Christchurch Eye February 2011

E E R F

FEBRUARY 2011 ISSUE 11

Covering Christchurch, Highcliffe, Burton, Bransgore, Hurn & Mudeford

ChristchurchEYE Your Local Community Magazine

Gifts with a Heart *Free Wine Voucher

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The Coventry Walk Centenary Restaurant Review - ‘the jetty’

• Written by the01202 Local Community, For theinfo@christchurcheye.co.uk local Community • To advertise call 477214 or email 1

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Publisher, Editor & Copywriter: Cheryl Dennett Dorset Eye Publications Editorial & Advertising: Tel: 01202 477214 Mob: 07791 022190 Email: info@christchurcheye. co.uk Website: www.christchurcheye. co.uk Office: 14c Addiscombe Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 2AE Contributors: Jonathan Dennett, Julie Ratcliffe, Brogan Mooney, Cycleperience, Broadview Blinds, Phil Tate & Fairmile Florists.

Copy Deadline: For next issue (March) – February 14th 2011 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s 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.

Dorset Eye Publications 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 - withour prior permission of the publisher.

Please Recycle this magazine

ChristchurchEYE Your Local Community Magazine

Contents Editor’s Letter

4

Restaurant Review

7

Talk of the Town

8

Lateral Thinking

10

Business Column

11

Cycle to Work Scheme

12

Mindbenders

13

Valentine’s Feature

15

Coffee Break

16

Shop Local

19

Waitrose Online Review 20 CCC Poem

21

Brogan’s Teen Column

22

Kid’s Page

24

Local History

26

Community Diary

28

Regent Centre Listings

29

Useful Contacts

30

Index of Advertisers

31

7 - the jetty review

12 - Cycle to Work

15 - Valentine’s

19 - Shop Locally

26 - Local History

from the editor from the editor from the editor from the editor from the editor from the ed Christchurch Eye is also now available at Waitrose, Bargates in Christchurch & Stewarts Garden Lands in Somerford!

ChristchurchEY E Your Local Community Magazine

14c Addiscombe Road Christchurch Dorset BH23 2AE

Dear Reader

en Front cover image: Steamer Point tak

the magazine a here at Christchurch Eye, I’ve given To celebrate entering our second year articles mixed g estin inter of full still the changes! It’s whole new fresh look; I hope you like nesses advertising es. Now, for ease of finding local busi with advertising from local business pages. back the ‘Index of Advertisers’ within within the magazine, you will find an by the amount first year and I’ve been overwhelmed I have to say it’s been an amazing are very much ils ema y readers – your letters and of support I’ve received from so man – without time this ng duri ort rtisers for their supp appreciated. Many thanks to the adve the local in ote prom to ness busi a have Eye! If you ) per whom there would be no Christchurch VAT! (No £21 a call - prices start from as little as l! area, please don’t hesitate to give us loca all ’re they – e azin g the advertisers in the mag issue. Remember to keep supportin

es it even more carefully again this year, which mak No doubt we will still all be spending 19 to read our page to within the local community; turn important that what we spend stays fit us all. bene can this how of ce ember the importan ‘Ten Reasons to Shop Locally’ and rem urant and Waitrose I enjoyed reviewing ‘the jetty’ resta Also this month, my husband and for Valentine’s on life your in ideas for the Lovely Lady Online, Christchurch. Read on to find prizes. Have you and les puzz gs, Listin nt ity diary, Rege top of our regular articles, commun more chance of e’s yet; why not give them a try? Ther tried entering one of our competitions s! mag nal as opposed to the larger natio winning prizes from local magazines ng to adverts as tion Christchurch Eye when respondi Finally, please don’t forget to men be a magazine! without our advertisers there wouldn’t

by Mary Flynn

Happy reading!

Cheryl , Editor

Congratulations to.........

Follow us on Facebook!

Rosemary Sinclair for winning Chritax Taxis who won last Four tickets to see Beauty month’s ‘Win an Ad’! For your & The Beast at the Regent chance to ‘Win an ad’ please Centre, also from our Dec/ go to www.christchurcheye.co.uk Jan Issue.

