BH Living Spring 2020

WIN!

Your chance to win family tickets CONTAINING to Monkey World ESSENTIAL NEWS or Marwell Zoo FROM YOUR see page 23

R ADER OFFE E R E IV S U L EXC

LOCAL COUNCILS

Spring Special

High will Street ‘crisis’ What new council Business leaders speak out - page 4 look like?

– page 11

Get set the Happy dogsfor competition – page 28 Air Festival ‘18 Plant your garden happy Travel to holiday Guernsey Summer for less than £25 - page 8 ideas – page 25

– page 14 Where to go and what Spring activity to see see pagesideas 16 & 17 – page 16

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@bhlivingdorset The area’s most widely local magazine delivered Onedistributed magazine distributed to over 170,000 homes acrossBournemouth Bournemouth, Christchurch to bhlivingdorset 154,000 homes across and Poole and Poole

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These will become the ‘good old days’ Whilst browsing through a facebook page dedicated to local history recently, I came across some fascinating pictures of the local area taken from a bygone era. Among the pictures was one of the old Poole Pottery building and one featuring the famous leaning clock tower in Bournemouth square with Bobby’s department store (now Debenhams) in the background. I even came across one picture showing my Grandfather’s old hotel ‘The Empress’ which eventually made way for the Bournemouth International Centre. There was also one of the old Tucktonia which I used to visit as a boy.

Alongside the pictures were many comments from local people. The common theme running through most of them was: ‘those were the good old days’. I must admit I can relate to that sentiment. But in the immortal words of Gladys Knight “These days will become the good old days for our children.”

Having been a ’local’ all my life and grown up in the area, I do look at the old pictures with happy memories but also with a slight pang of sadness. Some of us may feel that the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have changed for the worse as we look through our rose-tinted spectacles. Perhaps there may be some truth in that feeling as we read in this edition, about the serious problems and challenges currently facing our town centres.

In this edition we hear from Dorset Chamber Chief Ian Girling on the plight of our town centres in the wake of the collapse of department store giant Beales (page 8). We’ve also caught up with Paul Kinvig who heads up Bournemouth Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District) to get his thoughts on how town centres can survive and thrive with the challenges of the modern era (pages 11-13).

Also in this issue, there are some real feel-good articles too. Not least the stories of two very inspirational local men, who despite their serious disabilities, have shown the world that anyone can excel at what they do, if they put their mind to it. Check out their fascinating stories on page 26.

Contents 4-7 Local News 8 Crisis On The High Street 11 Interview With Town Centre Chief

14 Plant Your Garden Happy 16 Spring Activities 18 School Places Announced 20 Dealing with Addictions 23 Win Family tickets to 24 26 28 30

Marwell or Monkey World Book Review Great Achievers

Happy Hounds Competition What’s On

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 the views of 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.

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.

Longer, lighter days means spring must be just around the corner, so we’ve teamed up with popular local garden centre Haskins, to offer some greenfingered inspiration for gardeners and budding gardeners alike (page14).

Published & Produced by: IMS Group Distributed by: IMS Group Editor: Jason Harris Graphic Design: Dan Bartlett

With Easter almost upon us, it must mean ‘school’s out’ for two weeks at least.

But what do you do with the little cherubs for two weeks? Check out our events feature on page 16 for some help and inspiration.

For editorial enquiries contact: editor@bhliving.co.uk For advertising enquiries contact: sales@ims-group.co.uk For distribution or subscription enquiries contact: distribution@ims-group.co.uk

Until next time,

Jason Harris Editor

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NEWS

“ Funding always comes with strings” Dorset Police to charge an extra £10 per household this year

The 2019 General Election campaign saw many promises being made in an effort to win votes. During the campaign Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed a new Dorset Police and era for policing in Britain Crime Commissioner, referring to a previous Martyn Underhill government announcement that 20,000 new police officers would be recruited over the next 2 years. Indeed Dorset’s own Chief Constable James Vaughan referred to the extra funding in his interview with BH Living in our last edition.

Fast forward two months and BCP Council Tax payers are already being asked to dig deeper to help balance the books, but also to enable the Force to ‘fund an additional 50 police officers’. So just who is paying for these additional officers promised by central government?

Underhill said “Following a decade of austerity, this is the first Government funding settlement in years I can feel positive about, and will mean not only that Dorset Police can deliver a balanced budget but that new officers will be recruited to keep people safe.

“However, the funding always comes with strings and disappointingly once more I have been given no choice but to ask for some of the money to come from local taxpayers”.

According to Underhill, PCCs across the country were advised by government to raise their precepts (the extra amount added onto Council Tax bills for policing) by the ‘maximum amount permitted’.

Council to allocate £240,000 for Climate Emergency ncil has stated that it will In a recent announcement BCP Cou which will be spent be allocating £240,000 for 2020/2021 logical Emergency.

Eco addressing the Climate Change and mbly and the Asse ens The extra money will include a Citiz an Action Plan. and ’ tegy development of an ‘Environment Stra

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Despite expressing positive feelings about the funding settlement, the exact level of funding from central government to Dorset Police, already one of the lowest funded Police Forces in the country, still appears to be uncertain. According to the current Dorset PCC (Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner) Martyn Underhill, the government needs to ‘provide much more clarity about how the Force will pay for new recruits over the next two years’.

You can read more about the Council Tax precept rise and the reasons behind it here: www.dorset.pcc.police.uk/news-and-blog

Children’s Services and Special Needs Schools face funding black hole Like many councils up and down the country, BCP Council is facing increasing pressure on funding for adult and children’s services but have managed to make an additional £11m worth of funding available to address the rising costs of residential care for older people with complex needs, those with learning disabilities and adults living with long-term conditions.

Sadly, funding for children with special needs has fallen short of what is required with the council opting to prioritise the care of older people. The result means that SEN (Special Educational Needs) schools and services for children and young people will face a funding shortfall of a predicted £5.5 million. Schools will be told they will have to find the money themselves unless funding can be found from ‘additional sources’.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member for Finance said “We have a predicted budget requirement of £49.9million in this budget. With government funding of £42.9m expected and thanks to inherited deficits from the preceding councils, we are entering 2020/21 with a £5.5m shortfall in this crucial budget, which presents us with an extremely challenging starting point.” He continued, “We are therefore proposing to make the necessary funding available from a combination of sources, including seeking contributions from schools themselves

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NEWS

2020 COUNCIL TAX:

Bournemouth & Poole residents to see an increase of 3.84% whilst Christchurch residents enjoy a reduction, under BCP plans.

“A sustainable budget, with investment that supports people’s wellbeing and vibrant communities” is what is underpinning the setting of council tax bills for this coming year according to BCP Council.

The new bills hitting doormats across BCP in early March will see Bournemouth & Poole taxpayers facing an increase of £56.60 and £55.28 per year respectively on an average Band D property. Christchurch taxpayers however will see their bills drop by an average £56.73 on the same property band. These figures exclude the Police and Fire precepts which are also set to increase.

The reduction in council tax for Christchurch residents is due to the current BCP administration’s plans to ‘harmonise’ the amount of council tax that residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole pay, with the aim of everybody paying the same by April 2021.

Council Leader Cllr. Vikki Slade said “In proposing this 2020/21 budget, we are on track to deliver a further £9.4million of savings next year, from reorganisation alone. This is before our full transformation programme, which will revolutionise the way we work, engage with our residents and deliver services.”

Christchurch Town Council look to increase their share of council tax by 51% Although most residents in Christchurch will welcome the proposed reduction from BCP Council for the next two years, many are unhappy with Christchurch Town Council’s plans to increase their precept by a staggering 51% this year which will see some of the savings made on their council tax bills cancelled out by the rise in what the Town Council wants to charge residents.

CHERRY TREE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF NURTURING MINDS AND PLANTS Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and have a range of plants that can help add a splash of colour to your garden this Spring.

But this nursery does far more than sell plants; it’s a haven for sufferers of severe and enduring mental health difficulties.

