Highcliffe Eye Community Magazine December 2015

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ISSUE 45 December 2015

FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED LOCAL TREE SURGEON WITH SENSIBLE RATES FREE ESTIMATES DISCOUNTS O.A.P.’S NO VAT TO PAY 24hr EMERGENCY CALL OUT

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Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 1 The local glossy that keepsto onall giving - allreaders! month long Merry Christmas our

To advertise please call 01202 477214

2 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

contents Editor’s Letter 4 Local History 6 What’s on 8 Adopt a Pet 10 MindBenders 10 Highcliffe Christmas Carnival 11 Clubs, Classes, Groups & Societies 12 Highcliffe Traders Association 17 Christchurch Blue Plaques 18 Highcliffe’s Christmas Cracker 19 Shop Locally 19 Highcliffe Rotary 21 Local Business Column 23 Coffee Break 24 Kids Page 26 Recipe 29 Christmas Spectacular 31 Mum’s the Word 33 Garden View 34 Teen Column 37 Regent Listings 38 Dorset POPP 40 Puzzle Solutions 40 Index of Advertisers 41 Useful Telephone Numbers 42

Congratulations to

Mrs Robb for winning our October competition!

contact us LEM PO Box 7812, Christchurch BH23 9HZ

t: 01202 477214

www.localeyemagazines.co.uk info@localeyemagazines.co.uk To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 3

Dear Reader The Home of Choice and Rare Plants

Christmas Trees

Handmade holly wreaths Family run nursery with a wealth of knowledge offering a wide choice of trees, shrubs, perennials, soft fruit, tree fruit and hedging.

Opening Hours Mon-Sat 9am-5pm • Sun 10am-5pm 154 Burley Road, Bransgore Nr Christchurch, Dorset BH23 8DB

Tel. 01425 672348 www.macpennys.co.uk

Tea Room open daily for tea coffee, homemade cakes, snacks & light lunches

Well Christmas is almost upon us and we hope you enjoy this festive edition of Highcliffe Eye. May I take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of shopping Cheryl locally and how it benefits us all to do so. Highcliffe has plenty to offer with loads of ideas for Christmas presents and to suit most budgets too. The Lifestyle Concept (near the launderette), in particular, has many fabulous ideas and if they can’t help you then they will certainly do their best to point you in the right direction of where you can source what you want locally.

If you’re purchasing a real Christmas tree this year then why not pop along to Macpennys in Bransgore, not only are they great value for money, you’re supporting yet another local family business.

Christmas tree shopping in our household is always a big family event and we go to great lengths to find the perfect tree to then take home and decorate together. Each year the kids take turns to put the star on the top and turn the lights on although this always ends in arguments as we can never remember who’s done what the previous year!

Highcliffe’s Christmas Cracker takes place on Saturday 12th December this year. I went along last year and enjoyed the event immensely. So much effort goes into the day by so many of the locals and it really is an event not to be missed so I hope to see many of you there.

I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

For children aged 7-11 with a focus on Numeracy and Literacy.

Supporting the National Curriculum and building self-confidence. £18 per 1 hour class Key Stage 2 Literacy, Maths and Reasoning Reading, Spelling, Phonics, Grammar, Structure Punctuation, Comprehension, Creative Writing Basic number skills, Mental Maths, Times Tables Fractions, Decimals, Percentages Measure, Time, Money, Place Value Year 3 and Pre 11+ Year 4 and 11+ Foundation Year 5 and 11+ Preparation ASD, Dyslexia Exam prep., SATs Support

1 hour classes are held weekly in Christchurch, Highcliffe and New Milton.

4:30pm-5:30pm or 5:45pm-6:45pm - visit www.StAnnesTuition.co.uk for class timetable and venue information -

Contact Mrs Harris to book your child’s place. m: 07707 63 00 55 / e: office@stannesschoolltd.co.uk www.StAnnesTuition.co.uk

Helping Fledglings Fly 4 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Cheryl

Cheryl Dennett Magazine Editor & Publisher Editor

Cheryl Dennett info@localeyemagazines.co.uk

Magazine Layout & Advert Design Cheryl Dennett & Fee Lanzino design@localeyemagazines.co.uk Administrator, Digital Marketing & Distribution Lucie Holt-Davies admin@localeyemagazines.co.uk Contributors Phil Tate, Alex McKinstry, Peter Watson-Lee, Stephen Roberts, Natasha Gerber, Emily Neville, Helen Sheppard & Susan Davies.

Disclaimer - Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and herby disclaim, any liability to any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Local Eye Magazines does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher.

1974 Est

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Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 5

Local History

by Phil Tate

- The Christchurch Christmas Rissoles

The 14th century Christchurch Priory Cartulary records that a treat sometimes served to the canons on Christmas Day was a ‘rissole of figs’. The Cartulary did not include a recipe for this dish, but the earliest known English cookbook did and this also has links to Christchurch...

Called the Forme of Cury (Method of Cooking), this cookbook (though it was actually a vellum roll) contained 196 recipes, including one for ‘rysshews of fruyt’, which had figs as a main ingredient. It was compiled in the late 14th century by the master cooks of King Richard II, and within a few years several copies had been made.

In 1586 a copy of the Forme of Cury was presented to Queen Elizabeth I by Edward, 3rd Baron Stafford.

Edward was a grandson of Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury. Margaret had also been the Lord of the Manor of Christchurch, and had erected a splendid chantry in the Priory. She was executed in 1541 by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII. (Her story was told in the Local History article in July.)

By the late 18th century Queen Elizabeth’s copy of the Forme of Cury had come into the possession of Gustavus Brander, a wealthy London merchant. Brander was also a noted naturalist and antiquary, and one of the early trustees of the British Museum - which was where the Christchurch Priory Cartulary manuscripts were held at that time.

Brander had been attracted to the Christchurch area by the fossils to be found in the cliffs at Hordle and Barton. In about 1776 he built himself a villa, Priory House, on the south side of the Priory Church.

(See Stephen Roberts’ Christchurch Blue Plaques article in last month’s issue.) This villa was erected on the site of the demolished monastic cloisters, so it is possible that Brander’s copy of the Forme of Cury was once shelved only a short distance from the former location of the Priory’s refectory - and even closer to the present-day Cloisters Cafe Bar!

Forest, reproduced the Forme of Cury and several other historical recipe manuscripts in his own book, Antiquitates Culinaria (Culinary Antiquities).

The original medieval fig and fruit rissole recipe in the Forme of Cury was written in Middle English with abbreviations. Warner transcribed it as: ‘Take fygges and raisons. Pyke (pick) hem, and waisshe hem, in wyne.

Grynde hem with apples and peeres ypared, and ypiked clene. Do thereto gode powdors, and hole spices.

Make balles thereof. Frye in oyle, and serve hem forth.’

This is a modern rendition of the recipe.

The ingredients and quantities can be varied to taste: Rissole of Fruit (with Figs) Ingredients (Makes about 12 rissoles): 6 Dried Figs - hard stalks pinched off Handful of Raisins or Sultanas 1 Apple - peeled and cored 1 Pear - peeled and cored Red Wine or Fruit Juice (i.e. Grape or Apple) Good Powders and Whole Spices - teaspoon each, as desired, of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, grains of paradise, anise, etc.

Directions: Soak the dried fruits in the wine or juice overnight to soften and plump, then drain. Dice or grate the figs and fruits (or grind them in a food processor).

In a bowl, combine the fruits and chosen spices into a thick mixture. Optionally, add flour to thicken (as suggested in a French recipe book of the same era). Squeeze and shape the mixture in the hand to make small balls. Optionally, then roll the balls in flour to coat. Fry in hot oil for a few minutes until brown a frying pan is adequate. Remove, drain, and serve.

