Late Summer 2015
In This Issue...
New Mayor
Flog It at Highcliffe Castle
Successful beach recycling
Improvements to Stanpit Rec
Page 3
Page 3
Page 5
Page 16
Christchurch marks 800th anniversary of Magna Carta
Pupils from Christchurch Junior School dressed in costume of the day and danced to entertain King John and the Mayor
(left) and the Mayor unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta (right)
Christchurch Culture and Learning Arena (C.A.L.) have commemorated the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna
Carta thanks to a grant of £7,388 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
King John was a frequent visitor to Christchurch Priory and the celebrations included a re-enactment of one of his
visits. A fanfare, by Twynham School Trumpeters, announced the arrival of ‘King John and his Entourage’ at Christchurch
Priory to deliver an Inheritance Charter – re-enacted by Bournemouth Shakespeare Players. A peal of bells then
announced the King’s approach to the Constable’s House, near which he stayed during his ten visits to Christchurch.
The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Frederick Neale, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visits and the 800th
anniversary of the Magna Carta (courtesy of English Heritage). After banqueting on the Bowling Green, (courtesy of the
Kings Arms Hotel), the Town Crier led the King and the Royal Entourage to the Saxon Cross, where Christchurch Junior
School provided entertainment in music and dance before his departure.
A display of vestments and regalia was held in the Mayor’s Parlour while a Heritage Marquee in Saxon Square housed
the Magna Carta Census Scrolls which visitors were encouraged to sign as a reaffirmation of the benefits of the Charter.
Christchurch History Society and other local historians were on hand to provide information and a heritage trail was led
by historian Michael Andrews around the ancient Plantagenet boundary.
In the week prior to this event the Hayloft Gallery in Wick Lane offered free workshops in calligraphy, spinning and
weaving and the Bayeux tapestry stitch and preparations began for Christchurch’s own Magna Carta Tapestry.
Christchurch Priory hosted a week-long Art Exhibition by its local schools entitled ‘800 years of Cultural Heritage’ and
offered a number of musical events throughout the week, including two Schools Concerts, an Organ Recital, Choral
Evensong and a concert by Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.
In addition to the HLF grant, which contributed to their specifically designated activities in the event, Christchurch
Council provided £500 of funding.
Simon Timms, chair of the HLF South West Committee, attended the day and said: "This is just the sort of community
heritage project that HLF was set up to support and everyone I talked to during my visit was very positive about the
day. I would particulary like to pass on my congratulations to Stella Jackson-Smith, Chair of C.A.L."
The Courier
Please help the Phoenix Fly
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www.dorsetforyou.com
If you would like to comment on or obtain further information
on any of the articles in the Courier, please use any contact
details which may be given at the bottom of the articles.
Otherwise contact The Courier by emailing or writing to the
address at the top of the column - please include a name
and address or telephone number in order that you can
receive a response.
Have your say
Christchurch and East Dorset Councils are carrying out a
household survey of residents to see what local people think
about Christchurch and East Dorset as places to live and to
let you have your say on the council services you receive.
Survey forms will be sent out to random households in the
Borough between September and November. If you receive
a form, please complete it and return it to us in the pre-paid
envelope provided.
2
As mentioned in the last edition of the Courier, Highcliffe
Castle is currently fundraising towards the Phoenix Flies
project which aims to restore the East Wing of the Castle,
restore the medieval stained glass collection, provide a
heritage education facility for schools and community
groups, return original furniture to the Castle on loan from
the Victoria & Albert Museum and create a historic archive
of the Castle.
£250,000 needs to be raised from local businesses and the
local community. The Castle is reaching out to local people
and local companies to help to secure Highcliffe Castle
for future generations. To sponsor the project or make a
donation, please contact the Castle on 01425 278807, email
[email protected] or go to
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/phoenixfund
Work on the next stage of the Local Plan
Christchurch and East Dorset Councils are working on the
next stage of their Local Plan, which looks at developments
in the area up to 2028. The Core Strategy that was adopted
in 2014 formed the first part of the Local Plan. It produced a
strategy for major developments.
The second part of the Local Plan will contain detailed
Development Management policies for certain forms of
development, as well as smaller allocations and designations
in existing urban areas, or in some cases rural areas.
This document will allocate sites for uses such as new
housing, employment land, open space and sites which offer
important mixed development opportunities, for example in
town centres.
Evidence gathering and targeted consultations are taking
place over the summer. These will be followed by a public
consultation on the draft options later this year, with the
intention of formally consulting on the Pre-Submission
Document in the spring of 2016. The expected date for
formal adoption following a Public Examination would be
the following year.
Further details of Part 2 of the Local Plan can be found at
www.dorsetforyou.com/article/370984.
If you would like to be engaged or kept informed of progress
please contact the Planning Policy Team on 01202 795175 or
e-mail [email protected]
Follow us on Twitter
If you would like a regular update on things which are
happening with the council or in Christchurch generally,
why not follow us on Twitter?
Our Twitter name is @cb_edd_councils.
We will be able to let you know about any news as soon
as it happens, which could include temporary closure of
any facilities.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Cllr Frederick Neale is new Mayor
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
North Highcliffe and
Walkford election
In the last issue of the Courier we gave photos and
contact details for all of the councillors elected on 7
May. However, the election in the North Highcliffe and
Walkford ward had been delayed due to the sad death
of one of the candidates in that ward. The election was
held on 18 June and the councillors elected were Cllr
Sally Derham Wilkes and Cllr Nick Geary.
Mayor Cllr Frederick Neale with the Mayoress Mrs
Barbara Neale
Their contact details are shown below along with
details for Cllr Janet Abbott, elected in the Grange ward,
who was out of the country when the last Courier was
published and we were unable to get a photograph of
her then.
Cllr Frederick Neale has been sworn in as the new Mayor of
Christchurch. He was first elected as an Independent councillor
for the Jumpers ward in May 2007 and since then has twice
been re-elected to represent the ward.
He had a long and successful career in the printing industry
in London before taking up the position of Senior Lecturer
at Bournemouth and Poole College, a post he held for some
17 years.
In his spare time he has always been a very willing volunteer
and has undertaken many roles, including that of a local Cub
Scout Leader in the Town Centre and a Director Trustee of Age
Concern Christchurch. He is an active member of the Friends
of Christchurch Railway Station, where he holds the post
of Chairman, and takes an active role in the local history of
Christchurch.
His nominated charities are The Friends of Christchurch Station,
Age Concern Christchurch and Christchurch & District Scouts.
CLLR SALLY DERHAM WILKES
21 Fulmar Road, Mudeford,
Christchurch BH23 4BJ
Tel: 01425 279102
[email protected]
CLLR NICK GEARY
Captains Cottage, 7 Fisherman Bank,
Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 3NP
Tel: 01202 488036
[email protected]
CLLR JANET ABBOTT
22 Pennant Way,
Christchurch BH23 3PW
Tel: 07481 861374
[email protected]
900 come to ‘Flog It’ at Highcliffe Castle
Nearly 900 people came to Highcliffe Castle to get their antiques valued by the BBC One antiques programme ‘Flog It’ in the
hope of going away with a fortune.
Presenter Paul Martin was on hand along with a number of antique experts to give the
expectant owners the news about whether they had a valuable property in their possession.
