BH Living Summer 2025

Welcome!

Hello Readers!

It’s finally summer! My favourite time of year!

We’re so fortunate to live where we do. Millions of visitors spend small fortunes just to sample a few days in our lovely area but we get to sample it all year round. Whether it’s our stunning beaches (which all retained their blue flag status again this year) or the beautiful inland areas of natural beauty such as Stour Valley, Steamer Point or the natural heathland habitat of Canford Heath and Delph Woods. Arguably there are not many better places to live in the UK. Even after living here for over 50 years, I still have to pinch myself when I stand on the cliff tops and see the sun setting over the sea, to believe that I really am living here.

And as is usual for this time of year, there’s plenty in our area to keep residents and visitors entertained this summer; from cheese, wine and music festivals to fitness events on the beach, but if you prefer to ‘stay cool’ over the summer months, how about a guided walk amongst the shade of the trees on Brownsea Island followed by a delicious cream tea in the historic Brownsea Castle? All of these events and more can be found in our What’s On listings 16-18 and page 30.

I wonder how many of you were aware of the ‘Local Governance Review’ which BCP Council has been conducting since October of last year? Big changes are afoot if the current recommendations go ahead with the introduction of new Town and Parish Councils across BCP. There are some strong voices for and against the proposals with supporters claiming it will enable decisions to be taken at a more local level and opponents arguing that it’s just another layer of bureaucracy that local people will have to pay for in the form of extra Council tax. We cover the latest on page 10.

Few of us have probably managed to negotiate our way around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recently without encountering roadworks. Much of the work is linked to BCP Council’s ‘Transforming Travel’ strategy which aims to introduce safer and more sustainable travel around our area with the introduction of more cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways and making bus travel more attractive. Whilst the current delays are inconvenient, the hope – according to the council, is that in future more local people will choose more sustainable forms of travel for shorter journeys, ditching the car and walking or cycling. Time will tell if the hope becomes reality. Meanwhile if you want to know the latest on current and future planned works, check out our article on page 14.

Enjoy this edition of BH Living. Our Autumn edition will be published late September when we’ll be talking about the clocks going back again! Oh well, enjoy the long warm days while you can.

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.

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Editor: Jason Harris

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BCP Council to begin work on new Local Plan after previous plan rejected

Following our article in the Spring Edition of BH Living, reporting that BCP Council’s local Plan had been rejected by government inspectors, the council have begun work on a new local plan.

The plan seeks to set out a new vision and framework along with detailed planning policies, which will guide decision making for all future development in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The new plan will need to align with the new national planning policy framework issued by the government on 12th December 2024 which sets out that housing figures are mandatory, and that Green Belt should be reviewed to assist with meeting housing need, including delivery of affordable housing.

Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, said: “Whilst we are disappointed that the outcome from examination means our draft Local Plan has to be withdrawn, I am confident that the preparation that we have already undertaken remains highly relevant and can be used to inform our new Local Plan.

“We support the ambition to tackle the housing crisis by increasing the availability of affordable, well-made housing however the government’s new mandatory housing targets present significant challenges for our area.

“It is important that we balance our future development priorities whilst protecting the beautiful area that we live in and the precious natural environment we are so lucky to have.

“We will be making it clear to the government that there is a need for national investment in our infrastructure to support their targets.

“A Local Plan is an opportunity for people to shape where they live and to tell the Planning Inspectorate what they think is acceptable in their areas which is all the more important considering the new requirements from government on housing delivery.”

The council aims to submit the Local Plan for examination in March 2028, after it has gone through early public engagement and evidence updates over the next 12 months, and two rounds of public consultation in 2026 and 2027.

The council will soon initiate a new call for potential development sites as part of the ongoing efforts to assess the capacity to deliver new homes within BCP boundaries.

Short-term bookings now available for beach huts

BCP Council recently announced a changes for beach hut bookings for 2025.

Whether it’s a comedy night in a community centre, spoken word in a skate shop or an immersive installation in a beach hut, every corner of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could become a stage this September as Arts by the Sea launches its first-ever Fringe Festival.

Running from Friday 19th September to Sunday 5th October 2025, the Fringe will bookend the main festival weekend (Friday 26th - Sunday 28th September), adding two full weeks of artistic buzz to the streets, studios, pubs and parks of the region. Venues are being encouraged to get involved by hosting their own performances, exhibitions, gigs, workshops and more, all under the official Arts by the Sea Fringe umbrella.

Find out more and apply at: artsbythesea.co.uk/ fringe

Beachgoers can now book short-term beach huts online for as little as one week, a change from the previous fourweek minimum. This change provides greater flexibility, allowing customers to book multiple huts for various durations. The booking system has been improved for ease of use, with prices starting from just £119 per week (subject to availability and season). Same-day bookings are available as walk-ins at selected locations and can be made in person at the Tourist Information Centre at Bournemouth Pier Approach.

For more information, visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ beach-hut-hire or call the Resort Information Team at 01202 123 800.

Protect your local wildlife this summer

#BringAPicnicNotABBQ

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is encouraging residents and visitors to bring a picnic and not a barbecue when out and about this summer.

A wildfire can move at speeds faster than an Olympic sprinter, and with warmer, breezier weather the risk of fire increases, so to ensure fires don’t spread this summer, you can follow these simple steps. If a fire occurs, get to a safe place and call the fire service on 999 immediately with as much information as possible. You can also help by reporting any anti-social behaviour on our heaths and open spaces to the Police on 101.

Unfortunately, fires are a common occurrence on our heathlands over the summer, and it has taken three years for Canford Heath to start showing encouraging signs of recovery from a devastating fire in 2022. An area around the size of 23 football pitches was engulfed in flames, forcing families to evacuate their homes and causing significant damage to the surrounding area.

The heath is slowly starting to see wildlife return, but with hot weather approaching, the risk of a new fire could revert the slow progress that has already been made. So, make sure you are bringing a yummy, colourful picnic when out this summer, instead of a BBQ, to help protect Dorset’s natural habitats.

New BCP Council Chief Executive recommended for appointment

BCP have announced that Aidan Dunn has been recommended as BCP Council’s new Chief Executive by a cross-party committee after a rigorous recruitment process.

Aidan is an accomplished and forward-thinking public sector leader with over three decades of experience spanning local government, the civil service and the NHS. Currently the Executive Director of Corporate Development at Dorset Council, he has played a pivotal role in establishing the new unitary authority, leading transformation programs, and overseeing the council’s finances. His leadership has improved service delivery and fostered strong partnerships across sectors.

Aidan said: “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to join BCP Council as Chief Executive. […] This is a vibrant and ambitious place with huge potential, and I’m looking forward to working with talented colleagues, councillors, partners and residents to deliver excellent services, drive innovation, and make a real difference for our communities.”

Safer routes to school as BCP Council secures £1.4m for Active Travel

£1.489m has been awarded to the council as part of central government’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) for 2025/26 to deliver a range of measures across the area.

This includes support for School Streets, which are temporary restrictions on motorised traffic and parking during school drop off and pick up times. There will also be funding to develop potential improvements to streets around Christchurch Infants and Junior Schools.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “This funding is another big step towards a healthier, safer and more sustainable future for our communities. […] it’s safer school journeys or better links between neighbourhoods, these schemes will help people who are making more active travel choices every day.”

Aidan Dunn, BCP Council’s new Chief Executive

Charity-funded Custom Caps breaking barriers at

local hospitals

Precision and timing are incredibly important in an operating theatre, especially during emergencies, and when everyone is wearing matching scrubs and facemasks, it can be hard to quickly identify others –challenging effective communication.

To help tackle these challenges, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity has funded reusable hats to over 300 NHS colleagues locally, with their name and role proudly embroidered on the rim.

These vibrant, reusable hats not only promote sustainability but also support clearer communication and stronger collaboration within multi-disciplinary teams, making it easier for colleagues to identify one another. These hats have been a massive help, as staff feel more connected, and patients feel more at ease as it is much easier to recognise the staff!

Dorset PCC calls for reclassification of cannabis as a Class A drug

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has called on Cannabis to reclassified as a Class A drug.

The move follows the publication of a new book which examines the impact of cannabis on physical and mental health. The reference book, the Epidemiology of Cannabis by Stuart Reece and Gary Kenneth Hulse, explores the potential health impact of the illegal drug, focusing on several areas associated with cannabis use, including mental health in adults and young adults, birth defects, cancers and ageing.

Dorset PCC David Sidwick has said: “I have always been very clear about the pernicious impact I believe cannabis and other illegal gateway drugs have on physical and mental health and I have long campaigned for it to be reclassified as a Class A drug because of these effects and the impact it presents on wider society as a result. […] Only through reclassifying cannabis will it be treated with the severity it deserves.”

