BH Living Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Photo taken at Mudeford Quay by Matthew Ashmore

News from the three towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

PLUS BCP Council’s Local Plan rejected by Inspectors

The art of sleep: Top tips for a good nights sleep

Locals to bid final farewell to Poole Maternity Unit

– page 10

– page 14

– page 20

MP in the Spotlight:

We talk to Jessica Toale MP for Bournemouth West – page 22

SPRING WHAT'S ON PULLOUT ON PAGES 16-18

Find us online at bhliving.co.uk @bhlivingdorset

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One magazine distributed to over 170,000 homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole 24/03/2025 07:40

Beach days

made easy

Hire our famous

beach huts

from just £119* *subject to availability and time of year

Easy to book, moments hard to forget Book for a week or longer bcpcouncil.gov.uk / beach-hut-hire

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Welcome

Hello readers,

Welcome to the Spring edition of BH Living and by the time you read this, we will be in British Summertime! (well the clocks go forward at least). Officially we’re in springtime, but the lighter evenings and flower buds give unmistakeable clues to warmer, sunnier weather on the way.

So what are your plans for the warmer, sunnier weather? Unfortunately, I tend to leave my leisure plans to the last minute, often missing out on events and activities that I’d love to have attended in hindsight. But I’m determined this year to plan ahead so I don’t miss out this spring and summer. And there’s no excuse because our researchers at BH Living have done all the hard work for me in compiling our What’s on Listings on pages 16-18 and page 30.

There are some fantastic events this springtime, so why not sit down, like me, with a cup of tea and diary to hand and start pencilling in all those ‘must-go-to’ and ‘must-see’ events now before time flies by and we miss out once again.

Speaking of time flying by, can you believe that it’s almost a year since we had the last general election with a new government arriving in Westminster? We also saw a lot of changes locally with new MPs being voted in across BCP. In our new ‘MP in the Spotlight’ series, we wanted to get to know our local MPs a bit better, so over the next few editions, we’ll be finding out about the person behind the job, what they feel passionately about and what they’ll be doing for the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who voted for them.

First up, in this edition is Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West who was newly elected, taking over from Connor Burns. Jessica made history by not only being the first Labour MP for Bournemouth West but also being the first female MP for the area too. Read our interview with Jessica on page 22.

One of the incoming government’s priorities is to make more housing available. You may remember that in a recent edition of BH Living, we covered ‘The Rental Trap’ where local people were caught in a trap of steeply rising rents, whilst their incomes were not increasing at the same pace. One of the reasons for rising rents is a critical housing shortage meaning demand is outstripping supply. The government’s thinking is that by building many more houses, demand can more easily be met and so the upward pressure on rents would ease, helping to make rents more affordable in the long term.

The government has set every council in the country a target for the amount of homes it expects to be built over the next 5 years. Councils up and down the country have been busy reviewing their plans to try to accommodate the new targets. Indeed our own BCP Council submitted a Local Plan last year which included plans for more housing provision. Unfortunately the plan submitted to government inspectors has recently been rejected because, among other things, the projected local house-building targets were not considered ambitious enough.

The result is BCP Council will have to have a rethink and submit new plans in the near future.

See Page 10 for more details.

There’s so much more to keep you informed and entertained in this edition, so sit back and enjoy and remember to follow us on Social Media to be part of the local conversations. Find us at @ bhlivingdorset.

Contents 4-10 Local News 12 Business News Sleep for survival 14-15 16-17 Spring Family Fun 18 Easter Fun 20 Farewell Maternity Unit 22-24 Jessica Toale MP: Interview 26-27 Beat the Bullies 29 Book Review 30 What’s on for grownups

Have a great springtime and I’ll see you in our summer edition coming out late June.

Jason Harris BH Living Magazine, both in print and electronically, is produced, published and distributed by IMS Group who are an independent magazine publisher with no affiliation to any council or political party. All views and comments expressed in editorial content or by advertisers do not necessarily reflect views of the IMS Group.

BH Living is distributed door-to-door in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole to over 170,000 households. It can also be found at selected pick-up points across the three towns or downloaded at www. bhliving.co.uk All content is copyrighted by IMS Group and may not be used or reproduced wholly or in part without the written consent of IMS Ltd.

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Published & Produced by: IMS Group Distributed by: IMS Group Editor: Jason Harris Editorial Assistant: Jasmine Baker, Freya Haines Graphic Design: Dan Bartlett For editorial enquiries contact: editor@bhliving.co.uk For advertising enquiries contact: sales@ims-group.co.uk

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BCP Council consider the creation of Parish, Town & Community Councils

There are two schools of thought when it comes to local democracy: The first is that Parish, Town and Community Councils can allow for a more community led focus on local issues and enable decisionmaking to happen at grass-roots level with residents feeling more closely represented.

The second is that Parish, Town and Community Councils can add another layer of bureaucracy making decision-making slower, more drawn out and ultimately more expensive as local tax payers have to pay for the extra layer of decision-making.

A recent public survey by the council asking residents how they see their communities being represented in the future, has shown that they are wanting more influence on decisions directly affecting their community.

The Government recommend a review every 10 to 15 years on Parish, Town and Community councils, so in October 2024 BCP Council invited proposals from the local community. These have now been reviewed by a cross-party group of councillors whose recommendations were set out in a report to the council’s cabinet.

A meeting took place on the 5th of March – the main recommendations being that new Parish Councils are created for Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne. Remaining areas of the former Poole Borough Council area and Bournemouth Borough Council areas would have their own Town Councils.

Other local aspects which they can be involved with can include Christmas decorations, street furniture, litter bins, seating, bus shelters, and community events and entertainment and also involvement in local planning issues.

There are currently five parish councils in BCP, mainly in the former Christchurch Borough Council area.

Parish Councils are funded through an additional tax contribution called a ‘precept’, decided by elected councillors. The additional cost to local council tax payers can be as low as zero, but the average annual cost is £42.96 (for a band D property) which is charged as an ‘extra’ on Council Tax bills. The majority of BCP residents don’t currently pay this added on their bills.

BCP Council leader, CIIr Millie Earl, said “It is too soon to say what the eventual outcome will be, but I am pleased that the current recommendations provide for everyone to have the opportunity to be part of a Parish Council.”

“Parish councils allow local people to have a greater say in what happens in their area, and while BCP Council will continue to provide all of our core services, we would work hand in hand with any new parish councils that are created.”

Parish and Town councils focus on local priorities and activities such as managing parks, car parks, community centres, cemeteries and public conveniences.

The cabinet passed their recommendations to the full council in a meeting on the 25th March, with the final proposals available for public consultation by the 22nd of June. All responses will be considered before a final recommendation is drawn up for a council meeting on the 14th of October.

Mermaid spotting in BCP

15th all the tails will be under one roof for a family fun weekend at the Bournemouth International Centre.

There is a rumour that mermaids are making their way to our shores this springtime and BH Living readers are being asked to see if they can spot any of the giant mermaid tails that are expected to be popping up all around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

A grand auction for the tails will take place on Friday the 20th of June where everyone can have a chance to buy a giant mermaid tail with all the proceeds going to Julia’s house.

As part of the Community Art Adventure, Julia’s house has set up a trail of gigantic mermaid tails across key locations in BCP. Each giant tail has been sponsored by a local business and given a unique design by an artist. Local residents are being challenged to see just how many of the tails they can find across the region, with the help of some modern technology.

Julia’s house is a children’s hospice that provides special care to children with life-limiting and complex conditions. The Great Tail Trail is aiming to raise vital funds and awareness to help Julia’s House continue its vital lifeline of care in Dorset.

The Great Tail Trail app will help maximise the trail experience, helping the tail hunters to navigate around the trail. Each tail you locate will help to collect rewards from the sculpture’s sponsors. The trail is due to end on the 1st of June and two weeks later on the weekend of the 14th and

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New Special Needs Units to open in Canford Heath New Additional Needs facilities will be opening at Canford Heath Infant and Junior school following investment from BCP council.

Pupils with speech, language and communication needs will benefit from the two new bases at the local schools. The classroom at The Educational Alliance of Canford Heath (TEACH) run schools are offering 35 spaces for children aged between four and eleven.

BCP Council has funded the project and worked in partnership with TEACH leaders to project manage the delivery of the classrooms.

Children with SLCN placed at Canford Heath will now have access to a dedicated speech and language therapist to support their learning.

The new facility also allows children to interact with mainstream education, in accordance with the government’s inclusion agenda for children with SEND.

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School leaders were joined by Councillor Richard Burton, BCP Council portfolio holder for children and young people, at a formal opening of the classrooms earlier in March.

Cllr Burton said: "Every child deserves the best chances to learn in life and so this is a very welcome day. It ensures our ambition to create sufficient special school places for children in BCP takes another step forward.”

These bases will have a long lasting and crucial impact on the lives of many, many children and will allow them to move into adulthood being emotionally well, socially skilled and able to communicate who they are to the world.”

Council seeks residents views on 20mph Neighbourhood To improve road safety in the Winton area, BCP Council are proposing to introduce a 20 mph speed limits in Winton and parts of the surrounding areas of Moordown, Charminster and Talbot Woods.

There are already seventy seven 20mph speed limits and/or zones across the BCP area. The Council claim that evidence from

road safety data over a ten-year period showed there was on average a 40% reduction in casualty collisions in those areas.

Before any decisions are made for Winton and the surrounding area, the Council want to hear whether local people think a 20mph neighbourhood would be right for the area.

If you live, work, shop, visit or travel to school or through Winton and the surrounding areas then you can have your say in their recently released consultation.

Visit: www.haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ winton-20mph-neighbourhood

A brand-new soft play facility for Boscombe After months of transformation, a specialist facility at Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre is set to open at the beginning of April.

The upgrade will help the centre continue to support thousands of people each year and ensure the centre remains at the heart of the community.

Government funding for the refurbishment was secured after direct feedback from the local community to BCP Council which highlighted the need for affordable local indoor activities for young people.

Upgrades at the centre also include an extended café/ multi-use space, new heating and ventilation through the centre and improved accessibility with new ramps.

