O ober has arrived w h s bag of tri s (and plenty of treats too!) — a month of crun y leaves, cosy nights, and ee l tle ghouls gearing up for their annual sweet- lled adventure.
Over at Marwell Zoo, a Wild Autumn awaits this half term, complete with haybale mazes, pumpkin tossing, and wildlife adventures galore. Meanwhile, from enchanted gardens to shadowy woodlands, the National Trust has packed its calendar with spooky Hallowe’en fun — including a spine-tingling ‘We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt’ at The Vyne. To stir up a little seasonal sorcery, we’ve mixed in some wickedly tempting cocktail recipes to bewitch your celebrations. And if you fancy stretching your legs, don’t miss our roundup of seven breathtaking autumn walks — from coastal paths to woodland trails. We also explore pet-friendly design ideas that prove stylish interiors can be both fashionable and comfortable for every member of the family — paws included. Plus, TV chef Sabrina Ghayour brings us pared-back, fuss-free cooking for busy lives, with recipes bursting with flavour to enjoy at home.
ABOUT US
House & Lifestyle is a monthly magazine with approximately 150,000 readers and available in hundreds of outlets throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Pick up a free copy each month from supermarkets, newsagents, estate agents, theatres, garden centres, shopping centres, health clubs, hotels, train stations, bus stations, bars, clubs, restaurants, garages, doctors surgeries, dentists, cafes, pubs and many other retail outlets. House & Lifestyle magazine is published by GWP Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in House & Lifestyle are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. GWP Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties.
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CONTRIBUTORS
GARY PEARCE PUBLISHER
gary@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1
ROSS STALLION SALES DIRECTOR
ross@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1
VICKY ANSCOMBE EDITOR
vi @house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #2
HANNE-LISE BASSON ACCOUNT MANAGER
han@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1
Holiday lets made easy
Stallion Property Management are holiday let experts covering Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. We take care of your holiday let and boost your rental income. Our pricing ranges from 18-24% for a fully managed service of your rental income depending on the circumstances of your property.
• Listing on multiple platforms
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• Guest vetting & communication
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• 24/7 Check-in
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TRAVEL
36 LAST MINUTE
Last minute family holidays to book for the October half term break
FOOD & DRINK
44 WICKED COCKTAILS Recipes
116 SABRINA GHAYOUR Recipes
115 LA MIA’S Celebrate in style at La-Mia’s
LOCAL EVENTS
71 DORSET CRUISES Where timeless style meets the sea
80 NATIONAL TRUST October fun
121 KEY WEST Dinner, chaos & comedy on the Sea!
126 MARWELL ZOO Go Wild this autumn
READ ALL ABOUT IT
The latest news stories in your area.
RARE AWARD GIVEN TO OUTSTANDING CONSERVATIONIST AT MARWELL WILDLIFE
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has awarded Dr Tania Gilbert from Marwell Wildlife a rare ‘Zoo and Aquarium Hero Award’ for her outstanding long-term conservation work.
The award followed hard on the heels of Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day on August 16 – a global celebration of a species Tania helped save from extinction.
Tania started working with the conservation team at Marwell Wildlife in 2001, and is currently the Head of Conservation Science. She has been recognised for her work with this species of antelope with long, curved horns.
Indigenous to North Africa, the scimitarhorned oryx had completely disappeared from the wild by the 1990s due to over hunting, competition with domestic
MARWELL WILDLIFE www.marwell.org.uk
livestock, and droughts. However thanks to Marwell Wildlife and other organisations across the world, the species has been reintroduced to Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, and Chad, and as a result, they had a positive change in their conservation status from Extinct in the Wild to Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Tania manages multiple-stakeholder international conservation projects, including in Tunisia where Marwell Wildlife undertook the world’s first scimitar-horned oryx reintroductions from zoos to their natural habitat.
Previous recipients of the Zoo and Aquarium Award include including fundraisers who supported zoos over the pandemic, volunteers who have dedicated years of support to zoos/aquariums, and the hosts of CBBC’s One Zoo Three.
BURNS HAMILTON TEAM TAKE THE LEAP FOR DORSET MIND
On Friday 5th September, six courageous members of the Burns Hamilton team took to the skies at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, completing a thrilling 10,000ft tandem skydive in support of Dorset Mind.
Their incredible efforts have raised over £6,600 for the mental health charity, helping to fund vital services across the region.
The team’s bravery and commitment were matched by the generosity of Burns Hamilton’s contractors and connections, whose donations helped smash the fundraising target. The company is immensely proud of everyone involved and grateful for the support received for such a worthy cause.
There’s still time to contribute! Donations can be made via the team’s JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/ burnshamiltonskydive
BURNS HAMILTON www.burnshamilton.co.uk
NEW MARKETING SUITE OPENS AT WEYMOUTH BREWERY DEVELOPMENT
The historic Weymouth Brewery site has marked another milestone in its transformation with the official opening of the new marketing suite, giving prospective buyers and the public the first opportunity to engage directly with the landmark development.
The redevelopment of Brewers Quay, a building with deep historical and cultural ties to the town, is being delivered in three ambitious phases by Brewery (Weymouth) Ltd, with Whitefox Chartered Surveyors acting as Contract Administrators and Cost Consultants.
Jason Craig, Developer, commented: “The opening of the marketing suite is an exciting step in the regeneration of this iconic building. Our vision has always been to create something that respects Weymouth’s heritage while offering modern, highquality homes and spaces for the future. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this vision becoming reality. It’s the beginning of a new community, a place where people will build their futures, create memories, and enjoy the very best of modern living.”
BREWERS QUAY
www.brewersquay.site | www.whitefoxgroup.co.uk
BARGATE TO RETURN AS LOCAL SPONSORS FOR MAYFLOWER THEATRE’S PANTOMIME
Hampshire-based housebuilder, Bargate is once again bringing festive cheer to Southampton as the proud local sponsor of this year’s highly anticipated Christmas pantomime at Mayflower Theatre, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. The award-winning developer has committed to being local sponsors for the second consecutive year, having proudly supported last year’s pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk. Some of the team from Bargate and Mayflower’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, met the cast earlier this month at Mayflower Theatre’s official pantomime launch day.
This magical production, featuring Alexandra Burke, Dr Ranj and Max Fulham, will bring all the laughter, spectacle, special effects and glittering festive magic audiences have come to expect each year from Mayflower Theatre’s spectacular Christmas panto. The production will run from 13 December 2025, to 4 January 2026. Tickets are flying, so customers are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
MAYFLOWER THEATRE www.mayflower.org.uk
Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower said “We are delighted that Bargate have once again invested in our magical pantomime spectacular which is produced by the world’s biggest producer Crossroads Pantomimes. Bargate’s generous sponsorship of this year’s production helps us to provide inspiring experiences to Southampton audiences and the next generation of theatregoers.”
Bargate is constructing six new residential developments across Hampshire, including Heritage Place at North Stoneham Park in Eastleigh, Rivercross, Herons Quarter, Marlow Walk and Admirals Green in Warsash, and its latest community coming soon, Shepherds Green in Hordle, The New Forest.
Tickets for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan (Saturday 13 December 2025 - Sunday 4 January 2026) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk
NEW FOREST FIRST AID TRAINING
BRINGS LIFE-SAVING MINI MEDICS PROGRAMME TO LOCAL SCHOOLS
New Forest First Aid Training is on a mission to empower the next generation with vital life-saving skills through its Mini Medics programme. Designed for children as young as seven, these engaging, interactive sessions provide essential first aid knowledge from calling 999 to performing CPR, in a way that is fun, memorable, and confidence-building.
“It’s not about frightening children, it’s about equipping them with the confidence to act in an emergency,” explained Joe Day and James Osborne, from New Forest First Aid Training. “The skills they learn today could one day save a life, perhaps even yours or mine.”
While the Department for Education now requires schools to teach first aid, delivery is not always practical or hands-on. The Mini Medics programme bridges that gap, ensuring children are equipped with reallife skills they will carry with them forever.
To make the training accessible and free for hundreds of local children, New Forest First Aid Training is inviting support from
local businesses, PTAs, community groups, and individuals. Sponsorship could provide an entire school with the chance to learn life-saving skills, creating a generation of young people who are ready, confident, and prepared for anything.
The programme is already reaching schools across Dorset and Hampshire and is available to deliver training to schools throughout the UK.
Be part of the change. Be part of saving lives. For more information or to get involved, please visit: newforestfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Email admin@newforestfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Tel 07495 962507 / 0208 159 1192
Alongside its school initiatives, New Forest First Aid Training also provides a full range of professional training for individuals and businesses, including first aid at work, fire safety, and workplace health. The organisation is committed to helping communities and businesses stay prepared, protected, and compliant.
THE ART OF BELONGING: WHAT MAKES YOU WHO YOU ARE?
Lighthouse Poole is to host two fun-packed days of writing and performing workshops in the October half term. Led by ethnically diverse professional writers, performers and musicians, The Art of Belonging: What Makes You Who You Are? will explore the stories, places and things that make you feel you belong. No previous experience needed, just a willingness to have a go!
What’s in store?
• Dance with amazing choreographers including Vrushali Harihar.
• Create and perform your own rap with Isaiah Dreads.
• Design and build a paper theatre and puppets with Mahtab Grimshaw.
• Write your own poem with Louisa Adjoa Parker.
October holiday creative workshops for 7-14 year olds. The workshops run from 10am on Thursday 31 and Friday 31 October, with optional wrapround extension sessions from 9am and 4pm. Participants will be grouped by age and should bring a packed lunch. Tickets are £38 (bursary places also available) to include both Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October workshops. Participants will be expected to attend both days.
Produced by Activate Performing Arts and funded by Talbot Village Trust. Supported by Lighthouse Poole.
For more information, including details of bursary places and how access needs can be accommodated, please email caroline@activateperformingarts.org.uk.
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS AT THE ITALIAN VILLA IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL HOSPICE
Forest Holme Hospice has announced ticket details for its charity Christmas Party, which takes place on Thursday 11th December in the award-winning Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole.
This unforgettable evening will see the elegant venue transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland, offering guests a night of glamour, entertainment, and festive cheer in aid of raising vital funds to support local hospice care.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz on arrival, before enjoying a delicious threecourse dinner in the beautiful surroundings of The Italian Villa. After dinner, the celebrations continue with an exciting line-up of entertainment, including a fun Casino, DJ and charity raffle with fabulous prizes to be won.
Tickets are priced at £60 per person, with all proceeds helping to ensure that everyone in the local community affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement gets the care and support they need, either at home or in its dedicated hospice facility.
A spokesperson for Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said, “We’re delighted to be hosting our very first Christmas Party at the beautiful Italian Villa. This special celebration is open to all, with the option to book a table of 10 or individual places and enjoy a magical evening of seasonal joy while helping to raise vital funds for the hospice.”
For full details and to book visit https:// forestholmehospice.org.uk/events/ christmasparty/
www.forestholmehospice.org.uk
ROCKREEF CLIMBING ATTRACTION RENEWS SPONSORSHIP WITH BOURNEMOUTH RUGBY CLUB
Adventure Attractions is proud to announce that RockReef, the indoor climbing and adventure activity attraction on Bournemouth Pier, is continuing its support of Bournemouth Rugby Club for a second year, sponsoring the U12 team.
The partnership was officially launched at Key West Bar & Restaurant, at the end of the pier, where players, business leaders, sponsors, parents and coaches came together to celebrate the start of the new season.
Sponsorship of the U12 team reflects RockReef’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport in the local community. Rugby shares many of the same values as RockReef: teamwork, resilience, confidence and pushing personal boundaries, making the partnership a natural fit.
The renewed partnership also highlights Adventure Attractions’ wider role in the local community, with both RockReef and Key West Bar & Restaurant continuing to host and support events that bring people together on Bournemouth Pier.
ROCKREEF www.rockreef.co.uk
FOREST HOLME HOSPICE
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.
ALUM CHINE
This
DEAN PARK £279,950
A
Sunset
BRANKSOME PARK £395,000
An
Gated
SOLE AGENTS. A
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, detached chalet style property situated approximately 100 meters from Hamworthy Park and Poole Harbour comprising 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fabulous lounge/dining/kitchen/day room with full folding doors to the low maintenance rear garden and o parking for 4/5 cars.
LYTCHETT MATRAVERS | £700,000
NEW INSTRUCTION. A substantial 4/5 bedroom, 4 reception room detached property exceeding 2300 square foot (including double garage) and positioned in an incredibly peaceful cul-de-sac location. South facing balcony, well maintained garden and o road parking for 4 cars.
SOLE
POOLE | £775,000
SOLE AGENTS. NEW INSTRUCTION. A charming, character, 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 3 reception room, turn of the century, detached home boasting a wealth of original features, with double garage, double car port and parking, set on a generous corner plot, a few hundred yards from Poole town centre.
HAMWORTHY | £650,000
NEW INSTRUCTION. SOLE AGENT. Set moments from the water is this 3 bedroom detached home with distant harbour views. This charming home has 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, a 100ft rear garden, garage, garden room, o road parking for at least 4 cars, set within ½ a mile of Lake Pier Beach.
HAMWORTHY | £485,000
NEW INSTRUCTION. SOLE AGENT. An a stunning 2 bedroom detached bungalow set in a quiet cul-de-sac located less than a mile away from Hamworthy Park and beach comprising lounge, kitchen breakfast room, conservator, 2 bedrooms, shower room, garage and o road parking.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2025 & JANUARY 2026
Fantastic party options & menus including entertainment. Reserve your booking now from just £5pp deposit!
6 UNIQUE CHRISTMAS PARTY VENUES IN BOURNEMOUTH:
EAST OVERCLIFF: THE CUMBERLAND HOTEL THE SUNCLIFF HOTEL OCEAN BEACH HOTEL & SPA 01202 298350 sales@oceanahotels.co.uk
ALUM CHINE: RIVIERA HOTEL & HOLIDAY APARTMENTS 01202 763653 info@rivierabournemouth.co.uk
Now also taking bookings for: Festive Tribute Shows at The Cumberland and Ocean Beach Hotels Christmas Day Lunches, Boxing Day Lunches, New Year’s Gala Dinners and Around the World Buffet
Renters rights bill update
The Renters’ Rights Bill is nearing its final stages in Parliament but has yet to receive Royal Assent. After returning to the House of Commons on 8 September 2025, the bill entered the ‘ping pong’ phase, where both Houses exchange amendments.
The House of Lords is scheduled to consider these on 14 October 2025. While the government has rejected over 300 Lords amendments, including proposals on student housing exemptions and pet-related deposits, the bill is expected to become law by late October. Implementation of key reforms, such as the abolition of Section 21 evictions, is anticipated in early 2026
HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE BUILDING TARGET?
The UK government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes this parliament is falling short. Latest figures show just 36,872 completions in 2024-25, and forecasts suggest only around 840,000 new homes by 2029 – well below target. High build costs, labour shortages, planning delays, and local resistance are slowing delivery, while affordability pressures limit viability. Dorset highlights the challenge: councils are expected to double historic build rates, which many see as unrealistic. Without major reforms in planning, infrastructure, and investment, the ambition to hit housing targets remains unlikely, leaving supply tight and housing affordability under growing pressure.
BANK OF ENGLAND BASE RATE KEPT AT 4%
The Bank of England has kept its base rate at 4.0%, holding steady as inflation remains sticky at 3.8%—still above the 2% target. Seven MPC members backed no change, while two argued for a small cut. For mortgage holders, rates on variable and tracker deals remain unchanged, while fixed-rate products are unlikely to fall just yet. Savers continue to benefit from higher interest returns
PICTURED ABOVE
Sharon Canning. Owner of Move On Sales and Lettings
compared to recent years, though banks may adjust slowly. For businesses, borrowing costs remain elevated, keeping pressure on investment. The cautious “wait-and-see” stance signals cuts are possible only once inflation clearly eases.