‘Flog It’, the major BBC antiques show, is now on its fourteenth series and regularly achieves
an audience of over two million viewers in its weekday afternoon slot. The ‘Flog It’ team
were recording enough material for five programmes.
Paul Martin at the Castle
Paul Tucker, Executive Producer of Flog It, said: “Highcliffe Castle has been a fantastic
backdrop for Flog It with the Castle itself and the beautiful grounds. Everybody has had a
great day – the crew and everyone who took the time and trouble to bring their objects
along for us to see. We’ve had everything from a 1950s Hornby railway set to Royal
Worcester porcelain and we should be able to make some interesting programmes out of
what we’ve found.”
David Hopkins, Highcliffe Castle Manager, said: “It has been a wonderful day which has exceeded all of our expectations. It’s
nice to see so many people coming to enjoy the special atmosphere at Highcliffe Castle. Hopefully they’ll be returning on a less
busy day to see the Castle properly.”
3
The Courier
Struggling to pay bills?
Dinghy Park
Christchurch Borough Council can offer facilities to store
sailing dinghies and tenders at Mudeford Quay all year
round. The Dinghy Park is available for monohulls up to
15ft (4.6 m) and a limited number of multihulls. Prices are
£227.00 (monohull) or £340.00 (multihull). Licences run on
an annual basis from 1 November 2014 to 16 October 2015.
If you’re having difficulty budgeting there is a lot of
financial advice that is available free of charge from a
number of independent organisations.
These local agencies can help maximise income, prioritise
payments, give budget advice and help on claiming benefit:
•
For new customers, dinghy park spaces taken up after 1
August 2015 will be charged a flat fee for the remainder
of the licence year. Prices will be £38.00 (monohull) and
£57.00 (multihull).
Faithworks Wessex www.faithworkswessex.org.uk - 01202 304004
•
Council Tax Advisors CIC - www.counciltaxadvisors.co.uk
- 01202 978691 (24 hour helpline)
•
For further details visit www.dorsetforyou.com/387670 or
contact Property & Estates on 01202 795020.
Citizens Advice Bureaux - Dorset Advice line 03442 451 291
(This line is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm)
•
Christians Against Poverty www.capdebthelp.org - 0800 328 0006
New flag unfurled at splashpark
A new flag is flying over Christchurch splashpark
courtesy of a six-year-old student from St Joseph’s
Catholic Primary School.
There are also a number of national helplines that can give
advice including:
•
National Debtline www.nationaldebtline.org - 0808 808 4000
•
Money Advice Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk - 0300 500 5000
Do you have an event to promote?
If so the Visit Dorset tourism website has a new free
facility which allows you to add your own event to the
site by going to www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/tellus-about-your-event.
Visit Dorset is an award winning site which has attracted
more than two million visitors in the past year and
keeps on growing. If anyone is interested in advertising
on the site please contact Melanie Baldwin for further
information on 01202 795311 or email
[email protected].
Bethany with the Mayor Cllr Frederick Neale
Support available for young people
Bethany Westlake was the winner of a competition
organised by Christchurch Borough Council to find a new
flag to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of
the facility at Christchurch Quay.
Primary school pupils in Christchurch were asked to
produce a design for a flag along the theme of ‘having
fun at Christchurch Quay’. More than 100 entries were
received with Bethany’s design chosen as the winner.
Becky Beaumont, Community & Recreation Officer at
Christchurch Council, said: “Bethany’s design really
stood out, firstly because it was bright and colourful and
secondly because it really answered the design brief.”
Bethany’s design was made up into a flag and Bethany
joined the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Frederick Neale, to
raise it over the splashpark.
Bethany was presented with a goody bag of sporting
prizes including swimming vouchers for Two Riversmeet
Leisure Centre and other items including some donated
by Waitrose.
4
Two bursary funds managed by the Dorset Community
Foundation will support young people 16-21 who are looking
to start or continue their vocational (job-related) training.
The Superior STEM Bursary Fund, set up by Ferndownbased Superior Ltd, will focus on providing grants of up
to £1,500 to applicants who attend or plan on attending
Bournemouth and Poole or Brockenhurst College on a STEM
(science, technology, engineering or mathematics) course.
The bursaries can only be used to support educational
or training needs, eg fees for equipment, course fees and
special clothing.
The Foundation’s own Bursary Scheme will also support
young people aged 16-21 with bursaries of up to £1,000.
Both schemes focus on supporting particularly
disadvantaged young people and applicants will be required
to evidence financial need. To apply or for more details
please visit www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Successful beach recycling scheme
Transport projects
The beach recycling scheme in
Christchurch, which was 12 months in the
planning and which took eight weeks to
implement, has been completed.
The scheme to replenish beaches in
Christchurch affected by the succession
of storms during the winter of 2013/14 has
involved pumping sand and shingle from
the large off-shore sandbar (known as an
ebb-tide delta) which lies at the entrance to
Christchurch Harbour.
However before dredging operations could commence, the council's
contractor Earlcoate Construction excavated a new navigation channel to
allow uninterrupted access to Christchurch Harbour.
Approximately 3,500m3 of sand and shingle was removed during this
operation and placed on the tip of Mudeford Sandbank. Christchurch
Harbour Association (CHA) then repositioned the green and red navigation
buoys to identify the new channel.
Dredging operations produced over 25,000m3 of sand and shingle. Around
half of this was transported to Friars Cliff beach, just under a third to
Gundimore beach and the remainder levelled out on Avon Beach.
The bulk of the project cost will be met from the Environment Agency/Defra
Recovery and Repair Grant in Aid funding.
Steve Woolard, Engineer at Christchurch Council, said: “The scheme
was brought in under budget which means a saving to the council on its
contribution towards the overall cost of the project.
“Christchurch beaches have now been restored to the optimum coast
protection volumes and levels, and we also have the added benefit of
sandier beaches. So there has never been a better time to visit and enjoy our
local beach facilities this summer.”
welcome to your local solicitors who specialise
in just three areas of law...
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Christchurch Community Partnership
runs two transport projects in the
Christchurch area that provide
invaluable support to local residents who
have difficulty using public transport.
“Dial-a-Bus” provides specially adapted
transport door to door for residents in
the BH23 area. It has specially trained
drivers and bus buddies to assist users.
Currently “Dial-a-Bus” runs two weekly
shopping trips to Sainsbury’s, and many
excursions to places of interest. They ask
for a small donation towards the cost of
running the trips. They are also looking for
more drivers and bus buddies. Do you
think you could spare a few hours a week
to assist?
“Neighbour Cars” provides a service for
the over 50s in the BH23 area, taking
them to doctors, dentists, hospitals and
any other health-related appointments.
A driver will collect the resident from
their home and return them after the visit.
They ask for a small donation to cover
the fuel costs. They are looking for more
drivers and volunteer co-ordinators to
take the phone calls in the office. If you
think you could help, please get in touch.
For further information about either
project or to volunteer, please
telephone 01202 989632.
Family & Divorce
Wills & Probate
Property
Divorce & Separation
Financial Resolution
Divorce involving business interests
Cohabitation breakdown
Disputes relating to children
Wills
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Administration of Estates
Inheritance Tax
Home visits available
Commercial property
Residential property
Lease extensions
Business sales & purchases
Inter-family arrangements
Avon House, 4 Bridge Street, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1DX
tel: 01202 484242 fax: 01202 481327 email: [email protected]
SOLICITORS LLP
www.williamsthompson.co.uk
5
The Courier
Strollers summer programme
See below the latest programme for walks by the Christchurch Strollers. If
you would like to come on one of the walks just turn up at the specified time
and place.
