Seeker News 18 - June 28, 2013

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ISSUE 18|JUNE 28-JULY 11, 2013

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NEWS

SEEKER NEWS eDITOrIal

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EdITOR Steve Cook steve@seekernews.co.uk dEPUTy EdITOR Nick Churchill nick@seekernews.co.uk ASSOCIATE EdITOR dawn Cook dawn@seekernews.co.uk SPORT Paul Baker paul@seekernews.co.uk NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL Richard Button richard@seekernews.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHy Siân Court sian@seekernews.co.uk AdVERTISING sales@seekernews.co.uk WEBSITE www.seekernews.co.uk FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/seekernews Special thanks to Adele Couchman, Claire Hillsmith, Alex Williamson, Steve Harris and Simon Carlton

Seeker Keel House, 244 High Street North, Poole BH15 1EA Tel: 01202 649811 © 2013 Seeker All rights reserved seeker is a Business solent champion

e live in a beautiful place, we’ve got beaches, with sand and gorgeous sea views. With the Purbecks and New Forest on our doorstep and London only a couple of hours away, who could think of a better place to live? I’m a local lad, as a kid four generations of my family lived on Castlemain Avenue in Southbourne. My brother and I were lucky to share the house with our grandparents and greatgrandmother. We learned from them and were always treated as equals. When I was ten the family relocated to East Hampshire, perhaps the shock of the town being forcibly moved into Dorset was too much, or (more likely) it was just to be closer to the shipwrights where my father and grandfather worked.

reaDers’ POll

sTeVe COOk editor seeker news

Over the next 20 years I travelled the world, first with the Royal Air Force and then enjoying a protracted stay in Saudi Arabia servicing Tornado jets. I saw Arctic snow in Canada, the deserts of the US and Middle East, the industrial heartlands of Germany and Europe. When I left the Middle East I could have relocated anywhere in

the world, my family had dispersed and I had no real reason to head anywhere in particular. Despite the intervening 20 years my heart yearned for the town I called home. This is a wonderful area, rich in culture, with a good climate and vibrant economy. You only need to look at the number of students that decide to settle here rather than go home when they finish their degrees to see how desirable an area it is. Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding area get into your soul, they become a part of you and make everywhere else seem ordinary. I love it here and I get a feeling that a lot of you do as well. This is why Seeker News will always champion the great aspects of the region, it’s our home and there really is no place like it.

Harbour Lives continues on Fridays, iTV1 at 8pm. We asked Seeker News readers on Facebook whether they preferred Ben Fogle’s view of Sandbanks or the one presented in Piers Morgan on... Sandbanks in 2008? Ben Fogle 69% Piers Morgan 31% Oh, and one person that didn’t like either of them.

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TOP 5 STORIES ON SEEKER NEWS.CO.UK

Thanks for reading Seeker News, we hope you’re enjoying what we do as much as we are.

1) Robbed, raided and reunited – one man and his bell 2) Get Shaken & Stirred at Bournemouth’s new vintage festival

4) Lewis Manning Hospice to hold special ’21-themed Summer Solstice Starlight Stroll

We know from the letters, emails and posts we’ve received that Seeker News is making a big impression on our community. Readers appreciate our digest of human interest news, our lively sports coverage and all the information about what’s on and where to go; while businesses know we are a powerful and effective away of reaching thousands of potential customers.

5) Frankie Valli postpones concerts

If you like what we do and want to help us continue highlighting all the things we love

3) Poole Harbour Commissioners sponsors 2013 Venture Cup Powerboat Race

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my FaVOurITe... FesTIVal

CrOsswOrD sOluTIOn

isle of Wight Festival My favourite has to be the isle of Wight Festival. i have been for the last three years and i am already saving to go next year. Last year, things didn’t get off to a great start – the mud was horrendous and we had our sleeping bags stolen on the Friday. However, that didn’t put a damper on the weekend, the music was still amazing, especially Madness, and i had a fun weekend with my friends – what more could you ask for? Siân Court, Sandford

The Isle of Wight Festival 2012

you can come across your favourite acts with only a small crowd. Tickets can be upgraded for a slight cost to include access all weekend to the theme park next door – Walibi World; this adds another exciting element to the festival experience! Cat Alexander, Wareham

V2003 i won ViP tickets to V the year the Red Hot Chili Peppers were headlining. My friends and i spent the weekend drinking cider in the sunshine and celeb spotting. We had the best time watching the Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Faithless and we also made some great new friends! Louise Blackwell, Bournemouth

Bestival last year was a revelation. Great bands, great location (it’s 15 minutes from my front door!) and an amazing family friendly atmosphere. The perfect way to introduce your kids to the wonders of live music and festivals. Steve Cook, Poole

More Festival 2003 if there’s one place you probably wouldn’t go in search of perfect festival weather it’s Manchester, but there for three days in July 2003, the sun shone, the breeze kept it cool, the music flowed and all was well. That the music was provided by the likes of REM, Badly Drawn Boy (just a mile from his front room), the much-missed idlewild, The Charlatans and the once-mighty inspiral Carpets, certainly helped, but this was my kind of festival ... not a tent in sight. Nick Churchill, Bere Regis

Camp Bestival After being put off Festivals by a muddy experience at Glastonbury my first visit to Camp

Lowlands Festival, Biddinghuizen, Holland The festival attracts big mainstream uK acts, as well as some lesser known local Dutch bands and is split over at least 10 stages, meaning sometimes

Let us know your favourite National Trust site by emailing 50 words on why to faves@ seekernews.co.uk by July 1 and we’ll feature the best ones in the next issue.

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1) Alibis, 2) Alas, 3) Eke out, 5) in lieu, 6) Beam, 7) Genteel, 8) Splinter group, 9) Catchphrase, 10) Retinoscopy, 13) Jericho, 14) Envious, 18) Egghead, 20) Anonym, 21) Muslin, 22) Ermine, 25) Evil, 26) Stag.

DOWN

1) Apparel, 4) Big Bang, 9) Caterpillar, 11) Bias, 12) Melt, 13) Jubilee, 15) Sachet, 16) unlike, 17) Spring Equinox, 19) Gurkha, 21) Muscle, 23) Onerous, 24) Hose, 26) Spam, 27) Eventuality, 28) Diploma, 29) Snuggle.

ACROSS


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SMOOTH SAILING AT POOLE BASE AFTER SUNSEEKER SALE?

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unseeker’s Poole-based operation will be largely unaffected by the sale of the luxury yacht brand to Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese commercial property conglomerate. The £320 million deal is expected to be sealed in August, but Sunseeker’s 2,500 workers will keep their jobs. Dalian Wanda have confirmed they will acquire a 91.81 per cent shareholding in Sunseeker, with the remaining 8.19 per cent being taken on by Sunseeker management. In a statement, Sunseeker MD Stewart McIntyre said: “We are thrilled to be joining the Wanda family. Support from Wanda will be instrumental in enabling Sunseeker to unlock the enormous potential of China’s rapidly expanding luxury yacht market. “Combined with Wanda’s outstanding track record of entrepreneurship and history of commitment to supporting leading global brands, this investment will provide an excellent foundation for Sunseeker’s next phase of growth. Wanda’s history of managing global brands after acquisition makes clear that it will continue to invest in Sunseeker and support our management team as we take the company to the next stage of development.” Wanda chairman Wang Jianlin added: “Acquiring Sunseeker deepens Wanda’s

Family fun at annual LM fayre

The popular annual summer fayre at Lewis-Manning Hospice in Lilliput is being transformed this year into the charity’s first Village Show and Craft Fayre By The Sea on July 7. Starting at 10am, the event runs until 5pm in the grounds of Lewis-Manning’s new state-of-the-art facilities at Crichel Mount Road and promises plenty of fun for all the family. Activities include demonstrations and performances, craft, book and food stalls, plus the return of the dog show at 2pm. There are competitions for homemade produce, floristry and crafts, as well as photography and painting.

international influence, further enhances our position in the global luxury, entertainment and tourism markets, and represents an important step forward for the overall development of our business. “With the committed support of Wanda, Sunseeker is well-placed to take full advantage of opportunities in China, one of the world’s fastest growing luxury yacht markets. We are confident that this will bring Sunseeker’s business to the next level. “As a global brand in the luxury motor yacht sector with a rich history, Sunseeker is synonymous with quality and design leadership, and dedication to

“We are confident that this will bring Sunseeker’s business to the next level”

brand excellence. Wanda recognises the importance of Sunseeker’s investment in innovation, the quality craftsmanship produced by its skilled workforce and its commitment to using the world’s best components. “We are committed to long-term investment in the Sunseeker business, its people and its iconic brand.” Under Wanda’s ownership, Sunseeker will remain a British company with its headquarters in Poole and keep its production bases, workforce and management. Founder Robert Braithwaite will continue his involvement as Group President.

Russell takes gold in NY

Bournemouth-born radio producer Russell Crewe has landed Gold at the New York Festivals International Radio Programmes Awards. The Story of Guru, a programme made by his company Like It Is Media, was named Best Music Special for 2013, securing the Gold Award. Produced for and broadcast on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the hourlong documentary celebrated Guru, the American rapper who made his name as one half of the hop hop duo Gang Starr but whose untimely death was surrounded in controversy. Receiving the award, Russell said: “It’s fabulous that a British radio programme has won international recognition. We’re delighted that Guru’s life and work has been marked and celebrated and we’re honoured that the team’s hard work in bringing this programme together is appreciated.”

NEWS

Making a racquet on new courts Opened just in time for Wimbledon, Poole has six new tennis courts thanks to a £70,000 grant from the Lawn Tennis Association.

With the funding matched by the Borough of Poole, the courts in Poole Park have been resurfaced with new fencing and two new junior red mini-courts opened, which will enable junior development and play. The site will be run using the successful key fob system already in place at Shelley Park in Bournemouth. This allows families to use the online booking system to access the courts. The courts are open to the public and equipment can be provided. Booking information at www. boroughofpoole.com/tennis.

Classics on quay

Winter Gardens vision rejected

Bournemouth planners voted unanimously to reject a £150 million scheme for the Winter Gardens site. The hotel, apartment and leisure complex had been recommended by planning officers, but the Council’s planning board members instead backed their chairman Clly David Kelsey’s move to refuse. “There still isn’t enough detail; I can’t be sure. The original Imax

design was very nice; we ended up with an absolutely monstrosity,” he told reporters. Following concern expressed by residents that the scheme would create noise and be out of character with the area, councillors last month asked developers to go back to the drawing board. They took a storey off the hotel, but Cllr Kelsey dismissed the amendment as “a token gesture.”

Sunday sees a collection of classic cars grace Christchurch Quay from 10am. There’s free entry for all vehicles – and their passengers – that are pre1983.

Lacy goes local

An open air farmers’ market at Kingston Lacy House, near Wimborne on Saturday will include local produce as well as free entry to the park and gardens until 1.30pm. The beautiful park and gardens are open on July 6 and 7 as part of the National Gardens Scheme.


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piecing together the new jigsaw building

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his is how the new Jigsaw Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) could look if Bournemouth council pass the plans. Detailed feedback from hospital staff, patients and the public have been incorporated into the designs for the proposed new Women’s Health Unit and Cancer and Blood Disorders Unit.

“We’re really pleased to get to this stage of the process,” says Richard Renaut, the hospital Trust’s director of service development. “Our staff have worked hard to ensure the plans are right and that they reflect the feedback we have received. “We’re excited about the design and will continue to work with the public to get their views on the interior of the building and the garden area.” The proposed 2000 sq metre Jigsaw Building will be based at RBH between the Eye Unit and the Derwent Suite for Orthopaedics. It will be a centre of excellence for oncology,

haematology, gynaecology, breast care and early pregnancy. The plans for the new building will remain on show in the main atrium of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Subject to approval, initial work

could start in October with a potential completion date of late 2014. They can be viewed on the council website: www.bournemouth.gov.uk under planning application number 7-20135913-EE. Comments should be submitted in writing by July 19.

‘More investment needed’ in Pier Theatre

Councils review filming policies

Bournemouth and Poole councils are both to review their policies on the filming of meetings, following the publication of new Government guidelines. Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles has outlined the rights of journalists and residents to report, blog, tweet and film council meetings in England.

picture: alex williamson

Bournemouth’s deputy mayor Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts says more investment is needed to save the town’s “iconic” Pier Theatre. The theatre has lost more than £300,000 over the last five years and Openwide International, which has a lease agreement on the pier, applied to turn it into an indoor visitor attraction by installing a marine-themed high ropes course and zip line to launch riders across the sea to the beach. The company has also sought approval for a standing surf wave ride. However, the proposals were refused planning permission, giving hope to those campaigning

“It is an integral part of our holiday industry”

to preserve the theatre, which has offering hosted summer seasons by legendary variety stars such as Thora Hird, Dick Emery, Sid James, Bob Monkhouse, Terry Scott, Eric Sykes, Les Dawson, Roy Hudd, Dora Bryan, Danny La Rue and John Inman, as well as stage versions of sitcoms Doctor in the House, Hi-de-Hi and ‘Allo, ‘Allo. “It is an integral part of our holiday industry and many people want to see it staying open,” Cllr Stanley-Watts told reporters. “I would also like to see a water bus transporting local residents and visitors from the pier to other local destinations.”

The Borough of Poole said it would now review its policy on a case-by-case basis, while Bournemouth council said it would review the principles underpinning the filming of all council meetings and publish a report in the autumn.

Pupils in the soup Big-hearted youngsters from a Christchurch primary school have set-up a soup kitchen to help the needy.

The Year 6 Priory School pupils, with the help of local businesses, have launched their soup kitchen from a stall outside the Mayor’s Parlour in Christchurch town centre. The kitchen is open from 6.30-7.30pm on Tuesdays.


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Death down in Dorset

Dorset has the third lowest early death rate in the country. With just 207 per 100,000 people dying prematurely in the county council area, only Richmond-upon-Thames (202) and Wokingham (200) have fewer early deaths. Manchester (455) and Blackpool (432) have the highest rate of early deaths. The figures have been published on Public Health England’s Longer Lives website, which ranks local authorities. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the local variation in early death rates is “shocking” and must drive action to improve health. He added the data could be used to tackle smoking, drinking and obesity. Around 153,000 people die prematurely each year in England, with three quarters of those deaths down to cancer, heart attack or stroke, lung disease and liver disease – according to Public Health England.

NEWS

Track topped up

The Jive Aces get things swinging

The Shillingstone Railway Project in North Dorset is on the right track after model railway manufacturer Bachmann Europe donated nearly £3,000 to its work. The project is restoring the former Dorset Central station on the famous Somerset & Dorset Railway to how it looked in its heyday when Shillingstone was on the popular holiday line from the north down to Bournemouth. The donation of £2,957 follows the release of a range of models based on Shillingstone station by Bachmann subsidiary Scenecraft.

Love bugs

Causing a stir for retro music fans

The first Shake & Stir By The Sea festival brought memories flooding back for visitors to Southbourne revelled in retro music, film and fashion. There was also a line up of classic vehicles in the main festival arena

by Café Riva on Southbourne cliff top. The four day event was organised by the Southbourne on Sea Business Association (SoSBA) and supported by Bournemouth’s Coastal BID.

NEW BIRDSONG APP WARNING

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A Family Bugs and Beasties Day hosted by the Friends of St Catherine’s Hill, Christchurch on Saturday from 10.30am will be a celebration of the smaller wildlife found on site. Meet at the top of St Catherine’s Hill by the water reservoirs.

by adele couchman

obile phone users have been warned they could harm birds by using a twittering app which mimics birdsong. The news comes from wardens on Brownsea Island who have spotted several incidents of people using apps that imitate the male nightjar’s churring sound so they can get a closer photograph. “Although we’re generally in favour of the apps for their educational value, unfortunately they seem to be getting in the wrong hands,” says Chris Thain, reserve manager on Brownsea Island. “The apps can be disruptive to birds and in extreme cases can cause failure of the nightjar to breed. The churring recorded on the mobile phones mimics the arrival of the male bird that attracts a mate and could potentially cause issues in the nightjar’s breeding season.” Like all nesting birds, the nightjar is protected under the Wildlife and

Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally disturb any nesting bird. In addition, Brownsea Island has special protection area status for the habitats it provides for birds. Tony Whitehead, from the RSPB in the South West, said: “Repeatedly playing a recording of birdsong or calls to encourage a bird to respond in order to see it or photograph it can divert a territorial bird from other important duties, such as feeding its young. “It is selfish and shows no respect to the bird. People should never use playback to attract a species during its breeding season.” Dorset Wildlife Trust is launching an online campaign to raise awareness of the threat and will be discouraging the use of the mobile phone apps across all its 42 reserves in Dorset. Signs have also been put up on Brownsea Island to remind visitors not to use the apps on their reserves.

AUG EVERY FRIDAY

Wool power Cllr Chris Mayne, Anthony Adams, Alun Williams

Wool’s D’Urberville Hall hosts a country market every Thursday from 10am. There are stalls for crafts, plants, cakes and preserves, as well as refreshments for sale.


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Views made on Ashley Road

More than 1,300 people have given their opinions on how to improve Ashley Road, Parkstone. Part of the Three Towns Travel project, locals have been asked to contribute to the debate as to how £1 million could be spent in the area. The funding has been allocated by Borough of Poole from the £12.1 million Three Towns Travel project for travel options in between Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. Once priorities have been established from the consultation, options for improvements will be drawn up for further public consultation, with the works likely to start later this year for completion by next spring.

Alice wins yacht design race

Poole student Alice Courage has made history by becoming the first woman to win a prestigious model yacht race for budding boat designers. The annual race, which took place in Gosport, started life more than 40 years ago as end of term fun for yacht design and production students at Southampton Solent University. It now forms part of a unit assessment for students on the Bachelor of Engineering honours degree courses in yacht and powercraft design and yacht production and surveying.

queen’s birthday honours

MBEs for phil and polly

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ormer Bournemouth and Dorset country councillor, Phil Carey heads the list of Dorset people whose work has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. He has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his tireless work for others. A volunteer at Lighthouse, Poole, for the last 13 years he has organised the Christmas Toy Appeal which has distributed more than 100,000 toys and gifts.

Last year, at the age of 91, he was elected a governor for Dorset HealthCare Trust and is also a trustee of the newly-formed Bournemouth Older Persons’ Forum. Others to receive honours include: l Fundraiser

Raymond Clark who receives

Polly Jean Harvey

the British Empire Medal for services to volunteering and charitable giving after working for Samaritans in Bournemouth, Westbourne Salvation Army, homelessness charity Emmeus and Action Cancer near his former home in Northern Ireland.

l Carolyn Date, secretary and manager of Bournemouth Symphony Chorus, a choir of 160 amateurs who perform up to 18 concerts a year with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She receives the MBE. l Purbeck district councillor Gloria Marsh receives the MBE for services to local government and the environment. l West Dorset-based rock star Polly Harvey, the only artist to win the Mercury Prize twice,

has been awarded the MBE for services to music. l Gillingham couple Peter and Jean Dorey, who have fostered 65 children over the last 40 years, receive the MBE for services to children. l Bournemouth-based Barbara Elster, vicepresident of Diabetes UK, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to people affected by diabetes. l Lynne Doodney, from Sherborne, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the scouts and the community in Sherborne l Mabel Hooper, from Shaftesbury, receives the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Motcombe. pictures: Steve Harris

Previous winners include Jason Ker, who designed the last South African entry for the America’s Cup.

40th fair frolics

A record turnout is expected next month as Milton Abbas street fair returns. Thousands are predicted to turn out on July 27 as the picturesque village celebrates the 40th anniversary of its popular annual event in which the village adopts the sights, sounds, costumes and entertainment of the 18th century. There will be more than 100 stalls and, in a new addition for 2013, a children’s games and activities area.

For goodness cake

Cake sales across Dorset last month have raised nearly £3,000 in aid of Diverse Abilities Plus, the local charity that helps children and adults with profound disabilities and their families.

Paye Pirates in Poole parade Shiver me timbers! Pirates once agan ruled the waves in Poole and the town’s annual Harry Paye Day saw hundreds of people dressing up to raise money for charity and join in a day of pirate-themed celebrations. The event, which honours of the notorious medieval pirate from Poole, saw Poole town crier, David Squire, open proceedings with the mayor and mayoress of Poole, Cllr Phil Eades and his wife, Helen. The Parade of the Pirates travelled the length of the Quay and down the Old High Street.


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The Bird Man of Alder Road W

Poole goes Underground

Poole is making the most of its starring role in ITV1’s series Harbour Lives with a Poole Tourism advertising campaign targeted at the London Underground. Featuring an iconic aerial image of Poole with the message ‘Taste Harbour Life in Poole – As seen on Harbour Lives ITV1’, the poster asks visitors to like the Poole Tourism Facebook page or visit pooletourism. com where they have an opportunity to win a luxury weekend for two.

by nick churchill

hen Seeker News reader Gwen Shuttle read our recent letter about a mystery man who fed the birds on Branksome Rec she instantly knew who it was. For more than 20 years her late brother Brian Davies took a bag of bread and other goodies across Alder Road to feed to the gulls that would assembled on local roofs every morning shortly before 8 o’clock to await their breakfast. “Mind you, it was always me who prepared it every day, Brian only picked the bag up and took it out!” laughs Gwen. “He started feeding the birds after he retired – he was head of accounts at Bournemouth General Post Office – but my husband Dennis always said we should feed the gulls. “Dennis was on the Russian Convoys during the War on a ship called Enchantress.

“They had a terrible time on those trips, 40 foot waves and what have you, but they liked the gulls because when they saw gulls they knew they were close to land.” Brian and Gwen’s parents moved into their house on Alder Road in 1930 when Brian was seven and Gwen just 18 months old. “Other than the six years he was away at War on Lancasters with Bomber Command, Brian lived there all his life. “Brian was passionate about salmon and trout fishing, but he loved the birds. He fed the birds in the garden as well as the gulls on the Rec, they were part of his daily ritual – same time every day, you could set your watch by him. “We saw a lot of changes here from when we were children and I still go over the Rec with my boxer dog and often think about Brian and the gulls. There’s only happy memories.”

On the grow

Sainsbury’s Talbot Heath store has teamed up with Bournemouth in Bloom by donating grow your own vegetable, herb and flower kits. The supermarket giant’s Active Kids campaign encourages children of all ages and abilities to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.

“My husband Dennis always said we should feed the gulls”

Making Sure

Care company SureCare is to roll out a range of new services available to people in Dorset. The franchise company is expanding into childcare, respite care and providing home services to carry out a full range of household tasks.

Gathering for the gorillas Handing over old hardware

Dorset-based gorilla conservation charity Gearing up for Gorillas (G4G) is to host a grand auction at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge on July 26. Attractions on the night include music from drummer Noah Messomo, the premiere of a short film about Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a ploughman’s supper and refreshments.

Funds raised on the night will be used to help set up an Environmental Education Centre in the Virunga National Park, providing local children with a fun and interactive introduction to the links between their lives and those of the mountain gorillas, as well as the chance to see gorillas for the first time at the nearby Senkwekwe Centre orphan gorilla sanctuary supported by G4G

A Poole company is to donate used PCs and old computer hardware to charity for use in education and health projects in developing countries. Following the launch of its dedicated cloud computing package, Cloud9, IT solutions provider Innovate has signed an agreement with Computer Aid International, the UK registered charity that aims to reduce poverty through practical ICT solutions, to

send all second-hand PCs and other IT equipment to the charity for them to distribute. “As the use of cloud technology grows, we believe it is important to find options on how to recycle old hardware that is no longer required,” says Innovate managing director David Pape. “Donating equipment to Computer Aid is extremely worthwhile and we’re delighted to support the charity by supplying redundant equipment.”

Shark pulled from storm drain A pregnant four-foot-long smoothound shark has been rescued from a storm drain at Portland by marine experts from Weymouth Sea Life Park. The shark had swum into the drain at high tide and found itself trapped when the tide receded. A coastguard officer was alerted after people were spotted people trying to catch it with a line and hook baited with a mackerel head. “He warned them off and then called for our help,” said senior aquarist Jean-Denis Hibbitt, from the Sea Life displays development department in Weymouth.

Jean-Denis and colleague Anna Russell raced to the scene and waded chest deep to catch the shark and release it back into the sea. “It was a heavily pregnant female, probably due to give birth very soon,” said Jean-Denis who was horrified to learn someone had been trying to hook the shark, which he said had suffered minor damage to a fin as a result. Smoothounds feed mainly on hermit crabs, lobsters and shrimps and grow to a maximum of about five feet.

Silver celebration East Dorset Heritage Trust recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a silver jubilee afternoon tea party on the lawn at Allendale House, Wimborne.

Red alert

The Red House Museum at Christchurch hosts a Fiesta Fayre on Saturday from 10am in the gardens with stalls, a plant sale and refreshments.


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LETTERS

send your letters to the editor to letters@seekernews.co.uk Where’s our high-speed broadband?

Ferndown Industrial Estate houses several hundred businesses and is a major revenue generator for the local area. Broadband speed increase is a major driver for increased business effectiveness and the arrival of BT Infinity to the Ferndown area some 12 months ago was hailed by us all as a major boost. Despite BT having pushed to get this high speed broadband now installed in residential areas all around the industrial estate, it would appear that there is a de facto policy in place within BT to deny businesses this asset. It would also appear that this is not an isolated situation and that other

industrial estates locally and possibly nationally are being similarly affected. This is not acceptable. BT should be made to provide these facilities as a matter of their licence, not to use us as some kind of cash cow that might – under duress – pay several thousands of pounds for a dedicated fibre line. It’s not fair. Where is the spur to our economic revival? A Facebook group has been setup to widen public appreciation of the situation: www. facebook.com/groups/ 442671642495568 Brian Frost MD, Applied Relay Testing Ltd, 27 Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate

My faith in humanity is now recharged The news is always so full of doom and gloom, with stories of how horrible people can be, that I’d like to be permitted to use your pages to say thank you to someone I don’t even know. Last week I had the misfortune to stumble and fall on a busy pavement. I don’t remember a great deal about it, but a passer by helped me to sit up and put his coat around me. He spoke very gently to me and told me not to move or attempt to stand up. He explained to me what had happened and then asked someone to get me some water, which they did. By some good fortune there was a doctor’s surgery nearby and the kind gentleman asked another person to see if someone would come and make sure I was all right. He waited with me and kept

telling me what was going on until a nurse came to see me. Apart from being a little shaken, I was absolutely fine and was duly helped to my feet, but when I went to thank the gentleman who had helped me I discovered he had gone. So I’d like to thank him for his simple kindness that afternoon and for recharging my faith in humanity. Irene Curran Address supplied Do you want to thank someone you haven’t been able to? Maybe there’s someone you should have thanked years ago but never had the chance to. Perhaps there’s something you should say thank for that only happened yeaterday. Whatever it is, why not share your gratitude with others? Send your story to thanks@ seekernews.co.uk. Thanks!

Get on your bike and help kids charity With the summer months upon us there is no better time to get on your bike to join me in supporting children’s charity Place2Be. The charity is calling on people to gear up for the London to Brighton Cycle challenge on September 8 to raise funds to help transform children’s lives. The challenge will see thousands of cyclists put their pedal power to the test for a 54-mile scenic ride from city to coast. Setting

off from Clapham Common, the route passes through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath, finishing on Brighton seafront. Registering couldn’t be easier – visit www.place2be. org.uk/support-us/fundraise/ up-for-a-challenge/bike/ london-to-brighton-cycleride,-sept-2013/ Craig MacLean MBE Olympic and Paralympic medallist


seeker news 9

june 28-july 11 2013

FEATURE

qUAy TO A SUCCESSFUL RALLyE

R

allye Sunseeker returns to Dorset later this year – and Seeker News will be in the passenger seat as media sponsor to bring you the latest news. This year’s event – one of the biggest on the region’s motor sport calendar – marks the dawn of a new era. After 25 successful years in Bournemouth, the event will be based for the first time in Poole, where for the last three years the famous Friday night start has taken place on the Quayside. For the last two years, the Rallye Sunseeker – organised by Southern Car Club – has been the opening round of the prestigious MSA British Rally Championship, but for the 2013 campaign it will become the final round – with the new date being the weekend of October 18-19 in what has become a seven round championship. “A high status national event, with international competitors, backed by one of Poole’s most dynamic and successful companies deciding to make Poole its home is hugely gratifying,” says Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of Poole Tourism. “We have worked hard with Rick Smith over the last few years to make the ceremonial start of Rallye Sunseeker on Poole Quay a unique occasion. “We look forward to welcoming the many thousands of Rallye Sunseeker supporters to Poole in October.” Rick Smith, rally director for Rallye Sunseeker, adds: “We are delighted with the opportunity to

PiCTuRES: SiMON CARLTON & STEVE HARRiS

take the event to Poole, but must give thanks to the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, who with Bournemouth Council, and others, have for the last 25 years worked with us to produce and deliver a high quality event. The move to Poole will enhance and further develop our event and will allow us to provide competitors and spectators with something new and innovative.” Equally enthusiastic about the date change and the move was Mark Taylor, managing director of the MSA British Rally Championship. “As part of a wider strategy, we fully support the decision by the

Rallye Sunseeker team to move to the end of the season and to be based solely in Poole,” he says.

“A recent event survey showed that rounds of the British Championship net up to £2.5 million to the local economy over

Editor’s comment

it’s great to see Rallye Sunseeker return to Poole. The rally is one of the events of the year and it brings so much to the area, both economically and in terms of profile. it’s activities and events like this, outside of the traditional holiday season, that the area needs. Thrills, spills, glamour and, of course, the support of one of Poole’s premier brands – Sunseeker, it’s very fitting that the start of the rally is opposite their factory on Poole Quay. it means a great deal for us at Seeker News to be the rally’s official print media partner, with my background in motorsport (albeit two-wheeled) Rallye Sunseeker is something that i passionately believe in, both as a sporting event and a spectacular attraction for the area.

STEVE COOK

a rally weekend and so it will be a huge boost for the area. With the traditional razzmatazz put on by Rick and his terrific team, it should provide a fitting finale for the Championship, crowning the 2013 Champions on Poole Quay will be a fantastic spectacle.” The event itself will once again have more than 60 stage miles for the competitors to attempt, as well as the ever-popular Somerley Park stage which will play an integral part of the spectator attractions on the Saturday. The start and finish will be at Poole Quay together with an all day party on the quay during Saturday.


10 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

BUSINESS

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seeker news 11

june 28-july 11 2013

BUSINESS

nIGel HeDGes retail has to up its game

“You will get the high street you deserve.” If nothing else Mary Portas has provoked debate and a call to arms to warn us all – use it or lose it. Shopping streets and trading suburbs are a vital part of our community and think hard – every time you buy online another high street shop closes. The Centre for Retail Research predicts one in five shops will be closed by 2015 with the South West expected to lose 23 per cent of its retail outlets. That’s a horrific thought. Yet retail has to up its game and welcome the customers who cross the threshold and if it’s not in stock you can’t sell it. Yes, click and collect, I know, but so many people are last minute pressure panic buyers and those are often a ‘cost is no object’ transaction! The Localism Act and the Coalition’s Communities Minister wants to see high streets survive by engineering those punishing business rates (which stubbornly never go down even in a double-dip recession) to be retained by local councils. We would all applaud that and we would expect our councils to spend that income supporting businesses that have high street premises irrespective of landlords facing reality and modifying their rents – which, of course, they should! For the east Dorset conurbation, there shouldn’t have been anything in the Portas Report that came as a surprise and some aspects of it to which, I’m sure, local traders’ groups and councils are diametrically opposed. Many Dorset towns have or are in the process of establishing Business Improvement District schemes (Bournemouth has two) where the levies generated are spent directly assisting business and footfall visitor numbers with no bureaucratic Westminster top slicing. To survive businesses have to help themselves – but they can’t do it without you! Shop local, support your local traders and think twice before you click that mouse.

THE SMILE HIGH CLUB

A

new awards scheme to boost levels of customer service across Bournemouth has been launched in a bid to boost the town’s visitor economy and create jobs. The Bourne To Smile Excellence Awards have been designed by the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) to recognise, reward and inspire staff from across all sectors. Some 50 Customer Care Champions have been recruited from a broad range of industries and include representatives from hotels, transport, seafront, solicitors, language schools and visitor attractions.

“we’ve heard some amazing stories of individuals going way beyond normal service”

The Champions will be seeking examples of exceptional or firstclass service and reward the member of staff with a Bourne to Smile Excellence Award of a £10 gift voucher for outstanding service or with a Confetti Award nomination for first-class service. The member of staff and business with the most number of nominations will be honoured at an annual awards evening. “First-class customer care is rewarded by healthy repeat business, so by raising the bench-mark, Bournemouth will be in a far stronger position to compete nationally for

Hot stuff on 25th birthday

Dorset-based energy efficient specialists, The Warmer Group is celebrating its silver jubilee this year, having insulated more than 380,000 properties. The Group is part of an energy efficiency network called the Snug Network, managed by InstaGroup, a leading player in the energy efficiency sector and now a proud Pioneer Green Deal Provider. “Realising a few years ago that the Carbon Emissions

Reduction Targets (CERT) were going to cease, together with InstaGroup and the Snug Network, we looked at the opportunities which ECO and Green Deal could provide,” says Danny Godfrey, Warmer Group managing director. “To date, we are averaging 50 central heating installations a week and the numbers are steadily rising. We also have funding available to insulate hard to treat properties such as high rise blocks of flats.”

coastal tourism business,” says Stephen Godsall, the NCTA’s acting director. “We’ve already heard some amazing stories of individuals going way beyond normal service, driving miles out of their way. These awards give an opportunity to sing their praises and we hope it will inspire others to follow in their path.” Potential Customer Care Champions are interviewed by members of the NCTA’s Visitor Experience Group, which is made up of professionals from the tourism industry, the Coastal and Town Centre BIDs and Bournemouth Borough Council staff.

Driving Dorset digital

MPs, businesses and council leaders have joined Bournemouth University (BU) and the Arts University Bournemouth in a pledge to enhance and encourage the creative and digital economy in Dorset. They came together at a Digital Summit, hosted by BU, to sign a manifesto which set in place plans and commitments to make Dorset an international hub for the creative and digital industries.

Tobias Ellwood MP, Conor Burns MP and Tony Williams, chief executive of Bournemouth Borough Council, were among those who joined the vice-chancellors of both Bournemouth’s universities in signing the manifesto. Professor John Vinney, BU vice-chancellor, said: “It will be after today that much of the hard work truly starts. Hopefully, this will be a powerful catalyst for us to take things forward.”

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12 seeker news

business

BUSINESSdirectory

Can you survive the challenge? The Seeker News Castaway Challenge for Diverse Abilities Plus runs from Saturday 21 – Wednesday 25 September. The charity that supports local children and adults with physical and learning disabilities is looking for 24 men and women to take on the challenge taking place at a mystery woodland, in a beautiful beach location in the South West of England. For more information contact Sharon Wells

01202 718266 sharon.wells@diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk www.diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk/events

Designed by local business women for women in business across Dorset, we run informal, friendly and effective bimonthly events, so just six a year; three in Bournemouth and three in Wimborne. Our healthy breakfast meetings run from 9.00 to 11.00am and for just £15 include breakfast, inspirational speaker and stallholders. All Dorset ladies are very welcome at DWiB meetings, to enjoy our coast and countryside venues, a healthy breakfast and an even healthier chance to network in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

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june 28-july 11 2013

times have changed... but not that much

A

lthough the industry has changed immeasurably in the 20 years since he started, Bournemouth hospitality industry recruitment specialist James Tucker says his basic philosophy remains exactly the same. James, operations manager at Towngate Personnel, believes his success is based on keeping abreast of the changes without losing sight of his basic principles. “There have been many changes in both the recruitment and the hospitality industry over the last 20 years, but the ethos of building long standing relationships by speaking to and understanding the requirements of both candidates and clients remains the same,” he says. “In 1993, when I started at Towngate Personnel, we were coming out of the last recession, so there are some similarities between now and then – and plenty of reasons to think the recovery will gain pace.” But in other ways it was a very different world in the early days of James’ career. Back then desktop technology was limited to a phone, a pen and a notepad. There were no computers in the office, no job boards, very few people had a

“There are some similarities between now and in 1993 – and plenty of reasons to think the recovery will gain pace”

mobile phone or an email address, texting and social media were unheard of. “We had to surreptitiously contact candidates at work or leave messages with parents/ children/flatmates on their home phone as not many people even had answerphones – very different from today’s job seeking process where anyone can apply for dozens of jobs with one click and we carry a database of more than 100,000 industry-experienced candidates.” Towngate Personnel specialises in filling vacancies in the hospitality industry, another sector that has seen enormous change over the last 20 years. “It’s a very different picture these days. Some of today’s most ubiquitous companies either did not exist in the UK or were only in their infancy in 1993,” says James. “There was no Starbucks or Subway at that time outside of the USA and only a handful of purpose-built budget hotels compared to hundreds of Premier Inns and Travelodges we see today. “Restaurants and hotels are increasingly popular and Britain’s service sector contributes more to the economy than ever before, meaning there are many more job opportunities within the industry.”

Firms are Charminster champions

Charminster businesses, HI Therapies and Head 2 Toe Security have both landed awards at the Dorset Venus Awards. Jemma Cooper, founder and director of HI Therapies, collected the New Business Award; while Head 2 Toe Security’s Lesley Stephenson was presented the Online Business Award. When she was just 23, Jemma Cooper bought the loss-making Visage salon, rebranded it and

within a year had doubled the turnover. That was 18 months ago and the judges recognised Jemma’s passion and dedication as a business owner and her natural business acumen. Lesley Stephenson was commended for her successful online business selling equipment and clothing to the security industry, which she started six years ago and has since expanded into a second retail unit to accommodate Jemma Cooper and Lesley Stephenson workwear and catering ranges.

Awesome foursome join Dorset LEP A trained counsellor, a charity advisor, a banking and insurance expert and a housing specialist have all been appointed board members at the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership. “We are extremely impressed with the very high calibre of business people wanting to play an active role in the Dorset LEP,” says former Cobham chairman Gordon Page CBE, who chairs Dorset LEP. “We received 22 applications in all, which is very encouraging. I am confident our four new board members will help to lead and guide the Dorset LEP towards fulfilling its vital role.” The new board members are: l Alison Moore – President of Dorchester Chamber of Commerce and a Business Training Advisor at Kingston Maurward College who

operates her own counselling practice and acts as a Dorset Mentoring (Dormen) mentor. l Alex Picot – Joined Dorset Community Action in September 2012 after 15 years with Groundwork SW involved with training and skills, employment programmes, new business development and social enterprise. l Richard Rowney – managing director of LV= Life and Pensions, he has worked in a number of senior positions across financial services primarily banking and insurance. l Jitinder Takhar – group business development director at Spectrum Housing Group, he has been in the social housing sector for more than 20 years. In his new role as Leader of Dorset County Council, Cllr Spencer Flower also joins the board.

DWIB expands

Dorset Women In Business networking group has expanded by incorporating Christchurch Women In Business. The joint group will be announcing details of its first networking breakfast in the Christchurch area before it takes its family-friendly summer break for the school holidays.


seeker news 13

june 28-july 11 2013

BUSINESS

PiCTuRE: SiÂN COuRT

BUSINESSdirectory

Winner of 2012’s Best Restaurant in Bournemouth, the Highcliff Grill serves locally-sourced fish, meats, shells and fine wines in a stunning location. Offering a mouthwatering four course Taste of Dorset menu for only £31.50 per person, the Highcliff Grill is Bournemouth’s best kept secret.

01202 200800 www.highcliffgrill.co.uk mhrs.bohbm.ays@marriotthotels.com Angela Fletcher and the six winners, from left, Stephen Duffy, Kamron Arasteh, Natalie Morris, Ryan Stiggants, Jemma Cooper, Nicolle Chainey, Angela Fletcher

ROCK SOLId WINNERS

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ock Recruitment Specialists held the first Rock Recruitment Star of the Future Awards ceremony at Bournemouth’s Royal Bath Hotel. The Rock Star Awards recognise outstanding young employees, students and entrepreneurs in Dorset aged 16-26. Each category was sponsored by a local company which champions young people and their career development. The sponsors presented the winners with their trophy on stage in front of 200 of Dorset’s business community. The Bournemouth University Student Star of the Future was won by Kamron Arasteh, 22, on course to graduate with a first class degree in Business Information Technology. He worked on placement for Xerox’s European HQ as well as freelancing with local companies, designing and building websites for Best Fit car

garage, Universal Catering Supplies and others. The Ageas Rising Star of the Future was won by Nicolle Chainey, 21, a woman who knows what she wants to do in her career; she was determined to work for Bellissimo and has progressed so far that she was nominated for the award by the company’s owner. The WDS Inspirational Star of the Future was won by Ryan Stiggants, a 17-year old on a business mission. He is developing a frozen yoghurt product to bring to the market, already achieving so much and demonstrating passion for the benefits of providing a healthier alternative to ice cream. The Inspire Accountants Entrepreneurial Star of the Future was won by Jemma Cooper, 24, who bought a loss-making business from her employer and, through her own blood sweat and tears, has turned that

young start-ups all white for get a million scribbling

More than £1.1 million is available to help young people start in business through WSX Enterprise. The organisation has funding to make loans to young people aged 18-30 years that are looking to start, or have recently started, a business. Loans of up to £5,000 are available over a period of up to five years with interest fixed at six per cent. The young entrepreneurs will also receive the support of an experienced business mentor to help develop ideas. To find out more email startuploans@ wsxenterprise.co.uk

Dorset-based Lotte Lulu has launched the Doodle Diner, a portable, foldable, white board to provide youngsters with somewhere to draw and scribble as well as a clean eating surface. The entertainment centre-cum-dinner mat can be wiped clean or washed again and again and has a pocket for pens or cutley. It all rolls into a handysized wrap for carrying and is secured by an integral Velcro strap.

business, HI Therapies, around into a successful and profitable enterprise. The Fire Radio Media Star of the Future was won by Natalie Morris, 22, an aspiring broadcaster, writer and presenter who has already worked with several high profile celebrities including Nick Grimshaw. Breeze Volkswagen Star of the Future Apprenticeship award was won by Stephen Duffy, 17, who has achieved brilliant GCSE grades and has been working in retail, enabling him to demonstrate great understanding of customer service. Angela Fletcher, managing director at Rock Recruitment, created the awards. She says “These six young people, entering Dorset’s workforce, are shaping our future business community and economy. It was an honour and a delight to present them with an award and celebrate their unique talent and ambition.”

students dive with Dolphin

Poole High School students met with representatives of Dolphin Centre traders including Primark, Beales, Topshop, Lumin-Essence and The Secret Wardrobe as part of a retail education event. The students, aged 13-17, were given an insight into the world of work in the retail industry. “It’s fantastic our tenants have dedicated their time to share their experience and enthusiasm, helping to build young people’s confidence and help promote further education,” said Dolphin centre manager, John Grinnell.

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14 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

NEWSCHARITy

10 yEARS CELEBRATEd AT NUMBER 10

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rime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron welcomed Julia’s House and special guests to 10 Downing Street to celebrate the hospice’s 10th anniversary. Guy Ritchie, Denise Van Outen and Kate Garraway were among the celebrities who attended the evening which was hosted by Mrs Cameron and organised by Julia’s House patron Annabel Karmel MBE, best-selling parenting author and expert on feeding babies and children. Both Samantha Cameron and Annabel Karmel have a keen interest in charities which support life-limited children and provide respite. Having lost her first child Natasha, Annabel understands how having

the right care and support in such distressing circumstances can make all the difference, and the event was an opportunity to celebrate a decade of the pioneering work of the children’s hospice. More than 120 guests met with Julia’s House families and staff during the reception, where Samantha Cameron spoke about the great work Julia’s House does for sick children. She also commended the much-needed support and respite it offers to their parents and siblings.

Annabel Karmel said: “We are absolutely delighted that Mrs Cameron and other well-known household names have shown their support for Julia’s House. The charity is funded almost

Julia’s House staff with the PM’s wife Samantha Cameron

entirely through donations and they have really helped to raise public awareness of this unique and vital service.

Party at the palace for Dorset charity The rain held off as HM The Queen entertained some of her subjects at a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month. Among those invited to afternoon tea was Dorset Blind Association chairman John Andrews and his wife Diana. “We had a lovely time, the azaleas were out and the gardens were in fine

judy’s fundraising exhibition

shape,” says John, who has held his position at the charity for more than six years. The party, on May 22, was given by Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh and was also attended by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.

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“I was enormously impressed by the facilities and level of care given on my visit to the hospice in Dorset. Children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions can live for many years after their diagnosis, which is naturally going to place a strain on families. Most children’s hospices focus on end-of-life care and longer stays once or twice a year, but Julia’s House has pioneered a provision for frequent shorter respite breaks throughout the child’s life. That’s what makes it so special.” Also speaking at the event was Chief Executive of Julia’s House, Martin Edwards who highlighted the charity’s unique home and hospice-based respite service and social support for all the family.

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A Dorset artist has donated money to Poole Hospital Charity in memory of her late father. Judy Tate, who exhibited in this year’s Purbeck Art Weeks, used the event to help raise funds for the hospital. “My father, who had fantastic care at the hospital, died there last year,” she says.


seeker news 15

june 28-july 11 2013

food&drink

holy mackerel it’s a fish fiesta

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fter the success of its Crab Festival, Lyme Regis again turns to its maritime history to celebrate another catch frequently landed on the Quay. The Mackerel Festival, from July 6 to 13, aims to pay tribute to every aspect of the fish. A whole week of fish-related events and activities is being planned. Wednesday’s main attraction finds Mark Hix, Charles Clover from Fish 2 Fork and Simon Bennett from the Watch House among the panellists at the Marine Theatre for A Fishy Conversation: Mackerel in the Spotlight, a discussion on the issues surrounding sustainable fishing. Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall and Sheila Dillon from BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme also hope to attend.

PICture: flickr.com/wbaiv

Following the talk there’s a mackerel feast with three courses all featuring mackerel. Friday afternoon’s highlight is the cook-off final of the recipe competition at the Jubilee Shelters on Marine Parade. Mark Hix will be joined by Simon Bennett and Tony Colston of By the Bay to choose the winning dish, which will be based on taste, presentation and creativity. The winning dish will appear on the menu at Hix Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis the following week and its creator will receive a complimentary dinner for two at the restaurant. The two runners up will receive complimentary meals at By the Bay and Millside restaurants and their dishes will be taken up by those venues the week following the Festival.

A fine Fellowes to open festival Young chefs on show to experts Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is to open the second annual Dorset Festival in Queen Mother Square, Poundbury on July 6. A celebration of all things Dorset, particularly its food and drink, the Festival will feature food stalls from farmers and producers, crafts and gifts, hot

and cold food, locally-made beers, cider and juices, with cookery demonstrations by local chefs and food writers. On Sunday the domestic cook finalists from the BV Media Taste of Dorset Food Awards’ Best Original Dorset Recipe competition will take part in an exciting cookoff.

Six talented trainee chefs at Bournemouth & Poole College had the chance to showcase their skills to a distinguished group of catering industry experts at The Escoffier restaurant in Bournemouth to mark their Level 3 graduation. The event was sponsored by The Chefs’ Forum, which had invited

some of the leading lights of the region from the catering and restaurant sectors to enjoy the meal. Terry Tomlinson, Jamie Pain, Adam Baumer, Guy Norton, Oryn Porter and Michael Solecki were applauded as they received their Level 3 certificates.

recipe Dark Chocolate ‘Truffle’ with Lime and Cardamom, Crème Fraiche Sorbet By Matthew Budden, Executive Chef, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel 215g dark chocolate 35g unsalted butter 35g egg white 47g caster sugar 115g egg white 14g cornflour 1 lime zested 1 tsp grated cardamom 500ml stock syrup (equal amounts of sugar and water reduced by 1/3 to form syrup 750g crème fraiche Melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a bain marie. Mix 33g of the egg white with the sugar until combined. Do not over mix. Then mix in the rest of the whites slowly. Fold chocolate and butter mix into the egg white mixture, gently fold in cornflour. Line four metal rings with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and place on a lined baking tray – spoon in mixture evenly between the four rings. You will not need a lot of mix per portion as the truffle is very rich. Bake at 90 degrees for 40 minutes until top has just set, remove and chill in fridge for at least two hours.

Make the sorbet by combining the syrup and the crème fraiche and churning in an ice-cream machine until set. Freeze until needed. To plate, warm the metal rings in your hand and pop out the truffles, place a scoop of the sorbet next and sprinkle the lime zest and cardamom over the top. In the restaurant we serve with a lime syrup, chocolate and lime buttercream macaroon and a chocolate tuile biscuit, but the dish will eat just as well as above. If you are short of time, for a dinner party make the truffle the day before and serve with a dollop of crème fraiche.

Festival frolics

There are some tasty treats to be had in Bournemouth as the town’s Food and Drink Festival continues until Sunday with a street food festival, demonstration kitchen, world food market, live entertainment, farmers’ and producers’ markets in the Square. On July 4, Bournemouth’s Pier Theatre hosts Celebrity Cook-Off Live, in which audience members cook live on stage and everyone receives a recipe book for the show.

Castle canapes

Local food and produce is on offer at Corfe Castle’s food and drink festival on July 6 and 7. As well as some of the finest eating and drinking there will also be cookery demonstrations in the castle grounds.


16 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

LIFESTyLE

dORSET’S GARdENS REVEALEd

T

“The new guide also showcases successful local growers of roses, camellias, fuchsias, blueberries, azaleas, acers and heathers, all featured alongside the multiple award-winning ornamental grasses of Knoll Gardens.” Featured gardens and nurseries include the 17th century garden at Cranborne Manor, Trehane Nursery and Wimborne’s Barthelemy and Forest Edge nurseries, Priest’s House Museum and Knoll Gardens with its new gravel gardens. Wimborne currently holds the title of Best Small Town in Britain in Bloom and there are free copies of Specialist Nurseries and Hidden Gardens in East Dorset available from Wimborne Tourist Information Centre, tel 01202 886116.

CROSSWORd

ourism chiefs are hoping a new, free guide will bring the various horticultural delights of East Dorset to much wider public attention. Specialist Nurseries and Hidden Gardens has been created to point local and visitors alike in the direction of beautiful walled gardens, delicious local ice creams, historic garden buildings and the best places to buy quality plants locally growers. “It can be easy to overlook what is on your patch,” says East Dorset tourism manager, Rachel Limb. “East Dorset has an incredible horticultural heritage and we are hoping to encourage more people to explore the glorious garden attractions on our own doorstep.

by Paul Morton The Sound Approach www.soundapproach.co.uk Birds of Poole Harbour www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk

sOluTIOn On PaGe 2

Clues aCrOss

1) Wardrobe from the wardrobe (7) 4) Very loud start of everything (3, 4) 9) Vehicle hatched from a flying creature (11) 11) Diagonal cut on the weave (4) 12) Change down from solid to fluid (4) 13) Celebrated at special points in a reign (7) 15) Small bag of perfumed powder for scented clothing (6) 16) Not at all resembling the original (6) 17) When day equals night in Spring (6, 7) 19) Hindu warrior from Nepal (6) 21) Group of minders and bouncers (6) 23) One good apple, sweet, with one sour turned hard (7) 24) Water the garden with a stocking (4) 26) Maps changed the way we look at computer rubbish (4) 27) Possible event succinctly put (11) 28) Achieved after lots of study (7) 29) Get up close and personal for comfort (7)

natureDIARY

Clues DOwn

1) Reasons for being somewhere else (6) 2) Oh lack a day, so sad (4) 3) Spread what’s available thinly over where it’s required (3, 3) 5) Given to replace something else (2, 4) 6) Smile with a great light (4) 7) So very gentrified (7) 8) Collection of wooden scraps in a committee (8, 5) 9) Comedian’s stock in trade said to raise laughs (5, 6) 10) Determines refractive errors of the eye (11) 13) Where the trumpet sounded and the walls fell down (7) 14) Suffering from the old green-eyed monster (7) 18) Very knowledgeable or brainy intellectual (7) 20) Fictitious name used by person performing a particular social role (6) 21) Light diaphanous fabric of cotton (6) 22) Worn by a belted earl or any lord (6) 25) Certainly not good – very bad indeed (4) 26) One of a raucous pre-nuptial party (4)

if you’ve ever seen the film where Julie Andrews twirls around in circles on the side of a mountain with her hair in a neat bob, then you’ll be familiar the words “Doe a deer a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun...” and so on. Yes, i know she was wailing from deepest darkest Austria, but there is actually some lovely connections (sort of) to Dorset’s extremely rare lowland heathland. if you’ve ever visited one of these fragmented but vitally important habitats you couldn’t be blamed for wanting to break out into full song yourself. They’re just magical. From the large urban surrounded area of Canford Heath to the slightly smaller upton Heath, all the way to west of Poole Harbour where the unbroken patches of Hartland Moor, Godlingston and Studland Heath all provide a complex and unique habitat for a whole range of bio-diversity. All of Dorset’s heathlands are heavily protected and form SSSis (Sites of Special Scientific interests) and SPAs (Special Protection Areas). it’s the only habitat in the uK where you can find all six native British reptiles; there are more than 500 species of spider and a whole variety of birds and plants you can only find living on this very acidic terrain.

PiCTuRE PAuL MORTON

Sunset over heathland at Arne in the summer the heath comes alive with the sound of… well, everything! From the gentle humming buzz of hundreds of bees visiting purple heather flowers; grasshoppers and crickets chirping away as if you’ve suddenly been transported down to the Mediterranean; skylark, tree pipit and linnet all staking their claims to their own pieces of paradise and the super elusive nightjar transforming the day into night with its eerie and mysterious churring. You can’t be blamed for falling in love with Dorset heathland, as its romantic and acoustic pulse flows through you like a well executed hit musical. The heath is alive with the sound of music… it certainly is.


seeker news 17

june 28-july 11 2013

LIFESTyLEWHERE TO GO Where to go and what to see for all the family JuNE 29-30 Folk on the quay

aLL yEar Adventure Wonderland

To mark Armed Forces Weekend, the Army will be showcasing its Challenger 2 and Scimitar at Bovington in this annual showcase of the Tank Museum’s impressive collection of armour. The day opens with three Leopard i tanks, followed by the rousing Ride of the 432s in which armoured vehicles are manoeuvred to music. The WW2 tanks on show include a rare Tiger 131 and there’s a full scale attack drill to end the day.

A fokin’ good day out on Poole Quay is on the cards at the free Folk on the Quay festival. Saturday night’s highlight is a show by Bellowhead founders Spiers & Boden who have twice won the BBC Folk Awards for Duo of the Year. For those that like to get involved there’s dancing outside the Thistle Hotel on Saturday with the young Dorset Ceilidh Band and on Sunday with Dyer: Cummings. Meanwhile, the Exmouth Shantymen will be bringing the sounds of the sea to the shore.

Voted Dorset’s Best Family Attraction by parents of 4-11 year olds in Primary Times, Adventure Wonderland at Hurn now boasts more than 30 rides and attractions. With established favourites such as The Ghostly Galleon, Wild Bill’s Runaway Train, Turbo Teacups and Flying Elephants, there’s also a mile and a half of pathways and the largest natural maze on the south coast. indoors is the Aztec adventure play centre complete with Montyzoomer’s Ball Firing Thunderdome.

www.tankmuseum.org

www.folkonthequay.co.uk

www.adventurewonderland.co.uk

JuNE 29-30 Tankfest

JuNE 29-30 Medieval Falconry

JuLy 8-14 Wareham Carnival Week

TV falconer and expert horseman Jonathan Marshall brings wildlife and music together in a specially choreographed display at Corfe Castle. Showcasing the devastating hunting skills of falcons, eagles and hawks – some diving at more than 100mph – he co-ordinates the display on horseback, coaxing amazing feats from his mounts as he builds to a spectacular crescendo set to music against the backdrop of the castle ruins.

Wareham will need little encouragement to spring to life next week for its annual carnival celebration. Taking the theme Victoriana: The Age of Steam and invention, the week kicks off with a film night at the Rex. Then comes Pet Factor (Tuesday), a safari supper on Wednesday, Pedal Power Friday in Wareham Forest and the Golden Bridge Awards in the Parish Hall on Saturday before the main Carnival Procession on Sunday.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ corfe-castle

www.wareham-carnival.org.uk

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uNtiL NoV 3 Sandworld Home to some of the world’s finest displays of sand sculpture, Sandworld is now in its third year at Lodmoor Country Park. This year’s displays are linked by a science fiction theme and there are scenes dedicated to classics including Star Trek, Star Wars, Thunderbirds and Dr Who. The show’s founder, Mark Anderson, has been sculpting sand on Weymouth beach for 26 years, continuing a tradition started by his grandfather, Fred Darrington, in the 1920s. www.sandworld.co.uk


18 seeker news

SPECIALFEATURE

june 28-july 11 2013

anwar Brett talks to Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall about his plans for more murder in Dorset

BROAdCHURCH 2Nd SERIES


june 28-july 11 2013

F

or two months the eyes of nine million British television viewers were fixed on an idyllic Dorset town traumatised by murder. The success of the ITV series Broadchurch – based in a fictional community, filmed largely in West Bay – was such that even though the crime is now solved a second series has been commissioned. Series creator Chris Chibnall is delighted at the prospect, though he is giving little away about the sequel at this stage. “I know exactly what I’m going to do,” he explains, “but I’m not going to tell you a single thing. Sorry.” No-one can blame him for his discretion. Indeed, Dorset tourist bodies have a lot to thank him for, after directing the focus of his audience at a beautiful part of the Jurassic coast. “I live in Bridport,” Chris explains, “so this was a complete love letter to Dorset and its landscape. We moved here about 10 years ago, but I completely fell head over heels in love with the area. When I was writing other projects I’d go out and walk along those hills and fields and beaches whenever I hit a writing problem.” With those other projects including Life On Mars, Torchwood and Doctor Who Chris has been no stranger to high profile series. But having written Broadchurch as a spec script – written before

submission to a production company that would get a series commissioned – it represents a terrific leap forward for his already burgeoning career. From the moment the body of 11-year-old Danny Latimer was discovered on the beach, beneath the cliffs at Broadchurch, suspicion moved between a range of properly fleshed out characters within the community. A fine cast – familiar faces if not necessarily household names – includes David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whitaker, Andrew Buchan, Arthur Darvill, Pauline Quirke and Will Mellor. And if any proof were needed that the series had gripped the fevered imaginations of the nation then it came one Sunday afternoon when, during a lull in the commentary on the Liverpool-Chelsea match on Radio FiveLive, the commentators digressed into a conversation of who had committed the deadly deed. “Somebody mentioned that to me,” he chuckles, “and it was one of those little moments that weekend where I couldn’t really comprehend what had happened to this show. “The viewing public just took it to their hearts. It was a very humbling experience, that’s the only description, and I still haven’t fully processed it.” Broadchurch is out now on DVD

I know exactly what I’m going to do...

seeker news 19


20 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

obituary

DES HULLAND 1939-2012

D

es was born on February 25, 1939 in the village of Galgate, near Lancaster. He went to the local village primary and on to Ripley High School in Lancaster, where he was delighted to be chosen to go to London to present flowers to Princess Margaret. On leaving school he secured an apprenticeship as a laundry engineer in Morecombe and went on to work as an engineer in the nuclear industry at Sellafield. He moved to Birmingham in order to return to the laundry industry before relocating to Bourne mouth with his first wife in mid-1960s when he became manager of the Sovereign Laundry in Privet Road, Winton. That was where Des met his business partner Michael who was working as a sales manager. They immediately became friends and having got the laundry back on its feet, they were both told they were no longer needed. Des started cleaning shop fronts and windows and before long he and Michael joined forces gaining several small contracts. The first big contract they landed was Frizzell House, followed by many others including Bournemouth University and Abbey Life. They worked hard – up to 18 hours a day in the early years – and as the business grew they

moved premises to Smithfield Place, Winton. In 1999 Sue Ferguson took over the general management of the company and Marina Osborne became office manager, enabling Des to take more of a back seat and spend more time with his family, although he and Michael continued to attend weekly meetings to discuss the business and lend their support and knowledge. Michael describes their relationship as a marriage and although they were like chalk and cheese, he says their strength was that they were able to both offer different styles and expertise. Des had a big heart and a larger than life personality and his door was always open. Des met his second wife Linda in 1981 and this January would have been their 30th wedding anniversary. He was very much a family man. He loved his home and his garden – although he wasn’t so fond of the gardening! He liked things kept together at home, just as he did in his business. After being admitted to hospital for a routine gallstone removal, Des passed away on November 14, 2012. He is greatly missed by his loving wife Linda, his family and all his colleagues at Nova Contract Cleaners. This page is their tribute to him.


seeker news 21

june 28-july 11 2013

GOlDenyears

Who played here in history, June 27-July 11 FiVE YEARS AGO 4: George Benson – BiC. 10 YEARS AGO 7: Julio inglesias – BiC. 15 YEARS AGO 1: Jose Feliciano – Pavilion Theatre. 25 YEARS AGO 4: Danny La Rue + Wayne King – Pavilion Theatre. 30 YEARS AGO 1: Haysi Fantaysee – The Academy, Boscombe. 1: The Smiths – Midnight Express, Bournemouth. 5: Danny La Rue – Poole Arts Centre. 35 YEARS AGO 4: Mungo Jerry – Village Bowl, Bournemouth: Ray Dorset discovers a taste for his future home town. 5: Boomtown Rats + The Only Ones – Village Bowl. 9: Frankie Vaughan – Poole Arts Centre. 11: Hi-Tension – Village Bowl. 45 YEARS AGO 1, 8: Tom Jones + Ted Heath Orchestra + Roy Castle – Winter Gardens. 2: Tim Rose + The Nice + The Mike Stuart Span – Pavilion Ballroom: Hey Joe songwriter tops the bill at Poole College Rag Dance. 5: The Move – The Ritz, Bournemouth. 10: Alan Bown + The Zoo + Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band – Pavilion Ballroom: Poole College Rag Ball. 10: Shy Limbs – Beat Room, Royal Ballrooms, Boscombe: Greg Lake’s pre-King Crimson outfit. 10: The Greatest Show on Earth – The Ritz: Soul collective featuring future Blockhead Norman Watt-Roy on bass. 50 YEARS AGO 5: Mel Turner & the Mohicans – Pavilion Ballroom. 7: Millicent Martin + Kaye Sisters + Tommy Cooper – Pavilion Theatre: Summer season. 55 YEARS AGO 3, 10: Beverley Sisters + Bob Monkhouse – Winter Gardens. 7: Petula Clark – Winter Gardens.

jULy 1983: by nick churchill

HERITAGE

THE SMITHS midnight express Club, st THE CURE swithuns road, Bournemouth

PiCTuRE: RiCHARD JONES

H

istory has a way of making the mundane special, of turning the everyday into something extraordinary, but by anyone’s standard July 1983 was a good time to be a music fan in Bournemouth. Specifically, July 1983 was a good time to be a member of the Midnight Express club. In that month the upstairs club, above a chip shop in St Swithun’s Road, played host to seminal gigs by both The Smiths and The Cure. In the week their debut single Hand In Glove hit the charts, The Smiths arrived in Bournemouth on July 1 full of the promise a devoted NME following and record deal with Rough Trade could give a band in those days. There was something special about The Smiths... and they knew it. “We’re The Smiths, who are you?” asked Morrissey as they took to the stage that night. Mick Tarrant, the club’s co-owner, DJ and booker remembers having a beer and a chat with Johnny Marr after the soundcheck. “We talked mostly about Rickenbackers and Roger McGuinn,” he says. “Johnny was a genial gent and was every time I encountered him after that Midnight Express gig. Mozzer by contrast was pretty much out of the picture and valued a bit of privacy.” The band made no secret of their ambitions and when revered local magazine Coaster asked Morrissey if they’d be corrupted by America, he replied: “No. Fame and money are natural. Staying on the dole in Manchester doing nothing, that’s corruption.” Prophetically, Johnny Marr added: “We want to produce pop music that is still being listening to in 30 years’ time.” The set, which can be heard in a YouTube posting, captures the band at the height of their early powers. Reel Around The Fountain is introduced by Morrissey as “reel around the fountain for rough girls” and there is a false start of the drum roll intro to These Things Take Time. Mick can be heard asking the band to come back on for an encore, which Morrissey introduces saying: “You don’t have to be so shy. We’re not shy, so why should you be? So... accept yourself! The least you can do...” According to venerated Morrissey fansite, Passions Just Like Mine: “This is remembered as a very successful gig for such an early one outside Manchester and London where the band’s fans were mostly found.” Mick booked The Smiths again the following year to play the Town Hall, by which time the die had been cast and they were indie godheads – although Morrissey still insisted local promoters shell out for gladioli for him to cast about the stage. The Cure used the date to bed in a new line up and work on fresh songs. According to exhaustive Cure fansite impressionofsounds.com: “A very chatty Robert Smith questioned the crowd a few times (“How many of you have seen The Cure play that before? Oh no, not that far

The Cure’s Robert Smith and drummer Andy Anderson

seTlIsTs The smiths

You’ve Got Everything Now Handsome Devil Reel Around The Fountain What Difference Does it Make? Wonderful Woman These Things Take Time Hand in Glove i Don’t Owe You Anything Miserable Lie Encore Accept Yourself

The Cure

The Figurehead in Your House M The Drowning Man Cold Siamese Twins Primary Three imaginary Boys At Night One Hundred Years Play For Today 10.15 Saturday Night Killing An Arab A Forest Pornography Encore Jumping Someone Else’s Train Forever

back.”). He also revealed that the group only had four days of rehearsals before this which explained some different drums beats on some songs and Robert, in a good mood and excited about playing live again, didn’t mind this actually. “More surprising was the encore, as Robert replied to somebody requesting Boys Don’t Cry over and over (“We can’t play

Boys Don’t Cry, anything else ?”) before following with Jumping Someone Else’s Train (another audience’s request). How come they knew that song when it hadn’t been in the live repertoire since 1981? The last track of was an alternate version of Forever, different guitar chords and bass line but in the same spirit. Maybe as a joke, The Walk’s tune was included (played on guitar) towards the end of the song.”

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22 seeker news

AdVERTISEMENTFEATURE

june 28-july 11 2013

It’s all coming together swimmingly by Juliet BeardsleY curves WimBorne

S

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ummer is just around the corner, with the promise of some warmer weather on the horizon. You know you will be wanting to look good when wearing less! For most of us that means shedding a few pounds along with the winter woollies, so – with a bit of careful planning – it needn’t be too painful. Being toned and feeling good about how you look is achievable through a key combination of eating less and moving more. A little exercise – regular and often together with some healthy food changes are far better for you than crash courses and fad diets. You will love the results! Using a pedometer is a great way to keep a track of your steps throughout the day. The goal would be to reach 10,000 steps every day of the week. This is actually the simplest way to move more – simply walk across the office during the day, use the stairs, park farther away from the office, or play with the kids outside the house after work. How about a bit of exercise in the evening instead of a drink

and a few snacks? It won’t be long before you start to see and feel the benefit. Get a group of friends together to go for a walk and a natter. Keeping yourself busy in the evening is a surefire way to direct your attention away from snacking in front of the telly. We all love them, but most ‘goodies’ can be ‘baddies’! Link a little weight loss to some rewards and you’ll be amazed at how dedicated you become. Set a target then treat yourself with a pamper session, a massage, facial or makeover, you’ll soon discover you’ve got more of an appetite for getting in shape than you ever thought! Getting to your goals can be achieved with your health in mind. Consult a professional and make sure you get any muscle aches, pains and tweaks ironed out before you start training. Similarly, check with your doctor or dietician to be sure any planned changes in diet will not be detrimental to your wider health and well being. Above all, have a happy and healthy summer!

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seeker news 23

june 28-july 11 2013

Q&A camp bestival’s rob & josie da bank

ARTS

by nick churchill

A

s Camp Bestival prepares to reconvene at Lulworth Castle from August 1, its creators Rob and Josie da Bank took time out to field a few questions about how they conceived the ultimate family-friendly festival and how they see it developing. This year’s Around The World theme has thrown up musical treats like Mark Owen, Labrinth, Richard Hawley, Billy Bragg, Gabrielle Aplin and Beardyman, as well as highoctane 80s pop action from Heaven 17 and Kid Creole & the Coconuts. Youngsters will love the festival premiere of Horrible Histories’ new show, while Alan Davies headlines the comedy bill. So, Rob and Josie, Camp Bestival – why? J: Well we’ll always argue about who thought it up… I’m sure that I did, but Robby swears he did. R: We’d just started having kids ourselves and felt there was a bit of a gap in the market for a show with a really strong musical line-up alongside lots of things for kids and families to do. How did you settle on Lulworth Castle as the venue for Camp Bestival? J: We’d been there to another festival a long time ago and remembered it being really magical. Sum up Camp Bestival in a single sentence...

R: A whirling merry-go-round of endless fun for everyone and the best family party you’ll ever go to. How hard is it to please everyone when you’re booking the line-up each year? R: Kinda tricky. We need to please babies, toddlers, teens, thirtysomethings, mums, dads, grannies, grandpas, aunts, uncles and pretty much everyone in-between. We spend as much money on non-musical entertainment from arts tents and soft play areas to sit down restaurants and even a knitting tent just to try and tick everyone’s box.

This is the sixth year now for Camp Bestival – what is your fondest memory so far?

had a family come as the cast from Alice In Wonderland, complete with handmade costumes.

R: Maybe seeing Chuck Berry take to the stage… or Florence whirling around in her inimitable fashion, whipping up the crowd into a frenzy.

Are there any official estimates as to how much Camp Bestival adds to the Dorset economy?

How far in advance do you have to plan for the event? J: It’s pretty much a non-stop steamrolling show that doesn’t halt for anything. We’re already talking about 2014 now! Fancy dress is obviously an important part of Camp Bestival – this year’s theme is Around The World – what are the best costumes that you have seen in previous years? J: The best costumes are when the whole family gets involved – we once

R: We have had some work done recently which came out in the millions. You can’t underestimate how may families use Camp Besti as the start of their summer holiday and then go and stay locally and spend locally. We certainly get welcomed by most businesses and hotels down there for what we bring to Dorset each summer. We use local suppliers and staff where possible and work with local charities. My favourite locals are the Women’s Institute (who make a cracking cup of tea when you’re knackered).

Lulworth Castle seems to be magically transformed every year for Camp Bestival – how important is it to get the look of the event right and to keep it fresh every time? J: We have a very strong identity and look in which we take a lot of pride. I am currently having lots of new bunting and signs made, creating new venues. It has a lovely feeling of summer. I hope the look and feel of the show will stay with children forever. What are your plans for the future of Camp Bestival? J: To keep it going, to keep it the same size and for the sun to keep shining on us! For more information and to book tickets go to www.campbestival.net or call 0844 888 4410

WIN! WIN!

We’ve got our hands on a family ticket* to give away in a very special competition.

All you have to do to enter is tell us in which boy band Camp Bestival headliner Mark Owen made his name. Answer in the subject line of an email and send it to campbestival@seekernews. co.uk to reach us by noon on Friday, July 5. The winner will be notified after that. * Two adult tickets and up to four children under 17 all with Thurs-Sun weekend camping included. No travel will be provided as part of this prize. Winners must supply name, e-mail address and the ages of any children (at August 1, 2013) that will be in attendance, plus a mobile tel no. All names will be added to the Camp Bestival event guest list: no physical tickets will be posted out.


24 seeker news

ARTS

june 28-july 11 2013

Charlie looking for a local choir C

WIN! WIN! WIN!

harlie Landsborough, multi award-winning country artist, wants to recruit a local choir for his show at Lighthouse, Poole on October 11. Charlie is touring in support of his 29th album, Silhouette, and will be opening each night with a local choir. Having previously been a teacher before embarking on his musical career, Charlie has always recognised the vital role of music and choirs in the community. Now he has decided to play his part in creating a larger platform for local choral groups – The Charlie Landsborough Amateur Choir Challenge.

We’ve got four signed copies of Charlie’s album, Under Blue Skies, and two copies of each of Charlie’s songbooks to give away.

To enter simply tell us where Charlie worked as a teacher: (a) Wimborne, (b) Birkenhead, (c) Paris. Answer in the subject line of an email and send it to landsborough@ seekernews.co.uk to reach us by noon on Friday, July 5. The first two winners will each receive the songbooks and signed CDs, with signed CDs for two runners up. Normal rules apply.

Not only will the winning choir get to perform on stage and the overall winner receive £10,000, but the whole venture will benefit one of the UK’s most vital charities. Choirs from across the country are invited to take part with the proceeds (£25 per entry) going to Children In Need. Charlie will also be donating the royalties for a year from one of his best loved songs, Special, to the charity. Charlie has recorded over 150 selfpenned songs and to enter, each choir will be have to submit a recording of one of Charlie’s songs. All entries must be in by July 31 and more information can be found at www.charlielandsborough.com.

Valley celebrates birthday with 25 buskers Town’s 85th music festival draws to a close Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, near Ringwood, hosts Music in the Park on July 7 when 25 buskers – one for each year the Park has been open – will entertain visitors. It’s a flashback to the inaugural event 25 years ago when buskers helped to celebrate the opening of the then-new country park, now the third most visited in England.

“We’ll be stationing our 25 buskers across a wide area so our visitors will be able to enjoy a huge variety of musical talent as they move around the Park,” says ranger Katie Davies. Music in the Park is run in conjunction with Wave 105’s Cash for Kids charity, which is committed to supporting local children who are financially, socially, emotionally or physically disadvantaged.

Bournemouth’s annual extravaganza of the performing arts, the Music Competitions Festival reaches its conclusion on July 6 with the Festival Concert at the Pavilion Theatre. The brainchild of Sir Dan Godfrey, founder-conductor of the Bournemouth Municipal (now Symphony) Orchestra, the Festival is now in its 85th year, having taken place each year – barring one during World War Two – since 1927, when 7,000 competitors from all parts of the country came together to compete in music, elocution and folk dancing. Since then it has expanded considerably to include all types of dance, singing and instrumental, plus poetry, prose, Shakespeare, religious text reading, television news, radio, public speaking, dramatic improvisation and even mime. All ages can, and do, take part and many well-known performers with local roots can remember taking part in the Festival as children, including

Bridgwater Show Choirs, who won Youth Choral Singing of Light Opera or Musical Shows and Youth Choral Performance in a Theatrical Style and will be appearing in the Pavilion concert

current patron, Peter Stark, conductor-in-residence to the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. Over the past few weeks people have been competing in the various classes, performing in front of professional adjudicators. Trophies are awarded to those attaining the highest marks, and in some cases there are bursary awards to summer schools. The best of those competitors will take part in the concert, with tickets available at the door.

Puccini’s classic without a chorus Ahead of the Dorset Opera Festival next month, the young artists of the Dutch National Touring Opera are to take their production of La Boheme on a tour of Dorset venues. In a reduced version of the Puccini classic, without chorus but with piano, cello and clarinet accompaniment, they’ll visit The Exchange at Sturminster Newton (July 4 and 26), Bridport’s Electric Palace (July 5), the Regent Centre in Christchurch (July 9) and Poole Lighthouse (July 10). Dorset Opera Festival’s main productions of The Flying Dutchman and La Traviata, directed by Jonathan Miller, can be seen at Bryanston School from July 24-27. www.dorsetopera.com


june 28-july 11 2013

seeker news 25

arts

scaled-down doherty I

Words and pictures by steve cook

t’s refreshing to find that in these days of manufactured bands and corporate sponsorship of rock music that there are still a few real rock stars about. Not many, mind, but Peter Doherty is one who genuinely falls into that category, a truly iconic rocker. Frontman of Babyshambles and once of The Libertines, Doherty remains an enigma. A supremely gifted songwriter, he has been

vilified by the tabloid press who feign outrage at his rock ’n’ roll antics. I’ll bet that if you look at any of those hacks’ iPods you’d see tracks by stars of old that lived it up far more. But with a new Babyshambles album out shortly and a UK tour that brings the band to the O2 Academy Bournemouth on October 21, it was great to see Doherty bring a scaled down solo show to Mr Kyps in Ashley Cross.

Playing to a packed house of adoring fans, the reaction of red tops has done nothing to dull the affection that he invokes in his supporters. Doherty was in great form, playing songs from his entire back catalogue including 2009’s Grace/Wastelands. Doherty and Babyshambles have still got plenty to offer and their upcoming album is reported to be a cracker. Can’t stand me now? Maybe it’s time for a rethink.

The aim of the ‘Green Deal’ is simple: it is to SAVE UK home owners money by reducing energy bills! Some ways in which you can reduce your energy costs

You can keep heat in: Loft / Cavity Insulation, Draught proofing, Secondary glazing Heat your home and hot water more efficiently: Cylinder thermostats / Fan-assisted storage heaters / H/W showers, taps, systems / Oil-fired condensing boilers Save on your electricity: Lighting systems, fittings and controls / Solar PV The ‘Green Deal’ scheme lets you pay for some or all of the improvements over time through your ELECTRICITY BILL

To find out how you can reduce your energy costs through the ‘Green Deal’ call: David Mitchell t: 01202 233433 m: 07973 770252 www.greendealadvisor-wessex.co.uk


26 seeker news

artslisting

june 28-july 11 2013

THEATRE

ROCK/POP

CLASSICAL/JAZZ COMEDY

BEST OF REST

MOONFLEET

BURT BACHARACH

BEAMINSTER FESTIVAL

LUCY PORTER

INSPIRED BY JAPAN

Having recently published his memoir, Anyone Who Had a Heart, songwriter extraordinaire Burt Bacharach is taking to the road – no mean feat at the age of 85. He’s had records in the charts for more than 60 years and his greatest hits constitute one of the finest canons in popular song. A rare chance to spend time in the company of one of the greats.

With a bill topped by the acclaimed Brodsky Quartet, this year’s Beaminster Festival boasts one of its strongest line ups. Since its formation in 1972, the Quartet has worked with the likes of Elvis Costello and Bjork. Elsewhere, Lord Ashdown and Ann Widdecombe top the literary bill and Ilyria Open Air Theatre Company stage an adaptation of Dick King Smith’s Babe: The Sheep-Pig.

Renowned artists Cleo Mussi and Matthew Harris’s latest collaboration – 50:50 Inspired by Japan: mosaics, textiles and paper – shows at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery all summer. Their work typically involves the construction of whole images from pieces and fragments of found material such as cloth, paper and reclaimed ceramic.

www.bic.co.uk

www.beamfest.org.uk

Based on a true story with a twist in the tale, Lucy’s new show People Person tackles all the big topics – shopping, happiness and the psychological impact of daytime TV’s Dom Littlewood. People Person is intended as a guide to the human condition that draws on Lucy’s academic background as a student of social anthropology, as well as her social background as a party animal.

HANCOCK

SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK

GREGORY MOORE

Tony Hancock had a long association with Bournemouth – he grew up in the Railway and then the Swanmore Hotel (renamed the Durlston Court by his parents) in Gervis Road and made his first professional debut in 1940 at the Labour Halls, now the Avon Social Club, in Springbourne. This one-man play finds actor Iain Barton recreating the scripts of the original Hancock’s Half Hour radio and television series.

From the sublime to the ridiculous – original member Martin Degville charges into town with a trimmed down SSS line up eager to tell anyone who’ll listen of the glories of their, ahem, seminal albums Flaunt It and Dress For Excess. Support comes from Scant Regard, the latest project from Will Crewdson, sometime Adam Ant, Bow Wow Wow and Rachel Stamp guitarist.

www.bridport-arts.com

CHRISTCHURCH FESTIVAL

June 29, 7.30pm, Frampton Village Hall; June 30, 7.30pm, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton; July 2, 7.30pm, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne The annual West Country tour by students of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is a highlight of the Artsreach summer programme. This year’s story is based on J Meade’s literary adventure set the Dorset coast and has a score from local songwriter Tim Laycock. www.artsreach.co.uk, www. tivoliwimborne.co.uk

July 12, 8pm, Bridport Arts Centre

AS YOU LIKE IT

July 4, 7.30pm, Corfe Castle No other touring open-air theatre company has performed so many different Shakespeare titles to so many people as Illyria. As You Like It is the Bard’s ultimate romantic comedy. www.thenationaltrust.org/uk/ corfecastle

July 5, 7.30pm, Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

June 29, 8pm, Swanage Legion

www.rockahulaclub.co.uk

June 30-July 1, Beaminster

July 7, 7.30pm, Regent Centre, Christchurch Having toured Australia as Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance, Gregory Moore went on to co-found The Ten Tenors. Returning to his family home town of Christchurch for his first ever UK concert, he’ll be backed by a live band. www.regentcentre.co.uk

UK BOOGIE WOOGIE FESTIVAL

July 5-7, Christchurch Quay

July 5-7, The Exchange & Royal British Legion, Sturminster Newton

Centred around the Quomps on Christchurch Quay, all proceeds from the festival are donated to the mayor’s charities. A valued platform for local musical talent, this year’s headliners include raucous folk rabble Lady Winwood’s Maggot, hard rockers Asp and purveyors of charming pastoral folk, Mary Jane.

Known as the pre-eminent practitioner of his old friend Meade Lux Lewis’ style, Bob Stanley headlines this year’s festival. He’s in good company with the Dutch trio of Ben van Hal, Eeco Rijken Rapp and Henk Huisman, while Big John Carter and James Goodwin present a history of boogie woogie.

WIN! WIN! WIN! www.christchurchfestival.co.uk

www.ukboogiewoogiefestival.co.uk

Direct from the USA the international smash hit show New Jersey Nights opens a five-night run at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre on Tuesday, July 30. The show is a spectacular celebration of the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, including international smash hits such as Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Rag Doll. From the back street studio in New Jersey where it all began, the show takes a nostalgic musical journey through the career of one of the biggest selling groups of all time. We’ve got two family tickets – that’s two adults and two children under 16 – to gve away in a special competition. To enter simply tell us the name of the Four Seasons’ first single – (a) Red Red Wine, (b) Whiskey in the Jar, (c) Sherry. Answer in the subject line of an email and send it to fourseasons@ seekernews.co.uk to reach us by noon on Friday, July 5. The winners will be notified after that. Normal competition rules apply.

June 28, 7.45pm, Pavilion Ballroom, Bournemouth

www.bic.co.uk

COMEDY ATTACKS CANCER

June 28, 7.30pm, Lighthouse, Poole An evening of comedy in support of Wessex Cancer Trust. All money raised will go to support local cancer care. www.wessexcancer.org

SEAN MEO

July 4, 7pm, Sandbanks Hotel Former snooker player Sean Meo brings his upbeat, if slightly surreal insight to headline the latest Sandbanks Comedy Club night. He’ll be joined by guest host Andrew Ryan, a native of Cork whose increasingly frequent radio appearances on BBC and Capital are making him one of the hottest rising stars on the circuit. Tickets for the night include a two-course dinner at the Sandbanks Hotel served from 7pm. www.julycomedynight.eventbrite. co.uk

Until 15 September, 10am (not Mon), Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth

www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk

IF THE SHOW FITS

June 30, 11.30am, 3pm, Ocean Room, Pavilion Dance, Bournemouth A retelling of the Emperor’s New Clothes with added shoes, CScape dance company create a magical show for the over threes. When Emily pays a visit to Nicefits Shoe Emporium, she soon realises it is no ordinary shop. Hidden inside every box is a shoe with a story to tell, from slippers that speed up time to the cowboy boots of Dustbowl Bill. www.paviliondance.org.uk

BLACKHEART

29 June, 7.30pm, Mowlem Theatre, Swanage Art house folk duo Blackheart came together three years ago to showcase the vocal talents of Chrissy Mostyn. Having managed to place their song Under Water in a TV advert for Moben Kitchens, the band have attracted widespread interest and released their third album earlier this year. www.mowlemtheatre.com

Two family tickets New Jersey Nights at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre


seeker news 27

june 28-july 11 2013

ARTSCINEMA

COMING

SOON

IF yOU ONLyER SEE ONE OTHONTH FILM THIS M

of-hand the sleightCheck out Now You See Me, ie caper mov Jesse Eisenberg, which stars alo, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruff elson, Morgan rr Woody Ha and Michael n a m e Fre Caine

LOOSE APOCALyPSE

E

very writer draws on their own experience to create the drama or conjure up the comedy that occupies the tales they tell. Some do it more explicitly than others it must be said, spinning autobiographical details into box office gold – it is, after all, less intrusive than therapy and infinitely more lucrative. Seth Rogen has assumed the role of a slightly disreputable everyman icon since coming to cinematic fame in 2007 with Knocked Up, playing the stoner who got lucky when a one night stand with the way-out-of-his-league Katherine Heigl results in unexpected parenthood nine months later. Rogen and a selection of his offscreen friends now find themselves positioned as a new generation of screen comedy stars, seemingly able to tackle taboo subjects and find movie glory with hits like the sublime Superbad, pothead caper Pineapple Express and cancer-based comedy 50/50. Under the influence (a phrase that comes to mind frequently in the smoky haze of their wilder excesses) of their spiritual comedy godfather, Knocked Up director Judd Apatow, their number includes Jonah Hill, James Franco, Michael Cera, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel and Christopher MintzPlasse. Rogen’s childhood friend, fellow Canadian Evan Goldberg, is a silent partner in this comedy clique, a cowriter with Rogen and now co-director with him on This Is The End – a post-

CInema with anwar Brett

modern, irony filled riff on celebrity and apocalypse that features a slew of famous names playing versions of themselves. “People think they know everything about you based on the characters you play,” Rogen says. “So we thought it would be funny to play into that – to have these characters that behave in the way that everybody thinks is what we’re like off-screen. There are elements of our real selves, but we all twisted them or exaggerated them to make it funny.” It’s a neat, supremely self-confident conceit, allowing for the in-joke that nice but nerdy Michael Cera is really a drink and drug-fuelled sleazebag, along with countless other examples of stars sending themselves up in a story set at a party in James Franco’s plush LA home on the night of a devastating global catastrophe. Emma Watson’s expletive ridden cameo is especially enjoyable. Rogen plays himself, of course, a man caught between feuding pals Jay Baruchel and Jonah Hill, all of them in thrall to flaky James Franco and wary of the wild and unpredictable Danny McBride. It offers them a chance to make jokes about

themselves, to slag off the occasional misfires in their collective back catalogue – such as the underwhelming medieval romp Your Highness, and the forgettable Green Hornet – while playing with the public persona of the rich gallery of celebrities on show. At times it is wildly indulgent, inevitably perhaps, and the finale is the biggest indulgence of all, but still you can’t help admiring the verve, the nerve and the sheer audacity of it all. Rogen and Goldberg seem like nothing more than two friends who get a kick

“everybody knows that we’re friends and we’re always in movies together”

Wednesday, July 3 The Internship (12A) Now You See Me (12A) Friday, July 5 The Bling Ring (15) Chasing Mavericks (PG) Friday, July 12 The Deep (12A) Monsters University 3D (U) Pacific Rim (3D) Friday, July 19 Breathe In Easy Money (15) The World’s End Thursday, July 25 The Wolverine (3D) Frances Ha Wednesday, July 31 The Heat (15) The Smurfs 2 (3D)

Release dates are correct at time of publication, but may still be subject to film distributors’ jiggery-pokery. Some films are available in 3D, which is usually one D too many. Check online listings for times, certificates and all that other stuff.

out of making each other laugh, who still can’t quite believe that they are paid (very handsomely) for doing so, and who still enjoy hanging out with like-minded pals. It’s just that many of those pals are, a decade since they started in movies, major stars too. “Everybody knows that we’re friends and we’re always in movies together. It was almost weirder that the movie wouldn’t acknowledge that in some way,” adds Rogen. “So we thought, OK, let’s acknowledge it, and then let’s move beyond it. We wanted the relationships to feel real. “We thought that would be the element that grounded the movie if the dynamics between the characters were real and relatable. So even though the movie gets crazy – it is the Apocalypse – there’s a simple idea at the centre that I hope is very believable. We never could have written this movie if we didn’t know these guys – and we definitely couldn’t have directed it.” The results of their efforts have frequently been risqué, occasionally hilarious and frequently successful with audiences who are drawn to the roguish personalities of Rogen and co and come back for more. This Is The End will not disappoint hardcore fans, though by its knowingly selfreferential nature may leave some utterly bewildered. But even then the number of laughs allay any fears that this end of the world tale will end badly for any of the talents behind it.

Coming next issue: Seekers News talks to Helen Mirren about her role in Pixar’s latest hit, Monster’s university


28 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

DWP Housing Partnership 25a St. Clements Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH1 4DU Tel - 01202 301244 l info@dwphousing.co.uk l www.dwphousing.co.uk

PROPERTY TO RENT - CALL TO BOOK A VIEWING 01202 301244

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Modern build 2 bedroom flat situated on the third floor. Located just off Holdenhurst Road, close to Travel Interchange and Asda.

Modern two bedroom flat situated on the second floor. Located in the heart of Boscombe within easy reach of shops and bus routes.

Available Sept

Available August

£160 pw

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1 BEDROOM FLAT Clarence Park Road, Pokesdown

2 BEDROOM FLAT - OVER 50’s Palmerston Road, Boscombe

COMING SOON 12 x 1 BEDS Norwich Avenue, Bournemouth

Modern nice size one bedroom flat, situated on the first floor. Located close to Pokesdown Train Station. Worth a viewing, call now 01202 301244.

Modern build 2 bedroom flat situated on the first floor. Available to Over 50’s ONLY. Located close to Boscombe Shopping Centre

ONLY 4 REMAINING. New Development of 12 x 1 bedroom flats located in Bournemouth centre. Build just completed.

Available 29th July

Available 29th July

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£125 pw

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COMING SOON 2 x 1 BEDS and 6 STUDIOS

2 BEDROOM FLAT Methuen Close, Springbourne

STUDIO FLAT - OVER 50’s Kings Park Road, Boscombe

1 BEDROOM FLAT Florence Road, Boscombe

1 BEDROOM FLAT Wallis Road, Wallisdown

Well presented one bedroom flat located just off Holdenhurst Road and a short distance from Bournemouth Travel Interchange.

Decent size first floor studio flat, located in the heart of Boscombe. Available to over 50’s ONLY. Easy access to all bus routes and shopping centre.

Second floor flat located in Boscombe within easy walking distance of both the Beach and the Town Centre. Worth a viewing, call now 01202 301244.

Well Presented First Floor One Bedroom Flat located in Wallisdown. Close to University, Slades Farm, Talbot Woods and local amenities

New conversion in Linwood Road, Charminster. Completion due August 2013. Call to register your interest and arrange a viewing.

Available 15th July

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TO RENT Starting a business? or Simply looking for new premises for an existing business? We have a large selection of units available to rent, accommodating a range of uses.

Shop available. Christchurch Road, Boscombe. £400 pcm

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Different properties become available on a daily basis, please visit www.dwphousing.co.uk to view all properties. DWP Office Opening Times Monday - Friday : 8am - 5:30pm l Saturday : 8am - 2:30pm Car Parking Available Join Us on Facebook dwphousingpartnership

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Offering you the widest choice of homes and business premises to rent in Dorset.


seeker news 29

june 28-july 11 2013

FIRST-TIME BUyERS FINd FEET WITH HELP TO BUy

D

orset property agents Bournecoast say the Government-backed Help to Buy initiative is creating huge interest, particularly among first time buyers. The scheme was set up to help people buy a home and is open to homebuyers (both first-time buyers and home movers) who are able to provide a five per cent deposit. The scheme is available on homes valued up to £600,000 so is realistic in helping people to move up the property ladder and not just for those wishing to get on the bottom rung. A variety of house builders are expected to offer their new homes under the Help to Buy scheme. Simon Tebbutt, business development manager at Bournecoast said: “Two options are available from the Help to Buy initiative; equity share or mortgage guarantee. “Available since last month, the shared equity option develops further the existing FirstBuy scheme and helps buyers who want to reduce their monthly mortgage payments, by supplementing their five per cent deposit with a loan of 20 per cent of

the value of the property, interest-free for five years. “It’s a great injection to the property market that was desperately needed, with great flexibility,” he added. “The loan can be repaid at any time, or when the property is sold, but so far this part of the scheme has only been available on new-build homes with participating house-builders. However, from January next year the mortgage guarantee option is open to those who

“It’s a great injection to the property market that was desperately needed”

can afford the repayments on a 95 per cent home loan. “A Government guarantee encourages lenders to offer buyers low deposit access to affordable mortgages, although of course buyers will still need to meet lenders’ affordability criteria.” Whatever type of property you’re looking for Bournecoast is keen to help, so contact the team on 01202 437888 or visit www.bournecoast.co.uk.

richard heads up housing group

QuesTIOn:

Richard Hill is the new Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Housing Group. He joins the Group from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) where he was Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Programmes, responsible for investment of £5 billion annually. He led the HCA’s response to the credit crunch and has delivered a successful national affordable housing programme for four years. “I am really pleased and excited to accept this position,” he says. “Spectrum is a fantastic organisation and I was really impressed by the staff I met during the interview process. We now have the opportunity to make the Group even more successful together and I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead.” Richard will join the Group on September 9, taking over from Wayne Morris who is retiring after 24 years in post. “I’m delighted to be handing over the leadership of Spectrum to Richard,” says Wayne. “I am sure he will lead the organisation on to even greater achievements in the future.” In a time of significant growth and opportunity for Spectrum, the housing association is one of the leading providers and developers of affordable housing in the south with more than 18,000 homes in ownership. Spectrum also provides maintenance and facilities services to a further 35,000 homes through its maintenance contracting arm Spectrum Property Care Ltd which has recently won a number of new contracts.

We have always received the rent on time and the gentleman looks after the property well.

“we now have the opportunity to make the Group even more successful together”

We currently rent a one bedroom flat to a single person.

Unfortunately he was made redundant recently and will have to claim Housing Benefit while looking for another job. My concern is that he is 31 years of age and I have been told there have been changes to the legislation on single people under the age of 35. Can you tell me what those changes are and how they will affect my tenant and ourselves?

answer:

You are right to be concerned.

From January 2012, the age limit for the Shared Accommodation Rate (also known as the Single Room Rate) for single claimants increased from 25 to 35 years. Effectively, this means if you are a single and able person under 35 you are no longer entitled to a one bedroom housing benefit rate, now known as Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This means that the maximum LHA that can be paid to a single person under 35 will be limited to the rate for a single room in

PROPERTy

Homes in the gardens now finished

Two brand new family homes in St Clement’s Gardens, Boscombe are complete. The new three-bed homes are the latest addition to Bournemouth Council’s housing stock and provide good quality family accommodation for local people who are waiting on the housing register. Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: “Providing affordable housing is a key priority for the Council, particularly the development of good quality family housing. “The development at St Clement’s Gardens is one of several schemes that are being put forward to provide 105 new council homes in the borough. This will not only go some way in helping to alleviate those residents currently on the council’s housing register but also contribute positively to the regeneration of Boscombe.” The development was made possible thanks to £283,000 funded through a mixture of investment from the Homes and Communities Agency, prudential borrowing and other funding sources.

sHarOn CannInG Director of lettings specialists move On, answers tenants’ questions

a shared property or a bedsit, even if they live in a self-contained property such as a one-bedroom flat. Locally, Poole and Bournemouth rates tend to be very similar on the prices and you can access the latest rates by going to their website. Presently a self-contained one bedroom apartment would be entitled to £121.15 per week compared to £67.00 for a single room rate (this obviously differs around the country). So. in a nutshell, your tenant will receive £67.00 a week as he falls in the age group 25-35, whereas if he had been over 35 years of age the rate would have been £121.15 per week, a difference of £53.15 a week. The government will be bringing in further changes to benefits with the new Universal Credit. To receive regular newsletters with up to date news on the property industry please email sharon@moveonrentals.com.


30 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

paul watts paul watts QUEENS PARK QUEENS PARK

QUEENS PARK

EP C

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£485,000 £675,000

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Versatile chalet style property in premier road Substantial modern property on favoured opposite golf course road opposite golf course Delightful hall is a great feature 54 double bedroom family FF bedrooms and GF home bedroom, 2 baths Beautifully presented with fresh décor Secludedchalet west facing garden Versatile style property in premier road Super size kitchen/breakfast Scope forgolf further updating room opposite course West facing rear garden with large terrace HOME OFhall MUCH Delightful is a CHARACTER great feature OWNER SUITED – QUICK MOVE POSSIBLE 4 FF bedrooms and GF bedroom, 2 baths Secluded west facing garden Scope for further updating HOME OF MUCH CHARACTER

£485,000

LANSDOWNE

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QUEENS PARK

QUEENS PARK

QUEENS PARK

LANSDOWNE

QUEENS PARK

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£99,950 Spacious ground floor apartment in superior development for over 55s Block has communal lounge, restaurant and An ideal property for large extended family conservatory together withorSWIMMING POOL 5Apartment bedrooms and 3 reception rooms provide has large lounge, good size Spacious ground floor apartment in superior plenty of space kitchen, double development forbedroom over 55s+ bathroom Spacious bedroom 1 + lounge, en suite restaurant bathroom and Block has communal In cul-de-sac very close to Queens Park conservatory together with SWIMMING POOL Golf Course Apartment has large lounge, good size GREAT LOCATION FOR FAMILIES kitchen, double bedroom + bathroom

£525,000 £99,950

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£535,000

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Superbly presented, well proportioned BAN characterpresented, property well proportioned PC Superbly E Spacious with 5/6 beds over 2 floors characterhouse property Ideal blend of character and convenience Spacious house with 5/6 beds over 2 floors Kitchen/breakfast room isproportioned super large room Ideal blendpresented, of character and convenience Superbly well Kitchen/breakfast super large roomand Secluded property gardenroom wrapsis around 3 sides character Secluded garden wraps around sides2and parking for 2 cars Spacious house with 5/6 beds3over floors parking for 2 cars Ideal blend of character and convenience Kitchen/breakfast room is super large room Secluded garden wraps around 3 sides and parking for 2 cars

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£535,000 £535,000

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£525,000

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e-mail:info@paulwatts.co.uk 01202 524252 www.paulwatts.co.uk e-mail:info@paulwatts.co.uk QUEENS PARK www.paulwatts.co.uk QUEENS PARK

E BAND

QUEENS PARK

01202 524252

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N An ideal property for large or extended family BA C 5 bedrooms and 3 reception rooms provide EP plenty of space! Spacious double 1bedroom bungalow Spacioustwo bedroom + en suite bathroom on level corner plot In cul-de-sac very close to Queens Parkfamily Golf An ideal property for large or extended Short walk away from Queens Park Golf Course Course 5 bedrooms and 3 reception rooms provide Well cared for but offers to update GREAT FORscope FAMILIES plenty ofLOCATION space! Super woodblock flooring to majority of rooms Spacious bedroom 1 + en suite bathroom Secluded garden wraps around 3 sides In cul-de-sac very close to Queens Park Golf NO FORWARD CHAIN Course GREAT LOCATION FOR FAMILIES

£335,000 £525,000


seeker news 31

june 28-july 11 2013

SPORTCHERRIES

TRAINING STARTS FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP C

herries welcomed club captain Miles Addison and testimonial man Stephen Purches back from injury as the first team returned to training. Addison has spent the summer recovering from a foot injury sustained last November, while Purches is in the final stages of rehabilitation from a broken leg. Meanwhile, Joe Partington has started running again after fracturing his leg in training towards the end of last season. He is expected to be back in full training by the end of July. Stephane Zubar should be fit again to train following the knee injury he sustained on loan at Bury. Goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel will start jogging in the next few weeks before seeing the surgeon in September.

keeper signs scholarship

Highly rated 16-year-old Australian goalkeeper Jordan Holmes has signed a twoyear scholarship deal at AFC Bournemouth. Holmes impressed on a tour organised by former Cherries’ academy coach Paul Hubbard last season and was invited to train with David James and Shwan Jalal. The athletic stopper will be part of the youth team next season

PiCTuRES:STEVE COOK

Miles Addison

a very ward welcome Manager Eddie Howe believes new signing Elliott Ward has what it takes to help Cherries establish themselves in the Championship. The well-travelled defender was part of Premier League promotion winning sides at Norwich City and West Ham. The 28-year-old also played for Preston North End, Plymouth and, most recently, Nottingham Forest in the second tier. “We believe in Elliott as a player and a person,” Howe told afcb.co.uk. “He ticks all

the boxes for us, he is a really good athlete, he’s excellent in both boxes and he’s a real physical presence. “Not only that but he is also technically an excellent footballer, which fits in with our philosophy and how we want to play out from the back and how we want our defence to be able to handle the ball. “He is a leader as well, he’s experienced and he knows the division, so for all those aspects I think he’s a really important Elliott Ward in training on Monday signing for us.”

Familiar fixture for the start of new season

Cherries face Charlton Athletic for the third time in four seasons on the opening day of the new season. The Addicks are to visit Dean Court on August 3 as AFC Bournemouth begin their return to the second tier with a home fixture. After hosting Portsmouth in the first round of the Capital One Cup, Eddie Howe’s team play Watford, Wigan, Huddersfield and Doncaster in

an exciting first month of the new season. Last season’s FA Cup opponents and eventual winners Wigan visit the Goldsands on August 17, while Harry Redknapp returns to the club where he began his managerial career on April 5 when his QPR side travel to the south coast. Howe and assistant manager Jason Tindall return to Turf Moor to face former club Burnley November 9 with the return on February 15.

The pre-season buzz and a little Premier experience at the back sTePHen PurCHes

The summer’s over and pre-season has started. I managed to get away for a week with the family but other than that I’ve been in every other day working on my fitness to make sure I’m in the best possible shape for the new season. There’s always a buzz about coming back for pre-season, seeing the guys again and catching up. There’s all of the tests to check what condition you’re in and plenty of training matches. That’s what it’s all about, the

guys just want to play football at the end of the day. Over the summer we’ve signed Elliott Ward. He’s a great signing and it shows

how far the club’s come – signing players like him that have experience in the Premier League. He’s played for West Ham as well so we know that he’ll play the way the gaffer wants us to. I’m expecting him to be a massive presence at the back for us this season. We’ve got ten pre-season friendlies during July including my testimonial against the Hammers and I’m hoping to be involved as much as possible. It’s a case of seeing how I get on in training and how much I can do. Sean O’Driscoll’s bringing his Bristol City

side down as well and you know that it will be a good test for both teams and great for the boys to get some minutes under their belt.

It was good to see Sean and all of the old boys again recently at the Millennium reunion dinner, all the old stories came out and we had a good time. Before we came up for the meal we were all downstairs in the changing room, it’s changed a lot, but it was like old times – although it was a lot more relaxed than it would have been on a match day.


32 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

SPORT

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL BY Richard Button

GRAYED OUT: FRANK QUITS BASHLEY

Frank Gray has quit Southern Premier Bashley after a year in charge at the New Forest outfit. The former Scottish international’s shock departure – along with assistant manager Gerry Murphy – continues a difficult summer for Bash which has already seen the club’s planned move to New Milton collapse and the playing squad depleted by the departure of key players. A cut in the club’s playing budget appears to be the

Frank Gray

reason behind the duo’s departure. A statement on the Bashley website claimed: “Frank and Gerry decided that they would not be able to operate on the available budget and advised the club of their decision.” Bashley were quick to announce a new management team with Paul Gazzard and Stuart Kearn, who were both on Gray’s coaching staff, named as jointmanagers.

Browne picks his Taking a Gamble Wessex favourites is fine for Stokoe

Hamworthy United manager Simon Browne has run the rule over the Wessex Premier sides and predicted that Sholing will pose the most dangerous challenge in the new term. The Hampshire outfit took voluntary demotion from the Southern League at the end of the season despite a tenth spot finish in the South & West Division. “If Sholing can retain their squad – and what I am hearing is that they will – then they must start the coming season as favourites,” says Browne. “This time last year I was struggling to find players but this year I’ve issued an open invitation for players and we have quite a few trialists coming down.”

least be able to make a stab at the play offs this time round. If those demands were putting increased pressure on Cuss, he most certainly wasn’t showing it when Seeker News spoke to him. “I’m really looking forward to the new campaign,” he said.

Steve Cuss

Wimborne run into second

Wimborne AC are celebrating a very creditable second place in the second Wessex Young Athletes League meeting at Portsmouth. Charlotte Ayton showed real power in the U13s, winning the 100m in 14.2 and the 200 in 28.9. Grace Copeland won the 1200m in 3.56.8 with good points coming in the high jump from second placed Becca May with 1m35 and B-string winner Phoebe Jones with 1m30. There was a convincing win for Liam Murphy-Parry in the boys’ 800m, with Elliott Symes coming out top in the 1500m and the shot. Rob Hughes won the B-string high jump with 1m25 and was second in the 75m hurdles. Jack Ayton only lost out on a high jump win on count back recording 1m 35 and there were maximum points from Ben Halford (3m92) and Matthew Effick (3m61) in the long jump. Bethan Burley was a big scorer in the U15 girls’, winning the 75m hurdles in 12.2, while Kelly Snook won the B-string 300m in 46.8 with Jess May second in the A-string javelin (18m.69).

grasstracking

A sparkling 12.0 in the 80m hurdles helped Ryan Long into the English Schools Championships next month. He was also second in the 100m and the javelin. Joe Miles won the 800m in 2.20.1 and was second in the high jump and the shot, while Piers Copeland won the 1500m in 4.35.5. Ross Crabbe topped the long jump and Matt Yates won the B-string 800. Abbie Hine recorded 5.03.7 in the 1500m, but it was the U17 boys who put most points on the board as Jason Sotheran motored to a trademark 800m victory in 2.01.4 and newcomer Louis Coppard won the B-string. Ryan Wallbridge was runner up in the 1500m and Fraser Read came second in the 400m, but Liam Winton won the long jump with 5m. In the U11s Quadkids event run in parallel with main match Derry SowinskiBrown was 11th overall and Erin Thickett 18th. Ben Butcher was the third fastest boy and also came fourth in the long jump, but the real promise for the future came from Katie Greenough, second in the throw with 23m78.

PICture: madfotos.co.uk

Wimborne Town striker James Stokoe has welcomed the signing of fellow frontman Mark Gamble. Stokoe was one of Wimborne boss Steve Cuss’ early summer signings and the capture of Gamble completes the securing of the former Bashley frontduo. “Signing Gambo is a brilliant bit of business,” says Stokoe. “Once I’d agreed the deal with Wimborne I was on the phone trying to persuade him to come.” Ballymena-born Gamble brings plenty of experience at the Southern League Division One South & West level. He was part of the Farnborough side which won the division title in 2008.

Magpies set for a flyer this season? Anyone looking at social media in recent weeks would have found that Wimborne Town, once Southern League whipping boys, have been transformed into one of the South & West Division’s main challengers for the forthcoming season. The renewed confidence is not without foundation: Wimborne have a progressive chairman in Paul Miller at the helm while manager Steve Cuss has made some crucial signings this summer. Following a mid-table finish last term after two seasons struggling at the bottom end the hope is the Magpies will at

ATHLETICS

“I couldn’t be happier with the players I have brought together. I want to thank the board for allowing me to grow the squad over the past two years. The current squad, both the established players and new signings, makes us one of the most competitive in this league.”

Riding in for big Whoppa weekend Grasstrack fans are in for a treat this weekend. The Wimborne Motor Cycle Club is hosting its showpiece Whoppa and Rob King’s Party Open at Corfe Mullen. The meeting, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, is one of sport’s most prestigious events and has attracted entries from some of the world’s top solo and sidecar riders. These include speedway stars Cory Gathercole, Harland Cook and Mark Baseby and sidecar Masters Champion Mark Cossar with passenger Carl Blyth. And there’s plenty of local interest too with Ringwood’s John Hiscock and former Poole Pirate Danny Warwick also taking part.

Wimborne MCC secretary, Denise Read, said: “In grasstrack terms, this is a big meeting and we are all really looking forward to it. It’s a perfect day out for all the family and the racing promises to be spectacular. “On the Saturday will have the Youth Junior Whoppa, quads, pre75s and uprights with the 250, 350 and 500cc solos and 500 and 1000cc sidecars on the Sunday.” Grasstrack is similar to speedway with races usually taking place over four laps from a standing start. But unlike speedway, which has four riders per race, grasstrack racing can have many riders in each heat and the circuit is longer allowing higher speeds.

Paul Baker


seeker news 33

june 28-july 11 2013

POWERBOATINg

sport

Pictures: Peter Sweeney www.facebook.com/VentureOffshoreCup

4

The prologue to the world’s toughest, most prestigious powerboating event, the Venture Offshore Cup, made quite a splash when it arrived in Poole this month. The event, a rehearsal for next year’s main event, saw 11 teams compete in a race from London, past the Channel Islands to Bournemouth where only eight teams finished before the cruise to Poole. Greeting them, Poole Harbour Commissioners’ chief executive Jim Stewart was joined by a crowd of locals who had come down to show their support. The teams’ hard efforts were recognised with a Champagne and laurel event on Poole Quay, rewarding Cinzano with the overall winner’s title.

Claire Hillsmith

cricket

Picture: Steve Harris

Picture: Simon Carlton

Picture: Steve Harris

Wimborne & Colehill 226-9 Swanage 161 ao A scenic backdrop as Wimborne see off Swanage

Parley 221-4 Dorchester 218 ao Jamie Hicks (Parley) bowling to Rob Wade (Dorchester)

Broadstone 148-9 Winton 144 ao Broadstone’s Mike Holm bowling to Adam Willard

beach volleyball

Picture: steve cook

4

Part of the CEV Beach Volleyball Festival at Sandbanks on July 6 and 7, the British Junior Beach Volleyball Championship is the UK’s largest junior competition, attracting nearly 500 competitors over the two days.

mower racing

Picture: Simon Carlton

Mower Madness at Wimborne Town FC

The players will be competing for titles in the under 14, 16, 18 and 20 age groups. As well as teams from all over the country, a number of European sides are also expected. The weekend also includes an adults’ Mixed 4s event, attracting a further 240 competitors over the two days. Play starts at 9.30am and continues until 6pm both days. Spectating is free!

touch rugby

4

Meyrick Park’s Oakmedians RFC have brought an exciting new version of the sport to Bournemouth. The club has just completed an eight-week season of beach touch rugby at Boscombe seafront in an effort to reach out to former players and introduce the sport to a new audience. According to touch coach Jason Cunningham, the programme was particularly successful for attracting a diverse mix of players. “Our time on the beach has been fantastic,” he says. “We’ve engaged a great variety of players, including both men and women of all levels of fitness. “The sport has proved very popular, with 40 to 70 players each game. It has been a great social experience, with games usually ending with

players and coaches going for a beer. “We’ve had players from all sorts of businesses and clubs, from JP Morgan to university and college students. “The sport is open to complete novices so hopefully we’ve encouraged those who have never played before to embrace the sport!” In addition to the club’s success on the beach, Oakmeadians are celebrating their 50th year as a club and the team’s triumph at the Bournemouth 7s festival which saw them win the men’s touch event... with three ladies in the team! Anyone who’d like to take part in the sport is welcome come and play at the Oaks’ O2 Touch event every Monday in Meyrick Park. To find out more call Jason on 07771 888100.

Adele Couchman


34 seeker news

june 28-july 11 2013

PIRATES

W

ell it was bound to happen, wasn’t it? With all the injuries we have suffered at Poole this year, it was only a matter of time before Lady Luck deserted me as well. But unlike Darcy Ward, Robert Miskowiak, Przemyslaw Pawlicki and Tomas Jonasson, I can’t blame a high speed crash for my troubles. Indeed, speedway had nothing to do with it. I have a dog to blame for my injuries. That’s right, a dog! It’s a long story, but the short version is that I received serious bites on both hands and ended up in hospital having surgery. It’s painful, inconvenient and very frustrating. You don’t realise quite how important your hands are until you are forced to operate without them. But the main thing is I’m over the worst and on the mend. I’d like to say thanks to everyone who sent me get well messages and cards. They were very gratefully received and I was really touched. Thanks also to all the medical staff who treated and looked after me so well. When you are lying in a hospital bed you have plenty of time to think and reflect on things. And I can tell you I did plenty of that. Mainly about speedway, of course. Looking back over the season so far I find it hard to believe the

mIDDlO Pirates manager

neil middleditch

difficult position we find ourselves in. We began with such hope and anticipation. We built a side in the winter that I really thought would do the business in the Elite League. The trouble is, as in life, things can change dramatically in speedway. One minute all’s right with the world, the next it’s falling apart. When you look at our team on paper, it doesn’t really make sense. After all, we have the world champion in our line-up, a couple of Grand Prix riders, five internationals and some very talented youngsters. Sadly it’s injuries that have been our curse this summer, but despite it all, we remain positive and determined to turn things around and bring more success to the club. The other subject on my mind of course was the Speedway World Cup which is fast approaching. Or more specifically, selecting GB’s initial 10man squad. It was something I did have to think long and hard about and so having some time on my hands, excuse the pun, actually proved quite useful. There were a couple of automatic

XXXXX “when you are lying in hospital you have time to reflect on things. I did plenty of that. mainly about speedway”

FEELING A BIT RUFF

choices, such as Tai Woffinden and Chris Harris, but them apart there was an awful lot of other riders to consider. There’s much to think about. Form, experience, horses for courses, mental fitness, physical fitness – they all play their part. In the end I opted for Edward Kennett, Danny King, Craig Cook, Richie Worrall, Ben Barker, Lewis Bridger, Josh Auty and Kyle Howarth, and at this stage every one of those lads have a chance of making the final four. The balance of the squad is good and I’m pleased. We know it’s going to be very tough, but we have a fighting chance of lifting the World Cup.

Ability-wise we are as good as anyone on our day and our qualifier is on home turf at King’s Lynn. That means we’ll have a big crowd behind us on the night and that will really spur the lads on. Changes to the format, such as only the second place team going into the race-off meeting has made things trickier, but we will be out there giving it our best shot for Great Britain. So yet again it has been an interesting couple of weeks in the life of this speedway manager with more interesting weeks to come. Certainly we have some fantastic racing to look forward to – both at club and international level and I can’t wait.


seeker news 35

june 28-july 11 2013

PIRATES

MIddLO GIVES UP CHASE FOR TOP by Paul Baker

N

eil Middleditch has all but conceded top spot in this year’s Elite League campaign. But the Pirates boss has not surrendered the title altogether. Poole’s only hope of glory is via the play-offs and that’s the route their manager is plotting. Middleditch, who is recovering from surgery on his hands after being bitten by a dog, told Seeker News: “You have to be realistic about these things and finishing top looks unlikely. “It’s not impossible but it’s unlikely. What we have to do now is concentrate

on securing a top four place and getting ourselves in the play-offs. That’s certainly within reach and it’s definitely our goal. “The play-offs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea and they have worked against us in the past. “But that’s the format of the league and this year we’ll be going all out to make them work in our favour. “Our season has been full of problems so far but we have to put all that behind us and get on with the job in hand.” Middleditch says momentum is key to doing well in the play-offs and it’s

ward aims for Danish return

Przemyslaw Pawlicki

Darcy Ward is back in the saddle. The flying Aussie completed some practice laps in Sweden last weekend – his first since fracturing his shoulder in a crash at the Swedish Grand Prix last month. The Pirates star is now targeting a return to competitive action with this weekend’s Danish Grand Prix an option. “Darcy is making good progress”, said Poole boss, Neil Middleditch, “and it’s good to see him on the verge of a return. It’s great for him and great for Poole and I’ll be watching how he goes with interest.”

Comeback continues

BELLE VUE ACES 40 POOLE PIRATES 50 KIRKMANSHULME LANE, jUNE 24 Pirates’ mini revival continued in fine fashion at Kirkmanshulme Lane. Having grounded the Eastbourne Eagles three days earlier, Neil Middleditch’s men followed up with a superb success over Belle Vue aces. Again it was an unfamiliar Poole side that took the track with Josh Grajczonek, Richie Worrall and Micky Dyer on the guest list. But just as they had done in Sussex, the new boys gelled superbly in

Manchester, notching up 25 points between them. Belle Vue old boy Grajczonek was particularly impressive, scoring 12 points from six rides at reserve, while Worrall and Dyer made crucial contributions.

But the star of the Pirates show once more was Chris Holder, pictured, (14+1) who, in this sort of form, looks in good shape to retain his world championship crown. Poole promoter, Matt Ford, said: “It’s been a profitable four days for us but there is still a lot to do and it is a big ask to get us up into the play-off zone.”

“Our season has been full of problems so far”

something he’s demanding from his riders. “It’s been proved time and again in all sports that the team going into the play-offs with momentum is the team to be wary of,” he added. “The opportunity is there for us. “If we can get on a winning run and get ourselves into one of those play-off places, we’ll be a match for anyone when it comes to knockout speedway.” The Pirates have not been afraid to make changes in their bid to find a winning formula this term and Middleditch stressed they’ll shake things up again if required.

Poole’s Polish pair are picked

Poland have included two Pirates in their 10-man World Cup squad. Maciej Janowski and Przemyslaw Pawlicki have both been named by manager Marek Cieslak. Also selected are ex-Poole star Krzysztof Kasprzak, Tomasz Gollob, Jaroslaw Hampel, Adrian Miedzinski, Patryk Dudek and Piotr Pawlicki. Cieslak will narrow the team down to four riders, but he will be able to bring in riders from the full squad in the event of injuries, or if he wants to make changes for the race off and/or final in Prague on July 18 and 20 respectively.

He said: “I have said it before and I’ll say it again – we are a business. Matt Ford puts his money in, as do our supporters, and they demand and deserve a decent return for their investment. “If our business is not working then we have to take action and that includes making changes and adjustments to the side. We’ll keep on tweaking things until we get it right and riders are well aware of that. “No team has a right to success – it takes a lot of hard work. And I can assure every Poole fan that we are working as hard as we can to bring more success to Wimborne Road.”

Maciej Janowski

PiCTuRES: STEVE COOK


mIDDlO: laDy luCk DeserTeD me

PaGe 34

makInG a BIG sPlasH

warD uP: ellIOT sIGns

PaGe 33

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by claire hillsmith

s the Cherries embark on the biggest season of their 114-year history their talismanic striker Steve Fletcher is facing up to missing out on Championship football after two decades at the club. “I’ve been waiting for this promotion for 20 years and now having to watch from the sidelines is heartbreaking,” he tells Seeker News. For him it’s a new experience watching his beloved Cherries begin pre-season without him. “The lads have been keeping fit over the summer and they are in as good shape now as they were at the end of last season,” he says.

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Asked if he misses the first day back, he laughs: “They’re doing some good, fast-paced training so I’m glad I’m not involved right now!” The look on his face tells a different story though, but despite the disappointment he still sees himself as an important part of the club’s future. “I’d like to go into scouting and to act as an ambassador offering support to the players and coaches,” he says. “I want to get involved with helping implement new ideas to improve the club. “Once the playing days are over, the next best thing is to be able to remain amongst the team by helping in any way necessary.”

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