LANDLORDS IN COURT
One recent landlords enforcement case highlight the importance of compliance. In Dartmouth, a landlord was fined £3,464 for failing to address damp and mould in a rented property and not repairing a defective boiler, putting tenants’ health and safety at risk. Meanwhile, in London, a landlord was ordered to repay £24,753 to tenants after continuing to rent out a property without an HMO license, a serious legal breach. These cases serve as a reminder that landlords must maintain properties properly and adhere to licensing rules, or face substantial financial penalties and legal consequences.
CONTACT
01202 711169
Sharon@moveon.biz
AN OFFER OF ADVICE
A good letting agent can make the difference between a stress-free rental and a costly headache. For landlords, professional agents bring expertise in marketing, tenant vetting, and compliance with ever-changing housing regulations.
They handle the legal paperwork, protect deposits correctly, and ensure safety checks are up to date—reducing the risk of fines or disputes. Agents also manage rent collection and property maintenance, keeping tenants satisfied and minimising void periods.
In a competitive rental market, having a reliable agent means peace of mind, maximised returns, and the reassurance that your investment is managed both professionally and legally at all times.
Move On was founded by Sharon Canning in 2006 and at that time brought 20 years experience with her. Now a further 20 years down the road, this makes up 40 years! Move On are renowned throughout the local industry of being experts within the lettings industry.
For a free friendly chat, give Sharon or her team a call or email sharon@moveon.biz.
ADDRESS
420 Poole Rd, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF WEBSITE
www.moveonsalesandlettings.co.uk
New Forest 1600 Black Edition
showroom hours
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed location #10 Avon Trading Park Reid Street, Christchurch Dorset, BH23 2BT free parking available
Pet-friendly design choices for stylish interiors
It’s about creating a comfy, fashionable space for all family members, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
When it comes to home comforts, finding a happy compromise that satisfies everyone’s needs can be challenging – especially if you’re a pet parent.
After all, tactile furnishings are very of the moment and if you’re hankering after a tassel-trimmed tieback for your new curtains, kitty might think this is the best toy for playtime… eek.
Likewise, your dog may have taken such a shine to the family sofa, upgrading your four seater to something in a swank, luxe finish – which may get snagged by their claws – is asking for trouble.
ABOVE
Kona Cave Extra Large
Family Blanket made from pet friendly fabric - Faux Fur and Grey Velvet, £224, (Extra Large), Kona Cave | Kona Cave/PA
LEFT
Tallulah 4 Seater Split
Sofa - Lifestyle Marbled
Fabric Stone All Over, £1,649, Sofology | Sofology/PA
Step forward pet-friendly furnishings, stain-resistant fabric, and comforting choices for the whole family.
To help you strike the perfect balance between style and durability, Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and design at Barker and Stonehouse, shares her top tips for choosing furnishings that work for both people and pets…
Opt for durable, pet-resistant finishes
The best hard furnishings for pet-friendly homes are designed to withstand daily knocks, paw marks and the occasional scratch…
“Solid wood is a great choice, especially when finished with a protective lacquer that makes it easy to wipe clean,” suggests Gierasinska. Reclaimed wood can also be ideal… its natural variations and rustic character help disguise minor scuffs, so it continues to look good for years.”
For households with pets who like to chew, she recommends avoiding sharp corners or fragile edges that could be damaged or cause injury.
“Rounded edges and robust construction means your furniture lasts longer and is safer for curious pets –rounded edges are not only pet-safe, but also aligns to popular design trends.”
Gierasinska continues: “Curved shapes bring a softness, fluidity and a sense of comfort to interiors, balancing the sharp lines of modern architecture, all whilst making the space pet-friendly.”
Think smart with storage
Well-planned storage can help maintain a stylish home while keeping pet items neatly tucked away…
“Closed storage solutions are ideal, as they keep belongings protected from fur, dander, and curious paws. Items such as shoes, clothing, and soft furnishings are shielded from chewing, scratching, or accidental damage,” advises Gierasinska.
Additionally, she says they prevent pets from accessing potentially harmful items, such as cleaning products or small objects. “Creating a safer and more hygienic environment for both animals and owners.”
ABOVE
Barker And Stonehouse Lenor Cream Chenille Fabric 3 Seater Sofa
- Glam Block Natural, £1,499, Barker And Stonehouse | Barker And Stonehouse/PA
Dorset & Hampshire’s Leading
Low-maintenance materials make life easier
When it comes to dining and coffee tables, Gierasinska suggests opting for finishes that wipe clean without leaving streaks.
“Ceramic-topped tables are incredibly practical. They resist scratches, heat and stains, and are easy to care for; perfect if your pet has a habit of putting their paws where they shouldn’t.”
For high-traffic areas, she recommends darker or midtoned finishes to mask marks. “Oak, walnut and even matte black work beautifully in modern homes, and are forgiving of the everyday realities of pet life.”
Blending practicality with personality
Ultimately, designing a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean sacrificing style…
“Pets are part of the family, and your home should reflect that,” underlines Gierasinska.
“By choosing well-made, durable, hard furnishings with thoughtful details, you can enjoy a space that’s both beautiful and built to last, no matter how many paws share it with you.”
Camerons Properties: Bournemouth’s bright spark in lettings
If you’ve ever attempted to let or rent a property, you’ll know the process can be about as fun as assembling flat-pack furniture without the instructions. Step forward Camerons, the Bournemouthbased lettings specialists who’ve made it their mission to remove the stress, add a dash of charm, and put landlords and tenants at ease.
Conveniently located opposite the train station – the beating heart of Bournemouth – Camerons sits perfectly placed to cover the key areas of Town Centre, Charminster, Springbourne and Boscombe. Their location isn’t the only thing that’s strategic; their approach to lettings is refreshingly straightforward. Forget hidden fees, vague promises, or radio-silence after the first phone call. Camerons trades on transparency, honesty and good oldfashioned customer service.
For tenants, Camerons is the friendly guide you never knew you needed. Whether you’re a student seeking your first flat, a family on the hunt for a roomy house, or a couple looking for a beach-adjacent bungalow, their team takes the time to understand your needs and match you with a property that feels like home. And
PICTURED ABOVE
Aleina Cameron, Owner of Camerons Estate and Letting Agents, Bournemouth
because legislation never stops changing, they make sure you’re always up to speed with your rights and responsibilities – no nasty surprises in the small print.
Landlords, meanwhile, can breathe a sigh of relief. Camerons offers the full suite:
marketing, tenant vetting, rent collection, legal notices, repairs, even navigating the murky waters of court processes if needed. They’ll also provide free, no-strings valuations – ideal if you want a clear picture of your property’s potential. In short, they act as your property’s guardian, ensuring it’s let quickly, safely, and profitably, while you get on with your life.
At the helm is director Aleina Cameron, who since 2015 has steered the business with a focus on adaptability and customer care. Camerons is proactive, approachable, and genuinely invested in making the lettings process smoother for everyone. Their reputation? Built on referrals, repeat business, and a growing fan club of landlords and tenants who simply wouldn’t go elsewhere.
So, whether you’re ready to hand over the keys, or itching to pick some up, Camerons is the name to know. Honest, upbeat, and unashamedly committed to doing things properly, they’ve become the bright spark of Bournemouth’s lettings scene.
Pick up the phone and call 01202 29 5678 today, or drop them a line at info@ cameronsproperties.co.uk
CONTACT
01202 295678
info@cameronsproperties.co.uk
ADDRESS
162 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8AS
Print isn’t dead: Why paper beats pixels every time
We chat with our own Ross Stallion, Director of House & Lifestyle magazine about the power of local print advertising.
House & Lifestyle magazine has been a trusted name in local media for years, and behind its success is the expertise of Ross Stallion. We sat down with him to explore the benefits of print advertising and understand why it stands out in a digitaldominated world.
Ross, in an era where digital advertising is everywhere, why do you believe print advertising is still effective?
Great question! Print advertising, especially in a trusted local magazine like House & Lifestyle, is powerful because it has a tangible presence. When people hold a magazine in their hands, they engage with it
on a personal level. Unlike digital ads, which can feel fleeting, print ads linger and leave a lasting impression. Readers tend to trust and value the content in a reputable print magazine more than what they see online, where ads are often seen as intrusive.
You mentioned trust. Can you tell us more about how trust plays a role in print advertising?
Trust is everything in advertising. Studies show that people inherently trust print media more than digital because it feels more authentic and curated. Our readers pick up House & Lifestyle knowing they’re going to see quality, credible content, including ads. When a business advertises with us, it gains a sense of credibility by association, which can be crucial in convincing local customers to engage with the brand.
What makes House & Lifestyle magazine unique in the world of local print media?
House & Lifestyle stands out because we’re more than just a magazine; we’re part of the community. We feature local businesses, artisans, designers, and home improvement professionals who resonate with our audience. Every edition is carefully curated to reflect the unique lifestyle of our readers, making it the perfect platform for local businesses to reach people who value quality, style, and a sense of home.
Some say that digital advertising provides more data and analytics. How does print advertising provide value in comparison?
While digital offers click-through rates and views, print provides something equally valuable: presence and recall. Readers of House & Lifestyle spend time with our
magazine. Our ads aren’t just glanced over; they’re seen repeatedly and in a trusted context. We offer longevity and impact, which data alone can’t capture. Plus, we often hear from our advertisers about the direct business they get from people who saw their ad in our magazine—proof that print leads to real results.
Can you explain how House & Lifestyle can actually help businesses close sales?
Absolutely. We provide a high-quality, locally-focused platform that helps businesses build credibility and trust, which are crucial for sales. Imagine a local reader considering a renovation—they see a trusted local contractor’s ad in House & Lifestyle. That ad can be the nudge they need to reach out and start a conversation. For many readers, seeing a business in our magazine legitimises it and makes them more comfortable moving forward with a purchase or partnership.
How does print advertising help businesses build long-term brand trust?
Print advertising creates an enduring brand image. When businesses consistently appear in House & Lifestyle, they become a familiar name that people recognise and trust. Over time, our readers start to see these brands as part of the community, which builds long-term loyalty.
Being in print isn’t just about visibility; it’s about becoming a trusted voice that readers know will be there edition after edition.
What would you say to business owners who feel like online ads are cheaper and “get the job done” faster?
Online ads may be quick, but they’re often temporary. Print is an investment in brandbuilding. When you advertise with us, you’re aligning your brand with a publication that readers trust and spend time with. A single print ad can continue to resonate with a reader for weeks, even months. Plus, it’s an environment without the noise of online distractions. In many ways, the slower, more thoughtful impact of print can be more valuable than the immediate impressions of digital ads.
How do you ensure that ads in House & Lifestyle are of high quality and relevant to the audience?
We’re very selective about the brands and businesses we feature. Our magazine has a specific focus on home, lifestyle, and local quality, so we ensure our ads are in line with this ethos. Each ad is crafted to reflect the aesthetic and standard that our readers expect, which means it has a greater chance of resonating. We also work closely with advertisers to create content that feels cohesive with the magazine.
What kind of businesses do you think benefit the most from advertising in House & Lifestyle?
Our readers are homeowners, renovators, and people who love to invest in their living spaces and community. Businesses that cater to home improvement, interior design, local dining, and lifestyle services see great results with us. Our audience loves discovering quality local businesses they can trust. If you’re a brand that wants to be part of a customer’s journey to build their perfect home, our magazine is the perfect fit.
For a business considering its next advertising move, why should they choose House & Lifestyle magazine?
Choosing House & Lifestyle means choosing a trusted, respected local platform that brings genuine results. We offer businesses a chance to connect deeply with their ideal customers, who are ready to engage and invest in quality. Print advertising with us isn’t just about one ad; it’s about becoming part of our readers’
CONTACT
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sales@house-mag.co.uk
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Showcasing our stunning modern Atlantic Suite, The Overcliff Venue for that rustic pub themed wedding and our contemporary Sunrise Suite for smaller ceremonies.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of Fizz or a bottle of lager. All weddings offer incredible food, unrivalled service and tailor-made packages to suit all budgets. Meet our friendly wedding planners and venue styling specialists to discuss your dream day.
Free entry, free goody bag, deals on the day!
Thriller night on Bournemouth Pier
At Key West, Saturday 1st November
Get ready to moonwalk your way into a spine-tingling night of music and nostalgia this Halloween as Key West on Bournemouth Pier presents Jackson Live! Europe’s number one Michael Jackson tribute, starring the incredible James Aston.
Taking place on Saturday 1st November 2025, this electrifying show promises to be a spectacular celebration of the King of Pop. James Aston is widely recognised as one of the most authentic Michael Jackson soundalike and lookalike performers in Europe. He even once sang for Michael himself, who received the performance
personally on video, and with over 20 years of touring experience, Aston brings an uncanny energy and passion to the stage.
Expect all the iconic hits, the trademark dance moves, and a breathtaking visual show that captures the magic of MJ like never before. Guests are invited to embrace the spooky season and dress to impress in their best Halloween costumes, adding an extra layer of fun to the evening.
Doors open from 6pm for pre-show dining, with the performance starting at 8.30pm. Tickets are just £22 per person and include reserved seating.
With sea views, cocktails flowing and a packed dancefloor, this is set to be a Thriller of a night.
Book now at keywestbournemouth.co.uk
TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS OR MAKE A RESERVATION
Call 01202 237902 or visit www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk
OCTOBER
FLEETWOOD SHACK: A TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC
Saturday 11th October
PARTY PEEPS ON THE PIER: HALLOWEEN FAMILY PARTY
Wednesday 29 th October
NOVEMBER
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE
Saturday 1st November
FAULTY TOWERS: THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Saturday 8 th November
WESTBOURNE ROTARY
CLUB PRESENTS… LIVE MUSIC IN AID OF CHARITY
Friday 14th November
KEY WEST & JONGLEURS PRESENTS… COMEDY ON BOURNEMOUTH PIER
Saturday 15th November
DRAG ON THE PIER: VICKI VIVACIOUS SLEIGHS THE NIGHT
Saturday 22nd November
BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT keywestbournemouth.co.uk
Last minute family holidays to book for the October half term break
From Greece and Turkey to budget-friendly UK options in the school holidays.
The new school year may have only just started, but October half term is fast approaching – and it’s not too late to book a trip.
Try these getaways, in the UK and Europe, for a lastminute break for the week of October 27-31, the typical half-term week for many schools.
UNITED KINGDOM
Landal Kenwick Woods, Lincolnshire
If you want your family to feel at one with nature this half term, stay in a lodge nestled in mature woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in rural Lincolnshire. Landal Kenwick Woods is part of the 320-acre, 19th century Kenwick Park Estate, close to the seaside holiday resort of Mablethorpe, you can hit the beach if the weather allows too or head into historical Lincoln an hour away.
Aside from country walks, there are plenty of activities to keep kids happy, including archery, pottery painting and basketball, as well as an indoor pool. The ‘Kinder Lodges’ come with bunk beds, toys and kids books, other lodge options have hot tubs and are pet-friendly.
Prices are currently up to 20% off. A four-night family break from Monday, October 27 costs from £469. Visit landal.co.uk or call 01603 367066.
A cabin in Landal Kenwick Woods, Lincolnshire | Landal/PA
Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Dorset
Head to Dorset’s Jurassic coast for sea views and a private beach at the family-owned Ladram Bay Holiday Park. From camping and caravan spaces to lodges with hot tubs, there’s something for every budget.