Winners Cor ne

Mr R Beech who won an Aromatherapy Back Massage with Ancient Therapies from our Dec/Jan Issue.

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To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 5

OPEN DAY

Sat 12th February SAVE ££££’s 10am - 4pm

Blinds, Shutters, Curtains, Conservatory Blinds & Awnings

Brand new fabric collections now available

www.broadview-blinds.co.uk

Broadview showroom in Christchurch to host open day Broadview will open the doors to its Christchurch showroom on Saturday 12th February for an Open Day to highlight the latest trends in window dressing.

Based on Castle Parade, Iford Bridge, the Broadview team will open the doors from 10am to 4pm and the event will give customers the chance to meet the team, gain advice about the best ways to dress a window in order to preserve heat in the winter, as well as enjoy drinks and canapés. Customers will also be able to find out about Broadview’s alfresco range ahead of the spring and summer seasons.

The Broadview showroom brings together Broadview’s comprehensive range of blinds, curtains and soft furnishings, shutters, conservatory blinds, patio awnings and canopies. Visitors will have the

Open day at: 2 Castle Parade Iford Bridge Christchurch

01202 477577 opportunity to find out about the latest SPC (solar protective coated) fabrics which maximise the energy efficiency of a home, helping to retain heat during the winter months as well as about the most recent addition to Broadview’s extensive product portfolio handcrafted Perfect Fit wood venetian blinds.

Broadview will be offering 20% discount on all products purchased on the day and customers will also be able to enter a free prize draw to win £250 Broadview vouchers.

Ian Pratt, managing director of Broadview, says: “We look forward to welcoming people to our Christchurch showroom to browse our latest product lines, gain top tips and advice from our showroom team and enjoy the drinks, canapés and special product discounts that will be available.”

For further information please contact the Christchurch showroom on 01202 477577 or visit www.broadview-blinds.co.uk.

6 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

‘the Jetty’ opened its doors back in the autumn and it really is one of Christchurch’s most stunning locations. Set within the grounds of The Christchurch Harbour Hotel the restaurant, bar and grill is right on the water’s edge overlooking Mudeford Quay.

The restaurant is headed up by Michelin star chef Alex Aitkin who knows the area and most certainly his craft very well.

As you arrive at ‘the Jetty’ one is immediately struck by the innovative design of the building with acres of glass forming the walls showing the vista off to its best. The evening we were there it began to snow, making looking out onto the water a magical experience. Inside has a modern, contemporary feel and most importantly, the house was full of very happy looking diners.

Whilst being shown to our table the waiter immediately noticed that Cheryl, my wife, was pregnant and explained the menu, reassuring us that whilst it was quite heavily weighted towards fish and shellfish, the chef was very happy to adapt things to suit her in what she could or couldn’t eat.

Whilst deliberating over the menu the wine waiter came to the table and offered to select a wine for us if we were at all unsure and was happy to offer advice on which wine would best suit our choices of food. I explained that my wife was pregnant and that I felt that drinking an entire bottle to myself might appear to be a little unfair if not slightly greedy. He then suggested that as my preference was red wine, he chose a wine that complimented my choice of food and I simply had a glass (large!) of this. Very good.

Starters included scallops, twice baked cheese soufflé and risotto with wild mushrooms and

truffles. I chose the jetty’s special ‘chunky’ fish soup whilst Cheryl had Classic crab on toast, both delicious. Whilst we were waiting for our starters we were presented with delicious celeriac soup as an appetiser compliments of the chef.

It is a very rare thing that I can eat out and feel that I could have happily eaten anything from the list of main courses, in the case of the menu in front of me however, this was most definitely the case.

I finally plumped for the fresh Christchurch bay sea bass with mussels whilst Cheryl chose whole grilled lemon sole with new potatoes and spinach and butter sauce. Both dishes were cooked and presented beautifully and most importantly tasted wonderful. For those who are not as keen on fish as we are the menu also offered liver and bacon, pork and tomato tart tatin.