Walks from
When
Dates for walks
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 4 August
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Thursday 6 August
Saxon Square Town Centre walk to Stanpit Marsh
10.30am
Friday 7 August
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 11 August
Highcliffe Castle. Meet at public information
board in the car park.
10.45am
Thursday 13 August
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 18 August
Iford Bridge. Meet at Iford Bridge in car park
just off road by Bowling Club.
10.45am
Friday 21 August
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 25 August
Mudeford Wood. Meet at the car
park at Sandpiper Public House,
The Runway, Mudeford.
10.45am
Thursday 27 August
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 1 Sept
Highcliffe Castle. Meet at public information
board in the car park.
10.45am
Friday 4 Sept
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 8 Sept
Hengistbury Head. Meet outside Hikers Café.
10.30am
Friday 11 Sept
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 15 Sept
Stanpit Marsh. Meet at the car park
10.45am
Thursday 17 Sept
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 22 Sept
Tuckton/Wick. Meet at car park by
Wick Lane toilets.
10.45am
Friday 25 Sept
Saxon Square Town Centre
10.30am
Tuesday 29 Sept
Urgent appeal for school crossing patrols
Dorset County Council are seeking suitable applicants in the Highcliffe
area for two School Crossing Patrol vacancies on Greenways Road, outside
Highcliffe St Marks Primary School and Hinton Wood Avenue.
Anyone interested in applying, or who would just like to know more about
the respective posts, can call Rob Camp, Senior Road Safety Technician on
01305 224548.
Town centre late night opening
Around 25 Independent shops and cafes in the town centre which do not normally
open late have confirmed they will be open until 7pm on Thursdays in August.
There will be four town centre hampers to be raffled weekly with goodies donated
by the independents. Ticket donations of 50p go to four local charities: Autism
Wessex, Macmillan, Julia's House and the Lighthouse Project.
Come along and spend time browsing the shops and support your local
independent businesses!
6
Fly-tipping – the facts
Fly-tipping causes a major blight
on the landscape and costs a lot
of money to deal with but what
can be done to stop it and who is
responsible for clearing it up?
With regard to responsibility for
clearing it up, it depends on where
the fly-tip is. If it’s on private
land, then it’s the landowner’s
responsibility. If it’s on public land
then it’s down to the local council.
In Dorset, it’s the Dorset Waste
Partnership, which works on behalf
of all of the councils in the county,
who will clear up the fly-tip.
If you see a fly-tip on public
land, please go online to www.
dorsetforyou.com/flytipping/reportflytipping-online and fill in the form.
Alternatively you can call Dorset
Waste Partnership (DWP) on
01305 221040 to report it.
Of course, it’s one thing to clear up
the mess but how can we stop the
individuals who commit this crime?
One way the police can deal with
this is to check that vehicles with
large loads of rubbish have a Waste
Carrier Licence.
If you have work done at your
property which involves the
tradesperson taking away a large
amount of waste, please ask them
to show you their Waste Carrier
Licence. That will ensure that they
will dispose of the waste in the
correct manner.
Arts Guild exhibition
Christchurch Arts Guild are holding a
four-day Art exhibition at the Kings
Arms Pavilion (next to the bowling
green) from Sunday 31 August to
Friday 4 September.
On display will be an eclectic mix of
traditional, abstract, contemporary
and impressionistic work by artists
from this very progressive group,
some of which have graced the
Royal Academy in recent years. The
exhibition is free admission and will
be open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Boat
Moorings
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Past Mayor hands out cheques to her charities
Christchurch Borough Council can offer
Trot moorings on the south-east side
of the harbour and Self-laid moorings
on the north-east side of the harbour.
Trot moorings are suitable for boats
up to 30ft (9.14 m) with prices ranging
from £517 to £1009.
Self-laid moorings are suitable for
boats up to 28ft (8.54 m) with prices
ranging from £260 to £715. Licences
are run on an annual basis from 1
December 2014 to 15 November 2015.
For new customers, moorings taken up
after 1 August 2015 will be charged a
flat fee for the remainder of the licence
year, with prices starting at £86 for the
Trot moorings and £43 for the Self-laid
moorings.
For further details visit
www.dorsetforyou.com/387674 or
contact Property & Estates on
01202 795020.
The past Mayor with representatives of the charities she supported
The immediate past Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Denise Jones, has handed out
cheques amounting to £9,900 to the three charities she chose to support.
The Royal British Legion Christchurch Branch, Somerford ARC and Dorset Cancer
Centre at Poole Hospital each received £3,300 which was raised by the Cllr Mrs
Jones as Mayor during her year of office.
Cllr Mrs Jones said: “All three of these organisations are very dear to my heart and I
am delighted to have been involved with them and to have raised funds for them.
“All three of them provide services which can really change people’s lives. The
Royal British Legion upholds the memory of those who have died during conflicts
but also helps those who have survived. Somerford ARC is a community centre
which, along with the Greenhouse Fellowship which uses the centre, reaches out
to provide help and support to local people. And I know from personal experience
that the medical expertise provided by Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital to
people across the conurbation is something to be proud of.
“I would like to thank them all for the compassion and care that they all show.”
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We have equipment to support with:
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7
The Courier
Summer events at
Moors Valley
Moors Valley Country Park has an exciting programme
of events for children and families to enjoy this
summer. They include bushcraft, cycling, fishing and
plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with nature.
Special events include an evening visit from the Mizan
Travelling Planetarium on Monday 3 or Tuesday 25
August, a Twilight Safari on 26 August and a Bioblitz
on 13 August.
Alongside these a new programme of ‘Wildlife
Wednesdays’ will run all summer long featuring a
different activity every week. With guest appearances
from a range of experts, events will include a spider
walk, small mammal trapping and bee walk, providing
the perfect opportunity to get the whole family
interested in the natural world.
The Park is home to a miniature steam railway, Go
Ape’s Tree Top Junior course, and a Play Trail featuring
stunning play sculptures as well as playgrounds, cycle
hire and acres of forest and meadow to explore.
Until the end of September families with youngsters
can enjoy the Superworm Trail,
a self-guided activity trail
based on the popular
children’s character
from Julia Donaldson’s
book. Trail packs
include a copy of
a limited edition
Superworm mini-book
to enjoy as you stroll
around the Moors Lake.
You can find out more
about all the events and attractions at Moors
Valley Country Park and Forest and book online at
www.moors-valley.co.uk.
Ticketless Parking
As regulars will know there are no entrance charges
to Moors Valley, but instead you pay for how long you
park your car. The Park has now introduced a new
ticketless system using number plate recognition.
The barrier will automatically rise to allow you to
enter then, at the end of your visit, you enter your
number plate at the pay stations and pay for how long
you have stayed. You can then drive to the exit barrier
which will read your number plate and automatically
rise for exit.
Season ticket holders should notice no change in the
way the system works and the parking charges and
season ticket fees have remained the same.
8
Fit Christchurch Family Fun Day
The Fun Day takes place at Christchurch Quay on
Saturday 19 September from 11am to 4pm.