Sidwick believes that those in power need to get a much harder grip on cannabis, believing that it often introduces people into harder, more damaging drugs saying: “This drug causes harm, to individuals and communities and it needs to be taken as seriously as the threat it presents to society.”

Local

student designs something fishy as part of Poole Museum’s £10.3million transformation

Third year BA(Hons) Modelmaking student Melis from Arts University Bournemouth, has created two engaging models of an Atlantic Cod – a giant version and a smaller one – to show the damaging effects of overfishing. These models are part of a live project for Poole Museum, aimed at informing visitors about the history of the Atlantic cod and its significance to the people of Poole.

This model will serve as an educational tool as part of Poole Museum’s outreach programme when it reopens in the summer following a transformative £10.3 million redevelopment, which includes the conservation, restoration and remodelling of all three of the museum’s listed buildings. The goal is to turn Poole Museum into an outstanding museum, gallery and cultural centre on the south coast when it reopens this summer.

Homeless Pre-school finds a new home thanks to council help

The future of Mudeford Wood Playgroup was looking uncertain, after receiving notice to vacate Mudeford Wood Community Centre, where they’d been based for over 30 years.

Thankfully, BCP Council has helped them relocate! From September, they will be located in the former Highcliffe Day Centre, at the ground floor of the BCP owned day centre in Lymington Road. The day centre was closed during the pandemic, but is set to be reopened to accommodate for Mudeford Playgroup, to ensure the playgroup can carry on its much-valued childcare provision.

Playgroup manager, Emily Hernon said: “We are incredibly happy and very relieved to have found a new home in Highcliffe thanks to BCP Council. Our priority has always been to provide high-quality, affordable early years education for the children of our community, and we are thrilled that this new location will enable us to continue to do so.”

Mudeford Wood Preschool will have an initial one-year lease to operate from the building subject to further site investigations and suitability assessments and also the outcome of ongoing work for the co-location of other education provisions.

NHS staff sporting their new coloured hats!

Melis with her Atlantic cod model

Marjorie House is a brand-new residential and dementia 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.

Bournemouth University students share skills with asylum football team

Young players from a football team comprising of asylum seekers and Dorset care leavers have received invaluable free coaching from students at Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, where they enjoyed an educational workshop, showcasing the essential aspects of an effective warm up, cool down and injury prevention strategies.

United Players FC consists of 16 to 22-year-olds, some of whom have fled countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and Kurdistan due to persecution and war, and others who are local care leavers.

Ellie, who runs this programme alongside her fellow BCP Council employees Ben Maatoug and Talene RadjaibiPittwood, was able to set it up with initial funding from the BCP Youth Fund and a small amount of sponsorship from Apple Cabs. However, they need sponsorship and support to continue past the 2026 season.

“United Players FC is about the shared love of football, and we would love to hear from more people like the BU students who could help.”

For more details on the team please email: unitedplayers23@gmail.com

New campaign launches to help improve attitudes to women and girls

A powerful campaign tackling everyday harmful behaviours towards women and girls has been launched by The Safer BCP partnership for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP).

This includes support for School Streets, which are In the UK, 86% of young women have experienced some form of sexual harassment, and one in five have been sexually assaulted. This campaign calls on men and boys to reflect on their own actions and attitudes, as well challenge those of their friends by calling them out on inappropriate behaviours, such as catcalling, following, and unwanted comments, by saying: “Just Don’t.”

Councillor Kieron Wilson said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in our communities, and women and girls should not have to adapt their behaviours out of fear. We are proud to support the Just Don’t campaign and are committed to challenging negative and harmful behaviours in our area.”

To raise awareness of the campaign, and broader issues of harassment, Engagement Sessions are being held across the BCP area. These sessions are being held at schools, local businesses, transport providers, night-time venues, as well as gyms and leisure centres.

BCP Council says it remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all residents across the BCP area, recently investing in improved street lighting and upgraded CCTV monitoring to help enhance public security. Initiatives such as the BCP Unity Promise are continuing with over 25 local businesses united in the pledge to protect the safety of women and girls in Bournemouth Town Centre.

It’s time to make a splash! Littledown Park paddling pool reopens for summer season

One of Bournemouth’s popular community attractions is back for another sunny season!

Littledown Park’s much-loved paddling pool has officially reopened, offering free, splashtastic fun for families.

Nestled in 47 acres of beautiful parkland, the paddling pool is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors this summer. Open throughout the warmer months (weather permitting), this free-to-use gem is a local favourite for families looking to make the most of sunny days.

United Players FC and their coaches with members of Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Health & Social Sciences at the new BU Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Bournemouth.

David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, in front of one of the new bus posters.

SmartTag devices trialled to help identify Anti-social bike riders

Officers of the Bournemouth North and Poole Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) are trialling a new device to help identify anti-social cyclists and motorcyclists. The new device will support officers with dedicated operations to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) on motorbikes, e-bikes and quadbikes.

Between May and July last year, contact officers received 112 calls regarding the antisocial use of bikes off-road in the Poole and North Bournemouth areas of the county. This equated to 20% of all ASB reports in Poole and 14% in North Bournemouth, notably in Winton.

DeterTeck UK has developed a forensic spray called SmartTag, which allows officers to ‘tag’ an offender and their bike with a water-based marking solution. The solution has a unique forensic code relating to the pressurised cannister it was sprayed from, which will help to link a suspect and vehicle to the scene of the offence. This can be traced by officers using a UV light to scan the offender’s clothing and bike, which will highlight the bright yellow solution to show that they have been tagged.

Inspector Nick Lee, of Poole NPT, said: “We hope that the use of this innovative technology will act as a significant deterrent for those who are thinking of committing anti-social behaviour on motorbikes, e-bikes and quadbikes in Dorset.”

Bourne Academy to receive government funding for vital upgrades

The government’s new £470 million investment in school buildings, is set to benefit pupils at Bourne Academy in Bournemouth West, which will go towards some much-needed repairs and improvements.

The school will receive funding through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), which is being used to upgrade facilities and ensure schools are safe, warm and fit for learning. At Bourne Academy, the funding will go towards essential external works, helping to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient learning

The Great Tail Trail Auction!

On Friday 20th June, the mer-mazing tail sculptures were put under the hammer to find new permanent homes.

Professional auctioneer Charlie Ross, presenter of BBC TV’s Bargain Hunt, lead the charity auction in the beautiful Italian Villa at Compton Acres.

The Great Tail Trail showcased some beautiful artwork by local Dorset artists, as well as artists from further afield. They were auctioned to raise money for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice Charity, and to help the tails find their forever home.

environment for both students and staff.

Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, welcomed the announcement and praised the impact the funding will have on the school community:

“I’m really pleased that Bourne Academy is receiving this much-needed investment to upgrade its buildings. Having visited the school and spoken with staff and parents, I know how important these improvements are to ensuring pupils can learn in a safe, wellmaintained environment.”

Water Minister praises £113million project to future-proof local drinking water

Bournemouth Water is making significant progress in its £113 million upgrade at Alderney Water Treatment Works – a major investment welcomed by Water Minister Emma Hardy MP as a crucial step in securing long-term, sustainable water supplies for the region.

This large-scale infrastructure project, which began in October 2023, is a key part of Bournemouth Water’s £200m investment programme to modernise the water system, futureproof it against a changing climate and minimise the impact on the environment.

The Water Minister visited the site with Jessica Toale MP for Bournemouth West, and was given a tour of the upgraded treatment works by Susan Davy, CEO of Pennon, owner of Bournemouth Water. They reviewed the progress made on the site and saw first-hand the innovative new technology at Alderney which will be strengthening the area’s water resilience into the future.

Once complete, Alderney Water Treatment Works will integrate advanced treatment technologies to secure long-term, high-quality water supplies for over 250,000 customers and meet the needs of future generations.

DIY SOS needs help finding families in need!

The auction raised an outstanding £200,600 for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice!

Nick and his trusted team of Purple Shirts, along with an army of Volunteers, are looking for deserving families, individuals, or community projects across the UK, who need their help. It could be someone who has always given back to the local community, who now needs help themselves, or a family whose home is no longer suitable for their needs.

If you want to apply, head to www.bbc.co.uk/ showsandtours/take-part/diy-sos

DIY SOS is back!

Proposed introduction of Town and Parish Councils meets local opposition amid higher Council Tax claim

BCP Council have just finished local consultations on proposals to create new parish, town and community councils across Bournemouth and Poole, but the plans are facing opposition from fellow councillors and residents in the local area.

There are currently five parish and town councils in the BCP conurbation who’s main purpose is to focus on local priorities, projects, and activities such as improving parks and greenspaces, and managing carparks and community centres. These local councils are in Burton & Winkton, Christchurch, Highcliffe & Walkford, Hurn and Throop & Holdenhurst.

