The Southbourne The independent directory of local businesses serving the residents of Southbourne, Tuckton & Hengistbury Head
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March 2017
2
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3
Free Nursery Sessions! We are now registering for September 2017
5 Harcourt Road Bournemouth, BH5 2JG
01202 280430
info@headstartsltd.co.uk www.headstartsltd.co.uk
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4 Dear Southbourne, Tuckton & Hengsitbury Head!
Welcome...
The Southbourne Link
Spring is on its way! Lighter evenings, warmer weather, and the promise of an array of flowers to brighten up the day. Most of us love March and April, new beginnings, fresh air and spring cleaning of course. Time to clear out the old, make way for the new, renovate, build a loft conversion, fit a new carpet, revamp the kitchen, feed the lawn, plant those bulbs and generally make the environment around us a better place to live in. Maybe there is someone inside our little magazine who could help give you more time for yourself? Then you can go for a walk, read a good book or plan your summer holiday, leaving all the work to the experts. Sounds good to me. The local trades people here would love to hear from you so please give them a call.
Edition 90
Published by:
Stephen & Debbie Corney at Dorset Directories Ltd
Nellie is back on the road! She enthusiastically took us to “Monkey World” this month and excitedly adopted a 30 year old male orang-utan called Tuan. We had a monkey of a time, despite the very cold weather and were thoroughly entertained for several hours. If you have never visited then Nellie highly recommends it. Your spirits are somehow lifted when you leave. It must be all that playful swinging!
Telephone:
01202 894397
Email:
info@southbournelink.co.uk
Copy deadline for the April 2017 edition: 13th March 2017
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 p u b l i cat i o n . N o p a r t o f t h i s publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher.
The lucky winner of the wordsearch last month was Valene Hiscock. Well done and we do hope you enjoy your meal. Don’t forget that if you have a local club, society or group in the area and would love some free promotion, we are the people to call. If you have a business and would like to be more recognised locally, then we are definitely the people to call. We have excellent reviews and are more than happy to help you. Wishing you a youthful month of March and may the flowers bloom! 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 Bournemouth Water Southbourne Library
08457 484950 01202 451451 01202 590059 01202 428784
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5
Do you need a hand to relax? Recently qualiďŹ ed male masseur with the latest massage techniques invites ladies & gentlemen to relax and be pampered in a cosy perfumed studio. Can also visit care homes if needed. Fully insured. Call 07783 433792 for more details. Please mention The Southbourne Link when responding to adverts
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Where can you still find a local optician who will see you personally and look after your eye care needs from the sight test to dispense? Where will you be sure to be seen by the same optician every time, who cares about offering you a service, and who won’t be happy until you are completely happy? That will be BOURNEMOUTH VISION CENTRE, where Mr Bernie Dexter has been looking after the eyes of the Southbourne community for the past 30 years. Our receptionists are chosen for their warmth and empathy. They are trained to help you to choose just the right frame for you. Mr Dexter has over 40 years of experience as an optometrist, and through extensive ongoing training is up to date with all the advancements in modern eye care. We operate a price match policy. The health of your eyes is our concern Find us at 63 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU or call us on
01202 424491
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7
Vida T here for your pet...
Whether you need Suggestions for a Suitable Diet… Information about Appropriate Training… or Guidance tailoring a practical Grooming Regime for you and your pet… …we’re here to help
Give your feet a treat! 102 Watcombe Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 5LP
We Offer a Full Range of Grooming Services AND ARE LOCAL STOCKISTS FOR BRANDS INCLUDING
Natural Instinct, Canagan, Lily’s Kitchen, Fish4, Burns and Arden Grange We also have a wide variety of Wild Bird Food and Supplies in addition to those for your Pet. Vida T… also here for your Garden Birds!
132 TUCKTON RD, TUCKTON, BH6 3JX
01202 423547
JCS ELECTRICAL • • • • • • • •
Inspection & testing Garden lighting Re-wires Lighting Sockets TV Points Data Points Consumer unit change
M: 07754 275162 T: 01202 431674 E: jcselectrical@hotmail.co.uk
www.jcs-electrical.co.uk
Examples of how we can help: • Simple Nail Cutting & Nail care • Ingrowing Toe Nails and Surgery • Corns and Callus • Fungal Infections and Athlete’s Foot • Neurological and Vascular Assessment • Disabled Access
HOME and REST HOME VISITS AVAILABLE Telephone: 01202 246811 or 07775 911415 ALL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AT REASONABLE RATES SPECIALIST TREATMENT for DIABETES and ARTHRITIS www.watcombefootclinic.co.uk Julie Anne Smith D.Pod.M., M.Ch.S. HCPC Registered Chiropodist/Podiatrist Email: enquiries@watcombefootclinic.co.uk
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Community News
8
First World War Memorial at All Saints Church, Southbourne
Remembering... William Harris
William Harris was the son of Robert and Julia Harris of 152, Castlemain Avenue, Southbourne, Bournemouth. William (known as Bill) was a twin to Florence and elder brother to Beatrice, Lily, Dorothy, Winifred and Ethel Harris who was aged one in 1911. William Harris was a private in the 1st/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment which was a Territorial Unit based in Winchester as part of the Wessex Division. On October 9th 1914 they sailed for India and then four months later in March 1915 were again at sea directed to Mesopotamia where they joined the British Expeditionary Force to fight the Ottoman Army who had invaded what is now known as Iraq. On March 18th they landed at Basra with the 33rd Indian Brigade Four months in India barely prepared the Battalion for the change in environment and like all British troops fresh from England they had a number of difficulties with the Middle Eastern climate. They suffered the most cases of severe sunburn, which was regarded by the Military as a self inflicted wound, as well as heatstroke. To compound their misery, flies which fed off the dead in ‘No Man’s Land’ were abundant. As well as being unpleasant and uncomfortable, the flies carried and spread disease. They settled on everything: bodies (dead and alive), cooking utensils, food and the wounds of the injured for which there were no mosquito nets and very few tents for protection. William Harris was in action with his battalion at Kut-AlAmara (Kut) under the leadership of General Townsend when the Battalion HQ and a garrison of some 8000 men and cavalry were captured. Townsend ordered the cavalry to escape south and called for reinforcements but despite many attempts to relieve the garrison and the loss of another 30,000 British and Allied troops all attempts failed. Supplies and ammunition were dropped by the Royal Flying Corps into Kut but many were lost in the desert or River Tigris. A deputation of Officers including T.E.Lawrence went to the Ottoman Commander Khalil Pasha to attempt to buy out the troops trapped in Kut but all offers were refused. Townsend was forced to surrender on April 29th 1916 after 147 days under siege. The worst defeat of British Allies in World War One (Christopher Catherwood).
