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Sept 2026

2003

2023

Charity of the year

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The

Welcome to

Mudeford Mag Your local magazines

A calmer kind of summer

Summer has a way of making us think we should be filling every weekend with plans. Last year seemed to be exactly that for me: trips away, days out and plenty of adventures. It was great fun, but if I’m honest, this summer has been different and still very pleasant. I’ve found myself appreciating the quieter moments: meals out in town; evenings getting to grips with my new garden after moving earlier this year; and, of course, preparing for the sponsored walk on 21 August in support of our Charity of the Year, Julia’s House. Depending on when you’re reading this, we may already have completed the walk—and if so, thank you to everyone who has cheered us on. The fundraising doesn’t stop once we’ve crossed the finish line, though, so if you haven’t yet had the chance to sponsor us, there’s still time, and every donation will make a real difference. To donate, visit http://justgiving.com/team/pulfordpublicity . Meanwhile, there’s still plenty happening in our community, and this issue is packed with local news, events and stories that I hope you’ll enjoy. Thank you, as always, to everyone who contributes, advertises and supports this magazine. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our editor, Luke Graham, as this will be his final issue of these magazines, and I hope you’ll join me in wishing him all the very best. As editor of these magazines, Luke has helped shine a spotlight on local events, charities and organisations, and he will certainly be missed here at Pulford Publicity. I hope you enjoy this issue and find something that inspires you to make the most of the rest of the summer, whatever that looks like for you.

The Paddington tour

Regent competition

Puzzles

Shake & Stir in Southbourne

Stewarts

Scaling new heights

Recipe by Colin Nash

Friends of Hurst Castle

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Christchurch History Society

Stir Events’ Mandy Polkey is on the podcast

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Canada

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CHOG

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Christchurch Community Partnership

Puzzle solutions

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RNLI

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Julia’s House

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Book reviews

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Short story by Mark Laming

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Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner

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News from All Saints

Bransgore Beer Festival

Christchurch u3a

Christchurch Carnival

Kat Amey on keeping the summer vibe alive

Rebecca Smith Subscribe to our Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/@Dorset_View

01202 941468 Disclaimer: Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Mudeford Mag does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. No part of this publication may be produced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form, without prior permission of the publisher

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Editor: Luke Graham Fiction editor: Janine Pulford Pre-press administrator: Rebecca Smith editorial@themudefordmag.co.uk Production: Ben Pulford Lead design: Louis Pulford Sales: Sam Dear, 01202 941470 sam@dorsetview.co.uk Design: Dexter Elliott www.pulfordpublicity.co.uk www.themudefordmag.co.uk

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The Paddington tour, part 4

Paddington heads north! By Rebecca Smith Our latest adventure saw us heading further north than ever before, with five bears to visit along the way. Our journey began in York, where Paddington was waiting for us in the beautiful grounds of York Minster. We camped just outside Whitby, giving us the chance to spend a few days exploring the Yorkshire Wolds. It had been years since I’d visited this lovely part of the country, and it was wonderful to take Millie to Robin Hood’s Bay and explore together. From Yorkshire, we travelled to Sunderland, where Paddington was enjoying the air conditioning inside the shopping centre — a sensible choice! We were incredibly lucky with the weather and treated to glorious sunshine. Just days after, severe storms had swept through the area. We made the most of it by walking a section of Hadrian’s Wall and visiting the remains of the famous Sycamore Gap tree. Although it was sad to see the empty space where such an iconic tree once stood, it was still a very special place to visit. After a small detour to Lanark to add another Paddington to our ever-growing collection of bear selfies, we continued on our journey to Edinburgh. In the Scottish capital, Paddington was surrounded by all the Fringe excitement. With a small dog in the busy city, there was only one place to head after visiting Paddington — Arthur’s Seat. The views over the city were wonderful. We then continued to Kinross for a few relaxing days in the micro-camper before heading to Dornoch, our base for exploring sections of the NC500. One early morning adventure even rewarded us with a seal relaxing beside a loch. Finally, we reached John o’ Groats, where the most northerly Paddington Bear of them all was waiting for us. It was another beautiful day, 8 | themudefordmag.co.uk

Edinburgh

Sunderland

although the wind was certainly doing its best to remind us how far north we’d travelled! We chatted with a group of motorcyclists who had completed the epic journey from Land’s End to John o’ Groats before taking the obligatory photographs with both Paddington and the famous signpost. Before turning south again, we made one final stop at Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, before beginning the long drive back to Dorset over the next few days.

John o’ Groats Have you visited any Paddington statues? We would love to know! Please send your stories and photos to: luke@dorsetview.co.uk. You can also find me on Instagram: @beckygoesbimbling. Next time, we will be exploring the North West of England!

York

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Competition

CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR MONEY FOR NOTHING SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH Get ready for Europe’s top Dire Straits tribute act. Money For Nothing promises a tribute show of the highest quality. Meticulous attention is paid to every detail, to faithfully recreate the distinct sound of Dire Straits in this unforgettable sonic spectacular. Look forward to the band performing hits such as ‘Money for Nothing’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Sultans of Swing’, ‘Private Investigations’, ‘So Far Away’ and many more much-loved classics drawn from six platinum albums. Featuring all the rock band’s legendary hits, audiences will be treated to soaring guitar solos and instantly recognisable riffs by an

REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE 01202 499199 TICKETS £33 12 | themudefordmag.co.uk

incredibly talented band in a musical encounter you will never forget. For your chance to win two tickets to see the show, all you have to do is find Sammy Seagull who is hiding somewhere inside this magazine (excluding this page). Send an email with the subject line ‘Sammy Seagull’, the page number where he is hiding and your contact details to competition@ themudefordmag.co.uk.

Closing date is 30 September 2026

PREVIOUS WINNER: The winner of a pair of tickets to see Buddy Holly & The Cricketers in June was Debbie Cobb, who found Sammy on page 60 of the April/May issue.