This event is always very popular and aims to promote
healthy lifestyles and give people the chance to find
out about and try out a number of sporting activities as
well as have some fun. There are always a number of
inflatables and other activities for people of all ages.
Volunteers are always needed to help steward this event
so if you can spare some time to help out on the day
please contact Pete Griffiths on 01202 477987 or email
[email protected].
Any sporting or fitness organisations wishing to display
at the event can also contact Pete Griffiths.
‘Incredible’ Family Fun Day
Saturday 13 June saw this year’s Family Fun Day at
Mudeford Wood Community Centre opened by the
Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Trish Jamieson.
The day was packed full of events which included dance
displays from Kaleidoscope dancers, Jan’s Gems belly
dancers and the Zumba ladies. There were also kids’
games and activities, bouncy castles and a fantastic
range of stalls.
Entertainment included U3A Vintage Brass Band, the
Crescendi Choir, singer Emma Wentworth and the
Sopley Hall Raisers.
There were various competitions, from princess and
super hero fancy dress and Beat the Goalie to the cake
baking competition which was won this year by Thomas
Davey (aged 17) with his beautiful chocolate cake.
In total the day raised £2,077.11, all in aid of Mudeford
Wood Community Trust.
The Trustees would like to thank sponsors Mitchells
Estate Agents, Penton Motors and Humphreys & Orr,
all the local companies who donated towards the prize
draw, John Maggs from Artiste Projection Services for
the PA system and Rob ‘Mr Incredible’ Smith for being
compere for the day. Lastly to all the volunteers who
helped plan and execute a brilliant day and to everyone
who came on the day to support this now annual
community fun day.
Mudeford Wood Active Kids
This holiday club will be running again at the centre over
the summer holidays, for children aged 4 to 11 years. It
incorporates lots of varied and fun activities to keep the
children entertained. Sessions can be for either a half-day
(am or pm) or all day. If you think your child would enjoy
taking part then call the Centre on 01425 272084, or email
[email protected] to book your space.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Green PEA Launch for Christchurch and East Dorset
Directors of Green PEA with speakers at the launch of the Green PEA scheme for Christchurch and East Dorset
The Christchurch and East Dorset Councils’ Green PEA scheme has been officially launched.
The Green Positive Environmental Action scheme, Green PEA for short, is a certification scheme. It provides companies and
organisations with a review of their energy costs, and offers recommendations to help them save money on their energy.
Joining the scheme initially is completely free, with organisations just requiring a written commitment from their senior
management team. They then have the option of working through the different scheme levels at their convenience.
The scheme includes an innovative funding option which enables organisations to benefit from a grant to install green
technologies if they do not have the necessary capital outlay.
Cllr Simon Tong, Deputy Leader of East Dorset District Council, said: “Green PEA is such a simple idea and yet so many
organisations can benefit from it. It could have a huge impact on our carbon emission reduction target, and so we are 100%
behind the scheme. Many organisations we talk to about energy reduction are keen to do something but are often unsure of
where to start. Green PEA now provides that structure many companies are looking for.”
If you are a business from Christchurch or East Dorset and are interested in joining the Green PEA scheme please call
01202 633346, or email: [email protected] or see the website www.greenpeascheme.org.uk
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9
The Courier
HELP with weeding
Highcliffe Sea Corner
fingerpost replaced
A group of residents, known collectively as Highcliffe Environmental Litter
Pickers (HELP), has been taking to the streets of Highcliffe to tidy up not
only the litter but also the weeds.
Tracey Beesley, the spokesman for HELP, said: “It is great that we regularly
attract a group of people who want to play a part in their community litter
picking and weeding but we could do with the support of the shopkeepers
to keep their front area tidy. If you have a flower basket hanging outside your
shop it would be a shame to see the flowers die, so a simple watering should
keep the flowers looking lovely for the rest of the summer.”
HELP could do with a lot more volunteers. If you would like to join them
please contact Tracey Beesley on 07932 945738 or email:
[email protected]
Highcliffe Revival Food
Festival success
Saturday 16 May had the village of Highcliffe celebrating its first food
festival in high style. With events for all the family including flash mobs,
cake competitions, ice cream, cakes, hog roasts, bouncy castles, beer, a
town crier and locally-run businesses showing their wares, as well as those
from further afield in Hampshire and the rest of Dorset, the event was
deemed an amazing success.
Events included demonstrations by chef and author Valentine Warner as well
as many leading local chefs including James Golding from The Pig group as
well as Luke Matthews from Chewton Glen.
The road being closed added to the ambiance and highlighted how personable
Highcliffe could become when parts of the street are pedestrianised.
The Revival Festival committee said: “It was a sheer delight to see so
many young families enjoying themselves. The entire event is about the
rejuvenation of Highcliffe, to encourage people who live in Highcliffe to come
to the high street and see what the high street has to offer in terms of delis,
butchers and restaurants. We hope that, in turn, new businesses will come to
the area having seen how lovely Highcliffe can be.
“We would like to thank those companies who made the commitment to
sponsor us and the very small team of volunteers who put so much hard work
into this event.“
10
The fingerpost at Sea Corner in
Highcliffe, which was severely
damaged in a storm in 2013, has
been replaced thanks to a grant from
Dorset County Council.
It is believed that there was a
fingerpost here from the 1930s when
Highcliffe was in Hampshire and
the shopping centre was lined with
trees. In more recent years the sign
has been neglected and parts of the
upper structure were broken off.
The Highcliffe Centre Partnership
decided to look into the feasibility of
restoring the finger post as one of its
aims is to improve the appearance
of the High Street. Research into
old postcards and other sources
confirmed the size and wording
on the fingers. The post originally
had four arms but it is believed
that the Chewton Common arm
was removed when the Lymington
Road was widened as it would have
protruded into the road.
Quotes were obtained from a
number of specialist firms and a
preferred contractor was chosen.
Funding the renovation was then
the major problem. Fortunately one
of the Highcliffe Centre Partners,
County Councillor Lesley Dedman,
came to the rescue and allocated
funds from her Community Budget
and DCC took over management of
the project.
The iconic fingerpost is back
pointing the way “to the sea” and
once more is a focus for the cameras
of visitors. The next challenge is to
see the remaining three posts in
Highcliffe renovated.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Dogs and cats benefit from free services
Almost 70 dogs and cats in Somerford, Christchurch
benefited from free services provided by the RSPCA,
Bournemouth Cats Protection, Christchurch & East Dorset
Councils and Sovereign Housing.
The services, which included micro-chipping, neutering,
worm and flea treatments, were carried out by experts
at a Dog and Cat Action Day held at Somerford ARC in
Southey Road.
Julie Burden, Clinic Manager at the RSPCA Clinic in Richmond
Park Road, said: “We’ve helped to fund this event to support
the local community with the neutering of their pets. We find
that animal rescue centres for cats and dogs are full with
unwanted animals due to overbreeding. Neutering obviously
helps prevent this but there are many other health benefits to
neutering for both male and female animals.”
Robert Calderwood, Lucy Beach, Julie Rush, David
Sheen & Michelle Jones with Max & Thomas
Michelle Jones, Animal Welfare Officer at Christchurch and
East Dorset Councils, said: “We are offering free micro-chipping now because by April next year all dogs will need to
be micro-chipped by law and it will be an offence not to have a dog microchipped with the details of the microchip
kept updated with the owner’s name and address. Whilst is still currently law that all dogs have to wear an identity disc
with the owner’s name and address inscribed on it, microchipping is a valuable asset in getting stray dogs quickly and
safely back to their owners.”
