to Six & Seven BH
Dear
readers,
As we move from winter to spring — a time of year so often associated with fresh starts and new beginnings — it’s hard not to feel that familiar pressure to do something: make changes or set goals. But if you’re reading this and thinking that you’re quite happy as you are, perhaps you’ve recently gone through a big change in life, or you simply feel that right now doesn’t feel like the moment for big plans, that’s absolutely fine too.
I speak from experience. I recently moved house, and I can safely say that right now I am more than happy to keep things fairly consistent. In hindsight, moving over Christmas and New Year was probably not my wisest decision (the car breaking down also didn’t help matters), but there we are — everyone is safe and well, and that is the most important thing. At the moment, stability feels like a gift, and I’m embracing it. Not every season of life is about growth or change; some are about settling, adjusting and catching up with yourself.
In this issue, there are lots of interesting articles to read, perhaps while relaxing with a cup of tea, and we also complete the wonderful tour of the lighthouses of England and Wales — have you managed to find any on your travels? Thank you to Keith Morton for writing this column since 2016!
As always, this magazine includes a variety of suggestions of how we can embrace this beautiful area in which we live. If you can, do take a moment to support one of the local businesses who advertise in these pages.
Wishing you a gentle, hopeful spring — whatever that looks like for you.
Rebecca Smith
Clap, clap for another successful CLAC
The organisers of the annual Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) have revealed that the annual community event has passed a major milestone, having raised more than £100,000 for local causes since it was first held in December 2021 — with around £20,000 raised each year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, performers, venues and supporters.
Organised by the Christchurch Rotary Club, the CLAC ran from 1 December to 24 December, with a free musical performance taking place every night at a different location around the town. Each event raised money for a selected charity and was sponsored by a local business.
Highlights from CLAC 2025 included performances by the Rock Choir at The Priory, Georgie Carter at Loch & Quay, and a dance showcase from Mad4Dance. Just some of the supported charities were Bournemouth Heart Club, Julia’s House, Dorset Mind, Macmillan Caring Locally and many more.
The CLAC team issued thanks to all their sponsors, including Hoburne Dental Practice, Grove Wealth Management, BNI Dorset, Pulford Publicity, United Taxis, Christchurch
Charitable Trust and many others. The team also thanked the performers and venue hosts who donated their time and space for free.
Pulford Publicity (the publisher of this magazine) sponsored the evening of 14 December 2025 to the tune of £650. Mad4Dance performed in Bargates, and the charity being supported was Dorset Cancer Care Foundation.
Ben Pulford, managing director of Pulford Publicity, said: “Dorset Cancer Care Foundation was our charity of the year for 2025, so this was a perfect opportunity for our company to get involved and make a donation to round off our year of support.
“Mad4Dance put on a great show, and I would like to thank them for hosting the evening.”
After the performance, Ben presented a cheque for £650 to Emily Griffiths, charity manager of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation. She praised Pulford Publicity, calling their support “amazing”, not only for their sponsorship, but also for producing the free programme which promoted the CLAC.
To find out more about the CLAC, visit christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk.
Bournemouth Male Voice Choir performed on 15 December in Christchurch Community Church in Millhams Street © CLAC
Ben Pulford, left, presents a cheque to Emily Griffiths from Dorset Cancer Care Foundation © CatchBox
CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR THE DOLLY SHOW
FRIDAY 17 APRIL AT 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH
Get ready to visit Dollywood, as the UK’s best Dolly Parton impersonator comes to Christchurch.
West End star Kelly O’Brien is the only Dolly Parton impersonator endorsed by the Parton family. Australian-born singer Kelly is a worldclass entertainer who brilliantly captures the voice of the little lady from Tennessee.
Get ready to hear all the country legend’s hits like ‘9 to 5’, ‘Jolene’, ‘Islands in the Stream’, ‘I Will Always Love You’ and many more, brought to life by Kelly and her band.
REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE
01202 499199
TICKETS £28
For your chance to win two tickets to the show, all you have to do is locate Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere inside this month’s magazine (excluding this page).
Send an email with the subject line ‘Sammy Seagull’, the page number where he appears and your contact details to competition@ themudefordmag.co.uk.
Closing date is 31 March 2026
PREVIOUS WINNER:
Two tickets for the Regent Comedy Club in December were won by Jan Ayres, who found Sammy on page 52. Well done, Jan!
Coffee Break Time
How to solve codeword
Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number.
All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.
To start you off we reveal the code for 3 letters.
Solutions on page 46
sponsored by Louis P Creative
Coffee Break Time
Please look after this bear
By Rebecca Smith
It all began rather unexpectedly, with a post I spotted in a Facebook group late in 2024. A trail of Paddington Bear statues had been installed across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the release of ‘Paddington in Peru’, the third film in the franchise. As someone who has loved Paddington Bear since childhood — long before the films introduced him to a new generation — it immediately caught my attention.
The idea was simple: 23 identical Paddington Bear statues, each with its own plaque and QR code, positioned across the UK and Ireland. (A 24th statue was later installed in 2025 — more on this later!)
Armed with a rather wobbly plan scribbled into my notebook (with hindsight, the occasional marmalade sandwich might also have been useful), I decided this was the perfect excuse to explore more of this beautiful country and to test out my micro-camper, with my dog coming along for the journey. Sometimes we travelled alone; other times the route took us to visit friends and family while discovering new places along the way.
My first Paddington was found during a trip to London to celebrate my 40th birthday. In December 2024, my mum and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’. The next morning, we headed to Westfield and found Paddington perched on a wall. And just like that, the trail had begun!
Christmastime brought another memorable stop: Land’s End on 27 December 2024. My parents live only a couple of hours away, so we made the trip during the lull between Christmas and New Year, exploring beautiful beaches with the dogs.
On 1 January 2025, after fulfilling a bucket list dream of watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks
opposite the London Eye, I met Paddington again in Connaught Village. Travelling solo this time, it felt rather fitting that my first “conversation” of the New Year was with a bear renowned for curiosity, kindness and adventure. The quiet streets of London early on New Year’s Day were a striking contrast to the crowds of the night before.