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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 xxii

Coffee Break Time sponsored by Louis P Creative

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Southbourne was shaken and stirred By Marilyn Barber | Photos © Dorset View Southbourne enjoyed a fabulous weekend of vintage entertainment on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June with the first Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekend. A parade led by the Band of the Royal British Legion marched through the streets before arriving at Fisherman’s Walk for the colourful event. There was a whole host of entertainment on the bandstand including Retro Rita, The Land Girls, the Aphrodite Singers, Andy Kennet as Elvis, RockStep retro dance company and Bovington Military Wives Choir. A dedicated Military Village brought together military organisations, cadet groups, charities and support services from across the region. A collection of vintage traders, makers and artists as well as a history hub added to this

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important date in Southbourne’s social calendar. Visitors got into the spirit of the event with 1940s, 1950s and 1960s outfits. The Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekend was organised by Stir Events. To find out the behindthe-scenes history of Shake & Stir, listen to our interview with Mandy Polkey online: youtube. com/@dorset_view. Read highlights from the interview on page xii.

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Scaling new heights By Elizabeth McPherson How many of us have some fear or phobia that holds us back in life? It could be spiders who are our nemesis, a fear of flying or, like me, a fear of heights. Here’s the official definition of fear. It is a primary, powerful emotion caused by the perception of danger, threat, or harm. It triggers immediate physiological and psychological changes to either confront the threat or flee to safety (the fight-or-flight response). For as long as I can remember, the mere mention of climbing a ladder or anything as extreme as looking over a reservoir dam have filled me with the tremors. The mere thought of putting one foot on the rung of a ladder would have me running to the door. If you have never experienced vertigo, it’s a scary experience. Although predominantly based in the mind, it manifests physically as breaking into a cold sweat and finding oneself crouching on the floor in abject terror. This happened to me years ago when I was asked to visit the Lloyds Stock Exchange. I felt such a fool. However, I have recently overcome my vertigo by “feeling the fear” and going for it anyway. Earlier this year, I visited Paris and my friend, without realising I had issues around heights, had booked for us to climb up the Eiffel Tower. My first thought was “run”, but I knew I could not let her down. Instead, I coolly viewed the tower and said to myself: “I can do this.” Instead of thinking about how high I was or even looking at the view, I just put my head down

and focused on my steps, treating the whole thing like a challenging work out. Strangely enough, once I had reached platform one, I felt elated and very quickly scampered up to the main viewing platform. I even found it easy to look over the railings with no wobbly tummy. So where did the vertigo go? How had it disappeared? The answer? The change in my brain. Instead of saying “I can’t”, I said “I can”. Just like that, my world opened and the Eiffel Tower was conquered. You see, I had been to Paris twice before and each time had been unable to climb the tower due to sheer fright. It had left me with a feeling of disappointment. Even more wonderful than conquering the tower is the increase in confidence in other areas of my life. In my 61st year, I am more determined than ever to overcome challenges that previously held me back. I fail to see ageing as an obstacle. I view it as a growth spurt, one where I will continue to improve and overcome life’s obstacles with a grace and ease that I failed to reach even in my 50s. This goes to prove that anyone, at any age, can do anything they set their mind to. I hope you are inspired to overcome something you struggle with and simply go for it. With love, Beth The Lifestyle Concept www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk themudefordmag.co.uk | v

recipe: By Colin Nash | Head Chef colinnashrestaurant.co.uk

Mudeford crab ravioli and miso INGREDIENTS: (Makes 4) For the pasta: 1 egg yolk 1 whole egg 150g plain flour 1 tbs olive oil Pinch of salt For the filling: 200g picked white crab meat 1 slice white bread Juice of 1 lime 1 tsp chopped coriander ¼ of chopped chilli Salt and white pepper For assembling: 50g miso paste or dried miso Half pint of chicken stock 1 small carrot 1 courgette 1 green pepper 1 tbs pickled sushi ginger Sesame oil 1 egg white Greaseproof paper

Method: First, blitz all the pasta ingredients in a food processor until they all become one. Then, on a clean surface, knead for one minute with your fingertips until smooth. Wrap the pasta dough in cling film and rest for at least two hours. Meanwhile, take the crusts off the bread and turn the rest into fine white crumbs. Mix the crumbs gently with the other filling ingredients, correcting the seasoning to your own taste. With a minimal amount of working, roll out your pasta as thin as possible with a rolling pin or a pasta machine using a light dusting of flour on a very clean, dry surface. Cut into your desired shapes and brush egg white onto half of them. With a spoon, place a heaped amount of the filling in the centre of the brushed shapes and with great care ease the other half of the pasta shapes onto each mound. Press around the mound to seal the edges, trying to minimise the amount of air in each ravioli. Immediately place on small squares of greaseproof paper and rest in the refrigerator until ready to cook. To assemble, boil your miso, ginger and chicken stock. Taste and correct the seasoning. Poach your ravioli while still on the paper for five minutes on a gentle heat. The paper normally falls off during cooking. Meanwhile, thinly slice your pepper, courgette and carrot and turn into thin batons, then fry in a little hot sesame oil for 20 seconds. Dish it all together and serve in hot bowls.

Chef's Tips: The thinner the pasta the better. Be careful not to puncture the pasta with your nails. In the picture, I have used a pastry cutter for a crinkled effect.

Colin Nash Restaurant

Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF T: 01425 200050 W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk vi | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Then and now:

40 years of the Friends of Hurst Castle by Tricia Hayne 40 years in the life of a castle that dates back to Henry VIII is a mere drop in the ocean, yet those 40 years have seen extraordinary change. Some — a receding coastline, electrification of the lighthouse, the collapse of one of the Victorian walls — would once have seemed unimaginable. Others are thanks to the work of the Friends of Hurst Castle, which was founded in 1986. From the start, it was a hands-on organisation, involving everything from cleaning and gardening to leading tours and helping with the castle’s café. Before long, restoration and renovation were added to the list, exhibitions were mounted and leaflets produced. The two impressive ‘big guns’ on show today arrived in 1989, rescued from the Solent and towed back by ferry before entering the castle over the East Wing drawbridge and being restored to their former grandeur. Two decades later, a box of parts that once made up a Bofors gun challenged the Friends with a puzzle that took over a year to complete. The garrison theatre — believed to be the last surviving ENSA theatre from World War II — was fully restored in 2008, with concerts

and plays regularly performed over the next 10 years. Elsewhere, information panels have been updated and expanded; lighting installed; and model ships put on display. The role of the Friends remains constant. Come and see for yourself. There’s even a children’s trail, plus craft activities through the summer holidays, and dogs are welcome! To find out more, email trjhayne@gmail.com. We’d love you to join us.