These treats taste a little like mince pies without the pastry, sugar, or fat. Why not give them a try - and have a merry medieval Christchurch Christmas!

An occasional visitor to Brander’s library in Priory House was Richard Warner, one of the boys at the grammar school held in the St Michael’s Loft of the Priory Church. (The history of the school was told in the Local History article in May.) In 1780 Brander had the Forme of Cury transcribed and published. Inspired by this book, in 1791 (a few years after Brander’s death) the former Christchurch schoolboy Richard Warner, who was now the newly ordained 28 year-old curate of Boldre in the New

6 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

The 14th century Rysshews of Fruyt recipe.

Courtesy of: www.medievalcuisine.com

H

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Children’s Christmas decoration workshops for the 3 weekends in December, H please book to avoid disappointment. Late night shopping until 8pm 3rd, 10th and 17th December.

ChristChurCh shopping village with Café The Emporium opened just over 5 months ago, the once Mostyns factory is now a thriving shopping village and café.

Just a 10 minute walk from the high street, we have over 150 sellers of Antiques, arts and crafts, toys, ladies & gents clothing, handbags, baby clothes, fabric, candles, frames, florist and furniture.

The café is a great place to meet friends for a drink and a warm bowl of soup or just a delicious piece of cake.

Also on the menu - sandwiches, jacket potatoes and much more as well as a small play area for the little ones.

We have onsite businesses - Emporium fabrics, PCL kitchens, Bizzy Nails, Cambridge weight plan, Italian clothing, TAG Electrics & Security, with new stalls arriving every week. We are looking for new traders with stalls from just £40.00 a week please contact the Emporium on admin@emporiumofchristchurch.co.uk Opening hOurs: Monday Closed, except bank holidays • Tuesday to Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4

Avon Works, Bridge Street, Christchurch BH23 1DY • Tel 01202 476773 Please look at our website for more information and events www.emporiumofchristcurch.co.uk

01202 280380 | 63 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS

SENIOR CITIZEN ALL DAY SPECIAL

To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 7

Father Christmas, Games, BBQ, Refreshments, Face Painting and more. Come along and join in the fun! Entry: adults 50p, children free.

WHAT’S ON

DECEMBER

14th November - 22nd December A Magical Christmas at The Hayloft, 14 Wick Lane, Christchurch. Local arts and crafts by members of CADarts for Christmas.

Open daily 10am-4pm.

Friday 4th December 9.30am-12pm Craft for Christmas Fair Highcliffe Community Association, Greystones House, Waterford Road.

Friday 4th December 6-9pm The Magical Christmas Carol at Highcliffe Care Home, free to attend. Complementary mince pies and mulled wine, top class A’ capella carol singers performing, letter service to Santa and much more...A great way to get into the Christmas Spirit!

Saturday 5th December 10am-12.30pm Grand Christmas Fair Highcliffe Community Association, Greystones House, Waterford Road.

Saturday 5th December 12-2.30pm Christchurch Infant School Christmas Fair Addiscombe Road, Christchurch, BH23 2AE. Raffle, Books, DVDs, Toys, Cakes, Tombola,

Saturday 5th December 10am-3.30pm RNLI Christmas Fayre at Highcliffe Methodist Church Hall. Bric a brac, books, souvenirs, jigsaws, jewellery, cakes, refreshments. Admission free, all proceeds to RNLI.

Saturday 5th December 7.30pm Christchurch Music Centre’s Annual Christmas Concert in partnership with the John Egging Trust at Christchurch Priory.

Saturday 5th December 10am-1pm Christmas Craft and Food Fair Bransgore Village Hall, Burley Road, Bransgore. Over 30 stalls of homemade crafts, foods and gifts. Homemade refreshments, visit Santa, raffle, Free Entry.

Sunday 6th December 3-4pm The Highcliffe Choirs will be holding their annual Christmas Concert at Highcliffe St Mark’s Church, Hinton Wood Avenue.

Refreshments will be served after the concert. Admission is £4 on the door. For more information call 07799 257020

Sunday 6th December 9.30-11.30am Enjoy a “Breakfast with Santa” hosted by Mudeford Wood Playgroup. Children are £6 each including a visit to Santa, a present, breakfast and arts and crafts. Adults are £3 for breakfast.

To be held at Mudeford Wood Community Centre.

Sunday 6th December 4-7pm Childrens Christmas Party at Hall On The Hill, 17 Marlow

Drive, BH23 2RR. Fancy Dress/Disco/Games/Tea/ Crafts. Suitable for 3-11yrs.

Tickets £5 per child, Under 2’s free. Available from Phil the Print on The Grove and the Launderette adjacent to Hall or via Website www.hallonthehill.org.uk Sunday 6th December 3-4pm Highcliffe Choirs Winter Concert at St Mark’s Church, Hinton Wood Avenue. Admission £4, children free. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

Wednesday 9th December 7.30pm Celebrate the festive season with a concert in historic Highcliffe Castle, featuring classical choral music by composers such as Handel, Bach and John Rutter. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are £12.50 and are available from the Highcliffe Castle Box Office. Contact 01425 278807

Wednesday 9th December 7.30pm Classical choir La Nova Singers present ‘Gaudete!’ a Christmas concert featuring classic carols and festive favourites. Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch BH23 4LE. Tickets £12.50; call 01425 278807.

Early booking advised.

Saturday 12th December 11am-8pm Festive Gift Fayre at Hoburne Courtyard, 261 Lymington Road, Highcliffe

Sunday 13th December 2-4.30pm Christmas Concert, main performance by Christchurch U3A Vintage Brass at Mudeford Wood Community Centre, Pipers Drive. Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for children includes a drink and mince pie. For further information Tel: 01425 272084

8 • April December 2015 to 2015 To• Highcliffe list an Eye event go www.localeyemagazines.co.uk

Monday 14th December 7.30-9pm Highcliffe Death Cafe offers a space to talk about death and our own mortality. A subject now freely talked about around the world in 30 other countries with 2000 other Death Cafes.

Call 01425 280678 for more information.

Tuesday 15th December 7.30pm Christchurch And District Concert Band present a Christmas Concert - A light hearted evening of music and jovialities! At Christchurch Royal British Legion, Bargates (in the club downstairs).

Non members welcome.

Wednesday 16th December 1.30-3pm Highcliffe Death Cafe offer a space to talk about death and our own mortality. A subject now freely talked about around the world in 30 other countries with 2.000 other Death Cafe’s.

Call 01425 280678 for more information.

Wednesday 16th December 10am-12.30pm Coffee Morning in aid of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation at Stanpit Village Hall, BH23 3NE. £2.50 for coffee and homemade cake.

Thursday 17th December Christmas late night shopping at The Lifestyle Concept, Highcliffe until 9pm. Christmas music, smiles and mulled wine to take the edge off the late night chill!

Thursday 17th December 11.15am The Royal Naval Association for Christchurch & District will hold the monthly Branch Meeting at Portfield Hall, Portfield Road, Christchurch.

To be followed with a Buffet Lunch which will be provided by

members. Veterans or serving personnel of any Sea-going organisation and their families are welcome. Contact C. Payne on 01202 474819 for information.

Saturday 19th December 10am-4pm / Sunday 20th December 10.30am Christmas Tree Festival at Bransgore Methodist Church, Chapel Lane.

Sunday 20th December Morning Service 10.30am.

Tea at 4pm followed by Carol Concert at 5pm with the Revd.

David Hollingsworth.

Saturday 19th December 10am-4pm Made in Dorset Christmas Craft Fair. Packed full of homemade crafts and gift ideas. Druitt Hall, High Street, Christchurch. Homemade refreshments, snacks and cakes.