I hope my adventures inspire you to seek out your nearest Paddington Bear, whether close to home or while on holiday. My friends initially thought this was a rather odd challenge to set myself, but it wasn’t long before the conversations became: “Where are you going next?” “Which Paddington is your favourite?” and, most often, “I’d love to go there.”
Land’s End, Cornwall, 27 Dec 2024
Westfield, London, 12 Dec 2024
Council Tax hike for iconic beach huts
Owners of the beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head — which are some of the most expensive in the UK — will soon have to pay full second home Council Tax.
Historically, the huts enjoyed a 50 per cent Council Tax discount.
However, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole (BCP) Council argue that the huts should be defined as holiday homes. As a result, from 1 April 2026, the huts will be classified as Class A second homes and be subject to full Council Tax.
Council Tax has not yet been set for 2026/27, but based on 2025/26 charges for a band A property and removing the 50 per cent discount, owners will
see their bills increase by just over £60 per month and pay £1,503 per year.
This change will generate an additional £211,000 for the council.
Just over 340 beach huts will be affected by this change, with 231 owned by nonresidents of the BCP Council area. All huts are in the lowest Council Tax band A.
Cllr Mike Cox, Cabinet member for Finance said: “As a result of severe financial pressure, the council must use all levers at its disposal to raise funds to protect essential services important to our residents.
“Beach huts on Mudeford Spit often sell for between £400,000 and £575,000.”
Hopes for mitigation of coastal flooding
Two local authorities are joining forces to tackle coastal flooding and erosion.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and New Forest District Council’s new strategy outlines how the risk from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, encompassing Christchurch Harbour will be managed over the next 100 years.
The Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Strategy was produced in partnership with the Environment Agency and technical consultants AECOM. It highlights that ageing existing coastal defences and the changing climate (including rising sea levels) put over 3,500 properties at risk from coastal flooding or being lost to coastal erosion. If nothing is done over the next 100 years, the coastal frontage would suffer an estimated £1 billion in damages (cash value over 100 years).
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for Climate Response, Environment and
Energy at BCP Council, said: “This is the first time a cohesive strategy has been adopted for this stretch of coastline.
“The value of damages is not designed to alarm people but enables us to evidence and justify available options to ‘do something’ to minimise the risks to people, properties, infrastructure and open spaces.”
Beach hut owners will pay the full rate of Council Tax © Louis Pulford
Three cheers for disability champion awarded MBE
The founder of a Bournemouth-based disability charity was recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for services to people with disabilities.
Samantha Everard is the CEO and founder of SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship), which she set up in 2015. It supports disabled people to build employability skills and explore self-employment opportunities through initiatives including a self-employment internship programme, which provides mentorship to young adults with complex needs and helps them gain qualifications.
Reflecting on receiving the honour, Everard said: “What a way to round off an incredible year for the SAMEE charity! I’m still in shock that I’m receiving an MBE. And this recognition is not just for me. It’s for all those disabled people out there working hard in their own businesses and challenging the status quo every day.”
She added: “2026 is the charity’s 10th birthday, and this MBE is the best gift to share with my incredible team.”
Last year, the charity gained national and international recognition, including being named a Zero Project 2025 Awardee at the United Nations in Vienna — one of only two UK organisations selected from 522 nominations across 90 countries. Everard was invited to speak in the Austrian parliament about her work.
SAMEE also became the first charity in Dorset to achieve Disability Confident Leader Level 3, the highest accreditation available. In September 2025, the charity opened ‘The SAMEE House’ in Bournemouth, providing a permanent, inclusive environment tailored to its interns’ needs.
The MBE also recognises Everard’s work beyond
SAMEE. She chairs the South West Regional Stakeholder Network, representing disabled people across Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon and Bristol. In this voluntary role, she works with the government to ensure disabled voices shape national policy.
She is also a Registered Career Development Professional and a postgraduate researcher at Bournemouth University’s Centre for Seldom Heard Voices, completing a PhD on selfemployment support for neurodivergent people.
In 2025, Everard was named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100. Living with the debilitating condition of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), she was celebrated as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK and a leader in her field.
To find out more about the charity and its services, visit samee.co.uk.
Samantha Everard is the founder of SAMEE
2026 is a time for gentler pursuits
By Elizabeth McPherson
As we work our way gently back into a New Year, I suspect many of us have set New Year’s resolutions — though whether we keep them or not is another matter entirely.
I’ve long avoided the pressure of resolutions myself; they tend to feel a bit much, don’t they? Instead, this time round, I chose a softer approach: gentle, comforting pursuits that don’t need to be pencilled onto a list or cause any additional stress in the year ahead.
Top of my list is simply to read more. If you’re anything like me, there are a few neglected books on your shelf, quietly gathering dust and waiting for their moment. I often glance at mine and think, “I really should pick that up,” but somehow never quite get around to it.
Reading is a wonderfully gentle way to spend time, especially when the wind howls and rain lashes down outside. Not only does it satisfy my curiosity, but it also makes me feel just a little bit cleverer — at least in theory!
The rewards of reading are plentiful: it can reduce stress, sharpen memory, and improve concentration. It’s a brilliant way to build vocabulary, broaden horizons, and strengthen your ability to reason and write. On a wellbeing front, reading can foster empathy, keep your mind active and resilient, and offer a deeply satisfying escape or moment of calm.
In recent times, the world seems to favour audiobooks, but I do think there’s something special about curling up with a proper book. It’s grounding and soothing — balm for the mind, body and soul.
My other gentle intention for 2026? To embrace a bit more spontaneity. Being
spontaneous can lift your spirits, ease tension, and spark your creative side. It makes you more adaptable, boosts confidence, and brings richer, more meaningful connections. Most importantly, it opens the door to new adventures and a genuine sense of possibility.