Bare bones of a Bofors gun, around 2009

The 38-ton gun restored and in place © Tricia Hayne 12.5in RML 38-ton gun entering the East Wing in 1989 © Jacqueline Ellis

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Tuckton Bridge By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society Being the town between two rivers means that bridges have played an important part of Christchurch’s infrastructure since Saxon Times. For centuries, the main bridges were Millhams, Town, Iford, and Waterloo. But in 1880, a new bridge was proposed over the Stour: Tuckton Bridge. An Act of Parliament was needed, and Royal assent was given in April 1881. The bridge was to be private with tolls for crossings by vehicles, passengers and walkers alike. The Tuckton Bridge Company was formed by Dr Thomas Crompton and tenders invited. Appointed in June 1882, Mr Hayter of Portsmouth constructed Tuckton Bridge using wood and iron. It cost £2,200 (£235,000 today) and opened on 15 March 1883. By the turn of the century, all the talk was of new tramways, including between Bournemouth and Christchurch. In the autumn of 1904, Bournemouth Corporation purchased Tuckton Bridge for £15,500 (£1.7 million today) and made plans for its reconstruction. The new bridge was 335 feet long, 30 feet wide and constructed on 41 ferro-concrete piles. Tram track and overhead cables were added, and the first tram crossed in 1905. Tram passengers had to pay a halfpenny toll. In the 1930s, trolleybuses made an entrance. Still using overhead cables, the buses ran on rubber wheels and gradually replaced the trams. In April 1936, the last tram from Bournemouth to Christchurch carried the mayors of both towns. Then the first passenger-carrying trolleybus was joined by officials at Tuckton Bridge, the borough boundary, for its first journey into Christchurch. Still in the 30s, Southbourne residents pushed for a toll-free bridge (in

1921, Christchurch Council asked for under-14s to cross free — to no avail). The subject rumbled on and eventually, the council acted. The Ministry of Transport was asked to make the bridge part of the B3059 and from August 1942, walkers and cyclists crossed free, and from November 1942 Tuckton Bridge became toll free. The last trolleybus crossed Tuckton Bridge in 1969. It carried civic dignitaries from Christchurch and joined a procession to the Castle Lane Depot. The last major rebuild of Tuckton Bridge was undertaken in 1996 after the concrete construction showed signs of deterioration. A weight limit of 13 tonnes was imposed. Reconstruction cost approximately £2 million. Tuckton Bridge is a major route into and out of Christchurch. Any works to the bridge cause traffic jams, but none has yet matched the one in 1966 caused by a four-year-old boy, who got his head stuck in the bridge’s railings. Firefighters took half an hour to release him, causing milelong traffic jams! TALKS Held at Christchurch Junior School, 7.30pm 6 October — AGM with free entry and refreshments. 3 November — ‘A Christmas Card from Siberia’ with Rupert Wieloch. 1 December — ‘The Nation of Jutes’ with John Linn. W historychristchurch.org.uk

Tuckton Bridge circa 1912, with toll booth and tram © CHS Archive hive toll ticket © CHS Arc Halfpenny passenger

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Your Voice Dorset Podcast preview

Stir Events’ Managing Director Mandy Polkey is on the podcast Poole Goes Vintage, Shake & Stir Vintage Music by anybody. We seek and try to find sponsorship, Festival, Southbourne Food & Fun — if you’ve but it’s not an easy one.” been to any of these fantastic summer events in Mandy revealed more about the challenges of the past few years, then you have Stir Events organising free community events. CIC to thank. “It is a big responsibility,” she says. “I get Mandy Polkey is the managing director of politics everywhere. Whatever you do, because Stir Events and has been organising community you’re working with a community, you can’t events for over 10 years. Many of these events are please all of the people all of the time. You will themed around vintage music and fashion. What never make everybody happy.” is the fascination with vintage? Mandy hasn’t always worked in event “The whole thing is about vintage music, management. Originally from the Cotswolds, she vintage lifestyle, vintage everything, to bring used to work in quality control in food processing. in the 1940s, 60s and 70s” Mandy says. “People She came to Dorset with her husband when he love to dance, walk, stroll, Lindy Hop and do got a promotion to a job in Bournemouth. Her the Jitterbug. We give people the opportunity to son was just two years old and is now 38. enjoy this fabulous music in a park festival arena, “I’ve been down here a while, but I’m still surrounded by vintage traders. called a grockle by my friends!” “People love the opportunity to dress up. People don’t dress up anymore, do they?” To watch the full interview and learn more This year’s Vintage Festival was renamed the about what goes into planning a quality Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekend and took community event, head to dorsetview.co.uk/ place on 27–28 June. podcast or youtube.com/@dorset_view. But despite the popularity of the event Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more (Mandy says an average of 33,000 people come to interviews and videos. the Southbourne event), it is financially very challenging to put on. To cope with rising costs, Stir Events charged for entry in 2025, at just £6 a ticket, but only 3,000 came. “We had a fabulous event, it was beautiful. I was able to invest; I put in extra money and brought in bands from abroad, international bands. I added an extra flavour. It didn’t work,” she admits. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, it is FREE “We are a not-forprofit. No money comes www.youtube.com/@dorset_view in; we don’t get funded xii | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Lake Louise in the province of Alberta