Set up in 1990 as the Sheltered Work Project by Canon Rosalyn Aish and Cyril Speller to help people with mental illness rehabilitate, learn new skills and feel like part of a caring community, the team have, to date, supported over 700 individuals. Taking referrals from GPs, community mental health teams and families who get in touch, they can offer volunteers a place on their RHS Practical Award in Horticulture Level 1 course, giving them the opportunity to turn a confidence-building volunteer job into a career path.

Working alongside Cherry Tree nursery is ‘Crazy Daisies’, a local landscaping business established in 2015, whose aim is to build beautiful, wildlife-friendly gardens. They’re able to offer work placements to Level 1 volunteers, including ‘J’, who has been working alongside Lee, who runs Crazy Daisies, since June last year. In that time, J has worked on various projects; digging out tree stumps, building walls and planting wildlife-friendly gardens. ‘It’s definitely increased my confidence and it’s been really good working for different customers. There’s a real sense of satisfaction at the end of the day when the client can see the results of our hard work.

This opportunity has been a breath of fresh air!’

It’s been a pleasure for Lee as well, who has experienced anxiety and depression himself, and says “J has a real eye for detail. His confidence seems to have grown and he’s been able to take on tasks he wouldn’t have had the skill or confidence to take on previously. We all look upon him as a useful and hard-working member of the team.“ For more information on Cherry Tree Nursery, visit www.cherrytreenursery.org.uk.

To find out more about Crazy Daisies, visit www.crazydaisies.org

BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

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NEWS Could drivers along busy Barrack Road be paying a congestion charge in future?

BCP Council announce 153 ‘Climate Change Actions’ Could Barrack Road be subject to a future ‘congestion charge’?

Following the Climate Emergency Declaration by BCP Council in July of last year, the council have announced plans to put 153 defined actions into place to tackle climate change.

Some of the actions include buying all Council electricity from Zero-carbon renewable sources, assessing the energy efficiency of all council buildings and enforcing minimum energy efficiency standards on local landlords in the private rented sector.

The plans also extend to transport and travel across the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with the council considering introducing ‘School Travel Plans’ to promote alternatives to car use, encouraging more ‘cycle-to-work’ schemes and even assessing the feasibility of introducing ‘Congestion Charges’ and other ways of changing local residents travel behaviour.

Our local wildlife has not been forgotten either with the council announcing it will investigate the possibility of allocating land to ‘allow natural woodland generation from trees, natural habitat and heathlands at a scale to absorb carbon and become carbon sinks’. The actions will also seek to provide bridges and underpasses so wildlife can cross the road more safely.

A full list of the Climate Change Actions can be found on the council’s website.

Go to : www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/ News-Features/Features.aspx

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5G coming to BCP Both Vodafone and EE have announced that parts of Bournemouth will receive 5G by the end of 2020.

BCP Council say they’ll be working closely with commercial operators to understand their roll out plans for the local area over the coming months As 5G mobile technology gathers pace, local authorities across the UK are working with a wide range of partners to rollout localised pilots that are enabling some early real-world examples of 5G applications and technologies in action, such as connected autonomous vehicles in transport and robotics in health and advanced manufacturing.

BCP Council has received funding from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership to improve connectivity in the Lansdowne area of Bournemouth. The intention is to deploy a small scale 5G pilot at Lansdowne, which will enable the council to assess the environmental impact.

Between September and October last year the council consulted local residents and businesses in their ‘Call for evidence’. The council considered the responses at a meeting held on 11 November but have yet to formally publish their findings and conclusions.

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NEWS

Council tight-lipped over cladding safety concerns Online student magazine ‘Buzz News’ which is written by Bournemouth University students, exclusively revealed in January, that a student accommodation block is fitted with cladding very similar to the cladding used in the ill-fated Grenfell Tower block.

The 16 storey Lansdowne Point building in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth is home to has been discovered to have ‘Category 3 ACM’ cladding which is illegal in buildings over 8 storeys high.

Comparisons have been made to Grenfell Tower in London, which suffered a catastrophic fire in June 2017. Cladding similar to that found in Lansdowne Point was one of the main reasons why the fire spread so quickly. Flames ripped through the building from floor to floor, rapidly engulfing the tower in flames and resulting in the tragic deaths of 72 people and over 70 injuries.

Despite the safety concerns raised from the type of cladding used in Grenfell, it took over 2 years since the tragedy for council inspectors to issue an Improvement Notice.

The notice legally compels Kaplan Bournemouth Ltd, who lease and manage the accommodation block to make the building safe.

Other concerns were also expressed during the September 2019 inspection regarding fire safety in the building, which included fire doors, sprinkler systems and even the fire alarm system.

Kaplan Bournemouth Ltd had until January 2020 to appeal Lansdowne Point the Improvement Notice and a spokesperson from the company had indicated that they intended to appeal ‘various elements’ of the safety notice. BH Living contacted the council a number of times to ascertain whether or not the notice had been appealed and whether the works would be taking place but the council refused to comment at the time of going to press.

As it has taken over two years for Lansdowne Point’s serious safety concerns to come to light, we also asked the council to confirm that action had been taken to ensure other buildings in the BCP area were safe for residents but again the council’s communications department refused to issue any comment at time of going to press..

Poole Park Railway set to return this Summer The much loved Poole Park Miniature Railway is set to return this Summer thanks to investment of up to £350,000 by BCP Council.

put forward for the relaunched railway including; A new redesigned track, a brand new train and carriages, a new engine shed and improved access and safety features.

The railway which has had its home in Poole Park since 1949 was suspended in 2018 because of a number of growing problems with the service.

The invitation for companies to tender for the work went out late last year and closed on 5 December with the council due to make a further announcement soon. The service will be managed by BCP Council staff working alongside dedicated local volunteer enthusiasts.

Planning permission for the demolition and replacement of the existing Engine Shed were already granted by the council in August of last year. Ambitious plans have been

BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

7

NEWS

Crisis on the high street Dorset’s leading business support organisation has called for radical ideas to save the high street.

Radical ideas and decisive action required

Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has called for ‘broader strategic thinking’ to breathe fresh life into the retail sector in town centres.

The rallying cry comes as the chamber launches its new ‘Revitalising the High Street’ campaign. A renewed focus has fallen on the high street after iconic Bournemouth-based department store chain Beales went into administration earlier last month, as well as the closure of several other high profile stores including British institution Mothercare.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “For some time now the high street has been hit by a perfect storm of changing consumer tastes and habits, the rise of online shopping and longstanding problems with business rates.

“The sluggish economy, falling town centre footfall, out of town shopping and issues surrounding town centre antisocial behaviour, homelessness and begging problems have all also had a part to play.

“Many retailers have displayed great resilience, innovation and entrepreneurialism to adapt and keep the high street alive.

However the high street needs greater support if it is to survive.”

Compared to just twenty years ago, high streets have changed significantly with town centre visitors now looking for something different, something which has not been lost on those analysing high street and shopper trends: “The face of retail is undoubtedly changing as we see different types of experiential businesses emerge and grow, such as tattooists, barbers and coffee shops.

The high street is going through huge change.” Girling said.

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“Decisive action is urgently needed to address the fundamental challenges facing the sector but also consideration is needed to find ways to harness new trends, capitalise on opportunities and stimulate growth.”

We are calling on local authorities, BIDs, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders to come together to focus on actions to address these various issues and develop a county-wide town centre vision.”

Mr Girling is set to write to the Chancellor and Dorset MPs. He is also drafting in support from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The Dorset Chamber, with more than 700 members representing 37,000 employees, had offered support to Beales through the British Chambers of Commerce, which has been campaigning on business rates at a national level.

British Chamber fully supporting Dorset’s lead

The changing face of retail

The Chamber’s chief added: “The problems on the high street and town centres can’t be overlooked. To date, there have been too many ‘sticking plaster’ solutions, not addressing the underlying issues.

“As we look to the future, we need to be bolder with our thinking radical ideas and broader strategic thinking are required.

This includes the long overdue requirement for an overhaul of the business rates system [along with] key organisations working more closely to form a strategic vision.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said: “We are fully supportive of the Dorset Chamber’s campaign to support the high street. The Government has an early opportunity to demonstrate that it is listening to business communities in the March Budget - it needs to cut the crushing up-front costs that are holding so many firms back.