Staff from Priory Vets Group carried out treatments of the cats which Bournemouth Cats Protection funded while the
RSPCA vets helped with treatments for the dogs.
Julie Rush from Sovereign Housing, who jointly hosted this event along with Michelle Jones, said: “This has been a very
successful event. All of the partners involved identified that there was a need to help educate the public in the welfare
needs of their animals and I am sure that is what we’ve achieved today.”
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11
The Courier
The Somerford Wellbeing Project
Arts & Health South West is currently in discussions
with Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset Clinical
Commissioning Group and Dorset County Council about
providing art activities which would contribute to the
wellbeing of people in Somerford.
As part of the investigation into this project a film has
been made by young people from Somerford facilitated
by film makers Matt Gillett and Angie Belcher from Bad
Chicken Productions and supported by Christchurch
Activities for Young People (CAYP).
Mitchell Norwood, Jamie Saunders, Shannon Saunders
and Sophie Stuart were the core team that worked
with the film makers for eight sessions in April
and May 2015. Another seven young people were
involved in interviewing the artists, participating and
being interviewed in the film. The young film makers
interviewed professionals working in Somerford, parents
and other members of the public to find what it is like to
live in Somerford and what could be done to improve
people’s wellbeing.
The film has been shown to members of the community
and their feedback was added to the evaluation of
the project. Bournemouth University is working on
a full evaluation of the process, partnership working
and the outcomes for the young people in order to
inform future plans. The project was conceived as an
‘asset-based’ approach to arts, health and wellbeing.
This means working with local people to support the
positive initiatives already being developed within their
community.
For more information and to see the film go to
www.ahsw.org.uk/ahsw_projects.aspx?x=1&id=1517
Outdoor ‘Getting
Active Class’ at
Watermans Park
Outdoor exercise referral pilot in
Somerford
This pilot is aimed at the local people of Somerford who
need a helping hand to get more active to benefit their
health. If you are inactive, have a health condition or
are overweight your GP or health professional will need
to complete an ‘Active 4 Health’ referral form for you to
access this free pilot scheme.
Consultations will be offered on Monday afternoons
from the ARC Community Centre and you are welcome
to come with a friend. Participants will benefit from four
1-2-1 consultations with our Referral Specialist and will
be given a 12-week exercise programme based around
outdoor exercise and your interests.
Places are limited for this pilot. Please phone our Active
4 Health Lifestyle Coordinator on 01202 795141 who can
give you further information.
Patients’ Voice Christchurch
- improving your health and
wellbeing
Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group is giving you the
opportunity to work together with them on health and
wellbeing issues in Christchurch.
A meeting chaired by Dr Stephen Tomkins on Thursday 24
September will allow you to have your say on topics such
as managing heart failure, preventing diabetes, keeping
active and healthy, young people’s mental health and
support for isolated older people.
The meeting is from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Christchurch
Baptist Church Hall, Bargates with refreshments available
from 5pm.
Calling all tennis players
These classes are a perfect opportunity for beginners
and improvers to get active outdoors. They take place on
Mondays from 6pm to 7pm from 10 August. The cost is
£1.00 per session, payable on the evening.
If you would like to play more singles, set yourself
a challenge and meet new people to play, join the
Christchurch Tennis League! Players arrange their own
matches at a mutually convenient time over eight weeks,
from Thursday 20 August to Wednesday 14 October and can
use any court that suits them both.
If you would like to book onto this course, please add
your name to the ‘Getting Active Class’ Register that can
be found on the notice board at the ARC Community
Centre, Somerford, or just come along to find out more.
There are prizes for the winners of each group and everyone
who completes three matches by the half way mark is sent
a free can of tennis balls. Men and women, aged 18+, of all
standards are welcome.
You will be asked to fill out a short health questionnaire on
your first class.
Entry £15 at www.localtennisleagues.com/christchurch/
joinnow by Monday 17 August.
If the weather is wet please check the Somerford
Community Facebook page for an update.
For more details, email [email protected]
or phone Sally or Nigel on 0750 328 1732.
12
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Young Enterprise
at Christchurch
schools
Christchurch and East Dorset Councils are supporting a
programme which aims to help young people understand
the skills and behaviours needed when they enter the
workplace.
The Employability, Empowerment and Enterprise
programme discusses links between education and
learning, skills development, career progression and how
much a student will earn when they go into the workplace.
All three secondary schools in Christchurch, The Grange,
Twynham and Highcliffe Schools, have been taking part
with around 90 students in total benefitting from this
year’s programme.
The programme is broken down into eight two-hour
sessions including topics such as finance and budgeting,
independent learning, CV writing and knowing the skills
which employers look for. There is also a live mock
interview based on a job of the student’s choosing and
conducted by someone from a local business.
Ali Deeble from Waitrose conducts a mock interview
with Highcliffe School student Elle Paskins
Ali Deeble, Partner Coordination Manager at Waitrose
Christchurch, who conducted some of the interviews at
Highcliffe School recently, said: “It’s nice that these young
people have a safe environment in which to have a go at a
mock interview. It gives them the opportunity to prepare
for the real job interviews they will have to go through.
They need to be able to engage in conversation and really
show their passion and energy in order to sell themselves
and we give them feedback to help them do this.”
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13
The Courier
50th Anniversary of Royal
Naval Association
Advice for community groups
Do you run a community group, charity or social enterprise?
Could you do with some information and advice on choosing
the right legal structure for your group, recruiting trustees,
developing your project or raising funds?
Dorset Community Action (DCA) can help to give you the skills
and knowledge needed to make your project and organisation
a success.
•
Book onto a free “assessment of need” session with a
Community Advisor. These surgery sessions last up to
an hour and provide you with information on a range of
topics. To book onto the next surgery session contact DCA
on 01305 250921.
•
Attend a Community Networking event - a great way to
meet other people managing community projects in your
area. You can share ideas, learn from talking to others and
there is an opportunity to promote your event, project or
group. DCA organises events across the county, throughout
the year, including:
Christine Payne, Cllr David Jones, Dennis Morris, Cllr
Denise Jones, Commodore Jamie Miller and Paul Quinn
at the 50th anniversary celebrations
The Royal Naval Association for Christchurch & District has
celebrated its 50th anniversary at Hoburne Holiday Park.
S/m Chairman Dennis Morris welcomed the 80 members
and guests including the Mayor, Cllr Denise Jones and
Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, Regional Commander
Wales & Western England who presented Certificates to
S/ms Ron Checketts and Christine Payne to mark their long
service and work done for the Association.
S/m Paul Quinn OBE General Secretary of the RNA read a
letter of congratulation from her Majesty the Queen. S/m
Joe Waterman then proposed the Loyal Toast and S/m
Mike Parker, Vice-Chairman, proposed a Toast to the Royal
Naval Association & Christchurch Branch. The Toast to ‘Our
Guests’ was proposed by S/m Stuart Major and S/m David
White, Area President replied congratulating the Branch
and it’s members for the continuing growth and success
since nearly closing 5 years ago.
The Mayor spoke knowledgably about the Royal Navy
mentioning many ships and historical events. She referred
to the work of the RNA in fostering comradeship among
all sea-going veterans and serving personnel saying how
important it is for friendships to continue throughout and
after serving in Her Majesty’s Forces.
