The Southbourne
Link
The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Southbourne, Tuckton and Hengistbury Head
Delivered FREE around the area
January/February 2015
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www.partytubhire.co.uk
x x x x x x
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Dry in 30 minutes with Dry Fusion Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Tile & Grout Cleaning Stone Floors Cleaned & Polished See videos on website
The Southbourne Link
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The Southbourne Link Welcome...
Edition 67
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Dorset Publications
Telephone:
01202 894397
Email:
info@southbournelink.co.uk
Copy deadline for the February 2015 edition: 23rd January 2015
Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Southbourne Link does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.
Dear Southbourne, Tuckton & Hengistbury Head, Wow what a good Christmas and New Year we had this year! I do hope you were able to spend time with family and friends too. In addition to all those festivities I had my 50th Birthday (shh, don’t tell…) and celebrated that with all those I love the most. So yes, it was an unforgettable few weeks! Nellie, the campervan, took us to ‘Pull a Pine’ which was great fun and you can read all about that on pages 26 and 27. So, here we are in a New Year, 2015. What were your New Year’s Resolutions? We have lots planned this year and have already booked our holidays, so hard work but lots of time off too. A good balance all round. One decision I made was to get the house sorted out. We have already started throwing away all those unwanted items. Hayden wants to try and sell some of his toys, so we may have fun visiting a car boot sale or two. Wish us luck with that one! There are many advertisers in The Southbourne Link who can help you in the house this year. Whether you want a new extension, better double glazing, the electrics updated, a new bedroom, bathroom, or even help to de-clutter, there is a professional to help you. Please give them a call, they would love to hear from you and do mention The Southbourne Link as this always makes our work worth while and is very much appreciated. Stephen and I here at Dorset Publications are looking for community groups and clubs to promote for free, so if you know of one, wanting more help and promotion please let them know of us. If you have a business and want to let the local people know all about you, then please give me a call too. We would love to help you. Wishing you all a FANTASTIC 2015! All the best,
Debbie & Stephen Corney Useful Numbers
Local Police Southern Electricity Transco Gas Emergency Bournemouth. Hospital
101 08457 708090 0800 111999 01202 303626
Train Enquires Bournemouth Council Sembcorp Water Southbourne Library
08457 484950 01202 451451 01202 590059 01202 428784
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The Southbourne Link
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Community News
Pre-Loved Toy Appeal for the Hadland Foundation The Hadland Foundation, a local charity that provides help to ‘families in need’ will be collecting Pre-Loved Toys after Christmas that will be distributed to local family centres and women’s refuges.
your local Tops Day Nursery, who have kindly agreed to hold collection points for the appeal. We will then distribute the toys to local centres where children with few toys can play with them.”
The Pre-Loved Toy Appeal will run throughout January and February and will give children the opportunity to donate toys that they no longer play with.
The Hadland Foundation have had the Collection Boxes donated by Store and Secure Self Storage Behind Castlepoint and Tops Day Nurseries have agreed to have Collection Boxes at their nurseries in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Charminster, Parkstone and Corfe Mullen; a full list of Collection Points is on the Hadland Foundation website: www.hadlandfoundation.co.uk.
Paul Reade, Hadland Foundation manager comments: “After Christmas many once loved toys are discarded, as they have been replaced by new ones. We hope that toys that are no longer played with will be donated to the Hadland Foundation. If you have any toys you wish to donate, please take them to
More information on the Pre-Loved Toy appeal can be found on the website or you can call Paul on 01202 551553.
Paul Reade with Sophie Maidman from Store & Secure Self Storage Behind Castlepoint at the launch of the Pre-Loved Toy Appeal
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The Southbourne Link
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. . . s r a t S e h t s t e e m i Ann Montin
This month’s star is
Julio Iglesias Ann Montini caught up with singing legend Julio Iglesias at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Ann – Julio Iglesias finally we meet? Julio – “A pleasure, and always one, to come back to England, and appear and perform for my fans here. They have been so good to me over the years, we go back a long way.” Ann – A new award too... what does that feel like? Julio – “The award feels like for being alive to be honest, but seriously it’s for Sony Music’s ‘The Most Successful Latin Artist of All Time’ award, in recognition of my 46-year international career. Amazing don’t you think?” Ann – Truly amazing! You’re ageless though, what is your secret? Julio – “Music and singing. No, truthfully I think if you have a passion you enjoy, then you should, you know embrace it and do it. I think this also keeps you young, and so you look better, but thank you for saying that.“ Ann – You have done so many things in your career though... Frank Sinatra ? Julio – “My hero really, I have Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas, to thank for us singing together though, as he told him about me, and well the rest is history, but what a star, what a legend.“ Ann – Your new album has gone gold all over the world... does the success still surprise you? Julio – “Yes and no really, because I have wonderful fans, and I think that if you give them what they want then hopefully, they will enjoy it too, and so it goes on... I always like having number one albums though for sure.” Ann – Many duets, who stands out for you apart from Sinatra Julio – “So many, but of course Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, what a lady and such a great songwriter too... but I always enjoy looking at