“We will be pressing the case on behalf of the Dorset Chamber and others nationwide at the highest level for measures to give businesses the breathing room and support they need.”

The Dorset Chamber is also set to hold a round-table event with business leaders to explore ways to support high street retailers as part of its campaign.

Visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk for more details or follow their campaign on social media using #revitalisingthehighstreet.

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Redefining the town centres for the 21st century Paul Kinvig

Paul Kinvig, Chief of Bournemouth Town Centre BID talks exclusively to BH Living about some of the challenges currently facing our town centres The crisis facing town centre businesses up and down the country has been rarely out of the news headlines over recent weeks and Bournemouth has been no exception, with the sad demise of Beales over recent weeks.

BH Living caught up with Paul Kinvig who has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) since 2018. Paul’s job is to ensure Bournemouth town centre continues to be a desirable place to visit that supports businesses by generating awareness of all that the town centre has to offer.

He talked to us about some of the current challenges facing town centre businesses and how the Bournemouth BID is planning helping keep Bournemouth on the map.

Retail is changing and technology has had a major role in that.

People love the experience of town centres, so retailers need to really look at what the experience is when you go into a shop.

What’s fascinating about it? Those shops that are doing really well are the ones focused on the customer experience, how engaging staff are, and there are great examples of that.

Yes, it’s about shopping, but it’s also “where am I going to eat?”

It’s coming to see a show and “can I go to an event that draws me in?” BH2 was interesting, in that we have a big social space with a cinema, restaurants, virtual reality, all adding to the town experience. But when it came in, the cinema on Westover Road closed. BH2 attracted everyone and nobody was going to Westover Road. You move one piece and something else shifts.

Thanks for talking to us today, Paul. Can you tell us a little bit about the man behind the job?

I worked for the regional press for 20 years, originally selling advertisements over the phone, before becoming Managing Director of the Dorset Echo. Eventually I joined the BID and the job gives you a fascinating insight into how town centres live and breathe - you’re involved with the public, the private and the non-profit sectors on a daily basis. It helps you understand how things work in a town and how to create a healthier town because you see first-hand how everything interlinks.

There’s been a lot of concern recently about all the empty shops in town centres. You’re much closer to the people involved, so what’s your feeling about it all?

In this role you notice very quickly when problems come up because town centres are like living organisms; they change and develop. Town centres in the UK are facing urgent problems because what they need to be is changing so fast, some businesses and organisations can’t catch up.

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11

What do you think the answer might be to the problem of all the shops we’re seeing that are currently closing or lying empty on the high streets? How can we get our town centres thriving again?

Firstly, the business rate system has to be completely changed because you have situations where the business rate is higher than the rent, and for a new business especially, that’s not going to be easy. Secondly, I think there needs to be more flexibility in terms of rent levels and the nature of the locations. There’s a real challenge to make towns and cities attractive. When businesses are looking for locations, they will look at things like what the environment is like, is it attracting people? What events are there to attract tourists?

It also helps for businesses to have a niche – it helps to think “how can I reach my target audience in a different way” because if that target market has changed the way they consume or are turning to the internet, it’s something you need to consider.

Did the Christmas tree and Wonderland walk attract many visitors?

Yes, we had people coming from a long way away just to see the lights. But we have to keep changing and adapting our offering. If you think that, 3 years ago, we had the tallest artificial tree in the country in Bournemouth. We changed some things, introduced new things like the musical tree and more lights and so on. But just repeating the same thing for 2020 won’t cut it – other towns are watching us and replicating what we’re doing.

How would you say we’re attracting people over the rest of the year?

Obviously in Summer we see extra visitors due to the lovely area we all live in and the great summer events but how do we keep people engaged in spring and autumn?

As a BID we’re only responsible for Bournemouth town centre, so Southbourne, Westbourne, Boscombe, the seafront, that isn’t us because that’s coastal BID, so it’s an interesting challenge. Even though Bournemouth is the top resort in the country, how do we get people who are saying “I might go to the beach?” to say“I’m actually going to come into the town too”. It’s the same questions all year through. We do a visitor survey each year where a thousand people get involved. We ask what they like about it [the town centre], don’t like about it, what would put them off returning. From that, we know the things that make people come back are more event experiences. Issues with parking come up, and what people want to do depends very much on their age. No matter what the time of year, the key issue is always the kind of events we offer to draw people in.

musical christmas Bournemouth’s huge of national interest nty tree attracted ple

You work with councils on these issues. Do you feel they’ve been proactive in the town centres? How do you see everything panning out?

It’s been less than a year since the BCP council reorganisation, and it’s the biggest local government reorganisation in decades, so it’s a massive change and there’s still work to do, but part of our role is to challenge them and we’re all aware there’s a lot of work still to do. On a bigger level, towns and cities across the country are broadly facing the same challenge; ensuring the local authorities have a clear vision as to what the town or city is about and how to support them, working with the various organisations. BIDs are important in working on events and offering support, but local authorities need to take the lead because they must have a vision and they can’t do everything, unfortunately.

Homelessness is a big issue right now in town centres.

Do you think it’s a bigger problem in Bournemouth than in other places?

And is it something local businesses are engaging with?

Homelessness is a national scandal. Every single person you see sleeping or begging on the streets has a completely different story and it’s so important to create solutions for each of those individuals. I’m not sure Bournemouth

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en better”

eds to be ev “ Christmas 2020 ne says Kinvig

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BUSINESS has more of a problem compared to other areas but it becomes more of a problem when tourism increases, which is why homeless numbers were so high here at Christmas.

Businesses are starting to engage more. BCP has just launched a homelessness strategy with a fairly comprehensive approach that advises businesses on how to support a homeless person when they’re at their door. I think we’ve started a journey where we say “how can we do this together to help in this situation?”

Do you think the numbers of students in the area are a problem, or can they be helpful to the situation in town centres?

Both Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth have seen an increase in students and that’s great. It’s interesting that in the EU we saw a spike in 2017 where students came over to attend Bournemouth University, studied, went home, created new jobs and then realised how great Bournemouth was and moved back here, or even created new jobs here.

So aside from the universities creating talent we have students who graduated and stay to work in the area.

The beauty of that, of course, is that when people leave university, get business experience and return, they bring all that knowledge and experience into the community. Of course, universities increase the population but for me that’s a really positive thing. It’s good for business.

There must be some great success stories in the local area.

Can you name any of them?

There are a lot of retailers doing some really great things and it’s hard to single out any one individual business. Lush is a big one everyone knows. Coffee shops are interesting because they’re no longer just coffee shops; it’s a place for people to work and it provides meeting places. Up at Lansdowne, where the university is, they roast their own coffee on-site and are developing projects to reduce carbon and become more environmentally-friendly. Bubbletea in town is another one, and they’ve now opened up a smaller version at the noodle bar.

Finally Paul, are you hopeful for the future of Town Centres?

I’m always hopeful of the future or I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m doing. There’s a lot of work to be done but I like a challenge.

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ARTICLE TITLE

Plant your garden happy this springtime Spring is finally upon us and as the daffodils poke their heads through the cold, damp soil and buds begin to appear on the trees, now is the time to head out into the garden and start shaping it for the months to come.

Whether you’ve got greener fingers than Alan Titchmarsh or a tear-stained history of killing everything that ever dared grow in your garden, these tips from Alasdair Urquhart, an in-house plant expert at Haskins Garden Centres, will help you transform your wild kingdom into blooming beauty.

SHADE GARDENING

SUNNY COASTAL GARDENING

Shady spots are an inevitable part of gardening and most plants can deal with some light shade, but plants that typically grow in woodlands will thrive in these conditions.

It’s also useful to note that many shade-loving plants work well in courtyard-style gardens. The best plants for these conditions are:

Coastal gardens need tough, resilient plants that can cope with strong, salty winds and dry, sandy soil. Many of them are also perfect for dry, sunny borders or hot patios.

1. P ine trees – they’re a classic for these conditions, giving an evergreen canopy all year round.

Dwarf types, like the dwarf mountain pine often behave like small shrubs and grow well in pots.