An additional £100,000 has now been secured from central government to install a multi-use sports floor with work set to complete early April and it’s anticipated that the new refurbishments will see an additional 11,000 participants take part in sports and activities.

The launch event and grand opening of the new facility will take place in April.

The centre currently supports more than 2,000 individuals who are enrolled on to the Adult Skills and Learning courses on the first floor and the ground floor is home to 500 members of the internationally competitive Bournemouth Elite Cheerleaders.

Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure, and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “I am looking forward

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to the opening of this brilliant new facility in Kings Park – delivered because of feedback from the local community.

“Thousands of people have already benefited from the support offered at Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre and this refurbishment further demonstrates our commitment to ensuring it serves the residents and community of Boscombe, and BCP as a whole, long into the future.

“Work over the past few months has transformed the space into an area that will benefit the entire community and provide a great destination for families to socialise and have fun.”

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Volunteer and give something back In BCP there are many ways to give back to your community with lots of volunteer programs running in the local area.

Being a volunteer gives you the chance to help out your local community, make a difference to other people's lives, whilst also having the added effect of improving your own mental and physical wellbeing.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can find out more by going to one of the upcoming volunteer drop-ins where you’ll be able to have an informal chat with an advisor about what opportunities are available and what might suit you.

There are volunteering opportunities at parks, libraries, museums, helping with children and families, charity shops, driving for those who struggle to get around. The possibilities are endless.

Find out more by visiting: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/volunteer

Great summer nights are back on the quay The 2025 Quay event season will kick off with the hugely popular Bike Night in early April and the same event will close the season in September.

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre due to reopen thanks to new Community Group A 99-year lease was signed between the community group ‘Hengistbury Head Outdoors’ and BCP Council to help revive the fortunes of the outdoor centre and secure its long-term survival.

Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre previously hosted more than 15,000 sessions a year and was primarily used for water sport activities. It has been closed for some time after a survey March 2020 found the main building to be unsafe.

It was brought back into direct ownership by the Council in 2021 from the previous operator Brockenhurst collage. The Council have since been working to find a sustainable solution which would allow the centre to re-open permanently.

Hengistbury Head Outdoors was set up as a charitable Community Benefit Charity Society in 2023. The educational centre has transferred into community ownership via a ‘community asset transfer’ from BCP Council on the 24th February 2025.

The new owners of the centre are now set to benefit from a government grant of £670,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government towards refurbishment and repair.

The grant is subject to conditions being met – one of which is £155,000 has to be raised in matching funds by the Society. As a result HHO are now actively seeking donations to raise the match-funds needed tin order to secure the grant.

The total £825k funding must be spent by December 2025 and work has already begun on plans covering the waterfront, the grounds and key facilities required for the safe reopening of the centre.

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A wide variety of different events have been lined up for 2025 including Car nights, Folk Festival, Mini Steam on the Quay and Summer Sounds – all bringing life to Poole for the summer season to entertain visitors and residents alike.

These events are a staple to the town attracting thousands of visitors which in turn help support local businesses so are a welcome boost to the town’s economy.

Last year BCP council formally handed over the reins to ‘Poole Quay Events’ which is in its first year as a Community Interest Company (CIC) with their headline sponsor being Poole BID. Anna Doyle, Co-founder of Poole Quay Events CIC, said, “Poole quay has a rich history of events that bring people together, and it’s more important than ever to keep that going.”

For more information and event details, visit www.facebook.com/ people/Poole-QuayEvents/61558820650937/

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S O U T H B O U R E B E AC H & W E ST B O U R N E TOW E R C A R E H O M E S

Something for Everyone Southboure Beach & Westbourne Tower Care Homes have dedicated well-being teams to produce an exciting and varied programme of activities and events every day. Residents are supported with personal interests not already covered in the calendar and memory, physical and sensory-based activities are designed with therapeutic outcomes in mind.

Day trips • Creative writing classes • Art classes • Gardening club Live entertainment • Yoga and exercise classes

Southbourne Beach 01202 036897

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97% of families in BCP offered their preferred secondary school place Parents and carers who applied online for their child’s secondary school places can now log on to view their ‘secondary school offer’ – this means that they can find out what school their child has been offered.

Offer letters will also be sent to all parents who applied with 97% of families in BCP Council area have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.

Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, BCP Council said ““Where families have not been offered a place at their preferred school it is recommended that they contact our school admissions team who are here to help you.”

Primary school places for September 2025 will be announced on 16 April 2025,

A total of 3790 families living in the BCP area applied for a secondary school place before the deadline of 31 October 2024. All children of parents in the BCP area who applied by the national deadline have been offered a secondary school place for September 2025.

Families living in BCP seeking information about school vacancy and options available should contact the school admissions team: 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.

Pier makes a comeback just in time for its 100th birthday The historic pier at Hamworthy lake was closed back in 2023 due to a failure to meet safety standards after a safety inspection.

Hamworthy Pier

The closure was met with disappointment from the local community, however, the community infrastructure Levy came to the rescue providing £330,000 of funding to help restore the bridge for public access.

Work started back in autumn and access has now been fully restored. The timber pier was built back in 1939 and was a fuelling station during the second world war so is a valued part of the town’s history.

Over the years the pier has felt the effects of the extreme weather and so steel has been used to strengthen the structure. Rocks have also been used to reinforce 55 metres of harbour frontage to protect the pier head and car park from coastal erosion.

It’s hoped the improvements will help extend the life of the pier well beyond its 100th year.

Photo courtesy of Jody Hall, owner of Chester

Hospital smoking ban widened to include all outdoor spaces University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals has widened its smoking ban to include all outdoor areas within the hospital sites. The ban wider ban came into effect on National No Smoking Day on 12 March. The aim is to offer a healthier environment for all patients, visitors and colleagues.

Local Crossbreed dog from Poole wins ‘Scrufts’ Trophy A Border terrier/ cocker spaniel cross-breed called Chester has won the ‘Most Handsome Dog’ trophy in the Special Crossbreed competition at Crufts this year.

As Crufts is only open to pedigrees, for non-purebred dog there is ‘Scrufts’ which welcomes the cross-breed varieties in all their shapes and sizes and is held in conjunction with the main contest.

Congratulations to Chester from all the team at BH Living.

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Vaping is still permitted but must be at least three metres away from all doors and windows.

Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, added: “This isn’t easy – smoking is not a lifestyle choice or a bad habit – it is a powerful addiction. That’s why we’re here to support our colleagues and patients to quit for good. In fact, treating tobacco addiction is now a standard of care in our hospitals.”

More information is available at www.uhd.nhs.uk/ about-us/smokefree. Free stop smoking support is also available via Live Well Dorset at: www.livewelldorset.co.uk/stop-smoking

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Appeal to dog owners to help protect local wildlife As spring arrives it is nesting season for some of the rarest birds in BCP, birds such as nightjars, woodlarks and Dartford warblers.

These birds set up their nests on the ground and can easily be disturbed which can cause the birds to abandon their chicks or their eggs.

To help protect them, Dorset Wildlife Trust is appealing for local dog owners to keep their dog on the lead in heathland areas.

There are many areas of heathland in BCP such as Canford health, Hengistbury head, Upton Country Park to name but a few.

To check where the heathland areas are in BCP visit www. dorsetheaths.org.uk/places-to-explore/ which contains a map that shows all the heathland areas that may be natural habitats for ground nesting birds.

Paddling pools to reopen for summer BCP Council have confirmed all four paddling pools in the area will reopen this summer, thanks to a collaboration with community partners across BCP.

Nightjar

All pools are free to enter and offer a fun activity for families in the summer months.

Redhill, Hamworthy Park and Littledown paddling pools are set to be open between 23 May to 6 September and The Quomps Splash Park in Christchurch from May half term to September.

Redhill paddling pool will welcome families once more this summer after the council agreed to allocate funding from this year’s budget whilst they try to find a more suitable option for next year.

BCP Council remains keen to speak with businesses and organisations who are interested in sponsoring Redhill paddling pool in 2026 and beyond, following this years’ summer season.

Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the council, said: “These paddling pools are hugely popular with our local communities and I’m so pleased that we can now confirm that they will all be open and ready to welcome families again by the summer.”

Young driver clocked travelling at incredible speed on Bournemouth Spur Road is convicted A man from Bournemouth was convicted this month for driving at speeds rarely seen on Britain’s roads.

and was travelling at incredibly dangerous speeds with someone else in his vehicle.

At 11:40pm on Tuesday 4 June 2024 a Dorset Police Officer caught sight of a car that seemed to be taking a corner at a dangerous speed at the Ashley Heath Roundabout.

“We cannot make it any clearer – there is no excuse for driving over the speed limit and endangering other road users. The footage shows just how quickly the BMW driver was travelling as within seconds he was out of our sight.

The BMW 325i coupé was headed towards Bournemouth and by the time officers had caught up with the car it was travelling at speeds in excess of 150mph – in fact the exact speed was an eye-watering 153mph.

Incredibly the driver was aged just 23 and was carrying a passenger.

Police Constable Kier Dagnall, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We were very quickly able to respond and stop this vehicle from being involved in a collision and the driver potentially injuring themselves, their front-seat passenger or another road user.

“This driver had only passed his driving test three weeks beforehand

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“We know that some young, newly qualified drivers can be drawn into travelling at dangerous speeds and testing their capabilities, but this is not acceptable. You will ultimately risk losing your licence that you just worked hard to obtain and the consequences could be tragic if you are involved in a road traffic collision.”

The driver was charged with dangerous driving and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and was disqualified from driving for two years and six months. He was also instructed to take an extended test.

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BCP Council’s Local Plan rejected by Inspectors BCP Council’s local plan has been rejected at stage 1 of its examination by government inspectors, but what does this really mean?

The UK Government published their revised National Planning Policy Framework on the 12th December 2024.

As part of their plan to “rebuild Britain” the incoming new government has created a policy that focuses on increasing the number of houses being built in Britain which the government believe is key to economic growth. The national requirement for housing is now 1,5million dwellings to be built in the next five years causing many local authorities to re-think and update their local plans, which include local town planning and housebuilding, in accordance with this higher demand.