A public survey conducted by the council in October 2024, asked residents how they wanted their local communities to be represented in the future. According to the council, the results from this showed that more influence is wanted over decisions that directly impact the community.

Proposals have since been reviewed and recommendations were sent out in a report to the council’s cabinet. The main recommendations from this were to set up new town and parish councils across BCP in areas currently without them – Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne, with the remainder of the former Poole Council area having a new Poole Town Council, and the remainder of the former Bournemouth Council area also having a new Bournemouth Town Council. These councils would be in addition to the existing BCP Council.

The ‘Community Governance Review’ consultation which looked for further responses from residents ended on the 22nd June 2025. This further ‘Have your Say’ consultation allowed residents to share their opinions and concerns on the creation of the new councils and responses will now be taken into consideration for the final council meeting on the 14th October where decisions will be made.

BCP Council Leader, Cllr Millie Earl, said: “We’re committed to giving local communities more say over decisions which affect their local area.

“The introduction of town and parish councils offers neighbourhoods the opportunity to take more control over what matters most to them which is why it is important that we hear from as many people as possible. If established, new town and parish councils can deliver local services, support community projects, and provide a platform for residents’ voices to be heard. The people of BCP know their area best - their local knowledge and experience are vital to shaping future governance and generations to come.”

The consultation has generated significant discussion and polarised views across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Supporters of the introduction of more Town and Parish Councils believe they would benefit their communities by having a more community-led focus on local issues enabling decision-making to occur at a level where residents feel more closely represented. They could also potentially improve services they argue.

Another potential benefit is more care of the local areas, as town and parish councils would be responsible for delivering local services and supporting community projects. This could mean more or better funded community events and better care of local amenities.

However the proposal is not without its opponents, with many BCP residents taking to social media to share their concerns as well as local councillors who fear more bureaucracy and costs for local people.

Usually, the extra costs of running additional Town and Parish Councils are collected from residents through an extra tax levy called a ‘precept’. The precept is added onto every resident’s Council Tax bill as an ‘extra’. The amount added is decided by local councillors. Most residents in BCP don’t currently pay a precept for extra town and parish councils but the added precept charges are likely if BCP Council plans are carried through.

Opposition councillors in BCP claim the re-organisation plans are taking a step backwards and are concerned about the potential increase expected on resident’s Council Tax bills, which some households will find difficult to swallow in the face of rising living costs.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, Leader of BCP Conservatives said “Town and Parish councils were designed for large rural areas, not urban areas like BCP. These new huge town councils proposed for Poole and Bournemouth will be two of the largest in the country. The plans call for an extra 110 councillors across BCP, when there are already 76. And a new added council tax precept, payable by everyone, to pay for them”.

Cllr. Broadhead continues: “And how much will this cost be? Some of our closest examples give a hint: Weymouth Town Council costs an extra £200 per year, per household. Blandford pay an extra £259 per year. And [these new councils] are unlikely to provide any new services, just services that BCP Council doesn’t want to pay for”.

Opponents argue that adding another layer of bureaucracy is unnecessary and could actually result in slower decision making as there are likely to be more processes to go through, given there is already the umbrella BCP council. Some residents are also saying it could be difficult for residents to know who is in charge of what jobs. Many are asking for it to be laid out simply so that it is easily accessible to everyone and councils can be accountable for the services they are responsible for delivering.

For more information, you can head over to www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ about-the-council/community-governance-review

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Poole BID delivers Art, Innovation and Heritage in town centre transformation

Poole BID (Business Improvement District) has completed a trio of transformative town centre initiatives made possible through the Town Centre Improvement Fund Grant via BCP Council. The new initiatives included commissioning a stunning new mural, introducing a cutting-edge electric grounds maintenance machine named ‘Dusty’, and contributing to the restoration of historic lampposts around Poole Quay.

A bold and beautiful new mural by local artist Tech Moon now transforms the underpass between The Lighthouse, Poole and Poole Bus Station. The large-scale artwork features two halves—one celebrating Poole’s rich heritage and the other its diverse wildlife—bringing colour, character, and civic pride to a key pedestrian route.

Poole BID has also recently unveiled ‘Dusty’, a new electric grounds maintenance machine. Dusty is a fully electric, zero-emissions vehicle that will be used to maintain the cleanliness of Poole’s town centre sustainably. To ensure it runs regularly and efficiently, a freelance operator will manage the vehicle – all paid for by Poole BID.

Hall & Woodhouse confirms summer opening for The Quay

Hall & Woodhouse has confirmed that ‘The Quay’ public house in Poole is reopening with a brand-new guest experience this summer.

The building on Poole’s waterfront has undergone a significant transformation, but it includes an interesting addition: the rear room at the pub will now offer a games experience! The sociable games concept is a first for Hall & Woodhouse and brings a new experiential space to Poole Quay.

Kane Chainey, General Manager of The Quay said: “I am so proud to have the opportunity to lead my team as we launch the first ever Hall & Woodhouse interactive games pub. We can’t wait to welcome locals and tourists alike into The Quay to enjoy all the new entertainment.”

Two New Directors appointed to Bournemouth Town Centre BID

Chartered Surveyor Darren Frias-Robles, Managing Director at Whitefox Chartered Surveyor, was appointed to The Bournemouth Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District) Board to represent the office sector.

Cllr. Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, will now represent the Local Authority on the Board, in place of Chris Shephard who stood down after four years due to a change in role at the Council.

The third element of the grant funding has been used to restore historic-style lampposts along and around Poole Quay. With additional match-funding from Poole Quays Forum, the project ensures all remaining traditional lampposts are repaired and revitalised—preserving the area’s character and improving safety and appearance.

Councillor Rich Herrett said: “These projects will have real impact on how the town is experienced by residents and visitors alike.”

Morebus Managing Director Andrew Wickham MBE dies

Andrew Wickham MBE, who devoted 40 years to the bus industry, has recently passed away. His passing comes after a long illness, and has been met with deep sorrow among his colleagues.

Andrew has been heavily praised for his outstanding leadership within the Go South Coast team. His vision to improve services and increase the popularity of bus travel was very successful, as people travelling by bus along the south coast is now amongst the highest in the UK.

Andrew will be missed by his team and colleagues at Morebus, and his outstanding contribution to the company will not be forgotten. Ben Murray, finance director, is taking the reins as interim managing director at Go South Coast, and will be fully supported by the Go-Ahead Group.

Local Artist Tech Moon’s New Mural, in Poole

Andrew Wickham MBE

5 ways to stay well using your smart phone

1. Download the NHS App

2. Register for the BP@Home blood pressure service

3. Visit the Our Dorset Health App Library

4. Check out the Our Dorset Health and Care Video Library

5. Find out more about Assistive Technology at Home. Visit TEC Lounges - Dorset Council or Call 01305 22101

If you need help getting online or using digital services, there’s face to face support available in your community.

Tech Buddies

Offer support in libraries across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Call your local library Or search ‘help using computers’ on the BCP Council website

To find our more visit: staywelldorset.nhs.uk/digital

TRANSFORMING TRAVEL

for shorter journeys, and to help reduce traffic and local carbon emissions.

Work began in May 2022, and many parts of the overall plan have already been completed, with new cycle lanes popping up all over the BCP area, as well as improvements to bus shelters and new walking routes. BCP council are working in partnership with a number of national and local organisations to ensure that relevant, informed and far-reaching change to local travel is created. These organisations include Public Health Dorset, MoreBus, Beryl Bikes, as well as Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth.

The main aim is to make future travel sustainable, greener and safer for residents in the local area.

The improvements are designed to be accessible and inclusive, catering for young and old people alike, as well as helping those with mobility impairments and other disabilities. The overall aim is to make sure sustainable travel options are better connected to each other creating a more joined up approach. Examples of this are where cycle lanes have been extended and pointed to other existing cycle lanes. BCP Council’s aim is to be wholly carbon neutral by 2030 and the area of BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) by 2045.

You may have seen work cropping up along Ringwood Road already, from Alderney Avenue leading up to Alderney Roundabout, as two-way cycle lanes have been implemented on the Eastern side of Ringwood Road. Many improvements like this have been made around the BCP area, as the council’s plan is focused on encouraging people to walk and cycle places rather than drive, with the ultimate goal to reduce congestion and air pollution. They also hope that these changes will improve bus times, as the new bus lanes will allow buses to bypass any remaining traffic congestion, creating less delays for those using public transport.

There will likely be more travel delays for those travelling along Ringwood Road, Poole, as the final phase of work is set to take place from Spring 2026 through to Winter 2026. While the travel plans will inevitably cause some disruption, the council have promised they will do all they can to minimise the impact, acknowledging that Ringwood Road is a busy travel route. This work will come as BCP’s Transforming Travel Plan is nearing its completion.