I’ve always been a planner — perhaps even an overthinker, if I’m honest. But perhaps it’s time to loosen the reins: let the diary breathe, open my mind, and allow life to unfold naturally, rather than feeling compelled to orchestrate every moment. The pressure to plan is everywhere — just think of those relentless holiday adverts over Christmas, or being asked to commit to next year’s events before you’ve even left this year’s. Personally, I’d rather not tie myself down to something I might regret further down the line.
So, as 2026 begins, my mantra is simply this: go with the flow and seek out life’s gentler, less urgent moments.
With Love
Beth
The Lifestyle Concept www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk
Photo © Unsplash
Dauphinoise potatoes
This is my favourite potato dish, guaranteed to impress the guest. It’s so simple to make and can be cooled down for another day. When it’s cold, it can be cut into squares or cut with a pastry cutter into circles and reheated individually in the oven. In our restaurant, we cut 20 at a time and reheat when the guest arrives. You can also use other potato varieties that are slightly waxy, like King Edward or Lovers Potatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can change the potato to root vegetables like beetroot, swede or parsnip. My only advice is to make sure the potato is sliced thin. It needs to be thin to absorb the cream. Perfect with meat and fish dishes.
INGREDIENTS:
1.5kg peeled Maris Piper potatoes
1 peeled and crushed clove of garlic
500ml double cream
1 tsp table salt
1 small pinch of ground white pepper
150g mature cheddar cheese
coats each slice, and push down evenly with your fingertips
5. Cover with greaseproof paper and foil
6. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes
7. Take out of the oven, remove paper and foil, and cover with the grated cheddar
8. Put back in the oven and bake for another five minutes Hey presto, you re done.
Colin Nash Restaurant
Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF
T: 01425 200050
W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Barn owl and marsh harrier — two successes for local conservation
By Tom (CHOG)
Barn owl surprise at Hengistbury Head
Spring 2025 brought an unexpected highlight — barn owls nested at the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre! After a very long wait, a pair moved into the unused nest box that had been installed around 20 years ago. In July, a licensed bird ringer confirmed a single chick, which was ringed for monitoring and watched via a small camera that was installed. The chick fledged successfully, and plans are already underway to install a high-quality livestream camera, so that the public can share in the magic if breeding occurs again in 2026.
Marsh harriers thriving in the Avon Valley
Since 2016, marsh harriers have been breeding north of Christchurch in the Lower Avon Valley, with strong productivity most years. During the winter, birds from across the UK, including wing-tagged individuals from East Anglia and Cheshire, have been spotted using the valley and Christchurch Harbour as a regular roost site.
Last winter, numbers in the harbour peaked at 12, with seven so far this season. For those keen to witness this spectacle, head to Grimmery Bank on Stanpit Marsh from midafternoon onwards to watch the harriers glide into the reeds for the night. Dawn departures are shorter but equally exciting. This seasonal show is likely to continue until March, when the birds disperse to their summer grounds.
Community and conservation
These successes highlight the importance of reedbed management, and we’re grateful to BCP Council for their sensitive approach. With barn owls benefitting from nest boxes and marsh harriers nesting and roosting, it’s a reminder of how local action supports national conservation.
Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, known as CHOG, is an independent organisation and registered charity which is dedicated to recording, promoting and restoring nature in the Christchurch Harbour area. To find out more about CHOG, scan the QR code or head to chog. org.uk for recent wildlife sightings and details on how to receive a copy of the annual nature report by becoming a member.
Barn owl by Scott Usher
Marsh harrier by Scott Usher
From gas to electricity, streetlamps lighting the way
By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society
Towns have lit their streets for centuries. Rush lights were used in medieval times, and by Georgian times oil streetlamps had become a common sight. But it was the advent of gas lighting that heralded modern public street lighting.
Christchurch was late to the game, with the installation of oil lamps in 1851, but these were short-lived when the Christchurch Gas Company opened in ‘Rotten Row’ (which we know as Bridge Street) around 1853/54. By 1859, gas had become the main fuel for street lighting and the town was considered ‘well lit’. Street lighting at this time was ‘seasonal’, with the lamps lit in the evenings between 1 August and 31 May.
The focus for both the council and for ratepayers was cost. In 1865, one person wrote anonymously to The Christchurch Times to suggest that the town should have its own gas works, an idea first mooted in 1847. As well as the price of gas, each lamp had to be individually lit, which was the task of a lamplighter. By 1874, the lamps were costing 7p in the pound of the rates paid to the council — more than the maintenance of the poor, the police, bridges and the cemetery put together. Additionally, it was felt that gas lighting was not very bright; in 1889, it was even suggested that the lights revert to oil.
However, by the turn of the 20th century, there was competition for the gas company — electricity. Initially, electricity in Christchurch was supplied by the Bournemouth and Poole Electricity Supply Company, situated in Bourne Valley. But demand in Christchurch led the company to build a new power station close to the town centre in Bargates. This new source was cleaner, brighter and available at the touch of a switch.
In 1903, Christchurch Council’s Roads and Lighting Committee considered a report on the mode for the town’s street lighting. Proposals from the gas company offered the service at a cost of £266 1s (£28,230 today), and the electricity company £245 (£26,000 today) per annum. The cost of laying
cables and adding lamps to the system was discussed and eventually the councillors decided on electricity.
The power station in Bargates provided electricity until 1926, when the town switched to the national grid. The town has enjoyed good electric lighting since.
It has been hard to track down exactly when the last gas light was switched off in Christchurch. However, did you know that in Throop and Holdenhurst there are some 28 gas streetlights still in use? They are listed structures, therefore protected, and are now maintained by BCP Council.
TALKS:
Held at Christchurch Junior School, 7pm–10pm.
3 March 2026 — Wild New Forest projects and fieldwork, by Marcus Ward
Why not join Christchurch History Society? Reduced meeting fee, four Society Journals per year. Individual £13, joint £18. We need volunteers too! See website for details: historychristchurch.org.uk.
A gas lamp on Church Street in 1885 © Christchurch History Society
Christchurch MP Christopher Chope talks politics on the podcast
Sir Christopher Chope has had quite the political career. The Conservative MP was first elected in 1983 for the seat of Southampton Itchen. He lost the seat in 1992 to Labour but returned to Westminster in 1997 when he was elected the MP for Christchurch, a seat he has held for nearly 20 years.
In late November, the 78-year-old came onto Your Voice | Dorset Podcast to talk about his experiences, including serving in Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 80s. He recalled fond memories of the Iron Lady.
“I was absolutely devoted to her,” he said. “She still remains my great character who I wish to emulate in politics, not that I can.
“She was surprisingly approachable. If you had supper with her, she would insist on washing up the dishes.
“The first time I ever met her was back in 1976, soon after she became leader of the Conservative Party. I was chairman of Putney Conservatives in London. She came and visited an old people’s day centre. I was really impressed… because she got down on her knees and spoke to every single individual in that day centre.
“She treated them as an equal to herself.”
Chope served in the Department of the Environment and was involved with the infamous poll tax.
“It became unpopular, but at the time it was popular because it was getting rid of the old unfair rates system. Margaret was insisting, and I agreed with her, that it was important in local government that everybody should make a contribution. It was a ready reckoner and would enable them to hold their councillors to account.”
The poll tax was introduced in
Podcast preview
1990 but didn’t last long. Its repeal was announced in 1991 and replaced by the current Council Tax system in 1993.
Chope admitted that being the opposition party is “gruelling, unrewarding” work.
“But it’s a time to take stock, prepare and reexamine your policies, work out where you went wrong and how you’re going to win back the support of the public.”
And would he join Reform?
“Not in the least. But I would like to see the right unite. I’m very pleased there’s an increasing confluence of the policies of the Conservative Party and Reform. That could be the foundations for us working together at the next General Election.”
To learn more about the local MP, including his thoughts on the 2024 General Election, tune in to the latest episode of the podcast. Search for Your Voice | Dorset Podcast online or watch the interview on dorsetview. co.uk/podcast and youtube.com/@dorset_ view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great interviews and videos.
Sir Christopher Chope, right, with interviewer Marilyn Barber
The magic of Malta
Imagine escaping from the everyday, boarding a direct flight from Bournemouth, and in just a few hours stepping into Malta’s world of sunshine and dazzling blue seas. We did exactly that and enjoyed a five-night winter break discovering all that Malta has to offer. Malta bathes in more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a perfect destination for winter sun seekers. With hot, dry summers and mild winters, outdoor activities and al fresco dining are always on the menu. Malta has a vibrant dining scene with seven Michelin-starred restaurants and is brimming with vibrant nightlife and history. There are regular flights from Bournemouth Airport, which make it easy to stay for a few nights or a longer stay. We stayed in St Julian’s, with its sweeping seafront promenade and marina. Spinola Bay is a great place to start the day with a coffee — it offers boutique shops and waterfront dining. It is easy to get to Malta’s capital city,
Valletta, from St Julian’s, either by taxi or local bus; it’s just a short drive away. Thanks to its compact size and variety of attractions, Valletta is a perfect destination for a short stay. This unique UNESCO World Heritage city is ideal for exploring on foot. Whether you’re wandering its cobbled streets, gazing at its iconic fortified walls, or soaking up the view of Grand Harbour — often celebrated as one of the world’s most stunning natural harbours, where superyachts bob alongside colourful fishing boats — every corner has something to wow you.
Highlights of Valletta include St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens with harbour views, and museums telling Malta’s rich, layered history.
Chartering a private boat for a day’s sailing is a perfect way to discover hidden coves and the Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters on nearby Comino Island.
For those seeking adventure, Malta’s coastline offers world-class snorkelling, diving
St Julian’s boasts a sweeping seafront promenade
and sea kayaking. Explore ancient underwater wrecks or paddle into secret caves, with expert guides available for every level of experience.
Malta may be small, but it’s packed with unforgettable travel experiences. From its rich history as a trading hub to its vibrant culture today, Malta connects visitors to stunning landscapes, historic sites and unique adventures. Whether you are exploring ancient temples or relaxing by crystal-clear waters, I found this island to be a very special place and would love to return.
Putting together a seamless Maltese escape is all about the personal touches, from arranging VIP airport transfers and exclusive guided tours to recommending characterful boutique stays or five-star resorts. Please contact me if you would like to know more about a holiday to Malta, or if you would like help with any other travel plans.
Travellers’ tips
• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
• If you are planning to hire a car it’s best to book in advance, especially during the busy months of July and August.
• Schedule a private walking tour of Valletta to uncover its palazzos, museums, and charming cafes.
www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen
SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
Sally Pullen in Malta
Valletta’s historic streets
Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year
Your chance to win a copy of ‘Paws in the Flood’
This magazine’s former editor, Janine Pulford, has written a brandnew book.
‘Paws in the Flood’ is a whodunnit from a dog’s point of view, aimed at age group 9–99. You can read an exciting extract from the first chapter on pages 54–55.
To celebrate the book’s release, we are giving readers the chance to win their very own copy to treasure at home.
For your chance to win one copy of the book, all you have to do is read the opening extract and answer the following question: What is the name of the dog detective in ‘Paws in the Flood’?
Simply send an email with the subject line ‘Paws’, the answer and your contact details to competition@themudefordmag.co.uk. One correct entry will be chosen at random as the winner.
The competition closes on 31 March 2026. If you can’t wait to find out the result of the competition, ‘Paws in the Flood’ is also available to buy from Amazon for £7.99.
The lighthouse tour –back where we began
By Keith Morton | Association of Lighthouse Keepers | alkhurst@gmail.com
I trust that all readers have enjoyed the lighthouse tour through the regular articles that have appeared in this magazine.
It all started back in 2016, some 10 years ago, when the then-editor, Julie Smith, found my number and gave me a call to ask if I would be interested in producing a regular article for the journal. Previously, I had been the Hon Secretary of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers, better known as the ALK, and was then the project manager for an ALK Lighthouse Museum based in Hurst Castle. So, Julie’s idea was ideal, as it would be a great way of promoting the ALK, and I readily agreed to draft a regular article.
Looking through my records, I see that I have produced 117 articles, of which some 90 were about individual lighthouses and the other 27 related to the Lighthouse Museum, describing it as it was progressing. The idea of the tour was that it would start at Hurst Castle, go around the Isle of Wight, before proceeding in a westerly direction and writing about each lighthouse in that order. When I reached Land’s End, I jumped to the Channel Islands and then back to the mainland to continue up the west coast. The tour started to circumnavigate Wales, firstly along the south coast and then up the west coast. Then it was up the west coast of England until we reached the border with Scotland, a quick jump across to the east coast proceeding southwards, and finally along the south coast of England, back to Hurst Castle. It has been an interesting task. I do not profess to know everything about every lighthouse, so each lighthouse for each article had to be researched. I found the result to be fascinating
and increased my knowledge. Most of the lighthouses covered in my articles I have visited and, where possible, I have climbed them.
The Lighthouse Museum in Hurst Castle is still there for you to go to and enjoy. It is closed in the winter months but will be open again from Easter. To get there, travel to Keyhaven near Milford on Sea where you can park. Just around the corner, follow the signs, and you can catch a ferry that will take you to the end of the shingle spit where you can buy a ticket to enter the castle. Once in the castle, the Lighthouse Museum is free.
Perhaps the best day to visit is on Mondays when members of the ALK will be there keeping the museum up to date. They will be able to explain what all the artifacts are, what they were used for, and where they came from.
To check for a good day to visit, contact Dinah le May at hurst@alk.org.uk.
Keith at Hurst Castle with Hurst Point Lighthouse
Sudoku
RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter
Without feeling that we repeat ourselves on this page, once again we would like to extend our thanks to members of the community as well as our volunteers for their support and commitment to helping Mudeford Lifeboat Station to keep saving lives at sea.
We would like to recognise two of our long-standing Fundraising Crew who are stepping down from formal roles but will still be remaining active in supporting RNLI activities: Cathy Jesse and Robin Pellatt.
Also, a special mention to Kirsty of Anode Fitness for running a successful charity fitnessa-thon that raised over £1,753 (see photo above). We look forward to welcoming you all at one of our many events in 2026.
Join us
For more information on our events or monthly meetings, please contact our chair, Adele, at adele.orr.63@gmail.com.
We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers for our fundraising team. We meet at 2.15pm on the first Wednesday of the month at Stanpit Village Hall.
Fitness-a-thon supporters with RNLI’s Stormy Stan © Anode Fitness
Adele & Robin © Hazel Stubbs Robin Pellatt has been a member of our fundraising crew since 2013 when he immediately assumed the minutes secretary role and was then vice chair from 2021 to 2025.
Adele & Cathy © Hazel Stubbs Cathy Jesse joined Mudeford in 1997 and has held various roles including membership secretary, event raffles, deputy treasurer, and as a regular with the Souvenir Stall on the quayside.
Charity of the Year
Bringing light to Dorset’s most vulnerable families
By Julia’s House
Julia’s House is your local children’s hospice, giving children with life-limiting and complex conditions and their families a chance to have magical moments and memories.
Our nurses and carers bring clinical care, fun, laughter and compassion to the children they support at our hospices or in the comfort of their own homes. And we give exhausted parents a much-needed break from around-the-clock care, with the peace of mind that their child is in safe hands. We help families make the most of every day. Families just like the Kotzes and their daughter, Skye.
Helping Skye shine
“The support Julia’s House has given us has been phenomenal — not just for Skye, but for our whole family,” explained Sophie Kotze, Skye’s mum.
“For her dad, Kyle, and me, it gives us precious time together and with Skye’s brothers. The nurses just get it — they’re a shoulder to cry on and they celebrate every little win with you.”
For Sophie and Kyle, the world changed overnight when their daughter Skye, then aged just three, suddenly lost the ability to walk, talk, or even hold her head up. Skye was struck by a rare, unnamed degenerative condition. Despite countless hospital tests, doctors couldn’t find a cause. But just as hope seemed lost, Julia’s House stepped in.
At first, the word ‘hospice’ filled Skye’s family with fear: “We thought it would be all about death. But when we walked in, there was laughter, colour, and children playing. It was full of life,” Sophie said.
Kyle
Julia’s House began supporting Skye and her family with regular respite sessions, sibling support for her brothers, and emotional and practical help for Sophie and Kyle.
A glimmer of hope
In 2024, Skye began experimental treatment. Miraculously, her speech started to return, and one day, she was singing again. “It felt like I was getting my little girl back,” Sophie said.
Now aged five, Skye is learning phonics at school, using her walker, and even dancing at home. But the future remains uncertain, as her treatment has ended and doctors don’t know what lies ahead.
Grateful for the support they’ve received, Skye’s family is determined to give back and help Julia’s House continue its vital work.
Most recently, Skye and her family were the stars of the Julia’s House Christmas Appeal, helping us to raise £65,000. With only eight per cent of the hospice’s ongoing funding coming from the government, we rely almost entirely on public donations.
Your support can help children like Skye enjoy the magic of Christmas all year round, while their families find comfort and hope. To donate, visit juliashouse.org/Skye or call 01202 644220. Your gift could help Skye — and families just like hers — shine through their darkest days.
Sophie and
Kotze with their children, Seth, Axel and Skye © Jon Bolton
Book Reviews
By Kirsty Robinson
Through the Windows of an Ordinary House: A History of England
by Ian Mortimer, hardback £18
This book tells the story of Mearsdon, a house on the edge of Dartmoor, and the documentary record of all the owners who lived there since the 1260s. Blending the broadest national history and the most intimate local events with a description of changing daily life from the Norman Conquest to the present day, Mortimer acquaints us with the people who passed through the house, from its first known owner, John the Palmer, to the folklore collector Charlie Laycock, who turned the house into a museum in the early 20th century, to Mortimer’s family living there today. Seeing through its windows, we not only glimpse at the people who lived in the house over the ages; we also see through their eyes as they look out at the changing world around them.
Cozy Cat Club and Good Dog Club
1000-piece family jigsaw puzzles
£17.99 each
We have lots of choice of jigsaws in our dedicated jigsaw room, but these two new designs really caught my eye and are sure to be firm family favourites. Available from March.
Hooked by Asako Yuzuki, paperback £14.99 From Asako Yuzuki, the award-winning author of the global bestselling sensation ‘Butter’, comes an unmissable new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession. Eriko’s life appears perfect: devoted parents, a spotless apartment and a job in the seafood division of one of Japan’s largest trading companies. Her latest project, to reintroduce the controversial Nile perch fish into the Japanese market, is characteristically ambitious. But beneath her flawless surface she is wracked by loneliness. Eriko becomes fascinated with a popular blog written by a housewife, Shoko. Shoko’s posts about eating convenience store food and her untidy home are the opposite of the typical Japanese housewife’s manicured lifestyle. A delicious exploration of food, loneliness and womanhood in contemporary Japan, ‘Hooked’ brings together all the ingredients for which Asako Yuzuki is so adored.
Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of great book ideas for adults and children? Contact us on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find us on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that we have to offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.
Short Story
Meet Max Nowza, dog detective
It’s been two years since Dorset author, Janine Pulford, made a New Year’s resolution to get her seventh novel into print. She is now delighted to announce the release of ‘Paws in the Flood’.
Meet Max Nowza, the big-hearted dog detective with a loyalty to his owner that could easily bring you to tears, and just as easily make you laugh out loud.
When Max’s lead-meister, Adorable, is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit, the investigative pooch must take matters into his own four paws.
With his unkempt beard, large eyebrows and coarse grey, straggly coat, he’s such an unlikely
detective, will anyone take him seriously? Not DI Roughly, that’s for sure, but Max knows every paw print on his patch, and the scruffy dog with a nose for justice is straight on the case.
This cosy crime novel is written in Max’s viewpoint and will enable readers aged from 9 to over 99 to get right inside his head. His chumdogs also spring into life as he recalls events that led up to the case of ‘Paws in the Flood’.
This hero of the dog world will live in your mind long after you put the book down. Barky joy! Here is the opening of Chapter 1:
Paws in the Flood
by Janine Pulford
Max Nowza, with a hooter the size of a beef shin, signing in.
When out for my walk one morning, I made a terrible discovery, and that’s a hard thing to do in the little village of Chiddle-pon-Piddle where I live.
My lead-meister, Adorable, and I were in the Dorset woodland leading to the river when a stag sprang out of the undergrowth right in front of us. Before Adorable could stop me, I was off.
The deer’s musky smell flew up my hooter and my heart knocked wildly in my chest as I charged after it, but the faster I ran, the faster he went. Even with my ears streaming back and my nose cutting the air like a dagger, I lost ground.
The scent got weaker and weaker then, bowser-wowser, it disappeared!
I skidded to a stop and found myself paw deep in flood water. The river was much wider than usual and bowl me over with a dock leaf, the stag was swimming across it with only his head and antlers sticking up. When he got to the far side, he hauled himself out and swaggered off, flashing
his white bum in a victory wave. He knew the river was too deep and fast for me to cross.
In the next second, the strong tang of our top dog-walking friend hit me like a fly swat, but where was he, and where were his spaniels?
I stalked up and down the bank, noticing the smell was stronger at a huge tree that had fallen into the water. Its roots stuck out of the ground in an earthy lump, and some of the branches had sunk into the middle of the swollen river. After taking a few long sniffs, I saw my besties’ lead-meister caught in the branches and he was in big trouble.
Without thinking, I clambered up the roots onto the tree’s slippery trunk and edged along as the water flowed noisily below. If I lost my claw-hold, I’d be washed away.
When my front paws slid, I thought my time was up, so I kept still to recover before crawling on my belly into the branches.
Thank muttness they were sturdy, and I leaned into them for safety, peering through my hairy eyebrows at a pale face I barely recognised.
‘Max,’ he said weakly. His dark hair straggled into sunken eyes that could hardly stay open. ‘Help me, Max.’
He was fading and there was nothing I could do. The way he was wedged in the branches kept him from drowning. If I tried to pull him free, he’d be washed away. I had to get Adorable and quickly, so I let rip with a volley of short, sharp barks. And where were my bestie chumdogs? There was not even a whiff of them.
I woofed and barked and barked and woofed until my throat hurt.
When Adorable found me, it took a while for her to work out what the problem was. Lead-meisters can be slow at understanding dog barks and to begin with, she thought I was stuck. Then she saw Joe.
‘Oh no!’ she cried, and her cheery face lost all its colour.
To find out what happens next, visit Amazon.co.uk and purchase your own copy of ‘Paws in the Flood’. It costs £7.99 in paperback. ISBN 978-0955502255. There is currently no e-book version.
© Janine Pulford 2025
Christmas cheer
By Revd Sandra Prudom, Christchurch Community Partnership chief executive
We waved goodbye to 2025 with another hugely successful Christmas Day Community Lunch with 50+ attendees who would otherwise have spent Christmas day on their own. A delicious traditional two-course Christmas dinner was provided, along with entertainment, transport and a visit from Santa — at no charge — thanks to our wonderful volunteers and the SNG Winter Wishes Fund.
Huge thanks go to Sarah, Paul and Laura who were our wonderful catering team as well as the volunteer team who assisted with set-up and peeling tons of veggies on Christmas Eve.
We were also thrilled to have live entertainment, both from our own Karen Hollocks, who played throughout lunch, and Bee Chumley, who then got our guests up and dancing in the aisle to work off all those calories!
Dancing in the aisle
Bee Chumley
Karen Hollocks
Sandra and Karen Kevin, Kirsty and Sarah
Sarah and Laura
Finding the spring in your step
By Kat Amey, life coach
The festive season is over, Blue Monday has passed and the noise around getting started with your 2026 goals has eased, so why do we still feel like hibernating?
There’s a narrative I keep hearing that February is the most disliked month in the UK. I even found an article on The Guardian website stating that February was the “cruellest month”!
Admittedly, this is my first February and March in the UK for eight years, after I moved back here from Thailand last April — yes, I know, life is hard!
I’ve been giving some thought to how I can best navigate this time of year and ultimately find the spring in
my step before spring arrives.
First, I can find comfort in knowing that we are over the winter hump. Spring means lighter, warmer days are on their way.
Second, now the New Year noise has died down, I’m taking some time to create intentions and goals for the year ahead and mapping out the first steps I need to take. This is the preparation phase. I know my spring energy isn’t quite here yet, but I also know that in this slower phase, the groundwork can begin.
Third, I’m focusing on the micro moments of joy, such as the beautiful sunsets that are becoming later and later; the early signs of spring that
are appearing in nature; and the satisfaction of a quiet walk along the beach before the summer crowds arrive — plus lots of parking spaces! These may not be Instagram-worthy, but they are the moments that shift how these months feel.
If you’d like to explore this further, here are some journalling questions to help you find that spring in your step:
• What am I putting off until spring that I can start now?
• Where is the excitement in my life right now?
• What small ritual could make February and March brighter? One thing I often ask my clients to create alongside these reflections is a JOY list — a list of simple things that bring a feeling of joy. When life feels challenging, or perhaps your energy is nearing empty, this is a perfect way to receive a quick boost of happiness by doing something you love. How about giving this a go too?
Enjoy this time of year. And if you have any tips for coping with the “cruellest month”, then I’d love to hear them! You’ll find my details below.
Crafty Beer Boy
By Ryan Perry
From grey skies to sunshine pours with Vibrant Forest Pupa Pale Ale
February and March can be a funny old time. Those lingering grey skies, chilly evenings, and the dark months still hanging over us. We all need a bit of sunshine… and luckily this sunshine comes conveniently packaged in a can.
So, while you’re cocooned in your blanket waiting for the first hints of spring, there’s a beer ready to help you emerge like a hop-thirsty butterfly and remind you of brighter things to come.
Introducing the legendary Pupa, an absolute juice bomb of a pale ale from Vibrant Forest, brewed in Hardley in the New Forest. This hop-forward little beauty is a mash-up of two American pale ale styles — think West Coast meets East Coast.
The moment you start pouring, a tropical aroma hits the nose like a Caribbean carnival, flamboyant and ready to party, with a fruity blast of prominent pineapple and a light citrus ensemble. And the colour, wow! It’s like you’ve trapped the sun itself. Hazy, unfiltered, mellow yellow, and glowing like soft rays of sunshine. The wheat adds a cheeky little head, fluffy like a passing cloud.
Your taste buds will be practically sprinting towards the glass, and trust me, they won’t be disappointed. The taste… bosh!
First, the East Coast flavours come in swinging with punchy, juicy tropical notes of pineapple, mango and peach. Then comes the follow-up: those classic West Coast waves of resinous pine and grapefruit bitterness, lingering beautifully. It’s a marriage of two styles that just works, bringing a wonderful balance.
On the tongue, there’s a playful tingle of bubbles, yet the whole thing feels smooth and creamy thanks to the oats. It’s a proper allrounder, and at 4.5 per cent, it’s undeniably session-able. You may well be tempted to crack open another… don’t worry, no one’s looking.
Now, I’m passionate about pairing beautiful
beers with delicious food, and an American pale ale is ridiculously versatile. Try it with a juicy cheeseburger — the citrusy bitterness slices through the fat perfectly. For a veggie twist, a mushroom burger works a treat. The beer cuts through the umami for a balanced bite, with that welcome fizz cleansing the palate.
And for the sweet-toothed among us, try it with a naughty slice of carrot cake. The tropical notes play well with the sweetness of the carrot, while the hops’ piney fruitiness complements the nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon spices, and the smooth, creamy mouthfeel mirrors that moist crumb and silky cream cheese frosting. Absolutely smashing stuff!
This is genuinely one of my favourite beers. It’s the kind of brew that puts an instant smile on your face. A cheery beer, a sunshine-in-acan beer. The sort that makes you want to whip out a Hawaiian shirt and pretend it’s July, even when it’s an icy two degrees outside.
Now you’re probably wondering: “Where do I get this legendary beer? I want a taste of the sunshine!”
You can pick some up from the Vibrant Forest taproom and website, or more locally at Stewarts Garden Centre. Give it a go for an upbeat weekend treat. Let’s give it a cheers! For more from Crafty Beer Boy, visit tiktok.com/@craftybeerboy.
Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary Club newsletter
By Chris Knight
Hello! This is my first article for this publication, and I’ll be writing about the local Rotary Club and its involvement with regular events you just might have seen over the last few years.
Many of you will have heard of Rotary but probably know very little about it. I won’t go into too much detail, but it is one of the largest membership organisations in the world, with 1.9 million members, and one of the biggest charity organisations in the world. It exists to enable its members to give something back to their communities and to international projects.
As one example, Rotary was a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative set up in 1988. Since then, Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunise nearly three billion children across 122 countries. Whilst this is a massive achievement, future articles will concentrate on more local events. Our small band of members and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year on ways to give money back to deserving causes, like Macmillan Caring Locally, children’s mental health, and other local projects. We can do this through the events we help at throughout the year. 2025 was an excellent year. We increased our visibility immensely by being involved in activities that benefitted some 3,300 people, up by about 1,000 people from 2024, due to the number of people who packed the riverbanks on either side of the River Stour for our first-ever river pageant (see the photos on this page). I think, with a little more help, we can exceed that figure in 2026.