If the sea is too chilly for you in October, there’s a large heated swimming pool as well as multiple play areas for kids, including a soft play, an arcade, an arts and crafts studio, and crazy golf. And it wouldn’t be a holiday park without evening entertainment. The charming coastal town of Sidmouth is only a 15-minute drive away for a change of scenery.
A four-night stay from October 27 in a Comfort Plus 2 Holiday Home sleeping up to six people costs £592. Visit ladrambay.co.uk.
A caravan in Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Dorset | Ladram Bay/PA
Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland
Bring some magic to half term by taking the family to stay in a 17th century castle built with a spooky history. Overlooking the beach of Ballygally Bay and the Irish Sea, Ballygally Castle is a great base for exploring the Antrim Coast, on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route.
Take the kids paddleboarding, visit the Glens of Antrim as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or for the very brave, take a cold dip in the sea and warm up with the hotel’s dry robes, hot water bottles and slippers.
It wouldn’t be an old castle without a resident ghost – said to be the phantom of tragic Lady Isabella Shaw, roaming the halls and local streets looking for her daughter.
Family Rooms priced from £300 per night on a B&B basis. Book at ballygallycastlehotel.com, 028 2858 1066.
Late October is a great time to visit the Canary Islands, with highs of around 26 degrees on average for the month and a still-warm sea. Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast of Tenerife, with its historic old town and black-sand beaches offers a convenient family-friendly base for those with kids, with plenty to do.
The four-star Bluesea Puerto Resort is just steps from the beaches, there’s a ‘mini club’, playground and children’s pool too – as well as a state of the art spa for the adults.
Prices for a seven-night stay for two adults and two children, for a double superior premium room on a B&B basis, including return flights from London Gatwick on October 25 is £1,815, through Destination 2.
Sani Resort, Halkidiki
On Greece’s Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki and the shores of the Aegean Sea, the huge five-star Sani Resort is made up of five different hotels and all the facilities families could want. For active kids there’s a football academy in association with Chelsea FC, a Bear Grylls Survival Academy and a treetop adventure.
Lots of hotels don’t offer childcare for very young children, but here you’ll find a creche from kids of four months to four years old, a kids’ club from ages four to 12, and a club for teens, where activities include hip hop dancing and beach volleyball. With many swimming pools and shallow sea waters perfect for young kids, it’s designed with families in mind. There are even child minders on hand at the beach so parents might be able to actually relax on a sun lounger with a book for longer than five minutes.
Prices at Sani Beach start from €234 per night, for a double room, half-board. Visit sani-resort.com.
RIGHT
Sani Resort, Halkidiki | Sani Resort/PA
The Bluesea Puerto Resort, Tenerife | Bluesea Puerto Resort/PA
A villa in Kalkan, Turkey
The unspoiled coastline along the southwest of Turkey is known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’ or sometimes the ‘Turkish Riviera’, with clear waters, great diving and snorkelling opportunities, mountainous backdrops and ancient archaeological ruins, it’s growing in popularity with families from the UK. For bigger groups or those travelling as a multigenerational unit, a villa is a great option. Sleeping up to eight people, Villa Mars is in an elevated position above the historic town of Kalkan, giving guests views of the sea as well as heaps of space. The modern villa is also within walking distance to beach clubs, restaurants and boutique shops.
Simpson Travel (simpsontravel.com; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Villa Mars from £897pp –based on maximum occupancy, including seven nights accommodation, return flights, car hire and complimentary welcome pack. Departing October 26.
Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort, Rhodes
The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Rhodes offers great beaches, ancient ruins and direct flights from the UK. On the north east coast of the island is the five-star Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort which, can cater to larger families with their deluxe family rooms for six guests. There’s a top kids pool, high-speed slides and splash pools, a 60seat cinema, escape rooms, and a sporting programme. The cooler October temperatures in Rhodes make it a great time for family cycling and hiking adventures, and excursions like to the Valley of the Butterflies, famous for its seasonal gathering of thousands of butterflies.
Prices start from £875 per person for a five-night stay in a junior suite, all inclusive board for two adults and two children during the October half term, with EasyJet Holidays. Package includes return flights from London Gatwick and shared transfer. Visit easyjet.com.
The Villa Mars in Kalkun, Turkey | Simpson Travel/PA
Secluded, luxury living in Bucklers Hard
£3,750,000
An exquisite 5,000 sq ft residence, impeccably built and privately set in 1.5 acres of landscaped, south-facing gardens, moments from Bucklers Hard, with a detached four-car garage and elegant room above.
Visit your local Spencers office or contact us today to discover more about our unrivalled Spencers Service and arrange a free, noobligation valuation.
Awbridge, Romsey
Milford on Sea, Hampshire Landford, Salisbury
£1,950,000 £1,650,000 £1,450,000
An exceptional Neo-Georgian residence of over 5,000 sq ft, built in 2004 to exacting standards. Featuring 9.5ft ceilings, handcrafted coving and detailing, it sits in 2.5 acres near Romsey and Salisbury, in desirable Awbridge.
A generously proportioned four-bedroom home on a quiet no-through lane near the village and beach. High ceilings, west-facing landscaped gardens, extensive parking, double garage, and summerhouse complete this spacious and beautifully positioned family residence.
A charming 18th-century home in soughtafter Landford Wood, dating to c.1750 and sympathetically modernised. This detached country residence blends timeless character with contemporary style, set within beautifully maintained grounds approaching one acre.
Minstead, New Forest
Woodlands, New Forest Bournemouth, Dorset
£1,350,000 £1,300,000 £650,000
A beautifully modernised 3,000 sq ft family home in the sought-after New Forest village of Minstead, with direct Forest access, glorious farmland views, and excellent transport links. Set in 0.4-acre landscaped grounds and offered with no forward chain.
A beautiful detached six-bedroom forest cottage in prime Woodlands location, north of Lyndhurst. Recently extended and well presented, offering light, spacious accommodation. Features mature 0.4-acre garden adjoining 2.7 acres of fields and ample off-street parking.
Guide Price £650,000 - £700,000 - A distinguished Edwardian residence, remodelled and extended to blend timeless character with modern convenience. Offering 2,500 sq ft, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and landscaped gardens, with over 70ft of private rear courtyard in Queens Park.
Taking
your home
to London’s most discerning
buyers e right buyer might not be local. Our Spencers London Property Showcase connects your home with premium city and international buyers seeking space and lifestyle.
Thursday 23 October 2025
40 St James’ Place, London SW1A 1NS
There has never been a better opportunity to showcase your property this autumn, ask your local office for more information or contact london@spencersproperty.co.uk
These gin-based ghoulish serves will up the tempo, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
When it comes to an evening of gothic get-togethers and spooky concoctions to bewitch your friends, Halloween celebrations (October 31) are where it’s at.
To spark a good measure of sorcery, your creepy celebrations deserve these playful pours…
BROCKMANS SMOKY ROSEMARY PALOMA
Aromatic with agave in the botanical mix and just the right peppery kick on its tail, nuances of pink grapefruit, citrus and dark berries make themselves known in Brockmans Agave Cut (£46, 70cl, Brockmans Gin) – a gin infused with Mexican agave spirit.
It’s one you can sip neat, raise the bar on fright night and enjoy its chilling charm in this zesty concoction…
Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, juices and syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda and garnish with a twist of grapefruit and smoked sprig of rosemary.
JAISALMER’S SPICED PUMPKIN COCKTAIL
Delve into the dark side with Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin (£37.50, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange). The combination of 11 botanicals sourced from the four corners of India creates a smooth, peppery gin with an exotic note.
Think vetiver, coriander, liquorice, lemongrass, cubeb pepper aromatic spice and tea notes to tease the taste buds ahead of the witching hour.
Check out this terrifyingly good tipple for trick-or-treat parties…
INGREDIENTS
50ml Jaisalmer Gin, 25ml Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup, 20ml lemon juice. Cinnamon stick to garnish.
METHOD
Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Jaisalmer, syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
ABOVE
Jaisalmer's Spiced Pumpkin Cocktail. | Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin/PA
SILENT POOL’S DARK SWARM
Spellbindingly delicious and juniper-forward with 24 botanicals highlighting the best ingredients local to this Surrey Hills distillery, Silent Pool Gin (£42.50, 70cl, Silent Pool Distillers) is a refreshing go-to with its floral layers of lavender and chamomile.
With a subtle salinity from the squid ink, here’s their spin on killer cocktails…
INGREDIENTS
50ml Silent Pool Gin, 25ml spiced simple syrup, 25ml lemon. Squid ink for colouring. Dehydrated citrus wheel to garnish.
METHOD
Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, syrup and lemon, shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled Coupette glass. Add a hint of squid ink to darken the drink.
Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA
ENJOY A GLASS ON US AT THE IVY BOURNEMOUTH BRASSERIE
Step into a world of quintessential British dining at The Ivy Collection, where style meets sophistication. Indulge in over one hundred years of British hospitality at its finest and experience unforgettable dining from breakfast to dinner, seven days a week.
Make your next visit truly special with a complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée. Then, savour the best of contemporary and classic seasonal flavours with our Two-Course 1917 Heritage Menu - available Monday to Friday for just £20.95.
Whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in the everyday, join us at The Ivy Bournemouth for a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.
Scan to enjoy a complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée on your next visit.
Embrace the cooler season with some beautiful homegrown hikes.
The leaves are turning, temperatures are dipping and suddenly it feels like it’s time for an extra layer. There may not be a better season to hike though.
From dramatic coastal paths and woodland trails to historic grounds and high peaks, Britain is awash with great walking opportunities. So lace up your hiking boots this autumn and head out on these rambles.
FOUR WATERFALLS WALK, POWYS, WALES
LENGTH: 8.5km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Wales’ Brecon Beacons is renowned for incredible hikes, and for good reason. This circular trail, starting and finishing at Gwaun Hepste car park, takes in sweeping views and takes you to four waterfalls in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park – Sgwd Uchaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr, Sgwd Isaf
Amazing walks to take in Britain this autumn
RIGHT
The Four Waterfalls Walk, Powys, Wales | AllTrailsl/PA
Clun-Gwyn and Sgwd-yr-Eira – which is probably the highlight. Translating to ‘the waterfall of snow’ in English, at around 10m high and 10m wide, with a route to walk directly behind the curtain of water, it’s quite the spectacle. The walk comes highly recommended on hiking app, AllTrails.
BEN A’AN, STIRLING, SCOTLAND
LENGTH: 3.7km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate-advanced
One of Scotland’s smaller – but iconic – hills, the Ben A’an hike is great for anyone who loves the thrill of reaching a peak – without having to spend all day walking. Ben A’an stands high above Loch Katrine and Loch Achray, with panoramic views of both bodies of water in the heart of the Trossachs National Park. More suited to hikers with good fitness levels, and popular on the AllTrails app, the ascent is steep in places, including a rocky section when you get close to the peak, so suitable footwear is a must. The trail is especially beautiful in autumn with the colours of the foliage and loch reflections.
ALFOXTON PARK, SOMERSET
DISTANCE: 3.1km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Alfoxton Park House was the home of poet William Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, for a year in the 1790s, and the area is said to have greatly inspired some of his work. The Alfoxton Park Short Walk Made Easy, in the OS’s Short Walks Made Easy series (Quantocks, Mendips and Somerset Levels), starts from the house’s car park, through old woodland, onto the Quantock Common, with some far-reaching views across the Bristol Channel, and takes in the area beautifully.
The veteran and ancient tress of Alfoxton Park has attracted all manner of bugs, birds and other wildlife and the impressive roots provide protection for badger sets. The walk includes one moderately steep ascent and descent, with a mixture of surfaced track, woodland and uneven stony paths, and, in total, takes about an hour and 15 minutes. An OS Map of the walk can be downloaded via the app for free at explore.osmaps.com.
LEFT
The Alfoxton Park House Walk, Somerset | Julia Goodfellow-Smith/PA
RIGHT
Ben A'an, Scotland | AllTrails/PA
LEEDS CASTLE, KENT
LENGTH: 8km
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Set in a 500-acre estate, autumn is a great time to visit Leeds Castle – for a day trip or to stay in the holiday cottages on site, surrounded by woodland. For rich history and natural beauty, try the Leeds Castle and Kingswood Circular Walk, which takes around two hours to complete and is popular with birdwatchers, walkers and runners (dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead). To make a trip out of it, Leeds Castle’s dog-friendly cottages start from £640 for two nights, plus a £25 fee per dog (one allowed per cottage). Visit: leeds-castle.com.
BEESTON CRAG, CHESHIRE
LENGTH: 6km
DIFFICULTY: Easy-medium
Head to Cheshire for the circular walk around the prehistoric Beeston Crag, starting and finishing at Beestone Castle car park. The walk (for which you should allow three to three and a half hours) explores ancient landscapes, taking in the Peckforton Hills and Peckforton Mere. The spectacular views from Beeston Castle are a backdrop to the changing colours of autumn, while Grade I listed Peckforton Castle is recognised by English Heritage as ‘one of the great buildings of its age’, a Victorian replica of a medieval castle. For more info, go to: visitcheshire.com.
LEFT Leeds Castle, Kent | Alamy/PA
BELOW
Photo from Beeston Crag walk, Cheshire | English Heritage/PA
RIGHT
Brimham Rocks on The Nidderdale
Way walk in Yorkshire | Ramble Worldwide/PA
THE GLAMORGAN COASTLINE, WALES
LENGTH : 6.4 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy-moderate
The Vale Trail 2 encompasses sights including Nash Point Lighthouse (built in 1832 as a response to the wreck of the ‘Frolic’), enchanting wooded nature reserves and the dramatic South Wales coastline. The route also takes you to Monknash Beach, one of the most secluded in the area, where you’ll find waterfalls, rock pools too and graves for the maritime disaster of 1831 when the Frolic sank in the Bristol Channel.
If you’re brave enough for an autumn swim, the waters are clear (if cold!). The route ends at the popular Plough & Harrow pub (which has an interesting but grizzly history – the backroom is said to have been a store for bodies from a shipwreck in 1383). If you want a longer walk, extend it to include ‘Route A’ to tag on St Donat’s Castle too. If you’re staying in the area into the night, the minimal light pollution here makes it a great base for stargazing during the longer nights in autumn –particularly the dark skies over Nash Point Lighthouse.
THE NIDDERDALE WAY, YORKSHIRE
LENGTH: 85km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
A favourite among trail walkers is this long circular footpath within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Yorkshire Dales. It dates back to the 1980s and traditionally starts at the quaint town of Pateley Bridge – home to England’s oldest sweet shop, so you can stock up before you set off. It passes through small historic villages, the River Nidd, Gouthwaite Reservoir, Ripley Castle, the natural gritstone sculptures at Brimham Rocks, the limestone ravine How Stean Gorge and the Guisecliff buttresses.
As it certainly can’t be tackled in one go, Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133, rambleworldwide.co.uk) offer a six night The Nidderdale Way trip starting from £849 pp, including half board en suite accommodation, all transport and an experienced leader (departing October 5).
BELOW
Monknash Beach, on the Glamorgan coast | Vale of Glamorgan Tourism/PA
New Jamie Oliver recipes for a health kick this autumn 3
The TV chef is back with his new cookbook Eat Yourself Healthy.
“So many of us have good intentions to eat healthier, but time and time again, convenience always rules and it’s never been easier to just order a takeaway,” says Jamie Oliver.
“And it’s totally understandable when so many of us have never been taught to cook at home or at school so at large, people have lost their confidence – and life is busy! But convenience only wins if you don’t know how to cook.”