Balston Road and Parkstone Heights

From 15th July

• A new parallel crossing across Ringwood Road, just south of Haymoor Road, with associated areas of shared use path upon approach.

• A new toucan crossing across Ringwood Road, just north of Dale Road, with associated areas of shared use path upon approach.

• Carriageway and footway resurfacing. More Travel Improvements planned as Transforming Travel Strategy

BCP’s vision for cycling and walking

The BCP area will be a people-friendly place and enjoy a culture where walking or cycling is a safe and natural choice for residents and visitors, particularly for shorter journeys. A car will not be necessary to enjoy our world class environment.

information can be found at: www.transformingtravel.info

Old Wareham Roundabout and Sea View Road junction

Started 14 April and continuing until Winter 2026

• A new northbound bus lane between St Clements Road and Old Wareham Road roundabout.

• Footway on the western side to be upgraded to shared use path from Old Wareham Road to St Clements’ Road.

• Two-way cycle path on the eastern side of Ringwood Road between Balston Road and Parkstone Heights, linking into previously constructed cycle paths to the north and south.

• Footway surfacing.

• Carriageway surfacing.

• Improvement to street lighting.

• New two-way cycle track on the eastern side of Ringwood Road from Old Wareham Road roundabout to Sea View junction linking with those sections already complete to the south.

• Zebra adjacent Rosemary Road – to be removed.

Artists impression of the proposed improvements on Ringwood Road.

Old Wareham Road Roundabout and Mannings Heath Road

From Spring 2026

• A new southbound bus lane from Mannings Heath Mini Roundabouts to Old Wareham Road roundabout.

• 4.5km of road resurfacing from Hunt Road to Mountbatten roundabout.

• Improving 1.8km of pavements on the western side of Ringwood Road between Hunt Road junction and Mountbatten roundabout including upgrading sections into shared paths for walking, wheeling and cycling.

• A new 2.7km two-way cycle track on the eastern side of Ringwood Road, between Hunt Road junction and Mountbatten roundabout. This includes sections of shared path for walking, wheeling and cycling.

• New and improved toucan, zebra and parallel crossings to enable east-west connectivity for people walking, cycling and wheeling along Ringwood Road.

• Major improvements to Sea View Road junction to improve the traffic flow for buses and motorised vehicles. A new dedicated bi-directional cycle crossing and new pedestrian crossing will be installed across Sea View Road.

• 23 side road junction upgrades including improvements to bus, walking and cycling provision.

• Upgraded bus stop shelters at 19 locations; five bus stops relocated.

• Improvements to Old Wareham Road roundabout including wider footways and new toucan crossings on all arms.

• Removing right turn filter lane from Ringwood Road into access road to Halfords.

• Removal of dedicated right-turn filter lane into Rossmore Road. The northbound lane will be widened so that vehicles can still turn right and northbound traffic able to pass.

• Dedicated right-turn filter lane on Ringwood Road to be removed.

Why are BCP Council promoting green travel?

In Dorset, travel is estimated to be responsible for an estimated 765 kilotons of CO2 each year. Bournemouth currently ranks 3rd in the UK for travel congestion with journey times taking an average 34% longer than what would be expected according to FuelGenie’s website.

Stats like these are one of the reason’s BCP Council are trying to change our travel behaviour in the hope that congestion will reduce and will our impact on the global climate.

The introduction of new cycle paths and wider shared footpaths will help create a safer environment for residents to walk or cycle for shorter journeys which not only reduces the heavy congestion on our roads but also improves the health of the local population.

While walking or cycling can be great for shorter journeys, longer distances will be harder to make on a bicycle for most residents of BCP. Fortunately we are lucky enough to live in an area that benefits from a comprehensive bus network.

There are approximately 50 travel routes with MoreBus, as well as University and School services. Although it could be argued that buses still have engines that pollute the environment, the more people sharing the bus, the less individual engines there are on the road; one bus can take up to 75 cars of the road, reducing traffic congestion!

The council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and this has shaped the council’s thinking when looking at how we travel around BCP.

With more radical thinking around creating more pedestrian walkways and cycle routes, the council have been able to benefit from funding from central government as part of the National LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan).

Riding a bus is also cheaper than a car, as you don’t have to worry about insurance, fuel, or maintenance costs. With the MoreBus app, travel can cost as little as £2.30 a day with a 30-day travel ticket in Zone A, or £4 a day with a 30-day travel ticket for Zone ABC. The bus is also free for people over the age of 65! Taking the bus for longer journeys can also increase your productivity, as you don’t have to focus on driving. Instead you could allocate the travel time to reading a book, listening to music, or catching up on emails. Not only is your productivity increased, but so is your mental wellbeing, as the stress of planning a journey, driving, and parking is up to someone else. MoreBus also has a handy travel planner along with real-time information on their app, making it easy to plan your trip. Download the MoreBus app for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

SUMMER FAMILY FUN

What’s On in BCP

By Stacey Bradford-Piper

Whether you fancy dancing to amazing live performances, a fun filled day out with your family, or travelling back in time to experience some of Dorset’s amazing history; BCP has an array of wonderful events to keep you busy this summer!

Bike Nights on Poole Quay

Every Tuesday night on Poole Quay, enjoy a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators assemble on Poole Quay.

Date: 01/07/25 – 30/09/25 Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Location: Poole Quay

Price: Free

More info: pooletourism.com/event/bike-nights-on-poolequay

Car Nights on Poole Quay

Every Friday night, come down to Poole Quay for a bustling, lively atmosphere as owners mingle with fellow enthusiasts who want to catch a glimpse of the line-up.

Date: 04/07/25 – 29/08/25 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Poole Quay

Price: Free

More info: pooletourism.com/event/car-nights-onpoole-quay

Boscombe Market

Every Thursday and Saturday, find an ever-changing range of stalls, there’s something for everyone – from local produce, to clothing, flowers, jewellery and much more!

Date: 04/06/25 – 31/07/25 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Location: Christchurch Road

Price: Free

More info: bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/boscombemarket-p2265853

Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market

Every Saturday and Sunday, this market is teeming with artists ready to show and discuss their work, and art lovers browsing their wonderful creations!

Date: 06/05/25 – 10/10/25 Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm

Location: Westover Road

Price: Free

More info: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/parks-nature-and-greenspaces/find-a-park-play-area-or-green-space/westovergardens-art-and-makers-market

Jurassic Coast Cruise

Step aboard for a stunning boat cruise along the Jurassic Coast, and witness over 185 million years of geological history unfold before your eyes.

Date: 01/04/25 – 31/10/25 Time: 11:45am and 2:30pm

Location: Swanage Pier

Price: Free - £21.00

More info: coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/swanage-jurassiccircular-cruise

Summer Reading Challenge – Story Garden!

This challenge is brilliant for inspiring children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, and exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.

Date: 05/07/25 – 30/09/25

Location: Your local library, or online!

Price: Free

More info: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Pre-schooler

Yoga @ Kingston Lacy

These sessions offer parents and toddlers a moment to breath, connect and enjoy each other’s company.

Date: 08/07/25 & 22/08/25 Time: 9:45am -10:45am

Location: Kingston Lacy

Price: £13.50 (1 adult and 1 child)

More info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ kingston-lacy/events

Poole Harbour BBQ Cruise

Step aboard for a magical evening on the water with a BBQ Evening Cruise around the stunning Poole Harbour! This cruise promises an unforgettable experience.

Date: 11/07/25 – 29/08/25 Time: Departs 7:30pm

Location: Blue Coastal Cruise Kiosk, Poole Quay

Price: £22.50 - £27.50

More info: coastalcruisespoole.co.uk/bbq-cruise

Poole Goes Vintage

Step back in time and revel in the magic of the 1940s to 1960s, with music that stirs the soul and fills the air with nostalgia. There’s fun for all the family to be had here!

Date: 13/07/25 Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Location: Falkland Square and Poole Quay

poolegoesvintage.com

XChurch Music Festival

Get ready to immerse yourself in an electrifying atmosphere with unforgettable headliners, this is the ultimate weekend celebration of live music, community, and family fun.

Date: 18/07/25 – 20/07/25 Time: 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Location: Christchurch Quay

Price: £11.00 - £32.40

More info: xchurchmusicfestival.co.uk/#buytickets

Summer of Play @ Kingston Lacy

There’s something for all the family to enjoy at Kingston Lacy this summer! With such a wide array of activities everyone is sure to be entertained!

Date: 19/07/25 – 07/09/25 Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Kingston Lacy

Price: Free - £21.00

More info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ kingston-lacy/events

Pop Up Sundays – Highcliffe Castle

Join us this summer in the beautiful grounds of Highcliffe Castle to enjoy live music, vintage cars, local creatives and delicious food from the Castle Pantry!