Although Khalil Pasha offered to evacuate the surviving 13,000 British and Allied troops Townsend refused and so they remained prisoners. 70% of British and 50% of the Indian troops then died of disease or at the hands of the Ottoman guards during Willam Harris captivity. General Townsend lived out the war in relative luxury on the island of Heybeliada unconcerned about the fate of the troops that he had commanded. What was left of the 1st/4th Hampshire’s then formed a composite with the 1/5 Buffs and under the direction of General Maude, as part of an advance on Baghdad retook Kut Al Amara on February 27th 1917. Advancing towards Kut the Battalion fought hand to hand with the enemy at Hai River and Dahra Bend. Dahra Bend was taken on February 16th 1917 one day after the death of William Harris. Eleven days later Kut Al Amara was once again in British hands..
Researched and written by Alice Miller *Acknowledgement and thanks to Mrs April Fitch who visited All Saints during our WW1 Display week in 2014 and brought along this picture of her Uncle Bill
All Saints Church, Castlemain Avenue, Southbourne Priest in Charge: Rev Mike Powis www.allsaintschurchsouthbourne.org www.allsaintsww1.wordpress.com
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9
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Just Shutters Head Office | 59 Southbourne Grove, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 3QU e. information@justshutters.co.uk
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T2653Link JS 2016 Nov South Link 61.5x185.indd 1 08/11/2016 11:06 Please mention The Southbourne when responding to adverts
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ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing
company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the 6RXWKERXUQH area
DQG Panager Justin Friel agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Justin a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 Mins!!!
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Community News
12
Southbourne Food Assembly Southbourne is a strong community - we love our independent retailers and restaurants, and locals are keen to connect over shared interests and causes. When asked how to make things even better, many people wished for a calendar of engaging events throughout the year, and the most reiterated request was for a recurring food market. Well Southbourne - your Food Assembly is your pop-up weekly farmers market! Bringing together the greatest growers and artisan producers, we connect customers who care with fresh food they can trust. At a supermarket, the weekly food shop might feel like a chore, but we want you to come along to an interactive evening and go home with great produce you can feel proud to have chosen. All our products are grown, farmed, or created locally - many from within Southbourne itself. Our pasturereared pasteurised milk and free range eggs reach you much fresher than they could via a supermarket system, and our fruit and vegetables go from field to table within 24hrs too! We work with a couple of key butchers who represent our local farmers to bring you higher welfare meat prepared as you like it. We’re on hand to tell you where everything came from, and why a better life for each animal means better flavour for you. Of course there are tantalising treats to tempt you from the kitchens of our crafty bakers, and there are also surprising healthier versions for those wanting to indulge but whom avoid sugar or gluten or dairy. And, because we want you to be able to create satisfying dinners from your feature ingredients you’ll also find helpful mealmakers like pulses, pasta, and pies, because prepared food shouldn’t have to mean processed rubbish.
We know that your time is important, so we hold the weekly collection for two hours each Monday evening, and though it’s a social affair where you’re welcome to stay and chat, you could choose to click-and-collect if you’re usually in a hurry. We just aim to make it simple to shop local, and buy better food for your family. To ensure you get the best products, harvested or made to order, we take all orders in advance so you shop online Tuesday–Saturday, then collect your selection for the new week on the Monday. This also means we create no food waste - a big problem for the supermarket chains; we only bring what is needed. Extra feel-goodfactor for your environmental footprint! Our offering evolves with the seasons so you’ll learn what’s best to eat when, and as we grow we’ll be able to offer you more of everything you ask for. Because we’re run by real people you have a big voice when you give us feedback so we want to become what you tell us you need. So let’s stop making big businesses richer and keep our pennies within our neighbourhood instead. Let’s all support local and demonstrate what our community can create. Join us online for Food Assembly feasting!
Show this article this month at our Monday collection night and one lucky reader will win a Food Assembly hessian shopping bag!
Search online for Southbourne Food Assembly, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
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01202 422149
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Community News
14
Six Councils invite Sajid Javid to approve Future Dorset proposal Secretary of State for Local Government & Communities Sajid Javid has been formally requested to back a proposal by six of Dorset’s nine councils for major structural change in the county.
Dorset’s three upper tier councils - the councils that spend the greatest percentage of the county’s local government money and represent every resident of the county, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole – are supporting this proposal, along with North Dorset, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland councils. If agreed by the Secretary of State, this proposal would mean Dorset’s nine existing councils are disbanded and cease to exist. The two new unitary councils that replace them would each deliver all local government services in their areas. They would be structured around the natural established communities of urban and rural Dorset, with one covering Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, and the other serving the residents of the rest of the county. Cllr Robert Gould, Leader, Dorset County Council, said: “This proposal is about being aspirational and ambitious for Dorset. It’s a chance in a lifetime to make Dorset a more successful, healthy, vibrant and prosperous county, for everyone who lives here.” He continued, “Two councils working together would collaborate on key matters such as attracting investment and government money, infrastructure planning and land use - something that is impeded by the existence of nine separate councils currently, each with their own, uncoordinated priorities.” Cllr Janet Walton, Leader, Borough of Poole, said: “Expectations of delivery are now running high within our communities, with many wanting to know why we have simply not just got on with it. We have listened to those who do not accept the public’s position and to the emphatic public
support, business community backing and overwhelming majority of councillors and MPs who do agree with our proposal. We invite those who did not agree to continue to work with us as we make this change happen, because we know this is right for Dorset.”