One of the most notable changes made by the government is how green belt land is treated. Green belt is a way of protecting land in city areas to reduce over crowding and ‘Urban sprawl’ but also to protect areas of greenery and natural habitat for future generations.

The new government policy has introduced a ‘grey belt’ which is green belt land that will be released for development when certain conditions are met. The Housing minister, Matthew Pennycook MP stated however, that reviewing green belt boundaries should be a last resort and that local authorities should exhaust all other options such as brownfield sites (sites of previous development that could be redeveloped) before considering green belt land.

BCP council published their draft local plan in March 2024 and submitted it in June 2024 to the inspectors. Within the plan they covered strategic and development and management policies as well as ward policies. Mindful of the government’s objectives, they planned to increase the number of houses built per year. The housebuilding figures were included in BCP Council’s Local plan but the plan was rejected at the first stage of the examination due to a failure to meet the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ (DtC).

What does this mean?

The DtC is in place to ensure that strategic planning issues are addressed with the relevant partners whilst the plan is being created to make sure the policy and plans of government are effective.

One of the highlighted issues with the Local Plan was the approach to how many new homes per year they were aiming for. The plan submitted a strategy for 1600 homes per annum, but this does not meet the 2806 homes needed, through meetings and corporation the inspectors believe this issue should have been resolved before the Local Plan was submitted.

In response councillor Millie’s Earl, BCP Council Leader, said “We are disappointed with the Inspectors’ response to our Local Plan submission. We will now consider the letter, take on board any feedback and respond to the inspectors with our next steps” While the government are focusing on the housing crisis and the need for more housing the local council argue that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole benefit from being surrounded by a stunning coastline, a number of waterways and important, sensitive natural habitats and that this means the area is limited in terms of available space to build new homes.

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Help needed to give local babies a warm welcome to the world After the announcement of the closing of the St. Mary’s unit in Poole, the Maternity Unit will be moving to the new Beach Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Charity is calling on the community to help make this next chapter extra-special.

As part of The BEACH Appeal, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is fundraising to transform this state-of-the-art facility into a sanctuary where families can welcome their newborn babies in a warm environment that goes above and beyond standard NHS provision.

Imagine eagerly awaiting a new arrival in comfortable and enriching spaces; a warmed blanket wrapped around a baby taking their first breaths; and soft ambient lighting surrounding parents and newborns experiencing those crucial bonding moments together.

University Hospitals Dorset’s head of midwifery and neonatal services, Kerry Taylor, said: “We recognise that stepping through our doors can feel like embarking on a journey into the unknown. Each family’s path is unique and filled with its own challenges and joys.

We’re here to support them every step of the way, ensuring that they never feel alone during this significant chapter of their life.”

University Hospitals Dorset’s senior matron of outpatient services, Akeisha Robinson, said: “Sadly, unnatural lighting affects our newborns, causing them to keep their tiny eyes tightly shut, hindering those precious bonding moments with their parents.”

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is calling on the community to help raise in the region of £100,000 needed to provide these extra items to enhance the new Maternity Unit for every baby and family.

This support will provide blanket warmers, mood lighting, birthing slings and more.

Visit University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s website to discover how support for The BEACH Appeal today nurtures new beginnings for generations to come: www.uhdcharity.org/current-projects/maternity/

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Marjorie House A Care South home for residential care

Rated 10/10

by residents and their families*

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Marjorie House is a brand-new residential care home with views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.

With superb facilities, a variety of luxurious ensuite bedrooms, a cafe, bar, hair & beauty salon and landscape gardens, Marjorie House is a very special place to live.

Watch residents’ testimonials and take a fly-through tour of Marjorie House here

Recognised as a Top 20 care home, South West England 2025

1 Crichel Mount Road | Poole | BH14 8LT 01202 148221 | care-south.co.uk Proud to be part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as care at home services across the south of England. Registered Charity No. 1014697. *On the independent care home review site, carehome.co.uk. Correct at time of print.

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Local Businesses asked to help shape future transport and travel strategy BCP Council are working with Dorset Council to create a joint new transport plan which aims to improve transport across the whole of Dorset over the next 10 to 15 years.

A public survey has already been undertaken from the 22nd of January to the 3rd of March to collect opinion from local residents on local transport issues. And now, having gathered the resident’s views, the council are now asking local businesses to contribute in a new businessspecific survey.

The new plan being devised aims to prioritise safe and easy travel whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting BCP and Dorset’s landscape.

By the autumn of 2025, both the Councils will be launching a public consultation on the draft of the LTP4 strategy and implementation plan, created after considering the opinions expressed in these latest surveys.

The final strategy, once adopted by BCP and Dorset Councils in spring 2026, will play a crucial role in securing national funding for essential transport improvements.

If you are a business and you would like to contribute your views to the latest transport survey visit: online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview

The aim with the latest survey of businesses is to gain a better understanding of the travel and transport needs and expectations of local businesses. It runs from 10th of March until the 17th of April 2025.

The information and opinions gathered will help to structure the future workplace travel and transport initiatives and will contribute to the development of the latest Local Travel Plan strategy.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue invites businesses to free webinar A free webinar is being offered to Dorset businesses to help them identify fire risks whilst also offering basic fire safety tips for your premises, It also offers guidance on how to protect staff, customers and assets in an emergency.

Topics include fire risk assessments, training and fire equipment maintenance.

To join the webinar visit forms.office.com/Pages/

Celebrate your local apprentices this year at the Dorset Apprenticeship Award 2025 Dorset Chamber has joined forces again with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) to run the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2025.

The Honours to be presented in five different categories at an awards ceremony with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset on the 15th of May. •

Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year

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Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year

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Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year

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Local Mobile Home Park operator found guilty amid resident safety concerns

Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd were given until 28 June 2024 to address these issues but they failed to do so.

The owner of a local caravan park has received a large fine after failing to work with BCP Council to address safety concerns.

The company has now been fined a total of £27,575 at a recent sentencing hearing which included a £2000 victim surcharge, plus costs of £1,575.

Hampshire Mobile Park Homes Enterprises Ltd, the license holder for Iford Bridge Home Park, has been ordered to pay £27,575 after breaching a Compliance Notice.

The notice was issued by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in April 2024 following an annual inspection by Council officers.

In total, the operator was asked to carry out 33 actions that would, among other things, improve fire safety, electrical safety and common parts for residents.

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As a result, they were prosecuted for failing to adhere to a Compliance Notice and found guilty, in their absence, at Poole Magistrates’ Court in December 2024.

Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "This result should send a really clear message: that we take the safety of our residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole incredibly seriously.

"When license holders fail to comply with their licence conditions that impact upon safety obligations, and then refuse to address concerns, we as a Council will take robust and decisive action through all the processes at our disposal – including prosecution.”

@bhlivingdorset 24/03/2025 07:40

zone A

What a waste of space!

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Maybe next time?

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Sleep for survival

By Jasmine Baker

Everyone knows that sleep is important but why? And what does it really do?

We spend a third of our life asleep, when we sleep the neurons in our brain switch from a ‘waking’ to a ‘sleeping’ state, whilst still sending critical signals through the body. Biologically the role of sleep is still somewhat of a mystery, but research demonstrates that sleep reinforces the cardiovascular and immune systems and helps regulate your metabolism. Research has also proven that a chronic lack of sleep can increase chances of health issues and diseases.

So, what happens when we sleep?

Our body powers down and most body systems, even the brain, become less active, because we use sleep as a way of conserving energy. The cells which have used resources from the body during the day take this time while we are asleep to resupply for the next day as this is when our body is using less energy. Recovery is also an important role of sleep as it gives our body time to rest and repair. Sleep releases the toxins in our brain which have built up during the day.

What’s the recommended amount of sleep?

It was widely reported that when she was Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher famously survived on just four hours sleep a night during her premiership and she often referred to this. The Iron Lady may have boasted of her ability to have little sleep whilst performing one of the toughest jobs in Britain, but researchers and sleep specialists would find it hard to agree that this was a healthy amount of sleep for any adult, let alone for someone with the responsibility of running the country on her shoulders.

There is extensive evidence to show sleeping five hours or less consistently, increases your risk greatly of adverse health consequences," Researcher Dr Rebecca Robbins told a recent BBC study on sleep.

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Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, and shorter life expectancy become a closer reality for those who regularly ditch bed in favour of partying, studying, working or just running the UK. Instead, Robbins recommends everyone should aim for a consistent seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

The Sleep Foundation would agree – their recommended amount of sleep is similar to Dr Robbins. The amount of sleep someone needs differs depending on their age, newborns to 1-year-olds need anything from 14-17 hours sleep, children aged 1-5 need 10-14 hours of sleep, ages 6-12 need 9-12 hours sleep and teenagers need 8-10 hours sleep. Adults don’t need as much sleep, they are recommended to have 7-9 hours of sleep, but this can differ depending on the person.

So, if it’s so important why do our bodies find it so hard to go to sleep?

Now some people can just drift off as soon as their head hits the pillow but for others no matter how much you want to sleep your body just won’t let you. So, what can we do?

A lot of the time not being able to sleep is a result of anxiety, worry or stress. Simple things that can help reduce this are just making a ‘to-do’ list for the next day. This is a way of taking control of the things that control your thoughts, helping to reduce

your stress levels at nightime. Also creating a relaxing environment can really improve your sleep, listening to relaxing music and making sure the room is dark and quiet. There are even speakers you can put under your pillow that play quiet music for a set amount of time, they’re even recommended for people who suffer from Tinnitus as they mask the constant ringing in the ears that can keep sufferers awake at night – they’re available from most good online retailers.

What to do if you wake up in the night and you can’t sleep?

Avoid screens before bed or reaching for them when you can’t sleep. Staring at the clock is unlikely to help either, instead try some breathing techniques or try some mindfulness as it can also help with falling asleep. Mindfulness is really tuning into your senses and being more aware of surroundings. You could listen intently to your breathing patterns and nothing else.

You could put diffusers in your room and focus on the smell – nothing else – what does the smell remind you of?