They have a range of needle shapes, textures and colours, from silver-blue to ‘Winter Gold’.

1. W itch Hazel – with its distinctive yellow, red or orange flowers, witch hazel is great for offering structure and colour during the winter months when there isn’t much else happening in the garden.

2.

Grasses –Japanese silvergrass in particular will thrive in these conditions. They all need regular watering for the first year but it will be worth it in the years that follow.

2.

Ornamental Holly – this reliable evergreen works well in the shade and the yellow variegated versions can really brighten up darker areas of the garden.

3.

Monocot family – these are plants with a single stem and long, thin leaves that usually grow from the base of the plant. South African varieties, like red hot poker or Lucifer have vibrant flowers on architectural leaves that work well in bright sunlight.

3. C amellias – preferring more acidic soil, these plants have wonderful white, pink or red flowers and grow well in pots. They liven up gardens beautifully in late winter.

4. J apanese Aralia – the large, architectural leaves help create that lush, tropical or modern look and are ideal for courtyards.

5. C lematis and Hydrangea – both are climbers, perfect for north-facing walls, are leafy and produce lovely flowers.

6. A stilbe and peony – Of the perennials that thrive in the shade, these are my favourites. Astilbe provides distinctive drifts of colour and peony produces large, fragrant flowers in a range of colours, offering a touch of the far east.

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4.

Passion flower and Star Jasmine – the former is a climber, with ornamental star-shaped flowers, followed by orange fruit, and the latter is has white flowers on evergreen leaves.

5.

Californian Lilac, Rock Rose & Pittisporum – all perform strongly in these conditions. Californian lilac provides spectacular blue flowers over dark green foliage, the rock rose has spreading evergreen leaves and bright rose-like flowers, and pittisporum, with its variegated leaf varieties, performs well as hedges.

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GARDENING

LOW MAINTENANCE PLANTS

SMALLER GARDENS

Most people are attracted to low maintenance or easy gardening and while there will always be some maintenance, there are some plants that don’t need as much effort.

In smaller gardens, it’s best to limit your palette and not fill the space with lots of smaller plants. Strong, architectural plants will have more impact and can make the space feel bigger, especially in courtyards. It’s a good idea to choose plants with more than one characteristic, too. Combining scent, colour, shape and texture, you can have a beautiful garden all year round.

1. Phormiums – the larger flax varieties have large blue-green, bronze or yellow-striped leaves, while the cookianum is more compact, with an array of coloured leaves.

2. Grasses – requiring little care, there’s a wide range of heights, leaf and head shapes. Look for pony tails with their feathery heads, Festuca for silver-blue foliage, or fountain grasses for fluffy heads.

3. Perriwinkle, Brunnera and Houttuynia – ground-cover plants protect and stabilise soils, shelter ground-dwelling wildlife and act as living mulch. These plants all have distinctive leaf shapes and pretty flowers.

4. Ferns – available in a wide selection of sizes and shapes, these are brilliant for shaded conditions.

5. Bamboo – love it or hate it, it’s low maintenance and architectural. The clumping varieties grow from a single, central point, grow more slowly, and are much easier to control.

Thanks to Alasdair Urquhart from Haskins Garden Centres for his help writing this article

1. Acers – the coral bark maple is a perfect option with architectural forms and coral red stems that add colour in spring and autumn.

2. Soft Tree Ferns – these work well in shady spots in urban areas and have large, shapely leaves. They often keep their leaves in winter, so cover the crown in colder weather with straw, horticultural fleece or dead fronds.

3. Wallflowers – perennial wallflowers will flower most of the year and provide evergreen foliage, vibrant colours and food for pollinating insects.

4. Spindle Trees – Uptight and evergreen, these provide structure, ground cover and are low maintenance, so they’re ideal for pots, courtyards and contemporary gardens.

5. Chinese Virginia Creeper – small spaces often have vertical surfaces that you can embellish with climbers, to help soften walls and fences. This plant is a more restrained version of the Virginia Creeper, offering good coverage and incredible autumn colours.

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Get out and about this spring With the daffodils blooming and the evenings finally getting that little bit lighter, there’s no doubt spring is in the air.

With longer evenings and the Easter school holidays to think about, we’ve come up with some top-notch ideas to keep the whole family entertained.

From fabulous foodie festivals to beach discovery activities and even a ‘family rave’ read on for ideas to get stuck into this seasonand many of them cost nothing at all!

Nature Curious About Lyme Regis A chance to discovering Lyme Regis with two heritage selfguided walks with an optional treasure hunt. You can buy this as a booklet or instantly download it. Inside you can find detailed directions, maps, clues with answers in the back. You can also see interesting snippets about the history of Lyme Regis.

Where: Start of the coastal walk, East Beach, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3DR When: March 29 2020 - October 24 2020, Monday - Sunday How much: booklets start at £7.49 More info: www.curiousabout.co.uk/lymeregis.html ECOFEST 2020 This event celebrates everyone who want to help make the world a little greener. There will be trade stands, talks and workshops, which will be interactive and fun for all the family.

Where: Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Lymington Road, Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH, Dorset, BH23 4LE When: 22 March 2020. Open from 10:30 until 16:00 How much: Admission - £2:00 Under 16’s - Free.

More info: www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/ecofest2020-p2813883 Wild About the Coast: Wild Play Day Fun There are a number of fun activities to drop into throughout the day, including making your own rock pools and learning about coastline habitats and species.

Where: Sandbanks Beach Office, Banks Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QQ When: 7 April 2020, 10:00 – 12:00 How much: Free More info: www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/wild-about-thecoast-wild-play-day-fun-p2810873

Music/Arts and culture Horrible Histories Live on Stage – The Worst of Barmy Britain We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is, everyone is dead! Delve back in time and discover the secrets of some of Britain’s most prominent leaders with the Horrible Histories gang.

It’s history with all the nasty bits left in.

Where: The Regent Centre, Christchurch When: Saturday 4 April 2020, 13:30 and 16:30 How much: Children - £13 per ticket, standard - £15 More info: https://regent.admit-one. eu/?p=details&s=REGENT&eventCode=52634 Blandford Vintage and Artisan Fair Find carefully selected, vintage, retro & quality artisan stalls.

Browse & shop, meet up with friends, take part in a workshop & relax with tea and cake served on vintage china.

Where: The Corn Exchange, Blandford forum When: 3 April - 20 November, 10am - 3pm How much: £1 entry, children go free More info: https://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/blandfordvintage-and-artisan-fair-p2830313 Russell Cotes Museum Easter Activities A fantasy-themed series of activities taking place indoors and outdoors (weather permitting) with plenty of trails, crafts, games and competitions for all the family to enjoy.

Where: Russell Cotes Museum, Bournemouth When: 4 - 19 April How much: TBC More info: www.russellcotes.com/event/easter National Children’s Orchestra Spring Concert 2020 Celebrate the arrival of spring with the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain. Conducted by Jonathon Bloxham, Assistant Conductor of the CBSO, some of the country’s finest young musicians will perform for music lovers of all ages.

Where: The Lighthouse, Poole When: 12 April How much: £14 - £24.75 More info: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2020/ national-childrens-orchestra-gb-spring-concert-2020/ A Brief History of Music: 600 years of music in 90 minutes Starting in the Middle Ages, this show is filled with music and laughter as it takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of western music, right up to the 20th century. If you enjoy Blackadder, this is the music show for you!

Where: Highcliffe Castle, ChristchurchWhen: 27 March, 7:30pm How much: £13.50 (£12.50 for students or season ticket holders) More info: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/whats-on/events

For the Kids

Entertainment

Rave Kidz Mother’s Day party

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival

Rave-Kidz comes to the south coast near Bournemouth for an afternoon of crazy family fun to the bounciest rave music on the planet. Rave-Kidz is a fun Family Rave Event for the whole family.

Playing the finest in uplifting Family friendly Dance & Rave music for all ages to hit the dance floor and throw shapes together.

Perfect for cheese lovers who can try and buy from an incredible range of local and regional products and for those who enjoy a slice of spice it will be a foodies paradise but whatever your age, the Cheese & Chilli Festival will offer fun for the whole family.