Date: 20/07/25 Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm. Concert and band: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Highcliffe Castle

Price: Free - £10.00

More info: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/events

Poole Harbour Festival

Poole and Bournemouth’s biggest & best family & live music festival, enjoy a variety of indie, rock, and pop acts, headliners like UB40, and Vengaboys, as well as incredible tribute bands!

Date: 25/07/25 – 27/07/25 Time: Friday: 5:00pm –11:00pm. Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm. Sunday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Baiter Park, Poole Harbour

Price: £6.00 - £99.00

More info: pooleharbourfestival.com

Treasure Island Panto

This legendary pirate story is laced with the fun of panto-style audience interaction, live music with singing and dancing, as well as colourful characters and gripping action!

Date: 26/07/25 Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm

Price: £8.00

Location: Red House Museum and Gardens

More info: allevents.in/christchurch/treasure-island-familyfriendly-summer-panto/200027986832911

Castlepoint Craft Fair

Shop handmade crafts, delicious treats, and unique gifts - all while raising funds for Julia’s House.

Date: 26/07/25, 30/08/25, 27/09/25 Time: 10:00am –4:00pm Location: Castlepoint – outside M&S

Price: Free

More info: bcp.mumbler.co.uk/event/castlepoint-craft-fair

Fun with Archaeology

A wide variety of archaeology themed activities for families including badge making, a quiz, designing a mosaic and a chance to look at and handle real archaeological finds.

Date: 29/07/25 Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Location: Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne

Price: Free

More info: museumofeastdorset.co.uk/project/archaeologythemed-activities

Stompin’ on The Quomps – Jazz Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable day of sunshine, smooth jazz, and riverside vibes! A celebration designed to bring people together through fantastic live music.

Date: 02/08/25 Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm

Location: Christchurch Quay

Price: Free/Donation

More info: christchurchonline.co.uk/events/stompin-on-thequomps-2025

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks

Pop on down to Poole Quay every Thursday for some sensational FREE live music, entertainment and a spectacular firework display this summer!

Date: 07/07/25 – 29/08/25 Time: 7:00pm

Location: Poole Quay

Price: Free

More info: totalguidetodorset.com/entertainment/cityfibrepoole-quay-summer-fireworks

Outdoor Theatre @ Corfe Castle

Every Thursday in the historic ruins of Corfe Castle enjoy a night under the stars with a movie classic! With an array of movies, it’s fun for all the family to enjoy!

Date: 07/08/24 – 23/08/25 Time: 7:00pm – 11:30pm

Location: Corfe Castle

Price: £6.50 - £12.50

More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/ corfe-castle/events

BSO Proms in the Park – Classical Extravaganza!

An evening of the best symphonic music in the world with a stunning pyrotechnic and fireworks finale!

Date: 08/08/25 Time: 8:00pm

Location: Meyrick Park

Price: £21.00 - £33.00

More info: bsolive.com/events/meyrick-classicalx-2025

BSO Proms in the Park – Symphonic Smash Hits –the 80s!

The BSO is back at Meyrick Park for an evening of smash hits from the 80s!

Date: 09/08/25 Time: 8:00pm

Location: Meyrick Park

Price: £21.00 - £33.00

More info: bsolive.com/events/smash-hits-symphonic-80s

Poole Lifeboat Station Open Day

Join in at the Annual Station as the RNLI celebrate their 160th year. Go and look around the Lifeboats in the floating boathouse and have fun on the Tombola, Raffle and more!

Date: 10/08/25 Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Location: Poole Lifeboat Station

Price: Free

More info: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/events/2025/august/ poole-lifeboat-station-open-day

Christchurch Carnival

A weekend of fun & community spirit! Christchurch Carnival is a vibrant, free community event that brings people together with live music, a funfair, and a spectacular firework show!

Date: 15/07/25 – 17/07/25 Time: 10:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Christchurch Quay, Quay Road

Price: Free

More info: christchurchonline.co.uk/events/christchurchcarnival-2025

Open Air Theatre – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Step into a world of enchantment with The Three-Inch Fools’ immersive open-air performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Brownsea Island.

Date: 21/08/25 & 22/08/25 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Location: Poole Quay – Brownsea Island

Price: £17.00 - £30.00

More info:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownseaisland/events/631badca-45e2-403e-b39d-a15f6d6555c8

Grandma’s Attic Antiques & Collectors Fair

A quality antique fair within walking distance of Wimborne town centre and Wimborne Market. With up to sixty stands to explore, you are sure to find something exciting!

Date: 24/08/25 Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Allendale Centre, Wimborne

Price: £2.00

More info: grandmasatticfairs.co.uk

Arts by the Sea Festival

The South West’s biggest celebration of art, culture, and place! Enjoy national and regional acts to uplift and inspire via dance, theatre, or a mass sing-along, everyone is welcome!

Date: 26/09/25 – 28/09/25 Time: 10:00am – 11:00pm

Location: Bournemouth Gardens Price: Free

More info: artsbythesea.co.uk

Dinosaur World Live

Experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family! A special meet and greet after the show allows for a chance to make a dinosaur friend.

Date: 29/08/25 – 31/08/25 Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Location: The Lighthouse, Poole Price: From £16.75

More info: lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dinosaur-worldlive-2/

‘Fox & Cubs’ Dads and Kids Activity Sessions

Find out more about the nature on your doorstep, by being active and getting creative! Designed for Dads and Kids to spend some quality time together in the great outdoors!

Date: 26/08/25 & 30/08/25 Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Location: The Education Centre, Upton Country Park

Price: £4 per child, adults go free

More info: uptoncountrypark.digitickets.co.uk/eventtickets/33741

Hop on and off all day with a

PB_Advert_open summer fun_breezer 70_193x128_0625_PRESS.indd 1

Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

13/06/2025 09:57:08

Friday 8 August, 8pm

The best symphonic music in the world with stunning pyrotechnic and fireworks finale!

Superman March • Dance of the Hours • Polovtsian Dances and many more!

Saturday 9 August, 8pm

Celebrating the era of new romantics, big hair and even bigger shoulder pads with the BSO and 4 West End singers! Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams David Bowie Medley • A-Ha Medley • and many more!

WAR ON WASTE

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE.

BCP Council is in the process of developing a new Waste Strategy for 2026 that will set out key achievable ambitions for the next 10 years, with the main focus being on reducing waste and increasing recycling, with an emphasis on ‘reuse’ (reusing items such as bags for example rather than throwing them away) and ‘repair’ (repairing items rather than throwing them away). By developing this strategy in partnership with residents, businesses and local partners, the council aim to deliver more sustainable and effective waste management across our three towns. This also ties in with their aim to run carbon neutral operations by 2030.

In Dorset, we generate 1.6 million tonnes of waste each year! To put it into perspective, that’s equivalent to the same weight as 40,000 double decker buses. Recycling rates across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole remain steady with just under 50% of household waste sent for either reuse, recycling or composting. The Government has introduced a national target to recycle 65% of waste and send less than 10% to landfill by 2035; so BCP’s Waste Strategy plays a vital role in meeting that goal over the next few years.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “Developing a waste strategy that is fit for the future will play

REDUCE (the most important step!)

an important role in meeting these ambitions by delivering upgraded infrastructure, improving waste management across our three towns, and encouraging greater recycling by everyone.Ensuring the correct waste goes in the right bin is crucial for maximising recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact. When waste is properly sorted and put in the correct bins, it helps to prevent contamination, making materials easier to process and recycle, while also minimizing landfill waste and associated costs. Often recycling bins that have general waste mixed in with the recycling can mean that the entire contents of the bin are sent to landfill – even the recyclable pieces due to contamination. So making sure the right things go in the right bins is really important as we all try to do our bit for the environment.

Below are some top tips on how we can improve our waste management, and make our waste services more efficient, by adopting a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” mentality.

Limiting the amount of waste and plastics we use in the first place is the most effective way of managing waste, as it allows us to tackle the problem before it starts. This can be done by opting for products with less packaging, and reducing the number of single-use items or ‘fast-fashion’ products that we buy.

Cut Out Single-Use Plastics

Some easy ways to do this include: purchasing a reusable water bottle. Buying a set of reusable straws – they even make ones in a cover that can attach to your keys or bag for when you’re out! Take your own carrier bags shopping.

