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Nature in the summertime
As we settle into summer, I am always grateful for the feeling of gaining more time. The longer, lighter days bring with them more time to get outdoors, enjoy the evenings and appreciate what is happening around us locally. There are lots of festivals and events happening all around Dorset this summer. Do you have any pencilled into your diary yet? Do let us know.
The change in season is being felt by wildlife too. Gardens are full of activity and, in my case, are in need of plenty of care and attention. This is something I always find a challenge, but I enjoy it once I get started.
Nature is very much on the move again. Just a couple of evenings ago, I let my dog out into the garden, and she seemed a little too interested in one place. On further investigation, I realised her new-found discovery was, in fact, a wandering hedgehog! My dog was very good and came away so the hedgehog could continue its night-time wanderings. When I went out later to check, our travelling friend was nowhere to be found.
I was also delighted to have the opportunity to watch the live webcam for the barn owl nesting box sent over by CHOG (see more about this on page xvii). The barn owls are so beautiful, and I found it a lovely, calming alternative use of my phone to scrolling on social media. Seeing them carefully looking after their eggs is such a privilege.
If you have not yet seen the barn owl camera link, or heard about the wildlife activity around Christchurch Harbour, take a look at CHOG’s article in this issue to find out more.
Summer in Christchurch
There’s so much to do in the coming months
JULY
From 17 to 19 July, the Christchurch Music Festival is sure to delight visitors. As well as a full line-up of music acts including Toploader, Blazin’ Squad and Martin Kemp, there will be plenty of activities for children including a mobile petting zoo, spectacular bubble displays and a performance by comedy magician Jamie Jambo. Book your tickets from christchurchmusicfestival.com.
The Christchurch River Pageant will take place once again after last year’s spectacular debut. Dozens of watercraft will parade down the River Stour on Saturday 25 July, starting at 12noon from Tuckton Tea Gardens. Organised by the Christchurch and Boscombe & Southbourne Rotary clubs, the pageant aims to raise money for local causes.
And head to Mudeford Quay Green on 25 and 26 July for the Mudeford Arts Festival, an annual celebration of arts and crafts.
And oh my God, you guys! ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ is coming to the Regent from 30 July to 1 August. Fans of musical theatre are sure to enjoy BMT Productions’ latest show, full of catchy tunes and bombastic dance numbers.
AUGUST
Saturday 1 August sees Stompin’ on the Quomps take over the Christchurch Quomps from 11.30am until 10.15pm. Now in its 30th year, this celebration of smooth jazz and live music is a popular day out. As well as the entertainment, there will be a wide range of food and drink stalls, plus a raffle.
Christchurch Carnival takes place from 14 to 16 August at
the Quay for a fun-filled weekend of community events. The highlight will be the parade through the streets of the town on Sunday 16 August.
At the end of the month, Highcliffe Charity Players are staging the deeply moving musical ‘Come From Away’, all about how the 9/11 terror attacks affected a small-town community in Newfoundland. Based on real-life stories, this is a heartfelt musical. Proceeds from the show will go to support local causes. See it at the Regent from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 August.
SEPTEMBER
To round out the summer, head to Highcliffe on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 for the Cliff Top Music Festival. Now extended to a two-day event, visitors can look forward to a weekend full of live music, vintage fashion and family fun. This year’s headliners are The Commitments with Robert Arkins, and The Fleetwood Mac Experience. Head to ticketfairy.com/event/ctmf26 to book your tickets now.
CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC 2026
FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music!
The ultimate ABBA tribute act are coming back to Christchurch this summer. This international smash-hit show brings all of ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other.
The hugely popular show combines unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by the all-star cast.
Head to the Regent for the party of the year, with all the hits including ‘Waterloo’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ and many more.
REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE
01202 499199
TICKETS £33
For your chance to win two tickets to the show, all you need to do is find Sammy Seagull who is hidden somewhere inside this month’s 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 31 July 2026
PREVIOUS WINNER:
Two tickets to see The Dolly Show in April were won by Ann Crickmore from Mudeford who spotted Sammy on page 38.
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
sponsored by Louis P Creative
Coffee Break Time
Christchurch Baptist Church opens
Hundreds of worshippers attended the first two services at Christchurch Baptist Church’s new building on Sunday 29 March.
A formal opening ceremony with the mayor of Christchurch and community fun day was later held on Saturday 23 May for local residents to explore the new premises.
The £2.5 million facility, located opposite the church’s previous building, increases seating by 60 per cent, provides 80 additional spaces, and includes modern meeting rooms, updated audio-visual equipment and facilities available for community groups.
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.
SHOWCASE YOUR HOLIDAY PROPERTY
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Maximise your bookings by advertising on all the ‘go to’ holiday sites for just 12%
Let us manage your enquiries and bookings, ensuring that your response rates will remain high and that your property will get the bookings it deserves. For just 12% plus vat, bookings are centrally managed and made via Airbnb, Holiday Lettings/Trip Advisor, Vrbo and our own website: mudhuts.life.
Mud Huts is a locally based holiday lettings company that has been operating since 2006. The business is owned by husband-and-wife team Ian and Jane and supported by a team of experienced customer service professionals.
The business offers two models: a bookingsonly model and fully managed. Our bookings-only model allows you to either manage your own property in terms of housekeeping and maintenance needs, or we can recommend an established cleaning business that we work alongside who
are based in Southbourne. We communicate directly with this team to ensure that your property is always ready for your guests’ arrival.
This gives you peace of mind on two fronts: maximum exposure by advertising with all the major ‘go to’ holiday agencies, with a dedicated team responding to enquiries seven days a week plus an experienced housekeeping team dedicated to an individual property.
Keeping up with constant enquiries can be time consuming for owners and linking calendars together to ensure no double bookings are made is very onerous without the systems to support it.
Owners may be using a similar model with one agency, but our model gives maximum exposure on all the main sites at a highly reduced rate.
Please contact Jane on 01202 006767 or email jane@mudhuts.life
Local car service supporting older people
It is very tough for older people to have to make the decision that they really shouldn’t be driving anymore, as there is a fear of loss of independence.
However, a service which operates across Christchurch, Highcliffe and the New Forest could be the answer.
Driving Miss Daisy offers a safe, reliable, door-to-door service, with visits arranged on a private, pre-booked basis. What sets it apart is the presence of a friendly companion, supporting clients every step of the way; from leaving their home, attending appointments or outings, to returning safely — providing reassurance, comfort
and continuity.
Samantha Hague, owner of Driving Miss Daisy New Forest South West/Christchurch & Highcliffe said: “It’s not about getting from A to B. It’s about making sure people feel supported, confident and not alone. That’s what companionship really means to us.”
For more information about Driving Miss Daisy and how it can help older adults, please contact the service. Call 01590 467 679 or email NewForestSW@ drivingmissdaisy.co.uk for the New Forest, or 07411 218747 or christchurch. highcliffe@drivingmissdaisy.
co.uk for Christchurch and Highcliffe. Or visit the website: drivingmissdaisy.co.uk.
The Paddington tour, part 3
“I’ll
have a marmalade sandwich just in case”
By Rebecca Smith
In June last year, I was offered the chance to housesit in the Midlands. Knowing there were at least three Paddington statues en route, I couldn’t refuse!