Attractions include free cooking displays, tastings, beer tent, live music, street theatre, crazy golf, human-sized table football, children’s rides, treasure hunts, balloon modelling, craft and shopping stalls and lots more.

Where: Hamworthy club, Poole When: 22nd March How much: From £13.45, adults must be attending with a child.

More info: www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bournemouth/ Hamworthy-Club/Rave-Kidz---Mothers-Day-Party--BOURNEMOUTH/13743396/

Where: Hurn Bridge Equestrian Centre, Christchurch When: 6 - 7 June How much: from £8 adults, children under 16 come free.

The Sooty Show 2020

Christchurch Food Festival

Direct from their hit ITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo, will demonstrate their impossible tricks jokes, singing unicorns and more at the Lighthouse Poole’s centre for the Arts. Special guest’s circus star Michael Jordan and the ultraviolet specialties of Fantasie de la Nuit.

Evoking a sense of community pride, the festival attracts over 70,000 visitors each year. Experience stalls brimming with local delicacies on the High Street and on the Quay, find cookery demonstrations, Beer festival, fabulous cocktails and even a Kids Kitchen.

Where: Lighthouse Poole’s Centre for the Arts When: 28 March How much: From £17, Other prices vary.

More information: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2020/ the-sooty-show-2020/

Where: Christchurch High Street and Quay When: 8 May 2020 - 10 May 2020 How much: Free entry More info: www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/christchurchfood-festival-p2667863

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Kingston Lacy

Easter Fun Fair

Collect your map and handout to discover the Kingston Lacy Woods and the signs and sounds of Spring. Complete various nature activities along the way to claim your delicious Cadbury Chocolate treat at the finish.

The annual Easter fun fair makes a welcome return to Bournemouth on 4 April, bringing with it thrills and fun for the whole family, plus refreshments.

Where: Kingston Lacy Woods When: 4 April 2020 - 19 April 2020, Mon - Sun, 10:00 - 16:00 How much: £2.50 per trail, booking not required.

More info: www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/cadburyeaster-egg-hunt-at-kingston-lacy-p2447773 Spring Ranger Days Give your kids the chance to feel what it’s like to be a ranger on Brownsea Island for the day, performing conservation tasks and learning wildlife skills. For children aged 7-13 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult may accompany up to 3 children.

When: 8 and 15 April, 27 May 2020, 11am - 4pm How much: £20 per child, adult supervision free More info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Where: Redhill Park, Bournemouth When: 4 - 19 April 2020, Monday to Sunday 1pm - 10pm How much: £1 per ride, including the extreme rides More info: www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on/easter-funfair-p2849323 Poole Dream Machines Poole Quay Bike Nights start back up at the beginning of April and run right through to the end of September. On busy nights, there can be up to 1,000 bikes on the quay, displaying a variety of makes, models and unique designs and features. There is also a weekly Bike of the Night competition.

Where: Poole Quay When: Tuesday nights 7 April - 29 September 2020, 6pm - 10pm How much: £1.50 entry for each motorcycle More info: www.pooletourism.com/whats-on/festivals/pooledream-machines

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP? The date for announcements of school place allocations is rapidly approaching, and families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be finding out what school their children have been accepted to at the beginning of March for secondary schools and in April for primary schools.

If you decide to put your child on a waiting list, it is still prudent to accept the school place you have been offered, even if it is not preferable. This will not affect your application whilst on a Waiting List or how your application for the different school is treated.

This can be a stressful time for children and parents as they await the notifications.

Parents will receive information in their notification letter on how to apply to go on a waiting list and also information on how waiting lists are managed.

While the majority of families will receive their first-choice school, this is not always the case. For the minority that don’t, there are options available.

All waiting lists held for the 2020/21 academic year will expire on 31 August 2021. After this time, parents must submit a new school application form for 2021/2022, and any subsequent years. For this, applications can be submitted from 1 June 2021.

If you applied online, BCP Council will advise parents/carers on the outcome by uploading the decisions onto the online system. This will be viewable on the announcement date, which will have been issued to all parents/carers.

APPEALS Appeals can be made at any time during the school year by contacting the school you wish to apply for a place at, who will supply you with an Appeal Form to complete. Appeals are only heard during term-time. A Panel of three people unconnected with the school will consider your appeal. Parents or carers are encouraged to attend and speak to the panel.

When a parent or carer’s initial school preferences cannot be met, if you are a resident in the BCP area, the child will be offered a place at the nearest school to your home address that still has available places. If you are a resident outside of BCP Council, you will be referred to your own local authority to discuss schooling.

WAITING LISTS If you are unsuccessful in your first preference, you can still apply to go onto a waiting list for your first-choice school.

But the same criteria will still be applied to your application when you are on a waiting list. Waiting lists are not considered on a first come, first served basis. For example, if another child is on the waiting list and lives closer to the school, they will be offered the place ahead of your child because of their proximity to the school.

If you want to appeal about a school place for September, the school you are appealing for will have information on their website about their appeal timetable. Usually, appeals for September are heard from May to July.

School admission authorities will inform BCP Council of the outcome of any appeals within 2 working days.

For further information on the appeal process, visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/childreneducation/ Schools/SchoolAppeals/SchoolAppeals.aspx

IMPORTANT SCHOOL ADMISSION DATES 2 March 2020 Offers made to on time applicants (Secondary schools).

10 March 2020 Offers made to late applicants.

16 March 2020 Closing dates for parents to accept offer of places made on 2 March 2020.

24 March 2020 Closing date for parents to accept offer of late applicants.

16 April 2020 Notification date for admission to primary schools.

MOST RECENT OFSTED INSPECTION RATINGS FOR BCP SCHOOLS MAKES ‘GOOD’ READING Ofsted have conducted a number of inspections at local schools over the past two years and it’s good news for parents as all the schools that were recently inspected achieved ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ratings.

•

18

Glenmoor Academy- Outstanding (12/06/2019)

•

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School- Good (31/01/2019)

•

The Bourne Academy- Good (20/11/2019)

•

Portfield School- Good (21/03/2019)

•

St Michael’s C of E Primary School- Good (12/02/2019)

•

Twynham Primary School- Good (01/05/2019)

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The true cost of addiction

By Vikki Cook

For thousands of people living in Dorset, 2020 holds a greater challenge than weight loss or a career change; they will be facing some form of addiction. And while some addictions have charities and rehabilitation centres dedicated to beating them, all struggles are not created equal. In this edition, we look at some of the struggles local people face, the impact a habit can have, and where to get help.

The Slide into Dependency Some might easily dismiss a drinking problem as ‘social drinking’, a chance to shrug off the stress of work. For most people, a drink with friends is just that, but when does a postwork tipple turn into something darker and more difficult to control? At what point does something that began in innocence develop into dependency? Compulsive habits and addictions are often a means of escape. For Yusef (his name has been changed to protect his identity), it was a way to escape the traumatic memories from Somalia, after witnessing the murder of three family members during war.

Drugs and alcohol meant ‘no more nightmares, no more gunfire, everything was quiet’, but it came with a heavy price.

‘My last seven years were spent living in an abandoned boat in Tottenham marshes…with rats and other animals.’

Sex and Pornography When Michael Douglas admitted himself to rehab in 1990 for sex addiction, it’s fair to say it wasn’t taken seriously.

Often seen as an excuse for promiscuity, the truth is that the 6% of UK sufferers can find themselves engaged in

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risky, even dangerous, situations, irreparably damaging their relationships and wellbeing over impulses they cannot control. For those hooked on sex or pornography, the impact on their ability to maintain healthy emotional and sexual relationships with real people can leave them feeling isolated. With UK-Rehab.com reporting a new porn video is added to the internet every 39 seconds, temptation is always only a click away. Neither condition is currently classified as addiction, having been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as mental health disorders, but thanks to people like Michael Douglas, they are taken more seriously.