The chef’s latest cookbook, Eat Yourself Healthy, and accompanying Channel 4 TV show by the same name, aims to prove that good nutrition can be simple and achievable, and that we can all be in better control of our own health, with some colourful go-to recipes and a bit of practice in the kitchen.
Here are three simple, nutritious recipes to get started.
LEFT
Jamie Oliver | Paul Stuart 2025/PA
Golden cheese and jammy berries
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS
Olive oil
80g halloumi or paneer cheese
320g mixed berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
1tsp balsamic vinegar
2 sprigs of basil
2 slices of wholemeal sourdough bread
1tsp runny honey
Total time: 12 minutes; 2 of your 7-a-day
In the Mediterranean, fried cheese is often served with fresh or jammy fruits – a magical combo.
1. Put a non-stick frying pan on a medium heat with one tablespoon of olive oil. Slice and add the cheese, cook until golden on both sides, then remove.
2. Hull and halve any strawberries, then put all the berries into the pan. Cook for three minutes, or until soft, gently stirring occasionally. Drizzle over the balsamic, pick in most of the basil leaves, and stir gently until just wilted.
3. Toast the bread and divide between your plates, then spoon the jammy fruit on top. Pick over the remaining basil leaves, add the golden cheese, drizzle over the honey, and tuck right in.
165g raw peeled king prawns, from sustainable sources
1 x 250g packet of cooked wholegrain basmati rice
30g Bombay mix
Easy prawn curry SERVES 2
Total time: 10 minutes; 4 of your 7-a-day
Popular prawns cook very quickly, so they’re perfect for this quick, speedy, fragrant curry.
1. Put a large non-stick frying pan on a high heat. Peel and very finely slice the onion and place in the pan to dry fry with the tomatoes, tossing regularly for four minutes, while you put the creamed coconut in a blender with half the chickpeas and all their juice, half the coriander leaves and all the stalks, and a splash of water.
2. Tip in half the onions and tomatoes from the pan and blitz until smooth to make a sauce.
3. Stir the curry paste and ½ a tablespoon of olive oil into the pan, followed a minute later by the frozen mango and remaining chickpeas, then the sauce.
4. Toss over a medium heat for two minutes, then add the prawns and let it bubble away until the prawns are just cooked, loosening with splashes of water, if needed. Season to perfection.
5. Cook the rice according to the packet instructions, then divide between plates.
INGREDIENTS
80g each pomegranate seeds, yellow pepper, ripe tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, tinned chickpeas, radishes, ripe avocado, little gem lettuce
30g dried mango
½ a bunch of mint (15g)
1 lime
Extra virgin olive oil
6. Chop and stir most of the remaining coriander leaves into the curry, spoon it on top of the rice, then scatter over the last few coriander leaves.
7. Crush and crumble over the Bombay mix for added crunch, to finish.
Delicious just as it is, or paired with couscous or a steaming jacket potato.
1. Leaving the chickpeas and pomegranate seeds whole, trim, peel or deseed and finely chop all the veg and fruit, along with the dried mango and the mint leaves, then dress with the lime juice and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
2. Season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper, and serve.
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How to book an epic winter break in Iceland, Finland or Sweden.
We might be clinging onto the last of summer, but it’s not too early to think about winter travel. Eternally popular with British and Irish holiday makers, Iceland, Finland and Sweden are dream winter destinations for a reason, as many go in search of a glimpse of colourful skies during Northern Lights displays.
Iceland and Lapland [an area crossing over into Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia] “regularly sit atop travellers’ wish lists”, says Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook.
“While these destinations are often associated with festive family breaks, this year tells a different story –they’re proving to be idyllic escapes for two, with more than 62% of bookings with Thomas Cook made by pairs seeking a magical winter getaway.”
And the timing might be perfect. “Right now is actually a smart time to book a European winter break because most transport companies have released their schedules and fares for the season, so you can see all the options clearly,” says LP Maurice, CEO of travel startup Busbud, adding that prices are generally better when you book early for winter travel.
European winter trips to think about booking
“Iceland, Sweden, and Finland have become very popular with British travellers in winter because they offer experiences you really cannot get anywhere else. These countries are also surprisingly accessible with regular flights and well-connected transport networks, making it easier to explore remote areas without too much hassle.
Plus, “there is something special about leaving the grey skies of the UK for dramatic snowy landscapes and unique adventures that feel worth the trip.”
So whether you’re a family, a couple, friends or a solo traveller, here are some great options for snowy getaways this winter.
LEFT
A tipi under the Northern Lights | Flash Pack/PA
ABOVE
The Panorama Glass Lodge in Iceland | Panorama Glass Lodge/PA
ICELAND
Booking a dream winter trip can be pricey, but Icelandair have just launched a new Northern Lights City Break holiday package from just £345pp from the UK, or 419pp from Ireland, including return flights, three nights’ accommodation and a guided Northern Lights tour, if booked before September 15.
Additional day tours can include bathing in the world-famous Blue Lagoon or trekking through Raufarhólshellir’s lava tunnel.
Alternatively, explore Iceland’s wild Southern Highlands by sleeping in a luxury glass house so you can literally watch the sky from your bed. Off The Map offer a 4-day Panorama Glass Lodge Escape, self catering with a sauna and outdoor hot tub to keep you cosy in the depths of winter.
Prices for three nights are from £3,699pp, excluding flights. Head out in the day for glacier snowmobiling, ice cave adventures or tour Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route.
FINLAND
The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, known as the hometown of Santa Claus, has plenty to offer visitors in search of a base for Arctic adventures and festive cheer for children.
Nestled high on Ounasvaara Fell in Rovaniemi, the 4* Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara hotel combines doorstep skiing and (hopefully) Northern Lights. Its Sky Kitchen & View restaurant, serving authentic Lappish cuisine with a spectacular backdrop, has been voted one of the best restaurants in Finland. Seven nights with Thomas Cook at the Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, B&B basis, including flights from Manchester on November 2, 2025, is from £1,068pp.
For those with kids, Families Worldwide have a Northern Lights Adventure package in Finland’s Hossa National Park. This is a self-drive trip, which can be great for families who often need a bit of flexibility. Here, kids can
learn to build an igloo with their parents., go ice fishing and learn survival skills for the extreme cold, as well as take part in classic winter activities like sledge rides with huskies and snowshoeing.
After a day exploring the icy landscapes, you’ll be able to relax in a Finnish sauna in your cosy log cabin, and look out for the aurora borealis. Prices from £1,895 per adult and £1,745 for children (age eight and above), including seven nights’ half board accommodation, activities and flights. (familiesworldwide.co.uk, 01962 302086).
SWEDEN
Ever returned from holiday only to find your travel pictures didn’t quite capture the experience in all its glory? Kirker are offering a Swedish Lapland trip including a Northern Lights photography masterclass to hone your night photography skills, and an excursion to hidden places in the wilderness guided by an experienced aurora borealis photographer.
On top of that, guests will stay at the famous Icehotel, with one night in the ‘cold room’ (around -5 degree C on bed made from ice) and two in ‘warm rooms’. A three-night trip costs from £1,689pp (two sharing), including return flights, accommodation, transfers, and the photography excursion. Additional optional excursions include travelling by snowmobile, dog-sled, or on horseback. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288; kirkerholidays.com to book.
For solo travellers, Flash Pack (who run group holidays for people for two age ranges: 30-49 and 45-59) run a four-day ‘total immersion’ into the Arctic way of life for their Winter Sweden trip. Explore high above the Arctic Circle in Kiruna, and discover the indigenous Sámi traditions, snowy forests and local life in a remote corner of the world. Activities include Northern Lights spotting (obviously), cross-country skiing and even meditating with huskies alongside a dog psychologist. The next trips leave on December 27 and December 30, priced from £2,695.
Words by Lauren Taylor, Lifestyle Editor, PA
FAR LEFT
Snowshoeing in Sweden | Flash Pack/PA
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Lapland Hotels Sky
Ounasvaara | Thomas Cook/Lapland Hotels
Sky Ounasvaara/PA
Ice Hotel in Sweden | Alamy/PA
A f r ie n d ly c ommun i ty p e r fec t f or mo de rn pro fe ss i on a ls , e ntr e pr e n e urs a n d sm a ll
b us i n e ss e s . r i v a t e o ffice s f rom 1 to 1 p e opl e a v ai l ab l e on f l e x ib l e s h ort - t e rm c ontr ac ts .
New 4 floor private office space now available at YourSpace in the Lansdowne in Bournemouth. 4,400 square feet with private kitchen. Designed and built to your specifications. On-site parking, lift served, high speed internet included.
FEATURES
Built to your specifications
On-site parking
High speed internet
24/7 access
Where timeless style meets the sea
Celebrate love, success, and remembrance on the South Coast’s only vintage motor yacht.
Operating from Poole Quay, Dorset Cruises offers an experience like no other aboard the beautifully restored 1938 vintage motor yacht, Dorset Queen. The only vessel of her kind on the South Coast, she blends classic art deco elegance with modern comfort, providing an exceptional setting for weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and special ticketed experiences. For those seeking to celebrate in style, Dorset Cruises promises sophistication and unforgettable moments on the water.
An Unforgettable Setting for Your Wedding Day
For couples seeking a wedding that’s as distinctive as it is unforgettable, Dorset Cruises offers the perfect setting. Dorset Queen departs from Poole Quay and cruises through the breath-taking beauty of Poole Harbour, creating a mesmerising backdrop for your day.
CONTACT
01202 844 199
Whether you choose to exchange vows on deck, host an elegant waterfront reception or simply take your guests for a harbour cruise before you party the evening away, the Dorset Queen promises absolute exclusivity, timeless style and a sense of occasion your guests will never forget. With Champagne in hand, bespoke menus, and space for up to 80 guests, your wedding will unfold in complete privacy and effortless luxury, surrounded by sea, sky and sheer romance.
2026 and 2027 dates are now available.
Celebration of Life
For many of us, the sea holds a special place in our hearts. Dorset Cruises offers a serene and private setting to remember loved ones, with the option of ash or flower scatterings from the top deck. The compassionate team has many years’ experience in hosting these deeply meaningful occasions, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
WEBSITE www.dorsetcruises.co.uk
Inspire Your Team, Impress Your Clients
Want to bring your team together or impress your clients? Dorset Cruises offers unique corporate events for up to 80 guests aboard the 1938 vintage motor yacht. From relaxed team days, team party nights to client celebrations, you’ll enjoy great food (including an onboard BBQ), a fully stocked bar, and stunning views across Poole Harbour.
2026 dates are now available.
Treat Someone to a Day They’ll Never Forget
The 2026 calendar of ticketed events is now live, from Gin & Jazz to High Teas and much more.
Looking for the perfect present? Dorset Cruises Gift Certificates are an ideal way to give someone special an experience they’ll treasure forever. Redeemable across a wide range of events throughout the season, our flexible e-vouchers are valid for 12 months, giving plenty of time to plan something truly magical.
Explore future events and order gift
For monetary vouchers, call 01202 844199
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
Interview with Jochebel Ohene
MacCarthy and Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi, byline Liam Rudden
On the 24th of May 2023, Anna Mae Bullock, the ‘Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll better known to the world as Tina Turner, died at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, at the age of 83.
It was a day that Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy will never forget as, at the time, she was starring as the pop legend in the Australian production of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical. It wouldn’t be until the next day that she would learn of the sad news, making that night’s performance one of the most emotional of her career.
Looking back, she recalls, “When I first performed this show, Tina was still alive, a week after we opened, she passed. I didn’t know until I started receiving messages from people the next day telling me how sorry they were to hear the sad news. I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa...’
“That night, the house was packed, people wanted to be there to pay their respects and show their gratitude. Having experienced doing the show with the potential for Tina to walk in the door at any moment, that night I experienced it with the potential of her presence being there… the emotion was phenomenal, a different level of performance, like an out of body experience.”
MacCarthy is one of two performers reprising their role as Tina for the UK tour of the smash hit musical that charts the highs and lows of the singer’s journey from Nutbush, Tennessee, to becoming one of the world’s best loved performers. Joining MacCarthy on the production directed by Phyllidia Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) is Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi - the pair will alternate the role.
ABOVE & LEFT
Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy as Tina
The first UK Tour is also the eighth production of the show; Tina - The Tina Turner Musical premiered at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2018, a Broadway production opened the following year. Further productions followed, in Hamburg in 2019, Stuttgart, where N’Zuzi joined the production, in 2020, Madrid in 2021 and Sydney, where MacCarthy came onboard in 2023. There was also a US Tour, in 2022.
Today, both Tinas are together, sharing their love of the star who first came to public attention as one half of Ike and Tina Turner and later scored global success on her own with songs such as What’s Love Got To Do With It?, We Don’t Need Another Hero, and, of course, The Best.
N’Zuzi says, “My foster dad was a huge fan of Tina Turner, consequently, she was the first black artist I was introduced to as he had all her cassettes and CDs. I’d dance in front of the TV whenever she was on, that’s why they sent me to dance school, to stop me blocking the view of the telly.”
As a child, N’Zuzi’s party-piece was Proud Mary, indeed you could say she was destined to play her current role, “Maybe there was something in the stars,” she agrees, admitting her road to the musical was “random”.
She explains, “I was in rock bands at the time and at several concerts I’d been asked to sing the likes of Proud Mary. I was working in Germany when the producers needed an alternate Tina and they emailed me. I thought, ‘Why not?’
So I went along and I got the job. It just happened.”
It was at the age of seven that MacCarthy first came across the name Tina Turner thanks to a singing birthday card she’d bought for her mum. She laughs as she recalls, ”That was the first time I ever came across her name, it was back in the day when you got these cards that, when opened, would sing. This one sang, ‘Simply the best,’ over and over again.”
To their regret, neither N’Zuzi nor MacCarthy met the rock legend whose story they tell, the former missing the opportunity to do so by just a few months.
“Tina had visited the show a few months before I joined during a cast change,” she says. “So half of the cast had met her, the other half, like me, had not.
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Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi as Tina
“But I discovered that Tina loved Germany and that when she ran away from Ike, she hid in Stuttgart, just around the corner from our theatre there. Not many people are aware of that. In fact, while I was there, I went to a local recording studio to record some stuff and there, on the walls, were all these amazing photos of Tina that I’d never seen before.”
Being on stage when Tina died meant MacCarthy couldn’t pay her respects to the star until the tour had finished, at which point she embarked on a pilgrimage to Switzerland, to visit Tina’s home.
“I went to her house and laid some flowers by her door. Unlike many huge stars who live in secluded communities, her house was by the road, she always wanted to be accessible. I spent 45 minutes there; I knew she wasn’t there but I wanted the connection of having walked the streets that she would have walked. It allowed me to say, ‘Thank you,’ to her for being the incredible woman she was and for giving strength to so many people. It was a visit filled with joy and gratitude.”
For both actors, telling Tina’s story is a challenge they are revelling in, from her trademark strut to her powerful, distinctive vocals, they have spent many hours studying the singer in order to capture her essence.
“Our choreographer Simone Mistry-Palmer worked a lot with Tina so knew all the moves. She has ensured that what you see in the show is faithful to what Tina did on stage and both Jochebel and I have watched a lot of videos.
“We still do because we are very different Tinas,’ says N’Zuzi, adding, “No one will ever be her, but as we are telling her story, we have a tool box of things we can choose to implement in the songs, for example, she had a very specific way of forming some words that audiences expect to hear.”
MacCarthy confesses that the famous strut was something she took time to master. “That whole Tinaesque presence was definitely something I had to work at and took about eight or nine weeks to perfect, but with Tina you are constantly learning. If you want to be better and better you have to constantly go back to the documentaries about her, to revisit her story, and then drive that into your performance. Every day, you learn something new.