On 20 June, Millie and I set off from Poole to spend the next few days in Lichfield. We broke up our journey at Reading (a small detour from our planned route), then headed into central Birmingham (by now getting very brave at navigating large, unfamiliar cities), and later planned a day trip to Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
We arrived in Reading just as the market was setting up. The city was quiet, and we found Paddington in a central location by lots of shops. Every statue so far had a QR code next to it, but this one was sadly missing. We wished Paddington a good morning and moved on in search of breakfast.
In Birmingham, we headed to the Bullring. Some shopping centres allow dogs and others don’t, so we weren’t sure how easy this Paddington would be to find. Luckily, the Bullring had provided a trail of yellow bear pawprints for Millie to follow. When we arrived, there was a group on a work team-building treasure hunt. They kindly took our photo and we helped them with clues too.
After a couple of days housesitting, we explored Ashby-de-la-Zouch. They had placed their Paddington statue at the very top end to encourage footfall to the quieter part of the town. He was in a beautifully maintained flower garden and looked very happy. We were pleased to meet him, and before a countryside walk, we stopped for lunch in a local pub. Sadly, I had a ‘trickster’ bottle of vinegar which went all over my lunch — maybe this was the time for that marmalade sandwich!
After a few weeks back home, at the end of July, Millie and I went camping in Suffolk via Peterborough and Bury St Edmund’s. We found a little campsite and enjoyed being ‘off-grid’ for a few days.
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 are off to the north east of England and Scotland!
In Peterborough, the Paddington statue was inside a dog-friendly shopping centre, and a member of staff offered to take our photo and made a fuss of Millie. The backdrop featured a vibrant giraffe artwork. Then on to Bury St Edmund’s, where Paddington was on an outside bench watching a carousel and a lively square full of cafés and entertainment.
Paddington in Reading…
…Ashby-de-la-Zouch…
…Peterborough…
…and Birmingham!
CHRISTCHURCH u3a
By Paula Watton, publicity organiser
This
We’ve all become aware of mental health problems, often caused by isolation. Loneliness can be a killer. Don’t let yourself be a victim to that, just make that first step and join Christchurch u3a. It offers you a safe, welcoming and friendly support group.
On 27 June, the new programme becomes available, so you can renew your membership or join us from then on. When you’re a member, you can join as
many groups as you want or have time for, and that’s just £50 for the whole year. It’s recommended to contact group leaders to get a place as soon as you can.
As a u3a, we are unique in the fact that we have a vibrant after-hours group, which basically means just that. We have events happening in the evenings and weekends, including quiz nights, skittles, meals, shows, camping trips, etc. As well as that, we
have had holidays in Scotland and Greece, a trip to Guernsey is coming up in September and Kos for next year. Dee, who organises the holidays, is working hard to find more.
Christchurch u3a
The Epicentre, 27a High Street, Christchurch, BH23 1AB, open Mondays 10am–1pm 01202 480 027
www.christchurchu3a.org.uk
Finding out a bit more about yourself
By Elizabeth McPherson
For those of us who are curious, self-development and finding out what makes ‘us’ tick are great ways not only to find deeper meaning in life but also to enhance relationships with friends and family.
In the last 10 years, I have been on a massive journey of self-discovery and have enjoyed finding ways to live a better life. Like me, I am sure you have wondered why your brain works the way it does.
One of my favourite tools for this is MyersBriggs — it’s a great place to start. You can do the test online for free.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a popular personality assessment that categorises individuals into 16 distinct types based on preferences in four domains: energy (Extraversion/Introversion), information processing (Sensing/Intuition), decision-making (Thinking/Feeling), and structure (Judging/ Perceiving). Developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Briggs, it is used for self-awareness and team building.
For instance, you may be someone who feels they are an extrovert — after all, that is a fun place to come from. But often, many extroverts are, in fact, introverted/extroverted. In other words, we put on a big personality to cover up the reality that we struggle with unfamiliar places or people.
I recall that I used to think I was an extrovert — always the ‘life and soul’ of the party — only to find, having done the test, that I am an introvert. I like my own company and, although I am ‘social’, can easily get overwhelmed by too much noise and being out of my comfort zone. Which is why, more often than not, I find myself saying “No” to social situations where I may feel less comfortable. That is, I believe, one of the many benefits of ageing: you get to say “No” more often, rather than the “Yes” we used to say to everything thrown our way!
Another fascinating subject is numerology, and it is worth taking a look at.
Numerology is an ancient, esoteric practice
that believes in a mystical, vibrational connection between numbers and events or personality traits. It involves analysing significant numbers in a person’s life — specifically birth dates and numerical values assigned to letters in names — to gain insight into character, destiny and life paths.
The first time I did a numerology test — again, you can do this for free — I was fascinated to find how accurate it was. What is doubly interesting is the idea that your ‘life path number’ is who you are intrinsically and what your destiny is. In some cases, you may find out that you are not even remotely on your life path, but, in essence, that is the reality of who you are, whether you believe it or are even living it right now. How you find your life path number is quite easy: simply add up the individual numbers of your date of birth and keep adding those numbers together until you come to the final number (which is always a single digit).
And finally, the Enneagram is another fascinating insight into the self.
The Enneagram test is a personality assessment tool that classifies individuals into one of nine distinct, interconnected personality types based on core motivations, fears and emotional drivers. It aims to foster self-awareness, personal growth and improved relationships by explaining the “why” behind human behaviour.
If nothing else, these insights are a great conversation starter at a dinner party — better than discussing the latest news — and a great way to find out not only more about yourself but also your family and friends.
I hope you have a wonderful summer. With all the rain we have had, there are no excuses for water shortages, which is why we got a deluge at the start of this year — to prepare us for wonderful weather.
With Love
Beth The Lifestyle Concept www.thelifestyleconcept.co.uk
By Colin Nash | Head Chef colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Chicken, ginger and sweetcorn spring rolls
There is something really satisfying about making your own spring rolls. These ones are refreshing due to the hint of pickled ginger in them. You could make some with other flavours such as duck and hoisin, pork and apple or just vegetables. We use these as an amuse-bouche when our customers arrive.
One important tip: don’t leave the spring roll pastry out too long as it will dry out. You will end up with cracks in your rolls, and they will become very greasy inside.
INGREDIENTS:
2 chicken legs
1 sprig of thyme
1 packet of spring roll pastry or filo pastry
3 slithers of pickled or sushi ginger
2 leaves of cabbage
50g sweetcorn kernels
1 shallot (peeled)
Oil for frying
Salt and pepper
1 egg
Method:
First, boil the chicken legs in water with a sprig of thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper for 30 minutes. Add washed cabbage leaves to the water and leave to cool, then pick the meat off from the bone, removing the skin and thyme. The chicken should be flaky.
Finely shred the cabbage leaves and add to the chicken meat. Shred the ginger quite finely and thinly slice the peeled shallot. Add this to your chicken with the sweetcorn. Taste the mix and add more seasoning to your desired taste; remember to under season to start with because, if you over season, you won’t be able to take it away.
Beat the egg in a bowl and leave to one side. Open the pastry and cut into long strips roughly 15cm wide. You can make them any size you wish but I find this width a nice workable size. At one end of your strips, add a tablespoon of chicken mixture about 2cm from the end edge and 2cm from the sides. Start to roll until you can’t see the chicken, then fold in the sides and brush the other end with a little egg. This will help it stick together as you roll up and finish the spring roll.
