating
10 YEARS
of great hospitality AT
VILLAGE BOURNEMOUTH JOIN US FOR A WHOLE YEAR OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE OUR ANNIVERSARY MAY SAT
23 JUN FRI
5
AUG SAT
8
PAUL MERSON SPORTSMAN’S DINNER
From 7.30pm anticipate the evening to finish at midnight. An evening with the great Paul Merson which includes welcome cocktail, 3 course meal, tea & coffee. Paul will be doing an after dinner talk and Q&A with the audience. There will also be a sports quiz with proceeds going to Julia’s House and Pink Champagne. A portion of the ticket price along with 10% of the bar takings will be going to the charities Tickets £45.00 per person.
TWILIGHT WALK FOR WOMEN 7.30pm at Bournemouth Pier. We are delighted to be sponsoring this 5th annual walk organised by Bournemouth Hospital Charity raising all important money for women’s health and the fight against cancer. We will also have members of the Village Bournemouth team taking part in the various distances of 1k, 5k and 10k.
For more information on the event visit www.bournemouthhospitalcharity.org/event/twilight-walk-2015
FAMILY FUN DAY
Our annual family fun day offers lots of fun for all family, come and join us from 11.00am where there will be a bouncy castle, games, competitions, music, stalls, face painting, a BBQ and much more. Also visit our Santa Shack for exclusive early bird Christmas booking offers.
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SEP SEP
SAT
SUN
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TOUGH MUDDER LONDON SOUTH Centred around a rare natural amphitheatre Matterley Bowl, Tough Mudder London South will make you earn every last mile and has been known to break even the hardest Mudders. However, survive the grueling trails, rugged, barren farmland and long steady climbs and you will be rewarded as you descend on the bowl through one the most epic finishes to a course Tough Mudder has to offer. Village Bournemouth would love for leisure members to join their team and raise money for Royal Bournemouth Hospital charity.
Entry fee applies with limited spaces so please HURRY, speak to leisure club reception.
OCT SAT
3
DEC SUN
6
SPORTSMAN’S DINNER
From 7.30pm anticipate the evening to finish at midnight. An evening with a sporting legend which includes welcome cocktail, 3 course meal, tea & coffee. There will be an after dinner talk and Q&A with the audience. There will also be a sports quiz with proceeds going to Bournemouth Hospital Charity. A portion of the ticket price along with 10% of the bar takings will be going to the charities Tickets £49.00 per person
10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
This weekend we turn 10 and we love you help us celebrate but coming to our birthday party. Christmas themed it will be v.big shindig including buffet and disco with late bar until 1am, just remember your dancing shoes. £10.00 per person to include food and entertainment
Call us on 0871
222 4574
Find out more about our anniversary events at village-hotels.co.uk/10years