S/m Ron Checketts cut a cake made by Bournemouth
Catering College and S/m Eric Barnes was an excellent
Master of Ceremonies.
RNLI Mudeford Funday
The RNLI is holding its annual Funday on Sunday 9 August
at Mudeford Quay. This free family day out has lots of
entertainment including lifeboat and helicopter displays, air
displays, raft race, duck race, funfair rides, stalls and side
shows and much, much more. The fun starts at 11am.
The Funday is unique in that all the money raised at the event
goes directly to maintaining the lifeboat service at Mudeford.
14
•
•
Wednesday 14 October at Alderholt Village Hall
•
Thursday 5 November at Druitt Hall, Christchurch.
•
To find out more about the forthcoming lunches
contact DCA on 01202 847605.
Attend some training. Details of forthcoming courses and
how you can register are at www.dorsetcommunityaction.
org.uk/training-events. DCA can also design training that
meets the specific needs of your group. To find out more
contact DCA on 01202 847605.
Hurn Air Scouts prepare for take off
Scouting is growing in the UK and the aim is for 500,000
young people to be actively taking part in scouting by 2018.
In Christchurch most scout groups are full with waiting lists,
so this year the Christchurch and District Scouts have decided
to open a new group to cope with the continuing demand.
As Hurn is one of the few areas in Christchurch where there
is no Scout Group, and it is where the Airport is located, it is
the ideal place for an Air Scouts Group. The 22nd (Hurn) Air
Scouts will be preparing for take-off in Hurn over the next
few months.
Brett Jones, the District Commissioner for Scouting said: “We
are very excited about the prospect of a new Group, and
Hurn Parish Councillors are very supportive of the proposal.
We would like to hear from any organisation which can help
with funding or expertise, as well as adults to help run the
group and young people who are keen to join.”
Cllr Margaret Phipps, Chairman of the Parish Council said:
“We are delighted to welcome a new Air Scouts Group to
Hurn. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to
learn about scouting and aviation.”
If you would like to help or want to find out more about
joining the 22nd (Hurn) Air Scouts, please email:
[email protected]
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Burton Armed Forces & Veterans Day
“As we approached the week leading up to our Armed Forces & Veterans
Day, busily dealing with all those jobs that can only be done at the last
minute, all eyes were on the weather forecast. We were not disappointed
as the sun shone.
This was the eighth year we have held the BAF&V Day and it just seems to
grow each year. Over 1,000 joined us on the village green to enjoy the day.
The parade through the village was led by the Ringwood Pipe Band and
included veterans young and old, members of 216 Parachute regiment plus
members of the local Cadet Forces and the Scouts.
We were honoured that Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Chamberlain
QVRM, TD, DL was able to join us, along with the Mayor of Christchurch and
Major Graham Clark, OC 216 to take the salute together with Revd Canon Roy
Matthews who also officiated at the Drum Head Service.
Ringwood Pipe Band led the parade
Each year we have a dedicated group who work very hard behind the scenes to make the day possible, it does take
many hours to pull it all together. We ensure that the route for the parade is festooned with bunting and flags fly from all
the lampposts.
The idea for this day was born over eight years ago out of a desire for our village of Burton & Winkton to mark the
contribution veterans make when they return to their communities and to give us the opportunity to just pause and
remember members of the armed services, our veterans, young and not so young, who have enriched and made our
lives possible.
We also recognised the overwhelming challenges faced by our forces abroad and this was coupled with the desire over
the years to demonstrate to our troops serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere that we in our village recognise their service
and that they are not forgotten. I hope over the years we have, in some small way, managed to achieve this.”
Judy Jamieson, Chairman Burton Parish Council
Are you recycling
all you can?
Recycling bin
✓ All paper and cardboard
✓ Plastic bottles, pots, tubs
and trays (and lids)
✓ Tins, cans and aerosols
No plastic
bags, please
Box for glass
✓ Glass bottles and jars
✓ Metal screw-tops
Food bin (weekly)
✓ All food waste
✓ Compostable caddy liners or newspaper
Last year you helped recycle 59% of Dorset’s waste.
Thank you!
Check your collection days and what you can recycle at
dorsetforyou.com/recycle
15
The Courier
Improvements to Stanpit Rec
The Stanpit Recreation Ground Masterplan to soften its appearance
and make it a more versatile, vibrant and attractive place to visit
has got off to a highly successfully start with the completion of the
newly extended car park on time and to budget.
This is just the start of exciting times for ‘Stanpit’, as the whole site
is becoming known, which will form a wonderful connection to the
Marsh, adjacent Priory and Ashtree Meadows and the associated
green spaces of East Scrubs and Haven reed beds.
New plantings have started along the immediate boundaries of
the marsh near TS Orestes where the sea scouts will continue
operating. Meadow grass flowers will soon start appearing as
the site evolves and we introduce seed and plug plants over the
coming months.
It is early days but, with design features and new gates and way
marks due to be installed shortly, the transformation is beginning
to take shape. The central areas are being retained for activities and
events so the place will continue to buzz, whether that is the hum of
hover flies or the chatter of people out walking their dogs. So please
come and enjoy the new look Stanpit.
News from CADArts
Lesser Known
Christchurch
Steve Roberts, a well-known
local writer and speaker, has
published his first book, Lesser
Known Christchurch.
In it, Steve delves into a side of Christchurch you
might not know, with commentary from local
people to give personal, insiders’ views of things.
Steve, who lives in Christchurch, said: “The book
includes interviews with dozens of local people
– fishermen, artists, a herdsmen, young people,
even a local clown – which give a real insight
into contemporary Christchurch and explain
why it’s such a vibrant place. I also devised six
original walks to help people explore some
special places and quieter areas.”
On Thursday 6 August, 5.30–7pm, the book
is being launched in the Lady Chapel of the
Priory. Enjoy drinks, nibbles, presentations,
and chance to buy signed copies at a special
price. All welcome.
The book will then be available in local outlets
and direct from the publisher
(www.rovingpress.co.uk, tel: 01300 321531),
priced £11.99.
Changes at Homewatch
Thursday 13 August is the date when the annual Crafts in the
Garden event takes place at the Red House Museum from 10.30am
until 3.30pm. This is an opportunity to watch demonstrations and
purchase crafts direct from the maker in a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere. Crafts will include paintings, pottery, jewellery,
textiles, wood and more. Admission is free.
At the recent annual general meeting of
Christchurch Borough Home Watch Richard Porter
was elected as the new Chairman. Upon taking
the chair he thanked Mike Collard for his work in
maintaining Homewatch in the borough and talked
about the development of the organisation.
From 7 August until 3 September the Hayloft Gallery at 14 Wick Lane,
Christchurch will be exhibiting An August Assortment of arts and
crafts by members. Open daily 10am to 4pm, admission is free.
A presentation by Inspector Lance Cliff gave the
audience an update of police activity in the town
with an overview of crime statistics. It was good
to hear that crime has once again fallen in the
town but warned that vigilance by the public was
still very important especially with the advance of
cyber crime.