Place on greaseproof paper on a tray, ready to cook. Repeat until you have lots of rolls. Refrigerate if not cooking straight away. Finally, you can deep fry the rolls at 180C for four minutes, or you can brush with oil and bake in a pre-heated oven again at 180c. Leave to cool for five minutes then serve.
If you would like to serve with a dip, you could use soy sauce, sweet chilli, hoisin sauce or even mayonnaise.
Colin Nash Restaurant
Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF
T: 01425 200050
W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Smokey Mose’s food trailer is a popular sight across the South West. I caught up with the chef and social media star to find out more about cooking the perfect jacket potato.
Tell us about yourself?
My real name is David, though these days most people know me as Smokey or Mose. I’ve loved food from a very young age and was always experimenting in the kitchen.
I’ve been fortunate to have had a career that allowed me to travel extensively, meet some incredible people, and experience a wide range of cuisines from around the world.
I returned to the UK in 2021 after more than 20 years living overseas. I no longer wanted to continue in the corporate world.
Food has always been a passion of mine, particularly street food, so starting a food trailer felt like a natural next step. I wanted a base ingredient that would allow room for creativity, something versatile enough to build on with bold and varied flavours.
View on food Louis P meets Smokey Mose
The humble jacket potato proved to be the perfect canvas, offering endless possibilities for inventive toppings.
It’s a dish I genuinely love: simple, comforting, and universally appealing. Who doesn’t enjoy a really good jacket potato?
What is your favourite spud on your menu?
My go-to spud has to be the Kickin’ Chicken, though I’ll admit I like to add a splash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick. It’s the perfect balance of flavours: slightly sweet, smoky barbecue chicken paired with creamy melted cheese, lifted by the herby tang of ranch dressing. Then there’s the rich, smoky heat from the shack sauce, all rounded off with the fresh bite of spring onions and jalapeños. It’s a combination that hits the spot every single time.
Where can the readers find you to experience your spuds?
Readers can usually find me in Bournemouth Square on Sundays and at Christchurch
High Street market on Mondays. I also pop up at a range of events throughout the year, including the Bryanston School Summer Fair in Blandford, the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival, Canford School Summer Fair, and the Mudeford Arts Festival, among others. The best way to keep track of where I’ll be next is through my social media channels — TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube — where I regularly share updates and locations.
Can you share a favourite story?
As a long-time fan of ‘Top Gear’ and ‘The Grand Tour’, I was genuinely thrilled when Jeremy Clarkson liked one of my early social media videos. For a brief moment I thought: “That’s it — I’ve made the big time.”
Dorset View is running a competition in collaboration with Smokey Mose, offering readers a chance to win £50 worth of food. For details, head to tiktok.com/@smokeymose.
Cluckin’ Curry
Full interview on the Dorset View website: www.dorsetview.co.uk
Holidays in a town by the riverside
By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society
2026 sees the 20th anniversary of the awardwinning Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa at Wick Ferry, and next year will see a century of holidays here beside the Stour at Christchurch.
The first holiday park on the site was opened by John Charles Edmunds who owned Wick Ferry. He built a houseboat on the Wick side, offering teas to increasing numbers of walkers and ferry users. Seeing further opportunities, in 1927, he built a boathouse on the Christchurch side and began offering ‘furnished huts’ with ‘everything provided’.
In 1934, he was advertising: ‘Caravan Bungalettes (Furnished) at 30/- per week for four people.’ The following year, there were: ‘Caravans, Cabins, Tents Furnished at Edmunds Holiday Camp.’
Edmunds retired in 1947, and the site was sold to Bill Warner, along with Paul Lugrin of Betty’s Café, Bournemouth. Works improved the site including raising it three feet above flood level. At the official reopening the same year, guests dined in the site’s new restaurant, designed in the style of an ocean liner.
Warner’s Wick Ferry Holiday Camp accommodated up to 150 people and was a great success. In 1948, he proudly announced: “I do not think we shall have any vacancies at all from June onwards.” Watching this success was Tom McArdle, who set up an adjacent site, McArdle’s, on Wick Lane.
The riverside in 1955 © Reproduced from an original F Frith & Co postcard, CHS collection
The next big change came in 1962 when Warner’s site was sold to Pontins. Then in 1965, Pontins purchased McArdle’s. This now large site became Pontins’ first entirely self-catering park. It was a major tourist and recreation site for the town, so the announcement of its closure in 1998 was a huge blow to the town’s economy, with a loss of around 20,000 annual visitors.
The site, by this time owned by Manor Parcs, was deemed unviable and was sold to Berkeley Homes. Their planning application for 87 homes was rejected. They resubmitted them, this time including a hotel. In August 1999, plans for 60 houses and a 60-bed hotel were approved.
Two local businessmen, Tim Lloyd and Robert Wilson, along with a friend, were the people behind the hotel, purchasing the plot. Work started in 2005. In November 2006, the doors of the brand-new Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa opened. The luxury, four-star hotel was designed to look like a cruise ship; perhaps the ghost of Bill Warner had some influence here! It has won multiple awards, including two rosettes for culinary excellence.
A popular wedding and conference venue, the hotel continues the tradition of bringing many visitors to Christchurch for riverside holidays.
TALKS
Held at Christchurch Junior School, 7.30pm
1 September
Early Monastic Manuscript Art by Dr C Biggam FSA FRHistS. The early history of the art of illumination practised in many of the monastic scriptorium.
6 October
Christchurch History Society AGM. W: historychristchurch.co.uk E: enquiries@historychristchurch.co.uk
Your View Dorset Podcast preview
BCP Council leader Millie Earl
talks all things local government
Back in February, we interviewed Liberal Democrat Cllr Millie Earl on the Your Voice | Dorset Podcast to discuss the council’s budget and future plans for Bournemouth, Christchurch and, her home town, Poole.
In February, council tax for the BCP area rose by 6.74 per cent. Why was that necessary?
“No one’s surprised to hear there’s a lot of funding pressure (on local government and councils). We hear about it on the news when it comes to things like adult social care, SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) services and children’s services. Costs are rising a lot.
“The government had done a big review into the money that they give to local councils, and unfortunately we were one of the councils that lost quite heavily. Because of that drop in revenue income from central government, we’ve had to find other ways to fill that gap.”
It’s worth talking about SEND. The council estimates it will spend £10.5 million on interest costs to finance more than £180 million of debt. How did BCP develop such a large deficit?
“This goes back to a policy from over a decade ago, to provide children and young people with the education and care that they needed.
“The government told councils that they could spend the money on delivering these services that children are legally entitled to, however we’d have to hold that as a debt off our books.
“So I was really pleased when government announced that they would be funding 90 per cent of it (£165.2 million). They recognise that this isn’t something that councils should bear the burden of. However, that
still leaves us with potentially somewhere around £38–40 million to pay.”
In March, BCP Council announced the BCP LIFE residents’ card initiative, which offers perks including an hour of free parking at select council-owned car parks. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
“As a resident of an area that’s got a real tourist industry, we often feel like we get stung by things like higher parking charges or maybe crowded beaches and so on.
"Residents (who apply for a card) will be able to get a free swim at one of our leisure centres every month. They will be able to get an additional hour on parking in our surface car parks in the town centre. We’ll also have discounts in various shops, cafes or local businesses. Also, a 10 per cent discount on things like coffees and ice creams from our seafront outlets.”