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Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy as Tina
“The thing is, when you finish rehearsals and go to the shops and suddenly hear, ‘What’s love got to do, got to do wIth it...’ coming over the store’s speakers, you do think, “Tina’s following me. She wants me to do betterthat’s how I feel anyway.”
“Me too,” laughs N’Zuzi.
With such an iconic back-catalogue to choose from, it almost seems unfair to ask the pair to choose their favourite song, for the record it’s Tina’s cover of The Tramps’ classic floor-filler, Disco Inferno, although MacCarthy, adds, “I also love singing I Can’t Stand The Rain because a sample of it was used in Missy Elliot’s The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) - I like that, the past and the present coming together through Tina’s influence.”
N’Zuzi ranks River Deep Mountain High and, unsurprisingly, Proud Mary among her favourites, but admits, “ It’s so hard to choose, however, my favourite moment in the show is when it’s time to sing Simply The Best. The second the audience hears the introduction they are on their feet, singing out loud and in that moment Tina is alive. I look up and think, ‘Tina’s up there somewhere watching this going, ‘Oh, this one again…’.”
Simply The Best begins the musical’s explosive concert finale, which recreates Turner’s record-breaking 1988 show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Recalling the first night she stepped in front of an audience to deliver that scene, N’Zuzi reveals the audience reaction left her in tears. “I cried because, oh my God, I had done it, we had done it, and the audience gave us so much love. We were celebrating and honouring Tina together.”
That love continues at the stage door, says MacCarthy, “When you come out the Stage Door, having given it your all, and audience members, many of whom saw Tina in concert, are waiting to thank you for giving them back the memory of seeing her live, it is so encouraging. It’s a lovely, lovely feeling, so many blessings of love that can sometimes be a little overwhelming.”
N’Zuzi smiles, as she remembers, “I’m quite small in real life, so often I’m not recognised, but when I started playing Tina, my hair was shaved. When I walked back to my car after the show people never recognised me.
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Tina
Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi as
I’d hear them replaying the medley at the end of the show on their phones, saying things like, ‘Oh my god, she is Tina Turner!’ I’d stay silent but hearing them say that was such a gift for me. I’d just have a little smile. But it’s also lovely to do pictures and sign for people. Hearing them tell you how much they loved the show is so validating. That’s why you do it, to make people happy and feel nostalgic.”
As they prepare to take Tina’s story around the UK, just what would they say to the Queen of Rock if were she were to appear in their dressing room one night?
“Thank you… but then there would be so much to say, I think I would lock the door so that we could have a chat for about three hours...” laughs N’Zuzi, “… and then I’d cry.”
“I’d scream, either out of excitement or fear...” beams MacCarthy, without a second’s hesitation, “... and when I’d finished screaming, I’d ask, ‘What are you doing here?’ Because I’m not worthy of being in the presence of such greatness.”
N’Zuzi speaks for both of them, when she says, “That’s the great thing about Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, it ensures her amazing story can live on, and on, and on, and we are honoured to be keeping a part of her alive .”
TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, plays at Mayflower Theatre 7 – 18 October 2025.
www.mayflower.org.uk
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Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi as Tina
BELOW
Jochebel Ohene
MacCarthy as Tina
HOT RADIO
you! For your donations
From everyone at Hot Radio we wanted to say a massive thank you for supporting our Hot Walkers & helping us raise money for our local hospitals for a 3 year in a row! rd
Big Shout outs to... The following local businesses for their generous donations!
October fun with the National Trust in Hampshire
As temperatures drop and colours intensify, National Trust gardens, meadows and woodlands fill with sensory drama, providing kids with the perfect introduction to autumn.
From quirky pumpkin displays to glossy ‘champion’ conkers just waiting to be discovered, there are lots of discoveries to make. And of course, there’s plenty of spooky Hallowe’en fun for children of all ages over half term.
We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt Halloween Adventure at The Vyne. 11 October to 2 November, 10am - 3pm, free with normal admission
We’re going on a ghost hunt. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!
Exclusive to the National Trust, this trail is based on the bestselling children’s books from Bloomsbury, The Bunny Adventures, with illustrations by Laura Huges.
The bunnies are setting off on a Halloween adventure to find the ghosts hidden around the National Trust’s The Vyne with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way. Pick your bunny name, then follow this family-friendly trail around the beautiful autumnal gardens set against the backdrop of this former Tudor ‘power house’ as you play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones.
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National Trust Images, Chris Lacey
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Once you’ve completed the trail, collect your prize and join the bunnies at the celebration party.
Richard Grudzinski, National Trust Experiences Curator said: “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt to National Trust properties this Halloween. Our stunning autumnal gardens, houses and parklands create the perfect backdrop to bringing the bunny adventures to life, and with spooky storybook fun, playful games, and enchanting activities waiting around every corner, it’s a hauntingly delightful way for families to celebrate the season together.”
Evelyn Opoku-Agyeman, Senior Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Children’s Books said: ‘We’re delighted to collaborate with the National Trust on this enchanting interactive trail, perfect for all ages. We can’t wait for families to meet our beloved bunnies and immerse themselves in an unforgettable Halloween adventure through the magic of We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt.
This enchanting trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children (ages three to eight years). It is presented by Bloomsbury Publishing as part of a collaboration with the National Trust in London and the South East.
For more information on this event, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/hampshire/the-vyne
The Vyne in autumn | National Trust Images Hugh Mothersole
MORE HALF TERM FUN IN HAMPSHIRE…
Family cinema at The Vyne, 4 & 5 October, 7-8.30pm (gates open 5.30pm), booking essential, tickets from £9.50 - £22.50 (inc booking fee)
Get the family in the mood for Halloween with two evenings of magical (PG-rated) outdoor cinema at The Vyne. Snuggle up under blankets for spooktacular Hocus Pocus (4 Oct) and family favourite The Nightmare Before Christmas (5 Oct). Picnics welcome, hot drinks and snacks available.
Book at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne
Wilma the Witch Halloween trail at Hinton Ampner, 18 October to 2 November, trail £2
Join Wilma the Witch at Hinton Ampner to help her crack this Halloween mystery. Meet mysterious beasts, tackle the bean bag challenge, find clues and solve puzzles. Magic wands and pointy hats welcome! Recommended for ages 4-7 years.
Pumpkin displays at Hinton Ampner, 11 October to 2 November, free with normal admission
Hinton’s pumpkins are back! Over 500 pumpkins are nestled on benches and shelves, piled into carts and wheelbarrows. Don’t forget to visit the resident scarecrow, presiding over his own pumpkin patch in the pretty kitchen garden.
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Hinton Ampnerscarecrow | National Trust Images, Zoe Cotton
Hinton Ampner - little boy wth pumpkins | National Trust Images, Sophie Bolesworth
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A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Adventure at Mottisfont, until 2 November, free with normal admission
Step into the magical world of flying car Chitty Bang Bang, with Mottisfont’s exhibition and indoor activities. This story was written by Ian Fleming for his son Caspar and became a famous Disney film. Gallery rooms are filled with the original illustrations by artist John Burningham, plus there’s a life-size Chitty car you can climb into for family photos, and plenty of books to read in cosy corners.
Agent 11¾ Spy Family Trail at Mottisfont. 4 October –2 November, free with normal admission
Sign up to the ‘Secret Service’ as you step into the world of spies on this exciting new trail, inspired by Mottisfont’s connection with fictional spy James Bond. Have fun with undercover challenges, from cracking codes to creating disguises. Recommended for ages 6-12 years.
For more information on National Trust days out in Hampshire: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire
Little girl in witch’s outfit | National Trust Images, Annapurna Mellor
Hip & Happening shops in Bridport
Bridport is often called the “West London of West Dorset,” and with good reason. I’ve seen its steady rise in both quality and price, particularly in the interiors and vintage scene.
On South Street, Fitzgerald Green occupies the old Electric Cinema building. They stock contemporary accessories and the beautiful “Mylands” marble-dust paint range. Their USP is bespoke oak furniture, using French, Spanish and English, natural finish timber, and are excellent quality, large scale reproductions.
Nearby, Sea Purslane is a jewel-like shop offering luxury homewares: scented candles, jewellery, textiles and ceramics. Reasonably priced, with a lovely atmosphere and warm staff.
At St Michael’s Trading Estate, Pebble restores and upholsters mid-century modern furniture to a very high standard. In the same Clock Tower building, Stowaway showcases superb C19th–C21st furniture and lighting—think Charles Eames chairs alongside monumental oak chests. Friendly owners (and their big dog) make browsing a pleasure. Next door, Ceramics @ Unit 10 is both a working studio and teaching space, producing minimalist, contemporary pieces.
Elsewhere, Albion is a warehouse of antiques and advertising ephemera, while Gavin of GJ Burke sells vintage menswear and repairs knitwear, often to a soundtrack of cool jazz.
A perfect day out—especially on Wednesday and Saturday market days.
T. 07770 920620 E. matt@matthewgodley.co.uk www.matthewgodley.co.uk
Nothing like a British Fire
The Original Deluxe Real Logs, Black Edition, and Media Wall Installations
When it comes to transforming a house into a home, nothing rivals the warmth, character, and captivating ambience of a fire. British Fires has long understood this, and in its latest offerings the company pushes the boundaries of realism, style, and flexibility. Central to this evolution are the Deluxe Real Logs – handmade in the UK – and a three-tier system of finish and visual richness. Add to that the remarkable adaptability of the New Forest linear products, with multiple installation options and media-wall potential, and you have a fireplace solution that’s as versatile as it is visually compelling.
INSPIRED BY NATURE
THE DELUXE REAL LOGS
At the heart of British Fires’ commitment to authenticity is the Deluxe Real Logs fuel bed, a feature that sets its fires apart. These logs are real oak, responsibly sourced in the UK. Each log is hand scorched and charred, then arranged (with bark, twigs, and log remnants) by hand to create a unique fuel bed that varies slightly in each case – an inherent beauty that mass-produced ceramic sets simply cannot match. The result is a fuel bed that looks, feels, and behaves like a true wood fire even when it’s electric.
Three Tiers: Black Edition, Deluxe, and Signature
To ensure that there’s a level of finish for every taste –from those who want understated elegance to those who crave dramatic luxury – British Fires offers a threetier system:
• Black Edition: With dark rear glass, reduced reflections and a richer contrast, this tier is designed to let the Deluxe Real Logs take centre stage. The flame visuals become more intense, warmer, bolder. It’s the showstopper.
• Deluxe: Offered with our Deluxe Real Logs, get all the realism of the hand-scorched logs, warm, awardwinning, flame visuals, and excellent craftsmanship. Our standard mirrored glass creates a reflection of the logs which gives the illusion of a deeper fuel bed.
• Signature: Our original design and offering, which, is still revered today by customers who like to arrange the realistic logs and fuel bed trimmings. The original Signature Logs capture details found in natural logs being charred by a real fire and are supported by bark, husk, slate and crystal underlays with optional mood lighting from below.
The result? You can choose a finishing style that matches your home’s design, mood, or budget, without sacrificing British Fires’ hallmark of realism and quality.
THE NEW FOREST RANGE
INSTALLATION & MEDIA-WALLS
The New Forest range is designed with modern adaptability in mind. Because the design of the firebox suits three install options with a sleek, minimal, trim it creates options for your preferred style that will exude a contemporary luxury in any chosen setup. Whether you are redesigning a living room, renovating a media wall, or building from scratch, these options make it easy to integrate a fireplace literally anywhere:
• One-sided: Traditional and clean, with the full firebox visible from the front. Offers a classic focal point. This is fully recessed in many cases, creating a seamless look.
• Two-sided: Open one side to the room, cover the other – or vice versa. Works brilliantly in corner spaces, to divide or define spaces while maintaining fire presence from multiple viewpoints.
• Three-sided: Both sides open, often with the top and front open – ideal for media walls or floating installations. The fire becomes part of the architecture – visible from multiple angles, impressive in scale.
Complementing these installation varieties, the New Forest comes in sizes of 870, 1200, 1600, 1900, 2400; permitting everything from economic centre-pieces to sweeping linear features across entire walls.
Media-wall adaptability is given serious thought –whether combining with built-in shelving, integrating below TV screens, or using architectural elements to frame the fire. The sleek firebox design let you dial drama up or down to suit the taste and the space.
Furthermore, these fires are more than heating appliances – they are mood makers, atmosphere creators. The log details, glow of flames dancing, the interplay of light and shadow. All features work together in harmony to deliver an authentic experience. The three tiers let you choose the level of authenticity: subtly, luxuriously or somewhere in between. And with the New Forest’s installation flexibility, you don’t have to compromise design constraints – you can incorporate the fire however looks and feels right.
CONTACT
01202 588632
sales@superiorfires.co.uk
LOCATION
10 Avon Trading Park, Reid Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 2BT
SEE IT, FEEL IT, LIVE IT
VISIT THE SUPERIOR FIRES SHOWROOM IN CHRISTCHURCH
Photos and spec sheets are great – but nothing replaces standing in front of the flames, feeling the radiance, seeing how the Black Edition rear glass contrasts with the flames, how the Deluxe Real Logs glow under the downlights, how different installations transform a room.
That’s why we warmly invite you to visit our showroom in Christchurch, Dorset. Here you can experience these offerings in person – touch the real oak, witness flame visuals across the three tiers, explore mediawall possibilities, walk through corner and three-sided setups. Let the ambience speak to you.
Because a fire is more than just warmth. It’s the centrepiece of cherished moments with loved people. And there is no better place than our showroom to find the one that will kindle yours.
Tuscany Blinds & Shutters Ltd has a wide selection of shutters & awnings to suit any situation.
We have over 30 years’ experience supplying and fitting shutters and awnings. Our expert staff can advise you on all aspects of supply and installation, so you can be sure you’ll be happy with the results. We guarantee customer satisfaction! We only source the best products, offering you traditional and contemporary solutions for every taste.
charm, our expert team will work with you to create a space tha t’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional. With outstanding craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and a personal service fr start to finish, it’s no wonder so many of our customers say t their kitchen more and more each day. ✔ Bespoke Designs ✔ Expert Installation ✔ Exceptional Value ✔ Built to Last Visit our Cricklewood showroom and see why our kitchens are som e of the most recommended along the South Coast.
Cricklewood Kitchens
Cricklewood Kitchens
Where Beautiful Kitchens Begin
Where Beautiful Kitchens Begin
At Cricklewood Kitchens, we don’t just design kitchens — we craft the heart of your home.
At Cricklewood Kitchens, we don’t just design kitchens — we craft the heart of your home.
Whether you’re dreaming of sleek modern lines or timeless classic charm, our expert team will work with you to create a space that’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional. With outstanding craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and a personal service from start to finish, it’s no wonder so many of our customers say they love their kitchen more and more each day.
✔ Bespoke Designs
✔ Bespoke Designs
✔ Expert Installation
✔ Expert Installation
✔ Exceptional Value
✔ Exceptional Value
✔ Built to Last
✔ Built to Last
01202 488808
At Cricklewood Kitchens, we don’t just design kitchens heart of your home.
Whether you’re dreaming of sleek modern lines or timeless classic charm, our expert team will work with you to create a space that’s both beautiful and brilliantly functional. With outstanding craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and a personal service from start to finish, it’s no wonder so many of our customers say they love their kitchen more and more each day.
Visit our Cricklewood showroom and see why our kitchens are some of the most recommended along the South Coast.