CADArts Performers Festival 2015 will take place on Saturday 10
October at Forest Arts Centre New Milton. It is an opportunity
for groups to play in public and compare musical experiences in
a friendly environment. Groups of two or more players of string
instruments (guitars, ukuleles, fiddles, cellos, harps etc.), woodwind
instruments plus handbell teams, piano accordions or percussion
ensembles are invited to take part. For further information contact
[email protected]
16
The meeting also enjoyed a talk by John Hazeldine
from the council, who gave the audience a very
good presentation which included the way in
which graffiti is dealt with in the town.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Can you spare some time to volunteer?
People who undertake volunteering find it a very satisfying way of spending their time and for young people, or for
people who are temporarily unemployed, it’s a great way of boosting your cv. It can also be a very social activity
and can lead to new friendships. On this page you’ll find details of volunteering opportunities. There are many
other vacancies and you can find details of all of them on the Christchurch Community Partnership website. Go to
www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org and click on the Volunteering tab.
Help the phoenix to fly
You may have read in the last Christchurch Courier about The Phoenix Flies project to restore the East Wing of Highcliffe
Castle. As part of the project there are opportunities for volunteers to work in a number of ways:
•
Cataloguing architectural salvage. Half day weekly. Record, photograph and label stonework and joinery.
•
Researching and cataloguing archives. One day a week. Research and record archive material.
•
Visitor consultation and events. One day a month or as needed.
For role descriptions and application form, contact Kelly Mitchell on 01425 278807 or email [email protected].
Get involved with Christmas Festival
The Christchurch Christmas Festival Committee has
confirmed that the preparations for this year's Christmas
Festival have begun. The Festival will take place on Saturday
28 November.
The committee is looking for:
•
energetic people willing to help out and get involved in
organising the event (one to two hours’ commitment
every few weeks in the run up to the event)
•
volunteers to help out on the day.
Health cycle leaders needed
You could become part of a team leading weekly leisure
cycle rides running every Monday from 10am to 11am from
Highcliffe Castle.
You need to be able to ride a bike and have a bit of local
knowledge of the area. You can choose your available dates
and do as many rides as you want, you don’t have to commit
to every week. Contact Marc Thompson on 01425 470721 or
email [email protected].
Do you want to get involved? If so please get in touch at
[email protected]
Become a Christchurch Angel
Christchurch Angels Service offers a free short-term
befriending programme, led by Christchurch Community
Partnership, which aims to reach those in our community
who don't have a network of family or friends to give that
practical help and support in times of crisis or illness for a
couple of months.
There are currently 25 volunteers who are supporting
vulnerable clients and giving a wonderful service to the
community. Given the high number of isolated older people
in the area, they are always looking to recruit more Angel
volunteers.
You will get the chance to meet new people, make friends
and gain confidence, use your individual talents and skills
to benefit your local community, have an enhanced cv and
attend training sessions in the knowledge that you have
made a difference to someone’s life. Volunteers will not be
expected to carry out personal care or housework.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact
Linda Green on 07443 476798.
17
The Courier
Third Christchurch Bioblitz breaks records
A bioblitz is an event where the aim is to identify
and record as many different species of wildlife as
possible in 24 hours.
Following successful events at Stanpit Marsh Nature
Reserve in 2013 and 2014, this year the council’s
Countryside Team turned their focus on Steamer
Point Nature Reserve in Highcliffe. A variety of
experts were brought in to offer their assistance,
identifying everything from seaweeds, spiders and
moths to plants, birds and mammals.
Incredibly, the team has managed to successfully
identify over 520 different species in and around the
nature reserve, just beating the previous total from
Stanpit. These included: a rare spider, only recorded
Simon Moore and
47 times before in the UK; the caterpillar of the Oak
Andrew Walker getting
Rustic moth, a recent arrival that feeds on evergreen up close to a bryozoan
oak (just one of 160 insects); 227 plants, 13 types of
seaweed and 38 birds. We were very pleased with the rich diversity of species
that we found and it underlines what an important and fantastic location we live in
for wildlife.
To get involved in the next bioblitz or other countryside events, why not contact
us at: [email protected]
Have a go at orienteering
There can be nothing more pleasant than spending time at Highcliffe Castle,
Steamer Point or Highcliffe beach. But you don’t need to be sedentary whilst
you are there and just look at the view.
Highcliffe Castle shop now sells a map and orienteering pack for £3 which
incorporates all of those places and gives you a reason to explore. The pack
contains a map and the locations of 27 posts. Use the map to find all the posts
to complete the course. This is a great family activity and is suitable for all ages.
If you have smaller children who need a bit of a run around, you can just pick
the posts you want to find. This may be just the ones on the beach (whilst you
stay on your towel and soak up the sunshine!).
Once you have bought a pack you can use it again and again, so if you don’t get
all the posts on one day, you can come back on another or turn it into a treasure
map for the kids.
If you would like to know a bit more about orienteering, why not book on to a
three-hour session with Jason, our orienteering instructor. The next family taster
is on Tuesday 11 August 11am-2pm. Call 01425 480811 to book.
Run Dorset event
Following the success of the first Run Dorset 10K event in Christchurch in 2014,
the event is being held again this year on 18 October starting from Stanpit Marsh.
Rather than just covering 10 kilometres, participants can choose a half marathon,
10k, 5k and there is even a fun run to start each day off.
Registration opens from 7:30am with the family fun run starting at 8:30, the half
marathon starting at 9:00 and the 5k/10k at 9:30.
Full details of each of the runs, including the route and the cost to enter, are
available at www.rundorset.co.uk by clicking on the ‘Events’ tab or email
[email protected].
18
Kids can have a
Summer Blast
Kids in the area won’t be bored
over the summer holidays as a new
publication from the Christchurch and
East Dorset Councils lists a whole host
of holiday activities.
‘Summer Blast 2015’ gives a colourful
and complete listing for all ages at a
variety of venues throughout the area.
Youngsters who enjoy sport and
adventure can find swimming
timetables and sporting courses at
local Leisure Centres: QE Leisure
Centre, Ferndown Leisure Centre, Two
Riversmeet Leisure Centre, Verwood
Hub and Potterne Park.
Get the Wimbledon fever and take part
in tennis activities at either Christchurch
Tennis Club or Wimborne Minster
Tennis Club.
Activate Coast and Countryside is
encouraging children to get outside
and be active with an offering of
fun activities including surfing and
mountain biking.
Nature lovers can find out about
everything going on at Moors Valley
Country Park and adventures at
Edmondsham Forest School.
Lovers of arts, crafts and historical
activities will be interested in finding
out about events at Walford Mill
Crafts, Highcliffe Castle and Priest’s
House Museum.
For those wishing to explore other
attractions, the Moors Valley Railway,
Go-Ape and Wimborne Model Town
have programmes of activities to
enhance your visits.
The Sting in the Tale Festival of Stories
will be once again be bringing a
programme of storytelling at venues
in and around East Dorset and
Christchurch. This year a special
storytelling premier will be taking
place on Wimborne Square involving
aliens, rockets and town trails so look
out for ‘Welcomes Alien Visitors to
Earth ’ (WAVE).
Summer Blast 2015 can be downloaded
from www.dorsetforyou.com/summerblast or picked up for free from any of
the participating venues.
Visit our website: www.dorsetforyou.com
Follow us: @cb_edd_councils
Regent Centre reopens with a flourish
Work on the new toilets at the Regent Centre has been successfully
completed following the closure to allow the refurbishment work to be done.