Canada

Where wild frontiers meet sophisticated cities Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and deep into the Arctic, Canada is a land of big skies, bigger landscapes and warm hospitality. As the world’s second-largest country, it offers wilderness paired with cosmopolitan cities that comfortably rival the great cultural capitals of the world. For many visitors, the first impression is the sheer scale of nature. The snow-dusted peaks of the Rockies rise dramatically above turquoise glacier-fed lakes in Alberta and British Columbia, while Vancouver Island has coastal hikes, whale watching trips and surf-washed beaches. Canada’s national and provincial parks are fiercely protected playgrounds for hikers, skiers and wildlife-lovers, with the chance to spot elk, moose and even bears in the wild. I was lucky xiv | themudefordmag.co.uk

Sally

enough to see bears in their natural habitat — from a safe distance! Yet Canada is far more than its mountains. To the east, the historic cities of Québec and Montréal blend European charm with a distinctly North American energy: think cobbled streets, Gothic churches, galleries and a restaurant scene that celebrates French culinary flair with local Canadian ingredients. Further south, Toronto’s sleek skyline frames a buzzing, multicultural city. I did a trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto, it’s easy to do in a day. Part of Canada’s appeal lies in the richness of its cultures. Indigenous communities have lived on these lands for thousands of years, their stories and traditions woven into contemporary life. Visitors can learn from First Nations guides,

Spot wild bears in Canada’s national parks

explore art galleries that celebrate Inuit and Indigenous artists, and experience performances that bring ancient legends into the present day. This depth of heritage sits alongside a modern, progressive outlook and a famously welcoming attitude to visitors. Luxury here tends to be understated and quietly indulgent. It might mean sipping local ice wine in an Okanagan Valley vineyard as the sun dips behind the hills or relaxing in a spa overlooking a mirror-still lake. It could be arriving in style on a scenic rail journey through mountain passes or enjoying a private helicopter flight to a remote glacier for a truly once-inTake a scenic rail journey

a-lifetime moment. In winter, world-class ski resorts offer immaculate pistes, fine dining and cosy, firelit evenings. Canada also lends itself perfectly to epic journeys. Whether you are tracing the craggy Atlantic coastline of the Maritime provinces, combining Vancouver with the islands and rainforests of the Pacific, or designing a coastto-coast odyssey, travel here feels like a series of cinematic scenes. For UK travellers, Canada is reassuringly easy yet endlessly rewarding. English is widely spoken, flight connections are excellent, and the standard of service is superb. With so much variety across its 10 provinces, it is a country that invites you to return again and again, each time discovering a new chapter in its vast and beautiful story. If you would like to visit Canada or if you have any other travel plans, please get in touch. SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR T M E W

01202 375150 07929626156 sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen themudefordmag.co.uk | xv

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Harbour Highlights

Moths, migration and more barn owls By Tom (CHOG) The hot weather during June encouraged migrant moths to move towards the UK, and an extremely rare Latin moth (Callopistria juventina) was found on the heath at Hengistbury Head. It is only the fifth recorded appearance of the species in Hampshire — which, for moth-recording purposes, still includes Bournemouth and Christchurch! The Latin is usually found in southern Europe, and its caterpillars feed on bracken. Even though Continued on next page...

Latin moth © Robin Harley

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...continued from previous page

bracken can be found in the local area, the Latin is unlikely to breed — though this could change in the future.

Webcam images of the barn owls from Mark Holloway and BCP Council

Get involved with Photo of the Week CHOG’s weekly Photo of the Week celebrates the best harbour-area wildlife images, with winners shared online. If you’re not on Facebook, you can still enter by emailing sightings@chog.org.uk with POTW in the subject line. Selected photos may also be featured on the CHOG website. Autumn watchlist August and September bring the peak of autumn migration, as many of this year’s young birds begin their first journey south. Around the harbour, keep an eye out for pied and spotted flycatchers feeding up before crossing the Channel, along with whinchats, wheatears and passage waders. Together, they can add a real sense of energy and excitement to an autumn walk. Identification practice Autumn is also a good time to sharpen your identification skills, because juvenile birds can look surprisingly different from adults. For example, a young great spotted woodpecker has a full red cap, while adult males only show red on the back of the head, and adult females have no red on their head at all. Here are some helpful tips: • Use field guides and wildlife books for reliable reference. • Check trusted webpages and local sightings updates for recent records. • Try AI identification apps as a helpful starting point, but confirm unusual sightings carefully. • Ask social media groups, experienced birders and local wildlife watchers for advice. xviii | themudefordmag.co.uk

Barn owl update Of the six eggs laid in the nest box in the roof of Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, four hatched. After some drama, two chicks survived and successfully fledged. It was great to follow their progress on the Hengistbury Head webcam, and Mark Holloway from BCP Council has provided some excellent images of the chicks in the box. Fingers crossed for another successful breeding season in 2027. About CHOG CHOG (Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group) is a charitable organisation dedicated to the restoration of nature and all wildlife, in and around the Christchurch Harbour area. You’ll find daily sightings updates, details of the CHOG Members’ Day on Saturday 19 September 2026 at Hengistbury Head (06.3012.00) and Stanpit Marsh (14.00-16.00) and more at chog. org.uk (or via scanning the QR code).

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A new home for CCP By Revd Sandra Prudom, Christchurch Community Partnership chief executive

As I write this, Christchurch is sweltering in the June heatwave, though I am hoping temperatures are more comfortable by the time you read it. Yesterday (on the then hottest day of the year), we moved from Barrack Road after nine years into our new home: the lovely building owned by Somerford Youth and Community Centre on Bingham Road. Huge thanks to Jae Harris and his team for being prepared to have us as neighbours! We are immensely grateful to Christchurch Magdalen Trust, who have been wonderful landlords, but we are also excited to begin the next stage of CCP’s development in Somerford. The new venue is great and will enable us to create many new partnership opportunities, some of which are already under discussion — so watch this space! Our office days, telephone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged. The minibuses will now be based at Bingham Road too, making servicing and maintenance much easier. We are hugely grateful to our funders, without whom we could not deliver our services, especially in the current challenging financial climate. These include Christchurch Charitable Trust, Dorset Community Foundation, Talbot Village Trust, Sovereign Network Group and The National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, all of whom have helped support our projects and services during the past year. xx | themudefordmag.co.uk