Cllr John Beesley, Leader, Bournemouth Borough Council added: “This proposal is ambitious, aspirational, and achievable. It makes the savings needed to turn the tide on a decline in services across the county, and means money will continue to be available in the future to empty the bins, fix the roads, protect parks and open spaces and run libraries – things that would be under very real threat if there is no change, as increasing proportions of councils’ spending is needed to fund adult social care and children’s services.” Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Leader, North Dorset District Council, commented, “Dorset’s councils have reached the end of the road in the efficiencies and savings we can drive out of our existing organisations. We have pushed our current structures way beyond our duty to co-operate – for example through the Dorset Waste Partnership, Stour Valley Partnership and WestWey Partnership. We are forecast to have saved £200million across the county in the 10 years to 2019/20. With an ongoing budget blackhole beyond then, change is now imperative and urgent in order to create sustainable councils for the future.” These six councils consider the evidence for change is compelling and that there is no other option. Dorset’s councils have developed this proposal in an inclusive and collaborative way, and are committed to continue with this approach. Residents wanting more information about the proposal can visit www.futuredorset.co.uk, where the full proposal document is available, or follow @FutureDorset on Twitter.
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15
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16
Wildlife News
Talking about Wildlife...
Step into Spring What signals spring has arrived for you? Seeing a snowdrop perhaps? Or hearing the birds singing during the lighter evenings? The changing season from winter to spring is perhaps one of the most enjoyable of the year as it brings colour, and sounds and sights we all relish after the long dark, cold days of winter. We are encouraging all of our supporters this year to get outside and experience wildlife first hand, and spring is a good place to start. DWT has over 44 nature reserves in Dorset which are teeming with wildlife thanks to proper management of the habitat, so you have a very good chance of seeing a favourite species, or perhaps a new one! Here’s a list of species we challenge you to spot this spring. You don’t need to go far to see many of them – you may see them in your garden, parks, on a road side or on one of our nature reserves. 1. Bluebells – Perhaps one of our most famous and unmistakable woodland flowers – look for long and narrow, drooping leaf fronds and bending flower stems heavy with the nodding blue bells that give this flower its name. Can be seen in woodland and hedgerows. Visible from April – May.
Male Orange Tip
Photo: Ken Dolbear ���
Bluebells
Photo: Ken Dolbear ���
2. Cuckoo – Arriving in April, the cuckoo can be seen in many different habitats from woodland to heathland and coastal areas. Their familiar ‘cuck-oo’ call heralds the start of spring. Almost as soon as they have laid their eggs in June or July, they leave for Africa, so there’s a small window to see these birds. 3. Orange tip butterfly – Another sign that spring is arriving is seeing the orange tip butterfly emerges from April until July. They are found in hedgerows, farmland, gardens and parks. The female does not have the orange colour but can be identified by a ‘mossy grey’ pattern on the underside of her hindwings. 4. Cowslips – A cousin of the primrose, the cowslip is also an early spring flower. They’re a rarer sight across the UK due to habitat decline, but they can be found in traditional meadows, ancient woodlands and hedgerows in early spring in Dorset, coloured bright yellow with nodding heads! DWT would love to hear about any of your sightings this spring. Contact us on @Dorsetwildlife or facebook/DorsetWildlife with your photos and stories! Find out more about our nature reserves in Dorset at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ reserves. Sally Welbourn Communications Officer
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Community News
18
Higher education options at The Bournemouth & Poole College The Bournemouth & Poole College is offering advice to those who are wanting to apply to a higher education course starting in September 2017. The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) national deadline to register for courses starting this year was Sunday January 15. It is however, a common misconception that this is the final deadline when applying to a college or university. UCAS Extra is a service which allows students to apply for an additional course, if all five higher education choices have been rejected. It is also an option available to those who haven’t applied for a higher education course previously, and missed the national deadline. UCAS Extra is open at The College to applicants from Saturday February 25 to Friday June 30, after which applications are put into the Clearing period. The College offers higher education courses to students who wish to develop their education by continuing on straight from school or college, and also to adult learners who are looking to gain new skills in order to enhance their career. All courses are validated by a wide spread of Universities such as Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, University of Wolverhampton and Southampton Solent University.
to a university. My foundation degree is validated by a university and I have options as I can choose to top up to a full honours degree at the end of my first two years. I feel by choosing to study on a higher education course at The College, I have been given one to one access to all lecturers on my course. This has been invaluable to me as it has meant that I have received the best support possible, while working towards my degree. The College’s facilities which I also have daily access to, exceeded my expectations. I am especially looking forward to working with the latest VR equipment in my third year.
‘‘The whole UCAS process was simple and easy to follow thanks to the College’s help with any queries I had about my application.’’ Antony Wright, director of learning, higher education, digital and business at The Bournemouth & Poole College, added: ‘‘It is no secret that there is a significant skills gap between education and the workplace, which means it can often be hard to find a job once you’ve gained the relevant qualifications. At The College we strive to overcome this gap by working closely with more than 2,000 businesses to ensure our courses fully prepare our students with the experience and expertise that employers are looking for.
Higher education courses at The College range from healthcare and education to graphic design, visual effects, and digital film.
‘‘Our dedicated student support team will be on hand offering guidance to those seeking a place on a higher education course, from now until the end of Clearing in October.’’
Ryan Handcock, 21, 3D CGI modelling and animation foundation degree student, said: ‘‘The benefits of coming to The College to do a degree far outweighed those of going
For more information about higher education at The Bournemouth & Poole College please visit www.thecollege.co.uk/higher-education or call 01202 205180.
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19
Mr Peter Willy | Mrs Janine Johnson Mr Jonathan Gollings | Mrs Joanna Dorsett
Only accredited phobia practice in Dorset Dental Implants Invisible Braces Somnowell Anti-snoring devices 3D CT Scanner Cosmetic and general dentistry Teeth Whitening Dental Hygienist services
We also offer the following Dental Plans ÌiÀiÃÌ vÀii w > Vi >Û> >L i À Õ ` y À Ü Ì Ã>L i` >VViÃÃ Modern facilities
Hoburne Dental Practice, 104 Saffron Drive, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4TG.