Reduce Your Food Waste

Plan meals ahead of time: you may find it useful to prepare a list of meals for the week, so when you go shopping, you’ll know exactly what you need avoiding buying extra that’ll go to waste! You’ll be saving money too. If you prepare too much food, consider freezing it for another time, or take it to work to reheat the next day, rather than scraping it into the bin. Compost any out of date fruit or veg, and this can then be used as a fertilizer! There are many recipes out there with great ideas for recycling leftovers in your fridge reducing the amount of food you throw out. Check out www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Sustainable Purchases

Shop locally! Supporting local farmer’s markets means you’ll get locally produced, fresher foods, whilst also cutting down on the plastic packaging that’s often used in shops. You could also take a cloth bag with you when doing your weekly shop and pick the fresh loose produce, rather than the pre-packed plastic fruit and veg. This can also reduce food waste, as you can buy exactly what you need!

Limit Fast-Fashion Purchases

The vast outputs by fast-fashion companies contribute massively to landfill as clothes are bought for a trend and then thrown away. Buying second-hand is more environmentally friendly. Retailers such as M&S operate ‘clothes trade-in’ schemes giving you money off your new item if you bring in your unwanted item which is the recycled sensitively or given to charity for re-use.

REUSE (extending the life of products)

This involves finding new ways to use products and materials rather than just throwing them away. This can be as simple as repurposing containers from the takeaway for another use, repairing broken items, or donating unwanted goods to charity.

Easy Ways to Reuse Items

• Repurpose plastic containers into seedling pots.

• Use old toothbrushes for cleaning.

• Keep old newspapers for when you’re painting and decorating.

• Keep plastic shopping bags and reuse them.

• Use silicone containers or lids instead of cling-film to store food.

Ways to sell or donate unused goods!

Sites like Vinted and Marketplace: a great way to sell unused goods, such as clothes, electrical items, or toys that you no longer use. Your money box could soon be swelling with the income from unused items around the home and you’ll be giving them a second chance to be enjoyed by someone else!

Charity Shops: if you aren’t worried about making money from your items, and just want them out of the way, donating to your local charity shop, or charity bins, is a great way to repurpose your unused items.

Craft ideas with single-use plastic

Bird-feeder: poke a few holes in a plastic bottle to feed sticks through and fill with bird food. Hang in your garden and birds can easily perch on the sticks to eat.

Plant-pots: using larger plastic bottles, you can cut them in half and fill them with soil to use as plant pots! If you’re feeling creative you could even decorate them.

Bottle Sprinkler: poke small holes all around a bottle, remove the cap, and duct tape the opening to the end of a hose. An easy way to water your garden in the summer if you don’t own a sprinkler!

Wind Chimes: a fun activity for children! Just cut the bottom off your bottle, paint it however you like, turn it upside down, and hang strings of colourful beads and buttons from the edges.

RECYCLE (turning waste into new resources )

The one everyone is most familiar with! But are you doing it properly? Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, or incinerators. However, putting recyclables in the wrong bin, or contaminating recyclables is a significant issue that makes the recycling process harder and less effective, as it can result in entire vehicle loads being rejected, or wrong items clogging up parts of the machinery.

Recycling Bin

Yes please!

Wrapping Paper (not foil based)

Newspapers, Directories, and Magazines

Envelopes

Shredded paper (small amounts

– paper wrapped/bagged to stop escape)

Cereal Boxes

Greetings Cards and Photos

Plastic Bottles, Pots, Tubs, Trays, and Lids.

Tins and cans

Aerosols

Aluminium Foil

Metal Lids

Tetra Pak Cartons

Glass Bottles and Jars

Yes

No thanks!

Plastic Bags and Wrapping

Crisp Packets

Plastic Toothpaste Tubes

Anything compostable or biodegradable

Polystyrene

Paper tissues, towels and cups

Broken Glass

Food and liquids

Wood and rubble

Nappies

Textile and clothes

Electrical items – i.e. batteries

Commercial or Garden Waste

Food Waste Bin

No thanks!

Carrier/ Plastic Bags

Nappies

Meat, fish, and bones

Fruit & veg peelings

Cheese and dairy produce

Cakes, bread, and pastries

Leftovers

Tea bags and coffee grounds

Pasta,

Food packaging

Garden Waste

Pet Waste Liquids

Oil or liquid fats

Paper cups

Wooden sticks/skewers

Rubbish Bin

Yes please! Disposable nappies

Plastic bags/wrapping – these can also be taken to local disposal points for recycling!

Broken glass & disposable razors – wrapped in paper

Cold ashes

Pet waste

Medical and Sanitary Waste

Tissues and Paper Towels

Polystyrene

Lateral Flow Testing Kit

PPE – masks and gloves

Foil based wrapping paper

Garden Waste Bin

No thanks!

Hedge and Shrub Clippings

Plants and Weeds

Leaves

Twigs

Branches and Bark

Cut Flowers

Houseplants

Mens’ Mental Health

(it’s worth talking about)

Mental Health is something that affects everyone whether we experience it directly or whether we live with or are close to someone who is suffering. According to the NHS, 1 in 4 of us in England will experience a mental health problem each year. Whilst mental illness is not something that exclusively affects men, they are less likely to admit they have a problem until much later on, often only when things reach more of a crisis point.

As of March 2025, the number of people who have contacted mental health services stands at an all-time high, the BMA (British Medical Association) recorded over 1.3 million adults contacting mental health services in the last year. However, this figure doesn’t include the number of people who are suffering in silence with many people, particularly men, struggling to speak up about their mental health. Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist, says this could be due to outdated ideas of masculinity: “Traditionally, men have been less likely to seek support for mental health issues. This is probably for a number of reasons, including stigma and the traditional ‘strong male’ stereotype still prevalent in our society – the idea that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness.”

This may not be the only reason men struggle to speak up though, it could also be due to embarrassment, or previous negative experiences when seeking help. Priory (an independent provider of mental health care) conducted a survey of 1,000 men in the UK, back in 2023, which revealed that 40% of men won’t speak to anyone about their mental health.

by Stacey Bradford-Piper

“It’s actually OK to not be OK”

Talking to a trusted friend or family member is often the first step to a more positive outlook. And this is why we’ve seen the proliferation of adverts and TV documentaries such as ‘Football, Prince William and mental health’ broadcast by ITV (catch it again on ITV Hub or Youtube) encouraging men to talk about how they are feeling. Talking to friends, family or even a GP can help to normalise how we’re feeling and we quickly realise that despite what the voice inside our head is telling us – it’s actually OK to not be OK.

The Mental Health Foundation found that 1 in 8 men and 1 in 5 women suffer from a mental health problem, such as depression and anxiety.

Again, the marked differences in the amount of men versus women with diagnosed mental health disorders is likely due to the fact that men are less likely to seek help, or talk about their feelings.

Signs to look out for:

Dramatic Mood Changes

Social Withdrawal

Black-and-White Thinking

Low Self-Confidence

Feeling Hopeless

Alarming suicide figures amongst men

It’s no surprise then that suicide rates are much higher for men than they are for women. The link between men not talking about their mental health and the much higher suicide rates in males cannot be ignored. Men are three times more likely to die from taking their own lives than women with a study from Mind revealing that a staggering 75% of suicides in 2023 were by men.

Women and girls feel happier opening up about how they are feeling, resulting in more females accessing mental health services. However the opposite is often true of men. The result for them can sometimes be fatal.

How Gender Norms Can Impact Mens’ Mental Health

Gender norms are damaging for everyone, as they try and force people to fit into oversimplified stereotypes, which can remove freedom for individual expression. Many of the gender stereotypes that are reinforced in mainstream media, create a stigma around men’s mental health, which is why many men are afraid to speak out or even acknowledge their feelings.

Traditional gender norms frequently pressure men to “manup” and act tough to hide their vulnerability; this discourages men from speaking up, as they worry that they will be mocked if they do, which causes many to feel isolated and depressed.

Unfortunately, this assumption that men must be strong is rooted deeply in society. Many of us could possibly relate to the phrase used later in a single by 80’s pop band ‘The Cure’, “boys don’t cry”. This seemingly simple phrase can be incredibly damaging, and possibly explain why many young boys repress their emotions more as they grow up, and feel unable to express their emotions healthily.

What can be done to help men open up about their mental health?

So, what can we do to challenge the stereotypes we spoke about? How can men be encouraged to speak out when feeling low? What’s most important is making sure men feel the environment is safe, secure and private. Some of men’s biggest fears are that by opening up to someone, they will then be gossiped about or their problems discussed with others. If men are being encouraged to open up, they first need to be reassured that it’s safe to do so.

Many men find mental health a difficult topic to discuss with friends – so being in a welcoming environment with someone who will want to support them, will help make the conversation feel a little less daunting. Normalising the discussion of mental health, will also help to reduce the stigma, and encourage open communication. Often discussing our own mental health challenges first, can help others to do the same.

How to Start a Conversation About Mental Health:

Go to someone who you feel safe talking to. It is likely that the people close to you will notice if you’re feeling low, and will want to help, but might not know how. Telling someone you’re struggling is often the hardest step, but also the most important, as it can help you begin to recover.