This support is vital, as food costs for our lunch clubs have risen significantly, and fuel for our two minibuses alone has increased by 50 per cent! Thanks again to Christchurch Magdalen Trust, we can continue helping those who cannot afford to attend, as we’d never want to exclude anyone who needs our services. However, our core costs have also risen exponentially, so over the next year we aim to diversify our funding and build a small team that is passionate about community fundraising. If you would like to get involved, or perhaps to make a donation to CCP to help us support our community, we’d love to hear from you. T 01202 989632 E contact@ccpartnership.org.uk W christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk

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Puzzle solutions

Codeword

Sudoku

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RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter Thanks to the support of our sponsors, and all of you who attended, we can confirm that this year’s Blue Light Day on Sunday 24 May was again successful, with the bonus of great weather. But our big thanks, as always, goes to the lifeboat crew for keeping us safe. With one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the country, our wonderful, brave volunteer lifeboat crew have been kept busy again this year. As of the end of June, there have been 36 shouts. On 13 June, they launched to three separate incidents in one afternoon. And they were called out twice during our sea shanty fundraiser at the Haven House Inn on Mudeford Quay on 27 June. 2025 saw a total of 77 shouts. If you’re heading out on the water, even on inflatables, please check conditions, stay within your limits, and make sure you’re properly equipped. Find out more about staying safe at sea: rnli.org/safety.

Stormy Stan tries on new Christchurch Mayor Maggie Fidler’s medal of office at Blue Light Day © J Coulson The Wareham Whalers entertain at Mudeford Quay © R King

Dates for the diary RNLI souvenir stall and used books and jigsaws, Mudeford Quay by the lobster pots, 10am–4pm every Sunday (weather permitting). Sea Shanties in St Mark’s Church Hall, 7pm, Friday 11 September. Book tickets in advance for just £12. Come to Beetle Drive, a fun afternoon event in Somerford ARC, 2pm, Thursday 24 September. Tickets £5 including tea/coffee & cake. Disco Bingo, Highcliffe Sailing Club, 7pm, Thursday 19 November. Tickets £10 Christmas Fayre, Stanpit Village Hall, 10.30am– 1.30pm, Saturday 21 November. xxiv | themudefordmag.co.uk

Join us

For more information on our events or monthly meetings, please contact 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 except December at Stanpit Village Hall.

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Book

Reviews By Kirsty Robinson

The Eights by Joanna

Miller, paperback £9.99 For the first time in its 1,000-year history, Oxford University has admitted female students. Giddy with dreams of equality, education and emancipation, four young women move into neighbouring rooms on Corridor Eight and find themselves thrust into an unlikely, life-affirming friendship. They have come here from all walks of life, but Dora, Beatrice, Otto and Marianne all long to move on from the Great War, whose ghosts, grief, and secrets still feel very real indeed. But Oxford is a place caught between tradition and change, where centuries of misogyny and exclusion clash with the promise of new freedoms. And as the group navigate this tumultuous moment in time under the city’s dreaming spires, their friendship will become more important than ever.

Moonlight Express by Monisha Rajesh, paperback £10.99 From the award-winning author of ‘Around the World in 80 Trains’ comes an entertaining tour of some of the world’s most spectacular night trains. Headlamps ablaze, passengers boarding after sunset and leaving before sunrise, slipping in and out of compartments unseen, from Austria’s Nightjet to the Caledonian Sleeper and the Santa Claus Express, journalist Monisha Rajesh invites us on an adventure aboard the world’s most wondrous moonlit journeys on the tracks. Along the way, she samples reindeer stew in Scandinavia, retraces the original route of the Orient Express, sips on pisco sours aboard the Andean Explorer, and watches the sun rise over the Potomac River on the Silver Meteor to New York. ‘Moonlight Express’ brings us along for the ride and drops us back at the platform before sunrise.

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz, paperback £8.99 Ember has always been different from the other dragons. His fearsome roar sounds more like a polite sneeze, and when he breathes fire, the villagers just pat his head and say aww. Ember fears he’ll never collect a respectable hoard of gold, until a chance encounter with a baker causes his fortunes to turn and his stomach to grumble. As the little dragon soon discovers, the gold you make is way better than the gold you steal. This heroic tale of a tiny dragon with a heart of gold and a taste for treats will make a scrumptious picture book for fans of funny fairytales and fantastic beasts.

Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of great book ideas for adults and children, as well as jigsaws, cards, homewares and gifts? Orders are usually fulfilled within 24–48 hours. 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. xxvi | themudefordmag.co.uk

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Charity of the Year

A holiday that means so much more

The family with Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park’s mascot

By Julia’s House As the sun shines and schools finish, many of us are looking forward to a trip away during the summer break. But for families caring for a seriously ill child, a holiday from home can feel impossible. There is often specialist medical equipment to pack, prescriptions to organise, accessible accommodation to find and, for many parents, the added pressure of reduced income because of caring responsibilities. This is where Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice, steps in and helps the families it supports take a much-needed holiday to have fun, rest and recharge. Thanks to the generosity of the charity’s supporters, the life-changing respite care the hospice provides can also include the chance to enjoy a muchneeded family break. One of those special holiday destinations is a caravan at Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park in the New Forest, kindly lent to Julia’s House by IP database company, Lead Forensics. In 2025, 25 families supported by Julia’s House enjoyed a break there, with 20 more families already booked in for this year. Other short breaks, donated by IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts, have helped families enjoy precious time together in Cornwall, Scotland and Wiltshire. Making memories For Lucy, mum to Sully, Hoburne Bashley has given her family a holiday that felt safe, accessible and joyful. She said: “It’s so much more than just a caravan.

Lucy and Jake with their children Sully, Reuben and Ebony

“For our family, it holds a lot of memories. It can be so difficult to book an accessible holiday, and it makes you feel quite isolated.” Being close to Sully’s hospital in Salisbury gives the family peace of mind, while the holiday park’s accessible facilities mean Sully can join in fully. Lucy added: “Everyone at the holiday park goes out of their way to ensure Sully can be included in everything — we don’t have to think ‘can he do that?’, he can just join in.” Julia’s House Family Support Worker Emma said: “It’s just such a wonderful experience that we are able to provide for families. “For some families, it’s the first holiday they’ve ever had. And for special occasions such as birthdays and honeymoons, we ensure it’s all decorated just for them.” The caravan can also be a gentle introduction to Julia’s House for newly referred families, as well as a safe space for bereaved families to spend time altogether. Help Julia’s House bring more magical moments and memories to local families by visiting: juliashouse.org/donation.

All you have to do is visit www.justgiving.com/page/connecting-the-hospices-hike or scan the QR code to make your donation today. To learn more about Julia’s House or to set up your own fundraising idea, visit juliashouse.org.

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Short

Story

Letting go of dreams is never easy by Mark Laming

Last night must surely have been the longest night of my life. When I did doze off, I dreamt you were calling out, leaving me clues where to find you. I leave my wife, Marion, sleeping, hugging her pillow and gently snoring to tiptoe along the hallway, I make my way downstairs to fire up my iPad. I need to tell you I miss you and wonder why I ever let you go. My infatuation with you after all this time is unreal. However hard I try, I just can’t get you out of my head. Marion would have something to say if she knew I was down here looking at pictures of you. I remember the first time I saw you, Suzy. It all started with that party back in the 60s. It was Steve’s big day, his 18th birthday. We all stood round, balancing our glasses of beer and plastic plates with cheese and pineapple on sticks. Being a glorious summer’s day, we moved out to the garden and there you were. I just knew I had to make a move. I remember thinking how incredible you looked, and when Steve introduced us, I was bowled over by your good looks. Later, he told me he’d grown tired of you and if I was interested, I should have you. He whispered that you were hard work and he never got anywhere with you. His comments infuriated me! So, Suzy, we went on to spend plenty of time together. Then came my parents’ news that we were emigrating to Australia. I was devastated — there was no way I wanted to leave our home, my friends or, of course, say farewell to you. I’ll never forget that cold December morning just a month before we left for Oz and we said our goodbyes. I must have said sorry so many times and wondered if I was doing the right thing, but there was no going back. xxx | themudefordmag.co.uk

Now 50 years later, my wife and I have returned to the UK and to my delight, just a few days ago, I found you again on the internet — it was a dream come true. There was no mistaking the red-andblue paintwork and the same number plate tightened to the frame at a slight angle. I stared hard at the image of the Lambretta TV 175, a classic scooter, the one I had once owned. And now today is the internet auction, and I’m homing in on the details of the fully restored vehicle with service history. There was no mistaking it was you. Bidding was already at six thousand pounds, and I feared it may reach seven. Every time I put in an improved offer, a higher figure spun back. Someone wanted you so badly that they were determined to beat any price I dared to pledge. I couldn’t compete any longer as I was risking our savings and my wife would be hopping mad if I spent that much. I know it must sound pathetic, someone like me getting all sentimental about a vehicle, but you weren’t just any old scooter. You were the scooter that turned heads, helped pull the girls. There were eight mirrors on the front, aluminium crash bars, backrest and long aerial. My parka coat with cat’s tail no longer exists, only the workshop manual that I took with me to the other side of the world. Memories of myself as a lad with short hair cut in the style of a Mod flooded back. I was part of a gang of smart young men riding Lambretta scooters. It wasn’t worth going back to bed and, with the auction over, I decided to have another look at the photos of Suzy. I had hoped that I might once again experience the thrill of kickstarting the engine, hear the popping sound of the exhaust, smell the two-stroke fuel, pull on

the helmet. However, you only get one crack at owning a beauty like my old scooter. At breakfast I plucked up the courage to tell Marion about what I had been up to. Her words still ring in my ears: “What did you want to do that for and why were you sneaking about using the computer whilst I was asleep? For heaven’s sake John, you are a 70-year-old man, not a young lad.” Momentarily I was embarrassed; of course she was right. I stopped washing the dishes and sighed: “Oh, it was just seeing my old vehicle that brought back memories.” “I knew you were up to something. Fancy even thinking about risking a couple of thousand pounds on a scooter. And you can wash that plate again; it’s still got egg on it.” I dutifully held out a hand to retrieve the plate and simply replied: “Yes, dear.”

Marion’s thoughts on how little the scooter was worth amused me. She’d have hit the roof on learning it went for triple that figure. When Marion went upstairs to make the bed, I scooped up my iPad and with a confident slide of the finger I was soon looking at my old scooter. I whispered to the tiny screen: “Good luck Suzy with your new owner, I think this has to be our final farewell. Letting go of dreams is never easy.” Mark Laming has written six novels that have been set in New York, Spain and the UK. Over the last 30 years, he has penned over 100 short stories of which four have been broadcast by the BBC. He was nominated for The People’s Book Prize 2019 for his novel ‘Shadow with Nowhere to Fall’.

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Keeping Dorset safe this summer By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year in Dorset. We are incredibly fortunate to live in a county that millions of people choose to visit every year. Our coastline, countryside and towns are the envy of many, and I want everyone, both residents and visitors, to enjoy everything Dorset has to offer, safely. The increase in visitors inevitably brings additional pressure on Dorset Police. However, I want to reassure you that extensive planning has taken place ahead of the summer season. Officers will be out in our communities, conducting highvisibility patrols across our busiest areas with neighbourhood policing teams engaging with residents and businesses, and officers ready to deal quickly and robustly with anyone intent on causing trouble. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my priorities is ensuring Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country. I regularly hold the Chief Constable to account to make sure the Force is focused on the issues which matter most to residents, and I am clear that keeping people safe throughout the busy summer months is right at the top of that agenda. That said, I have always been honest about the challenges Dorset faces. While our population swells during the summer, the number of police officers available does not. Dorset Police continue to do an outstanding job despite being one of the lowestfunded forces in England; that is why I continue to lobby government for a funding settlement that properly reflects the seasonal demand placed on our county. Our officers deserve the resources they need to do the job asked of them. Of course, most people who visit Dorset are respectful and make a positive contribution to our communities and local economy, and they are very welcome. But to the small minority who come here intending to commit crime, engage in violence or xxxii | themudefordmag.co.uk

cause anti-social behaviour, my message remains simple: stay away. Dorset Police will not tolerate behaviour that threatens our communities; those responsible will be dealt with swiftly and robustly. That commitment is being backed up with action. From seizing nitrous oxide cannisters from groups at the beach, targeting the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes, tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping our town centres and public spaces safe for everyone, a tremendous amount of work is taking place across the county. Officers have also taken part in another successful Operation Scorpion recently, working with police forces across the South West to disrupt drug supply networks, remove drugs from our streets and protect vulnerable people from exploitation. Supporting our rural communities is just as important. This summer, the Rural Crime Team is once again supporting Operation Recall, encouraging dog owners to keep their pets under effective control to prevent the devastating impact of livestock worrying. Mounted Rural Volunteers are also increasing patrols across our countryside, providing reassurance to rural communities and acting as valuable additional eyes and ears for Dorset Police. Keeping Dorset safe is never something policing can do alone. Dorset Police continue to work closely with authorities including Dorset Council, BCP Council, Weymouth Town Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Business Improvement Districts and many other partners to make sure we are ready for the challenges the summer brings. Finally, I would ask everyone to play their part. If you see something that concerns you, report it. Together, we can ensure Dorset remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place to live, work and visit — not just this summer, but all year round.

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News from All Saints The summer months are a perfect time to visit craft and food fairs. As I write this at the end of June, I think back to the Highcliffe Food and Arts festival which also had many displays of beautiful and imaginative crafts as well as a wide range of musicians. Here in Mudeford, we are looking forward to the Mudeford Arts Festival at the end of July. This is always a highlight of our summer and includes an art competition to choose the painting that will be reproduced and displayed on the front wall of Stanpit Village Hall for the next year. Look out for it when you are passing! The wonders of human vision and creativity never cease to amaze me. Mankind can be creative in many ways, ranging from crafting delicate jewellery through wildly imaginative art to designing spacecraft or microscopes to explore our universe. I am sure that those who made the crafts, paintings and photographs that we have admired this summer will soon be planning what they will make for Christmas fairs. Creativity often needs to be based on solid, scientific or practical knowledge and detailed preparation. This is a good time of year for us all to focus on what we want to achieve in the months to come and to use our creativity and determination to plan ahead. Throughout the ages, mankind has used its imagination and ingenuity to worship the Creator God, as is seen by the enormous number and range of churches and temples in the world. We at All Saints are now more aware than ever before of the knowledge, skills, planning and preparation involved in creating such buildings — even a small fishermen’s church! No doubt, like us, you have been fascinated by the gradual rebirth of All Saints as the roof rafters have been erected. Our architects, surveyors and builders have used their creativity and experience to ensure all goes according to plan. We are also grateful to the people of Mudeford and beyond for your support in achieving our vision of a church building that 54 | themudefordmag.co.uk

can be used by the whole community; we are already discussing the best ways to do this. We look forward to welcoming you into the building next spring. In the meantime, the All Saints Harvest Festival at Stanpit Village Hall is on 13 September and the St Luke’s one follows on 20 September. Messy Church and Mainly Men will resume in September. All other groups continue as usual: Little Stars, Church in the Round, CAMEO, Art Club and Bible Study. Every blessing, Vikki Miller E admin@rivermudechurches.uk Final roof beam being lifted into place

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A barrel of fun

Bransgore Beer Festival 2026 takes place on 25–27 September Returning for its 16th year, the Bransgore Beer Festival on the last weekend in September continues to celebrate the very best of local and national ales and ciders, paired with an exciting music line up, to satisfy every taste. Started by a few enthusiastic beer loving Rotarians, the event has grown into a hugely popular annual event. This year features 75 guest ales and 22 different ciders. Popular local bands will perform on two marquee stages, celebrating the best of Bransgore. The festival helps to generate financial benefit for many charities and local causes, including Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance, Christchurch Foodbank, and Bransgore Primary School — to name but a few. From its early beginnings, regular festival attendees have collected the Bransgore pint and half-pint glasses as mementos of a memorable

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weekend. Eager collectors are awaiting the release of the 2026 chosen style. The gates open at 6pm on Friday 25 September, and the event is ready and raring to go. Festivalgoers are urged to book their tickets early; because of the event’s popularity, admission will be controlled with priority given to ticket holders. For full details on bands, beers and ciders, plus which charities received support last year, please visit bransgorerotary.com.

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Second term for BID Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID) has been selected to operate for a second five-year term. A total of 80 Christchurch businesses representing nearly £3.3 million in business rate value took part in the ballot on whether to approve the BID’s second term, with 60 voting in favour of the BID. The 60 votes represented over £2.9 million in rateable value. BID Chair Chris Guest said: “We are honoured that the businesses of Christchurch have shown their support for our second term business plan.” Over the next five years, the BID will invest over £800,000 in projects designed to enhance Christchurch. For details on future projects, visit christchurchbid.co.uk.

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CHRISTCHURCH PROBUS CLUB A friendly and welcoming club for retired and semi-retired men, meeting monthly 10.15am on the first Tuesday at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Mudeford. Guest speakers, excellent lunch, social events for wives and partners. Membership enquiries to James Wheildon via 07963 288206, email james.wheildon@hotmail.co.uk or see website: probuschristchurch.com.

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CHRISTCHURCH u3a Christchurch u3a offers a programme of educational and leisure activities for those not in full-time employment and is part of a worldwide movement. Members with similar interests meet during the day in small groups, usually weekly or fortnightly at various venues. The main aim is to advance the education of retired and semi-retired people and to assist them in pursuing their interests within a social environment. The new term starts Monday 14 September, and we can get back to our regular and new groups with a renewed and refreshed vigour after the summer break. As Christchurch

u3a Chair Rosemary McCulloch says, the way to keep young is to “accept a challenge, embrace change, don’t fear it and always stay involved in learning something new”. Here at Christchurch u3a, we can offer you plenty of opportunities to incorporate all those aspects. Our joining fee this year is £50, which is all you have to pay and then you can join as many groups as you want. If you go online, you can find out what subjects, courses and groups we have. Alternatively, pick up a brochure from The Epicentre, which is open on Mondays 10am to 12noon at 27a High

Street, Christchurch. There are several groups who continue throughout August and run all year: the sporty ones and the dining groups, as well as Gardening, Book Clubs, Bird Watching, Blues Music Appreciation and Creative Writing. Meanwhile, our social events and Out of Hours Group provide holidays and activities in the evenings and weekends. Christchurch u3a

The Epicentre, 27a High Street, Christchurch 01202 480027 Group co-ordinator information: groups@christchurchu3a.org.uk

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Behind the scenes with the Christchurch Carnival committee Scheduled for 14–16 August, Christchurch Carnival is a free annual event organised by a team of dedicated volunteers They met every other Thursday — always Thursdays. To anyone passing, the lit upstairs room at Christchurch Sailing Club meant little. Outside, winter rattled the panes as the town slipped into its quieter season: early dark, fogged windows, salt and woodsmoke in the air. Inside, the committee gathered with quiet purpose. Coats draped, scarves unwound, notebooks opened in a soft chorus of paper and resolve. Inside, it was always August! Viv and Fi steered. Kelly grounded things in experience. John and Tony problem solved. Steve handled the main stage. Sarah brimmed with possibility. Newcomers — Bernard, Edward, Donna — were eager to help. They disagreed gently — on bands, stalls, routes twisting around tight streets and even tighter timetables. They sketched a stage for a quay that, in January, felt decidedly hostile. They spoke in possibilities: music over water, floats (polished or patched, but always transformed), children in cute costumes, fireworks blooming like flowers. 64 | themudefordmag.co.uk

What they were building wasn’t just an event. It was a promise. By spring, the room had changed. Lighter coats, windows ajar. The carnival now had sound — laughter, music, a gathering crowd. It had colour, motion, life. By May, names filled gaps. Budgets balanced. Routes mapped. Permissions secured. Sponsors’ money counted (and recounted). Come August, no one would see the Thursdays. The quiet work. The steady belief. The committee would move quietly — checking, fixing, smoothing — as the town became something more than itself. Their mark would be everywhere: in light, in music, in moments that felt like magic. And when it ended, they would gather again — already planning for 2027! To join the Christchurch Carnival volunteers, sponsor the event, recommend a charity, or get involved in next year’s carnival and parade, visit christchurchcarnival.co.uk.

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RAF aircraft to be stationed temporarily at local airport Plane spotters will be in their element over the coming months as Bournemouth Airport is to accommodate aircraft from RAF Brize Norton whilst improvement works take place at its base in Oxfordshire. Bournemouth is just one of the airports and military airfields across the UK which is to give a temporary home to aircrafts including the A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster. Steve Gill, MD of Bournemouth Spot a gigantic C-17 Globemaster at Airport, said: “Having started Bournemouth Airport this summer life as RAF Hurn 85 years ago, Bournemouth Airport is pleased to be supporting the Royal Air Force while these The aircraft are expected to operate from important works take place at RAF Brize Norton. Bournemouth on an occasional basis until the “These temporary movements will not impact work at RAF Brize Norton is completed later our passenger services.” this autumn.

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How to keep the summer vibe alive… or not By Kat Amy, life coach

Whether you love the heat or look forward to the cooler days and chillier nights, summer can offer an abundance of invitations, experiences and funfilled days. But what happens when September arrives and signs of autumn begin to appear? When the BBQ invites stop and the light evenings spent on the beach become a rush to enjoy the last bit of daylight after work, how can we keep that summer vibe alive? Well, perhaps we don’t. One thing I struggled with living in Asia for eight years was the lack of seasonal change. Most months were the same with perhaps a little more rain or bigger waves. The pineapple stalls on the side of the road appeared and then switched to durian — and if you know what that smells like, you’ll know it wasn’t my favourite time of year! Autumn calls for slower days and spacious schedules. It calls for more introspection and time for yourself versus giving to others. It’s shedding old patterns and preparing for winter. Feeling motivated doesn’t have to mean ‘doing’ — it can mean feeling motivated to slow down. It can still come with positive experiences and emotions, even if it’s not matched with long summer nights and bikini days. Studies have shown that September can be a highly effective month to start new habits. It’s known as the ‘fresh start effect’ — as we re-build a routine following the summer holidays it can feel easier to add in new things before the year-end. So, what is it you’d like to keep doing as summer shifts into autumn, and what would you like to let go of? I’ve created some journal prompts for you to explore when you feel ready to move from the fast pace of summer into something a little slower — whether that’s in August and you want to feel prepared, or whether it’s in September as you start to re-build your post-holiday routine. Grab your journal and explore these prompts: 1. What parts of my summer routine would I like to continue? 68 | themudefordmag.co.uk

2. What am I ready to stop doing as the seasons change? 3. What are the feelings I want to bring alive as I move into autumn? 4. What would a slower pace of life look and feel like? If you’d like to explore this further or share any of your thoughts or responses, please do contact me. I always love to hear from my readers. And if you are looking to embrace a slower pace and time for yourself before the Christmas chaos descends upon us, I have two rooms left on my three-night Women’s Reset Retreat near Blandford Forum on 6–9 November. Get in touch if you’re craving a slower pace and time for you. Thank you for reading and I’ll see you next time. E W I

kathryn@kathrynamey.com www.kathrynamey.com @kat_amey

Kat Amey is a certified life Coach based in Bournemouth. As well as offering life coaching, Kat hosts journaling workshops and wellbeing retreats in Dorset and Cornwall.

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