The dessert menu if you still have space, offers classics such tiramisu and dark chocolate fondant as well as exciting ‘newies’ such as white chocolate terrine spiked with strawberries coated in praline.

Cheryl swooned her way through the most fabulous sticky toffee pudding whilst I could not resist my all time favourite of crème brulee which was truly great with its crunchy glaze and creamy filling. Very satisfying!

What can I say; the service was excellent, attentive without being irritating. The setting fantastic and the food quite beautiful.

If you want to impress then my advice is to consider booking a table at ‘the Jetty’, Valentine’s is on its way......

Jonathan Dennett

To Book a table at the jetty call 01202 400950 To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 7

talk of the town talk of the town talk of the town talk of the town talk of the town talk of

Talk of the Town

This is what our readers think of our businesses here, in Christchurch!

‘In the Frame’ of Lymington Road, Highcliffe provide picture frames and a photographic service. Recently my cousin unearthed a family photo of about 80 years old and wasn’t in the best condition. I was staggered at what ‘In the Frame’ had produced; an enlarged print as clear as if it was taken only a couple of years ago. We’ve been able to identify some more family members from this enhanced copy. It’s really impossible to put a price on something such as this but the charge was very reasonable which they also transferred to a disk so I have been able to e-mail it to many relatives. A great service!

Tom Muir, Christchurch.

Justin Childs via Facebook about Christchurch Eye Magazine.

“What a great online mag! Sat reading it in Saudi Arabia.

Thanks.”

Bruce Foord via Facebook about Christchurch Eye Magazine.

Love it..... I am living in Mallorca and love the fact that I can keep up with Christchurch going ons...... great monthly mag..”

Great to hear that Christchurch Eye is being read as far afield as Mallorca and even Saudi Arabia! Thanks Bruce & Justin for your comments and glad you’re enjoying the mag online!

To see Christchurch Eye online please go to: www. christchurcheye.co.uk Cheryl, Editor

Great customer service from Cyclexperience on Barrack Road. Thanks for ordering and fi tting my new cycling shoes fitting and peddles.

David King via Facebook.

Have your say! If you’ve received a particularly good service from a business in the BH23 area, please email info@christchurcheye.co.uk or write to Christchurch Eye, 14c Addiscombe Road, Christchurch, BH23 2AE. Please include your name and area of which you reside.

The above testimonials are intended to be quotations of residents of Christchurch and not of employers or employees of said businesses. Please do not abuse the system which would make the entire above invalid and a waste of time! Please be honest. Businesses found to be abusing the system will be named and shamed!

Disclaimer: Please note that we do not endorse any of these claims made but are merely quotations of readers of the magazine.

8 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

FI Is your kitchen looking tired?

Our kitchen makeover could save you £1,000’s compared to a complete new kitchen We replace the doors, drawer fronts, handles and worktops to give you that fresh new look

Makeovers start from just £500 We also fit new Kitchens and Bedrooms

Beat the VAT rise, order now to guarantee fitting before Christmas

Call us on 01202 487697 / 07713 114060 92 Hurn Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2RP info@flairinteriorsltd.co.uk www.flairinteriorsltd.co.uk To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 9

Lateral Thinking Lateral thinking puzzles are a hybrid between a brief story and a puzzle. In each puzzle some clues to the scenario are given but they don’t tell the full story. In order to solve the puzzle you need to work out which details are missing.

You can solve them alone but it’s more fun with friends.

A horse is tied to a 4m length of rope and there is a bail of hay 8m away from him. Yet the horse is able to eat from the bail of hay. How is this possible?

Answer on Page 28

Inter-County Nursing & Care Services

Supporting you in your own home w w w. i n t e r - c o u n t y. c o . u k Inter-County can provide experienced staff to help you remain independent at home through a range of services including:

•

Personal Care/Meal Preparation • Sleeping/Waking night duty • Respite Care • 24 hour Live In Care & Support

For further information please contact us on

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or call in to see us at: 293 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 5EB We would also welcome applications from experienced Care Assistants looking for local, flexible work. For further information please contact us on the above number.