Practicing mindfulness before we go to bed can help too. It can help relax our bodies and make it easier to get to sleep. Even listening to some relaxing music can help to try and switch your brain off. High-end hotels such as The Savoy in London have already latched onto this benefit and now as part of the

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nightly turn-down of guests beds, they will set bedside radio clocks to Classic FM, played quietly, so that when guests arrive back in their rooms after an evening out, they are met with a calming and soothing atmosphere..

If you haven’t fallen asleep after 15 minutes get up, try moving to a different room and do something relaxing to distract your mind making it easier to fall asleep again when you return to bed. Again, avoid screens. Caffeine or alcohol isn’t recommended either. Try a herbal tea if you need to make a warm relaxing drink. Read a book or magazine or open the curtains and look at the stars, or the moon, or the silhouettes of trees and houses.

The NHS also offer helpful tips on sleep, even suggesting that it’s things we do during the day that can help us to sleep at night too.

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, eating well and exercising regularly will all have a positive effect on our ability to sleep.

Also setting up a routine and sticking to it, this will allow us to have a regular sleeping schedule. It’s almost like training our body and it will find it easier to fall asleep once bedtime becomes a routine.

So, if we improve our sleep what difference can it make in our day-to-day life?

A good nights sleep will improve our emotional well-being. Our body will have had the rest it needs to recover from the day before giving us a far more productive day the next day -if we are tired it is harder to deal with stressful and emotional situations.

As well as this it can reduce our chance of getting ill as our body will have had time to fully repair and create a tougher immune system to help fight off disease. It will lower your risk of chronic conditions such as, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Sleeping is also proven to make us happier, more contented beings, so we’re nicer to be around!

If your sleep is not improving it could be a sign of a sleeping disorder such as insomnia, if you think something isn’t right go visit your GP or get some more information at www.nhs.uk.

A good website that offers advice on developing a nightime routine, (as well as other helpful sleep tips) is www.mind.org. uk/information-support/types-of-mentalhealth-problems/sleep-problems/tips-toimprove-your-sleep/?

GET SLEEP TIPS SENT TO YOUR INBOX Good sleep matters – it’s important for healthy living, so put sleep first by joining the NHS 6-week email programme. From creating your perfect sleep sanctuary to setting a wind-down alarm, join today to find out how to make "goodnight" a great night – all delivered in bite-sized chunks straight into your inbox.

Visit www.sleep.ecrm-registration.nhs.uk to sign up

3 MINUTE SLEEP HELP VIDEO FROM THE NHS Scan this QR code with your phone to watch this handy video by the NHS to help improve your sleep.

Top tips for a good nights sleep An easy way of keeping a routine is by keeping a sleep diary, where you can include:

✮ When you go to bed ✮ If you wake up in the night ✮ The time you wake up in the morning ✮ If you take naps ✮ When you exercise ✮ When you drink alcohol and caffeine ✮ When or if you’ve taken any medication.

Things to avoid before sleep:

✮ Using tablets of phones an hour before you go to sleep ✮ Eating a large meal before bed ✮ Drinking alcohol two hours before going to bed ✮ Drinking caffeine or energy drinks before bed ✮ Leaving your phone notifications on ✮ Doing intense exercise before bed

A template for this has been provided by the National Institute of Health www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/sleep-diary

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SPRING FAMILY FUN What’s On In BCP

By Freya Haines

Here’s our pick of events going on in and around BCP over the next few months.

Bournemouth 5K Parkrun

Ditch the couch and complete 5k at your own speed and pace. Do it with friends or family or alone and perhaps make new friends!

Date: Every Saturday Time: 9:00am-10:00am Location: Kings Park Athletic Stadium Price: Free More Info: www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on

Beauty And The Beast Spring Pantomime

Enjoy the classic story of Beauty And The Beast, the wicked enchantress Elora transforms the handsome prince into a beast, and the curse ensures that if the Beast can find true love before the last petal of the rose falls, the curse will end and the prince will be restored.

Date: 25/04/25 Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm Location: The Factory Space Price: Adult – £12.50 (+1.05 fee) Child – £7.50 (+0.63 fee) More Info: ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bournemouth/

Mother’s Day @ Farmer Palmers

It’s mum’s time to shine! This Mother’s Day weekend, Mums get half price entrance plus why not treat Mum to a specially prepared delicious cream tea.

Date: 29/03/25 – 30/03/25 Time: 9:30am-4:00pm Location: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park Price: Adult & Child (3+) – £16.00, 2 Year Old – £9.00 (Mums get ½ price tickets) More Info: farmerpalmers.co.uk/events/mothers-day/

Easter Family Party with Outalimits

OUTALIMITS at Bournemouth Aviation Museum for their only public Easter Event for 2025, An all day event with doors open at 10am Visit there exhibits then at 1.30 Outalimits will be on stage with disco, party dances, prizes and giveaways!

Date: 13/04/25 Time: 10am Location: Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Christchurch Price: Adults – £10, Children – £5 More Info: theregent.co.uk/event/

Family Film Club

Entertaining your child can be difficult over the holidays therefore Wimborne are offering a free family film where there is no booking required.

Date: 16/04/25, 20/04/25, 23/04/25 Time: 10:00am Location: The Allendale, Wimborne minster Price: Free More Info: theallendale.org/regular-activities

Tiger Tank Day Spring

See a WWII tank display and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world’s most infamous tank. Live tanks in action, expert lectures, Living History and much, much more!

Date: 26/04/25 Time: 8:30am-5:00pm Location: Tank Museum Price: Adult (16+) – £29.75, Child (4-15) – £12, Child (under 4) – £1 More Info: tankmuseum.org/events/tiger-day-spring

Free Poole Baby Event

Come down to the dolphin centre in Poole where you can get involved with talks and demos and free goody nags whilst supporting the SPRING charity that supports families who have lost a baby.

Date: 27/04/25 Time: 11:00am – 15:00pm Location: The Dolphin Centre Price: Free More Info: samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk

Victoria Education Trust Spring Faye & Car Show

Birds of Prey, stalls and crafts Plus a selection of cars available for ‘Dream Rides’ – 100% of donations for the passenger ride go to deserving Children’s Charities Date: 11/05/25 Time: 10am-4pm Location: Victoria Education Centre, Lindsay Road Price: Donations More Info: victoria.poole.sch.uk/

Magic Of Thailand Festival

Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends to experience a touch of Thai culture.

Date: 17/05/25 – 18/05/25 Time: 10:00-7:00pm Location: Harbourside (Baiter) Park – Poole Price: Adult (15 or over) – £5.00 and Children (under 15) – free More Info: magicofthailand.co.uk/

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Swanage Pirate Festival

Join in on two full days of thrills and spills with activities such as the pirate parade, history displays and talks, pirate themed crafts and many more…

Date: 24/05/25 – 25/05/25 Time: 9:00am – 17:00pm Location: Sandpit field Price: Free More Info: swanage.events/

Christchurch Food Festival

Celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage of the south coast at the Christchurch Food Festival. Great food traders, artisan suppliers, local beers and distilleries, live entertainment, live chef demos, interactive workshops, food tastings and children’s activities.

Date: 24/05/25 – 26/05/25 Time: 24th & 25th – 10:00-20:00pm, 26th – 10:00-17:00pm Location: Christchurch Quay Price: Free More Info: christchurchfoodfest.co.uk/

Family Fest

Introducing you to Dorset’s best craft, sweet food and small businesses traders, two days of live music including children’s shows and activities, mascot appearances, bars, charity dog shows and tons more to start the summer in style.

Date: 30/05/25 – 1/06/25 Time: From 3pm on the 30th of May to midday on the 2nd of June Location: The Meadows (Julian’s Field) – Wimborne Price: Adult – £8.00, Child – £5.00, Concession – £5.00, Family – £24.00 More Info: www.ffdorset.co.uk/

Race for Life Poole

Everyone is invited to cancer research UK’s race for life in Poole.

There will be a series of races from 3k to 5k to 10k as well as pretty muddy and pretty muddy kids events to help raise money Date: 31/05/25 Time: 10k – 10:00am, 5k – 11:00am, 3k – 11:00am Location: Baiter Park Price: 10K – Adult £17.49, Child £11, 5k – Adult £15.99, Child £11, 3K – Adult £14.99, Child £10 (children under six go free and no registration needed) More Info: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

The Gruffalo’s Child & Zog Outdoor Cinema Experience

Bring a blanket or camping chair (and of course a picnic) and watch the incredible tales of The Gruffalo’s Child and Zog on a giant open-air cinema screen in the stunning grounds of Somerley House Date: 1/06/25 Time: Gates open at 10am, screening starts at 11am Location: Somerley House, nr Ringwood Price: Adult – £14 , Child – £10.65 More Info: adventurecinema.co.uk/

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival

Harry Paye Pirate Day

Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earing and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration of it’s favourite pirate son Harry Paye.

Date: 14/06/25 Time: From Noon-6:00pm Location: Poole Quay Price: Free More Info: pooletourism.com/whats-on/

Highcliffe Food And Arts Festival

Set along Highcliffe high street and recreation ground, this family friendly festival is a celebration of the finest local produce, crafts and cookery.

Date: 14/06/25 – 15/06/25 Time: 14th – 10:00am-5:00pm, 15th – 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Highcliffe recreation ground Price: Free More Info: highcliffefoodandartsfestival.co.uk/

Oasiss Father’s Day weekend

Treat your dad to a father’s day celebration on Bournemouth pier In the sea air and listen to the most authentic NO.1 Oasis tribute band in the world!

Date: 14/06/25 Time: Food service available from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Oasiss perform at 8:30pm Location: Bournemouth Pier Price: £20 per person More Info: thebournemouthpier.com/events/

The Pantaloons “Robin Hood”

An outdoor theatre, join the legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer.

Date: 3/07/25 Time: 19:00pm-21:00pm Location: Highcliffe Castle Price: Adult – £8.00, Child (under 16) – £8.00 More Info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/

Family Fun Day

Enjoy a day out with the family at Littledowns’s Family Fun Day, including free music sessions, circus skills, a funfair, an urban bike display, a science dome, a 300m assault course, and so much more!