To watch the full interview, head to dorsetview.co.uk/podcast or YouTube.com/ @dorset_view. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews and videos.
South Africa Where wild beauty meets world-class luxury
From the moment you arrive, South Africa feels like several holidays in one: wild Bushveld and the Big Five (the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), vineyard-cloaked valleys, dramatic coastline, and cosmopolitan cities. It is a destination that lends itself beautifully to premium, tailor-made itineraries, where every day can blend adventure, fine dining and time to simply soak it all in.
For me, the best place to begin your journey is Cape Town, framed by the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain. Here you can wake in a stylish waterfront hotel, step out to artisan coffee shops and galleries, then be on the summit of the mountain within an hour.
Just beyond the city, the Cape Winelands offer a slower, more indulgent rhythm. Think restored Cape Dutch estates with contemporary
interiors, vineyard suites with private plunge pools, and lunches overlooking perfectly manicured vines. Wine tastings are available across a range of estates and the Franschhoek Wine Tram connects several of them in an easy way. Many properties offer exceptional spa facilities and immersive experiences such as cycling between estates with a private guide. No journey of South Africa is complete without a safari. Whether you decide on a private reserve bordering Kruger or a game reserve in the Eastern Cape, the focus is on intimacy and exclusivity. Luxurious lodges combine glassfronted suites, gourmet dining and expert rangers, so guests can track lion at dawn, share stories around the boma fire at night and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush. A guided bush walk is a great way to get up close and personal with nature
Camps Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
and learn about smaller creatures that call the reserve home. Responsible, non-intrusive wildlife encounters are key, with a strong emphasis on conservation and community partnerships. Along the southern coast, the Garden Route weaves between ocean and forest, with world-class golf courses, boutique guesthouses and eco-lodges. Here, days can be tailored to each traveller’s style: ocean-view hikes and lagoon cruises, spa afternoons, gourmet dining or simply pausing to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Plettenberg Bay offers a quieter feel, with places like Robberg Beach for long walks. Further east, KwaZulu-Natal combines golden beaches, dramatic battlefields and rich Zulu culture; ideal for those who enjoy history alongside relaxation. What truly sets South Africa apart is its diversity and value. Itineraries can be created that flow seamlessly from city chic to rural retreat, from outdoor adventure to fine dining. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a multigenerational celebration or a solo escape, South Africa will capture your imagination at every turn.
If you would like to know more or need help with any other travel plans, please get in touch.
Boulders Beach in Cape Town is famous for its colony of endangered African penguins
Sky giants and summer sounds
By Tom (CHOG)
From white-tailed eagles over Mudeford Quay to barn owls raising a brood at Hengistbury Head, our harbour edge is putting on a wildlife show this season.
If you’ve found yourself looking up more often lately, you’re not alone. Christchurch Harbour has quickly become one of the country’s best places to watch white-tailed eagles — huge, freeflying birds that can turn an ordinary stroll into a stop-you-in-yourtracks moment.
Continued on next page...
White-tailed eagles photo by Rich Moore
Since the start of 2026, usually two (and occasionally four) eagles from the Isle of Wight reintroduction project have been dropping in almost daily. From Mudeford Quay you can often watch them perched on islands, wheeling overhead or powering low across the water with a freshly caught fish.
This is part of a bigger story that is just as encouraging. Forestry England has now released 45 young eagles since 2019, and pairs are beginning to settle across the South Coast. In 2025, breeding was confirmed in both Sussex and Dorset — taking the number of wild-hatched youngsters to six so far.
The harbour regulars include a female released in 2021 (ring G818) and a male (ring G625) that fledged in 2023 in West Sussex — born wild and now making himself at home here. Local photographs, including the spectacular ‘fish-in-talons’ shots, are being shared with Forestry England to support ongoing research into how these birds are using the area and what they are catching.
Get involved: Photo of the Week
CHOG’s weekly Photo of the Week celebrates the best harbour-area wildlife images, with winners shared online. You can enter via Facebook or by emailing sightings@chog.org. uk with ‘POTW’ in the subject line.
Selected photos may also be featured on the CHOG website.
Summer watchlist: owls, reptiles and the nightjar’s churring call
Over at Hengistbury Head, the barn owls are busy again — and this year you can follow the action via a wildlife webcam. When we went to press, there were six eggs in the nest box and they had just started hatching, so expect a lively few weeks as the adults hunt and (if all goes well) feed a growing family.
Wildlife success here doesn’t happen by accident. Wick Fields has been managed for around 30 years as open, cattle-grazed grassland, with pockets of woodland and thick hedgerows. That mix creates prime hunting ground for voles and mice (and the small birds that follow) — exactly what barn owls need. Keep an eye out for deliveries to the nest box when you watch the livestream
on the website: visithengistburyhead.co.uk/ visitor-centre/wildlife-webcams.
And don’t stop at the birds. Hengistbury’s heathland warms quickly on bright days, making summer one of the best times to spot basking reptiles such as the common lizard, adder and slow worm. Stay into the evening and you may hear the nightjar’s distinctive, rhythmic ‘churr’ once butterflies and dragonflies have settled.
As dusk deepens, moths take over — and around the harbour an impressive 40 per cent of the UK’s moth species have been recorded. Check the moths page on our website for information about what you’re likely to see, and where and when.
About CHOG
Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group (CHOG) is an independent organisation and registered charity dedicated to recording, promoting and restoring nature across the Christchurch Harbour area. You’ll find daily sightings updates, details of a summer family day on 22 August 2026 and more at chog.org. uk (or via the QR code).
Common lizard by Tom (CHOG)
Peacock butterfly by Tom (CHOG)
White-tailed eagle photo by Scott Usher
Delving into the past at Hurst Castle
by Tricia Hayne
From its squat Tudor stone keep to its huge Victorian wings, Hurst Castle oozes nearly 500 years of history.
Over the years, it’s stood guard over the Solent, its garrison keeping watch over the seas and — during the two World Wars — into the skies. It’s also served as a prison and a hospital, a communications centre and — with a lighthouse constructed within its walls — an aid to navigation.
Step inside, and it all comes to life — intriguingly so. What are the railway tracks for? What is so special about the Edwardian gun on display in the theatre? Why is there a wildfowling punt complete with punt gun on display? And what on earth are those huge square metal plates with jagged holes in them?
With the introduction for 2026 of new information panels at the castle, all will be revealed. You’ll find, too, a wealth of information about the castle’s extensive range of big guns, its model ships, its communications room and even its barracks, which were once the preserve of artillery officers.
As you approach the castle by ferry along the Keyhaven River or on foot along the shingle Hurst Spit, this historic monument gradually materialises out of the surrounding sea, shingle
and marshes. It’s an impressive sight in itself, made all the more intriguing by the artefacts that lie behind its walls.
It’s also a great place for children to explore — with a trail to add to the fun — and dogs are welcome too. What are you waiting for?
The Friends of Hurst Castle have supported this historic building for 40 years. Some members get involved as volunteers; others enjoy taking part in events. All receive our regular newsletter and are entitled to free entry to the castle. To find out more, email trjhayne@gmail.com. We’d love you to join us.