new people... who knows maybe Lady Ga Ga would like to duet?” Ann – Could there be a Julio musical like others have done? Julio – “We have sort of done this in a way you know, but not around the world... I am not sure, do you think that would work... if you do Ann, maybe you sing with me on the show?” Ann – I would love too! Is it true you actually wanted to be a professional footballer? Julio – “It is and, I was a for a while with Real Madrid, but then I had some misfortune, but out of that came the gift of music, and so life goes on... You have to remain positive you know.“ Ann – You have also starred in films in the past... planning anymore? Julio – “I was very young, but yes I would look at some options now and again, but I am guessing at my age, I won’t be playing the romantic lead... but hey a movie career again would be wonderful...” Ann – So what is next for you then? Julio – “I am performing sell out shows, a new album and picking up awards you know life could not be better actually Ann, so all I would ask is more of the same please.“
Ann and Julio at the Dorchester Hotel in London Photo: Maycon Pictures
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The Southbourne Link
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Community News
Introducing the Jubilee Wine Circle Having spent too much on booze at Christmas and New Year do you wish you could save money by making your own wine and beer? Do you want to know more about what you are drinking and try out new drinks? If so, come along to the Jubilee Wine Circle. We meet on the first Friday of every month at the Stapehill Village Hall and have a variety of evenings mostly centred on wine, it’s production and consumption. We often have tastings of different wines and you can see how your palate compares to other people’s and have more of an idea of what you like and dislike. We have two qualified judges in the circle as well as a host of members who have been making wine for years so if you fancy making wine there are lots of people who can help. Recently we have had tremendous success at the Dorset
Federation Show where Jubilee carried off the trophy for circle with most points. The circle also has it’s own competitions and there is support for entering other competitions such as the Wales & West competition which is very large. Recently we celebrated American wines on 4th July and had a wine based ‘Call My Bluff’ evening. In 2015 we will be having competitions, a tasting of local beers and a ‘Spot The Commercial’ wine evening where we try some home made wine against a commercial of the same type. So if you like the idea of a sociable evening with a general focus on wine then please contact the Chairman using the details below and you’ll be made very welcome. Chairman: Neil Barton Tel: 01202 861077 Email: neillbarton@gmail.com
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Mr F (Landlord)
Mrs M (Landlord)
Being a first time landlord, Connells were everything I could of asked for in an estate agent. Helped me through the whole setting up process and keeping on top of everything since as well. Within 24hours of instruction they had already found a tenant who moved in a few days later! I will certainly continue to use Connells and would not hesitate to recommend them.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your efficiency and professionalism in dealing with my let. You made the process very easy and stress free. Your valuation and time scale was spot on. I would not hesitate in recommending and using again the services of Connells in Southbourne.
Mrs H (Landlord) Thank you again for the excellent service you provided. I had been using 3 other agents up until you managed to get 4 offers to rent my property within days! No other agent had managed to get even one offer since I completed on 14 August. I am so glad you went out of your way to find a landlord such as me who needed to rent out her flat. That is so impressive. You have been pleasant, efficient, straight forward, effective and a joy to do business with. I had recently had an awful experience with an estate agent while buying my property and was feeling a little jaded and cynical about your profession. My experience with Connell's and specifically with Katie has been a very positive one. It has reassured me that estate agents can provide a valuable service. I will be recommending Connell's Southbourne to friends and family and will certainly be using Connells in the future.
Katie Ede Lettings Manager, Connells Lettings Katie.Ede@Connells.co.uk
01202 425 852 The Southbourne Link
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Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Barn Owls
With their white, heart-shaped faces and golden feathers, barn owls are considered one of the most beautiful birds in Britain. These mystical birds are difficult to spot in the wild. Their golden, silver-grey feathers act as camouflage when they are viewed from above. Similarly, their white underparts work as an anti-silhouette strategy, often enabling them to remain undetected from the ground. Barn owls are formidable hunters. Due to tiny serrations on their flight feathers, they are able to sweep through the air soundlessly; this unnerving ability has earned them the title ‘Ghost Owl.’ They also have exceptional hearing and can pinpoint their prey by the smallest sound. Their diets typically consist of small mammals such as voles and rats. But there is bad news for barn owls – they are in decline. Once, barn owls were Britain’s most common owl species; however their population has dropped in recent years by up to 70%. 2013 saw their worst breeding season for 30 years. Changes in weather patterns, the long winters, cold springs and wet summers, and decline in rough grassland, which harbours their food, are
Barn own in flight by Ken Dolbear ���
Close up of a Barn Owl by Ken Dolbear ���
just a few of the reasons Barn Owls are threatened in Dorset. Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has launched a Barn Owl appeal, and raised over £28,000 to start helping barn owls in Dorset. Part of DWT’s work includes creating barn owl boxes and installing them, visiting landowners to talk about managing land to benefit the barn owl, and visiting schools and local communities to encourage recordings of barn owls, so DWT can monitor their progress. With just a couple of better breeding seasons, the population should rise again. If you’re interested in taking part in making a barn owl box, we have all the tools and equipment. Our next box building day is on Saturday 28th March 2015, at DWT’s headquarters, Brooklands Farm, near Dorchester, Dorset. To book your place on the event phone 01305 264620. For more information about the project and to make a donation, visit: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/barnowl By Judy Godsell