The Foyer Coffee Bar has also been enlarged with new facilities during the
closedown period.
This summer sees a celebration of some of the greatest 50s and 60s bands on
stage including: Jimmy Jemain’s tribute to Cliff & The Shadows on 14 August;
The Searchers on 21 August; The Fortunes on 4 September; Navi and his Band &
Singers as Michael Jackson on 11 September; Classic Clapton on 12 September;
The Kast off Kinks, starring original Kinks drummer, Mick Avory, on 19 September;
Purple Zeppelin on 18 October and the Billy Fury Years on 23 October.
The Swing Unlimited Big Band perform their Night at the Movies concerts on 8
and 9 August. Lyrics & Laughter Productions (formerly the Olde Tyme Players)
return to Christchurch with their Sound of the Musicals matinee on 19 August at
2.30pm. Nathan Carter, one of the hottest stars on the Irish music scene, appears
on 16 September. Fellow Irish stars, Foster & Allen are on 30 October.
Bournemouth Concert Brass present Last Night of the Proms on 20 September
while British Jazz trumpeter Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen appear on 18
September. An Audience with Lesley Garrett is on 24 October.
Lesley Garrett appears at the
Regent on 24 October
Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society present Iolanthe from 24 – 26 September with a 2.30pm matinee
on 26th. Impact Theatre return on 28 September with two Alan Bennett plays: Untold Stories: Hymn and
Cocktail Sticks. Russell Kane brings stand-up comedy at its best on 2 October while Fascinating Aida’s Dillie
Keane is in cabaret on 14 October.
All evening shows start at 7.30. For further details call the Box Office on (01202) 499199 or visit
www.regentcentre.co.uk www.facebook.com/regentcentre Twitter: @regentcentre
Summer
Fit10 Pass
YOUR HEALTH IN MIND
Your 10 steps to fitness
SUMMER
SPECIAL
OFFER
SUMMER FIT10 PASS
Terms and conditions apply
£35
10 gym sessions or fitness classes
• FREE Gym Induction (excluding £7.50 Wellness Key at the Verwood Hub)
• A variety of different classes each week
• Plus NEW Outdoor Bootcamps
19
Late summer/early autumn
events in Christchurch
For full details of all these events go to
www.visitchristchurch.info or call Christchurch
Information Centre on 01202 471780.
August
September
6
Jazz & Swing concert and Three Counties Car Club
Rally, Highcliffe Castle
(1pm-4pm, FREE event in the Castle Grounds)
8 – 11
Oct
Awakening Dreams, hand blown glass and stone
sculpture exhibition, Highcliffe Castle
(normal admission fees apply)
9
Heritage Open Day at Highcliffe Castle
(11am - 7pm FREE entry)
1
Stompin’ on the Quomps, Christchurch Quay
(from 12 noon)
9 – 12
1-2
Mudeford Arts Festival, Mudeford Quay
(11am – 6pm Sat, 11am – 4pm Sun, FREE entry)
Highcliffe Charity Players present ‘I don’t mean to be
rude, but….’, St Mark’s Hall (7.30pm, £12.50)
9 – 17
2
Scottish Country Dancing, Highcliffe Castle
(1pm – 4pm, FREE entry)
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week
(Details at www.edht.org.uk/dahw.html)
10
5
Children’s Craft Activities, Highcliffe Castle
(11am – 4pm, £2 per child, entrance fee for adults)
Christchurch Priory ‘Upper Story’ tour (6.30 –
8.30pm, £10 per adult/£5 children over 8 years)
13
7-3
Sep
An August Assortment Exhibition, Hayloft Gallery
(Daily 10am - 4pm, FREE entry)
Lions Club Car Boot Sale,
Stanpit Recreation Ground (7.30am)
13
8
Blooming Great Tea Party with Scott Mitchell, reigning
BDO World Champion, Red House Museum,
(11am – 3pm, Marie Curie charity event)
Arts, Design and Antiques Market,
Christchurch High Street
16 – 1
Nov
Yvonne Morton: Fibre Artist stitched textile exhibition,
Highcliffe Castle (normal admission fees apply)
16
Christchurch Priory ‘Museum, Ground Floor,
Malmesbury Crypt’ tour (2.30pm – 4.30pm, £10 per
adult/£5 children over 8 years)
8
Friends of Stanpit Marsh Summer Fayre 2015, Priory
House (12pm – 4pm)
8-16
Cole & Sons Fun Fair at Christchurch Quay
(Closed Sunday 9th August)
19
Fit Christchurch Fun Day, Christchurch Quay (11am - 4pm)
9
Arts, Design and Antiques Market,
Christchurch High Street
19
Darren Mullen plays songs of the 60s, Hall on the Hill
(7pm, £7.50 inc buffet supper)
9
Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day, Mudeford Quay
20
Classic cars at Christchurch Quay (FREE event)
9
Lions Club Car Boot Sale, Stanpit Recreation Ground
(7.30am)
20
Eight legged friends. Guided walk to look at spiders.
Meet at top of St Catherine’s Hill Lane (2pm – 4pm)
12
Children’s Craft Activities, Highcliffe Castle (11am
– 4pm, £2 per child, entrance fee for adults)
24
13
Crafts in the Garden- CADArts Event, Red House
Museum (10.30am – 3.30pm, FREE entry)
Patients' Voice meeting regarding health & wellbeing
(Christchurch Baptist Church Hall, 5.30pm – 7.30pm)
26
Burton late summer litter pick, Burton Green (10am)
15
Saxon Square Artisan Market, Christchurch town
centre (10am – 4pm, FREE event)
27
St Catherine’s Hill History Day 2015
(10.30am – 4pm, 01425 470721)
15-16
Christchurch Carnival Weekend. Procession leaves
Two Riversmeet car park at 2pm on Sunday 16th
October
16
A Very Vintage Afternoon, Red House Museum
(1pm – 4pm, FREE entry)
18
‘Treasure Island’ by The Pantaloons, Highcliffe Castle
(3pm, £13.50)
19
Children’s Craft Activities, Highcliffe Castle
(11am – 4pm, £2 per child, entrance fee for adults)
19
Christchurch Priory ‘Tower, Belfry and Ground Floor’
tour (2.30pm – 4.30pm, £10 per adult/£5 children
over 8 years)
23
Activate Multi-Sport Activity Day, Highcliffe Castle
(11am – 4pm)
26
Children’s Craft Activities, Highcliffe Castle
(11am – 4pm, £2 per child, entrance fee for adults)
Duck Race, Mill Stream, Christchurch Quay
31
20
6
Christchurch Priory ‘Up & Down’ tour
(6.30pm – 8.30pm, £10 per adult/£5 children over 8 years)
10
Annual litter pick, St Catherine’s Hill. Meet at top end
of Sandy Lane (10am – 12 noon)
10
CADArts Performers Festival, Forest Arts Centre,
New Milton
11
Arts, Design and Antiques Market,
Christchurch High Street
17
Quiz Night, Hall on the Hill, St Catherine's Hill
(7.30pm, tickets £7 to include fish and chip supper)
18
Autumn Wedding Fair, Highcliffe Castle
(10.30am – 4.30pm)
21
A Psychic Evening at Highcliffe Castle (7.30pm)
24
Fungal Foray. Walk around St Catherine’s Hill. Meet at
top end of Sandy Lane (11am – 1pm)