Problem Gambling Gambling has been considered a ‘true’ addiction and taken seriously for a long time. On 14 April 2020 new laws will prevent bets being waged with credit cards, in the latest step in plans for reducing the number of problem gamblers in the UK. On 31 October 2017 the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sports proposed lowering the minimum stake on Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) from £100 to just £2. The legislation was only finalised last year, due to lengthy debates over the suggested limits between antiFOBTs groups and bookmakers who were concerned about the potential damage to their businesses. When the limit was enforced on 1 April 2019, it was quickly followed by a rise in Remote Gambling Duty to 21%, to compensate the taxes the government lost on machines. Sadly, such positive changes aren’t reflected on TV or online, where adverts for gambling sites are still prevalent.

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HEALTH

County Lines Campaign and BEAT In August 2019, Dorset Police launched their campaign to combat ‘County Lines’, a system which involves drug gangs from large cities travelling to smaller towns and rural communities to carry out drug related activity. Sometimes a dealer can take over the home of a vulnerable person – a process known as ‘cuckooing’ – so urban gangs can traffic drugs into the county for local distribution.

30% of adults exceed the government guidelines Addicted to the Bottle The most common of the harmful compulsive habits remain alcohol and drugs. The Stag Company, who have been organising stag nights in Bournemouth since 2004, say the town has ‘more places to drink per square mile than London’, making it no surprise that around 30% of adults in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole exceed the government guidelines of 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent to six pints of normal strength beer or six small glasses of wine).

An NHS report states that between 2018 and 2019 there were 360,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions and an estimated 24,720 deaths in England, caused by short-term and chronic alcohol abuse.

For Sally, (her name has been changed to protect her identity) alcoholism resulted in the loss of her children, making it even more difficult to stop: ‘After they went I had nothing to live for…a chaotic haze of a life not worth living.’ Sadly, stories like Sallys aren’t uncommon, especially in our ‘go hard or go home’ binge-drinking culture. Even the highly-publicised struggles of Paul Gascoigne, who recently underwent surgery to have anti-drinking pellets sewn into his stomach, seem to have done little to deter us.

Drug Misuse Hits the NHS

Embroiling the victim in the drug trade like this makes it harder for them to seek help and puts them at significant risk of physical and sexual violence. Since the launch, Dorset Police have reported an increase in arrests for drug trafficking and arrests for drugs possession against the previous year.

And while the police work to prevent more drugs entering the area, the Bournemouth Engagement and Assessment Team (BEAT) is just one of the teams supporting those fighting drug and alcohol dependency. BEAT offers advice to those affected directly and indirectly by misuse, and can refer users for counselling, detoxification and rehabilitations, helping them to get clean.

Impact on the Economy The Institute of Alcohol Studies reports that domestic abuse costs the UK nearly £16 billion a year, with alcohol or drugs playing a part in up to 73% of cases. It’s also a factor in 65% of violence against strangers. A 2016 report by IPPR estimated that gambling costs Britain between £260 million and £1.16 billion annually, while Drugwise reports that the 306,000 heroin and crack cocaine users alone in the UK need between £15,000 and £30,000 a year to support their habit, on top of everyday expenses. Whatever the compulsion, it’s a financial burden most users can’t carry, and often leads to burglary, fraud, shoplifting or other crimes as users grapple with the expense. In the case of shoplifting, the Centre for Retail Research reported that it cost the retail industry approximately £1,993 million pounds in 2019; a jaw-dropping figure that may partly explain why our high streets appear to be ‘dying’.

6% rise in drug-related hospital admissions last year

While new techniques are in development for those with drinking problems, the fight against illegal substances continues. Recent statistics suggest that drug misuse in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with the NHS reporting a 6% rise in drug-related hospital admissions last year. In Dorset, there were 380 hospital admissions where drugrelated mental and behavioural disorders were a factor. In Bournemouth, drugs are responsible for 9 deaths for every 100,000 – far higher than the national average of 3.9, and 5% of 15 year olds admitted to using cannabis in the last month.

This all puts further strain on an already over-stretched NHS. But while these figures paint a bleak picture, Dorset Police and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council are working on plans to reduce drug abuse.

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‘My last seven years were spent living in an abandoned boat in Tottenham marshes… with rats and other animals.’

A Helping Hand

Life After Recovery

It can be easy to lose sight of the human struggle when looking purely at statistics. While they are vilified online and ignored on the street, many of those with compulsive habits fight hard daily to remain functioning members of society.

For anyone ready to face their problems, help is available.

BEAT offers drop-in clinics in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. Along with a number of pharmacies, they also provide a needle-exchange service, vital for reducing the risk of life-threatening diseases like Hepatitis C.

For Yusef and Sally, life did get better. They are both now sober and happy. Yusef has found ‘peace and contentment’ after following the 12-step programme with Narcotics.

He now volunteers at Cornerways, helping others through the same experience. Sally now has her children back in her life and after achieving sobriety has trained as a therapist working for Street Scene:

Hepatitis C contributes to liver disease and is estimated to affect around 2214,000 people. It is the fifth biggest killer in the UK.’ The Dorset Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, a joint effort by the NHS, drug and alcohol services and BCP Council, is planning pop-up testing and assessment clinics to target those at risk or who remain untreated, as part of the NHS England plan to eradicate Hepatitis C by 2025.

Relate Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, and Sexaholics Anonymous can help those with sex or pornography compulsions, and for problem gamblers, Gamblers Anonymous UK and the National Gambling Helpline can offer practical advice for beating the habit. Addaction in Bournemouth, EDP in Christchurch and EDAS in Poole can help those struggling with substance abuse, and for those who are in a position to pay for treatment, a number of rehabilitation centres are available. The Providence Project, famously used by ex-Busted star Matt Willis for alcohol and drug abuse in 2008, and Street Scene, both based in Bournemouth, offer a range of plans starting from £5,500 for a four-week stay, including detox.

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‘With the support and care I received… it is possible to arrest this disease. I managed to survive and live, which believe me, is nothing short of a miracle.’

Looking to Get Help?

National Gambling Helpline – 0808 8020 133 Sexaholics Anonymous – 0300 111 7777 Relate Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch – 01202 311231 BEAT – 01202 558855 EDP – 0800 043 4656 EDAS – 01202 733322 Street Scene – 01202 467661 The Providence Project – 0800 955 0945

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READER COMPETITIONS

BOOK REVIEW Schools across the area recently celebrated World Book Day on 5 March with many children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole going to school dressed as their favourite literary characters. So, to celebrate World Book day, we’re reviewing a childrens book by a local author.

The Silver Prince Valeria Ann Lomas

Reviewed by: Bookworm, Miles Fraser During this short childrens story we are introduced to Matilda, who becomes the carer of a Welsh Mountain Pony named Diva. When Diva has a foal, it is revealed to be a unicorn. In order to summon his true potential as a Unicorn, the pair must travel to the Henge of Stones on midsummer’s day at midday.

The book is very easy to follow for a young reader, spilt into five short and simple chapters. Each chapter is subtitled and works as its own mini story.

The first two showcase Diva and Matilda’s relationship and give the young reader informative facts about taking care of horses. The third chapter introduces Prince the unicorn and the final two show the journey to find his true potential.

It’s written in a simplistic tone that connects well with young readers but due to its simple language, it’s hard to see anybody above the age of seven or eight enjoying this book but this is not necessarily a negative point.

Overall, I would recommend this book for a young reader. It’s easy to follow, informative and blends the realms of real and fantasy together very well.

Have you read a good book recently?

Why not send our editor a review at: bookworms@bhliving.co.uk.

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Wow! In this edition, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Condor Ferries to offer our readers a VERY EXCLUSIVE OFFER – get £10 off sailings to the Channel Islands this springtime. Now you can sail to Guernsey from as little as £24 per person!

Set sail from Poole Harbour and embark on an adventure to the glorious Channel Island of Guernsey. The excitement starts as soon as you step onboard, with a viewing platform out on deck where you can stretch your legs and see Sandbanks slowly drift into the distance as your journey begins. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before browsing the onboard duty free shop with fantastic savings on well-known brands.

You’ll be dropped off right in the hub of the sea port where there is an array of restaurants, shops, and fascinating culture right on your doorstep for you to explore.

Why not try out some of the amazing Guernsey delicacies or discover the island’s fascinating past and explore the island’s rich cultural history with Victor Hugo’s Hauteville House and Candie Gardens.