Don’t bottle it up. Find a method of communication that feels right for you, this may be face-to-face, or it may be over a phone call or text message. You may find it useful to prepare beforehand, so that you know where to start and what you want to say.

Ask for support. Your friend and family are likely going to want to help you, so don’t feel bad asking them for help, or telling them what you would find most useful for them to do.

Masculinity has often been tied to ideas like stoicism, dominance, and independence which can restrict room for emotional growth and stunt mental wellbeing if taken in isolation. The rise of “macho men” influencers such as Andrew Tate have doubled down on this harmful rhetoric, and are showing a new generation of young men that it is ‘weak’ and ‘unattractive’ to show emotions. As such, many men will hide their mental health struggles, as admitting to experiencing a problem is frequently met with stigma and shame. These norms discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, creating a culture where silence is mistaken for resilience, and men are trapped in a cycle of avoidance

1. Making sure you take time out of your day to relax can help reduce stress – try and take a lunch break even if work is busy

2. Spending time outside, and connecting with others can help create a greater sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness.

3. Eat well. Sleep well. Of course, we all know that it is important to make sure we are eating healthy and getting enough sleep, but it really does make a positive impact on your life, and is one of the easiest changes to make!

4. Exercise, even just walking can release positive energy and hormones giving us a greater sense of wellbeing.

5. Talk! Don’t bottle up how you’re feeling. Find a trusted friend, speak to a family member. Book an appointment to see a GP, or even phone the Samaritans where you can speak to someone you don’t know.

Where to Find Support and Advice: Remember that it is okay to express when you’re struggling, and there is a number of charities and support options available for when you need advice.

NHS Mental Health Services - www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/ mental-health-services

CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably – 0800 58 58 58 or thecalmzone.net

Heads Up Guys - headsupguys.org

MindOut - www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/mindout

Andy’s Man Club - andysmanclub.co.uk #ItsOkayToTalk. Samaritans – call 116 123 or visit: www.samaritans.org/ branches/bournemouth

Sunny Side – Northern Rascals

In partnership with Andy’s Man Club

This dance-theatre show performed at Pavilion Dance recently and exposes the raw truth about young men’s mental health, and how easy it can be to fall behind and feel lost, by shining a light on a topic that is often left in the shadows.

18-year-old K is struggling, he feels trapped in an endless cycle of grey Mondays, the monotony of his life is bleak in comparison to his childhood best friend Danny, who is thriving at University. The audience can easily see the effects of his mental health deteriorating, as his pile of unfinished breakfasts grows, and his clothes are flung around his room in fits of rage and frustration. When Danny comes to visit over Christmas, K struggles to connect with him in the easy childish way they used to; Danny has moved on and K is stuck – unsure where his place in society is.

Sunny Side is currently touring the UK – More information can be found here: northernrascals.com/sunny-side

Daisy Jones and The Six BOOK REVIEW

reviewed by Stacey Bradford-Piper

K’s brief romantic relationship shows how letting new people into our lives can help aid the discovery of yourself, and let you experience moments of joy. However, K hides his feelings from her, and struggles to communicate how stressors in his life, such as his parent’s constant arguing, affect him.

As a result, his problems are literally shoved under his bed, in an attempt to present himself as happy and ‘normal’. When his girlfriend leaves, this façade crumbles, and he ends up back where he started, as he hasn’t been able to communicate his struggles.

Raw, poignant, and moving, this performance encapsulates the struggles of many young people, and how these quiet yet persistent problems can only grow without proper means of communication and help. It is a deeply honest and real portrayal of mental health, that will continue to resonate with audiences even after they’ve left the theatre.

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Calling all fans of the 1970s and Fleetwood Mac!

If you just can’t get enough of the 70s vibe, then this may be the book for you! Inspired by the love affair that led to the downfall of one of the most influential rock bands ever, comes Daisy Jones and the Six. A story of love, friendship, drugs, and rock n’ roll music.

This page-turning story is narrated through individual interviews from members of the band, describing their rise to global fame, until on 12 July 1979, Daisy Jones walked barefoot onto the stage at Chicago Stadium. And it all came crashing down. Everyone was there, but they all remember it differently, and no one has understood why they split up, until now.

When the perfectly flawed Daisy Jones first meets the effortlessly cool lead singer of The Six, Billie Dunne, they quickly realise that they are two halves of a whole. Billie recalls how “Everything that made Daisy burn, made me burn.” and they quickly become intertwined in a complicated love affair, despite Billie’s marriage and devotion to his wife, Camilla. With strong feminist characters, this story is also wholly inspiring, as Daisy fights to make something of herself, she doesn’t want to just be someone else’s muse. The keyboardist of The Six, Karen, works hard to be recognised for her music ability, and not her relationship with another member of the band.

432 pages / ISBN: 9781787462144

The novel explores an array of relationship dynamics, some wholesome, but most messy, and encapsulates the raw, flawed, and complex emotions that will resurface when you have to perform gruelling love songs alongside the person you’ve written them about.

It was also recently adapted into an incredible show on Amazon Prime, featuring Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, Riley Keough, as Daisy Jones! If like me you can’t get enough of these characters, the tenepisode series is the perfect way to finish your reading of the book. The pure, unfiltered relationships that Reid describes will move you to tears, and the incredible soundtrack from the series will have you wishing they weren’t a fictional band! This book is beautiful, devastating, inspiring, and powerful beyond measure, it has definitely earned its title as a must read.

Vikki Slade Interview – June 6th 2025

MP IN THE SPOTLIGHT��

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.

In 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 Liberal Democrat MP, Vikki Slade who represents Mid-Dorset and North Poole.

BHL: Hello Vikki, thanks for agreeing to the interview with BH Living, many of our readers will of course recognise you and know you from your time as leader of BCP Council.

I’m guessing though that many readers though won’t know too much about you in your new role as a local MP. Maybe you could start by telling us a little about yourself and how you came to be MP for Mid-Dorset and North Poole?

VS: I first got involved locally while running my business in Broadstone, back in 2003 when I was elected to chair the Chamber of Trade. Frustration with how things were run led me to stand for council. When someone asked if I’d ever considered standing for Parliament, I thought they were joking—I was just a mum who hadn’t been to university. But I attended a taster weekend for women in politics and was inspired by the possibility of making a real difference. I went on to represent Broadstone on the council, joined the Fire Authority, became a school governor, and helped set up several community organisations. These roles gave me valuable insight into how public services work—and how they can be improved. It took me four attempts over 12 years to win this seat, the only one I ever wanted to represent. That time spent campaigning has given me a deep understanding of the community and the role and a love of the communities that make up Mid Dorset and North Poole

BHL: So, previous to becoming an MP you were leader of BCP Council. How big a change has it been for you in dealing with the challenges and issues in Dorset at a national level rather than at a more local level when you were council leader?

VS: Being Leader of the Council was an incredible job. Every day involved decisions that directly affected households in BCP—deciding how to allocate budgets, navigate regulations, and deliver services. You could see the impact immediately.

Parliament is different. I don’t control a budget, and as a member of the opposition, I can’t directly change laws or government policy. But I can take a broader view, bring organisations together to solve problems, and use the influence of an MP’s letter to resolve issues that individuals have struggled with for years.

The responsibility is different, too. National decisions—on issues like the smoking ban, assisted dying, abortion, or military action—can be emotionally draining. The days are long, and some nights the weight of the role keeps you awake. But I love this job. It truly is a dream role, and I’m grateful every day to have been elected.

BHL: What are the issues you consider to be important and that you’ll be tackling as a relatively new MP?

VS: I feel incredibly fortunate to use my voice to help people—whether that’s resolving issues like school placements or housing, speaking up on local matters like the Canford incinerator, Lytchett flooding, or the Wareham railway crossing, or representing broader concerns in Parliament, such as the NHS, Gaza, or Ukraine.

BHL: Are there any specific campaigns that you’re involved in or plan to get involved in as a local MP?

VS: Locally, we’ve made progress on several issues, and more is coming—especially around access to dentists, GPs, hospice care, and SEND services.

I’m also campaigning to ban disposable BBQs due to their environmental and safety risks. My casework has highlighted serious issues with the Child Maintenance Service, and I’m pushing for reform there. I’m also working on safety regulations for mobility scooters and e-bikes in buildings, tree protection, and improvements to DBS checks for those working with children. These require legislative change, and I hope to pursue them through Private Members’ Bills or by working with Ministers.