Free Entry.

Community Notice Board Once a month elderly people without family in the area go out for a short car ride and for tea at a volunteer host or hostess’ home for the afternoon. We need more reserve drivers to cover just two or three times a year when the regulars can’t volunteer. Host and hostesses should be willing to entertain up to six elderly people and two car drivers once or twice a year. A downstairs cloakroom is a must. If you can help please call Carolyn on 01202 424482.

Table Top Sale at The Regent Centre every Monday & Saturday from 10am to 3.30pm selling costume/vintage jewellery & accessories, bric-A-brac etc.

Druitt Hall Table Top Sales For three Fridays in December, 4th, 11th and 18th, from 10:15am - 3pm. Plenty of inspiration and gift ideas for Christmas presents.

Come along find some amazing bargains plus tea and coffee only 50p each.

HIGHCLIFFE FRIENDS in NEED - CAN YOU HELP US? We need more drivers to join our organisation.

Please ring 01425 279328.

Thank you.

Christchurch Country Market

Everything home-baked, homemade and home-grown locally. Every Monday 9.30-11.30am Druitt Hall (behind library). Refreshments available.

Monday Market

Up to 100 traders selling a variety of food, clothes, household goods, plants and bric-a-brac in the mainly traffic-free High Street and Saxon Square.

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 9 To advertise see moreplease events call in Christchurch visit www.visitchristchurch.info To 01202 477214

Adopt a Pet CAN YOU GIVE LLOYD A LOVING HOME? LOOKING FOR A FOREVER HOME Hello, I’m Lloyd a 4 year old Staffie who would dearly love a home of my own.

I am a really intelligent boy who needs to be stimulated, so I will need lots of ongoing training in an active home with experienced and sensible owners.

The kind people here at Waggy tails say that I’m very sweet natured and behave well in the house and sleep well when it is time for bed but I must be the only pet in the home who will be given the chance and the patience to become a loving and loyal member of the family.

For more information on Lloyd or any of the other animals in our care please contact us on 01202 87500, e-mail: admin@waggytails.org.uk or visit our website www.waggytails.org.uk

WAGGY TAILS RESCUE Registered Charity No. 1114957 www.waggytails.org.uk 10 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Answers on page 40

Waggy Tails Rescue is a registered charity based in Dorset, we rescue and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or otherwise in need of a new home. We also find homes for other small furries that may be in our care. For more information you can contact us on the number above, visit our website or email us.

Highcliffe’s Christmas Cracker!

Sat 12 Dec 2015 10am 10am— —5pm

Lymington Rd (A337) BH23 5EE

Highcliffe Village

Come & join us to Celebrate the season

Fun, Food & Drink, Pressie Shopping & Lots of Entertainment!

Bring the children to see the big man himself in his Grotto and come & say hi to our special visitor!

We’ll entertain you all day long and your company will make the Event even better!

Traffic Traffic--free from 9am 9am— —6pm

To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 11

Annex, Jumpers Rd, Christchurch, BH23 2JR from 7-9pm. All welcome. For more information, call Joy on 01202 489614.

Clubs, Classes, Groups & Societies in Christchurch & Highcliffe

Art and Craft Susan Knights - Watercolour Classes ‘Jump in and Get Wet’.

Small, friendly, informative classes, overlooking beautiful Christchurch Harbour. Contact Sue on 01202 481099 or email susanknights@hotmail.co.uk www.susanknights.co.uk

The Red House Museum exhibition is the flagship event in the Christchurch Arts Guild calendar showing contemporary, abstract, traditional and modern work. The Exhibition is open from 28th November to 9th January.

10am until 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

Admission is free.

Christchurch Floral Society will be meeting on 4th December at Priory Hall, Princess Avenue, Christchurch. This is the 2nd of our Christmas demonstrations

by Emily Broomhead, ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas’. Doors open 1.30pm for 2pm start. Your chance to see this exciting demonstrator.

Carbery Machine Knitting Club meet on the first Tuesday of each month at St Georges Church Hall

Jewellery & Silversmithing classes and one day workshops. Small groups covering a range of techniques including piercing, soldering, stone setting and enamelling.

All abilities welcome.

Call Louise on 07789 915694. Email Louiseplatina@gmail.com

Christchurch S’n’B Knitting & Crochet Group meets Wednesdays at 7.30pm onwards at Arcado Lounge, 71 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS. All Welcome.

Contact Jo on 01202 482890.

email sally.burbage@gmail.com.

Visit carouseldanceanddrama.com Little Explorer and Baby Discover with Creation Station.

Fun developmental classes suitable from 6mths - 4yrs that inspire and nurture creativity. Come explore, discover & develop every Tuesday morning termtime at Monkey Madness Indoor Play Centre.

Contact lisa@thecreationstation. co.uk for booking details.

New Beginnings Toddler Group Fridays 10-11.30 (term time only) at Christchurch Christian Centre, Millhams Street, BH23 1DN. Toys, craft, songs, refreshments. £1 per family. Just turn up or contact Charlotte on 07979 941100.

Find us on Facebook.

Children

Fitness, Dance, Sport and Wellbeing

RUGBYTOTS! Energetic & dynamic weekly play session for girls & boys aged 2-7. Over 50 classes each week across East Dorset including Christchurch & Highcliffe. Please visit www.rugbytots.co.uk for further info or email eastdorset@ rugbytots.co.uk

Chi Kung (Qigong) Exercise Classes. Come and join us on Friday mornings 10.45am12.15pm in the upstairs studio at Wessex Health, 17 Stour Road, Christchurch, BH23 1PL. Car park at rear. Fee £7.50.

Tutor Poppy 01202 735560 www.wessexhealthnetwork.co.uk

Award-winning music classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Inspiring your child with songs, rhymes, instruments and activities. Monday mornings at Portfield Hall, Christchurch. Book a trial at the wonderful world of music, learning & fun! heather. smith@musicalsteps.co.uk or 0845 643 5025.

Ballet & Tap Classes for children 3+, Portfield Hall, Christchurch, BH23 2AQ. Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Classes are fun and creative with an emphasis on building confidence, coordination and concentration.

Call Sally on 07950459119 or

12 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Iyengar Yoga Classes in local Christchurch venues for beginners & improvers. Contact Elaine Rees on elainerees@europe.com or text 07504 823517 for more information.

Highcliffe Positive Living Group hosts talks on holistic living every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Greystones Hall, Highcliffe, BH23 5JL. Entrance £5. Doors opens 7pm. For more info see Facebook or call 01425 280678.

Zumba GOLD with Alison.

Enjoy fantastic music and make new friends at our very popular, low impact fitness classes. Great for those 50/60/70+. Portfield Hall,

Christchurch, Fridays at 9.30am.

St Mark’s, Highcliffe, Tuesdays at 11am. Many other local classes available. Contact Alison on 01202 476494 puregoldfitness@ gmail.com

Yoga classes in Christchurch.

Julia is an experienced, fully qualified British wheel of yoga teacher for over 10 years.

All welcome/ages/ability. Contact Julia at Yoga.silvaperez@gmail. com or call 07989 971928.

Ever wanted to learn how to dance? Try Modern Jive! No need to bring a partner. Every Tuesday at Highcliffe Sports and Social Club, BH23 5EG. 7.50pm. www.strictlyjivefever.co.uk or call Kev on 07917 115353 for more information.

Mindful Meditation Women’s Group. Wednesday 9th December, 7.30-9.00pm. Jumpers Avenue, Christchurch. £7. Booking essential on 07971 916 228.

Candlelit Hatha Yoga & Relaxation at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa. Wednesdays 10-11:15am & 7:15-8:30pm.

Please call for more information.

British Wheel of Yoga teacher.