Tel: 01425 277245 o r www.hoburne-dental.co.uk
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Snowtrax | Christchurch | BH23 6AW
alpine activity centre
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Community News
20
Travel West Bay, Dorset
By Tim Saunders – www.travelwriter.biz
Peace and quiet at night. Our two main requirements for an enjoyable family holiday. You’d be surprised how difficult it is to meet these criteria. But I am delighted to report that we have four blissful nights of quality sleep on comfortable beds in our static caravan at West Bay Holiday Park on the Dorset coast. The only sound to be heard - and this is in the early morning - is the distant squawk of seagulls. The park lies on the site of a former shipyard destroyed in the Great Storm of 1836 and is owned by Parkdean Resorts, which operates 73 holiday parks throughout the UK. Therefore, it is well placed to know what families want - that tired parents need a break and their children need entertaining. These two demands are satisfied by friendly and approachable staff such as Seagull Sid and Lizzie the Lizard, who run the entertainments programme between March and November. During our time at the site, activities are run every day at 10am for children accompanied by their parents. Harriett (5) and Heidi (3) go to Garden Tots where they produce a sunflower picture, go on a bug hunt and grow watercress. It’s a great way of introducing children to the wonders of the garden, something educational and fun to be enjoyed on holiday. Yet to our surprise Harriett and Heidi are the only children taking part in this activity. They thoroughly enjoy it. The following day at the same time Rainbow Tots provides more fun activities for our daughters as does Toy Tots on another occasion. This combined with the onsite swimming pool and park really means that there is no need to venture elsewhere. If you do venture out, you really only need to walk into West Bay, which really comes into its own when the sun shines. On the first night, little Henry (7mths) just will not go to sleep so I pop him in his pushchair
and we walk around the harbour and along the seafront. He only finally drifts off at the end of our walk, the sea air eventually sending him off to the land of nod. At the resort, there is a small and a large swimming pool. Caroline and I have to take it in turns to manage our three children because little Henry still needs feeding at regular intervals so he cannot stay in the pool for any longer than 15 minutes. Harriett and Heidi grow in confidence and Heidi starts to swim unaccompanied. The static caravan complete with gas cooker and fridge/freezer provides comfortable self-catering accommodation. It is really helpful to find that there is a shower room at either end, which means that our girls can get ready using one while we use the other. They can both operate the shower without our help. And the washing machine is great for drying those wet towels. We break up the journey home by stopping off in Dorchester to visit the Dinosaur Museum housed in a Victorian property crammed full of interesting exhibits including life-size model dinosaurs such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex. There is much information about evolution which always baffles me. And there’s a film in the cinema that details how dinosaurs became extinct. But for me the most interesting aspect of my visit was finding out about Mary Anning (1799 to 1847), an amateur fossil collector from Lyme Regis, who is now considered to be an extremely influential palaeontologist. Her portrait hangs in the Natural History Museum in London. Tim Saunders is an author, journalist and businessman. He meets celebrities, goes on holiday and road tests cars.
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Community News
22
Introducing the Jubilee Wine Circle The Jubilee Wine Circle is a great place for a bit of fun centered around wine. We try lots of different wines especially new ones to see what we like and don’t like. We also encourage wine making. 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 successes at the South West Federation Show and the Wales & West Federation Show, the latter being a large national show where we won two prizes. But it’s not all about competing in shows! Last year we had an evening of Chinese wine and cookery to celebrate Chinese New Year. We also had a great Christmas Dinner complete with port to finish. We also had a banjo band and a whole host of different talks, quizzes and generally fun evenings. We meet at the Stapehill Village Hall on the first Friday of every month at 8pm. 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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Puzzle Corner
26
Crossword
Across 1 Climbing tall hills (14) 10 Furies (5) 11 Acquit (9) 12 Ultimately (7) 13 Punches of sweetened milk and eggs (7) 14 A sloping edge on a cutting tool (5) 16 Nosebleed (9) 19 Bankrupt (9) 20 Hollowed out (5) 22 A rope for a sail (7) 25 Instructions on food preparation (7) 27 Barrier (9) 28 Swampy lake (5) 29 Slides used with o/head projectors (14) Down 2 Coordinates (9) 3 Relating to the nose (5) 4 Welder's fuel (9) 5 Hangman's knot (5) 6 Industrious (9)
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7 A Rocky Mountain state (5) 8 Suppositions (7) 9 Pre-built (6) 15 Bedtime song (9) 17 Interpose (9)
Bournemouth & Beyond Discovery Group
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Forthcoming talks at
7.30pm at St. Andrews URC Main Hall, St. Stephen’s Road, BH2 6JJ
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Visitors welcome £3
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For more details go to: www.bournemouthandbeyond.co.uk
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18 Plant adapted for limited water (9) 19 Live or dwell (7) 21 A field event (6) 23 Insect stage (5) 24 A literary genre (5) 26 Boxlike (5)
14th March
“Portland” by Stuart Morris.
21st March
“Industrial Tramways & Railways of South Dorset” by Colin Stone. To advertise in The Southbourne Link, please call: 01202 894397
27
Lightning Hair Design Introducing new stylist
“OLIVIA” TO OUR TEAM Olivia is offering
50% Discount Off
of all Cut & Blow Dry’s on production of this advert
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Adventures of Nellie
28
The Adventures of Nellie The Dorset Directories Camper Van Nellie is back! Having had quite a rest for a couple of months and a new ‘ticker’ (alias alternator) fitted, Nellie was raring to go. In fact she was chattering at the bit and came screeching to a halt when she suddenly had the idea to take us to “Monkey World” near Wool in the Purbecks. We were there many years ago when Hayden was just a baby in the pram. Oh boy that seems a long time ago. Saturday morning. There were flurries of snow! Really, was Nellie going to take us out in that? Yes, is the short answer. When Nellie decides on something wild horses would not stop her, certainly not a teeny-weeny drop of snow. She even has a snow mode for emergencies! Ever known anyone like that? Hayden was none too impressed, but boys of 13 are not always easy to please as we know. Nellie was very persuasive and since I was driving Hayden came along, a ‘little’ reluctantly. It was freezing! I can’t blame many of the monkeys for hiding in their shelters, but there were some out and about for us to see. The whole complex has expanded so much. I couldn’t believe it. What a
The playful lemurs run around at your feet
Nellie arrives at Monkey World great place to visit, whether young or old. Nellie would have loved to try the fantastic climbing frames and hang off the ropes that were intended for the children, but we did manage to stop her. Ladies of a ‘certain age’… there is certainly no holding them back at times! Must be seeing those playful monkeys and baby Orang-utans that did it. They are so cute! One larger chimpanzee got suddenly fed up with something, angrily showed her teeth, picked up some earth and ran off, throwing the soil furiously in the air while screaming loudly. It was very dramatic, a bit like Nellie when she gets overheated (told you about women of a ‘certain age’…) and starts steaming at the bonnet. It was probably a female chimp, or am I being unfair? Men, don’t answer, it is best not to as it could be taken against you. As if we would ever do that! Monkey World is an ape rescue centre, and does a terrific job in saving and protecting over 250 primates of more than 20 different species. It is in fact the largest rescue centre in the world set in a 65 acre park! And it is right here in the South.
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29 My Gran all the way back in 1950 had wanted to buy a tiny marmoset monkey. In the local ‘Hull Daily Mail’ one was advertised, so Gran enthusiastically parted with a lot of money. Needless to say is was a hoax and she never saw the monkey. (Even in those days you had to be careful.) I remember as a child being disappointed that she never had one. Monkey World salvages such pets which have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions and generally mistreated. All of the primates have had difficult circumstances to endure and are now in a safe haven. How wonderful. Nellie was very taken with this and decided to adopt a monkey herself! That didn’t mean take one home of course (though we did buy a great toy look-a like that now sits proudly on Nellie’s back seat), but it does mean that the money we gave helps with all that is needed to rescue and rehabilitate the primates. We received our photo of “Tuan The orang-utan” this morning in the post! Nellie was so excited. Tuan is a rather large 30 year old orang-utan and has a love story that rather appealed to Nellie. Tuan was found roaming the streets in Taichung City. He had obviously been brought up with humans and once settled
Tuan, Nellie’s adopted Orangutan
Nellie with her toy “Tuan” lookalike a year and a half later (after all his medical tests were complete) in Monkey World, he was introduced to Amy who was never interested in him. Ahhh I hear you say… but wait… RoRo however had been watching Tuan through the mesh and once the doors were opened, she literally fell into Tuan’s arms and he wouldn’t let go! ‘Somehow’ they now have a wonderful son called Gordon who loved to swing on the ropes and slap his dad on the head when he was young, but these days being older, lives in his own enclosure. RoRo still lives with Tuan, but Tuan in fact has another special lady in his life, Lucky, who totally won his heart. They are inseparable. Tuan himself is a bit of a character and loves to make people laugh by blowing raspberries and clapping his hands. You can see the appeal. Nellie highly recommends a visit to Monkey World. Hayden really enjoyed it too! Now Nellie has adopted Tuan, she can visit as often as she likes for a whole year. For £35 we think that is great value for money AND she helped the monkeys! Please visit the website www.monkeyworld.org or call free phone 0800 456600 with any enquiries, and do mention Nellie! Where will she takes us next? By Debbie Corney
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Community News
30
What’s On at Lighthouse, Poole Worbey & Farrell The Theatre, Lighthouse Thursday 23rd March
Performance 7.45pm Tickets: £16 Discounts: U18s, Students, Seniors, Groups, ATL Internationally acclaimed concert pianists and Steinway artists Worbey and Farrell bring their wicked sense of humour to Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts on Thursday 23 March. Having entertained all over the globe with their barnstorming blend of sparky comedy and utterly sensational piano playing, the duo bring their unique touch to the world’s greatest music. Fresh from sell-outs and five star reviews across the board at the Edinburgh festival, this is your chance to experience their magnificent new show
featuring their award-winning interpretation of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Worbey and Farrell are both graduates of the Royal College of Music, regulars on BBC Radio 3 and television including ITV’s This Morning and The Culture Show. This exuberant show is suitable for every age and all musical tastes. Prepare to be moved, excited and amazed. But above all prepare to laugh with joy at the sheer ingenuity and style of these two masters of musical mayhem. You’ve never seen four hands on one piano do this before! Tickets & information: 01202 280000 www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Booking Fees: Prices quoted are for tickets booked in person at the Ticket Office. Tickets booked by telephone or online are subject to a booking fee of up to £1.75 per ticket
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31
CREATIVE
OUR RESULTS BCS Senior School, College Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DY
87% of BCS Students achieved A*-C grades in GCSE and 84% in A Level
t: 01202 436550 e: senior-admin@bcschool.co.uk www.bournemouthcollegiateschool.co.uk
Please mention The Southbourne Link when responding to adverts The very best in independent co-education, day and boarding from 11-18 years in the heart of Southbourne.
Community News
32
Talbot Village Trust funds construction of new Spinal Injury Centre in Dorset The local grant giving charity, Talbot Village Trust, has donated £100,000 to the national charity Livability Holton Lee to fund the construction of its new Spinal Injury Centre in Dorset. The new Spinal Injury Centre is located at Livability’s pre-existing Wellbeing Discovery Centre, Livability Holton Lee. The centre will provide respite and rehabilitation services to people suffering with a spinal cord injury. The funding received from Talbot Village Trust has created a fully accessible residential space with a kitchen, en-suite rooms and therapy gym. A dedicated team of specialist practitioners will also be on site to offer personalised packages of rehabilitation, and support to people and their families with spinal cord injuries. Lisa Hemsley, assistant director of fundraising at Livability, said: ‘‘Livability is extremely fortunate to have Talbot Village Trust as one of its supporters. Over the years they have given generously to a number of projects, many which would not have become a reality without their generous funding.
Shaftesbury, said: ‘‘We are proud to have donated over £438,000 in the last 16 years to Livability. We know first-hand that through a wide range of disability and community focused projects, Livability works to tackle barriers in people’s lives. ‘‘The opening of this state-of-the-art Spinal Injury Centre really excites me. As someone that has sustained and recovered from a spinal cord injury, I know personally why the need for good rehabilitation is vital. It is always a truly inspiring experience to visit Livability and see the professional support and opportunities given to enhance people’s lives through the wellbeing on offer at Holton Lee.’’ Talbot Village Trust meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet again in May. Please visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org for more information.
‘‘The Spinal Injury Centre at Livability Holton Lee, will have a positive impact on the lives of the people we support thanks to Talbot Village Trust.’’ Talbot Village Trustee, Nicholas AshleyCooper, 12th Earl of
The team outside Livability Holton Lee’s new Spinal Injury Centre
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33
Don’t struggle with loneliness – we’re here to offer support
We’ve all felt lonely at some point in life. Social Club and, as you can see from our For some it’s a temporary feeling that we advert, a Charity Coffee Morning in April. overcome, but for others it lingers and can At most of our events we raise money seriously dent your confidence, as well as for charity and this year our Chairman, leave you feeling cut-off. Norman Daniels, is raising money for the If any readers are struggling with loneliness, April Court Amenities Fund. we want to let you know that we are here. If you’d like more information about our We’re a local membership organisation Society, or if you would like to come along that’s made up of people from all walks of to one of our events, just give Margaret a ring on 01202 775122 or email Margaret. life. We know all too well how major life White@oddfellows.co.uk. events, such as a relationship breakdown, It would be lovely to hear from you. bereavement, redundancy, retirement, declining health or being a carer, can often lead to a sudden change in circumstances and prove difficult to adjust to. So please, don’t feel that you’re on your own. We run regular inexpensive events in the local area for people to 49 Warburton Road, come along and enjoy some Canford Heath, Poole, BH17 8SD great company. They’re nothing formal, just simple opportunities for local folk to come together, have a few laughs and, we hope, forge Free event but donations new friendships along the way. to our charity - April Court Amenities Fund would be welcome We’re a really friendly bunch, and would love to welcome Contact Wendy on 01202 484715 you to one of our events. or Edna on 01202 677101 or email Why not come along to Margaret.White@oddfellows.co.uk one of our regular coffee Like us at mornings, or lunch-time getDorset-Yeovil-Oddfellows togethers? We have a quiz www.oddfellows.co.uk and supper night coming up on 11th March at Tuckton
Thursday 13 April, 10am
EVFEREE NT
CharIty Coffee morning
e Evercyoomne! wel
The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity. Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
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34
?PI\¼[ WV LQIZa MARCH - APRIL 2017
MONTHLY EVENTS
QU SOUT OTE HBOU RNE LINK WHEN BOOK I RECE NG AND IVE A FREE GLAS S OF FIZZ
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PLANNED DATES
PLANNED DATES
Friday 10th March / Friday 14th April
Thursday 16th March / Thursday 20th April
MARCH
Sunday 26th March
Mother’s day Sunday lunch ) \ZMI\ NWZ ITT 5W\PMZ[ I_IQ\[ I\ +TQ‫ ٺ‬0W][M KMTMJZI\M _Q\P ;]VLIa T]VKP £26 per person
Mother’s day afternoon tea
£16 per person
Sunday 16th April
Easter day Sunday lunch *WWSQVO[ VW_ WXMV NWZ W]Z [XMKQIT ;]VLIa T]VKP [MZ^ML XU \W XU £26 per person £18 per person
APRIL
‘Mad Hatters’ afternoon tea
Sunday 23rd April
St George’s day Sunday lunch ) OZMI\ LIa \W JM XI\ZQW\QK IVL KMTMJZI\M JMQVO *ZQ\Q[P £26 per person
St George’s day afternoon tea
£16 per person
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ToMUIQT ZM[MZ^I\QWV[(KTQ‫ٺ‬ advertise in The PW][M PW\MT KWU WZ ^Q[Q\ W]Z _MJ[Q\M ___ KTQ‫ٺ‬ Southbourne Link, please call: 01202 894397 PW][M PW\MT KWU
35
The Southbourne Link
W H O U D I N I D S L X J X L
S T F I G B S N S I G L S J O
S A A Q X P Z U E D C L U A G
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C D N A R E K E O N O W U N V
E G Y D C J K F F A S F S Q J
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T L H P D A A R B B F L E D J
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I R E L A N D G A B R K T M K
PANCAKES DAFFODILS IRELAND EINSTEIN ST PATRICKS DAY HOUDINI DR SEUSS SPRING GIFTS MOTHERS DAY
This month, the prize is a £50 voucher for food from the new bar 13 menu at the Cliff House Hotel, so please complete this page by 30th March and send to: March Prize Wordsearch Name: ______________________ The Southbourne Link, Address: ______________________ 1 Moorlands Rise, ______________________ West Moors, ______________________ Ferndown, BH22 0JR Telephone: ______________________
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Prize Wordsearch
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36
Food & Drink
7DVWHV VR JRRG Lemon Meringue Pie
A delicious and tangy lemon filled pie topped with crispy, chewy meringue – a perfect after dinner indulgence that’s sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth!
Ingredients for 8 servings Pastry 150g plain flour Pinch salt 75g Butter Cold water to mix
Oven: Pre-heat to fan 170C/190C/Gas 5 Prepare the pastry following conventional method and use to
Filling 50g cornflour 300ml cold water 75g caster sugar Zest and juice of 3 lemons 2 medium egg yolks
remaining water, lemon zest and juice, stir in the cornflour
Meringue 2 medium egg whites 100g caster sugar
line a 20cm greased flan dish. Bake blind, remove from oven then reduce the oven temperature to fan 130c, conventional 150c, gas 2. To make the filling, first blend the cornflour with a little water to make a smooth paste. In a small pan, heat the paste and stir until you bring to the boil. Cook the lemony mixture for 2 minutes then remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before adding the sugar and egg yolks. When cool, tip into the partly cooked pastry case. Whisk the egg whites until very stiff then gradually add in half of the sugar. Then gently fold the rest of the sugar. Spread the meringue mix over the lemon and swirl and bake for a further 35 minutes to crisp the meringue. Allow to cool before serving.
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37
Call now quoting SL/2017 to take advantage of our
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38
Money Saving Tips
Martin
LEWIS 0RUWJDJHV
The biggest single personal financial risk in 2017 is that mortgage rates will rise rapidly. This isn’t primarily about UK base rates, set by the bank of England, it’s far more about the City’s long term prediction of interest rates – which new cheap fixed and long term variable rate deals are set based upon. Mortgage rates are near all-time historic lows and have been for a couple of years, and we’ve got used to that. Yet there is a plausible chance that 2017 is the year that will change. We’ve already seen some cheap deals such as HSBC’s 0.99% twoyear fix being pulled. The five-year swap rates have increased from 0.35% back in September to 0.9% now – and we’re already seeing longer fixes start to get more expensive on the back of this. Of course, there’s no certainty here. Yet UK rates are so cheap that even if things reversed and they dropped again, the likely gain to mortgage holders would be limited. But if they did rise, the cost could be huge. The savings available right now can be huge, like Kperat’s who emailed: “Fixed at 1.24% for 2 yrs, reduced term to 13 yrs without paying much more a month. Will be saving about £20,000 even after fees. Thanks.” So, this is my clarion call for ALL mortgage holders, to check NOW if you’re on the cheapest deal, and, if not sort, it. Here’s what to do to find your cheapest deal. How much could I save? If like many people, you’re on your lender’s
standard variable rate (SVR) – the default rate most fixes and trackers revert to when the intro deal ends – then the savings can be huge. Most SVRs are at 4% or higher. Yet the cheapest two-year fix is just 1.2% (you’ll need a top credit score and it’s got a big fee). Five-year fixes start at around 1.8%. All, of course, depend on how much of your home’s value you’re borrowing. So, someone moving a £150,000 mortgage from 4% SVR to a two-year fix at 1.2% would save £4,000+ over two years, even after fees. Quickly find what deals are available For an easy benchmark of what’s available in your circumstances, start with a comparison site that includes all deals, including ‘direct only’, which aren’t offered by brokers. Full market comparisons include my own www.MoneySavingExpert.com/ mortgagebestbuys, and www.totallymoney. com’s mortgage tool. Finding a cheap deal isn’t the end – you need to get accepted The days when lenders would fling out deals to all and sundry are long gone. Getting accepted is now the challenge. There are two key elements to this: • Is your credit score good enough? Your credit history is a huge part of whether you’ll be accepted for any type of credit, including a mortgage. So take precautions. Avoid any applications that leave a footprint on your file – @MoneySavingExpert such as credit cards, contract mobile
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39 phones or monthly car insurance – in
Martin the few months before applying for
LEWIS
your mortgage. Never withdraw cash on credit cards or take payday loans. For full help on this, join my free Credit Club 0RUWJDJHV www.mse.me/CreditClub, which gives your credit score, affordability score and tells you what needs improving. • Are the repayments affordable? For the past couple of years, lenders haven’t just checked if you can afford the monthly repayments at the current rate, but they also stress test affordability if rates were 6% or 7%. Crucially, this doesn’t only apply to new mortgages, it’s also for re-mortgages too (which is ridiculous and, on an aside, I am campaigning against this). So, if this is a problem, it’s important to reel in your spending months before applying. Lenders will want evidence of income, big bills, expenses and even eating out. Use a mortgage broker to match your situation to a top mortgage. The information about what different lenders are looking for isn’t available to the general public. But it’s something that most mortgage brokers have - and, of course, their job is to find you the best product. So, they’re a good way to work out what the best deal available to you is. Yet do ask if the broker will check all deals available to them and not just a panel of lenders. Also, check how much it will cost and use a qualified one. Some phone-only brokers such as www.LandC.co.uk are fee-free. If you want face-to-face help, ask friends for a local recommendation or find one via www. unbiased.co.uk or www.VouchedFor.com. Don’t ignore the fees The smaller your mortgage, the bigger the impact of fees. A good way to compare
mortgages is to divide the fee across the discount or fixed period. So, a £1,200 fee on a two-year (i.e., 24-month) deal is £50 a month. Then add that to the monthly repayment. I designed a “Total Cost” tool that does this automatically for you within the www.MoneySavingExpert.com/ mortgagebestbuys comparison. Fix or variable rate? A fix’s advantage is you get price and budgeting certainty that the rate won’t move for a set time, whereas variable deals move with the UK interest rate (and sometimes just on the provider’s whim). Generally, you pay a little more to fix, but not much. Ask yourself how much you think rates will rise over the period. If safety’s what’s important to you, err on the side of fixing, and fixing for longer. Right now, with fixed deals being outrageously cheap, it’s great time to do it. Got savings? They could get you a better mortgage For this, you need to find your current loan-to-value (LTV) – the proportion of the value of your home you’re borrowing, so £80k on a £100k property is 80% LTV. At every 5% LTV threshold, from 95% down to 60%, deals tend to get better, so a little extra can have a big impact on your rate. For example, if you’ve a £150,000 home, and want a £137,000 re-mortgage, that’s a 91% LTV, and the top five-year fix is 3.98%. Yet use £2,000 of savings to reduce the borrowing, and you’d be at 90% LTV – where the top five-year fix is 2.54%, saving c. £1,100/year in payments.
@MoneySavingExpert
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40
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CHIROPODY & PODIATRY
KAREN LEWIS-FRY MSSCh MBChA Dip.Biomechanics
Surgery & home visits Monday – Friday Also Wednesday Evening Surgery British Chiropody Association Member
Prescription orthotics HCPC Registered Established over 25 Years
01202 420919 22 Carbery Avenue, Southbourne, BH6 3LF
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41
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Gardening Tips
42
On Your Plot Getting the upper hand Spring should really be on its way by the end of this month and there’ll be plenty of jobs to keep you busy on your plot. There’s nothing quite like sowing seeds and the thrill of watching those first tiny seedlings appearing just a week or two later. Weather permitting the soil should be warm enough to be sowing outdoors in March. Your new seedlings will need all the help that you can give them if they are to flourish so don’t forget the weeding and pest control too!
Jobs for March :-
• Prepare beds for sowing by raking level when the soil is dry enough. • Get a supply of containers and fill with compost ready for sowing (supermarket plastic trays containers are handy to reuse for this!) • Make sure you have all the seeds you need and sort them into the order that you’ll sow them in. • Plant first early potatoes later in the month. • Keep on top of the weeding and pest control. • Sow carrots, peas, parsnips, lettuce and radishes
There’s no doubt that the weather during the first part of the year lived up to our expectations of a month of extremes - with mild temperatures and homes and gardens hammered by incredible rainfall. Hopefully March should see the weather settling down and Spring truly starting to emerge. Most seed packets give you some guidelines as to which month/or months are best to sow in but personally I think that it’d be a lot more helpful if they gave a little information about the temperature required, not to mention just how long germination is likely to take. Soil temperatures of at least 6°C are needed for most seeds - if you don’t want to guess at this you can get a soil thermometer to check. Don’t forget that by using products such as fleece, or cloches, over your beds you can raise the temperature. Some seeds, such as parsnips, are notoriously slow to germinate taking up to 3 weeks for seedlings to appear - a good idea with slow starters like these is to sow quick growing crops such as radishes on either side of the row. This will
help mark the rows out until your parsnips appear and the radishes will quickly be grown and ready to harvest. Take note also of the depth that the different seeds should be sown at - too shallow and they’ll either blow away or be eaten by the birds, too deep and you may bury them alive! Try to space seeds evenly, though if you sow too many you can thin out the weaker seedlings after they appear. Do remember that with many crops it is better to sow just a few and then sow again in a few weeks time to avoid having too many ready to harvest all at once. Salad crops such as lettuce will bolt if left too long, and other vegetables which may have a short harvesting period can be enjoyed for much longer if you save the seed and sow a few in succession every few weeks. As the soil warms up for your new crops so it also warms up nicely for the weeds about now! For many people part of the attraction of growing your own is eating chemical free produce and organic methods of pest control will therefore be preferred. Little and often is best - take a quick walk around the veg patch each morning and hand pick any emerging weeds. Hoeing also works well and if you are careful not to let weeds set seed you’ll avoid a long-term problem. Of course the situation isn’t helped by the fact that your patch is likely to have large amounts of bare soil on it between widely spaced rows at this time of year. Some crops, such as potatoes will obligingly grow to ultimately block out the light and deter weeds, but if you’re really having problems then think about putting down a thick, organic, mulch to cover the bare soil. Slugs will also emerge to attack your young seedlings - there’s no end of organic ways to do battle from hand picking at night and beer traps to watering in nematodes. Strike early and gain the upper hand!
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43
ROB
YOUNG
GARDEN SERVICES
Affordable garden services • Grass & Hedge Cutting • Decking/Fencing • Turfing • Patios and Block Paving FREE QUOTES AT COMPETITIVE RATES Just ask for Rob
01202 422370 07776 204959
E-mail: freedom12313@msn.com
2a Athelstan Rd, S’bourne, BH6 5LY
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44
Auto Biographies Motoring
All-New Audi Q2 By Tim Barnes-Clay, www.carwriteups.co.uk
First impressions when approaching the new Audi Q2 are good. Like all Audis, it manages to stand out, even if it doesn’t try anything spectacular design-wise. In the more daring ‘Vegas Yellow’, it makes quite a visual impact though, and is unmistakeably Audi in appearance. The large grill and muscular body are complimented by a sloping roof line and contrast C-pillar which – in S-Line trim at least – is nicely offset in metallic silver. Sadly, on the smallest alloy wheels it looks puny, so bigger is better there. The interior is more of the same, being almost identical to that which you’d find in the A3 hatchback. That’s no bad thing though, as Audi makes some of the most pleasant interior spaces on the market today, and feels decidedly upmarket if it’s kitted out with a range of technology options, such as the virtual cockpit. We tested the Audi Q2 in 150PS 1.4-litre petrol guise. It provides plenty enough power for all types of road, being capable of overtaking on motorways and A-roads, yet remaining suitably quiet when pottering through towns and villages. If your annual mileage is quite low, this is a fine engine to go for, as you’re unlikely to need anything more than this. While the engine is quiet, the S-Tronic automatic gearbox is a little jumpy at low speeds, and tends to put too much torque through the wheels when trying to move off. This results in some minor wheel-spin. The S-Tronic unit has never quite been up to the high level of BMW’s eight-speed unit, but it is far from a bad gearbox, and, when up to speed, works quickly and seamlessly. Our petrol test car was the S-Line, fitted with sports suspension and larger alloy wheels, and we found it to be slightly too firm for our liking. Being a ‘Q’, you get into it expecting a smooth ride, but you get something more like a firm hatchback than a compact SUV. We suspect Audi’s excellent seating helps offset this a
little. If the trade-off was entertaining cornering and impressive dynamics, we’d be content, but it isn’t exactly fun to drive either. The steering is rather numb and it doesn’t feel particularly settled going quicker around corners, though it doesn’t feel out of its comfort zone either. Audi was keen to point out that it doesn’t skimp on technology with the new Q2; it uses the same tech in the fresh compact SUV as it does in its higher-end products, like the TT sports car or Q7 SUV. The stunning virtual cockpit is an option once again, and you can also get such goodies, such as adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a power operated boot, and Audi’s parking assistance system. The problem is, almost these luxuries cost extra. Audi has made a big deal about the new Q2 starting at under £20,000, yet it also points out that it expects only 10 per cent of people to buy the lowest ‘SE’ trim level. The petrol model we tested came in at £5 over £34,000, and, even for a test car, that’s an astonishing amount of money. Look to spend between £25,000 and £30,000 and you’re probably on the right track with the new Audi Q2. It’s a high-quality product and looks great, but it doesn’t inspire us to spend more on it than a normal Audi A3, and the Q3 SUV isn’t far off price-wise. It doesn’t matter one bit what we think, because wealthy people love something a little bit different with a respected badge on its nose. It might not be perfect, but it will sell, and sell well. The new Q2 is going to be another Audi success.
Pros ‘n’ Cons • Stylish √ • Upmarket √ • Quiet √ • Tech √ • Pricey X
Fast Facts • Max speed: 132mph • 0-62 mph: 8.5 secs • Combined mpg: 52.3 • Engine: 1395cc 4cyl turbo petrol • CO2: 123 g/km • Price: £27,730
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Your quick guide to everyone and everything in your Directory... Blinds & Shutters Ashley Blinds............................. 3 Just Shutters............................. 9 Tuscany Blinds..........................23 Cameras Rocky Rock Cameras.................37 Chiropodists Karen Lewis-Fry........................40 Watcombe Foot Clinic............... 7 Chiropractors Paul Harris............................... 40 Community News Adventures of Nellie.................28 Dorset Wildlife Trust: Step into Spring......................16 Higher Education choices at B’mouth & Poole College.......18 Jubilee Wine Circle....................22 Martin Lewis: Mortgages.........38 Motoring: All-New Audi Q2......44 On your plot: Getting the upper hand..........42 Southbourne Food Assembly....12 Six Councils invite Sajid Javid to approve change proposal......14 Talbot Village Trust funds spinal care centre construction........32 Tastes so good: Lemon Meringue Pie..............36 Travel: West Bay, Dorset...........20 What’s on at Lighthouse...........30 World War One Memorial at All Saints Church................ 8
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Opticians Bournemouth Vision Centre..... 6 Oven Cleaners Oven King.................................40 Pet Services “Muddy”ford Mutts.................. 9 Vida T....................................... 7 Plumbing & Heating Services First Call Services......................48 Gas BoilerCare..........................13 Property Maintenance Phil’s Handyman Service...........43 Puzzles & Competitions Crossword.................................26 Kids Page..................................10 Prize Wordsearch......................35 Sudoku......................................26
Health & Fitness Zumba Gold..............................40
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Hearing Aids Clarity Hearing Solutions.......... 6
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Hotels, Bars & Restaurants Alpine Bistro @ Snowtrax.........19 The Cliff House Hotel................34
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Massage Services Soft Handz Massage................. 5
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