Date: 28/07/25 Time: 1:00am – 4:00pm Location: Outside Littledown Centre Price: Free More Info: bhliveactive.org.uk/

Held in the market town of Wimborne Minster is a traditional festival for the family, including folk dancing and music, with some of the best acts on the scene.

Date: 6/06/25 – 8/06/25 Time: Friday (6th) evening to Sunday (8th) evening Location: Wimborne Minster town Price: Free events around Wimborne, plus concerts from £10 each More Info: www.wmff.co.uk/

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Easter Fun in and around the area

Kingston Lacy Easter Egg Hunt

Join in on the Easter egg hunt in Kingston Lacy, complete the ten amazing activities around the Easter adventure field before claiming your tasty prize Date: 3/04/25 – 21/04/25 Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Location: Kingston Lacy Price: £3.50 per trail More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

The Brownsea Egg Hunt

Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure at Brownsea Island. Embark on our fun interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds to win a chocolate prize!

Date: 5/04/25 – 21/04/25 Time: 10:00am-5:00pm Location: Brownsea Island Price: £3.50 per trail More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island

Bandit Bunnies Egg Hunt

Are you ready for an Egg-citing Easter?! Get ready to join the fun and help thwart the mischievous Bandit Bunnies, who plan to steal all your chocolate eggs!

Date: 5/04/25 – 21/04/25 Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm Location: Farmer Palmers Price: Child (2 yrs) – £4.95, Child (3 yrs+) – £10.50, Adult – £10.50 More Info: farmerpalmers.co.uk/events/easter/

Springtacular Easter Adventure Trail

Bring your family and friends to Upton Country Park and experience the magic of spring like never before. Follow the trail and complete exciting tasks to uncover the wonders of Springtime!

Date: 5/04/25 – 21/04/25 Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Location: Upton Country Park Price: £4.50 per trail Map (incl cuddly prize!)

More Info: uptoncountrypark.com

Studland Easter adventure

Join in on a nature themed Easter trail where you can explore the beach, dunes and woodland of Studland.

Date: 5/04/25 – 21/04/25 Time: 10:00am-3:00pm Location: Knoll beach Price: £3.50 per trail More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay

Children’s Easter craft fair

Lots of fun to get involved in, 6 Easter crafts, Easter story trail, garden Easter egg hunt, drawing competition and may more.

Date: 5/04/25 Time: 10:00am-12:00pm Location: St Nicholas Church, Corfe Mullen Price: £2 per child for crafts More Info: parishofcorfemullen.churchsuite.com/events

Easter Bunny Craft

Fancy making your own Easter bunny out of a homemade kit, you can be creative and decorate your own bunny however you like!

Date: 9/04/25 Time: 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Avon Heath Country park Price: £10 More Info: avon-heath-outdoors.co.uk/book-now

Nick’s Farm Easter event

Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Crafts,Petting animals and lots lots more Date: 18/04/25 / 19/04/2025 Time: 10am-5pm Location: Nick’s farm, Valley Road, Throop, Bournemouth Price: £10 Children, Adults £5 More Info: www.nicksfarmdorset.co.uk/buy-ticket/

Avon Heath Easter Egg hunt

A chance to solve some clues, crack the code, find the eggs and win a prize Date: 19/04/25 – 20/04/25 Time: 10:00am-3:30pm Location: Avon Heath Country park Price: £5 More Info: avon-heath-outdoors.co.uk/book-now

Easter adventure weekend

Enjoy lots of fun activities such as. Archery, abseiling, high rope and many more as well as being in for a chance of winning a 2-night camping stay in a bell tent for up to 5 people in the summer!

Date: 19/04/25 – 20/04/25 Time: 09:30am-12:00pm or 13:00pm – 16:00pm Location: Buddens Activity Centre Price: Adult – £9, Junior – £15 and family ticket – £39.00 (includes 2 adults and 2 children) More Info: rockley.org/media-h

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TEL: 01202 611 100 TEL: 01202 611 100 Email: recruitment@ims-group.co.uk 19 TEL: 01202 611 100 l: recruitment@ims-group.co.uk Email: recruitment@ims-group.co.uk www.ims-group.co.uk

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Farewell St Mary's Maternity Unit

Families invited to say a last goodbye before doors close for good

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After more than 60 years of service, St Mary’s Maternity Unit in Poole is set to close its doors for the last time, and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is inviting local families to come and say a final farewell.

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Taking place on Saturday 5 April, 10am-1pm, members of the public are welcome to visit areas of the unit and join maternity and neonatal staff members for a trip down memory lane, helping colleagues celebrate the place and its people where an estimated 250,000 babies have been welcomed into the world since the unit’s opening in 1961.

Along with access to areas of Antenatal, Haven Birthing Suite, and Labour Ward, guests will also have an opportunity to find out about the future of UHD’s maternity services which will be located in the new BEACH (Births, Emergency and Critical care and children’s Health) Building on the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site.

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Kerry Taylor, UHD’S Head of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, said: “We are so excited to be moving to the BEACH Building but acknowledge that many local families and staff from the past and present will be sad to see the doors to St Mary’s Maternity Unit close for a final time.”

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“We are delighted to give people the opportunity to come and reminisce, sharing the memories they have from their time in the building before joining us to say a fond farewell to St Mary’s.”

The event will take place at St Mary’s Maternity Unit, St Mary’s Road, Poole, BH15 2BH.

Kerry Tayl or.

Midwifery UHD's Head of and Neo natal Serv ices

Refreshments will be available on the day and no booking is required; families are welcome to attend between the hours of 10am-1pm, and to be mindful of limited parking available.

For more information about the BEACH Building, visit maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/beach/ To find out more about all the changes happening across UHD, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk

Memories of St Mary’s’ After more than 60 years of service, we’ll be saying a fond farewell to St Mary’s Maternity Unit in April 2025 ahead of our Maternity and Neonatal Team moving to the BEACH Building in April 2025. UHD asked local families to share their photos on social media and to the right are a few of the highlights.

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ADVERTISMENT

NEW MATERNITY UNIT TO OPEN ITS DOORS...

The stork is circling and on 31 March 2025, a new maternity and neonatal unit will open its doors to patients for the very first time at the BEACH Building (standing for Births, Emergency And Critical care, children’s Health), Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH).

This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide expecting parents with the highest quality of care and comfort throughout their journey from pregnancy to birth and beyond.

Parents-to-be and their families will benefit from: Enhanced facilities offering a modern and supportive environment for parents and newborns.

Dedicated parking directly outside the BEACH Building for those in labour or requiring urgent care, with clear signposting for routine appointments.

Provisions for a support person to remain throughout the duration of admission, enhancing the experience for families.

With cutting-edge equipment and a dedicated team, the new maternity and neonatal unit will be a welcoming environment where over 4,400 babies are expected to be born each year.

Gynaecology and early pregnancy services

All emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services will move to RBH at 8am on 31 March. Anyone at any stage of pregnancy self-presenting with a suspected gynaecology issue should attend RBH and not Poole.

Until 31 March, maternity care, emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services will continue to be provided at St Mary’s Maternity Unit at Poole Hospital For more information about the BEACH Building and all the changes happening across UHD, visit: maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/beach/ B H Liv ing bhl iv ing. co. u k BH Living Spring 2025.indd 21

www.uhd.nhs.uk 21 24/03/2025 07:40

BHL: Hello Jessica, thanks for agreeing to the interview with BH Living, we’re delighted to welcome one of our newest MP’s to contribute to the magazine and give our readers a chance to get know one of their local MPs. I’m sure many of our readers will be excited to hear of your plans for Bournemouth West over the next few years.

I’m guessing that many of our readers won’t know too much about you, so it would be great to get to know you a bit better!

Maybe you could start by telling us a little about yourself and how you came to be MP for Bournemouth West?

JT: Thank you! Of course, I’m very proud to be the first female, first Labour MP for Bournemouth West.

MP IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Toale MP One of BH Living’s aims is to try to bring democracy closer to local people. We think that residents want to hear regularly from their local MPs and they want to find out what the people they’ve elected are doing for their constituents – not just before another election, but throughout their time serving Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as local MPs. So, each edition, we’ll be talking to one of our local MP’s so we can understand who they are, what they stand for and how they’ll be promoting the interests of BCP at Westminster.

In this edition it’s the turn of local Labour MP, Jessica Toale who represents Bournemouth West.

It is a privilege to represent a town I remember fondly from my youth and one that’s been a fixture in my adult life too. My mum and grandad both live in the area. I saw some of the challenges they faced locally, as well as the way our town centre had declined, so I jumped at the chance to become the Labour Party candidate here.

My selection built on almost two decades of working to support some of the most vulnerable communities around the world and shape national policy. It also followed my election as a local councillor which gave me a firm grasp on election campaigns.

BHL: So, previous to becoming an MP you were a Councillor in Westminster. How big a change has it been for you in dealing with the challenges and issues in Dorset having served in the Capital previously?

JT: The remits of councillor and MP are very different, but a lot of skills – from listening and speaking to understanding complex information and making informed decisions – remain the same.

As an MP, I bridge that gap between national policy and local delivery. I give Bournemouth West a greater voice in Parliament and work to ensure our local experience and priorities are reflected in national policy.

As a councillor, I dealt with town planning, housing and anti-social behaviour issues. And I fought for residents in an area of Central London where they were outnumbered by visitors.

While there are plenty of differences, there are many similarities too. In Westminster, as in Bournemouth, a blend of creative industries and hospitality and tourism play a key role in the area’s fortune.

Every week, I meet wonderful people doing great things in their community and long may that continue.

BHL: What are the issues you think are important and that you’ll be tackling as MP for Bournemouth West?

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JT: My conversations with residents during and since my campaign revealed some clear priorities.

The number one concern is the state of Bournemouth Town Centre – from empty shops, safety and anti-social behaviour.

Housing has been another big focus of mine due to the amount of casework my office handles. Everyone should have access to secure, affordable housing but that is not currently the case in Bournemouth West.