Contact 07966 199875 or becca@yogabee.co.uk.

Mudeford Wood Tennis Club off Brabazon Drive welcomes new members. Friendly, good standard, astroturf, floodlights. All year adult membership £60. Social sessions Tues 6pm to 8pm, Saturday 2pm to 10pm. Other times simply book.

Debbie 07592 014207, Gail 07973 514036.

Health, beauty, nutrition and wellness workshops and events with local Personal Trainer & Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Caroline. www.perfectfitforlife.com/ arbonne 07798 941832

Country Dancing in Highcliffe

Thursday evenings at 7.30pm.

All abilities welcome, No partner required. Join this friendly group for a regular fun time. Phone Jan on 01202 427523, email janharris16@ hotmail.co.uk or view website highcliffecountrydancing.weebly. com/ for more details.

Pregnancy yoga, breathing & relaxation classes. Stretch & strengthen your body, relieve aches & pains and prepare for birth.

Suitable for all abilities including complete beginners, from 14 weeks of pregnancy. Tuesdays in Christchurch. Contact Rosa 07837 218374 www.labouroflove.me.uk

Music Play an instrument? Come join us! Christchurch and District Band. Rehearsals are Tuesdays 7.30pm in central Christchurch.

A truly friendly band - Come and give us a try! We are a Community Band and do not charge membership fees. All Ages - www. christchurchanddistrictband. co.uk or call 07974 320122

Christchurch Music Centre rehearses at Twynham School every Saturday morning from 9-12.30. We have junior and senior wind bands and a percussion ensemble so there is a band for any standard to join.

For more information go to www. christchurchmusiccentre.co.uk Highcliffe Choirs for Children 6-18 years - all welcome.

Rehearsals weekly at Highcliffe St Mark Primary School, Greenways, Highcliffe. Training Choir Thursdays 4.45-5.45pm, Main Choir Fridays 4.15-6pm. Contact Ann Guest on 01425 276544 for more information.

Other clubs, classes and societies

Highcliffe Bridge Club meets at Highcliffe Community Centre, Greystones, Waterford Road on Mondays and Wednesdays 6.15pm for 6.30pm when host system operates for players without a partner. Social Bridge 2nd and 4th Saturdays - check times. A friendly welcome awaits new members and visitors. www.bridgewebs.com/ highcliffe

Do you have Aphasia? Connect run a drop-in group for people with aphasia in Christchurch. Where: St Josephs Centre, BH23 1EH When: First and third Tuesday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm Contact: Helen Mann 02073670864/ helenmann@ ukconnect.org The Royal Naval Association for Christchurch & District will hold the monthly Branch Meeting on 17th December at 11.15am.

To be followed with a Buffet Lunch which will be provided by members.

Christchurch Probus Club meets at 10.15.am on 1st Tuesday monthly at The East Close Hotel, Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch.

A very friendly welcome awaits all retired professional and businessmen. Interesting speakers and excellent lunches! Please contact the Secretary, Robin Haggett, on 01202-482528.

Christchurch Trefoil Guild A friendly welcome is extended to anyone with or without Guiding connections to join us at 2.15pm on the first Monday monthly at Portfield Hall, Portfield Road, Christchurch. Interesting speakers, activities, holidays and outings.

Contact Gill Aslett 01202 485363.

PTO....

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 13 To advertise call go 01202to 477214 To list anplease event www.localeyemagazines.co.uk

CONT....

Parkinson’s UK Club Christchurch Branch Please Note: There is no get together at St Catherine’s Hill this month (Dec). Next meeting in the Community Hall, Marlow Drive is Jan 14th 2016 at 2pm.

Tuesday Chess at Arcado Lounge 71 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AS. All ages and skills welcome, even beginners. Chess is FREE over a drink and/ or food in a relaxed environment. Turn up between 2.30pm and 5pm or contact John 01202 427523.

Past Rotarians & Associates Club of the New Forest & District. We are a dual gender, non-affiliated club whose membership is made up of both past Rotarians and non-past Rotarians (Associates). We meet twice monthly at Hoburne Park, Christchurch with a coffee morning on the first Tuesday of each month and a lunch with a speaker on the third Tuesday. Contact Alan Clark on 01590 641270 for more information.

‘Strokes’ Peer Support for people recovering from a stroke. Priory House, Christchurch. Friday 4th December 10am-12pm.

Male Carers Social Group The Galleon,

Lymington Road, Highcliffe. Tuesday 1st December, 11.30am-2.30pm.

Carers Information Service Thursday mornings, 10am-12pm. Christchurch Library, Room 3.

Carers Drop In. Wednesdays, 11.30am-2pm.

Highcliffe Library, Gordon Road.

St Catherine’s Hall Age Concern Friendship Club. Wednesdays 2-4pm. Bingo, monthly

entertainers, outings, cream teas. Extremely friendly group. £2.50 subs for bingo, tea and biscuits.

17 Marlow Drive, BH23 2RR.

Highcliffe Horticultural Society will be holding

their A.G.M. on Monday 7th December, this is a members only meeting. We welcome any visitors to our January meeting and wish all Eye readers a Happy Christmas.

YOUR LOCAL HEARING SPECIALISTS IN HIGHCLIFFE Independent Family Business established in 1976

• Many of our customers are recommended by existing clients • Free hearing tests and advice • Full 30 day money back guarantee Hearing Aid Dispensers: • Home visits and Nursing/Care Homes catered for Mr. Ian Hayden F.S.H.A.A • Repairs and retubes Mrs. Belinda Hayden F.S.H.A.A • Batteries, TV listeners and other supplies available • Fellows of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists • Registered under the Health and Care Professions Council To make an appointment or for further information please contact our caring hearing team Christchurch Hearing Centre 351 Lymington Road, Highcliffe Telephone 01425 272771/272719 or Email enquiries@hearingaid-centre.co.uk Free remote control with every new hearing aid ordered in November or December 2015 on production of this advert (retail price of remote control is £250) 14 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Ye Olde George Inn

CHRISTCHURCH

Looking after locals

Cask Ale - Doom Bar Lager - Carling

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Cider - Stowford Press £2.99 pint

House Wine

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01202 479383 Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 15

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Highcliffe-on-Sea Traders Association

We are very happy to welcome the Lifestyle Concept to the High Street, which opened with a flourish in October with Helen a very busy launch night.

This saw everyone enjoy nibbles and prosecco amongst their beautiful shop surroundings.

They have a carefully selected product range to suit all budgets featuring gorgeous things for yourself and your home, plus it’s a place that will make shopping for presents and Christmas incredibly easy. They are having late night Christmas shopping opportunities so check out dates for these on their Facebook page. Our Christmas Carnival is set to take place on 12th December between 10am and 6pm, the High Street will be closed to traffic and there will be lots to entertain alongside food, mulled wine, Christmas song and cheer.

Naturally, there will also be lots of pressie shopping at the great craft fayre and maybe even a bit of dancing if enough mulled wine is consumed!

The ‘Vision for Highcliffe’ weekend was a very positive event with an estimated 500 visitors popping in to see what is being proposed and contribute some ideas of their own. Children from St Marks Primary had painted pictures of how they would like to see their High Street in the future and these paintings were all on display. It’s important to create a sense of pride in our High Street and reinvigorate the community spirit so that hopefully it can become a more thriving and enjoyable place for people to use for shopping and eating on a regular basis.

We all look forward to seeing you at the carnival and a very Merry Christmas to everyone!

Helen Sheppard

TELEPHONE

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Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 17

Christchurch Blue Plaques by Stephen Roberts No. 11 - Robert Cox

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” So began Charles Dickens’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, set in London and Paris at the time of the French Revolution.