Once you’ve taken in the beauty of this unique Channel Island port, you can gently return to the comfort of our ferry to sail you safely back home. A fantastic day out for the whole family and it could be yours, just by going to: www.condorferries.com/

Why not upgrade to one of the luxurious lounges?

The Horizon Lounge has seats at the front of the ship with unforgettable ocean views, or the exclusive Club Class lounge where you’ll be waited on, ensuring your journey runs as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

HOW TO CLAIM THS EXTRA SPECIAL READER OFFER:

Out on deck, you’ll have magnificent views of St Peter Port upon arrival, with its colourful buildings and quaint cobbled streets.

You’ll then receive a confirmation by email with all the details of your day trip. Bon Voyage!

Visit www.condorferries.com/bhliving and select your preferred journey dates then enter ‘BHLIVING’ at the checkout to get £10 off the standard cost of a day trip

Sail high-speed on a day trip to Guernsey from Poole from just £24* using promotion code BHLIVING condorferries.com | 0345 609 1026 WAS £34 NOW ONLY

£24

*

ADULT DAY RETURN

*T&C’s apply, subject to availability. See condorferries.com/bhliving BH Living AW.indd 1

24/02/2020 15:37:08

James Rose

Against the Odds When someone’s disability and their hopes and aspirations don’t seem to match – is it likely to end in disappointment or can they still achieve their dreams?

Life with a physical disability can make performing even the most simple daily activities a challenge, but James Rose and Matthew Chandler have big dreams and, it seems, they’re not about to let anyone or anything stop them from realising their full potential.

James has a condition that limits the use of his hands, and is a conductor for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Resound ensemble, using his head to direct the musicians.

Matthew has a severe form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but despite daily dislocations and pain, he’s training for the 2024 Paralympics. BH Living spoke to both local men to find out just what drives them to achieve, what to many, would seem like the impossible.

James Rose “I want to establish myself as a conductor in my own right” James, you’re working with the BSO and because you’re not able to conduct the musicians with your hands, as most are used to seeing, you use your head – is that right?

Yes. Many people, when I told them about my conducting aspirations, thought I was a little doolally but as time went on I started meeting the right kind of people who were genuinely interested in working with me and who, most importantly, took me seriously. Conducting with one’s head is difficult for someone to picture, so everything I did was documented and edited into films, which I used to attract opportunities.

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BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

You haven’t let your disability stop you from achieving great things. How important is it for you to have these opportunities, such as BSO Change Makers and Resound?

When I first started the traineeship, I was a little paranoid at how the BSO encouraged my aspirations, as I’d been used to meeting resistance at every stage. They’ve always taken my work and development seriously and have never been afraid of putting heavy loads upon my metaphorical shoulders (I also have real shoulders, by the way!). I’ve learned so much about what it takes to be a musician. I feel more confident working with and managing different personalities effectively.

How does being part of BSO help you or make your life different from before?

It’s unlocked so many opportunities. Their work has received global attention, plus a prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Award. I’m now setting my sights on symphonic repertoire and continuing my journey! More importantly, it’s validated my work and progression as a conductor. The network I have is probably one of the most precious things; it means I can access opportunities more easily than before. My focus now is working with larger ensembles, and to establish myself as a conductor in my own right.

What advice do you have for disabled young people hoping to pursue their dreams?

If you have a clear aspiration, goal or dream you want to achieve, go for it! People might doubt your ability, especially if it’s something new but go for it, even if you have to find creative ways to do it! Get the right people involved and at the right time; you’ll need their support. People may try to sway you away, but if you feel it’s right for you, keep your control! And record your progress so you can show people what you’ve done.

It can really help with possible future funding applications.

@bhlivingdorset

bhlivingdorset

HEALTH They don’t really cause me pain any more; it’s the other side effects which cause pain. The nerve damage causes pain that triggers something similar to seizures and I’ve got something called hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. It means that if I have a back spasm, my legs can be paralysed for anywhere from an hour to a month.

Wow. With such a debilitating illness, how did you get into training for the Paralympics?

I started playing wheelchair basketball but I ended up in hospital after rolling my chair. A friend suggested I try athletics because I had the right build to be a ‘thrower’. It wasn’t until 6 months after I started that I actually began thinking about competing. My first throw was something like 6.5 metres with a 5kg shotput.

I didn’t think it was very impressive but my friend looked on the global rankings and it put me quite high up! I started training properly and getting good results. That was two and a half years ago and I’ve been gradually improving, even though I was out for 10 months last year after I seriously damaged a disc in my back.

Matthew Chandler

Matthew Chandler “Everyone has a battle to face and it’s just a case of not letting that battle beat them” Thanks for talking to us Matthew. Firstly, many won’t be familiar with the condition EDS, could you briefly describe what it is?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or ‘EDS’ affects connective tissue that provides support to tendons, ligaments, organs, bones, and so on, it causes joint hypermobility and makes it hard to heal.

It’s like building a model without using glue.

How did you discover you had EDS? Looking back we know the symptoms started when I was born.

Nobody picked up on it at the time but I had ‘party tricks’ of dislocating and ‘clicking’ joints from when I was about 5 years old. It wasn’t until 2017 that I got the official diagnosis.

I broke my right shoulder playing wheelchair rugby and it wouldn’t heal. I was in Poole Hospital for 9 weeks and they transferred me to Stanmore in London. They looked at me and said ‘You’ve got Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome’, and that I can expect the breaks and dislocations to happen to every one of my joints at some time or another.

I’m focused on the future though - as soon as the Tokyo Paralympics finish, I’m starting formal training for the World Championships next year.

It’s really inpiring to hear how someone like you has managed to break down barriers. What would you say right now to someone who is struggling with either a physical disability or some other barrier?

There’s nothing special about me; I’m just living my life.

Everyone has a battle to face and it’s just a case of not letting that battle beat them when they have so much to give.

Make sure you’re living your life and not filling a void with TV or gaming because you’re not really happy. Every Monday is a chance to see what you can do to make the next 7 days of your life great. It’s just about having the courage to change what you don’t like. The only real disability is a bad attitude.

If you are faced with a disability, finding the right support can make a real difference. Contact one of the following organisations to see how they can help you:

Ehlers-Danlos Support UK:

How does it affect your daily life?

Call 0800 907 8518 or visit www.ehlers-danlos.org

My right shoulder pops out probably 3-4 times a day, my hips are permanently dislocated, so are my knees, so are my ankles.

My knee caps are two inches higher than they should be and two of my vertebrae are dislocated as well. They can pop them back in, but they’ll just pop straight back out so they leave them where they are. I can dislocate every joint on command.

BSO Resound: Call 01202 644707 or visit www.bsolive.com/people/ bso-resound-ensemble/

Diverse Abilities: Call 01202 718266 or visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk

BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

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I’m one happy dawg!

HEAT ONE

Help us find BCP’s ‘Happiest Dog’ in our free to enter contest.

Is your dog a naturally happy dog? Is he (or she) the happiest dog in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole? Send us a snap of your four legged friend and you could be in with a chance of winning 2 months of premium dried dog food thanks to our friends at Pets Corner.

SPYDA NDS O H #HAPPY U

Over the last few weeks the team at BH Living have been scouring BCP in their search for the area’s happiest dog, and we’ve come across some adorable happy hounds in the process. Check out these chipper furry friends and go to our facebook page to vote for your favourite.

The contest will run over this and the next 3 editions of BH Living. This is ‘HEAT 1’ with ‘HEAT 2’ following in our Summer edition. The third heat will follow in the autumn with the finalists being announced in our winter edition at the end of the year.

DOUGAL #HAPPYH O

UNDS

HOW TO ENTER YOUR DOG To enter your dog just email your name, your dog’s name, the area you live in, a contact telephone number and, of course, your very best picture of your smiley friend to: happyhounds@bhliving.co.uk.

Terms and conditions apply (see below).