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Your home should be a peaceful and relaxing place to live. Sadly sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to keep things the way we would like. From organising your wardrobes and cupboards to staging your entire property, ClutterBusting is able to offer advice and assistance with decluttering your belongings and reorganising your living space to allow you to show off its true potential. ClutterBusting is fully insured and offers a personal and confi dential service to its customers. To find out how ClutterBusting can best assist you, please telephone 07919 620285 or visit our website at: www.clutterbusting.co.uk
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The Southbourne Link
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Southbourne Literary Society Founded in 1946 as Southbourne Literary and Social Society, its original name still reflects the warm welcome that awaits all who attend this friendly group’s eight meetings each year. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds you don’t need a degree in English literature to enjoy our meetings! The Society meets at 7.30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from September to April in the Parlour of Trinity Methodist Church on Southbourne Road. Everyone is welcome, either as a guest paying £4 per meeting, or by joining for just £20 per year, saving £12 over the season. Hot drinks and biscuits are served during the interval. The Society has always welcomed speakers who include published authors, broadcasters, theatrical figures, historians and lecturers. Some meetings feature two literary talks from one speaker; others have a literary lecturer followed by a speaker on a more general topic. The current season has already had excellent talks by very popular lecturers from further afield who were new names to the local speaking circuit, including an actor/town crier and a director with 55 years of theatrical experience.
Speakers booked for early 2015 include a publisher and humorous author, a criminal defence solicitor-advocate, a WEA lecturer, a schoolteacher and a radio comedy writer. Topics include: founding a publishing company; Thomas Hardy’s women; poet, singersongwriter and novelist Leonard Cohen; and ‘Punch’ magazine. March’s meeting also includes choral performances of ‘Songs from the Musicals’. Speakers’ Secretary Nick R. Thomas is already assembling the programme for our 70th season! In the meantime, anyone interested in coming along or finding out more is invited to look at our website (www. southbourneliterarysociety.org. uk), the Southbourne Literary Society Facebook page, or by contacting Secretary, Phil Vivian, on 07891640547 or email: phil. vivian@btopenworld.com.
The Southbourne Link
Food & Drink
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Naturally ally good...
ROASTED ACORN SQUASH Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 large acorn squash ½ tsp smoked paprika 2 cloves garlic (minced) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp mustard powder ¼ tsp onion powder 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter ½ red onion 1 tbsp olive oil 2 oz (60 g) soft goats cheese Small handful fresh mint Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ryan Turner, real food and low-carb chef - www.thefoodbible.com
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 400F/200c 2. Cut the squash into 6 wedges leaving the skin on. Remove the seeds and place onto a baking sheet skin side down with the flesh facing up. Drizzle the wedges with olive oil and add the butter then sprinkle over the paprika, garlic, mustard and onion powder and season well. 3. Cover the tray with foil and make sure that it is pressed down well so that the wedges are sealed in. Place the tray into the oven to bake for 45 minutes; they will actually be steaming in their own juices at this point. 4. Meanwhile slice the onion and place into a frying pan with the olive oil, gently sauté the onion slices on a medium low heat until they are caramelized, set to one side. 5. After 45 minutes of cooking remove the squash from the oven and remove the foil cover, place back into the oven for 10 minutes to roast, after ten minutes top each wedge with caramelized onions and some crumbled goats cheese and place back into the oven for a further 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown. 6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped mint and serve.
Great kitchens are all in the detail...
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The Southbourne Link
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You can’t control everything...
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w i n n e rs
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2014 has been another amazing year for NGPS and its customers. We have helped hundreds more homeowners overcome their fear of rising ENERGY BILLS. We have won yet another prestigious Installer Award for the South West. And we want to help even more Dorset homeowners like you...
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A Solar Photovoltaic Panel System has never been more affordable. While still qualifying for a 20 year government grant in the form of the Feed in Tariff (FIT). Prices have reached their lowest point as manufacturing requirements cap further reductions. To take advantage of a 50% reduction in electricity costs and government payments before they run out, the time is right to end the misery of energy price rises and reap a 10-12% return on your investment.
Enphase Micro Inverters as Standard on all NGPS Systems A breakthrough in solar technology has seen the use of Enphase Energy UK micro inverters increase in recent years. With a 25 year warranty, Enphase micro inverters are our preferred solution for optimised energy generation to speed up payback on your solar energy investment. Looked at solar before? Enphase is the answer for small roofs and those prone to shading or dust.
Do you generate excess Energy from existing Solar Panels? For just £375 we will fit an i-Boost to your system, diverting excess energy into the generation of FREE hot water.