The river pageant and Christmas events are just two examples of Rotary’s need for volunteers — without the help of a few people, we would not be able to put these events on. To help, you do not have to be a fully fledged Rotarian; you can become a volunteer helper. So, if you want to do some good work in the community, why not drop me a line? We rarely need more than a few hours of your time at any event. Please email me at chrisknight@ ntlworld.com to say you might be able to help in some way throughout the year.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Here’s to an even more successful year ahead.
Highlights from the pageant © Gerry Clarke
Hip hip hooray for founder of youth orchestra
Violinist Jack Maguire, the founder of the Boscombe Youth Fiddle Orchestra, was presented with the High Sheriff of Dorset’s Special Award on Saturday 22 November. Originally called the Coda Fiddle Orchestra, Maguire set up the project in 2004 to provide high-quality string education for children and young people.
Maguire received his award from Callum Bremner, the High Sheriff of Dorset, at a ceremony held at Northwick House in Boscombe. It was attended by Bournemouth’s Mayor Jackie Edwards, the Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes, supporters of the BYFO and members of the orchestra and their families.
Labour MP Tom Hayes said: “This orchestra has given so many young people confidence, community, and the joy of music,
and it was wonderful to see that recognised.”
Bremner praised Maguire’s “transformative impact on the lives of countless young people,” enabling those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds “to have access to music education, giving
them a sense of belonging and the confidence to thrive.”
Now 75, Maguire, who was formerly deputy leader of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, has stepped back as director of the BYFO, passing the responsibility to his wife, violinist Fiona McKinley.
Jack Maguire, left, receives the award from the High Sheriff Callum Bremner © Hattie Miles
A healthier life made easy
-Advertisement feature-
When the year changes, we think about lifestyle changes. So, if you’re looking to lose weight, get a little fitter, cut down on alcohol, or stop smoking, look no further.
LiveWell Dorset is your local dedicated health and wellbeing service, available completely free to
every adult living in the county. Its friendly team takes the stress out of making a healthy change.
Easy to register online or by phone, LiveWell offers a whole range of options including slimming vouchers, smoking quit kits and 1-2-1 coaching, with no catches and no hidden cost.
LiveWell takes away the stress of scrolling and Googling, offering a one-stop service with a wide choice of support.
Get personalised advice and the perfect package to help you break down any barriers, build confidence, and see results — beginning with small, clear, achievable goals. No quick fixes, just a lifestyle change that lasts.
Register online at livewelldorset.co.uk or by phone 0800 840 1628.
Robert Louis Stevenson in Bournemouth
By Denise Hanrahan Wells
Robert Louis Stevenson was only 44 years old when he died, yet during his short life he produced many works of literature and lived in several places. He was born in Edinburgh in 1850 and died in Samoa in 1894. In between, he lived in London, the French Riviera, Fontainebleau, Belgium, California, Bournemouth, New York State, and Hawaii. Yes, that’s right — he lived in Bournemouth for three years. Bouts of ill health dogged him throughout his life, and this is how he ended up in Bournemouth in 1884, which had become a popular health destination by the late 19th century. Rather than returning to the less temperate climate of Scotland, which had worsened
his health on many previous occasions, the Stevenson family found a house in Westbourne. They immediately put their stamp on the place by changing its name to ‘Skerryvore’, after the Skerryvore lighthouse built by the family on the Argyll coast.
However, Stevenson saw no improvement in his health and described his life at Skerryvore as like “a weevil in a biscuit.” He was forced to endure long bouts of bed rest, and yet this was one of his most productive periods, when he wrote some of his best-known works and several short stories.
In 1886, both ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ and ‘Kidnapped’ emerged from his pen, but surprisingly, both these works are evocative of other places. Indeed, none of his work seems to bear any evidence of Bournemouth, which may indicate his feelings about his sojourn.
Not all was negative for Stevenson, though, as he became a prominent figure in the social scene. Writer Henry James was a frequent visitor, as was artist John Singer Sargent, who painted an intriguing portrait of the Stevensons. Sir Percy Florence and Lady Jane Shelley, son and daughter-in-law of Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, lived nearby. They
gave him plenty of attention, with Lady Jane likening him to Shelley senior. This may well have been due to Stevenson’s romanticised persona of the suffering, tortured genius, doomed to die young. According to biographer Claire Harman, Stevenson was flattered by the attention and agreed to pose wearing a cape for Sir Percy, who was a keen photographer. Following the death of his father in 1887, the Stevensons decided to set off and tour the South Seas, not realising they would never return to Skerryvore. And what of Skerryvore? Sadly, it was destroyed during the Second World War by enemy bombers on 16 November 1940. The remaining brickwork reveals the layout of the ground floor, and there is a monument inspired by the original Skerryvore lighthouse. The memorial stone reveals the garden was designed and constructed by the former Bournemouth Corporation in 1957. Nearby, there is R L Stevenson Avenue. Although Stevenson did not receive the health cure he so eagerly sought, his time at Skerryvore will be remembered.
You can read the full version of this article on Denise’s blog at literarylikes.co.uk.
Stevenson painted by John Singer Sargent in 1887
Food to keep you healthy in 2026
By Marilyn Barber
If your New Year’s resolution was to be healthier, the question to ask yourself is: are you eating the right foods? The NHS has some guidelines. You should eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. They can be fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced. Fruit juice and smoothies should be limited to no more than a total of 150ml a day.
And just a word of warning: if you are taking statins, you must avoid grapefruit and its juice, as it can dangerously raise medication levels in your bloodstream. The fruit can also interfere with medication for high blood pressure, insomnia and anxiety. Starchy foods should make up just over a third of the food we eat. Choose higher-fibre
or wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave the skin on potatoes. Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of several nutrients.
Beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat are good sources of protein. Choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat, like bacon, ham and sausages.
Aim to eat at least two portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.
Milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are good sources of protein, vitamins and calcium. Finally, drink plenty of fluids; the government recommends six to eight glasses a day.