Earlier this year, I hosted a series of housing surgeries across the constituency, bringing together partners such as Citizens Advice, Shelter, DWP and St Mungo’s to support local people with housing issues – which ranged from lengthy social housing waiting lists to poor quality rented accommodation and anti-social neighbours. We’ve already managed to get people back onto housing waiting lists and find a refuge space for a survivor of domestic abuse.

Access to public services is an ongoing issue. From GPs and dentists to Post Office services. In partnership with the three other Labour MPs in Dorset, I penned a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care highlighting the dental crisis and pushing for greater action. This is something I’ll continue to push for – and I am pleased to see the government already responding with extra appointments.

Finally, and perhaps the biggest challenge in many ways, is tackling environmental issues such as water pollution. Bournemouth is renowned for its beaches, white sand and blue seas but sewage discharges are threatening this reputation and making residents and visitors alike ill. This has to stop and I’m proud to have supported legislation that will hold water bosses to account.

BHL: Are there any specific campaigns that you’re involved in or plan to get involved in as a local MP? JT: I was elected 8 months ago but I have already been taking tangible action to resolve the priorities outlined above.

Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour is another big one, especially knife crime. In Bournemouth, three young people have been killed after they were stabbed in the town centre and on our beaches over the past few years. I’ve asked the Policing Minister to look at the police funding formula, so we have a properly funded force in the summer months when the size of the town swells with tens of thousands of visitors.

I’ve spoken in Parliament to the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister about brilliant initiatives such as Changes Are Made, set up by the grandmother of Cameron Hamilton, who died after being stabbed in the town centre. I will continue to campaign on tackling knife crime as the government rolls out plans to invest in youth provision, ban zombie knives and instigate stiffer

@bhlivingdorset 24/03/2025 07:40

penalties for carrying knives. It’s not just the town centre though, neighbourhoods across Bournemouth West are experiencing issues and they can make residents’ lives a misery.

messages from the many people who rely on that much-loved local branch – people for whom it is a ‘lifeline’ or their link to the outside world. And from local businesses relying on it on a daily basis.

I’ve since met with Ministers and the CEO of Post Office Ltd to try and find a solution to ensure those services remain available to the community. They will be putting forward a proposal at the end of the month and I’ll be responding to that when we know the detail of it. I want to ensure that we maintain the high quality, accessible service we have in Westbourne.

I’ve also spoken to them about the Post Office closure in Bournemouth Town Centre which has left a big hole for local businesses, residents and visitors. I’m working with the Town Centre BID to ensure we get a fullservice Post Office back in the town centre where it is needed.

Jessica outside Westbourne Post Office

BHL: In a recent commons debate on 30 Jan 2025 you spoke in support of Westbourne Post Office, an issue that is affecting many Post Offices and not just in your constituency. Are you able to update our readers on this and any progress you have made in saving the Post Office?

JT: I launched a campaign last year to save Westbourne Post Office when it was earmarked for closure by Post Office Ltd. My petition secured 2,000 signatures in a matter of weeks and unearthed countless heartfelt

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BHL: We understand the government is looking into High Street Rental Auctions, we also note your input in the debate on 26 February this year. With the decline in the High Streets across BCP, not just in Bournemouth West, how do you see this benefiting our area? If indeed you feel it is needed in our area?

JT: Like many town centres up and down the country, Bournemouth’s high street has been hit by the move to online shopping and addition of out-of-town retail parks. Large retail brands have left and we have far too many empty shops – which has a knock-on effect on the shops that remain, reducing footfall.

The Government has taken swift action to help revive town centres with the

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introduction of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), which I’m very pleased that BCP Council is an early adopter of. It means that if a shop is empty for long enough (a year) the council can compel the landlord to let it out or hold a rental auction for the highest bidder. This has the potential to open up prime location high street shops for smaller businesses and community organisations. This could be transformative for Bournemouth, but ultimately this should be a measure of last resort. The council and local landlords and agents need to work proactively together to fill empty shops.

More broadly, we need to reimagine our town centres and high streets to make sure that they meet local residents’ aspirations. This means moving away from shopping only to experiences and community spaces, alongside more traditional hospitality and retail.

BHL: Again looking at not only your constituency but all of the BCP area do you feel that with BCP NOT being included within the Dorset or Hampshire Devolution plans, it may put our local economy at a disadvantage, particularly with our Port, Airport, Rail and Road connections possibly missing out on government money?

JT: There is a risk that by not being included in the priority Hampshire devolution plan that we miss out on some of the economic and connectivity advantages. The Wessex plan was rejected and not included in the priority list as it was not developed enough.

Regardless of this, all our BCP MPs will continue to champion BCP as a strategically important region and ensure that the particular challenges we face are heard and addressed.

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Bournemouth Airport saves a 6-hour round trip to one of the bigger London airports and is a much simpler, less overwhelming experience than at large airports. But perhaps even more importantly, airports play a role in local economies and growth.

The airport itself employs almost 300 local people and connects us with the world.

This government has a mission to become a clean energy superpower by 2030 and grow our economy by investing in the industries of the future. I am interested to see how we can support innovation in the aviation industry in areas like sustainable aviation fuels and enhanced air traffic control management, of which we have some world-leading companies in Bournemouth.

BHL: In addition to your work as a local MP many may not be aware that you are also a PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary) to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office. What does this role involve and can you see it perhaps helping to further the awareness of Bournemouth particularly in trade promotion?

JT: It was a great honour to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve in the new government as a PPS. PPSs provide the link between Ministers and Parliament. I work directly with the Foreign Secretary and the Ministerial team to build their relationships with other MPs and support them to prepare when they give statements or respond to questions in the House of Commons. It has been a tumultuous time around the world with the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Syria and with the election of Trump in the US – so there has been plenty to do.

One quirk of the job is that I am not allowed to speak publicly on any foreign affairs issues nor support legislation that isn’t government business. We do our best to explain this to residents.

Regardless of this role, I take any chance I can to promote Bournemouth as an investment and tourism destination. We have so much going for us from our amazing natural beauty and diverse communities to our burgeoning tech and creative industries.

BHL: Speaking about Trade and Commerce in Bournemouth, the government have spoken a lot about the need to grow the economy and that this is central to their plans to improve the lives of UK citizens.

How do you see the local economy growing and how will we attract businesses to set up in Bournemouth?

JT: Bournemouth has a booming creative industry sector and not long ago was named the best place to start a small business. We have innovation hubs and world-leading technology and research, and what’s more we have the quality beaches and outdoor spaces for a good work life balance to attract and retain talent. A recent Centre for Cities report reveals that Bournemouth actually beats Bristol, Southampton and Portsmouth when it came to cutting edge industry. That means we have a greater, proven ability to attract and grow innovative, cutting-edge businesses that influence wider prosperity. I see examples of this every week and want to encourage more.

BHL: Do you work closely with BCP Council so that resident’s interests and the unique issues that affect us are represented properly at Westminster?

JT: With a clear focus on reviving the town centre, I’ve been working more closely with, and encouraging, BCP Council to bring a range of residents’ voices and ideas together for a shared town centre vision that we can all work towards – something currently

lacking. I am meeting regularly with council leaders and officers to ensure we keep momentum on this and achieve, together with partners, what the council or I cannot do alone.

I recently brought together the council, police, BID and design experts for International Women’s Day to discuss women’s safety and what more could be done, and I’m hosting town hall events to hear concerns and ideas – which I’m sharing with the council.

I’m regularly speaking up for Bournemouth in Parliament, through written questions, speeches and conversations with colleagues – including the Prime Minister and other Ministers. This is something I will continue to do. I also share relevant government policy with the local council, police and organisations it impacts. For example, I met with the BID, businesses and landlords at the start of the year to discuss HRSAs [High Street Rental Auctions] and what it means for them, and will be working with the council to identify a suitable area to pilot the first round next year.

BHL: Finally Jessica, what do you hope to have achieved for the people of Bournemouth by the time the next general election comes around in 2029/2030?

JT: The key question for me is, by the time of the next general election, do the majority of people in Bournemouth feel that they and their families are better off that at the last election. Do they feel more hopeful about the future and the prospects for their kids and grandkids. And do they feel a renewed sense of pride in our town and local area.

If they do, then that will feel like a success to me.

BHL: Whilst the local airport in not directly in your constituency, many of our readers will be aware of the rapid expansion that the airport is currently seeing with over 1.2 million passengers expected to travel through the airport this year. Do you think the airport expansion a good thing balanced against the environmental impact it will have?

JT: For many people in Bournemouth West, the convenience of travelling from

JOIN US IN THE NEXT EDITION OF MP IN THE SPOTLIGHT WHEN WE'LL BE TALKING TO VIKKI SLADE MP FOR MID-DORSET & NORTH POOLE

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BEATING

T HE B U L L I ES

I'm going to tell everyone your little secret

Literally everyone is laughing at you! lol

By Jasmine Baker

What is bullying?

Definition: a repeated behaviour that intentionally hurts someone else, physically or emotionally or both.

The different types of bulling: Cyber bulling – bullying that happens on devices like computers, smartphones and tablets.

Physical bullying – kicking or punching someone and leading to a physical injury.

Social bullying – leaving someone out or spreading rumours ruining the persons relationship with others.

Verbal bullying – name calling and taunting someone through use of language.

How can we help to protect children from bullying Bullying can come in many different shapes and sizes and can affect children and adults of all age ranges. It can take place anywhere – even in the home. However, bullying is most common at places of work, school or online platforms. Being bullied can lead to someone feeling insecure and unsafe. Very quickly, it can begin to have a profound effect on a person’s wellbeing and cause mental and emotional distress. Left unchecked, it can present long term mental health issues as the words of the bullies cut deep and find a home in the victim’s mind and emotions.

Self-harming, eating disorders and addictions can be the long-term result of bullying. And in more extreme cases, the victim may even attempt to take their own life in an effort to escape the misery.