10 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

NEW YEAR - HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS?

By Julie Ratcliffe

Happy New Year! When offering this positive greeting we usually add ‘and prosperous’, but with the tough times we are experiencing and the difficulties businesses are facing, can we be optimistic optimistic about business prosperity in Christchurch?

Until recently Christchurch High Street had fewer empty premises than similar towns. Alas, in the past few weeks several businesses have closed and there are gaps. However, whilst Christchurch Chamber of Trade reports that since last August some 14 businesses in the borough have closed, it says 11 have opened and two relocated.

One opening, Caffe Nero in Saxon Square, has led to some businesses raising the issue of ‘big names’ versus independent traders and about Council policy on the type of businesses permitted. There is also criticism of the number of cafes and food outlets in Christchurch, so is this stifling the prosperity of the town centre?

A healthy high street needs a mixture of factors to be successful and Christchurch has these - coffee shops included. ‘Anchor’ stores – Waitrose, M&S, Boots, Argos, M&Co are examples. Independents – Mathews, Bookends and Priory Leather are longstanding, quality independents. There are pubs, a Post Office, a library and a thriving weekly market.

Christchurch is also a destination, with its historic attractions and picturesque quay. The Food Festival and other major events also attract visitors.

No doubt times are going to be very difficult for businesses, but willingness to invest – such as the Saxon Square improvements and the Post Office site development - is a good sign. However, the Council should consult more on change of use. Plus, raising parking charges isn’t helpful – even the government is saying enough is enough. Businesses, business groups and the Council need to work together to ensure that Christchurch has the best chance to ride the storm of the downturn and return to prosperity.

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To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 11

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Flower Prize Sudoku Competition Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive!

Win a Bouquet of Flowers courtesy of Fairmile Florist!

Simply complete the Sudoku Puzzle, ďŹ ll in your details and post your entry to Christchurch Eye, 14c Addiscombe Road, Christchurch, BH23 2AE.

Name.................................................Tel.No..................................................

Address.........................................................................................................

Good Luck! Entries to be received no later than 28th Feb 2011. Winner picked at random from correct entries. Full competition Terms & Conditions can be found on our website.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quick Crossword

Across

Down

7) Try repeatedly 1 Ambush (4) and learn from 2 Inducement mistakes (5-3-5) (6) 8) Infrequent (8) 3 Prostrate one9) Head (4) self (3,4) 10) E.g. Milton 4 Draw out (5) Keynes (3,4) 5 Drive (6) 12) Rock face (5) 6 Juvenile (8) 14) Sub (1-4) 11 Clot (8) 16) Courteously (7) 13 Eclectic (7) 19) Distortion (4) 15 Overseas (6) 20) Prevail (8) 17 Salary (6) 22) Corporation 18 Cheery (5) (13) 21 Hussy (4)

Answers on page 28 16 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

----

To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 17

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18 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

TEN REASONS TO SHOP LOCALLY! When you shop locally you will enjoy good service, product knowledge, high quality and know that you’ve really done something about keeping our local shops and services in business and our local community 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 can save 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 community.

We don’t like losing shops and services in small towns and villages but don’t equate this to how we spend our money (I am guilty of this too!). Shops will only survive if customers spend locally - so if we want a vibrant High Street, where we 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.

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 OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 19

editors review editors review editors review editors review editors review editors revie

Editor’s Review - Waitrose Online, Christchurch

Having being led to believe that Waitrose is wildly expensive, I was slightly wary about my first online shop with them, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonably fair pricing (and occasionally even under pricing!) of many items.

Although initially clicking and registering until I got to the shop page was quite confusing, when I did get through to the main window for actually shopping, I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of their site in comparison to other online supermarkets.

If I wanted next day delivery then I would’ve had to book before midday that day but as I had clocked on at around 2pm, had to wait for the day after.