ROSIE UNDS

#HAPPYHO

O GIZM HOUNDS PY #HAP

HOLLY #HAPPYHOUNDS

REGGIE #HAPPYHOUNDS

EVIE & RALPH #HAPPYHOUNDS

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE Go to our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/bhlivingdorset to vote for your favourite happy hound. Everyone who votes will automatically be entered into a free prize draw to win a £20 Town Centre Gift Card – which can be spent at over 95 Bournemouth town centre locations including shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Terms and conditions:

CHARLIE OUNDS #HAPPYH

The dog must belong to you and be alive at the time of submitting your entry. By sending your picture in, you agree to the possible publication of your picture both in print and online. If your entry wins, you agree that we can publish your name, your dog’s name and a picture of you and your dog. We will not pass your details onto any third party without your permission.

Mum’s happy, so I’m happy

Compassionate care homes across Dorset • A home from home

• Engaging activities programme

• Person-centred care

• Peace of mind

• Passionate & friendly staff

• Residential, dementia & respite care

Please pop in for a coffee and a chat about how we can help create a new home for you or a loved one Registered Charity No. 1014697 01202 712400 | care-south.co.uk LifeSkills_Bournemouth_ads_flyer.qxp_CAP Square Eighth 27/02/2020 18:07

Are you struggling on a low income?

We can help you take control of your nances on one of our specialist CAP Life Skills courses A free 8 week course starts on 21 April 2020 + Free taster session on 31 March 2020

Contact Bournemouth CAP Life Skills:

% 07741 909782

sarahharris@caplifeskills.org @bournemouthlifeskills

What ’s On Hengistbury Head Spring Clean Join the Leave Only Footprints team as we take part in the nation-wide event The Great British Spring Clean which was set up by Keep Britain Tidy.

Where: Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Bournemouth When: 21 March How much: £0 Contact: 01202 451618 or visit www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/Events Regent backstage Tour Where: The Regent Centre, Christchurch When: 25 March, 6 May, 3 June. 10.15am How much: £5 Contact: 01202 499199 or visit www.regentcentre.co.uk/ The Poole Passion Play - ‘Footsteps’ Occurring once every two years, The Poole Passion Play retells the story of the last days of Jesus Christ with reference to modern living. The performance incorporates professional and amateur actors from all backgrounds and beliefs.

The two halves of the play will also take place in two different churches.

Where: first half – Parkstone United Reformed Church in Commercial Road, Lower Parkstone; second half- Victorian church of St Peter’s in Church Road.

When: 31 March to 4 April How much: Adults – £9, Children aged 5 to 16 – £4.50, free for children under 5.

Contact: Ticket Hotline – 07719 173378 More information at: www.poolepassion.com What’s in a Name?

Health-on-Line Bournemouth Bay Run Want to run for fun or to compete?

Doesn’t matter because this is a race for you. Set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s famous seven-mile stretch of golden sand choose from a variety of distance and enjoy the fantastic views as you walk, jog or run along the South’s premier coastline!

Where: Bournemouth Seafront When: 5 April How much: £7 – £24 Contact: 01202 451718 or visit www.bournemouthbayrun.co.uk An evening to remember with Paul Scholes Hear tales and anecdotes from one of the legends of the modern footballing era. Have a chance to meet Scholes, have a photo with him and even sit at his table – depending on the package chosen.

Where: Carrington House Hotel, Bournemouth BH1 3QQ When: 17 April How much: £50 – £200 Contact: 01202 287868 or visit www.facebook.com/renesmeevents/ Exciting Science Brand new,exciting and educational show will amaze and astound all ages from four years and upwards, as science is putting “exciting” and “science” all in one!

Where: The Regent Centre, Christchurch When: 18 April How much: £10- £11 Contact: 01202 499199 or visit: www.regentcentre.co.uk/

You are invited to take a seat at the table for a riotously funny evening that questions whether a person’s name truly reflects who they are.

Diverse Abilities Dorset 5k Neon Run

Where: Lighthouse, Poole When: 31 March- 4 April How much: £19- £31.75 Contact: 01202 280000 or visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/

Where: Poole Park, Poole When: 25 April How much: £10- £45 Contact: events@diverseabilities.org. uk or visit: www.diverseabilities.org.uk/ neonrun

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We Will Rock You Since 2002 over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries have thrilled to this inspiring production. With 24 of Queen’s biggest hits delivered in a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the bands’ legendary live performance.

Where: Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth When: 18- 23 May 2020 How much: £19- £37.50 Contact: 01202 055660 or visit: www.bhlivetickets.co.uk Bournemouth 7s Festival World’s largest sport and music festival is back in the beautiful South of England, Bournemouth. Renowned as the sporting Glastonbury, Bournemouth 7s has established a formidable reputation over 12 years among sports people and festival goers alike.

Where: Chapel Gate, Christchurch When: 22 May- 24 May How much: £40- £325 Contact: 01202 545630 The Bohemians: Queen The Greatest Hits Tour Internationally renowned Queen Tribute band The Bohemians take you on a high energy roller-coaster ride of a concert, featuring the back catalogue of one of the world’s most popular and iconic rock acts of all time.

Where: The Regent Centre, Christchurch When: 29 May How much: £21-£22 Contact: 01202 499199 or visit: www.regentcentre.co.uk/

Light up the night and run, dance or walk around Poole Park on the 5k Dorset Neon Run.

BH Living | bhliving.co.uk

@bhlivingdorset

bhlivingdorset

Raymond Gubbay and

present

SENBLA PRESENTS ELLEN KENT’S SPRING 2020 OPERA FESTIVAL FEATURING INTERNATIONAL SOLOISTS, A HIGHLY-PRAISED CHORUS AND FULL ORCHESTRA

Starring Strictly favourites Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez, Firedance is a breath-taking blend of Latin, Commercial and Contemporary dance.

With a dynamic live band, hot dance ensemble, and an irresistible blend of songs including 'Bamboleo', 'Paint It Black', 'Senorita', 'Survivor' and 'Crazy in Love'.

Sunday 22 March at 3pm

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

FRIDAY 3 APRIL BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

THE MUSIC LIVES ON!

SATURDAY 4 APRIL BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END ‘A BRILLIANT NIGHT OUT’ MAGIC 105.4

Paul Walden & Derek Nicol for Flying Music in association with Adrian Grant for Key Concerts present

‘AN EXUBERANT BLAST!’ DAILY MAIL

‘YOU CAN’T BEAT IT!’ Photo of previous cast member

EVENING STANDARD

FEATURING THE SONGS OF AND THE

MICHAEL JACKSON 5 Bournemouth Pavilion

HHHH HHHH HHHH EVENING STANDARD

27 APRIL – 2 MAY

TIME OUT

WHATSONSTAGE

Bournemouth International Centre

bhlivetickets.co.uk | 0300 500 0595† †calls to 03 numbers are charged at local rate.

@bhlivetickets

30 & 31 May 2020 /bhlivetickets

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BBC logo TM & © BBC 1996

Photo: Trevor Leighton

Phil McIntyre Live in association with BBC present

/bhlivetickets

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A fresh approach to funerals

“We are the only crematorium in the area with Nitrous Oxide gas filters which are important for environmental protection.”

■ Stunning new crematorium, air-conditioned ceremony hall and complete funeral home facilities.

■ Set amongst ancient Dorset woodland, we are planting new woodland and encouraging a meadow habitat.

■ Peaceful and unhurried environment with panoramic views of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck hills.

■ At least 90 minute separation between funerals.

■ Funerals available seven days a week with catering and refreshments on-site.

Prepaid funeral plans from £2,955 To arrange a visit or discuss our prepaid funeral plan options, please call 01202 630111 Randalls Hill, Lytchett Minster BH16 6AN www.harbourview.co.uk

Christchurch Ceremony Hall “everything that’s needed for a simple, dignified funeral service” » A fixed price funeral package for those seeking a convenient, cost-effective funeral service. » Includes a funeral service at our conveniently-located, air-conditioned ceremony hall. » A dignified, unattended cremation at our own crematorium at Harbour View (see above) » After the cremation, the ashes can be returned to the next of kin.

Funeral packages from only £2,595

To find out more or arrange a visit, call 01202 478887 89 Barrack Rd, Christchurch BH23 2AJ www.tapperfuneralservice.co.uk