Whilst as adults we predominantly have the correct resources and confidence to act if we feel we need help, it is harder for children to act against bullying and to find the right resources to get help. Children are more likely to have concerns that if they report something or take action things are going to get worse. So being able to provide an outlet where they can talk about what is happening or ask for help is important. Often the first step to help is talking with someone who they can trust – this may be a teacher, youth worker, football coach or anybody else in a position of authority but is usually the parent or guardian.

If a child confides in you that they are being bullied, it’s a brave step to take and the most important thing is to listen carefully without too many interruptions as the young person will need to feel that they have been fully heard. Once they’ve finished, it’s important to try to make a few notes afterwards so that important things can be remembered.

Why does bullying take place?

While everyone has their own reason as to why they act in certain ways, research has shown that stress is a key factor of why people bully. Those who don’t know how to manage stress use bullying as a coping mechanism to mask negative feelings and focus the attention onto someone else.

Those who bully often haven't received the emotional support they needed, bully’s often carry a feeling of rejection from others, they may come from violent households or argumentative and hostile households.

Bullies don’t often consider the consequences of their actions as the consequences are often unseen. But it’s important that bullying in all its forms are brought into the light and not hidden in the dark.

Bullying can often be easier to initiate among today’s tech-savvy youngsters. Historically bullying usually only took place at school, but nowadays it’s harder to escape the bullies, even in the ‘safe sanctuary’ of home. Bullying can continue online via WhatsApp, snap-chat, Tiktok or any other social media platform/messaging service. Many of these services, particularly Snapchat offer ‘disappearing messages’ which once they are read disappear after a very short-term time frame – sometimes just ten seconds. This often aids the bully in that messages they send can’t be retrieved later as evidence, leaving the bully to continue their behaviour un-checked.

Many of the platforms carry a minimum age setting (often 12 or 13 years old), but the UK government are currently debating whether or not to bring in a law that raises the minimum age restrictions to 15 or 16 years old.

Just because an online platform carries a 12 or 13 minimum age, doesn’t necessarily mean it is suitable for your child.

Often children won’t share that they are being bullied or sometimes won’t even see certain behaviours they experience as bullying, so it’s important that those that look after children and young people can pick up on the clues of bullying. Those being bullied often ‘suffer in silence’ and the extent of the bullying only becomes apparent much later.

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SI G N S O F B U L LYI NG A ND W HA T TO D O How to identify if your child is being bullied Symptoms:

As a parent what can you do? ●

reate a safe space at home where your child feels C comfortable enough to speak to you.

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Talk to the school if you are worried.

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Belongings consistently becoming lost or damaged

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Check in on your child’s emotional and physical wellbeing.

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Unexplained physical injuries or bruises

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Let your child know they have a right to be safe.

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eing afraid of going to school or being ‘ill’ each morning or B skipping school.

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Don’t encourage retaliation or fighting back.

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A dip in grades or not handing in homework

on’t speak to the parent or carer yourself, talk with the D child’s teachers and discuss the support in place at school.

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change in behaviour, being nervous, losing confidence, A becoming distressed and withdrawn.

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onsider what access you are going to give your child to C social media and messaging apps.

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Change in eating and sleeping habits

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Sometimes may even lead to bullying others.

S et up parental controls on electronics and set ground rules early on for when and where social media and messaging apps can be used. (Is it a good idea to let your child message and visit social media pages on their own?)

Consequence of bullying Bullying can have both short- and long-term effects on everyone involved, it can affect people psychologically, physically and academically. Children who have experienced bullying can suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and in some cases self-harming behaviour. This will begin to affects the child’s academic performance as they lose focus and are spending their time worried. Physical effects can include obvious immediate injuries from a physical attack or can get physical problems from the stress and anxiety the bullying is causing them.

Social Media recommended ages Did you know that most social media platforms carry a ‘Recommended Age’ certificate similar to film classifications?

It’s important to consider the recommended minimum age classification before granting your child access. (It’s very difficult to remove social media from your child’s life, one they are enrolled on a platform). Here are the minimum age certifications for most of the popular social media/ messaging platforms.

Wise up to Social Media danger By joining online platforms children and young people may be exposed to or engage with many types of harmful content online.

By seeing certain content before it is age appropriate children can develop unrealistic expectations and may promote problems such as eating disorders.

Research from Ofcom suggest that many children (particularly between 8-12) get their parents help to access social media and set up an account. By being educated on the dangers of social platforms parents may be able to keep their children safe from damaging online content.

For more information visit You got dumped!! www.barnardos.org.uk

hahaha

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Tiktok & WhatsApp all have a rating of 13+ Social Media can often be a breeding ground for bullies and bullying can go un-checked and unaddressed, potentially harming a child’s mental wellbeing. Social Media never goes to sleep, it’s 24/7 every day of the year meaning there is huge potential for children to be exposed to harmful and damaging content, hour-by-hour and day-to-day which can reinforce negative feelings as the messages are communicated repeatedly.

Have you ever wondered why nobody wants to talk to you?

Where to get more help and advice Other support networks are out there to help you navigate if your child is experiencing bullying or if you aren’t sure what the next step to take is. The National Bullying Helpline is set up to provide support to those who are experiencing bullying first hand, or to those who have a friend or a family member experiencing it and they need advice on what they can do to help. To find out more on what action to take or how to get help visit www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk.

Stop bullying.gov is a website designed to provide resources and information about bullying so more people know what to do when themselves or someone they love is affected by bullying. To find out more information visit www.stopbullying.gov.

Find more help online: Barnardos: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/ Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/ Very Well Mind: www.verywellmind.com/ NSPCC: www.learning.nspcc.org.uk/ OFCOM: www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety/protecting-children CRISIS PREVENTION: www.crisisprevention.com NCBI: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/

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B O O K

RE V I E W

The Watcher Lisa Sell Despite the well-coined phrase “never judge a book by its cover” many still do and would probably admit that their first impression of a book cover often dictates whether they are likely to pick up and ultimately read it. I have to be honest, when I saw the strapline for this book: ‘I spy with my little eye, someone is going to die’, I instantly wanted to read it.

Sophie, our main character is struggling to come to terms with a miscarriage. She is then presented with an opportunity to take a month away housesitting for a friend’s acquaintance down on the south coast of England. She leaves her husband Ben at their home in Oxfordshire, and along with her easel and paints heads for a month on the coast staying in the idyllic sounding ‘Harmony House’ in Southbourne, a suburb of Bournemouth.

It turns out ‘Harmony House’ is anything but. A series of killings, unforgettable residents and a voyeur watching all the dark secrets of the residents turn Sophie’s month on the coast soon into a nightmare, and one that your own worst dreams are made of.

This is a psychological thriller equal to any I have read in the past. All the characters within the story are very realistic, with their own secrets. The story is set in Bournemouth, and if, like me you are a local, then not only do you have a captivating story to read, but you can also visualise the places mentioned as you read.

I enjoyed the book. Not only does it provide a good page-turning story but it also touches on and brings awareness of the trauma that miscarriages can bring to those that are unfortunate enough to have gone through such an experience. It acknowledges the struggles and emotions endured at the time and a person’s efforts to recover.

Lisa Sell is a local author who is making waves in the literary world and has other notable titles already under her belt including ‘Darke Deeds’ and ‘killing Kindness’ both of which are also receiving rave reviews online.

Wednesday 2nd April 7.30pm Harry Hill: New Bits & Greatest Hits – SOLD OUT. Tickets £30 Saturday 5th April 7.30pm Totally Blondie.

On their first visit to the Tivoli, expect a blistering performance from one of the highest regarded professional tribute bands currently working in the UK. Tickets £22.50 Thursday 10th April 7.30pm Francis Rossi – SOLD OUT An Evening of Francis Rossi’s Songs from the Status Quo Songbook and More…£40 / £50 / £60 Standard / £100 VIP Meet ‘n’ Greet Friday 11th April 7.30pm And Finally Phil Collins.

And Finally…Phil Collins are credited as being the UK’s Top Phil Collins Tribute, fronted by singer Chris O’Connell who brings to the stage the charisma and characteristics of the man who fronted Genesis and has sold 150 million albums in his solo career.

Tickets £23.50 Saturday 12th April 7.30pm Country Superstars.

Tickets £25.50 Wednesday 16th April 11am Nick Cope’s Family Show.

I’VE LOST MY BOBBLE HAT! A new Nick Cope family show for 2025!.

Tickets £16 adult / £15 under 16’s Saturday 19th April 1pm and 4.30pm The Enchanted Princess Ball.

Tickets £18 adult / £16.50 under 16’s

Tuesday 22nd April 7.30pm The Three C’s. OVER 18’S ONLY!.

Tickets £18.50 Thursday 24th April (EXTRA DATE ADDED DUE TO DEMAND!) & Friday 25th April 7.30pm Go Your Own Way: The Fleetwood Mac Legacy.

Tickets £28.50

Author Lisa Sell | 345 pages ISBN 9798329424065 Reviewed by Brian Case January 2025

Sunday 11th May 7.30pm Back To Bacharach.

The very best of Burt Bacharach.

Tickets £27.50

Thursday 29th May 7.30pm Bobby Davro: Over 18’s Only. £29.50/£27.50 a concessions 1 in 10 free concession available via Box Office Only

Wednesday 14th May 7.30pm Chris Jagger.

Tickets £20

Friday 30th May 7.30pm Clearwater Creedence Revival.

Tickets £27.50

Friday 2nd May 7.30pm Money For Nothing.

Europe’s number one Dire Straits tribute show.

Tickets £27

Thursday 15th May 7.30pm Saturday 31st May 7.30pm A Beautiful Noise – The Definitive Tribute Simon Evans: Have We Met?.

To Neil Diamond.

Tickets £18.50 Tickets £28.50 Tuesday 3rd June 7.30pm Friday 16th May 8pm Manhunter & Mindhunter.

Talon: The Acoustic Collection.

With former Detective Chief Inspectors Steve Tickets £20 Gaskin and Colin Sutton.

Tickets £24 Saturday 17th May 7.30pm ZZ Toppd.

Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th June Tickets £21 7.30pm. Matinee Saturday 14th June 2.30pm Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th May Wimborne Musical Theatre Society 7.30pm. Matinee Saturday 24th May presents: The Sound Of Music.