Not good for someone who always leaves things until last minute but to be fair, I can very rarely get next day when leaving that late but do sometimes have the choice. Delivery is easily chosen by clicking on the ‘van’ icon or alternatively, if you wanted to collect then you would click on the ‘bag’ icon.

I was a little daunted by the thought of using a new site as I thought it would be a bit of a nightmare searching through the whole shop as opposed to having a ‘Favourites’ list on a couple of other supermarket sites I use. I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of use when using the search for an item.

One thing I thought was fantastic was the ‘Special Dietary Requirements’ list on left hand side giving plenty of selection for most dietary needs (even their toothpaste gave options for vegetarians, vegans and those with nut allergies!).

I thought I’d end up paying extra for things such as the children’s cereal but was pleased to find that Waitrose do their own brand of ‘Choco Pops’ (in their Essentials range); organic Ketchup found a ‘Brand Price Match’ which I found on many other items too. I found many of the usual bargains you would find in other supermarkets such as Organic Yoghurts being 2 for £3 and also saved on a Toilet Rolls offer, Pancetta also being 2 for £3 saving a whopping £2.49 which then drove me to the ‘Special Offers’ aisle which is normally a no-go area for me as I shop online normally to save money, not spend more, but thought, hey, it’s Christmas so why

not! Here I also found Chicken Breast fillets on offer with a great reduction which went down well as we eat a lot chicken in this household!

Yes, I think you do pay a little more for some meats and fish but the quality of the produce is what you are paying for. Both our Chicken and Beef meals were so much more flavoursome than our usual meals and I hadn’t changed any of my other ingredients.

There are some fab choices of Ready Meals for that day/night when you just don’t have the time and the quality and quantity precedes here yet again.

When ordering Fruit & veg, you have the option to pop in the weight if you didn’t want to buy a whole Kg but would’ve liked the option to just say for instance, one pepper, as had no idea as to how much one pepper would weigh. All Best Before dates were no different to what I’d have handpicked as were the quality of the fruit and veg.

Checkout was relatively easy and gave me the option to tap in any notes such as ‘Doorbell not working, please knock, which was useful in our case.

My shopping was delivered within the allocated slot in labelled bags so I knew which to unpack first and place in the freezer etc. I thought they were a little over excessive on the carriers but aren’t they all? I liked the fact that the minced Beef was packaged more environmentally friendly though.

No substitutions which was great but had the wrong plum tomatoes but upon looking at my order, found myself to be at fault, not Waitrose.

Ok, so I didn’t get my usual chips that we all like and I had to choose a different brand of toothpaste, but on the whole, I quite enjoyed my first experience shopping online with Waitrose, Christchurch and definitely had great quality products for not that much more than a lesser supermarket.

Waitrose, Christchurch hope to have their new website up and running at the beginning of 2011 to make for an even more pleasurable experience.

On top of all that, FREE delivery (minimum £50 spend)!

20 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

ev

OJC Landscaping All aspects of soft & hard landscaping Decking, lawns, turfing, garden maintenance, water features, fencing, paving, patios, hedge & tree work

Local friendly service 01202 471034 / 07880 867072 48 Windsor Road, Christchurch, BH23 2EE

Christchurch Community Celebration Poets FEBRUARY

It has claimed many lives Sea, by Sue Higgins And will take more Crashing and dashing Along the seashore Why is the sea angry Why does it roar Winter Haiku, by Pounding away It crashes to shore Lesley Burt What made it mad Was it the rain Maybe the wind Makes it sound like a train

Sunrise streaks red, gold; gulls head inland; blackbird waits by ice on birdbath

When it’s ferocious It seems to say I am dangerous Stay away

To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 21

Dorset Denture Clinic Creating Natural Smiles Difficulty with Fitting, Talking or Eating Your Problems Answered!

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New dentures, Relines, • Home visits, • Denture repairs, • Free parking, • Affordable prices • •

01425 272380 The dental clinic dedicated to denture wearers 415c Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5EN

www.dorsetdentureclinic.co.uk

YOGI Ye Olde George Inn

Christchurch

FREE Bottle of Wine with a meal for two

Valid during February. Excludes Valentines day Free bottle of house red or white wine with a meal for two on presentation of this voucher. Minimum spend on food £15.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher.

Name e-mail

DOB

Brogan s Column

Why does it already feel like the year is going full speed ahead? February, a time of year where the wintry weather is wearing us down but yet it’s also a time of year where we can forget those things and celebrate love.

Brogan

In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated around the seventeenth century. It was common for friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. More modernly, Valentines Day is seen as more controversial. Is hype for the festival built up by the media, and the rigorous advertising campaigns? Or do we all generally enjoy declaring our emotions to our loved ones?

However, love does play a huge role in all our lives and the people that surround us everyday become a part of who we are. I recently found an amazing website called ‘love.givesmehope.com’. It’s a place for real people to share real stories about any kind of love that is currently happening in their lives. Whenever I’m feeling down, I read some of them.

The other day though, I came across one about a woman whose husband was in the army. It made me think about the strength she must have, to go through the pain of not knowing the state of which her husband would return back to her. I have a lot of respect for the soldiers, but sometimes forget that the families and loved ones back home are also fighting in a way. Fighting for love and that time together again.

Valentines has now made me realise that not only is it important to tell the people close to you how much you love them, but it should also be a time to think about what others have to go through for love. Happy Valentines!

Love, Brogan

22 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

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Open Mic Night at YeOldeGeorgeInn We held our first open mic night at Ye Olde George inn on Friday 7th of January. The atmosphere was great from when the performers were practicing at the beginning to the audience participation of American pie at the end. The turn out and support

we received was fantastic, with the feedback we were given, it has prompted us to make the night a permanent fixture to our years calendar.

We had amazing performers who have already signed up for next month as have the customers who joined in. The laughter and singing that came from the barn attracted others to come in and listen which led to a full house till the end of the night. So, with our plan to recreate the same atmosphere and excitement, we’re still on the lookout for poets, comedians and bands who would love the chance to perform to the public.

Our next open mic night will be held down in our barn bar on Friday the 4th of February. Performers need to arrive for 7:30 for sound checks and sign up. The first performer will be on from 8:30 so we would advise to arrive on time to grab a table for the evening. We will have a barrel of ‘Piddle’ on the bar and drinks promotions available so keep your eyes peeled for those.

We’d like to thank all the performers who participated and the tons of local support we received; it brought life to a cold Friday night in January. We look forward to seeing you all on the 4th of February!

To advertise call 01202 477214 or email info@christchurcheye.co.uk 23

JT’s BLINDS A local company with 25 years experience, JT’s Blinds offer a complete service

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The Convent Walk Centenary

By Phil Tate

Local historians often lament that many of Christchurch’s historic features have been lost over the last century. The Georgian House, the stonewalled Pound, Square House, Euonymus, Hookey’s House – all have been demolished within living memory. Over seventy years ago the renowned local historian Herbert Druitt was prompted to write that the removal of such ancient landmarks ‘robs a locality of its interest and of the beauty which only age can impart’. However, 2011 sees the centenary of what many consider to be one of the town’s most interesting and beautiful features.

George V became King in May 1910 and preparations were soon under way for his coronation, which was fixed for 22nd June 1911. In February 1911 the Mayor of Christchurch, Robert Druitt, held a public meeting in the Town Hall to ‘consider the advisability of Celebrating in Christchurch the CORONATION OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING GEORGE V and QUEEN MARY by Festivities and Rejoicings’.

A scheme to create a public footpath alongside the millstream between the Quay and Castle Street was already under consideration. Convent Walk was officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress as part of the celebrations on Coronation Day and the Christchurch Times subsequently described it as ‘an acquisition to the beauty of the ancient Borough, and from the Walk extensive views are obtainable of the meadow land stretching away to the coast with the Christchurch Head standing out prominently against the sky’.

The meadow land and views of Hengistbury Head are now gone, but Convent Walk still presents some notable views of the town’s heritage. To commemorate the centenary a few of the historic landmarks that can be seen on a stroll along Convent Walk will feature in these Christchurch Eye Local History articles throughout the year. The first is Place Mill.

The Christchurch Local History Society produces a quarterly journal for its members (also available to purchase at Christchurch Information Centre) and organises a series of talks from September to May. These take place at Christchurch Junior School in Clarendon Rd, on the first first Tuesday of the month.

Place Mill is one of Christchurch’s historic gems and possibly the only building in the town to have been in continual use for nearly a thousand years.

Although the upper floors have been rebuilt over the centuries, the lower stonework is believed to be Anglo-Saxon and possibly part of the mill recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. This mill was operated by the canons of Holy Trinity before the Augustinian Priory or even the construction of Flambard’s Norman church.

It continued as a monastic mill until the Dissolution, when it was acquired by the crown. After the Civil War it was sold to a Richard Fenn and it remained in private ownership until 1888, when it was sold to Christchurch Corporation.

By the end of the 19th century new technologies were making traditional watermills redundant and Place Mill was closed in 1908. The last miller was Andrew Cox, who worked for Elizabeth Cuff, a corn and seed merchant with premises in the High Street on the site now occupied by the ornate HSBC bank.

Picture, copyright of The Red House Museum and the Christchurch Local History Society.

Local History

For over seventy years the Mill was then used as a repair shop and store for Keynes’ pleasure boat business, but in 1981 Christchurch Council began a restoration of the building. The restored Mill was officially opened on 28th July 1983 by Reginald Cox, the youngest son of Andrew Cox, who had been born in the miller’s cottage in 1901.

Place Mill presently houses an art gallery and gift shop during the summer months – and the waterwheel still turns...

Local History Room, Christchurch Library, 29 High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AW. Tel: 485938 This room is open weekdays from 10am to 12.30pm (except Weds). It is staffed by volunteers drawn from the membership of the society.

More information on the society can be found at www.historychristchurch.org

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community diary and information community diary and information community diary and information communi

This is a free page to publicise your local community events and information. Copy deadline is February 14th for inclusion in the March edition of Christchurch Eye. A small fee (£5) is charged for businesses advertising local events.

Weds 2 Feb Candlemas Ghost Walk led by local historian Michael Hodges. Meet under the arches of the Old Town Hall at 6.30pm and be spooked with stories of ghosts around the town centre of Christchurch. Limited tickets from Christchurch Information Centre, 49 High Street. Adults £3 Child £1.50 21 Feb – 25 Feb Highcliffe Castle Half term activities for children 11am-4pm Contact Highcliffe Castle for details Normal Admission prices apply.

Weds 23 Feb Guided Walk -Half Term History 11.00am Join local historian Mike Andrews and wildlife

Christchurch Priory Church Opening Times Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5pm Sunday 2.15pm - 5.30pm (Subject to Services) Services at The Priory Sundays8am - Holy Communion 9.45am - Sung Eucharist Family Eucharist - as announced 11.15am - Matins and Sermon 3.30pm - Holy Batism (By arrangement) 6.30pm - Evensong and Sermon Weekdays and Saturdays 8.30am - Matins 9am - Holy Communion 11am - Thursdays Holy Communion 5pm - Evening Prayer

warden Peter Holloway on a family friendly history tour around the cliff top and beach at Steamer Point Nature Reserve Cost: Adults £2.50 Children £1.50 Limited places so booking essential. Meet: Information Centre, Steamer Point Nature Reserve, Seaway Ave, Christchurch. 01425 272479 CONTACT THE ELDERLY TAKES ELDERLY PEOPLE WITHOUT A FAMILY IN THE AREA FOR A LITTLE CAR RIDE AND TEA ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON ONCE A MONTH FOLLOWED BY TEA AT VOLUNTEER HOST AND HOSTESSES HOMES WE ONLY ASK OUR HOST FAMILIES TO ENTERTAIN UP TO SIX ELDERLY PEOPLE IF POSSIBLE AND TWO CAR DRIVERS JUST ONCE A YEAR. ALSO RESERVE DRIVERS REQUIRED FOR JUST A FEW TIMES A YEAR. PLEASE CALL CAROLYN DENNIS 01202 424482.

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Sun Sun30Jan–Wed2Feb7.30pmMats:Mon 30 Jan – Wed 2 Feb 7.30pm Mats: Mon –Wed2.30pm – Wed 2.30pm Johnny Depp is THE TOURIST (12A)

Tuesday 15 February 7.30pm £25 Concs £24 BARBARA DICKSON IN CONCERT

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Fri 4 & Sun 6 – Thurs 10 Feb 7.30pm Mats: Sun 6 – Thurs 10 Feb 2.30pm Meet The Parents: LITTLE FOCKERS (12A)

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Sun 20 – Tue 22 Feb & Fri 25 – Sun 27 Feb 2.30pm Half Term CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:Voyage of the Dawn Treader(PG)

Friday 11 February 7.30pm £14 Concs £12 YELLOW BRICK ROAD – Elton John tribute

Sun 20 – Wed 23 Feb 7.30pm Half Term THE GREEN HORNET (12A) Marvel Comic Hero

Saturday 12 February 7.30pm £14 Concs £13 BLUE BAYOU – Roy Orbison & Johnny Cash tributes

Fri 25 & Sun 27 Feb 7.30pm BURLESQUE (12A) Cher & Christina Aguilera

Sun 13 February 2.30pm & 7.30pm £12 Concs £11 Recorded By satellite from Opera de Paris – CALIGULA Ballet

Thursday 24 Feb 7.30pm £15 Concs £14 Fine Girl Ye Are The Kilkenneys play The Clancy Bros & Tommy Makem

Mon 14,Wed 16 & Thur 17 Feb 7.30pm Mats:Wed & Thur 2.30pm THE WAY BACK (12A) Peter Weir’s epic escape from Siberia

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Libraries Christchurch Library 01202 485938 Mon 9.30-5 Tues 10-7 Weds 9.3-1 Thu 9.30-7 Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 9-4 Highcliffe Library 01425 272202 Mon 10-6.30 Tue 9.3-5 Wed Closed Thu 9.3-1 Fri 9.30-6.30 Sat 9.30-4

Chemists The Grove Pharmacy, 48 The Grove, Xch 01202 484310 Mon – Fri 9-6 Sat 9-1 Wessex Pharmacies, 186 Somerford Road, Xch 01202 482197 Mon-Fri 9-1.15/2.15-5.30 Sat 9-1.15 Rowlands Pharmacy, 136 Purewell, Xch 01202 484840 Mon-Fri 8.45-6.30 Sat 8.45-1 Your Local Boots Pharmacy, 2A Twynham Avenue, Xch 01202 486276 Mon-Fri 8.45-1/2-6.15 Mudeford Pharmacy, 94 Mudeford, Xch 01425 272798 Mon-Fri 9-1/2-5.30(Weds ‘til 1) Sat 9-1/2-5 Boots the Chemist, 23 Saxon Square, Xch 01202 483034 Mon-Sat 9-1.30/2.30-5.30 Burton Pharmacy, 123 Salisbury Road, Burton 01202 477771 Mon-Fri 9-1/2-6.30 Lloyds, 248 Lymington Road, Highcliffe 01425 274291 Mon-Fri 8.45-5.30 Sat 9-4 DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS FOR OUR DIRECTORY? PLEASE CALL CHERYL ON 01202 477214 OR EMAIL INFO@CHRISTCHURCHEYE.CO.UK 30 Please mention Christchurch Eye when responding to adverts

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Granite Transformations Inter-County Nursing Care Services Ltd JT Blinds Lavender & Bay Made 2 Measure Millers Bros & F.P Butler Ltd OJC Landscaping Peeks Party Store Pinks Embroidery Richard Thomas Conservatories & Windows Stour Chiropractic Clinic Total Body Works Tranquility Cabin Ye Olde George Inn

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