Renewable Energy Heating & Hot Water With the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive RHI grant, payable over 7 years, there has never been a better time to replace your boiler with renewable energy options such as Air Source, Ground Source or Biomass Heating. These highly efficient systems will outlive a traditional boiler several times and offer the most intuitive and highly efficient solution for 24/7 heat and hot water.
Solar Thermal Install one of the oldest renewable energy systems in the UK - Solar Thermal, for nine months FREE Hot Water.
Why customer’s have put their trust in us for over 20 years We provide local support. We operate under strict code of conduct for the electrical & renewable energy industry. We have a Technical team, not salesman. We do not cold call. We don’t sell on the day or take deposits. You receive a quote in the post and pay at the end of your installation. We do not use Contractors, our installation teams are all employed and have been with the company for several years. We sit on a government advisory panel.
CONTACT US TODAY We offer no nonsense advice - and an end to rising energy bills. For an appointment call 01202 736812 You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
The Southbourne Link
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Motoring
auto
BIOGRAPHIES Volvo S60
By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Writer
www.carwriteups.co.uk
@carwriteups
Volvo has never had the same appeal as its German executive cousins. It has never looked as aggressive as Audi, nor as brutal as BMW or as mean as Mercedes-Benz. But that is a good thing. You see, the Swedish marque does things its own way and that’s at the very heart of why motorists opt for Volvo – even though they could, for the same money, afford something a little sexier. Take the S60; it’s very much a thinking man’s car. And that’s not to say that German motors don’t attract intelligent people. It offers some of the most restful, supportive and sumptuous seats on the automotive market. Chairs you can imagine a college professor sinking into before lighting his pipe and mulling over the day’s events. It’s the kind of car he’ll then cruise back home in while listening to Classic FM. Do you see where I’m going here? The S60 is by no means boring though; it can still satisfy your pleasure sensors. Let’s face it, Scandinavian design is generally pleasing. This is evident in the redesigned interior and exterior of the latest S60. Step inside, and materials, such as wood and leather and the easy-to-use controls, contribute to an ‘in-command’ driving experience. The overall effect is warm and cosy, like being in a Swedish house on a cold night. The car’s colour themes correspond beautifully with the backlit white controls in the dash and elsewhere in the vehicle. On the outside, the S60's road presence has been increased by a new front design. The more focused and determinedlooking headlamps help create an expressive face. The car’s horizontal lines at both the front and rear have been emphasised. Together with details such as a wider grille, daylight running lights and LED tail lamps, they give the S60
a handsome, road-hugging presence. The Volvo saloon has a beauty that appears rooted in the natural world. The clean surfaces and contours give it a very classy feel. Enhancements for the S60 include ‘Sensus’. This is the name Volvo uses for all its HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionality and the all-new Sensus Connected Touch accessory is the latest addition. It enables connectivity and Internet in the car and turns the seven-inch display into a state-of-the-art infrared, beam-scanned touch screen that can be used even when wearing gloves - a world first in cars and handy in winter. Connection is made either via a car-mounted 3G/4G dongle or your mobile phone. It allows you access to full Internet browsing (except when driving), Internet streaming of music, on-line Google Map and Search, weather information, an App Store for new functions and updates as well as a Volvo service locator. It is also possible to share a WiFi network with everyone in the car. Volvo is certainly pushing at the technological boundaries now – and that’s including one very important area of motoring: fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption of the S60 D2 diesel, on test here with a manual gearbox, has been improved to a class-leading 72.4 mpg, translating into CO2 emissions of only 103 g/km. With environmental credentials like these, any selfrespecting, Volvo driving, college professor will have to put his pipe out now.
FAST FACTS PROS ‘N’ CONS Comfort √ Max speed: 121mph Emissions √ 0-62 mph: 10.9 secs Economy √ Combined mpg: 72.4 Cabin √ Engine: 1560cc 4 cylinder 8 valve Image X turbo diesel
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Elizabeth’s Cake Shop & Bakery Serving delicious fresh breads, cakes, pastries, sandwiches & baguettes Established in the 1960’s, Elizabeth’s Cake Shops and Bakery has become an important a part of the community in Southbourne & Tuckton. Our produce is baked fresh in the bakery at the Southbourne shop and distributed to our Tuckton shop and wholesale customers. We provide an excellent range of produce from breads and cakes to sandwiches and drinks. Opening early morning until late afternoon we make it easy to pop in to pick up your breakfast, lunch, daily bread or perhaps a little treat for after dinner!