2.30pm Tickets £18 adult/£14 under 16’s Wimborne Drama Productions present Calendar Girls By Tim Firth Based on Sunday 15th June 7.30pm the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Sun Records The Concert.

Towhidi and Tim Firth.

Tickets £26.50 Tickets £18.50 eve / £16.50 Matinee1 in 10 free discount all performances (available via Box Office only)

Thursday 8th May 7.30pm Johnny Cash Roadshow.

Tickets £26.50

Tuesday 27th May 7.30pm Richard Digance.

Tickets £21

Friday 9th May 7.30pm Big Dick Whittington: Adult Panto.

Suitable for ages 16+.

Tickets £25

Wednesday 28th May 7.30pm Englishman in New York: The Very Best of Sting.

Tickets £25

Saturday 26th April 7.30pm Very Santana.

The Ultimate Celebration of Carlos Santana.

Tickets £21 Wednesday 30th April 7.30pm The Drifters.

Tickets £35 Thursday 1st May 7.30pm Frankie’s Guys – A Celebration of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

Tickets £26.50/£24.50 concessions

Saturday 10th May 7.30pm Cloudbusting: The Music Of Kate Bush.

Tickets £25

01202 885566 www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

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What’s On In BCP This

SPRING

Here’s our pick of events going on in and around BCP over the next few months.

Bournemouth Bay Run, Half Marathon

Whatever your running ability, fun or competitive, there’s a race for you, set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s famous seven-mile stretch of golden sand and enjoy a leisurely jog or a race while looking at the beautiful views.

Date: 23/03/25 Time: 10:00am Location: Pier Approach Price: £30 More Info: www.bournemouthbayrun.co.uk/

Sketch Book Club with Jenny Tarr

A guided, relaxed drawing group lead by Jenny Tarr, that utilises a fast drawing prompts to try new things.

Date: 2/04/25 Time: 9:30 – 10:30am Location: Sobo Beach Price: £10 More Info: www.sobobeach.co.uk/event/

Drawing from Nature Workshop

Spend a relaxed, sociable morning in the museum garden, making drawings for a nature journal sketchbook, or a lino-cut designs which can be made in a future printmaking workshop.

Date: 15/04/25 Time: 10:30am –12:30pm Location: Museum Of East Dorset Price: £25.00 More Info: museumofeastdorset.co.uk/

Tea Dances

Tea dances at the Pavilion Ballroom are back for 2025. Join us for social ballroom dancing with live music. Your ticket includes tea, coffee and cake.

Date: Every Wednesday from 23/04/25 – 10/12/25 Doors open – 1:30pm Times: 2:00pm – 4:30pm Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom Standard Price: £10 More Info: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/

Grandma’s Attic: Antique & Collectors Fair

Over 100 tables with stallholders selling an excellent selection of quality antiques & collectables.

Date: Every Saturday and Sunday from 26/04/25 – 28/09/25 Time: 10:00am-4:00pm Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Price: £2.50 More Info: bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events

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Bournemouth Writing Festival

Classic Cars on the Quay

For every writer experiencing writers block Whether you have an old car you wish to enter or or just need for inspiration, this is the festival for just fancy a nice day out admiring some cars this you! From 1-2-1s with literary agents, talks, popular event has a bit of everything. walks, panels, networking opportunities, Date: 21/04/25, 05/05/25 competitions and poetry activities, the 2025 Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm Bournemouth Writing Festival has 100 writing Location: Christchurch Quay events and activities to improve and progress Price: Free entry for the public, £2 per car entry your writing journey.

More Info: Date: 25/04/25 – 27/04/25 letsgoout-bournemouthandpoole.co.uk Location: Bournemouth Town Centre Price: Talks + Panels – £10, 90 minute workshops – Christchurch cheese and chilli festival The cheese and chilli festival are an amazing vibrant £15, 1-2-1 sessions with a literary agent – £70, annual event that celebrates the amazing flavours 1-2-1 sessions with a writing professional – £35, of the unique pairing.

No booking fees on any tickets.

Date: 17/05/25 – 18/05/25 More Info: bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm Park Yoga Location: Parley Lane Price: Adults : early bird £9 /£12 on the door, Take part in a refreshing and relaxing yoga Seniors: early bird £7/£10 on the door, Carers/ session in a calming an outdoor environment Disabled: early bird £7/£10 on the door to clear your head.

More Info: cheeseandchillifestival.com/ Date: Every Sunday morning from 4/05/25 – 15/09/25 Christchurch food festival Time: 9:30-10:30am Location: Poole Park Fancy joining in on celebrating 25 years of food Price: Free More Info: parkyoga.co/poole/ and drink and community spirit, join a weekend of Rave On: The Ultimate 50s renown chefs, hands on workshops, artisan food and 60s Experience markets, exclusive tasting and so much more.

From the emergence of Rock and Roll at Sun Date: 24/05/25 – 26/05/25 Records in Memphis, Tennessee to the British Time: 10:00am – 20:00pm (sat and sun) 10:00am – Invasion and beyond, this is a musical adventure 17:00pm (fri) you won’t want to miss.

Location: Christchurch Quay Date: 16/05/25 Time: 19:30pm Price: Free Location: The Regent, Christchurch More Info: christchurchfoodfest.co.uk/ Price: £26 More Info: www.theregent.co.uk/event/

Art and Makers Market

Enjoy art in the gardens at one of the longest running open-air exhibitions in the country.

Date: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 17/05/25 – 1/09/25 Time: Open from 11:00am-5:00pm Location: Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market Price: Daily – £13.50 More Info: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/

The Queen of the Ocean: A Titanic Dining Experience on Bournemouth Pier Enjoy an immersive titanic 3-course dining & theatre experience above the waves on Bournemouth pier.

Date: 12/04/25.

Time: Open from 7:15pm-10:30pm Location: Key West restaurant Price: £79 per person More Info: keywestbournemouth.co.uk

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BHL

Comedy Classical Dance Fairs & Exhibitions Family & Panto Music Musicals Opera Variety

What’s on BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION March

MON

WED

19 23 SUN

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

MAR

31 MAR SAT

05

Chicago

APR

Sat 1 Mar

A Tribute to The Carpenters

Sun 2 Mar

Elkie Brooks

Mon 3 Mar

An Evening with Rick Stein

Wed 5-Thu 6 Mar

Shen Yun

Fri 7 Mar

Gordon Buchanan

Sat 8 Mar

Paddy McGuinness

Sun 9 Mar

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Mon 10 Mar

Anton du Beke at the Musicals

Wed 12 Mar

Amy Dowden & Carlos Gu

Thu 13 Mar

Alison Moyet

Fri 14 Mar

The Dubliners Encore

Sun 16 Mar

JLDA Live

Wed 19 Mar

Tea Dance

Wed 19-Sun 23 Mar

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Tue 25 Mar

Ronnie, Reggie & Me

Wed 26 Mar

Karen Hauer & Gorka Marquez

Thu 27 Mar

The Greatest Hits of Motown

Fri 28 Mar

LOL Comedy Club

Fri 28 Mar

The Bootleg Beatles

Sat 29 Mar

Mike + the Mechanics

Mon 31 Mar-Sat 5 Apr Chicago April

THU

10 Milkshake!

Live APR

SUN

04 Dionne Warwick MAY

WED

SAT

17 MAY

Jason Manford

28 31 SAT

MAY

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Tue 10 Apr

Milkshake! Live

Fri 11 Apr

Sweet & Sour

Sat 12 Apr

Nikita Kuzmin

Tue 15 Apr

Andy & the Odd Socks

Sat 19 Apr

Hawkwind

Sat 19 Apr

LOL Comedy Club

Sun 20 Apr

That'll Be The Day

Sun 20 Apr

Ignacio Lopez

Wed 23 Apr

Tea Dance

Fri 25 Apr

Queen of the Night

Sat 26 Apr

This is Elvis

May Thu 1 May

Luke Combs UK

Fri 2 May

Daniel O'Donnell

Sat 3 May

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Sun 4 May

Dionne Warwick

Fri 9 May

Madama Butterfly

Sat 10 May

The Wiggles

Sun 11 May

Andy Bell

Wed 14 May

Tea Dance

Fri 16 May

LOL Comedy Club

Fri 16 May

Forbidden Nights

Sat 17 May

Jason Manford

Sun 18 May

The Waterboys

Wed 21 May

The Prat Pack

Thu 22 May

Aljaz & Janette

Fri 23 May

Dancing in the Streets

Sat 24 May

Johns' Boys Welsh Male Voice Choir

Wed 28-Sat 31 May

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

June Fri 6 Jun

An Evening of Burlesque Cabaret

Fri 6 Jun

LOL Comedy Club

Wed 11 Jun

Tea Dance

Thu 12 Jun

Craig Revel Horwood

Fri 27 Jun

Rhod Gilbert

Mon 30 Jun

Emma Kenny's Killer Couples

bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

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26/02/2025 14:25:53 24/03/2025 07:40

IS HARBOUR VIEW THE UK’S GREENEST CREMATORIUM? • We have built our own solar farm that is large enough to generate all the electricity required by our cremators

• We are developing a Home Farm in the fields surrounding Harbour View

• Our cremators contain filters to remove harmful Nitric gases that are produced during the cremation process; we are the only crematorium in Dorset to do this

• We forage much of the floral material that our florists require to make the tributes for your loved-ones and everything that is left over is either re-cycled or composted

• During the cremation process, small quantities of metals are recovered. These are collected and recycled, with all of the proceeds going to local charities*

• We have our own chickens and bees, providing us with home grown produce for our after-funeral catering

* Recently we donated £34,000 to three local hospices.

This donation was funded entirely by our metal recovery programme.

YES, WE BELIEVE IT IS!

ALL-INCLUSIVE DIRECT CREMATION PACKAGES FROM £1,700

�e celebrate lives

BH Living Spring 2025.indd 32

From ‘direct’ cremation to complete funeral services, call 01202 630111 or visit www.harbourview.co.uk

24/03/2025 07:40