I feel incredibly fortunate to use my voice to help people — whether that’s resolving issues like school placements or housing, speaking up on local matters like the Canford incinerator, Lytchett flooding, or the Wareham railway crossing, or representing broader concerns in Parliament, such as the NHS, Gaza, or Ukraine. “ “

BHL: You recently spoke in a debate on Dementia Care and quoted that in your constituency the number of people living with dementia is nearly 40% higher than the national average, a worrying and concerning figure. Many of our readers will identify with the ‘the cruelty of dementia’ as you described it in parliament. What would you like to see happen to help combat this cruel disease? Additionally, how can you campaign for more funding or recognition from the government for our specific area which as you pointed out has an unusually high proportion of dementia sufferers in comparison to the country as a whole?

VS: Dementia is a cruel disease. It strips people of their independence and communication, and places an enormous burden on families. We urgently need the Social Care Review, led by Louise Casey, to be accelerated. We also need a cross-party agreement on how to fairly fund dementia and ageing. Right now, the system is skewed. People who’ve worked hard to own their homes often have to fund their own care, and when the money runs out, they may be forced to leave the care home they love, having spent everything they own. Others don’t meet the threshold for care at all, leaving families to provide 24/7 support—often while living in poverty.

Dorset has one of the oldest populations in England. If social care continues to be funded through council tax alone, it will overwhelm local councils and deprive communities of other essential services. The Government knows this, but the solutions won’t be popular. Still, they must act.

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?

VS: BCP is part of the proposed Wessex devolution deal, working with Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset to form a broader Region, similar to one being created for the NHS. That’s where we belong—as the gateway to the South West. Although Wessex wasn’t included in the first wave of devolution deals – Hampshire and the Isle of Wight was a Wave 1 Region - Government officials have recently visited the area, and I’ll be meeting with the Minister soon in my role as Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government (MHCLG) to discuss the timetable and scope. The Government has made it clear that future infrastructure funding will be channelled through regional mayors. If regions are being set up in waves, it’s vital that those not included in the first wave still have access to funding in the meantime. My background in local government gives me a strong platform to advocate for the powers and resources our communities need.

BHL: Our final question to Vikki was going to be about what she gets up to in her spare time, as she must need time to relax. As well as being a local MP Vikki is also a ward councillor for Broadstone. However, ironically because of her busy schedule, Vikki wasn’t able to answer as she had to hurry off to her next appointment! Thank you Vikki for taking the time out to speak to BH Living.

SUMMER What’s On in BCP

By Stacey Bradford-Piper

Whether you fancy dancing to amazing live performances, a fun filled day out with your family, or travelling back in time to experience some of Dorset’s amazing history; BCP has an array of wonderful events to keep you busy this summer!

Park Yoga

Every Sunday head down to Bournemouth Gardens and discover the transformative nature of yoga! A brilliant way to relax and improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Date: 04/05/2025 – 14/09/2025

Time: 9:30am - 10.30am

Location: Bournemouth Central Gardens

Price: Free

More info: parkyoga.co/bournemouth

Quiz Night!

Test your general knowledge skills with a quiz, the second Wednesday of every month! There’s a cash prize up for grab for the winning team!

Date: 09/07/2025 – 08/10/2025

Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Location: Splat Pottery Painting, Wimborne Road

Price: £2.00

More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quiznight-tickets-1078723203139

Beach Yoga

What better way to start the morning than lying on the soft sand and listening to the waves. A fun, invigorating way to experience the healing benefits of yoga.

Date: 09/07/2025 – 08/10/2025

Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Location: Bournemouth Central Gardens

Price: Free

More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quiznight-tickets-1078723203139

Nightjar Walk

Witness the beauty of nature after dark, as experienced guides lead you on a night-time adventure to spot the elusive nightjar bird in its natural habitat.

Date: 14/07/2025

Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Canford Heath Nature Reserve

Price: Free

More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nightjarwalk-tickets-1319935525689

‘Badness’ – Madness Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

Kicking off the Summer madness is Badness! Their energetic performance won’t fail to give you a great night!

Date: 23/07/2025

Time: 8:30pm – 10:00pm

Location: Bournemouth Pier

Price: £22.00

More info: keywestbournemouth.co.uk/ madness-tribute-badness/

Books & Bubbles

Enjoy an exciting live conversation between local author Alex Stone and multimillioncopy best-selling author Jackie Kabler as they dive into her gripping new novel, The Revenge Plot.

Date: 29/07/2025

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Sommelier, Southbourne

Price: Free

More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/booksbubbles-tickets-1305807237599

Taylormania!

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the most iconic singers of our time – Taylor Swift! Featuring all of Taylor’s much-loved hits, you’ll be singing all night!

Date: 07/08/2025

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Price: £30.00

More info: www.bournemouthpavilion. co.uk/events/taylormania-2025-2

Peak of Summer Silent Disco

Come down and dance to tunes that you love with your friends and family on the beach! A fully stocked bar is available for refreshments and excellent food.

Date: 09/08/2025

Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Location: Southbourne Beach

Price: £8.50

More info: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/peak-ofsummer-silent-disco-tickets-1286886675689

ABBA Angels: Live on the Terrace

An outstanding, exciting tribute to one of the worlds’ greatest and most iconic groups. With tight harmonies, costumes, and audience participation – you are in for a night of great entertainment!

Date: 15/08/2025

Time: 8:30pm – 10:30pm

Location: Bournemouth Pier

Price: £22.00

More info: keywestbournemouth.co.uk/ abba-tribute

LOL Comedy Club

Bringing the best in live stand-up to Bournemouth. Every show comprises a different line up of four top professional comedians and all the nights are equally hilarious.

Date: 08/08/2025

Time: 8:00pm

Location: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Price: £20.75

More info: www.bournemouthpavilion. co.uk/events/lol-comedy-club-2025

South Coast Wine Festival

Enjoy live music, food vendors, and an outdoor wine bar for the adults to unwind. Head inside the castle and try over 300 wines in a relaxed 2-hour session.

Date: 08/08/2025 – 10/08/2025

Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Highcliffe Castle

Price: Free - £5.00

More info: www.visit-dorset.com/event/ south-coast-wine-festival

The Amy Winehouse Experience

Enjoy an authentic tribute of Amy Winehouse, plus a full backing band to recreate the authentic sound of this heady mix of jazz, soul and pop.

Date: 05/09/2025

Time: 7:00pm

Location: The O2 Academy Bournemouth

Price: £25.00

More info: www.academymusicgroup.com/ o2academybournemouth/events/the-amywinehouse-experience-tickets-ae1467630

FREE slimming vouchers

FREE smoking quit kits

FREE coaching sessions

FREE activity plans

Celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected:

Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike

an incredible mix of material, from excitement of Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin in one mesmerizing show!

A very special show celebrating the

Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th

July 7.30pm (second date added due to demand!)

Made To Measure Productions

present P*ssed Up Panto – Sleeping Beauty: Over 16’s only!

Tickets

£26

Friday 18th July 7.30pm

All Or Nothing: The Story Of The Small Faces

Tickets

£26

Wednesday 23rd July 7.30pm

The Jim Cregan Acoustic Band

An exciting new project from Jim Cregan, Rod Stewart’s former songwriting partner

Tickets

£25

Wednesday 30th July 7.30pm

Band Of Friends – A Celebration Of Rory Gallagher

Tickets £24.50

Friday 1st August 7.30pm

Barry Steele: The Roy Orbison Story

Join Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Story for an unforgettable evening celebrating the legendary Roy Orbison and the iconic Traveling Wilburys!

Tickets £28.50

Saturday 2nd August 7.30pm

Sexbomb: Celebrating The Music Of Tom Jones

Tickets

£29

Friday 29th August 7.30pm

Pop Gods Of The 80’s & 90’s: The Ultimate Tribute Show

Tickets

£28

Saturday 30th August 7.30pm

The Bohemians: Queen’s Greatest Hits

Tickets £25.50 (2 in 10 free available via Box office)

Wednesday 3rd September 7.30pm

One Night Of Adele

Featuring The Voice 2022 Finalist

Naomi Johnson

Tickets

£26.50

Sunday 7th September 7.30pm

David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers With Special Guest Ben

Waters

Tickets

£30

Wednesday 10th September 7.30pm

Chris Jagger

Chris Jagger may be best known as being Mick Jagger’s younger brother, but he has cemented his own place in music history with some fine albums of folk, country, roots, blues and rock music.

Tickets £20

Thursday 11th September 7.30pm

Lipstick On Your Collar

Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax-you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s!

Tickets £26.50

Saturday 13th September 7.30pm

Celine: My Heart Will Go On The ultimate celebration concert of the music of one of the world’s greatest iconic singers of all time- Celine Dion.

Tickets £30

Sunday 14th September 7.30pm

The Bird Dogs – The Everly Brothers Celebration

Tickets £21

Wednesday 17th September 7.30pm

Jim Davidson - OVER 18’S ONLY!

Tickets £29.50

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

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

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 are developing a Home Farm in the fields surrounding Harbour View

• 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

• 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.