Southbourne Bakery & Shop: Tuckton Shop: 107 Southbourne Grove 162 Tuckton Rd Bournemouth, BH6 3QY Bournemouth, BH6 3JX Tel: 01202 427817 www.elizabethscakeshop.co.uk Tel: 01202 420936
The Southbourne Link
Adventures of Nellie
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The Adventures of Nellie The Dorset Publications Camper Van Well really! Do you honestly think that Nellie would be a thief? She doesn’t possess a balaclava for one. Well this is what some friends thought when I proudly told them that Nellie took us to Arne in the Purbecks last month to cut down our own Christmas tree. Their immediate reaction was to burst out laughing and ask “Is that legal!?” I was shocked. Of course it is legal I declared indignantly! It was all rather funny really. I mean can you imagine us trying to disguise Nellie, running into the heathland in camouflage, cutting down a Christmas tree and sneaking it into the back? Well... maybe you can! For those who do not know, our heathland is very special. In fact did you know that the heathland habitat is rarer than tropical rain forest? Rob Farrington of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) tells us, “Heathland is not wasteland – it may look barren and bare but it is the most biodiverse habitat in the UK. That is, more species of wildlife call heathland home
Sammy and Hayden pull a pine each!
Porting our pulled pines than any other type of environment.” So you see, Nellie was doing a good deed! Clearing away the small pines allows the heathland to survive... I just want to set the records straight. It was a great day, the weather was glorious. Cool but sunny. We met a friend there with his young son. Everyone was in great spirits and there was not a drop of alcohol in sight. We had been to Arne to ‘pull a pine’ a few years ago but had not managed to get there since. I was amazed at the amount of people. There were literally hundreds of cars parked with many people walking with trees over their backs, smiling, laughing and generally enjoying our wonderful country, seaside air. The whole activity is a win win situation, as we save the RSPB in the region of £25,000 and over two years of work, leaving that money to be spent on other useful projects. All the volunteers get to take home a free Christmas tree and we save our heathland at the same time. Result! The views from this area are stunning as you can see in our photos.
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Nellie prepares for a pine-full load There is nothing like the fresh air, family time and a project to do. The boys just loved using the loppers to cut the small trees down. The only problem is finding the tree for your front room. It is worse than choosing new curtains! Do we want this one, or this one, or will this one look better? Is this the right shape, too tall, too small?? There is such a variety, in the end you just have to say, “We will take that one!” We actually took two...one for the lounge and one for the front garden that we decorated with lights. There is something quite magical, knowing you cut the tree yourself. I have never had a Christmas tree lit up in the garden before so I was quite taken with that. Nellie was very happy to bring the trees home. It was all a little squished in the back for Hayden, but we managed all the
Second tree welcomes visitors in front garden
The Southbourne Link
Our tree, fully decked out, with the presents same. Travelling down the country lane we saw many different trees on car roof tops, being pulled in the trailer behind, or sat next to a contented and cheerful passenger inside. I highly recommend ‘Pull a Pine’ at Arne. We even bought Mum a year’s membership to the RSPB as a Christmas present. Mum loves watching the birds, so this was an excellent present for her. We already have a membership ourselves and are looking forward to, can you believe it, a ‘spider finding tour’ in the spring! If you want to know more about this organisation you can find them on line at www.rspb.org.uk or call general enquiries on 01767 680551. Nellie thoroughly enjoyed her Christmas trip, was glad not to meet any policemen on the way home and is really looking forward to more exciting excursions in 2015! Where will she go next...? By Debbie Corney
Gardening Tips
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Grass Roots
THE PLANT DOESN’T LIE
Your garden is like an open book, if you know how to read it because the plants that grow there can tell you so much about the underlying soil conditions. It’s these conditions that will determine whether your garden is an enjoyable place to be in or if it becomes a mess and burden. There are several ways of determining what is happening underground in your garden but the most accurate involves sending a sample to a soil analysis laboratory who will test for fertility, minerals, drainage capacity and the pH (‘possible Hydrogen’), which is whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline. They take time, cost money and you do have to have some scientific knowledge to interpret the results so a much easier, quicker and sometimes more relevant way to find out what is to spend a little time in the garden with your eyes open. What you are looking for is the plant that has naturalized successfully and you will recognize it because it is the most plentiful. It is probably small, unobtrusive and be low on the ground. There might also be more than one because individual plants are always part of bigger colonies but just start with one until you get the hang of the process. Take this plant and find out what it is, by looking on the internet or asking someone. Once you know what it is, find out, in as much detail as possible, what conditions it likes to thrive in because those are the ones you currently have in your garden. Sometimes that particular environment is just the one you want but more often you will find that you need to change something to improve the growing conditions.
A good example to give you is moss. Moss is much berated when it starts to take over your lawn but it is there because the conditions within the lawn encourage it to be there. There are many products on the market for getting rid of the moss from your lawn but until you change the underlying conditions, the moss will always come back – without fail. Moss only moves in because it can. So what does the presence of moss tell you? It tells you a number of important bits of information about the site and the soil.
Its too shady for the grass to thrive. The soil pH is too acidic The soil is too wet The soil is most likely to be compacted. All these conditions will weaken the growth of the grass and favour the growth of moss so it should be no surprise to find it there. You now have an idea as to what needs to be done and it is surprising how easy and straightforward some of the remedial actions are. Observing your garden in this way may seem time consuming and laborious at first but once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed how much more you will begin to see. In fact, you will wonder how you missed it in the first place. This is an extract from Sally Tierney's forthcoming book ‘Your Enjoyable Garden - The 3 essential steps to start and keep a garden that is always enjoyable and beautiful’, available January 2015.