Around the time that Monsieur Guillotin was devising a fiendish way of lopping heads from French aristocracy, another French sounding word, ‘Fusee’, found its way into Christchurch and this was also a story of time.

Our next plaque (13), in the High Street outside ‘Superdrug’, tells us that Robert Harvey Cox (1754-1815) brought fusee chain manufacture to the town in the 1790s. On this site was his house, with workshop to rear. Cox was the pioneer bringing an industry to Christchurch, which through a mix of factory, cottage and workhouse labour, became its UK hub for around a century and a quarter.

If anyone doesn’t know, fusee was intricate steel chain, some so fine that the eye of a needle was no impediment.

It was used in internal workings of old clocks and watches, so Christchurch played its part in bringing accurate time keeping to Britain and indeed the world, for this product was exported as far as America.

So, what do we know about Robert Cox? We think he may have been born in Wimborne, that he served a watchmaking apprenticeship in London and first appeared in Christchurch around 1776, opening a shop for the ‘sale and repair of clocks and watches’. In 1789, the year the Bastille was stormed, Cox took the tenancy of a house in the High Street (no 50), next to the ‘Ship’, later described as ‘a house and workshops’.

18 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Cox made full use of workhouse labour, employing young girls aged from nine upwards, working at least 70 hours per week, with ‘pay’ most likely going to a general fund for the upkeep of the Stephen ‘house’. Aptly, in the former workhouse (Red House Museum), is a display of chain and chain-making tools. There was nothing particularly benevolent about this employment.

Cox also used poor house labour in Wimborne and Milton, as he built up quite an empire. After his death the business was taken on by his wife Ann and for a time was known as ‘Cox and Barrow’, one Thomas Barrow having joined the firm, not to be confused, of course, with the first footman and under-butler from Downton Abbey.

Of course, ‘time and tide wait for no man’ (Chaucer) and time duly ran out on fusee. Changes in the way watches were regulated caused its decline and disappearance at about the time Europe’s nations were limbering up for the Great War. Cox’s house and workshop are no more, having been pulled down in 1965. Cox himself reposes in the Priory churchyard.

Next time: The Town Hall

Steve Roberts - www.steveroberts.org.uk @SRChristchurch (Twitter) References: Christchurch Blue Plaques Millennium Trail. Lesser Known Christchurch (S Roberts, 2015). The Chain Makers (A White, 1967) The Fusee Men (S Roberts, Highcliffe Herald, Oct 2015)

TOP 10 REASONS TO SHOP LOCALLY THIS CHRISTMAS When you shop locally you will enjoy good service, product knowledge, high quality - and know that you've really done something about keeping your local shops and services in business and your local communities thriving. Here we tell you the Top Ten Reasons why it is good for everybody!

1. Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.

Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.

2. Shopping locally saves you money.

Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us all that sole traders = expensive, but the evidence just isn't there to back this up.

If you add in travel, parking costs, fees to transport larger items home and customer time, the overall cost is often much greater.

3. Shopping locally retains our communities.

People don't like losing shops and services in small towns and villages but don't equate this to how they spend their money. Shops will only survive if customers spend locally - so if you want a vibrant town centre, where people can socialise as well as shop, we need to encourage people to shop locally.

4. Shopping locally retains our distinctiveness avoid clone towns!

Many town centres in Britain look the same with franchises and multinationals. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Independent shops keep traditional local products alive. They respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.

5. Shopping locally saves the environment.

We are all aware of CO2 emissions and our environmental impact. Local shops often stock a higher percentage of locally sourced goods for which distribution time and customer journey times are reduced. This helps reduce our global footprint.

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6. Shopping locally creates jobs.

Shops in our town centres and villages create local employment and self employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.

Evidence shows that for every £10 spent in an independent shop, £25 is generated for the local economy compared to £14 spent in multinationals.

7. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.

Sole traders and independent stores are proportionally more generous in their support for local charities, carnivals, schools and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial return for our community.

8. Local shops are for everyone.

Most people can get to their local shops easily.

This is especially important for the elderly, the vulnerable, young people and those without private transport. Keeping your shops open by buying locally helps the whole community.

9. Local shops value you more.

Evidence from numerous surveys shows people receive better customer care and service in local shops. Traders survive by their reputation and repeat business - so shopping locally means that you get a higher standard of service.

10. Shopping locally saves services.

Private, voluntary and public sector services cluster around shops.The loss of the high street often corresponds to a reduction in these services. As shops disappear, so do hairdressers, vets, dentists etc

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 19

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20 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Highcliffe-on-Sea Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Highcliffe has been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary Foundation for its financial support of the ‘End Polio Now’ and ‘Make History’ Campaigns.

Elodie Stewart Susan

Since 1979 Rotary International has worked in conjunction with UNICEF in an attempt to eradicate Polio globally.

As at December 2014, this had almost been achieved, with only two countries (Pakistan & Afghanistan) still reporting cases in 2015. That being so, Rotary will not slow down on its aims. This does not mean we shall stop collecting and donating to the End Polio Now cause, it just means we shall increase our efforts to ensure global eradication.

Focusing on young people locally, the Rotary Young Chef competition at Highcliffe School will take place on Monday 30th November, judges will include Chewton Glen’s executive head chef Luke Matthews (he has a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for his work on this aspect of Rotary). One of his protégés at the Chewton Glen is an ex pupil of Highcliffe school.

Rotary supported a Year 9 film project at the end of last year and the film was shown to the Club at a recent meeting.

Pupils commented: “I would like to thank the Rotary Club of Highcliffe for their support in our film project, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even managed to overcome my lack of confidence.”

“I really enjoyed the film project, as it is something I want to do in the future as a job. It gave me a real insight as to how it will be on a real film set.”

“It brought me closer to people I wouldn’t technically get along with; it made me enjoy their company, the entire process was really good.”

Highcliffe Rotary Club have arranged a carol service at St. Mark’s Church on December 16th at 7.15pm, with the Salvation Army Band and the Songsters, and would be delighted to see you there. There will be a collection at the end with the proceeds being donated to the Salvation Army to assist their work.

In appreciation of their commitment to service above self, Rotarians of Hichliffe and their partners will be celebrating their Bespoke Christmas Caberet Event at The Lord Bute Hotel once again.

If you are interested in joining The Rotary Club of Highcliffe, please contact President Bob Salter on 01425 62707.

Susan Davies

Rotary Club of Highcliffe on Sea

Should you require any further information please call Susan Davies on 07341 836513 To advertise please call 01202 477214

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For all your footcare needs such as Nail cutting Cracked Heels Corns and Calluses Hard Skin Problem nails - Ingrowing Toe Nails Verrucae Fungal Infections Athlete’s Foot Arthritic Feet Foot pain Diabetic Foot Care Support & Padding for bunions Hammer Toes and Claw Toes Footwear advice and advice on in-soles Footwear advice during pregnancy Footwear advice for children

To book a home visit please call 01425 280 285 or 07800 962 454 Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 21

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22 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Business Column

You wait years for one major development in Christchurch – and then another comes along.

Last month I wrote about the proposed 850 house Peter development for the land between Stoney Cross and Roeshot Hill, and now we are told the redevelopment of a 4.74 acre site in the heart of Christchurch is going to take place.

This site is where the police station stands and includes the old (already closed) magistrates court building, the car park adjacent, the pit site car park next to Fountains roundabout and further back land owned by Christchurch charity, the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene Trust.

The announcement coincided with confirmation that the police station is to close and the police will move to share the fire station.

It is a sizeable site and a few years ago, when superstores were in fashion, there was a suggestion of one here. That no longer seems likely and now the proposal is for housing, to include a sizable nursing home. Also there will be some commercial development at the town end of the site which could include retail shops and leisure facilities.