Dutch six-pounder gun © Tricia Hayne
Wildfowling punt © Bob Hayne
Railway tracks © Tricia Hayne
Sudoku
RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter
When you read this, we will be reflecting on our undoubtedly successful sixth annual Blue Light Day and preparing for our other upcoming events. We rely heavily on community support, and we are grateful to Winkworth for once again being our major sponsor to defray the costs of Blue Light Day.
The Noisy Lobster continues to support us in many ways, including their recent Fish Friday fundraising dinner. They have now raised £48,000 since the Hayward Family took over the restaurant and shop.
As well as our ‘bucket collectors’ who can be found at Avon Beach on weekends year-round, our RNLI souvenir and used book and jigsaw stalls are up and running again at Mudeford Quay for the next few months… weather permitting, as you will understand from the photo showing our volunteers quickly springing into action during a heavy rain shower.
Congratulations
Mudeford Lifeboat Station has now become the very first RNLI lifeboat station to earn a RNLI Green Award for making small sustainable changes that have been embraced by the crew at the station.
Dates for the diary
RNLI souvenir stall and used books and jigsaws, Mudeford Quay by the lobster pots, 10am–4pm every Sunday, weather permitting Mudeford Lifeboat Funday, Mudeford Quay Green, 11am–5pm, Sunday 9 August Pirate Day, Avon Beach, 11am–2pm, Sunday 30 August, TBC
Sea Shanties, St Mark’s Church Hall, 7pm, Friday 11 September
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 at Stanpit Village Hall.
Adele with the Noisy Lobster’s Laura & Lottie © Noisy Lobster
Souvenir stall volunteers Jean Marsh, Brian and Sue Hixson hurriedly packing stock away when the skies opened © Beryl Ramsay
Charity of the Year
Pulford Publicity to tackle the Connecting the Hospices Hike
To raise funds for this vital charity, which delivers care to Dorset children with a lifelimiting or life-threatening condition, a team from Pulford Publicity (the publisher of this magazine) plan to walk that same distance this summer.
Julia’s House is Pulford Publicity’s charity of the year. It provides a lifeline of care to seriously ill local children and their families. Fundraising is vital to Julia’s House — 92 per cent of its funding comes from the local community.
To support our chosen charity, the six members of the team will divide up the distance between the two hospices and walk 10 miles each in one day.
The Connecting the Hospices Hike is scheduled for Friday 21 August. The team are planning to tackle an iconic route through Dorset,
hiking along the Jurassic Coast past Old Harry Rocks and Swanage.
To take on this mighty hike and support Julia’s House in delivering care to Dorset children with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, we need your help to hit our fundraising target of £1,500.
The team at Pulford Publicity
Boleyn
Traitor by Philippa Gregory, paperback £9.99
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where nothing is more powerful or deadly than a secret. As the Boleyns rise, Jane rises with them, but the King’s love is a fickle thing and when the royal gaze turns elsewhere, Jane uses the only weapon she has: her voice. To survive in this dazzling, dangerous world she has mastered many masks: loving wife, devoted sister, and obedient spy. Now she must step out of the shadows. She might know the court’s darkest secrets, but power rests on the edge of a tyrant king’s sword. Where will it fall next? Philippa Gregory brings the Boleyn traitor into the light in an explosive story of one woman’s survival in the treacherous heart of the Tudor court.
Book Reviews
By Kirsty Robinson
Churchill and The Crown
by Ted Powell, hardback £20
This is the story of Winston Churchill’s long relationship with the Crown, from radical liberal under Edward VII to his last premiership as an old man under the young Queen Elizabeth II. Winston Churchill was born in a palace and was given a funeral worthy of a king. His family had enjoyed an intimate association with the British monarchy stretching back centuries. This book tells the story of Churchill’s relationship with the various kings and queens he served during his long political career, from young journalist under Edward VII, through his dramatic fall from grace in the First World War under George V, the frustrations of appeasement during the interwar period, and his relationship with Edward VIII during the abdication crisis of 1936, culminating in his Finest Hour in the Second World War under George VI and the coda of Churchill’s public service to his final monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Shapes of Nature
by Ben
Hoare,
hardback £20
This spectacular, large-format nature book is designed to inspire a new generation of nature lovers. Inside, you’ll discover shimmering beetles and dazzling tree frogs, knobbly seashells and sparkling crystals, plus fabulous fungi and delicate feathers, all arranged in stunning mosaics. Each page transforms nature’s treasures into works of art, revealing the hidden shapes and intricate details that we often overlook. Big, bold, and beautiful, ‘Shapes of Nature’ is a visually stunning gift and a timeless keepsake that invites you to dive in, look closer, and see nature as you’ve never seen it before.
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.
Heirlooms in the Sand Story Short
by David Kendrick
Taking a short cut down the small footpath, I reach Coy Pond. In my mind, I keep replaying my exit from the house, trying to make sense of her words.
“Just think of your son, think of Jack, that’s all I ask,” she said.
“But I’ve worked my socks off for this promotion, I thought you’d be happy. Now, I’m the bad guy.”
Silence pervaded the room, broken only by the distant hum and clunk of revolving washing. I knew she was upset because she wouldn’t look up from her PC.
“You’ve got until Monday before you have to decide. Go away, think it through. My marketing business is picking up, we’re not destitute.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that.” I marched down the hallway, grabbed my coat and left the house, slamming the door behind me.
I look into the pond, tossing a stone into the water, the reflection of my brow creases and distorts as the ripples arc outwards. I amble along the gravel path that follows the river’s course to Bournemouth seafront. The sun warms my cheeks as it flickers between the leaves of swaying trees. Time seems frozen, as I watch the reeds drift in the current and emerald dragonflies dart from leaf to leaf. Familiarity surrounds me like the fluffy warm feel of a child’s blanket. I pass the clock tower in the square and cross the road to where the balloon used to land. I feel my mind drifting back.
I’m stood staring at Dad’s knees, clutching a ‘99’ in one hand and Action Man in the other. I scan from side to side with eagle-like eyes. I’m dressed in combats, and a gun belt hangs from my waist. I can see many legs: brown, white, hairy, fat, thin. A black dog bounds by as the vanilla ice cream tingles my teeth. A wetted tissue smothers and smears my mouth. Suddenly the sky goes grey and
feathery. I’m surrounded by flapping, cooing pigeons. Startled, I drop my cone to the floor. It disappears in the melee of nodding beaks. I cry until lifted out of pigeon world.
Above the skyline of legs, animals and birds, I see huge teddy bears hanging from a wooden shed and point, shouting “Teddy!” Then I wipe sticky hands down my trousers. The pigeon trauma is over. I rub Action Man’s head. The bristly hair is comforting on my fingertips. I open squares of paper with numbers on. The basket is almost full as mum shrieks with joy and I get to choose a teddy bear.
I called that bear ‘Lucky’. It now sits on Jack’s shelf. It’s a dirty brown colour and has one eye missing, but it’s always the first toy Jack grabs when he can’t sleep. I want to win a teddy for him some day. I pass under the flyover and breathe in the salty, sea air.
I remember walking the same path in the firm grip of my granddad.