Written by Sally Tierney MSGD BSc (Hons),. She specializes in making the most of the space in small to medium sized gardens through the use of good design and the right plants. She passionately believes that no garden should become a burden on its owners and so she goes to great lengths to design a garden that fits in with the client’s life style, not the other way round. You can see pictures of successful gardens on her website here www.yorkshiregardendesigner.co.uk
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• Personal training • Holistic massage • Deep tissue massage “Angela is a tremendous force of nature. For me, she does the impossible, by making exercise fun. I always have a fantastic work out and a massive laugh. She is more of a friend than a trainer, I cannot recommend her highly enough!” Claudia Tuohy
100% FULLY FUNDED SOLAR ENERGY
Think Sustainable Energy who are new in Dorset but have over 200 installations in many parts of the UK are announcing their unique offer of installing fully self funding Solar systems in the Dorset area. This is not to be confused with the “Rent Your Roof” scam. You own the installation and you receive ALL of the Government Feed-in tariffs which are GUARANTEED by the Government for 20 years. This can amount to many thousands of pounds. This is why the Rent a Roof cowboys think it is so good. As well as this you should save about 50% on your current energy bills. The panels they use are the latest state of the art German technology. They are black in colour and are much more attractive than the earlier rather ugly systems. If you think this all sounds too good to be true give a call to Think’s local consultant Brian Ash for a chat and he will explain how it works. He can be contacted on 0800 656 9997 or email him at brian.ash@thinkgb.co.uk
The Southbourne Link
Contact Angela now:
T: 07813 805541 E: angela@bodytherapy.fitness
www.bodytherapy.fitness
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Community News
Sensei
S AY S Bullying
I'm going to open my article right in at the proverbial deep end. One of the biggest challenges I have as a martial arts instructor with some years of Sensei experience and quite a few years of training under my belt is the age old question "Sensei what should I do about a bully?". Clearly a very challenging and controversial topic. For me there is a right and a wrong way that is very black and white. I have two daughters and my personal stance on this (and the one I delivered to my children) is that nobody in the world has the right to harm you in any way. The consequences of their actions can really only be dealt with in one way ultimately, and I suspect many of you could be of the same opinion however i do invariably need to tread carefully. Firstly, there are many types of bullying and with technology creeping in to our everyday lives it grows exponentially. Physical, mental and cyber bullying are all intertwined or grow within each category and need to be addressed in many different ways. For a Karate instructor it’s a minefield, so giving a single answer to 4 to 16 year olds is as I said before, a challenge!
Personally speaking, the physical bullying aspect is quite a simple one but this can become complicated when schools adopt a "two wrongs don't make a right" stance and seem to ignore victims actually defending themselves. I usually tell my students that if they're physically harmed then they would need to defend and retaliate in an appropriate manner. Without a doubt they should inform an adult / teacher why their actions were such. However, children often tell me that they would get into trouble and their parents would be called into the school to assist with finding an appropriate resolution or punishment. Clearly children are children after all, and I agree, there are occasions where variances in the truth can be lost in translation or self preservation may be
needed on their part because Mummies always think their child is an angel after all, so what's the answer? I always tell my students that if they are ever "in trouble" for defending themselves resulting in Mum or Dad being summoned into school, the first thing they should remember is that parents always know when their child is lying (yes, it happens) so falsifying the truth is never going to work. Additionally, I make them understand that I can honestly say I don't know any parent that wouldn't stand by their child who's been a victim of bullying and support a schools decision to penalise a child for defending themselves. Therefore although it's ultimately the students decision when looking for the right thing to do when confronted, it's sad that they not only have to endure physical abuse but also to have to deal with how they're going to have to justify it. I fully appreciate in a perfect world, talking your way out of a physical confrontation has to be the best solution but how long before the bully is back for another round on a victim? With authoritative institutes toeing a very impartial line, the issue will never really dissipate. Surely we need our children to understand right and wrong? In my opinion, bullying is wrong no matter how you look at it, but making its victims justify their actions to eliminate antisocial / abusive behaviour and protect themselves is also wrong. So I ask you, do two wrongs really make a right?
Sensei Rob Wood is a Fourth Dan in Goju-Ryu Karate and has taught children and adults for over 20 years in his dojo in the UK South Coast.
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Vida T
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The Southbourne Link
WHAT CAN THE PLASTIC BE USED FOR? At Reformed Plastics all of our products are made from 100% Recycled Plastic. We manufacture products ourselves and then sell direct to the Domestic and Commercial sector. Our manufactured plastic has many practical & very useful properties. It has an infinite range of different uses, some of which being are as decking, fencing, outdoor furniture, planters, boardwalks, landscaping, bollards, seating, signage & construction etc. The list of possibilities is endless and the long-term advantages it has over traditional materials are staggering! FINANCIAL BENEFITS Achieving value for money is a key driver for any purchasing decision. Although some recycled products have greater upfront cost, their longevity and durability make them a more cost effective option over the long term. In short, it’s worry free!