Visit our Cricklewood showroom and see why our kitchens are some of the most recommended along the South Coast.
Showroom: 3D High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AB.
Showroom: 3D High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AB.
01202 488808
Whether you’re dreaming of sleek modern lines or charm, our expert team will work with you to create both beautiful and brilliantly functional. With craftsmanship, top-quality materials, and a personal start to finish, it’s no wonder so many of our customers their kitchen more and more each ✔ Bespoke Designs
www.cricklewoodkitchens.co.uk 01202 488808
Showroom: 3D High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AB.
✔ Expert Installation
The art of illumination
From statement pendants to natural finishes, Poole Lighting Factory Shop has the latest looks.
There’s something magical about lighting: it doesn’t just brighten a room, it transforms it. The right lamp or pendant can turn a dull corner into a feature, a stark kitchen into a welcoming heart of the home, or a bedroom into a calm sanctuary. If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your interiors, there’s no better place to start than Poole Lighting Factory Shop. With a vast array of designs and expert guidance on hand, it’s a destination where style meets practicality— and with lighting trends evolving, now is the perfect moment to take a look.
One of the strongest currents in interior design right now is layered lighting. Gone are the days of relying on a single overhead bulb. Today, homes are embracing multiple sources of light, carefully balanced to create depth, warmth and versatility. A lounge, for example, might combine a dramatic ceiling pendant with subtle wall lights and a scattering of table lamps, each one adjustable to suit whether you’re entertaining friends or curling up with a book.
Alongside this, natural materials and finishes are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Rattan, wood, stone and warm metals such as brass and bronze are finding their way into lighting design, bringing with them a richness of texture and an inviting glow. It’s
all part of a wider move towards interiors that feel grounded, comfortable and welcoming—spaces that not only look good but feel good too.
Statement pieces are also having their time to shine, quite literally. Oversized pendants and sculptural forms are no longer reserved for the pages of glossy magazines; they are increasingly seen in everyday homes, adding drama and personality. A striking light doesn’t just illuminate—it becomes a talking point, a central feature around which the rest of a room’s design can flow.
This is where visiting a shop such as Poole Lighting Factory Shop makes all the difference. Online browsing has its place, of course, but nothing compares to seeing lighting in reality. The warmth of a bulb, the way shadows fall, the scale of a fitting—all of these things need to be experienced to be truly appreciated. At the factory shop you can do exactly that, with the added bonus of expert staff on hand to help you find the right piece for your space. Their advice can make all the difference when you’re weighing up ceiling heights, room proportions and practical considerations like wiring.
There’s also the advantage of variety and value. Being a factory shop, the selection is not only extensive but often includes unique
finds and excellent deals. You might stumble upon a contemporary pendant at a fraction of the usual price, or discover a timeless design that feels tailor-made for your home.
Ultimately, lighting is one of the most powerful tools in shaping the atmosphere of a home. In the living room, the right combination of ceiling lights and floor lamps can create layers of comfort and sophistication. In the kitchen, under-cabinet lighting can make cooking safer and more enjoyable while pendants over a dining table add intimacy and drama. Bedrooms benefit from softer, dimmable lighting that encourages relaxation, while even bathrooms and outdoor spaces can be transformed with carefully chosen fixtures.
01202 690945
online@poolelighting.com
So if you haven’t explored Poole Lighting Factory Shop recently, now is the time. Bring along photos of your rooms, think about the moods you want to create, and be open to inspiration.
The perfect light can do more than illuminate a space—it can bring character, warmth and style into your everyday life.
Practical tips for choosing the right tiles to suit your space
This room-by-room guide will inspire you, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
From cool and contemporary to traditional collections, tiles make a great feature and transform the look, feel and functionality of a space.
“Tiles not only need to be practical, durable, and stylish, but they need to suit the specific needs of the room they’re in… while fitting the aesthetic and mood,” highlights Harriet Goodacre, style consultant at Topps Tiles.
And depending on your scheme and layout, meeting these requirements can be overwhelming, says Goodacre. “And it can be tough to know where to begin.”
Here, she shares some top tips for selecting the right tiles throughout your home…
The top tile for your kitchen Kitchen splashbacks not only protect walls from splashes and stains, but they add a defining touch to your kitchen’s overall style…
“When choosing tiles for this area, practicality and design go hand-in-hand,” underlines Goodacre.
“For splashbacks, easy maintenance is vital… porcelain tiles are an excellent option due to their smooth surface, making them quick and easy to wipe down after cooking.
“Plus, they’re durable and highly resistant to water, stains, and heat – perfect for a bustling kitchen environment.”
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Metro Stone Effect Marble Wall Metro Tiles, £22.95 per square metre, Tile Mountain | Tile Mountain/PA
For a timeless yet luxurious look, she says a marbleeffect splashback is a wonderful choice. “It’s polished surface showcases the natural charm of marble veining.
“Delicate swirls and soft streaks of grey, cream, or gold gracefully weave through a pale backdrop, adding depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space,” suggests Goodacre.
The versatility of marble-style splashbacks shines through, no matter your kitchen design, she adds.
“They pair beautifully with sleek, handleless cabinets for a modern, high-gloss aesthetic; or contrast warmly with wooden units for a more classic, traditional vibe.”
ABOVE
Lusso Bari Liberty Elm Herringbone Glue Down LVT Vinyl Flooring, £19.99 per square (was £21.99) Stories Flooring | Stories Flooring/PA
Bathrooms can also make a splash Tiles for wet spaces, like showers, need to be waterproof, durable, and effortless to clean…
“Here, shower panels make an excellent choice, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits,” advises Goodacre.
Fabricated for low maintenance, shower panels are grout-free to prevent mould, creating a more hygienic surface. “Their smooth, wipe-clean finish makes maintenance quick and easy; on top of that, they’re 100% waterproof, ensuring long-lasting durability in damp spaces,” she adds.
For example, she suggests a light oak wall panel for a modern Scandi-inspired look. “The light shades of pale oak, enriched with greyish hues and fine sapwood details, create a tranquil, spa-like ambience that makes any shower feel serene.”
Goodacre continues: “With soft wood tones and subtle, clean vertical lines, its design adds warmth and depth to bathrooms, while still being practical for every day.”
BELOW
Bleached Cuneo Oak Laminate Hydrolock Wall Panel, 240cm x 59.8cm, £199, Topps Tiles | Topps Tiles/PA
Tiles for busy rooms
One of the busiest rooms in the house, your utility room faces some of the toughest challenges… high foot traffic, constant use, and potential exposure to spills and humidity.
Not to mention muddy boots going in and out, or wet paws marking the floor. To combine function with flair, Goodacre recommends luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) as a practical, stylish solution for busy utility or boot rooms.
“These tiles convincingly mimic materials like stone, wood, or ceramic, allowing you to achieve a premium aesthetic without the hefty price tag. Built with a multilayer structure and a tough wear layer, LVT is highly reliable in handling heavy foot traffic or muddy boots,” explains Goodacre.
Indeed, some of the advantages of luxury vinyl floors include durability and comfort – the multi-layer design provides strength and water resilience, as well as being softer underfoot than ceramic or stone floors – and hassle free.
She says a quick clean with a broom or damp mop is usually all it takes to keep these tiles spotless. If you’re looking to incorporate both practicality and style, Goodacre suggests a herringbone pattern or textured plank which looks like wood.
With a light oak finish, she says they bring brightness; and a much-loved herringbone pattern adds depth and visual interest to the room. “This particular style works beautifully with natural-inspired tones, functional cabinetry, and durable accessories,” suggests Goodacre.
Moreover, whether you’re dealing with muddy boots, laundry spills, or the general wear-and-tear of daily life around an open-plan kitchen, “LVT offers a solution that’s as stylish as it is resilient,” adds Goodacre.
From the elegance and practicality of porcelain kitchen splashbacks to the waterproof, grout-free innovation of shower panels, and durable yet chic feel of luxury vinyl tiles, Goodacre says there’s a tile solution for every room and lifestyle.
“By understanding the unique requirements of each area, choosing the right tiles becomes a seamless process that ensures both function and style in your home for years to come,” she says confidently.
ABOVE
Pronto Haldon Brown Luxury Vinyl Tile, 122cm x 18cm Plank, £70.55, Topps Tiles | Topps Tiles/PA
Harriet Goodacre
| Topps Tiles/PA
Maximising space with style
How Custom Creations’
fitted furniture can transform every room in your home
When it comes to making your home work harder (and smarter) for you, fitted furniture is one of the very best investments. Dorsetbased Custom Creations, a family-run business with over forty years’ experience, specialise in handcrafted, made-to-measure fitted furniture that blends beauty, function and durability. Whether you’re reimagining bedrooms, lounges, children’s rooms, or entire homes, this artisan approach to furniture means every inch counts—and every room can reach its potential.
Why Choose Fitted Furniture?
One of the biggest wins of fitted furniture is maximising space. Free-standing units often leave awkward gaps above or beside them; fitted cupboards, wardrobes and shelves can follow the contours of your walls (even angled ones), reach ceiling height, and turn corners—making use of areas that would otherwise go
unused. Custom Creations have plenty of experience in transforming tricky rooms like angled loft spaces or compact areas where every centimetre matters.
Beyond space, fitted furniture offers a sense of harmony in the home. Because the pieces are bespoke, you can match finishes, colours, and materials so they flow with your existing décor. Whether you love light, warm wood tones or prefer something more modern, bold or muted, you’re not stuck with standard off-theshelf styles. Custom Creations offers a wide variety of styles—from slidingdoor and hinged wardrobes, walk-ins, TV units, built-in shelving to full lounge and bedroom furniture.
Room-by-room benefits
• Bedrooms & walk-ins: Fitted wardrobes or built-in closets mean you can organise clothes, footwear and accessories in the most efficient way. Pull-out trays, integrated lighting, hanging space plus drawers fitted precisely to your needs all help reduce mess.
• Lounges & living areas: Bespoke TV units, bookcases and living room cabinets can be designed to house electronics, books and décor items without looking cluttered. Hidden storage keeps surfaces clean.
• Children’s rooms: Growing needs, changing tastes, and the eternal battle with clutter mean fitted furniture offers adaptability—drawers or shelves placed where they’re accessible for smaller ones, then later rearranged or expanded.
• Home studies / offices: Built-in desks, shelving, under-desk storage, and clever corner units maximise available workspace and reduce clutter. The same principles apply in other rooms—smart storage tailored to your routine frees up floor space, improves flow and helps maintain a calm, pleasing environment.
What makes Custom Creations stand out
• Craftsmanship & local production: Their furniture is made by skilled joiners in their Dorset workshop. Fittings are done by an in-house team, ensuring quality control end to end.
• Personalised design & no hard sell: Being family run, Custom Creations puts emphasis on design advice over commission. That means recommendations are more likely based on what’s genuinely best for you and your space, rather than pushing a more expensive option.
• Guarantee & longevity: With a 25-year guarantee on their furniture, investment in fitted solutions becomes a long-term gain. The durability helps offset the higher initial cost compared to massproduced furniture.
• Wide range of styles and materials: From traditional wood effects to modern finishes, mirrored doors, sliding or hinged doors, walk-ins, over-bed units, corner solutions and more. You can choose what fits your aesthetic and your budget.
Tips to maximise space with fitted furniture
1. Plan for multi-use storage — mix open shelves, closed cupboards, drawers. Open shelves show off items; closed cupboards hide what you don’t want on display.
2. Use height & corners — build tall to ceiling, use corner cabinets or shelving. Custom Creations have solutions for angled rooms too.
3. Think ahead — will your storage needs change? Clothes, books, hobbies? Good fitted furniture is flexible in layout and built to last.
4. Match your style — pick finishes, door styles, hardware that tie in with the rest of your décor so the fitted pieces feel integrated, not tacked on.
5. Visit a showroom & see samples — nothing replaces seeing finishes, feeling handles, checking how drawers close, and exploring options in person.
In short, fitted furniture from a provider like Custom Creations isn’t just about filling walls. It’s about designing with intelligence, maximising every nook, achieving beauty and durability—and ultimately creating homes that feel more spacious, organised and truly yours.
If your goal is to make rooms work smarter (not just harder), fitted furniture is a choice you are unlikely to regret.
We are an independently owned business based in Poole, Dorset and cover the South of England. Using our commercial equipment and expertise we offer a variety of specialist cleaning processes. Our reputation is built on the quality of our work and the professionalism of our staff.
Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.
FORD PUMA –AFFORDABLE STYLE
Even after it has been on our roads for the best part of six years Ford’s Puma still draws admiring glances with its Porsche Macanesque lines. When I had my first Puma test car, I was parked in a supermarket car park and a rather trendy young couple walked past, “That’s the new Puma,” said he.
“Nice, isn’t it”, said she. A few minutes later they both purred past in their Porsche SUV. If you think a lot of people buy a car because they like the looks and then argue they bought it for more common-sense reasons then it’s probably the former.
Ford has a hard-won reputation to maintain for building affordable cars that bring a smile to their driver’s face. The Puma more than lives up to the accolade, with the sort of eagerness to tackle a corner that the
taller body might warn against. The more sporting ST-Line and ST look enhanced in all the right places with a sports body kit. However, they also have sports suspension so it’s worth checking the ride is to your liking before making your final choice, even the non-sporting models ride and handle extremely well.
Prices start at £26,580 for a Puma that comes with a 1.0-litre 125PS engine and shares all the attributes of dearer cars. The Pumas also add mild hybrid to the mix for improved green credentials and you can buy a Puma EV now too. The 1.0-litre power
plant also comes in 155PS and 170PS guise, 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic gears and five trim levels.
Every Puma gets a cockpit that looks modern, works well but arguably lacks the surface shine of some rivals. There’s plenty of room up front and more than adequate in the back, before we reach the clever bit in the boot. Lift the boot floor and you discover what Ford calls a MegaBox, an 80 litres waterproof compartment, complete with drain plug for dirty wellies and the like. The goodies count is impressive, with even the lead-in Puma featuring power heated powered door mirrors, auto lights, high beam assist, auto wipers, cruise, climate and selectable drive modes.
The Puma is one of the few SUVs that has a distinctive style, as opposed to so many that are very bling or aggressive and as a result looks stylish beyond its affordable price tag. You can also go full electric with the Gen-E.
NEW HYUNDAI IONIQ 9
Since its debut back in November 2024, Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 electric SUV has been one of the company’s most anticipated vehicles of 2025.
All IONIQ 9 models feature a 110kWh battery, with a choice of Long Range 218PS RWD, Long Range 307PS AWD or 427PS AWD Performance powertrains, all with standard heat pump. The Long-Range RWD model offers a 160-kW rear motor, while the Long-Range AWD adds a 66-kW front motor for extra performance. For maximum output, the Performance AWD models see powerful 157-kW motors on both the front and rear axles.
The Performance AWD model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds, while the Long-Range AWD variant takes 6.7 seconds. The Long-Range RWD achieves this in 9.4 seconds. Torque levels of 350Nm for Long Range RWD, 605Nm for Long Range AWD and 700Nm for Performance models ensure rapid overtaking ability and higher speed acceleration when required.
With prices starting from £64,995, the IONIQ 9 Premium 218PS RWD features 19” alloy wheels, roof rails, LED cube projection headlights and LED taillights, automatic door handles, privacy glass and power tailgate. Interior equipment includes heated leather steering wheel, wool and leather combination seat upholstery, heated, ventilated and electrically operated front seats with 8-way adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, heated rear seats. Premium models are equipped with three zone climate control, automatic dimming rear view mirror, auto headlights and windscreen wipers.
Available from £73,495, the Ultimate 307PS AWD builds on the Premium specification by adding 20” alloy wheels, body coloured
wheel arch with black inserts and panoramic sunroof. Interior specification includes leather upholstery, 4-way lumbar adjustments to driver and passenger front seats, ventilated rear seats and power folding 3rd row.
The Ultimate trim also adds two key features; the Ergo Motion driver’s seat and Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) technology. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat is designed to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during driving through massage functions including “comfortable stretch” and “smart posture assist,” which can be accessed and customized through the infotainment system.
The range topping Calligraphy model starts from £75,795 for the 307PS AWD. Calligraphy models add 21” wheels and full body coloured wheel arches, as well as bumper and side skirt graphics. Nappa leather upholstery and UVC Sterilization Tray. The Calligraphy is also available in a 6-seat configuration with a sliding centre console and the ability to rotate the 2nd row when parked.
HONDA REVEALS GREATEST EUROPEAN ROADS WITH
INTERACTIVE CIVIC TYPE R MAP
Honda has created an interactive map of the best European driving roads to celebrate the end of Civic Type R sales in Europe, after nearly 30 years in 2026. Killed off by EU regulations, as have several interesting sporting models from other manufacturers, production will focus on other markets where regulations aren’t quite so strict.
Featuring over 120 spectacular routes across 25 countries, the interactive map enables drivers to locate thrilling roads, iconic drives and some hidden gems and enjoy their own road trip. This bespoke guide was created by Honda, using roads and routes supplied by motoring experts, driving enthusiasts, as well as Civic Type R owners and fans across Europe.
Labelled as ‘Honda Dream Drives’ with routes that stretch from the far north of Scotland in the UK to the south of Spain and each has been carefully selected to deliver everything from brilliant bends to breathtaking views. Adventures can be explored by theme - scenic, coastal, crosscountry, or mountainous - in any chosen country and the experience is enhanced by compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on mobile devices.
Featuring iconic routes such as the Stelvio Pass in Italy, Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania and the North Coast 500 around the top of Scotland, to lesser-known roads that have been championed by like-minded locals. Such as the stunning run through the volcanic landscape of Káli-medence in Hungary, and the sinuous mountain roads around Pianezze, Italy, the home of the annual Marca Rally motorsport event.
Find Europe’s best driving roads with ease on hondadreamdrives.com, a dedicated microsite that is accessible on mobile or desktop devices. Users can search for a specific road – if they know its name – or find inspiration by country, route type, drive distance or duration. Once a route is selected, location details are provided, including any potential hazards, or seasonal closures that a driver could encounter. Users can then select to navigate to and along the road of their choice with a direct link to Google Maps or the standard map function on their chosen device.
For more information on the Honda Type R Greatest Driving Roads interactive map visit https://www.hondadreamdrives.com/
KIA PICANTO –CHARACTERFUL FUN
Small city cars are an endangered species it seems nowadays, the SUV rules the showrooms but there are a few exceptions and one of these is Kia’s Picanto. It’s been in the sales brochures since 2004 and remains one of the most popular small city cars. The range starts at a modest, by today’s standards, £16,695 and standard equipment across the range includes cruise control, heated and adjustable door mirrors, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, navigation, auto lights, TPMS and reversing camera with sensors.
The three model Picanto line-up starts with the Pure grade and follows on with the GT Line and GT Line S. Picanto power is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
Despite the Picanto’s diminutive size it’s surprising how spacious it is inside, don’t get me wrong you won’t be packing for four people on a week’s camping holiday. However, unless you have very long legs and lots of luggage, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Although there is quite a lot of hard plastics the interior looks and feels pretty decent and doesn’t feel like a cheap option.
My top-of-the-range GT-Line S model is a fantastically well-equipped car with heated seats, steering wheel, auto lights including high-beam assist, electric glass tilt and slide sunroof, automatic air conditioning, faux leather upholstery, keyless start and entry/ exit, rear privacy glass, wireless mobile charging, the list is endless.
On the road the Picanto has the usual array of bings, bongs and chimes for seemingly anything the driver does, but then that’s common to all new cars irrespective of manufacturer. The ride is good and the visibility excellent, and being able to see all four corners of the car makes it a doddle to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
It’s a car that can be immense fun, certainly it’s got character, but the engine is its downside. If you are using the Picanto for urban driving, which to be fair it’s designed for, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the drive. Meet the slightest incline or need a turn of speed to join a fast road and you’ll need to make very good use of the gears. The price tag of my top-of-the-range GT-Line S at £19,545 is also a potential stumbling block when you look at some of the competition.
All that said the Picanto achieves something few ‘ordinary’ cars can manage, it puts a smile on the driver’s face.
BENTLEY’S HERITAGE COLLECTION WINS THREE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
Bentley’s expanded Heritage Collection has seen three special results over the summer, attending motoring events including two class wins to mark the completion of the task to rebuild the collection. It now stands at 50 cars, 40 driveable, road legal models and 10 ready-to-go racing machines.
The company’s new EXP 15 design concept was on the Concept Lawn at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, on the main show field was a one-of-one 1939 Mk V Corniche becoming the first ever manufacturer-entered car to be fully judged in the event’s 75 years history.
Reborn over the course of a 15+ year project, initially by a team of dedicated Derby era Bentley enthusiasts and the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust before being completed with the assistance of Mulliner, the Corniche has recently been re-registered on its original number plate – GRA 270.
At this year’s Salon Prive at Blenheim Palace, Bentley’s 1953 R Type Continental – JAS 949 – was entered into the dedicated class for classic cars with H J Mulliner coachwork. It collected Best in Class Award.
Finally, one of the most important cars in the company’s collection entered the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance. Bentley’s 8-Litre Weymann saloon is deemed by many to be W O Bentley’s finest creation. It is the second of the 100 cars built and was driven by W O himself for around 18 months with regular trips across to France.
It still serves today as the ceremonial Chairman’s car with spare keys kept, with a model of the car, in the CEO’s office. The 8-Litre won the award for best manufacturer entered car and was joined by a 10-car display from the collection spanning 1926 to 2012.
BYD REVEALS PRICING FOR ITS ALL-NEW ATTO 2
Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker Chinese car maker BYD has been an increasingly dominant presence with its model line-up gaining praise for the build quality and, in EV terms, affordable pricing. The company has announced prices for its lead-in, and what it says is its most accessible, SUV: the ATTO 2. The allnew ATTO 2 is available in two trim levels – Boost and Comfort – with prices starting from £30,850 on-the-road for the Boost version, while the Comfort trim level starts at £34,950 on-the-road.
Although more than happy on longer journeys the ATTO 2 is aimed at being more of an urban electric car, with no features normally the preserve of larger models. Standard equipment on the ATTO 2 includes such items as a 12.8-inch central touchscreen that can be rotated between portrait and landscape positions at the touch of a button. Wireless smartphone charging; high-tech audio system with
eight speakers; intelligent voice control and vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which enables owners to power external devices such as a coffee machine or lawnmower. Personally, I’m not quite sure I’d use the feature but perhaps out at the park for the day then it might well prove useful!
The lead-in trim Boost models feature a 51.1kWh battery which offers a potential range of up to 214 miles in mixed driving and a potential range of 302 miles for city driving. It is fitted with an 82kW DC onboard charger which means it can charge
from 30 to 80% in just 30 minutes if you locate one of the fast chargers that seem to be appearing more frequently.
Meanwhile, higher trim Comfort models benefit from a larger 64.8kWh battery which offers up to 261 miles of range. A 155kW on-board DC charger is fitted as standard, allowing the ATTO 2 to charge in as little as 21 minutes from 30 to 80%.
Again, suitable chargers being available.
The Blade Battery that powers BYD models is designed to deliver durability and performance. and, for the first time on a compact BYD, uses what is known as cell-tobody (CTB) technology. CTB integrates the battery completely into the vehicle chassis, with the top cover of the pack acting as the floor for the passenger compartment. The layout, which is unique to BYD and a first in the compact SUV segment, delivers improved packaging and exceptional levels of body rigidity.
E L E G A N T C L I N I C
* These offers cannot be used in conjuction with any other offers or promotions
Patch testing is required 48 hrs ahead of booking tinting
Sculptra Body
What is Sculptra?
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable that works with your body to stimulate collagen production, gradually enhancing your natural contours and revitalising your skin. Unlike fillers that simply add volume, Sculptra rebuilds your skin’s foundation for results that look subtle, soft , and longlasting.
Areas We Treat with Sculptra:
• Face – Restore youthful fullness, soften lines, and improve skin quality
• Neck – Smooth crepey skin and improve firmness
• Décolletage – Reduce fine lines and refresh delicate skin.
• Arms – Tighten and rejuvenate the appearance of sagging skin.
• Abdomen – Improve tone and texture for a smoother look
• Buttocks – Enhance natural curves and achieve a subtle lift without surgery
Why Choose Sculptra at Elegant Clinic?
• Natural results that develop gradually, never overdone
• Long-lasting improvements in collagen and skin quality
• Personalised treatments tailored to your body ’s needs
• A refined, elegant approach to aesthetics – because beauty should feel like you
Now available – Book your Sculptra consultation at Elegant Clinic today and take the first step toward sculpting your beauty from within.
Results can vary. A face-to-face consultation with practitioner Shikha is required before treatment Pictures shown are for reference purposes only and not actual results that Elegant Clinic have preformed.
BUILDING LASTING CONNECTIONS: FROM WORKOUT BUDDIES TO LIFELONG FRIENDS
Embrace personal growth, connect with likeminded individuals and achieve your fitness goals
Step into Train Elite, and you’ll discover that it’s not just a place to break a sweat and lift weights; it’s a hub for building meaningful connections.
Here, you will meet like-minded individuals who share similar interests and passions. As you embark on your fitness journey, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a group that inspires, challenges, and pushes you towards your full potential. Beyond the workout, these connections often extend far beyond the gym, creating lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
Our Train Elite members have formed incredible bonds and taken on thrilling adventures together, including Tough Muddler events, park runs, cold water sea dipping, biking groups, mountain walks, and numerous charity events.
Join the Train Elite community today
We invite you to come and experience Train Elite first hand. Step inside our facility, meet our passionate team, and take advantage of our complimentary 3-session trial. Discover a fitness community that goes beyond the ordinary, where personal growth, lasting connections, expert guidance, inclusivity, and fun converge to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Celebrate in style at La-Mia’s
The perfect blend of charm, flavour and celebration
La-Mia’s Mediterranean Bar & Restaurant on Poole Quay is the kind of place that instantly feels like home. With its welcoming atmosphere, stylish interiors and harbour views, it’s the perfect setting for long lunches, sunset cocktails and those big milestone celebrations from weddings to private parties that deserve that special touch.
WEDDINGS AT LA-MIA’S
If you’re newly engaged and searching for a venue that feels a little different, LaMia’s promises a wedding reception filled with charm, character and celebration. The relaxed Mediterranean setting makes the occasion feel really special, from Champagne welcome drinks, to a feast of freshly prepared tapas, cocktails and dancing late into the night.
CONTACT
01202 072831
hello@la-mias.co.uk
Their dedicated team works closely with every couple to create a celebration that feels uniquely them, with flexible packages and full venue hire available for both intimate gatherings and larger parties. With the quay as your backdrop, your wedding will be filled with romance, a wonderful atmosphere and unforgettable memories.
Wedding photos credit Carl Martin Photography
CHRISTMAS PARTIES AT LA-MIA’S
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas party at La-Mia’s. Last year was fully booked with Christmas parties! Think twinkling lights, festive décor, the resident DJ, and tables
brimming with delicious food. Whether you’re planning your work night out, or a lively night with friends, their Christmas menu will be a hit with everyone and the team will make sure you have the best time.
La-Mia’s offer exclusive hire for larger groups, or reserved areas for smaller parties, with festive drinks packages, DJs and late night cocktails to keep the celebrations flowing. Bookings are now open for 2025 and prime December dates won’t stay free for long.
WEBSITE
www.la-mias.co.uk
ADDRESS
La Mia’s, Quayside, Hennings Wharf, The Quay, Poole BH15 1GZ
HARBOURSIDE RESTAURANT & BAR
Sabrina Ghayour:
‘We all have less time, we all have less money, we all have people to feed’
The TV chef chats to Lauren Taylor about pared-down, simpler food in a busy world.
British-Iranian chef Sabrina Ghayour reckons many Persian dishes can be made much simpler for the home cooks. “Lots of stuff is just shrouded in tradition, and tradition can go back generations to when they didn’t have electricity or didn’t have commercial cleaning of food. So, why is it essential to have four pots on the stove for a Persian stew? No, I’ve done it all in one pot and it works.”
The 49-year-old, who shot to critical acclaim with her debut cookbook Persiana in 2014 and has since published seven more, adds: “Auntie would say, ‘I’m telling you, I’ve been doing this for 45 years’. You get told by your mother you cannot do this any other way and then someone like me comes along, who is a bit lazy and loves a shortcut.
“I’m thinking, ‘Why can’t you do it this way? Screw it, we’ll try it’. That’s how a lot of my Persian and traditional recipes are perfected.
“I know what changes I can make and which would compromise flavour and which wouldn’t, so I’m thinking, let’s make it easier. We don’t need to soak rice 500 times.”
Her latest cookbook, Persiana Easy, sticks to the Persian food we know and love her for (think brunch kuku, mutton raan and polow), alongside dishes from near and not so near regions, like Lebanese Hashweh next to Pakistani-style Biryani, Indian
smashed crispy potato chaat and Egyptian koshari. But this time, stripped back and simpler.
Ghayour’s food is often cited as Middle Eastern, but the term doesn’t always feel right to her. “It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just a bit broad. It’s like calling English food European,” she suggests. “I just think sometimes we generalise it and go, yeah, the Middle East. Because idiots like me cook recipes from Morocco and Turkey, and then they get batched in with my books. Of course, neither of them are in the Middle East.”
Her recipe ideas do derive from far and wide though; “My uncle’s Pakistani, my other uncle is Afghani – I grew up with all influences… [and] there’s a lot of Persian influence in lots of other countries, we got around, the Persian empire.”
Self-taught from the age of five (“My mum can’t cook at all, no one taught me, I just watched telly”) Ghayour grew up trying things out in the kitchen, eventually launching ‘Sabrina’s Kitchen’ supper clubs from her London flat, and is now a regular on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen as well as Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
The fact that she’s a home cook, rather than a professional restaurant chef, isn’t a disadvantage though, she says.
“You’re providing value from what you’re asking [cookbook readers] to buy, if they don’t already have it – that’s because I’m a home cook, so when I do recipe tests that I’m staring at in my kitchen, and I realise that’s actually not a weakness, that’s a strength. I’m always using the same things in my kitchen. So that’s kind of given me confidence.”
She’s “not afraid” to use the same store cupboard ingredients over and again. “Sometimes you’ll have recipes of mine that will maybe have, let’s say, eight ingredients, but six of them are the same. The key ingredient and something else is different, they taste totally different to one another,”
ABOVE
Persiana Easy by Sabrina Ghayour | Kris Kirkham/PA
the last 10 years, pomegranate molasses, sumac, and all these things have been added to that.”
because we’re a big soup house, especially my mother and mother-in-law, they live off soup.
“I think any cuisine that you haven’t done before, people will perceive to be difficult to make,” Ghayour says, but her aim is to provide a calming voice in the kitchen.
“Because cooking is confidence. It’s not even about the food, it’s about how straightforward was it for me to convey my recipe to you? Calm you down in the process, tell you there’s nothing to worry about, you don’t need to do this, you don’t need to do that. It’s fine.”
“I’ve purposely written that calm into every intro in all of my books.”
Words by Lauren Taylor, Lifestyle Editor, PA
she says. “I used to think that made me a bit of a charlatan or an imposter, and then I realised, actually that’s really good because people [at home] are using the same ingredients. So you’re asking them to buy and they’re using them up.”
The most important things are probably already in your pantry anyway, including; good sea salt (“Good salt makes everything taste good in the absence of any other spice”) pepper (“a very key spice – I use it as more than just a seasoning”), chilli flakes, oregano, garlic granules and curry powder, she suggests.
“In God’s honest truth, most of the Persian and Middle Eastern ingredients are readily available in supermarkets – and yes, in
Now based in York, Ghayour tied the knot in 2021 and became part of a bigger family. “After Covid and getting married and now a stepmum, life has changed.
“I literally cook every single day, I cook three meals every day.
“We all have less time, we all have less money, we all have people to feed – there’s so many reasons to keep things pareddown as much as possible. I’m certainly more pared-down [rather] than hunting after the authentic version of something.”
So many of her recipes are easier versions of classics, while others are entirely made up – take the hummus soup, for example. “I’m always trying to come up with soups
ABOVE
Sabrina Ghayour’s duck and pomegranate salad with honey pomegranate sauce | Kris Kirkham/PA
Persiana Easy by Sabrina Ghayour is published in hardback by Mitchell Beazley, priced £28. Photography by Kris Kirkham. Available now.
ABOVE
Sabrina Ghayour | Kris Kirkham/PA
Kris Kirkham/PA
INGREDIENTS
2 generous handfuls of frozen peas
600g potatoes, peeled and left whole
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 heaped teaspoon garlic granules
1 heaped teaspoon pul biber chilli flakes
1 heaped teaspoon ground turmeric
1tsp ground cumin
1 small packet (about 30g) of fresh coriander, finely chopped
1 x 320g ready-rolled puff pastry sheet (about 350 x 230mm)
1. Put the frozen peas into a saucepan, pour over boiling water and leave to soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water for about 20 minutes until cooked all the way through. Drain and leave to cool. Once cool enough to handle, cut into 1cm (½ inch) cubes and place in a mixing bowl. Add the cooked peas, red onion, garlic granules, spices, a generous amount of salt and pepper and the coriander and mix everything together (don’t worry if you end up crushing some of the potatoes in doing so). Leave to cool completely.
3. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 220°C, 200°C fan (425°F), Gas Mark 7. Line a large baking tray with baking paper and lay the puff pastry sheet on it.
4. Spoon out the potato mixture along one long side of the pastry, use your hands to form it into a sausage shape, then flatten it to about the width of your hand. Fold the other side of the pastry over the potato, then seal the pastry edges using a fork to press the edges together. You can score patterns into the pastry top if desired, but do it gently to avoid piercing the pastry.
5. Brush the pastry lightly with the olive oil to glaze, if using, then bake for 25 minutes until nicely browned and puffed up. Serve immediately.
Pineapple, spiced caramel and thyme tarte tatin
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 180°C fan, Gas Mark 6.
SERVES 2-4
2. Select a large skillet or ovenproof frying pan for your tatin. Dust a clean work surface with a little flour and roll out the puff pastry into a circle slightly larger than your pan.
3. Place your pan over a medium heat, scatter the sugar evenly over the base and then sprinkle the cinnamon, pepper and thyme leaves evenly over the top. Once the pan heats up, swirl the sugar around in the pan (don’t stir) until it has dissolved and turns a deep caramel colour. Arrange the pineapple slices nicely in the pan (this will be the top of your tart), then add the butter around the pineapple, turn the heat up a little and cook for a few minutes until the pineapple starts to caramelise on all sides, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent the pineapple from sticking.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and place your pastry circle on top, tucking the edges carefully inside the sides of the pan all round, being careful not to burn your fingers on the hot caramel. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and deeply golden brown.
5. Wearing oven gloves, remove the pan from the oven, then place a serving plate larger than the pan over it and carefully flip the pan and plate over together to turn the tart out on to the plate.
Kris Kirkham/PA
Duck & pomegranate salad with honey pomegranate sauce
SERVES 2-4
INGREDIENTS
2 duck legs (about 460g total weight)
3 fat spring onions
100g mixed salad leaves
100g pack of pomegranate seeds, juice from the pack reserved for the dressing
Handful of mint leaves, rolled up tightly and thinly sliced into ribbons
Maldon sea salt flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
For the dressing:
2tbsp pomegranate molasses
2tsp runny honey
2tbsp olive oil
Juice from the pack of pomegranate seeds
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, 170°C fan (375°F), Gas Mark 5. Line a small baking tray with baking paper, and line a plate with a double layer of kitchen paper. Place the duck legs on the lined tray, season the skin with salt and pepper, then roast for 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, cut the white part of the spring onions into small batons, then slice very thinly into matchsticks. Place in cold water and set aside. Thinly slice the remaining green parts. Once cooked, remove the duck legs from the tray, leaving them on the baking paper, and set aside.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 240°C, 220°C fan (475°F), Gas Mark 9. Line the baking tray with fresh baking paper.
4. Carefully remove the skin from the duck without breaking it (use a knife to help you release it from the underside), place on the lined tray and roast for 10 minutes until extra crispy. Remove the duck skin and transfer to the paper-lined plate to drain.
5. Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper and set aside. Shred the duck meat using your fingers or 2 forks.
6. To serve, arrange the salad leaves on a large platter, scatter over some of the pomegranate seeds and the green and white parts of the spring onions. Arrange the duck meat on top and season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining pomegranate seeds and the mint. Use a spoon to drizzle over the dressing. Finally, break up the duck skin into bite-sized pieces, add on top of the salad, then serve. This needs no other accompaniment.
Kris Kirkham/PA
Dinner, chaos & comedy on the Sea!
At Key West, Bournemouth Pier
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience is back for its 5th year at Key West on Bournemouth Pier, and tickets for Saturday 8th November 2025 are selling fast!
This international comedy phenomenon has wowed audiences everywhere from London’s West End to the Sydney Opera House, and now it’s returning to the most spectacular setting in town. Perched at the very end of Bournemouth Pier, Key West offers jaw-dropping panoramic sea views, cocktails that keep the laughs flowing, and a front-row seat to the chaos of Basil, Sybil and Manuel as they unleash two hours of pure mayhem.
With over 70% of the show improvised, no two nights are ever the same, and that’s exactly the fun of it. Guests become part of the action, surrounded by the antics of the Faulty Towers trio while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner served at their tables.
This is immersive theatre at its finest: wildly unpredictable, brilliantly funny and paired with the unique charm of dining quite literally above the waves.
Tickets are £74.95 per person and include the full three-course dinner and interactive show.
Hilarious entertainment, fantastic food, and unbeatable sea views, only at Key West.
Book now at keywestbournemouth.co.uk
TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS OR MAKE A RESERVATION Call 01202 237902 or visit www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk
Key West dates for your diary
NOVEMBER
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE
Saturday 1st November
FAULTY TOWERS: THE DINING EXPERIENCE
Saturday 8 th November
WESTBOURNE ROTARY CLUB PRESENTS… LIVE MUSIC IN AID OF CHARITY
Friday 14th November
KEY WEST & JONGLEURS PRESENTS… COMEDY ON BOURNEMOUTH PIER
Saturday 15th November
DRAG ON THE PIER: VICKI VIVACIOUS SLEIGHS THE NIGHT
Saturday 22nd November
SCROOGE: A GRAVE TALE OF THINGS YET TO COME DINING EXPERIENCE
Friday 28 th November
ELVIS TRIBUTE
Saturday 29 th November
DECEMBER
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 14th, 20 th, 21 st, 22nd & 23 rd December
BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT keywestbournemouth.co.uk
Wassmuffin Martial Arts Academy; Building stronger bodies, stronger minds, and stronger communities!
At Wassmu in Martial Arts Academy in Boscombe, we believe martial arts is more than just fighting — it’s healing.
We’ve seen what anxiety, depression, and isolation can do to people. We’ve also seen how stepping onto the mat can change lives. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to serve the community, o ering real support through real action.
Here’s what we’re doing right now to help our community — and it’s all FREE:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes – Wednesdays at 7pm & Fridays at 6:30pm These sessions are open to the public, o ering self-defence skills, fitness, and mental clarity to anyone who needs it — no strings attached.
Mental Health Martial Arts Program –6 Weeks of Free Support
This special program is for individuals battling severe anxiety. We’ve created a calm, safe, and empowering environment where people can train, connect, and heal.
Class times (Limited to 16 participants for personal attention):
• Mondays at 9:30am
• Wednesdays at 6:30am
• Fridays at 9:30am
At Wassmu in, we don’t just teach Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu — we build warriors in mind and body. We believe no one should be left behind due to financial struggles or emotional hardships.
Whether you’re looking for a way out of anxiety or a way into fitness — we’ve got your back.
Join the movement. Be part of something powerful. Message us to get started.
Instagram @wassmu inmartialarts
CONTACT
01202 729 270 | 07766 090116
info@fitterthanfit.co.uk
WEBSITE
www.fitterthanfit.co.uk
LOCATION
Wassmu in Mixed Martial Arts Academy, 686 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH7 6BT
You pack your Christmas jumper and we’ll provide the sparkle with our fabulous fun-filled festive weekend break at RNLI College hotel
Friday 14 November to Sunday 16 November 2025
Friday 21 November to Sunday 23 November 2025 £259 per person (based on double occupancy, minimum age 18)
Photos:
Eyewear that defines you: Discover designer frames at Whiffens Opticians
When it comes to looking after your eyesight, you deserve the very best care and expertise. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Whiffens Opticians in Ashley Cross, Poole. Established in 1984, Whiffens has been proudly serving the local community for over four decades, building a reputation for professionalism, trust, and friendly service.
What makes Whiffens stand out is the personal approach. Their experienced optometrists take the time to carry out thorough eye tests, ensuring that every detail of your vision and eye health is checked with care. Whether it’s your very first eye examination or a routine check-up, you’ll leave feeling confident that your sight is in safe hands.
Style matters too, and at Whiffens you’ll find more than just glasses – you’ll discover eyewear that elevates your look. Their
shelves showcase an inspiring collection of designer frames from some of the world’s most sought-after brands, bringing together timeless classics, bold statement pieces, and the latest trends straight from the catwalk. Whether you’re after understated elegance or a standout accessory that turns heads, Whiffens has the perfect pair to match your personality. And because great style should be for everyone, they also offer a carefully curated range of high-quality, affordable frames that combine comfort, durability, and style in equal measure.
Being an independent practice, Whiffens is not tied to any one supplier, which means they can offer unbiased advice and the right solution for your individual needs. This flexibility, combined with their warm, community-focused service, is why so many people in Poole have trusted them for generations.
If it’s been a while since your last eye test, or you’re simply looking for designer eyewear that makes you feel and look your best, now is the time to book. Call Whiffens Opticians in Ashley Cross today and experience the difference that genuine care and expertise can make.
Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “Wild Autumn is a week packed full of Halloween fun for all the family as well a chance to meet our incredible animals and their keepers.
Zoo photographer
“With plenty of indoor activities, as well as stunning outdoor backdrops, you’ll be entertained whatever the weather. What a way to spend half term!”
Marwell has also just launched a fantastic competition to win a one-of-a-kind brick dodo worth £1,500 and a family day out at the zoo for Wild Autumn. Last entry date is October 5. For more information visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dodo
Visitors are encouraged to download the free Marwell Zoo app for handy maps, animal feed times, and the latest news during their visit.
By visiting Marwell, you are contributing to the vital conservation projects here in the UK and across the globe.
To book tickets and find out more about the latest animal news visit their webiste www.marwell.org.uk
What’s on IN OCTOBER
With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.
COUNTRY ROOTS
10 OCTOBER
Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability charity, is holding it’s second country event of the year this October.
Following the successful first Country Roots event in June, the charity will be holding it’s second country event at The Treehouse in Hurn on Friday 10 October from 6pm until 11pm.
Outside there will be games and food trucks, and inside will be the bar, live music and line dancing.
The Treehouse opened last year as a specialist venue for people with disabilities, and now hosts various sessions for children with disabilities from across the local area.
THE TREEHOUSE
www.diverseabilities.org.uk
BLOOD BROTHERS
07 - 11 OCTOBER
Bill Kenwright’s award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers makes a welcome return to Lighthouse Poole to play a week’s run from Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October.
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
WICKED WILDLIFE TRAIL
25 OCTOBER - 02 NOVEMBER
An adventure through beach, dunes, and woodland where nocturnal creatures leave clues behind for brave explorers to uncover. With 10 different activity stations to complete, you’ll track the secrets of which animals come out at night through games, puzzles, and handson fun. Costumes are welcome, curiosity is essential, and every twist in the trail promises a wild surprise. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and Halloween adventurers of all ages. Are you ready to explore the wild side of this Halloween? Booking not needed. £3.50 per trail.
STUDLAND BAY
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
HALLOWEEN FAMILY PARTY
29 OCTOBER
Why not make this Halloween unforgettable! Join Key West for the Spooktacular Family Halloween Party, brought to you by the South West’s highest-rated children’s entertainers—Party Peeps!
Expect two hours of non-stop family fun packed with: a high-energy disco and family rave, hilarious games and challenges, sweet giveaways, prizes, exclusive Party Peeps T-shirts, and incredible special effects: bubbles, snow, confetti cannons and more!
KEY WEST www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk
A
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG ADVENTURE
19 JULY - 2 NOVEMBER
Take off on a magical family adventure this summer through imagination, illustration, and invention! Discover the world of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang like never before in our new exhibition, celebrating Ian Fleming’s iconic story.
Explore over 80 original illustrations that bring the tale to life, featuring artwork by John Burningham, Steve Antony, and Thomas Gilbert. And the adventure doesn’t stop there – enjoy our free family trail, packed with interactive fun and adventures for all ages!
Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.
Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.
This irresistibly funny show has been thrilling audiences all around the world and now there’s never been a better time to see this unforgettable musical. Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at MAMMA MIA!
MAYFLOWER THEATRE www.mayflower.org.uk
STICK MAN TRAIL
NOW - 31 DECEMBER
MOORS VALLEY
COUNTRY PARK
www.moors-valley.co.uk
HALLOWEEN HUNT
03 OCTOBER04 NOVEMBER
MOORS VALLEY
www.moors-valley.co.uk
THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK SHOW
10 OCTOBER
LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
‘FANG-TASTIC’ HALF TERM
25 OCTOBER02 NOVEMBER
FARMER PALMER’S www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
AUTUMN FUN
26 - 30 OCTOBER
LULWORTH CASTLE www.lulworth.com
It is time to TAKE A BREAK
Pop
ACROSS CRYPTIC CLUES
1. Spoken (4)
8. Non-indulgence (10)
9. Finish (8)
10. Appearance (4)
12. Compulsion (6)
14. Trunks (6)
15. Tiny (6)
17. Herdsman (6)
18. Photo (4)
19. On time (8)
21. Pirate (10)
22. Simpleton (4)
CRYPTIC CLUES
2. Turn (10)
3. Light (4)
4. Estimate (6)
5. Sundry (6)
6. Affluent (4-2-2)
7. Frail (4)
11. Broadcast (2,3,5)
13. Accoutred (8)
16. Use (6)
17. Signify (6)
18. Secure (4)
20. Grass (4)
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Experience first-hand the elegance of our awnings and shutters with a showroom visit that lets you ‘test drive’ our finest offerings. Plus, enjoy our personalised service, where we come to you, hassle-free and without obligation!