The southern based builder Aster Homes has been announced as the preferred buyer and they promise local consultation before they finalise their plans.

This development has been a very long time coming and it has been talked about for many years. The diverse owners of the site include Dorset County Council, Christchurch Borough Council and Dorset Police. I imagine budget cuts have encouraged a resolution to their differences so they can collect their respective shares of the anticipated sale proceeds.

As always questions arise as to the effect on traffic flows in an already congested area.

But this development also has the potential to change the whole dynamics of the town centre.

Peter Watson-Lee

Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 23

Across 1 4 7 8 9 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 23 24

_____ Dahl, wrote Matilda (5) Breezy (5) Most furious (8)

1 Streetcar (4) 2 Large passenger aeroplane (8) Lowest female singing voice (4)

3 Horrified, shocked (6)

4 Compel, coerce (6)

Perishes, succumbs (4) 5 Complications, obstacles (8)

Famous boys’ boarding school (4)

6 Italian hard cheese (8)

10 Type of bike (5)

13 Titbit, goody (5)

15

17

19

22

Down

Crossword

COFFEE BREAK

Bolting, racing (7) Fourth month, girl’s name (5) Female deer (3) Team sport played in a swimming pool (5,4) Popular team sport, mostly played by women (7) Fungus used in bread-making (5) Memo pad (9) Metallic grey poisonous chemical (7) Acrobat, tumbler (7) Bury, place inside a tomb (5) Feudal lord (5) Decompose, deteriorate (3)

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The Brockenhurst Guide

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Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 25

26 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

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Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 27

PET CHRISTCHURCH

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www.christchurchpetsupplies.co.uk 28 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

100

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INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5 and put 24 mini-muffin cases inside mini-muffin tin.

Mix the flour and sugar in a bowl, then make a well in the centre. Whisk together the oil, milk and egg and slowly pour into the bowl, stirring gently.

Divide this mixture between two bowls. In one bowl add the dark chocolate and mincemeat.

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Divide the two mixtures among the 24 muffin cases and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and risen.

Remove the muffins to a wire rack and eat warm.

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Email: info@the-home-doctor.co.uk Visit our website by scanning this box on your smartphone or tablet Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 29

Merry Christmas from all of us at Humphreys & Orr & Wren Lettings

You are invited to a Christmas Event... on the 10th December from 3pm to 9pm at our offices, 4 Falcon Drive, Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 4BA

RSVP : 01425 274 444 sales@humphreysorr.co.uk

Mulled wine and Mince pies Christmas gifts and artwork from local artists on display Christmas raffle with all proceeds going to Macmillan Caring Locally charity. www.humphreysorr.co.uk 30 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

THE REGENT CENTRE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR & NEW YEAR PANTO 2015 - 16

Headlining this year’s Christmas season of shows, films, concerts and event cinema will be the fourth fabulous year of the Regent’s very own Christmas Spectacular.

This year the Glad Rag Production Company will be entertaining everyone when their magical Christmas treat opens on stage at the Regent on Saturday 19 December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Bookings are already under way for this seasonal favourite but there are plenty of shows to choose from with a run that includes further 7.30pm shows from Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 December and more Matinees at 2.30pm on Sunday 20, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December. So, if you want to join Benji and Bruce, those fun-loving polar bears for another show stopping, all singing and all dancing adventure with Santa, Rudolph and Mrs Claus, then early booking for this Christmas cracker of a family show is essential!

Then get ready for the big New Year Pantomime, Goldilocks & the Three Bears, with the irrepressible Highcliffe Charity Players. With no less than ten performances to choose from between 16 - 23 January, there will be plenty of opportunities to practise all of those boos, hisses and cheers! P.S bring your own porridge!

To find out more, please call the Regent Box Office on 01202 499199 or visit the website at www.regentcentre.co.uk

Leaflet Delivery We can deliver between 1,000 and 10,000 leaflets each month Only £35 + VAT per 1000 Call 01202 477214 or email info@localeyemagazines.co.uk To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 31

New Year New Kitchen

This year make a resolution you can keep!

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Call for a free estimate or visit our showrooms 185 Lower Blandford Rd, Broadstone, Poole, Dorset BH18 8DH Tel: 01202 695856 or 17 Bargate, Christchurch. BH23 1QD Tel: 01202 483129 www.dreamdoors.co.uk 32 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Mum’s the Word So we all know my fairy lights have been up for at least a month by now, so, to feed my Christmas obsession I’ve turned Natasha to some other fun and festive ideas for my children and unique presents for the family.

One very simple idea I came across was setting up a hot chocolate table. Although not a crazy idea, I had never thought of it!

Jugs of hot milk and pots of cocoa powder, with bowls filled with marshmallows and of course a can of squirty cream, is my kids’ idea of heaven. You could make it even better if you source your products from independant, local companies, missmarshmellow.co.uk is a family run, Dorset based business where all their marshmallows and nougat are hand made to order. Currently their postage & packaging is free too! For your chocolate try heading down to Christchurch for the Monday market or local deli Heartizans always have some great products locally sourced.

For unique, one off, gorgeous presents, I recently came across a fab little Christchurch business called Simply Say, they can stamp any words/phrases you like onto a variety of different leather bracelets, book marks and key rings. Their website is www.simply-say.co.uk where you can find all their social media and ordering details. I’ve bought a present already from here and it’s fantastic!

So, there are two ideas that will make Christmas just that extra bit special.

Happy Christmas to all the readers!

Natasha x

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01202 496150 Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 33

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? WHICH CHRISTMAS TREE?

When we were kids my brother christened our rather sorry old artificial tree the Silver Lurch, on account of its colour and list.

Artificial trees have improved enormously since then but most gardeners do prefer the real thing.

There’s something magical about bringing a bit of the outside indoors at this time of year.

Unfortunately trees were not meant to live in centrally-heated sitting rooms. It puts them under a lot of stress. So which trees survive Christmas best?

Well there are several species available to the British public. The main choices are between pines, spruces and firs.

The traditional Christmas tree is Picea Abies, the Norway Spruce. Most popular they may be but they are actually least suited to the conditions inside the average home. Spruces are much more prone to shed needles than firs or pines.

Pinus Sylvestris and Pinus Contorta are respectively better known as the Scots Pine and the Lodgepole Pine. Their longer needles hold well but do make hanging decorations a bit tricky for small fingers, which is worth noting if your children like to help.

If that’s not an issue the widely spaced branches show off larger baubles very well. The Corsican Pine (pinus Nigra Laricio) is not as common but has similar properties.

Firs are the best choice for a British Christmas.

If you want the best, and you can find one, plump for Abies Noblilis, the Noble Fir. In its perfect form it’s hard to beat: uniform in shape with more

open branches on the top, its flat, short needles have amazing retention properties. It’s trickier to grow well than most other trees so expect to pay a bit of a premium.

The Nordman Fir (Abies Nordmanniana) runs the Noble Fir a close second. It is easily available now as many tree growers invested heavily in the species. They are generally cheaper than the Noble Fir so a good choice if cost is an issue.

The Fraser Fir and the lemon-scented Douglas Fir are also worth seeking out.

Once you have your tree, make a fresh cut across its trunk and give it a good drink of tepid water before bringing it inside. Secure it properly in a specially made base which is the right size for your tree! A toppled six foot tree, a couple of gallons of water and a hundred or so baubles make a seriously large mess...I know this to be true because several Christmases ago I was the person clearing it all up at 2 in the morning... don’t make my mistake! Merry Christmas!

Eco-Friendly?

For true eco-friendliness buy British-grown trees.

Most councils offer a Christmas tree shredding service. The shreddings are then composted.

Artificial trees are generally non-biodegradable.

Christmas tree farms act as a carbon sink, fixing environmental carbon dioxide

By Rachel Leverton

34 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Tree and Hedge Care Specialists Local, established family run business ;YLL :\YNLY` HUK ;YLL -LSSPUN [V ): (SS +LIYPZ 9LTV]LK ;76 (WWSPJH[PVUZ 8\HSPÄLK >VYRMVYJL -\SS` 0UZ\YLK (WWYV]LK :OVY[ 5V[PJL >VYR /LKNL 9LK\J[PVU 4HPU[LUHUJL ;YLL :[\TW 9LTV]HS ;YLL :HML[` 0UZWLJ[PVUZ ;YLL 7SHU[PUN Email: broadoaktreecare@msn.com 6 Kings Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1NB

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At Broomhill Garden Buildings we offer an extensive range of buildings in all styles and sizes. A lovely summerhouse or log cabin can really enhance the beauty of your garden and provide you with extra living space throughout the whole year, providing practical solutions and creating beautiful environments. Whether it’s for work, play, entertaining or just relaxing!

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36 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Teen Column Hi and Happy December!!!

With Christmas just around the corner, shopping for the big day is a must. Throughout Christchurch there is a large variety of gift, fashion and Emily bookshops to suit the needs of all your gift choices. The Sweets Emporium on Wick Lane is perfect for picking up high quality chocolate which is absolutely delicious; I especially like the luxury Belgian range. There is also a fantastic selection of sweets to choose from...but it’s very hard to be decisive!

Cafés such as The New Forest Perfumery are a nice place to visit when you want a rest from your gift purchasing. With a wide range of food and drink at affordable prices, the café is very cosy with friendly staff who will get you seated quickly.

Other options include Indulge Yourself Dessert Lounge, which is a particular favourite of mine on Christchurch High Street. The café offers a large variety of cake choices which vary daily. Unusual options such as Karpatka with Peach and Stefanya with Chocolate, Hazelnuts and Almonds are offered as daily specials if you want to try something new. Classics such as Chocolate cake and Victoria sponge are often available so there is always something for everyone.

The Highcliffe Christmas Festival on Saturday 12th December will help raise your Christmas spirit. With a food court and gift stalls as well as a chance to visit Santa in his grotto, the event is very popular. The money raised from the event through a bucket collection goes to local charities throughout Dorset. There is also an un-named special visitor who you can visit throughout the day as well as raffles and even a bit of street dancing!

Last month I told you about the arrival of my kitten, Smudge. He’s absolutely crazy and very fast, he particularly likes chasing things, mainly his tail! He doesn’t like sleeping much and is always full of energy as he charges around the room.

I cannot wait to see what he does to the Christmas tree; I don’t think it’ll be up more than 5 minutes!

I hope you all have an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2016!

Emily Neville

To advertise please call 01202 477214

Colin Butchart, Denture Clinician with over 28 years ’ experience working directly to the public.

All dentures created within our state of the art denture clinic

O ering: New Dentures, Relines, Repairs, Home Visits, Easy Parking, Ground Floor Access

Tel: 01425 272380

415C, Lymington Road, Highcli e, BH23 5EN www.dorsetdentureclinic.co.uk

Member of Bri sh Associa on of Clinical Dental Technicians, GDC No. The General Dental Council and Interna onal Team of Implantology 146363

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 37

SOUTHERN TREE SPECIALISTS With Christchurch Information Centre Tue 1 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm £3 IT’S A WONDEFUL LIFE (U) Wed 2 Dec 7.30pm £13 Conc £12 recorded on screen NT Live: OF MICE & MEN (12A) Wed 3 Dec 7.30pm £16 Conc £14 Live broadcast on screen ENO Live: THE MIKADO Fri 4 Dec 7pm £7 Under 16s £5 SALVATION ARMY (Winton) CAROL CONCERT Sat 5 Dec 7.30pm £20 Conc £18 Get In The Mood!

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA led by Ray McVay Sun 6 Dec 7.30pm, Mon 7,Wed 9 & Fri 11 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm & Sat 12 Dec 11am, 2.30pm & 7.30pm & Mon 14 & Tue 15 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm SPECTRE (12A) Daniel Craig is James Bond Tue 8 Dec 7pm £13 Conc £12 Live broadcast on screen NT Live: JANE EYRE Thur 10 Dec 7.15pm £18.50 Conc £16.50 Live broadcast on screen - Royal Opera:CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI Wed 16 Dec 7.15pm £18.50 Conc £16.50 Live broadcast on screen - Encore recorded: Sun 27 Dec 2pm Child ticket £10 this perf only Royal Ballet Live: THE NUTCRAKER Sat 19 & Sun 20 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm & Mon 21 & Tue 22 7.30pm & Wed 23 & Thur 24 Dec 2.30pm & 7.30pm Fourth fantastic year!

Glad Rag Productions - Eves: £16 Conc £15 Mats: £13.50 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - Stunning singers, glitzy dance routines & sensational costumes Mon 21 Dec 2.30pm: INSIDE OUT (U) Tue 22 Dec 2.30pm: MINIONS (U) OPENS BOXING DAY Sun 26 Dec 7.30pm. Sun 27 5pm & 8pm Eves: Mon 28 - Wed 30 Dec & Fri 1 - Sat 9 Jan 7.30pm Mats: Mon 28 Dec - Wed 30 Dec & Fri 1 2.30pm & Sat 2 & Mon 4 - Sat 9 Jan 2.30pm Morns: Mon 28 - Wed 30 Dec & Sat 2 Jan 11am NEW YEAR’s EVE Thur 31 Jan: 11am, 2.30pm & 6pm STAR WARS - The Force Awakens 2D (12A) (TBC) NEW YEAR’S EVE film 10pm (Doors open 9pm) DIRTY DANCING (12A) & chimes of Big Ben by satellite Sun 3 Jan 3pm £11 Conc £10.50 New Year Viennese Concert BOURNEMOUTH CONCERT BRASS

www.regentcentre.co.uk 38 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

The tree care professionals

Professional arboriculturalists, focusing on the care and maintenance of trees, with excellent customer service.

From commercial to domestic works, our Dorset and Hampshire based team of arborists can provide a professional and safe service.

Fully qualified & insured 24

Emergency 24hr call outs

FREE

No Obligation Quote

Tree evaluations & Reports.

Crown reductions, thinning & crown lifting.

Dangerous & Dead wood removal.

Tree removals & Felling.

Site clearance & Stump grinding.

Planting & Hedge trimming.

We recycle all our waste and aim to be 100% environmentally friendly

Call Andy on 07788 298127

For more information visit: www.s-tree-s.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST

24hr call out 7 days a week Reliable local family run business

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Installations, re wires, new fuse boards, electrical testing and inspection Fault finding, tv and telephone points, ventilation fans, small work specialists Smart controls and nest heating controls specialists OAP Discounts PART OF THE WBC GROUP OF COMPANIES

01425 273405

or freephone 0800 970 7143 www.wbc247.co.uk 124 Smugglers Lane North, Christchurch BH23 4NW

To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 39

TabiTha’s

K9 M a k e ov e r

Professional freelance dog groomer

based at the Dog Grooming Studio, Southbourne.

Over 10 years experience. Fully qualified and insured.

Services include: Bathing, drying, pet trims, breed standard trims, nail clipping and much more.

10% off for new customers

Enquiries or bookings please contact

• Established in 2009 • Fully insured services • • Cleaning • Ironing • General home help •

A Beautiful CLEAN

01202 477812 / 07788 454487

Mind Benders: 1, Pie in the sky; 2, Two’s company, three’s a crowd ; 3, Born on the 4th July

Local Friendly Cleaning Company

Puzzle Solutions

Tabitha Poole on 0785 461 9900 tabbers@talktalk.net

10% Discount for first clean

Pamper yourself or treat a friend to a Therapeutic

Massage treatment

‘lift your spirits and feel invigorated’ Special introductory prices 30 mins - £25 60 mins - £40 90 mins - £55 Su is a Professionally qualified Masseuse

T: 07841 476977 E: bookings@thethaitouch.com Located opposite Tesco Express in Highcliffe

Landline: 0120 2484 309 Mobile: 0785 4843 350

Email: maartenstaxi@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.maartens-taxi.co.uk 40 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Business & Professional Miller Bros & F.P Butler Ltd Williams Thompson Solicitors Simpkins & Co Solicitors

17 22 43

Care Homes/Help & Retirement Inter-County Nursing Care & Services Silverways Nursing Home

16 22

4 28 40

31 40

Food & Drink Chuckles Chippy 7 Ye Olde George Inn 15 Garden Services Chris Oliver Tree & Hedge Cutting 1 Apex Tree Surgeons 2 MacPennys Nursery 4 Shaun Welling 16 Broadoak Tree Care 35 Broomhill Garden Buildings Ltd 35 Southern Tree Specialists 38 Health, Beauty & Lifestyle All Mobility 10 Christchurch Hearing Centre 14 Elodie Stewart Podiatry 21

Home Improvement Ashley Blinds UK 3 Dunkley Tiles 5 Plumbers Online Ltd 17 WBC 247 Heating & Plumbing 20 Aspire Architects LLP 23 At No.19 Interiors 25 Plumb Exchange 27 Roof Exchange 27 JP Murphy Electrical 29 The Home Doctor - Handyman 29 S & P Plumbing 31 Dream Doors 32 Made 2 Measure Fitted Bedrooms 33 Flair Interiors 36 WBC 247 Electrical 39

Motoring, Boating and Travel Maarten’s Taxi 40 Property Management Humphreys & Orr Property Management Emporium Shopping Village

Index

Children, Pets & Education St Anne’s After-School Tuition Christchurch Pet Supplies Tabitha’s K9 Makeover

Cleaning Services CMH Carpet Cleaning A Beautiful Clean

Dorset Denture Clinic 37 Kellear Hearing 37 Tracey Butchart Foot Health Practitioner 38 The Thai Touch.com 40 Specsavers 41 Highcliffe Dental Practice 44

30

7

£10 EYE TEST Valid for one test on or before 31 December 2015 at discounted price of only £10. Present voucher at time of test. Cannot be exchanged for cash, used with other vouchers or redeemed by customers already entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test. One per person, at named Specsavers stores only.

Christchurch 34 High Street. Tel 01202 480 707

specsavers.co.uk

# To advertise please call 01202 477214

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 41

Local Libraries Christchurch 29 High Street Christchurch BH23 1AW 01202 485 938 Monday 9.30am to 5.30pm Tuesday 10am to 7pm Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm Thursday 9.30am to 7pm Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday 9am to 4pm

Highcliffe Gordon Road Highcliffe BH23 5HN 01425 272 202 Monday 10am to 6.30pm Tuesday 9.30am to 5pm Wednesday Closed Thursday 9.30am to 1pm Friday 9.30am to 6.30pm Saturday 9.30am to 4pm

Local Chemists Lloyds 01425 274291 248 Lymington Road, Highcliffe Mon-Fri 8.45-5.30 Sat 9-4 Day Lewis Pharmacy 01425 613222 4 Old Milton Green Parade Christchurch Road, New Milton Mon-Fri 9am-1/2-6pm Sat 9am-1pm Sainsburys 01425 277885 1 Lyndhurst Road, Christchurch Mon-Fri-7am-11pm Sat 7am-10pm Sun 10am-4pm Wessex Pharmacies 01202 482197 186 Somerford Road, Christchurch Mon - Fri 9-1.15/2.15-5.30 Sat 9-1.15 Rowlands Pharmacy 01202 484840 136 Purewell, Christchurch Mon-Fri 8.45-6.30 Sat 8.45-1 Mudeford Pharmacy 01425 272798 94 Mudeford, Christchurch Mon-Fri 9-1/2-5.30 (Weds ‘til 1) Sat 9-1 42 • Highcliffe Eye • December 2015

Police/Crime Police (Emergency) Police (Non-emergency) Crimestoppers Neighbourhood & Home Watch

999 101 0800 55 51 11 01202 222 222

Medical/Health Services Dorset Out-of-Hours/NHS 111 Bournemouth A&E Bournemouth Hospital Christchurch Hospital British Red Cross Loan Service

111 01202 704169 01202 303626 01202 486361 01202 484074

Local Council & Services Christchurch Borough Council 01202 795000 Dorset County Council 01305 221000 Christchurch Information Centre 01202 471780 Regent Centre 01202 499199 Bournemouth Airport 01202 364000 Post Office 0845 722 3344 Dorset Family Information Service 01305 221066 Pet Care RSPCA - Ashley Heath Cats Protection

0870 010 1849 0845 3712 762

Helplines Community Safety Issues Trading Standards Citizens Advice Bureau Childline NSPCC Southern Electric British Gas Gas Emergency Environment Agency National Drugs Helpline National Debt Line Alcholics Anonymous Samaritans Age Concern

01202 495111 01305 224012 0844 245 1291 0800 11 11 0808 800 50 00 0845 071 3953 0800 048 0202 0800 111 999 0800 80 70 60 0800 77 66 00 0808 808 40 00 0207 403 0888 08457 90 90 90 0800 00 99 66

Taxi Services Christchurch Radio Cabs Maarten’s Taxis Chritax

01202 484848 01202 484309 01202 470000

We only deal in certain areas of the law, the ones we specialise in, which means you get the best advice from the right people.

Santa’s making his list, and checking it twice…

Professional

✓

Qualified

✓

Accredited

✓

Most of us need legal assistance at some point in our lives. The law is complicated so it’s important to get specialist, professional advice. We listen to you, the client, and use this insight, along with our practical expertise to deliver the best possible result for you.

Solicitors are the qualified experts when it comes to the law and how it affects you. We are monitored and supervised through Continual Professional Development which keeps us up-to-date with new legislation and changes in the law.

As part of our commitment to ensuring we offer clients the best possible advice and expertise, we are members of a number of professional organisations and regulatory bodies. This involves us passing strict criteria and meeting the high standards set.

So for advice that you can trust and rely on contact Simpkins and Co to arrange a FREE initial consultation.

01425 275555

or FREEPHONE 0800 0832755

Proud to be a corporate partner of the Spinal Injuries Association

Personal Injury

Clinical Negligence

Employment Law

Business Advice

Suite 4, Brearley House, 278 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5ET London office: 1 Northumberland Avenue, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5BW t: 01425 275555

e: info@simpkinsand.co.uk www.simpkinsand.co.uk

FREEPHONE: 0800 0832755 or from mobiles: 0333 7777 420 Simpkins & Co are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number: 621412 Recognised name: Simpkins & Co

SimpkinsandCoSolicitors @SimpkinsandCo

To advertise please call 01202 477214

Members of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA)

Highcliffe Eye • December 2015 • 43

8 out of 10 adults are affected by

gum disease!

Don’t let this happen to you!

Get the right treatment...

call 01425 273 025 AND BENEFIT FROM OUR NEW PATIENT EXAMINATION INCLUDING X-RAYS (INTRA ORAL)

£20

Diana Court, Lymington Rd (opp The Globe Inn)

www.highcliffedentalpractice.co.uk

44 • • Highcliffe Highcliffe Eye Eye • • March December 48 20152015

OFFERS

AVAIL AB

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