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This month, you can enter to win one of the three fantastic prizes on offer above, so please select your choice and complete this page by 30th March and send to: January Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Southbourne Link, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________
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Money Saving Tips
Martin
LEWIS Winter money saving Brrrr... The mercury has started to tumble, summer’s warmth seems a distant memory and the central heating is starting to kick into gear. As it'll only get colder, now's the time to ensure you're set up for winter to keep the cost down and the heat up. Here’s my checklist… Find out where your stopcock is. Everyone should know where their mains water off switch is. Frozen pipe bursts create an average £7,000 of damage, made worse if you can't find the off switch as your home floods. As Angie wrote on my Facebook page: "I know where mine is but only due to a burst pipe and collapsed floor a few years ago. Took us & the council 2hrs to find." So find it now before you’ve problems. Mine is behind a kitchen cupboard, but you’ll also typically find yours in bathrooms, shared corridors in flats, boiler cupboards and more. To help locate yours there’s a nice Thames Water video at www.mse.me/stopcock.
Switch energy now and you could get £100s back. This is a great time to switch energy supplier if you pay by direct debit, as it's likely you're in credit after the low use summer months. Therefore switch now, and provided you ask for it – so ask - you'll likely be given cash too (switch after winter and you may be in debt). Yet while the switch-over takes time, the work to compare and activate a switch doesn't. For fun, I put a stopwatch on four new members of my team trying to compare and switch - the quickest took 202 seconds, the longest 376 seconds. The average was 310 seconds with a £226 saving.
When comparing you may’ve heard of the recent scandal about ‘hiding top deals’ on some comparison sites. This is true – though my own www.cheapenergyclub.co.uk always shows all tariffs. Yet it means if you are using a different www.ofgem.gov.uk approved comparison site, when you get to the “Do you only want to see tariffs you can switch to today” question – say ‘no’ – that way all will display. Switching isn't a big deal, it's the same pipes, gas, meter and safety scheme - the only difference is price and customer service. You can do it even if you're on a prepayment meter/ electricity only/ Eco 7. Paying energy by monthly direct debit is cheaper. It discounts your bill by up to 6%. Firms then estimate your annual usage and divide it by 12 so you're likely to build up credit after summer and be a little in debt after winter. Always do regular meter readings for accuracy, as your bill is estimated. And if they try to push your direct debit up unfairly (eg, you're heavily in credit) you've a right for it to
be fair, just call and ask for it to be lowered. Full service car breakdown cover £40. Breakdown is more likely at winter, and the consequences more severe. Yet policies can be very cheap. For breakdown, home start and onward travel www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk is £40 a year, though it’s a ‘pay and claim’ policy so here it sends a local pick-up truck that you have to pay, then you can reclaim the cash later. Feedback and call out times are good, though you need to remember to claim. If you’ve got cover and are at renewal, then HAGGLE - 90% of AA customers and 78% with the RAC lowered their rates by bartering. For more deals see www.mse.me/breakdown. Cut boiler costs by £100s - you don't need your energy firm's cover. Many energy firms use our fear of losing heating to charge hefty insurance costs. They also want us to think there's some link between our energy provider and our boiler cover. There isn't - you're not locked in. In short… a) Renters usually don't need it, as their landlord's likely responsible. Check. b) Ensure you know what cover you need, choose between boiler-only, or central heating cover. c) To find the cheapest compare via www.uswitch.com and if you have more time add www.energyhelpline.com and www.moneysupermarket.com for a wider comparison. More help in www.mse.me/boilercover. Are you entitled to any extra winter help. Winter is a tough time for many as the cold sets in. Therefore there are some funds which may help... a) Winter fuel payments. If anyone in your house was born on or before 6 Jul 1952 and gets a state pension, pension credit or jobseekers allowance you automatically get the up to £300 winter fuel payment (providing you met this qualifying criteria by 21 Sept 2014). Some on other benefits may be eligible too, but will need to claim if new to it. b) Cold weather payments. Anyone on specific income support/jobseeker's allowance/pension credit gets £25 for every 7 days it's sub-zero. It's paid automatically from 1 Nov 2014. c) Choosing between heating and eating? If you're seriously behind, or in general financial hardship, you may be eligible for special tariffs/help. Try the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99.
@MoneySavingExpert
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The Southbourne Link
Community News
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Boscombe & Southbourne Probus Club
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Have you recently moved into the area? We are a club of retired & semi-retired gentlemen who meet on the second Thursday of each month with a speaker followed by lunch.We also have various outings. February’s speaker is Denise Edwards giving a talk entitled ‘More tales from a stuntwoman’ and on the 26th there is a pie & mash lunch followed by a Beetle Drive. Our meetings are held at The Liston Hotel, 5 Wollstonecraft Road, Boscombe. We also have regular outings, coffee mornings, theatre trips and dinner dances. If you are interested in joining, please contact our Honorary Secretary Chris Freeman by phone on 01202 430265 or by email at chrisnfreeman@gmail.com.