My red bucket swings as we pass glass containers filled with coloured sand and a man who can ‘Guess your Age’. That’s easy, I’m five. The pier is lined with blue-and-yellow striped deckchairs. The arcade throbs behind us. We sit with the fishermen on the rusty pontoon as fish twitch on the deck. I squirm at the sight of maggots wriggling in plastic tubs. Potbellied men lean against the railing, swapping stories with one keen eye watching their lines. I catch nothing on my orange crabbing line, but it doesn’t matter. I remember the last time Granddad and I went to the beach together. His words didn’t mean much to me at the time.
“I don’t have much to pass on,” he said. Coughing a little, his face turned red. “But remember, memories are worth more than any gift.”
I bury my toes into the cool sand, that once made helter skelters, castles and boats. My job seems like it’s some alien world now. I can see
the turrets of the Royal Bath Hotel. It reminds me of Rapunzel’s castle. I am the hero come to rescue the fair maiden. I can picture the day I married Vicky and the promise I made to her when Jack was born.
“I’ll be the father to our child that yours never was to you,” I’d said.
As I’d cradled Jack in my arms, her eyes moistened and a tear trickled down her cheek. It was a tear of trust, a lifetime bond connecting three bodies together.
I arrive home just as the sun dips below the trees. I quietly enter the kitchen, and Vicky is at the table multi-tasking emails whilst doing a puzzle with Jack. I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her gently on the neck. Her body jolts, and then relaxes.
“I’m not taking the job.”
She spins around, her face aglow. “You’re not, but…”
“I’ll tell the boss on Monday.”
“What changed your mind?”
I pause to part a stray hair from her fringe.
“I want Jack to grow up feeling the sand between his toes.”
“I want that too,” she says, nestling close to my chest.
“I took a walk through my past this morning, it made me realise that Jack deserves to grow up in a beautiful place.” I see a fleeting glimpse of my face in the glass of the oven. “That place is right here.”
Author David Kendrick lives in Bournemouth. He has an MA in Creative Writing, and you can find his novel ‘Reef’ on Amazon, along with his short story collections ‘Elements of Life’.
The power of partnerships
By David Sidwick | Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Strong partnerships which deliver real results are an underrated and underappreciated part of policing. To successfully tackle serious offences, we need effective partnerships with local and regional partners to deliver successful results and ensure victims are cared for. The value of these relationships is why I’d like to highlight a vital partnership delivering terrific results in Dorset.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) plays a significant role in tackling serious and organised crime across multiple areas, including Dorset. Its work forms part of a strong, successful collaboration focused on intelligence-led policing at a regional level. The ROCU supports and enhances Dorset Police operations, providing specialist capabilities, focusing on high-harm and complex cases. Their key areas of focus include drug supply and county lines networks, child sexual abuse and exploitation, modern slavery and human trafficking, organised immigration crime, cyber crime, fraud and money laundering, as well as crime and corruption in our prisons.
In Dorset, high-profile cases involving SWROCU are linked to Operation Scorpion, and indeed, serious and organised drug crime. Through Operation Scorpion, Dorset Police works closely with neighbouring forces across the South West — Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire — alongside SWROCU and British Transport Police to disrupt county lines, smash the drug gangs and safeguard vulnerable people.
Recently, Dorset Police and SWROCU carried out 18 warrants, arrested 47 people, safeguarded 17 people, and seized 2.47g of heroin, £30,000 worth of cocaine and weapons including knives and a crossbow. These results show the power of this partnership.
It’s not just through Operation Scorpion either that this joint work has yielded results.
In April, a man and woman from Wimborne were sentenced for drugs and money laundering offences following an investigation by SWROCU. Officers seized 1.5kg of cocaine, 400 grams of heroin, 500 grams of ketamine, 2kg of cannabis, approximately £20,000 in cash and a knuckleduster from the couple’s home, thanks to support from Dorset Police. Both received custodial sentences, meaning the community is free from the harm they were causing.
Another SWROCU investigation led to the jailing of a crime group who ran a drugs lab in Bournemouth. The five men, three from Bournemouth, were part of an organised crime group who supplied cocaine to areas across the UK including London, West Sussex, Cumbria, Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire. This case took tireless work from all involved, and I thank them for their relentless pursuit of this group.
The reality is that serious and organised crime does not respect county boundaries. It is sophisticated, mobile and often hidden, which is why this partnership approach is so important. SWROCU brings advanced capabilities, enhanced intelligence and coordinated action that allows Dorset Police to respond at scale and with precision. It is through this model that we can deliver impactful, multi-agency operations, bring dangerous offenders to justice and disrupt criminal networks operating both within and beyond Dorset.
This is what effective policing looks like: a strong local presence from Dorset Police, backed by regional strength. By continuing to invest in and support this partnership, we are ensuring that Dorset remains a hostile environment for organised crime, taking away the drugs, ill-gotten gains and ultimately the liberty of those who seek to harm us, and creating a safer place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
News from All Saints
View from the Vicarage
I don’t know if you have walked past All Saints Church recently, but if you have, you’ll have noticed that the roof steels are starting to be put into position. It’s very exciting, as it’s one of the first visible signs of progress that you can see from the roadside (or from above, via aerial photography).
It is a wonderful symbol not just of progress in construction, but of restoration. The roof that was destroyed by fire is now being restored, and, with each beam, the vision of our restored church takes shape before our eyes.
In Scripture, a roof is more than shelter — it represents covering, protection, and a place where people gather in God’s presence. Watching our new roof taking form reminds us that God is always at work, building and restoring. Often this process takes time, but it is never without purpose; God always has a good plan for our lives.
Summertime can be a good chance to take time to reflect on the ways that God is at work in our lives, gently and creatively restoring broken or damaged parts of our lives and building new aspects and opportunities for us to explore and embrace.
The sunshine fills our hearts with hope about the future and as a community of Mudeford. I hope that, as we enjoy the
sunshine this summer and watch the roof being installed in our rebuilt church, this will bring joy and hope to all of us that we will once again celebrate the important milestones of our lives, journey in faith together and share communal space and activities together in All Saints Church soon!
Do come and find out the latest developments at the Mudeford Arts festival this year on 25–26 July, and join us for a wonderful celebration of Songs of Praise in the RNLI station on Sunday 26 July at 7pm.
God bless you all.
Rev Canon Kathy Hicken
The rebuilding of All Saints Church is making progress © Paul Smith
Golden ale meets golden fry… a match made in Dorset
Has anyone seen that strange orange ball in the sky? It can only mean one thing: summer has finally hit the South Coast, and wow, we’ve missed you, sunshine. It’s time to root out the Bermuda shorts, dust off the deck chairs, stoke up the barbies, and — more importantly — crack open a cold, crisp, delicious beer.
We’re blessed to have some of the best beaches, from Sobo to Sandbanks, and it doesn’t get much better than the beach and a refreshing craft beer. When the heat’s beating down, we all naturally reach for that old reliable lager. But hold on there, tiger! There’s a tasty alternative that delivers the refreshment of a lager while beating it hands down on outright flavour.
Cue a golden ale — and there could only be one brew… Golden Years Golden Ale from Sandbanks Brewery. Who knew Sandbanks had a brewery? Best of all, it’s brewing some right little Dorset gems. It’s an absolute classic; a must-have
On the pour, this little beauty of an ale delivers a stunning orangey amber glow, reminiscent of a Purbeck sunset.
Your nose and lips will be drawn in to find out more. First, you’re hit with the comforting aroma
of freshly baked bread, then comes the cheeky sweetness of honey. It’s now time to quench your thirst with that eagerly awaited initial sip.
First to arrive on the tongue is that light, biscuity malt, with our old pal breadcrumb making an appearance, offering a reassuring base to the beer. But wait… we’ve got more flavours arriving at the palate party. Well hello, citrus and stone fruit, with this standout ale delivering tantalising tangerine, zesty lemon and mild apricot, all topped off with a drop of honey.
It’s beautifully balanced, with a gentle tingle of carbonation, a welcoming bitterness and a light, refreshing finish, making this the ultimate sundowner.
At 4.3 per cent, this is one sessionable summer brew that will have you reaching into the cooler box for another. The perfect pairing with this crisp, cheeky ale has to be the king of British coastal cuisine, the seaside classic: fish and chips.
What a coupling this is! The zesty citrus and lemon notes from the ale complement the delicate white fish like a squeeze of fresh lemon. Then comes the gentle carbonation, acting like a natural palate cleanser, with a team of tiny bubbles cutting through the batter and washing away the oily fat, each sip acting like a reset. The saltiness of the chips balances perfectly with the bitterness of the beer; it’s a match made in Dorset.
If you want to get your hands on Sandbanks’ iconic cold ones, you can grab it on draught at Knoll House and The Pig on the Beach in Purbeck, or head over to their brewery, tucked away in the Nuffield Industrial Estate in Poole. Let’s be honest, you can’t beat the sound of waves, sea breeze, sand between your toes and delicious food and drink… cheers!
For more information on Crafty Beer Boy and upcoming events, visit craftybeerboy.com or tiktok.com/@craftybeerboy.
Egg-citing times with CCP
By Revd Sandra Prudom, Christchurch Community Partnership chief executive
We thought we’d share some of the CCP Easter highlights from both ends of the age spectrum! Firstly, members of our new Triple F (Fun, Food & Friendship) group were egg-cited to welcome the children from Burton Teddy Bears Nursery to decorate Easter eggs in preparation for Easter.
There was so much fun and laughter — proving that you’re never too old for a bit of Easter crafting! Everyone had an egg-cellent and special afternoon bringing the generations together. This is something we want to do much more of in 2026!
Huge thanks to Hannah and her team from Teddy Bears Nursery — it was a cracking afternoon!
And then for something completely different, we held an Easter Sunday Roast at Somerford ARC for many of our older isolated residents. As well as a delicious roast dinner, attendees enjoyed a lively game of Bingo and went home with a chocolate bunny. It was so egg-citing that sadly I
forgot to take any photos!
Alongside all our regular weekly and monthly activities, we are planning for our annual IDOP Afternoon Teas and a second, even bigger ElderFest on Tuesday 27 October. Look out for further details in a future issue of this magazine!
W christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk
E contact@ccpartnership.org.uk
T 01202 989632
Saying YES this summer… but not to what you think
By Kat Amey, life coach
The summer months are here, and even if the weather doesn’t quite match up to our hopes (I’ll have a repeat of 2025 please, weather gods!), it comes with garden parties, fêtes, outdoor concerts, festivals, beach days, holidays and endless invitations to “pop over for a BBQ”.
What I have noticed from experiencing my first full year back in the UK after living abroad for eight years is this: in the UK, we live for the summers.
Now, I totally get it. I’m someone who would always vote hot over cold, so the summer months are my favourite. Things feel easier to get done, the lighter mornings mean the motivation is there to get up and out each day, and we finally have British strawberries to eat en masse.
But does this mean we will have a cup-filling summer, or do we end up feeling exhausted by the time September arrives? When autumn comes, we use the hibernation months to restore our energy and get ready to repeat it all again the following year.
So, what would happen if you said fewer yeses this summer?
I know what you are probably thinking: “I don’t want to miss out. I finally have the energy to be social, so I’m ready to show up and party!”
I hear you, but I just said fewer yeses, not all noes!
I want to encourage you to consider what you are about to say yes to before those words are out. If it’s a yes, what impact does this have on your own time and energy? Are you willing to make that exchange?
Not everyone will understand a “No” or a “Can we decide nearer the time?” But who will appreciate it? Your future self!
So, before your diary becomes packed full of summer-themed fun, make your future self happy and consider these three questions:
1. How do I want to feel at the end of the summer this year?
2. What have I already committed to?
3. Do I have space in my diary to allow for spontaneity and quiet time?
If the answer to the last question is no, I’d encourage you to see what changes you can make and, if needed, schedule in your quiet time. Trust me, you’ll be so grateful you did when it comes.
If you are looking for the ultimate quiet time and an instant way of restoring your energy before the summer is in full swing, I am hosting a three-night Women’s Wellbeing Retreat near Plymouth on 2–5 July. Get in touch if you’re craving a slower pace and time for you.
I wish you an amazing summer of fun, space, rest and endless smiles.
W www.kathrynamey.com E kathryn@kathrynamey.com I @kat_amey
Kat Amey is a certified life coach who helps people ditch expectations and timelines and create a life that brings them joy. As well as offering life coaching, Kat hosts journaling workshops and wellbeing retreats in Dorset.
Nature’s Footprints
Unmistakable kingfishers
Report by Janine Pulford | Photos by Danny Howe Photography
The most stunning UK bird has to be the kingfisher, with its vivid blue and orange plumage. At only 17cm long, this little bird could fit into the palm of your hand.
According to the RSPB, there are between 3,800 and 6,400 breeding pairs in the UK. Kingfishers are vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation caused by pollution or poor management of watercourses.
They favour slow-moving or still water, shallow rivers and streams, but will even take a chance with a garden pond if there are small fish present. Their diet mainly consists of minnows and sticklebacks, topped up with shrimps and tadpoles. Surprisingly, they can eat fish up to 80mm long.
Astonishingly, kingfishers fish ‘blind’. From a perch above the water, they watch for prey and, once spotted, dive with an open beak and eyes closed by a third eyelid. After scooping up the fish, they return to the perch and bash it repeatedly until the fin spines relax, allowing the bird to swallow it whole, usually head-first. A kingfisher must eat its own bodyweight in fish each day, between 34 and 46 grams.
Kingfishers nest in tunnels that can be up to 90cm long. They excavate burrows into stream banks. At the end of the tunnel, eggs are laid directly onto the sand. The birds usually raise two or three broods a year, with up to seven eggs per brood.
extremely territorial, as maintaining an adequate food supply is vital for survival. Territories can range from one to five kilometres.
Sadly, kingfishers do not live very long. Many young birds survive only a week or two; around a quarter live long enough to breed the following year, maintaining population levels. Few survive beyond one breeding season.
River pollution is a big threat, killing the fish the kingfishers rely on. Meanwhile, disturbance by humans can make the broods fail. Kingfishers are shy and won’t enter the burrow if humans are nearby. The chicks can weaken and stop calling for food, leading parents to believe they are well fed and so stop feeding them, with fatal results.
These little jewels along our riverbanks are a delight to watch. Their lives may be short and fragile, but when you consider the effort required to survive, it is hardly surprising. Next time you see one, treasure the moment.
Once hatched, life becomes frantic. Hungry chicks can eat up to 18 fish each per day. They usually fledge at around 24 days old, but if food is scarce they may remain in the burrow for more than five weeks.
Parental care is brief once the chicks leave the nest. After around four days, the adults drive them away. Kingfishers are
New event promises a taste of Christchurch
Christchurch Rotary Club is launching ‘Dinner About Town’, a unique dining experience taking place in September.
The event on Saturday 16 September sees diners move between four of the town’s most prestigious restaurants for different courses. It aims to showcase the local culinary scene while raising funds for charity.
For its first year, the Rotary has partnered with Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, The Priory Restaurant, The Boathouse and Eighteen Restaurant & Bar, which is located inside The Kings Arms.
The evening begins with a communal Champagne reception, after which guests are given a ‘Dining Passport’ revealing their personal culinary trail. Diners will enjoy a different course at three of the four participating restaurants, with a stroll through the town centre between each venue.
Stewart Day, event organiser and Christchurch Rotarian, said: “We wanted to create an event that truly captures the spirit of Christchurch — combining our beautiful surroundings with the exceptional hospitality our town is known for. While this is our first year, we see this as a
‘proof of concept’ that we hope to expand significantly in 2027 and beyond. The support from the local restaurants has been fantastic, and we are excited to offer guests a social, adventurous way to dine while supporting a very worthy cause.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards Parkinson’s UK (Christchurch Branch), alongside various local community projects supported by the Rotary Club.
For full details and to book tickets, visit christchurchrotary. org.uk/christchurch-dinnerabout-town.
The Mudeford Arts Festival returns on 25–26 July Get arty this summer
From 11am to 5pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, a celebration of art, music and crafts will take place on Mudeford Quay Green.
The Mudeford Arts Festival is an annual event that has been taking place for almost 30 years. It brings together artists, musicians and craftspeople to showcase their talents.
The festival features market stalls offering visitors the chance to explore and buy a diverse range of creations from local and regional artisans, including art, sculptures, crafts and handmade jewellery.
There will also be live music and dance performances on both days, featuring a mix of genres to appeal to all tastes, including ukulele bands, choirs, soloists and even belly dancers. Look out for hands-on workshops to learn about different crafts and artistic styles, and there
will be fun and engaging children’s activities to spark young people’s creativity.
Several local businesses will be selling refreshments throughout the weekend, while All Saints Church will be running a tea tent serving hot and cold drinks and craft activities for children.
Each year, Mudeford Arts Festival supports two local charities. This year, the supported charities are MacMillan Local and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance; representatives from both charities will be present at the festival if you wish to learn more about them.
Make sure to pop the date into your diary!
For more information about the festival, email info@mudefordartsfestival.org.uk or call 07428032183.
Keeping sight of our heritage: Tutton’s Well
By Janine Pulford
Heritage is important, whether personal or otherwise.
The country’s heritage is defined by the Heritage Council as: “What we have inherited from the past, to value and enjoy in the present, and to preserve and pass on to future generations.”
By examining the country’s heritage and how our ancestors lived, we can measure our developments and look towards the future. Unfortunately, the very act of progression causes conflict because, for everything new that is built or invented, something old is lost or becomes obsolete.
Christchurch, like every other town in the country, is changing all the time. It becomes more modern as it grows. Properties and land are developed and redeveloped, chipping away at the past.
Fortunately, national bodies and local planning departments can protect certain aspects of our heritage. Stately homes, water mills, thatched cottages and even ancient trees benefit from being preserved. Inevitably, there are occasions when something of great significance, but perhaps of little stature, gets overlooked.
Take Tutton’s Well at Stanpit, for example. It wouldn’t surprise me if you’ve never heard of it, yet it is described as the “oldest link to antiquity” in Christchurch.
The spring serving Tutton’s Well rises on a piece of land that was given to the people of Christchurch in 1885. The well, pump and green were given as a public water supply and public open space by Sir William Rose. The council took them over on 12 April 1887. Four years later, a bucket well was dug near the spring. The water from the well gave a constant supply. It was so pure it was thought to have healing properties, particularly for the eyes. It was even hawked further afield as the Christchurch Elixir.
The well was later replaced with a pump, which became known as Town Pump. During a diphtheria scare in the early 1940s, the
springhead was capped and the pump sent for salvage. The well’s significance was diminished.
In 1957, the Girl Guides were allowed to erect a temporary Guide hut on the land. They sought permission for a larger hut in 1996. It was thought the building might encroach over the springhead and that Tutton’s Well would be lost forever.
The Friends of Tutton’s Well were formed, and the group lobbied against the development and argued for the preservation of the site.
Though planning permission was granted to the Guides in 1999 for a larger building, the Friends’ action was not without success.
Now, solely due to the efforts of the Friends, the site has been preserved. Although the probable site of the dipping place is thought to have been built over in 2002, the Friends, with the help of their benefactor Tom Tutton and under licence from the council, restored the wellhead in 2004. Two stone seats were placed beside it and a plaque noting the well as a part of Christchurch’s heritage.
The voice of the people secured Tutton’s Well for future generations. What’s more, the site overlooks one of the area’s most stunning natural habitats: Stanpit Marsh. The Friends of Tutton’s Well have kept sight of our heritage in more ways than one.
To visit this historical landmark, proceed along Stanpit. You can park in Stanpit Marsh public car park and walk the short distance along the road to the site.
Tutton’s Well © CatchBox 2026
11-year-old Aria was diagnosed with cancer in January 2025
Tech transforms life for Christchurch child with cancer
A sense of normality has returned for an 11-yearold Christchurch cancer sufferer thanks to cutting-edge technology.
Aria, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2025, has been able to return home from Southampton Children’s Hospital and attend school, thanks to a small but life-changing piece of equipment funded by Southampton Hospitals Charity.
Her intensive treatment meant hours each day connected to equipment on the ward at the hospital, which is based at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
“We even gave the chemo stand a name,” Aria said. “We called it the ballerina, because it twirled around so much. I couldn’t really go far with it.”
But everything changed when hospital staff introduced Aria to a small backpack containing a computerised ambulatory delivery device, known as a CADD pump.
The portable pump, carefully programmed and monitored by specialist teams on the Piam Brown ward, allows medication to be delivered continuously while children move freely — meaning they are no longer confined to a hospital bed or ward.
Suzanne, Aria’s mum, said: “For us, it was an absolute game changer. With the continuous infusion of anti-sickness medication, the vomiting stopped and she could live as close to a normal life as possible. When your child is diagnosed,
you feel completely overwhelmed. You take things one day at a time, but the CADD pump gave Aria some of her life back. She could sit at the dinner table and just be a child again — even in the middle of treatment. It sounds simple, but in those moments, it means everything.”
Ellis Banfield, chief executive of Southampton Hospitals Charity, said: “Stories like Aria’s show exactly why charitable funding matters. These backpacks may seem small, but the impact is enormous. They give children freedom, independence and a sense of normality at a time when everything else feels uncertain.
“For families facing long hospital stays and intensive treatment, being able to go home, go to school, or simply spend time together makes a world of difference. We are proud to support care that treats not just the illness, but the whole child.”
Southampton Hospitals Charity is now supporting the expansion of this service, led by specialist nurses, to ensure more children and young people undergoing cancer therapy can receive their treatment at home, putting families at the heart of care. This innovative approach will help to modernise cancer care.
Southampton Hospitals Charity is encouraging the public to support its work to ensure more children like Aria can benefit from life-changing equipment. To find out more or donate, visit southamptonhospitalscharity.org.