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www.boscombeandsouthbourneprobusclub.co.uk
Across
Crossword
1 One who postpones (14) 10 Tied (5) 11 Badmouthing (9) 12 A protective structure (7) 13 Willingly obedient (7) 14 Sleighs (5) 16 Crooner (9) 19 An arm of the Atlantic Ocean (9) 20 Wear away (5) 22 Extremist (7) 25 A time for relaxation (7) 27 One who transcribes by hand (9) 28 Proof of innocence (5) 29 Sins (14)
Down
2 Gangster (9) 3 Military trainee (5) 4 Deserving of esteem (9) 5 Hardwood, carpeted or _____ floors (5) 6 Bargain (9) 7 Robber (5)
8 Ordinary (7) 9 Explosions (6) 15 Greasy (9) 17 They rent apartments (9) 18 An expert manner of speaking (9)
19 Free from error (7) 21 Induces vomiting (6) 23 Belief (5) 24 Not a winner (5) 26 Pertaining to modern day Persia (5)
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ThompsonServices fencing decking garden maintenance
SOUTHBOURNE
CHIROPODY & PODIATRY
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22 Carbery Avenue, Southbourne, BH6 3LF
M: 07810 873121 • 07585 704880
The Southbourne Link
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Index of advertisers
Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory... Acupuncturists Jackie Greenwood....................31
Drainage Services All Drains Cleared..................... 5
Bakeries Elizabeth’s Cake Shop...............25
Electricians Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms.... 35 Savage Electrical......................37
Bedrooms Flair Interiors............................40 Blinds & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................. 3 Builders & Carpenters Ian Jones...................................15 Love to Build............................. 9 RJW Carpentry..........................20
Party Supplies Peeks: The Event Makers..........25
Fire Alarms Dorset Electrical & Fire Alarms....15
Pet Services “Muddy”ford Mutts..................11 Vida T.......................................31
Funeral Plans Age UK Bournemouth...............21 Garage Doors Skandoor...................................11
Children’s Activities Jo Jingles...................................37
Garage Services Kimberley Garage.....................20
Community News Adventures of Nellie.................26 Ann Montini meets Julio Iglesias.... 8 Boscombe & S’bourne Probus....34 Dorset Wildlife Trust.................14 Grass Roots: Plants don’t lie.....28 Jubilee Wine Circle....................12 Martin Lewis: Winter Saving....34 Motoring: Volvo C60.................24 Naturally Good: Roasted Acorn Squash....18 Pre-loved Toy Appeal Launched.... 6 Sensai Says: Bullying.................30 Southbourne Literary Society.....16 Denture Services Dorset Denture Clinic................15 Domestic Cleaning Services ClutterBusting...........................15 Time for You.............................. 5
Letting Agents Connells....................................13 Slades....................................... 5
Estate Agents Powis........................................17 Slades....................................... 5
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Clean and Dry........................... 9 Cleaning Doctor........................ 3
Chiropodists Karen Lewis-Fry........................37
Kitchens Elite Kitchen Designs.................19 Flair Interiors............................40
Garden Services David Burgess Garden Design....35 Reformed Plastics.....................32 Thompson Services...................37 Hairdressers Cortex Hair Design....................22 Health, Fitness & Care Body Therapy............................29 Mrs FITT.................................... 9 Slim for Life............................... 1
Plumbing & Heating Services Gas BoilerCare.......................... 7 J C Gas......................................35 Property Maintenance Ian Jones Property Maintenance....15 Love to Build............................. 9 Phil’s Handyman Services.........11 RJW Carpentry..........................20 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.................................36 Kids page..................................10 Prize Wordsearch......................33 Sudoku......................................36 Renewable Energy Solutions Nick Good Property Services.....23 Think GB...................................29 Residential Care Homes Queensmead: Care South.........39
Hearing Aids Clarity Hearing Solutions..........39 Kellear Hearing.........................31
Roofing PR Smith Roofing......................20
Hot Tub Hire Party Tub Hire........................... 3
Solicitors Robert Wrynne......................... 2
Jobs Salespersons wanted................31
Windows, Doors & Conservatories Allglaze.....................................22
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Queensmead 1 Bronte Avenue, Christchurch, BH23 2LX
Thinking of moving into a care home? We’re here to help Situated in the heart of the Christchurch community, Queensmead provides quality residential care in a home-from-home atmosphere. To request a brochure, arrange a visit or find out more, contact the Queensmead manager, Janine May on
Whether you’re looking for a short respite stay or a new home, we offer a warm welcome, compassionate care, comfort and peace of mind.
01202 485176
queensmead@care-south.co.uk
www.care-south.co.uk Care South is a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.
RESIDENTIAL
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The Southbourne Link
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Registered Charity No. 1014697
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HOME CARE
932D Flair Interiors A5 Advert
6/2/13
6:44 pm
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fit
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The Southbourne Link
1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR