House & Lifestyle | 287

Custom Shades, Endless Possibilities!

INSIGNIA ARE USED, REVIEWED AND TRUSTED BY THOUSANDS

Transform your outdoor space with a tailored awning!

Our awnings not only provide shade but are also designed to withstand showers, thanks to their water-resistant fabrics. With a choice of styles, including full cassette, semi-cassette, and open options, you can choose from over 150 fabric and body colour combinations to perfectly match your home. Enjoy easy electric operation and the peace of mind that comes with a five-year warranty on all parts, motors, and fabrics.

We have a choice of imported and British-made awnings, designed for quick installation. These awnings can be fitted in under three weeks, ensuring you get the perfect shade solution without the wait. Add cover, extend your home patio or deck, and improve your shop, restaurant, café, pub, or coffee shop with our range of tailored quality awnings at great value prices.

Supplying and fitting awnings and blinds for over 25 years, providing unrivalled choice and expertise.

Checkatrade customer review: “The best service, without a shadow of doubt, the most efficient company I have had the pleasure of doing business with in a very long time. Free quote and work carried out on first visit to establish pre-existing fault. Quoted the cost, arrived on the day/time stated, worked efficiently and cleaned as they worked. Thank you Brian and team for your excellent customer service, and reassuring me that it still exists.”

Luxury shutters and blinds designed just for you!

We are proud to introduce a range of superb-quality real wood and polyvinyl shutters that can be supplied and fitted in under four weeks, alongside an unrivalled choice of imported shutters that offer real value.

Our custom-made shutters and blinds bring a blend of style and functionality to any space. Whether you prefer elegant shutters for privacy and light control or tailored blinds for a modern finish, we have the perfect solution. Our extensive range includes Roman, Roller, Venetian, and Vertical blinds, all made to measure to fit any window.

With premium craftsmanship, expert fitting, and a no-obligation consultation, Insignia offers seamless service and a stunning finish every time. Call today for your free consultation! Experience first-hand the elegance of our awnings and shutters with a showroom visit that lets you ‘test drive’ our finest offerings. Plus, enjoy our personalised service, where we come to you — hassle-free and without obligation!

Checkatrade customer review: “Brian and his team arrived on time in the morning and worked solidly throughout the day fitting new Plantation Shutter blinds. They dismantled and took away old Venetian blinds and shutters. My first impression of Insignia blinds exceeds any expectations I had. They are superb. Three very charming professionals who worked very diligently and cleaned up totally after themselves. I had a full and proper handover explaining how to work them and look after them. I have a full guarantee clearly written and explained.”

Welcome

W h ocolate very mu on the menu this month, there’s every excuse to indulge a l tle – and we’ve plenty more to tempt you beyond the Ea er treats.

Beaulieu reveals what’s ahead for 2026 – discover new attractions, family adventures and a year of unmissable events. Amanda Holden shares her bold approach to interiors, revealing why playing it safe is never her style. We also explore how green — from sage to khaki — is redefining neutral and transforming our homes. Gennaro Contaldo shares the inspiration behind his new cookbook, revealing why Italian food is so much more than the classics we know, with recipes to try at home. For those with a sweet tooth, Edd Kimber brings irresistible chocolate creations to your kitchen, from miso cookies to blueberry cheesecake. We also round up five of the best long weekend breaks to take this spring, from sun-soaked cities to cultural hotspots, and go behind the scenes of Matilda The Musical as it celebrates 15 years, revealing the magic behind this record-breaking show.

ABOUT US

House & Lifestyle is a monthly magazine with approximately 150,000 readers and available in hundreds of outlets throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Pick up a free copy each month from supermarkets, newsagents, estate agents, theatres, garden centres, shopping centres, health clubs, hotels, train stations, bus stations, bars, clubs, restaurants, garages, doctors surgeries, dentists, cafes, pubs and many other retail outlets. House & Lifestyle magazine is published by GWP Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. The views expressed in House & Lifestyle are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. GWP Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for content and / or advertising copy supplied by third parties.

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CONTRIBUTORS

ON THE COVER

Indulge in the timeless elegance of The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie – turn to pages 34-35.

GARY PEARCE PUBLISHER

gary@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

ROSS STALLION SALES DIRECTOR

ross@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

VICKY ANSCOMBE EDITOR

vi @house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #2

HANNE-LISE BASSON ACCOUNT MANAGER

han@house-mag.co.uk | 01202 287165 ext #1

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Contact us now for a free consultation. 01202 287351 contact@stallionpm.co.uk 18 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NE stallionpropertymanagement.co.uk

INTERIORS

88 CUSTOM CREATIONS

Designed to fit your home –and your life

LOCAL PROPERTY

62 GOADSBY Elegant retirement living

OUTDOOR LIVING

103 THE LANDSCAPE SERVICE

The quiet luxury of outdoor living

104 TINCLETON SOLAR SYSTEMS

Is your solar system ready for the summer season?

LOCAL EVENTS

115 DORSET CRUISES Step aboard this spring

FOOD & DRINK

118 GENNARO CONTALDO Recipes

READ ALL ABOUT IT

The latest news stories in your area.

WALK, JOG OR RUN THE JURASSIC COAST FOR DIVERSE ABILITIES

Keen walkers, runners and explorers are invited to join Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, to take on the Jurassic Coast Challenge, the UK’s number one series of treks and trail runs over the weekend of May 16 and 17.

The Jurassic Coast Challenge features a number of distances for participants of all experience levels. The charity is inviting participants to choose their own challenge out of a choice of nine to do at their own pace with support that will enable you to go further, whilst enjoying the great outdoors with distances from 10km to 100km.

Francesca Potton, Community Fundraiser at Diverse Abilities, commented: “We are really excited to be part of this challenge. It’s great because you can pick the distance that suits you, whether you are taking on the challenge by yourself or as part of a group. This is a great way to see the beauty of the Jurassic

DIVERSE ABILITIES

www.diverseabilities.org.uk

Coast, while also making a huge difference to a charity right on your doorstep.”

Entries include free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals, and massage, alongside a big finish-line celebration. Raise over £25 and you’ll receive a free Diverse Abilities technical t-shirt or vest.

The money raised will support children and adults with disabilities across Dorset at places such as The Treehouse – the charity’s hub offering activities throughout the year, Langside School – a specialist school in Poole for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities and The Beehive – a therapy and activity day centre for adults in Poole.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/jurassic for further details about the event and how to get involved.

FROM CLASSROOM TO CONSTRUCTION SITE

22-year-old Josh Byrne is in the fourth year of his five-year Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship at Whitefox Chartered Surveyors, based in Bournemouth, and he’s got a clear view of what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced, hands-on career. We caught up with him to hear about his journey, what life as an apprentice is really like, and his plans for the future.

His apprenticeship programme is a blend of work and study: one full study day a week at the University of Portsmouth, alongside full-time work at Whitefox. Over five years, he’s building towards a BSc (Honours) in Quantity Surveying and preparing for his APC chartership interview with the RICS, due in November 2027.

Balancing work, study, and personal life is the biggest challenge, Josh admits. “Time management is everything,” he says. “Take weekends off to recharge. If you try to do everything all the time, you’ll burn out.” Josh’s journey shows that with focus, determination, and hands-on learning, a quantity surveying apprenticeship can be more than just a way to earn a degree, it’s a fast track to a fulfilling career in construction.

WHITEFOX CHARTERED SURVEYORS www.whitefoxgroup.co.uk

GOLD STANDARD RECOGNISED FOR LOCAL HOSPICE CARE

Forest Holme Hospice in Poole has joined its sister hospice, Macmillan Unit in Christchurch, in being recognised for excellence in care with a prestigious Gold award from University Hospitals Dorset, following a recent Clinical Quality Accreditation Scheme (CQAS) inspection.

The award is in recognition of the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the Forest Holme Hospice in-patient team, highlighting both the quality of care they provide every day and the values that underpin the hospice’s approach to supporting patients and families, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The inspection panel spoke highly of the collaborative working across the whole service and praised the strong communication that is embedded in daily practice. Their feedback recognised the commitment shown by both clinical and nonclinical staff in working together to provide safe, effective and compassionate care.

Achieving Gold status demonstrates Forest Holme Hospice’s continued commitment to quality improvement and best practice within specialist palliative and end of life care.

FOREST HOLME HOSPICE CHARITY www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

AWARD-WINNING SUCCESS FOR THE BATH WORKS’ POOLE SHOWROOM

We are thrilled to announce that The Bath Works’ Poole Showroom has been awarded the prestigious “Bathroom of the Year” title at the national KBB awards! This remarkable achievement highlights their commitment to excellence in bathroom design and customer service.

Kate Ware, our Sales & Marketing Director, expressed her excitement, stating, “Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. We are so proud to represent Poole in this competitive industry.” The awards ceremony took place on March 2nd at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, where the best in the business gathered to celebrate innovation and creativity in bathroom design.

The Bath Works has always been dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services, and this recognition reinforces our mission. We invite everyone to visit our award-winning showroom in Poole to experience firsthand the stunning designs and expert advice that earned us this accolade.

Thank you to our loyal customers and partners for your continued support. We look forward to creating beautiful bathroom spaces for our community and beyond!

For more information, visit our website at www.thebathworks.co.uk or follow us on Instagram @thebathworksshowrooms.

THE BATH WORKS www.thebathworks.co.uk

MAX FULHAM TO JOIN ASHLEY BANJO & DIVERSITY IN ROBIN HOOD

Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre and pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes have announced further star casting for this year’s pantomime spectacular, Robin Hood, following incredible reviews for their 2025 pantomime.

Joining the previously announced Britain’s Got Talent winners and street dance sensations Ashley Banjo & Diversity, who will play Robin Hood and his Merry Men, will be comedy favourite Max Fulham as Will Scarlett. The much-loved comedian and ventriloquist returns to Mayflower Theatre following a sensational season alongside Alexandra Burke and Dr Ranj in the highly acclaimed 2025 pantomime, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan.

Max Fulham is a comedian and ventriloquist, who in addition to gaining popularity on both TV and in theatre, has become a social media sensation and has amassed over 2.9 million likes on TikTok. Bringing a fresh and contemporary twist to a classic art, Max has wowed audiences with his one-man show, entertaining thousands of people in theatres across the UK and internationally. Highlights include appearing in The Good Old Days at Leeds City Varieties and performing on the Blackpool Opera

House stage as part of the world-famous Blackpool Magic Convention. Max has also had the unique pleasure of headlining at the prestigious Venthaven Ventriloquist Convention in the USA.

With TV appearances including ITV’s Saturday night show Game of Talents, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable on Dave and the revival of the classic Crackerjack!, Max’s comedic talents are in high demand. He is also a regular on the stand-up comedy circuit.

Max Fulham said: “Gordon and I are so excited to be returning to the Mayflower Theatre this year! Mayflower Theatre audiences are phenomenal, I can’t wait to be back on stage sharing this actionpacked, laugh-out-loud magical panto with you all! See you there!”

Packed with action, adventure, and a generous dose of glitz and glamour, Robin Hood is the ultimate sheriff-busting pantomime extravaganza. Don’t miss outbook your tickets now!

Tickets for Robin Hood (Saturday 12 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk.

CREATIVE SUMMER CAMP 2026

Imagination meets the natural world in a joyful, hands-on art experience for young people aged 7 to 12.

Working alongside a vibrant team of artists with a mix of creative backgrounds, young participants will explore a range of techniques, from drawing and sculpture to movement and mindful making.

Throughout the week, they’ll explore the four elements – air, fire, earth, and water –bringing them all together on the final day as they build a collaborative, playful and immersive installation.

Please be aware that you will need to add each day of the summer camp separately to your basket. This can be done by clicking into each separate day to book. If you book for all five days, you will receive a £25 discount – you will need to purchase all five days at the same time for the discount to be applied.

We are also offering a sibling discount of £2 per child a day when you book for more than one child – again, bookings must be made in the same order for a discount to be applied.

Lighthouse understands that cost should never be a barrier to accessing the arts. If you would like to enquire about bursary placements or how we can accommodate your access needs, please contact nyah. boston-shears@lighthousepoole.co.uk.

www.mayflower.org.uk LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

CREATIVE

PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG COSTUME MAKERS AND OPERA SINGER

A creative partnership between Dorsetbased arts charity Hurn Court Opera and Costume students at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is providing valuable experience to young people both on and behind the stage. Hurn Court Opera exists to champion rising opera stars at the beginning of their careers, providing them with training and performance opportunities. It is almost entirely selffunded, relying on ticket sales, donations and sponsorship.

Following a successful collaboration during the charity’s production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola last year, third year students of AUB’s BA (Hons) degree in Costume are once again creating more than 25 costumes for this year’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata. The opera opens in theatres across Dorset and Hampshire this April.

La Traviata is a timelessly tragic tale of love, loss and societal expectation, telling the story of Violetta, a high-class courtesan and her passionate love affair with the young nobleman, Alfredo. Based on the novel La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas and originally set in 19th century Paris, the opera receives a 1930s makeover in Hurn Court Opera’s production.

Theatre Director, Joy Robinson comments “The beauty of our collaboration with AUB is that we have a team of incredibly talented young costume makers behind the stage supporting an equally talented cast of

young performers on stage. We can’t wait for our audiences to see the costumes when La Traviata opens in April - they are going to look absolutely stunning!”

La Traviata opens at The Regent in Christchurch on 16 April, followed by performances at The Coade Hall, Bryanston on 18 April and Theatre Royal, Winchester on 20 April. The cast of rising opera stars includes Caroline Taylor as tragic heroine Violetta, Sam Britner as Alfredo and Philip Kalmanovitch as Giorgio, Alfredo’s disapproving father.

Featuring the timelessly beautiful music of Giuseppe Verdi and themes that are still painfully relevant today, La Traviata is perfect for both seasoned opera fans and those experiencing opera for the first time. It is a fully staged production with orchestra conducted by Lynton Atkinson, and sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Tickets are available from theatre box offices or by visiting hurncourtopera.org

HOSPICE THANKS PURBECK ICE CREAM FOR EIGHT YEARS OF SUPPORT

Forest Holme Hospice Charity recently visited Purbeck Ice Cream’s headquarters in Wareham to personally thank the team for their long-standing support of the hospice.

For the past eight years, Purbeck Ice Cream has generously donated boxes of ice cream every week for patients, families and staff at Forest Holme Hospice to enjoy. The treats have become a much-loved part of life at the hospice, often bringing comfort and small moments of joy during difficult times.

Paul Tucker from Forest Holme Hospice Charity said, “We just wanted to personally thank the team at Purbeck Ice Cream for the incredible support they have shown to Forest Holme over the past eight years. It really is the little things that make such a difference. These little tubs of joy become moments that families treasure forever.

Families often remark on how lovely it is to have ice cream available, especially for patients who may have difficulty swallowing. It is a simple treat, but it brings comfort and a smile when it is needed most.” HURN COURT OPERA www.hurncourtopera.org

FOREST HOLME HOSPICE www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

Wedding Open Day

SUNDAY, 26 APRIL 2026 TH 11:30AM - 3:30PM YOU

Showcasing our stunning modern Atlantic Suite and The Overcliff Venue for that rustic pub themed wedding.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of Fizz or a bottle of lager. All weddings offer incredible food, unrivalled service and tailor-made packages to suit all budgets. Meet our friendly wedding planners to discuss your dream day.

Free entry, free goody bag, deals on the day!

New Forest 1200 Black Edition

showroom hours

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday: By Appointment

Sunday: Closed location # 10 Avon Trading Park Reid Street, Christchurch Dorset, BH23 2BT free parking available

Are you ready for the Renters Rights Bill?

The private rented sector is on the brink of one of its most significant transformations in decades. The proposed Renters Rights Bill is set to reshape the way landlords operate, placing greater emphasis on tenant security, compliance, and professional management.

As a landlord, the question you need to be asking yourself is simple: are you truly prepared for what’s coming?

For many, property investment has long been a reliable and rewarding venture. However, the landscape is shifting. Legislative changes are no longer incremental—they are substantial, widereaching, and increasingly complex.

The Renters Rights Bill is expected to introduce measures such as the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, stronger tenant protections, tighter compliance requirements, and a greater expectation for transparency and accountability from landlords.

While these changes are designed to improve standards across the sector, they also bring new challenges. Managing a tenancy is no longer just about collecting rent and arranging the occasional repair. It now requires a detailed understanding of evolving legislation, meticulous record-

PICTURED ABOVE

Sharon Canning. Owner of Move On Sales and Lettings

keeping, and the ability to respond quickly and correctly to legal obligations.

This is where many self-managing landlords may find themselves exposed.

One of the most significant risks is non-compliance. Even well-intentioned landlords can fall foul of the rules simply by missing a regulatory update or misunderstanding a requirement.

The consequences can be severe, ranging from financial penalties to restrictions on regaining possession of your property. With the removal of Section 21 on the horizon, the need to serve correct notices, provide valid grounds for possession, and follow due process becomes absolutely critical.

Beyond compliance, there is also the practical reality of managing tenant relationships under a more regulated framework. Disputes, maintenance issues, and rent negotiations all require a professional and informed approach. The days of informal arrangements are quickly disappearing, replaced by a system that demands consistency and fairness at every stage.

SO, WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE YOU AS A LANDLORD?

Now is the time to take stock. Ask yourself some honest questions:

• Are you fully up to date with current and upcoming legislation?

• Do you have robust systems in place for compliance, documentation, and communication?

• Are you confident in handling disputes or possession proceedings under stricter rules?

• Do you have the time and expertise to manage your property to a professional standard?

If there is any uncertainty in your answers, it may be time to reconsider how your property is managed.

Working with a reputable letting agent is no longer just a convenience—it is fast becoming a necessity. A professional agent brings not only market expertise but also a deep understanding of the legal

CONTACT

01202 711169

Sharon@moveon.biz

ADDRESS

framework. They can ensure your property remains compliant, your tenants are managed effectively, and your investment is protected.

More importantly, they provide peace of mind. In a climate where the rules are tightening and the stakes are higher, having an experienced professional on your side allows you to focus on the benefits of property ownership without being overwhelmed by its complexities.

The Renters Rights Bill is not something to fear—but it is something to prepare for. Those who adapt early and align themselves with the right support will

420 Poole Rd, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF

WEBSITE

www.moveonsalesandlettings.co.uk

be in a far stronger position than those who delay.

As the sector evolves, professionalism will define success. The question is not whether change is coming—it’s whether you are ready for it.

If you are unsure, now is the time to act.

Sharon Canning and her team at Move On, are a multi-award winning company who specialise in lettings and are renowned locally of being the experts.

For a free, friendly chat, contact Sharon or her team, or email sharon@moveon.biz.

Amanda Holden:

argument for

‘There’s an

playing it safe –but that’s not my taste’

TV personality and actor Amanda Holden has revealed the secrets behind the style of her home, saying the city of Los Angeles was a big inspiration.

“My house is very bold, and it’s a statement… It was an absolute boring box when I walked in. And now it’s definitely a talking piece,” says the 55-year-old, who lives in Surrey.

Holden, best known as judge on ITV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, describes her home as contemporary, “With lots of big, wide, rooms, all sort of en-suite with nice high ceilings and extra-large windows, which is why we bought it, so the light floods in.”

“And we wanted it to feel very sort of Los Angeles. We love America and I’ve put loads of palm trees in the garden; just so I can pretend to be on holiday, even in the worst of British weather,” she says with a smile.

Speaking about her love of interiors and decorative aesthetic, Holden, who has just designed a collection with DFS, says she can see there’s an argument for “playing it safe with whites, blacks, magnolias, and all those things.

The actress and TV personality talks about her decorative style and love for the world of interiors. RIGHT

Amanda Holden Showstopper 4 Seater Pillow Back Sofa in Glitz Combination, £1,599; Amanda Holden Ooh La La Bolster Cushion £79, Amanda Holden Tropic Medium Scatter Cushion in Teal £59, all available exclusively at DFS

“But that’s not my taste. I understand people think it’s neutral and lasts longer, it’s sort of safe; but I don’t think they realise green can be a neutral, grey can be a neutral, navy blue can be a neutral.

“You know, all these colour choices which people might think are bold… you can make them work in your home,” says Holden, who shares two children with husband Chris Hughes. “So I’ve always gone for a pop of colour, or bold print.”

In contrast, when describing her bedroom at home, she says it’s “very sort of greys and whites. It’s the centre of our house. It takes up much of the first floor, and it’s the heartbeat of the house.”

She continues: “In that room I’ve gone very neutral and soft. But everywhere else is a cacophony of colour and print.

“And my husband has now got used to it. I mean, he’s had absolutely no say in any of it,” she quips. “But, there are pieces I’ve worked around.”

Indeed, they have a pool house in the garden, and says the reason she’s made it “sort of yellow” is because he has a Pac-Man machine from the Eighties, which is yellow.

“And I’ve allowed him to keep that; but I’ve done the whole room in order for it to be in keeping… So it’s not just a bright yellow Pac-Man in a pool house. It is about compromise.”

But she’s less forgiving when it comes to styling beautiful blooms and scenting the home. “I absolutely hate carnations and chrysanthemums… They should be banned!

ABOVE

Amanda Holden Luvvie 4 Seater Sofa, £1,499, Amanda Holden

Luvvie Bench Stool, £429, both in Boujee Cream; Amanda Holden

Stripe Monochrome Bolster Cushion, £65, Amanda Holden Abstract

Blocks Large Scatter Cushion in Oyster, £89, Amanda Holden

Shimmer Medium Scatter Cushion in Charcoal, £59, all available exclusively at DFS | DFS/PA

“We have lots of lilies and orchids around the house. I also adore peonies.”

Describing her personal style, Holden says she goes in and out of tastes. She says: “I love a stripe, so I’ve got a very stripy ceiling in my office with a huge pink chandelier; which sounds garish, but in reality, it looks like a sort of a boudoir.”

“I use it for getting ready for Britain’s Got Talent, and all the other stuff I do. And I get my legs waxed in there,” she says candidly.

But there’s also a desk in there “where [her daughers] Lexi or Hollie will do their homework. So it’s a sort of multi-room, but an interesting room.

LEFT

Amanda Holden Showstopper 4 Seater Pillow Back Sofa in Glitz Teal Combination, £1,599; Amanda Holden Showstopper Patterned Accent Chair in Tropic Teal, £979, Amanda Holden Showstopper Fluffy Footstool in Pink Faux Fur, £549, Amanda Holden Tropic Medium Scatter Cushion in Teal, £59, available exclusively at DFS | DFS/PA

“I don’t think Chris [Hughes, her husband] would set foot in there and have a business meeting, but he often uses the bar… I know it sounds very ‘Del Boy,’” she says laughing.

Designed to the last detail, she says their home bar is “pristine and showy”, a combination of block colours and good lighting. “We’ve got lots of chandeliers and panelling, I’m a big fan of panelling, and it’s deep greens and teals in there.”

Evidently a huge fan of interior design, Holden has now launched a collection of furnishings with DFS, saying: “It’s so beautifully crafted, and the time and effort that’s gone into the fabric and everything, I’m really proud of it.”

ABOVE

Amanda Holden Luvvie Cuddler Sofa in Boujee Cream, £1,099; Amanda Holden Stripe Monochrome Bolster Cushion, £65, all available exclusively at DFS | DFS/PA

LEFT

Amanda Holden Olivier Patterned Accent Chair in Exotic Gold, £899, all available exclusively at DFS | DFS/PA

There are three themes to choose from – Luvvie, Olivier and Showstopper. Luvvie echoes Art Deco glamour ‘with a contemporary town house aesthetic, for a chic, sophisticated style’.

Olivier, named after stage and screen star Laurence Olivier, is all about ‘plush, generous seating that oozes pure luxury’. And Showstopper features ‘rich jewel tones, dramatic silhouettes and vibrant prints’, with scatter cushions and even a fluffy pink footstool to accessorise the look.

A fan of sophisticated luxury, Holden says: “I absolutely love a velvet sofa and bouclé anything with a bit of texture. Everybody wants a sexy sofa.”

The Showstopper range is particularly personal to Holden. “Very selfishly, I always design things around what would fit in my own home, to my own taste; because I’m very lucky to get a lot of lovely, positive feedback. And think lots of people want to create the look I have, or other people have… So the teal Showstopper sofa, I

would put in my bar.” She says the Luvvie sofa “would look amazing in my bedroom”, and the Olivier sofa is “big for jumping on and watching the telly”.

She continues: “So each sofa, I think, suits different personalities, different needs for different people, and different setups in families.”

The new DFS x Amanda Holden Collection is available online now.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

ABOVE

Amanda Holden Olivier 2 Corner 1 Sofa in Lustre Charcoal £2,699; Amanda Holden Olivier Patterned Accent Chair in Exotic Gold, £899, Amanda Holden Leopard Large Scatter Cushion in Gold, £75, Amanda Holden Exotic Scatter Cushion in Gold, £65, all available exclusively at DFS | DFS/PA

GCSE Success and Hay Fever: Why treating allergies could improve exam performance

As an allergy specialist, I see every year how disruptive hay fever can be - particularly for teenagers sitting important exams. At our specialist allergy clinic in Ringwood, the busiest time for hay fever consultations often coincides with GCSE and A-Level revision and exam season.

Research has regularly shown that hay fever can affect exam performance. With pollen seasons becoming longer and more intense due to warmer temperatures and climate change, more students are experiencing symptoms during the most academically demanding weeks of the year. Around 25% of adults and up to 15% of children now suffer from seasonal allergies.

CONTACT

01202 022956

support@drhelenallergy.co.uk

The symptoms are often underestimated. Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes and throat irritation are common, but many people also experience fatigue, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating. For a child trying to revise or sit an exam, this combination can be extremely challenging.

This is a situation I understand personally. I suffered from acute hay fever myself growing up, so I know first-hand how exhausting and distracting the symptoms can be. Many students tell us they struggle to focus in exam halls, particularly during high pollen days.

While many people rely solely on over-thecounter tablets, these are not always enough. Modern non-drowsy antihistamines, steroid

ADDRESS

Dr Helen Allergy, Endeavour House, Crow Arch Lane, Ringwood BH24 1HP

WEBSITE

www.drhelenallergy.co.uk

nasal sprays and targeted treatments can make a significant difference when used correctly. Importantly, steroid injections sometimes promoted online are not recommended due to potential long-term health risks.

At Dr Helen Allergy in Ringwood, we provide specialist assessment and treatment plans tailored to each patient. The clinic is nationally recognised and I am regularly featured on television, podcasts and other platforms discussing allergy care.

If hay fever is affecting your child’s sleep, concentration or exam performance, help is available. Call the clinic on 01202 022956 or book online at www.drhelenallergy.co.uk.

Designing with light and movement

Elegant shading solutions that combine movement, material and smart control.

In modern interior design, window treatments have evolved far beyond simple curtains or blinds. Today they play a crucial role in comfort, lighting control, energy e iciency and home automation. As approved local suppliers and installers of Lutron systems, Infiniti Shading delivers cutting-edge motorised blinds and curtains that combine elegant design with advanced technology. By pairing Lutron’s worldleading shading technology with tailored design expertise, Infiniti Shading o ers a comprehensive solution for residential, commercial and AV environments.

Precision roller blind systems

At the heart of many modern installations are Lutron’s advanced roller blind systems. Known for their sleek design and precision engineering, Lutron roller blinds provide smooth and accurate control over daylight

entering a space. Infiniti Shading supplies and installs several Lutron models, including electrically operated roller blinds and premium Palladiom designs that deliver both functionality and architectural style.

These blinds are designed to adapt to almost any window configuration. Their versatility means they can be installed in recessed voids, large glazing areas, or complex architectural openings while maintaining a clean, discreet aesthetic. Lutron’s Sivoia QS technology ensures ultra-quiet operation and precise positioning, allowing users to adjust natural light levels throughout the day with exceptional accuracy.

For homeowners and designers alike, roller blinds provide a minimalist solution that blends seamlessly into modern interiors while o ering reliable daylight control.

Motorised tracks and curtain systems

Alongside roller blinds, Infiniti Shading specialises in curtain tracks and motorised drapery systems designed to deliver smooth and e ortless operation. Their curtain track solutions can be hand-drawn, corded, or fully motorised depending on the needs of the space.

Motorised tracks are particularly beneficial for large windows, tall glazing panels, or spaces where accessibility and convenience are priorities. When integrated with Lutron systems, these solutions o er quiet, reliable performance and seamless control as part of a wider automated environment.

When combined with Lutron blinds, these systems provide an elegant layering of shading solutions. Curtains add softness and insulation, while blinds o er precise light control, creating a complete window treatment package tailored to each project.

Designer fabrics and tailored finishes Technology alone does not define a successful shading system—style and materials are equally important. Infiniti Shading o ers an extensive range of fabrics to complement both residential and commercial interiors.

Their collections include blackout, dim-out and screen fabrics designed to suit specific performance requirements. These fabrics are carefully selected to complement di erent colour palettes and interior design schemes, ensuring each installation feels integrated with the surrounding space.

In bespoke projects, Infiniti Shading works closely with designers and contractors to

deliver blinds and curtains with custom fabric coverings and tailored sizes.

In a residential installation in Poole, roller blinds were specified with designer fabrics and integrated into an existing Lutron control system, creating a fully customised shading solution that met both aesthetic and technical requirements.

Motorisation and smart home integration

The defining advantage of Lutron systems lies in their advanced motorisation and integration capabilities. Infiniti Shading installs fully automated blinds and curtains that can be controlled via wall keypads, remote controls, smartphone apps or smart home platforms.

Automation allows window treatments to be scheduled or triggered automatically, improving comfort and energy e iciency by managing sunlight and heat gain throughout the day. These systems can also integrate with lighting and home management platforms, creating scenes that control multiple elements of a room simultaneously.

For example, a “morning” scene could gently raise blinds to let in natural light, while an “evening” scene may lower blinds and close curtains for privacy and ambience.

Expertise from design to installation

What sets Infiniti Shading apart is its fullservice approach. From consultation and design through to installation, the company provides tailored shading systems that work harmoniously with interior design, architecture and home automation platforms.

With Lutron technology, premium fabrics and advanced motorisation, Infiniti Shading delivers shading solutions that combine innovation with craftsmanship—bringing intelligent control, comfort and elegance to modern living spaces.

ENJOY A GLASS ON US AT THE IVY BOURNEMOUTH BRASSERIE

Savour the best of contemporary and classic seasonal flavours with our Two-Course 1917 Menu - available Monday to Sunday for just £19.17*.

Scan to enjoy a complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée on your next visit. The 1917 menu is available from Monday to Sunday 11:30 am - Close from 5th January to 3rd March. From 4th March, the 1917 menu will be available Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am - close and Friday, 11:30 am to 17:00 pm. The complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée is valid from 19th January until 1st April 2026 for new bookings, when booked through the direct link. You must dine with us in order to redeem the complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée. If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be offered. We reserve the right to amend or modify the terms and conditions without prior notice. This offer is valid only at The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie. The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie 1 Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6HE | 01202618004 The 1917 menu is available from Monday to Sunday 11:30 am - Close from 5th January to 3rd March. From 4th March, the 1917 menu will be available Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am - close and Friday, 11:30 am to 17:00 pm. The complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée is valid from 19th January until 1st May 2026 for new bookings, when booked through the direct link. You must dine with us in order to redeem the complimentary glass of The Ivy Cuvée. If the product is not available a suitable alternative will be o ered. We reserve the right to amend or modify the terms and conditions without prior notice. This o er is valid only at The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie.

Celebrate every moment at The Ivy

Discover the timeless luxury of The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie.

Set on Richmond Hill, just a short stroll from Bournemouth’s beachfront and the iconic Pavilion Theatre, The Ivy brings the brand’s century-long heritage of indulgence and glamour to the heart of Dorset’s coastline.

Stepping inside, guests are welcomed by the lively ambience of the main restaurant. Beautifully considered interiors, colourful artwork and meticulously dressed tables set the tone for an elegant experience. The Brasserie is luxurious yet welcoming - a place where a midweek lunch can be as much of an occasion as a celebratory dinner.

At the heart of the restaurant stands the central bar, a sparkling focal point perfect for an evening drink or a pre-dinner aperitif. Guests can enjoy a glass of The Ivy Cuvée, or one of the bar’s exclusive cocktails, each crafted by resident mixologists to showcase some of the finest distilleries in the region.

Among the highlights is the Bournemouth Blush, crafted with Conker Raspberry Gin from Southbourne along with Limoncello, raspberry syrup and hints of grapefruit and lemon bitters.

In the main dining room, cosy booths, soft lighting and plush upholstery create intimate spaces for conversation and relaxation. Elsewhere, elegant banquette seating comfortably accommodates larger groups, making The Ivy the perfect choice for date nights, family reunions or catch ups with friends.

The outdoor terrace offers another delightful way to enjoy The Ivy experience. Completed by the fresh coastal air, it’s an inviting spot for al fresco dining, pretheatre drinks or afternoon tea with friends.

For those marking a special occasion, The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie also offers private dining in the sophisticated Shelley Room. Decorated with handselected, locally inspired artwork and styled with The Ivy’s signature blend of comfort and glamour, the room accommodates up to twenty-four guests seated or forty guests standing, making it ideal for business breakfasts and larger celebrations.

The seasonal menus are likewise a celebration of the Ivy Collection’s rich heritage and its commitment to highlighting the best of British produce. The newly available Taste of Spring menu introduces vibrant plates such as the Asparagus, Courgette and Broad Bean Linguine, offering a fresh, plant forward option. Guests can also enjoy the Half Roast Chicken, roasted in lemon butter and served with asparagus, spinach and spelt grains, finished with a delicate white wine and shallot velouté. And to finish, why not indulge in The Ivy’s iconic Chocolate Bombe - a decadent chocolate dome that melts under a pour of warm caramel sauce, revealing vanilla ice cream and honeycomb.

Spring Events at The Ivy

There’s always something exciting happening at The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie, and this Easter is no exception. The much-loved Breakfast with The Ivy Bunny returns from 3 until 5 April 2026, offering families the chance to make lasting memories whilst savouring a delicious set breakfast. Children will receive their own Ivy Easter Bunny soft toy, bunny ears and a themed activity sheet, with plenty of adorable photo moments along the way. Tickets are £24.95 for children and £29.95 for adults, inclusive of breakfast and gifts for children.

Barnaby Harris-Reid, General Manager at The Ivy Bournemouth, said: “At the Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie, we want to create truly special moments for our guests, whether that’s brunch with friends, pre-theatre cocktails at the bar or a celebration in our private dining room. We love welcoming our guests and helping them make memories here in Bournemouth.”

From spring celebrations, romantic dinners or family gatherings, The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie offers countless reasons to visit, and just as many reasons to return. Visit ivycollection.com and choose The Ivy Bournemouth Brasserie to book your table.

Beaulieu looks ahead to a jampacked year!

Beaulieu is set for an exciting year ahead, with 2026 bringing new experiences and returning favourites across the attraction.

Leading the programme of developments is the opening of a brand-new entrance to the National Motor Museum, alongside the launch of the permanent gallery

Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story, and Palace House will see the opening of another new bedroom in the former private side.

Throughout the year, school holidays will bring history to life with immersive experiences and new family trails, including Horrible Histories and Top Trumps, while a packed events calendar will offer a blend of muchloved highlights and brand-new additions. With so much to discover, 2026 promises to be a fantastic year to visit Beaulieu.

DRIVEN: BRITAIN’S MOTORING STORY

Opening for Easter 2026, the National Motor Museum’s new gallery tells the story of how motoring shaped Britain, from fearless early pioneers to the cars, people and moments that transformed everyday life.

The new exhibition will remodel the entrance hall and upper gallery of the Museum – one of the most significant changes to the Museum since it was built in 1972. Six sections will explore the eras of motoring with personal stories to surprise, engage and inspire.

There will be spotlight loan vehicles and fun interactive displays, along with rarely seen items from the Museum’s collections and opportunities to watch and hear videos and sounds from their archives. Change up a gear and journey through British motoring history at Beaulieu!

SEE DISNEY AND PIXAR CARS

Ka chow! There’s still time to see some of the world’s most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise inside the National Motor Museum until the 12 April. Lifesize models of Disney and Pixar Cars Lightning McQueen, alongside his toughest opponent Jackson Storm and the suave British spy Finn McMissile have made a pit stop at Beaulieu, and it’s the perfect chance for families to see these fan-favourite racers and Radiator Springs residents.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

Join Beaulieu on a Horrible History trail across the attraction that dives into one of the grubbiest, grimiest and ghastliest eras of them all… the Vile Victorians! From the 23 May – 31 August, discover the horrid truths hidden in Beaulieu’s Victorian past. From fantastic and frightful motoring firsts, Victorian jobs around the Beaulieu estate and weird superstitions, to vile foods and deadly fashion, a world of extraordinary stories are waiting to be uncovered.

WHAT’S BACK AND WHAT’S NEW FOR EVENTS IN 2026

Family favourites and must-see motoring shows are set to return to Beaulieu this year, alongside a brand-new event launching in the calendar. Petrol-head enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite Simply rallies celebrating specific marques and countries, while families and day-trippers can enjoy the Outdoor Theatre offerings, History Re-enactment Weekend and much more.

Owners of pre-2005 vehicles are invited to showcase their prized classics at Drive-It Day on 26 April. This new event allows participants to compete for the Best in Show Award, meet fellow enthusiasts and explore the full Beaulieu attraction. Plus, a portion of all tickets will be donated to children’s charity, NSPCC.

Following hot on its heels is the great gardening show, BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair on 1-3 May, packed with inspiration, expert advice, workshops, entertainment and shopping. Spring also sees the return of Beaulieu’s iconic Spring Autojumble on 16-17 May, now including NEW features such as a Vintage Market and a Classic Car Park.

Beaulieu’s family fun-packed Custom and American Show is back on Father’s Day on 21 June. Hundreds of cool American and quirky custom cars will be on display, along with plenty of live entertainment and fairground rides.

The thrilling Beaulieu Supercar Weekend returns on 1-2 August with more jaw-dropping displays and live demonstrations, offering an unrivalled chance to see the world’s finest supercars up close and in action.

The biggest outdoor sale of motoring items in Europe, the International Autojumble is back on 12-13 September, bringing together motoring enthusiasts from all over for a weekend of buying and selling action.

Tickets are on sale now for Beaulieu’s 2026 events at www.beaulieu.co.uk/events - with many offering Early Bird savings which are ending soon. Visit the website for details and to book your tickets.

A PALACE HOUSE CHRISTMAS RETURNS

Following a successful debut in 2025, Beaulieu’s brandnew festive experience, A Palace House Christmas, will return in 2026. With the theme announced later this year, guests can look forward to enchanting decorations, beautifully dressed rooms and a warm, festive atmosphere throughout Palace House, creating the perfect setting for a special Christmas day out. Set within this historic house, the experience promises seasonal magic for visitors of all ages.

ABOVE

Beaulieu Supercar Weekend Demonstration Run

LEFT

A Palace Christmas

“WE

HAD ONE OF THOSE”

Get behind the wheel of cars from your past in Beaulieu’s interactive car exhibit We Had One of Those! Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and sit back in the driver’s seat of some of the most popular cars from the 1960s through to the noughties and beyond. The latest additions to the collection include muchloved motoring favourites, such as a 2003 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec and a 1990s Peugeot 405 2.0 GLX. Visitors may even spot the very cars that once carried them on fondly remembered road trips. Kids can even collect their own Beaulieu driver’s licence!

A RIDE IN CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Do you dream of riding in one of the most magical machines ever created? Well, now is your chance as the eye-catching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reconstruction will be back touring the attraction grounds during school holidays and weekends from March to October, bringing movie magic to life and delighting visitors of all ages. Visitors can book their own ride and take a seat in this famous “fine-four-fendered friend” for a spin around the grounds.

And that’s not all. Fans of the beloved classic The Wind in the Willows can step into the story by booking a ride in Mr Toad’s Car. Inspired by the iconic television series, these rides offer a feeling of nostalgia and adventure, and will be an unforgettable highlight of a truly grand day out at Beaulieu.*

*Additional charges apply with tickets available upon arrival.

PLUS ALL THE FEATURES OF THE ATTRACTION YOU LOVE

A ticket to Beaulieu includes entrance to all that Beaulieu has to offer. Step inside the National Motor Museum to see one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world. Home to a large variety of vehicles ranging from legendary F1 cars and land speed record breakers to some of the earliest motor carriages ever built, there’s so much to see.

ABOVE

Rides in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Beaulieu

Wander down to Palace House, once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey that has been the Montagu family home since 1538. Guests can explore a set of newly opened bedrooms, each themed and recently refurbished as part of a project with the interior design department at Solent University in Southampton.

Little ones will love Little Beaulieu, the enchanting play area modelled on Lord Montagu’s ancestral home of Palace House, where there’s plenty to spark young imaginations. With a tree-top boardwalk, a secret staircase, epic climbing walls, a zip wire and many more exciting features, this is the perfect place for the kids to let off steam, nestled within Beaulieu’s grounds and gardens.

Take a ride on Beaulieu’s nostalgic Veteran Bus for a gentle journey through the grounds between the two on-site bus stops or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the attraction from the Monorail, which goes right through the roof of the National Motor Museum.

Throughout the school holidays, families can enjoy a packed programme of activities designed to entertain and inspire younger visitors. With brand-new trails to

explore, including Top Trumps and Horrible Histories, alongside a range of hands-on activities, children will be spoilt for choice.

During the Summer holidays, visitors can also step back in time as historic vehicles burst into life and drive out from the National Motor Museum in thrilling motoring parades**. Guests will have the chance to meet the friendly characters behind the wheel, learn their stories, and collect living history character cards as part of an unforgettable day out.

Beaulieu is the perfect place for your 2026 together day. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information and to book your tickets!

**Parades will not take place on event days. See www. beaulieuevents.co.uk for our full calendar of events.

BELOW

Beaulieu Monorail

Sun, sea, and serious cash: Why your Dorset home is a holiday let goldmine!

We grab a coffee with Ross Stallion, the effervescent founder of Stallion Property Management, to uncover why turning your Dorset or New Forest property into a holiday let isn’t just smart—it’s a no-brainer. Warning: This interview may cause severe regret over your current rental agreement.

Ross, the sun is shining, the beaches are packed. Give it to us straight. Why should a property owner in Dorset or the New Forest ditch the standard rental for a holiday let?

(Leans in with a conspiratorial grin) Why settle for a slow-dripping tap when you can turn on the profit firehose? Look, Bournemouth is the UK’s undisputed holiday champion. The maths is simple, and it’s glorious. We’re consistently seeing

properties earn up to five times more per month as a holiday let. Let that marinate. It’s the difference between a supermarket meal deal and a three-course feast at a Rick Stein restaurant. If you own a property here, you’re not just a landlord; you’re sitting on a licensed printing press for money.

Five times is a huge figure. But people will say it sounds too good to be true. What about the horror stories? The mess, the demanding guests, the 3am phone calls?

(Chuckles) Ah, the myths! Let’s swap horror stories for a second. The real horror story is traditional renting. Think about it: the fear of a tenant deciding your lovely sofa is the perfect place for their 20-a-day habit, or that your beautiful Victorian cornice is

just crying out for a neon beer sign. And let’s not even mention the gut-wrenching dread of unpaid rent. With a holiday let, that anxiety is gone. Poof! No more chasing rent, no more county court judgements. Guests pay upfront, in full. It’s financial bliss.

Okay, but the mess…

The mess? What mess? With a standard tenant, you might not see the inside of your property for six months, and let me tell you, the ‘surprise’ at the end can be truly terrifying.

LEFT

A spacious 7-bedroom retreat on the edge of the New Forest. Sleeping up to 14 guests, this home is perfect for family gatherings or group getaways.

With us, our crack team of cleaning ninjas descends after every single guest. We’re talking military precision. They fluff cushions, they polish taps, they ensure every crumb is evicted. Your property is maintained in ‘show home condition’ constantly. It’s like your house is always on its best behaviour, ready for a photoshoot at a moment’s notice.

So, you handle all of that?

Ross: We don’t just handle it; we obsess over it! Our service is so comprehensive, it’s practically a form of therapy for landlords. We strut our stuff styling your property for its debut photoshoot, then we upload it to every holiday platform under the sun. We become the guest-communication shield. Every “Is there a corkscrew?” and “Can we bring our emotional support alpaca?” gets expertly fielded by us. You are blissfully unaware. You could be trekking in the Himalayas or simply enjoying a quiet pint in your local, and your property is working harder than a wasp in a jam factory.

ABOVE

CONTACT

01202 287351

contact@stallionpm.co.uk

And what about if the owner wants to use the property themselves?

Now you’ve hit on the secret sauce! This is the bit everyone loves. Fancy a weekend in Swanage with the family? Just block the dates. Your posh friends from London want a New Forest getaway? Let them stay! It’s your house, whenever you want it. You get the income and the access. With a sixmonth assured shorthold tenancy, you’re locking yourself out for half a year. Where’s the fun in that?

Any final, cheeky wisdom for our readers?

Absolutely. Think of your property as a talented racehorse. With a long-term let, it’s stuck in the stable, eating hay and… well, producing more hay. With us at Stallion Property Management, we’re the champion jockeys. We train it, we groom it, we enter it in the right races, and we make sure it wins. All you do is collect the prize money and pop in for the occasional ride.

ADDRESS

303 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8BX

WEBSITE

stallionpropertymanagement.co.uk

So, stop letting your goldmine gather dust! Give us a call, and let’s get your property out of the stable and into the winner’s circle.

Literary heritage in the heart of the New Forest

£3,250,000

Set in the heart of the New Forest, Bignell Wood is a distinguished country home once owned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Offering in excess of 10,000 sqft, which includes a detached cottage, gymnasium and garage complex, within 6 acres.

Visit your local Spencers office or contact us today to discover more about our unrivalled Spencers Service and arrange a free, noobligation valuation.

London Exposure for your Local Property

Our London o ce is key to our growing Spencers network and the forthcoming London & Country Property Show connects your home with premium city and international buyers.

Wednesday 13 May

Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, Chelsea SW3 5EE

To include your property, contact your local office or london@spencerspropety.co.uk

Character, land and lifestyle in Ringwood

£1,500,000

Available for the first time in 30 years, this charming four-bedroom country home sits on 2.2 acres in a peaceful New Forest setting, with paddock, stables, barn and extensive gardens.

Allum Green, New Forest

No Forward Chain - A stunning five-bedroom double-fronted detached cottage in a prime New Forest location with direct forest access and views, blending period charm with contemporary living. Recently refurbished, it offers 2,450 sqft across three floors, with parking and garaging.

BROCKENHURST OFFICE

Lymington, Hampshire

£1,200,000 £1,195,000 £650,000 £1,395,000 £1,380,000 £1,250,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a unique mewsstyle townhouse moments from Lymington’s Georgian High Street. Set within a former 17thcentury coaching inn yard, this three-bedroom home offers a garage, walled garden, and flexible contemporary living in a private cobbled setting.

A contemporary detached residence on one of Friars Cliff’s most sought-after roads, set within private, landscaped, low-maintenance gardens. Beautifully extended and modernised by the current owners, offering approximately 2,600 sq ft of well-planned, spacious accommodation.

A rare opportunity to acquire a hidden gem in a quiet Burley village setting. This substantial detached character home offers nine bedrooms with flexible layout potential, set within 1.4 acres. Formerly a residential institution, it now benefits from C3 residential approval.

HIGHCLIFFE OFFICE BURLEY OFFICE

Romsey, Hampshire

Built in 2010 by Banner Homes, this attractive detached residence is set within the private Casbrook Fields development in sought-after Timsbury. Offering generous three-storey accommodation and complemented by landscaped gardens and woodland views.

Avon, Dorset

Set within a 0.15 acre plot, this charming threebedroom home boasts a stunning west-facing riverside garden. Blending character with modern features, it offers versatile living, landscaped gardens, and picturesque meadow views, creating an exceptional lifestyle opportunity.

New recipes with chocolate to bake for the family

Miso cookies and a blueberry cheesecake, from new cookbook Chocolate Baking by Edd Kimber.

If you have guests coming over this Easter or have some time to bake, try these new recipes from the Great British Bake Off’s first ever winner in 2010, Edd Kimber.

MISO AND WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES

“Here, the white chocolate and all its supposedly problematic features (too sweet plus one note) are balanced by the addition of miso,” says Kimber.

“This tangy fermented bean paste adds depth and rich savoury notes that round out the sweetness of the white chocolate, helping to make these cookies a sweet and salty joy.”

BLUEBERRY TARRAGON WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE TART

“When I need a simple crowd-pleasing dessert, a nobake cheesecake fits the bill perfectly,” says Kimber.

“This white chocolate version uses Biscoff biscuits for a toasty, almost caramelised, flavour in the crust and it is topped with a blueberry compote infused with a little tarragon for a beautiful herbal aniseed flavour.”

Chocolate Baking: The Ultimate Guide to Cakes, Cookies, Desserts and Pastries by Edd Kimber (Quadrille, £28) is available now. Photography: Matthew Hague

Words by Lauren Taylor, Press Association

Miso and white chocolate cookies

INGREDIENTS

225g unsalted butter, room temperature

200g light brown sugar

150g caster sugar

2 large eggs

65g white miso paste

1tsp vanilla extract

300g plain flour

100g wholemeal plain flour

½tsp fine sea salt

¾tsp bicarbonate of soda

¾tsp baking powder

350g white chocolate discs, féves or roughly chopped bar

Flaked sea salt, for garnish (optional)

MAKES 12

1. Add the butter and sugars to the bowl of a stand mixer, or use an electric hand mixer and large bowl, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until fully combined before adding the second.

3. Add the miso and vanilla and mix until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, salt, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder.

4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until an evenly mixed cookie dough is formed. Add the chocolate and mix briefly, just until evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 4 hours until firm.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan and line two large baking trays with baking parchment. Roll into balls weighing roughly 70 grams each, and place six balls onto each of the prepared trays, spacing them out evenly.

6. Sprinkle each cookie with a little flaked sea salt and bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden around the edges but still a little pale in the centre.

7. Leave to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the second batch of dough balls. Kept covered, these cookies will keep for 3-4 days.

Note: If you don’t want to bake the cookies all at once, you can freeze the balls of dough. They can be baked from frozen but will need an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.

Blueberry tarragon white chocolate cheesecake tart

SERVES 10-12

INGREDIENTS

For the biscuit base:

250g Lotus Biscoff biscuits

125g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

½tsp flaked sea salt

For the cheesecake:

150g white chocolate, finely chopped

115g full-fat cream cheese

115g mascarpone

125ml whipping cream

1tsp vanilla bean paste

For the compote:

350g blueberries

50g castersugar

Juice ½ lemon

2tbsp finely chopped

fresh tarragon

1tbsp cornflour

1. For the biscuit base, finely crush the Biscoff using either a food processor or by placing the biscuits in a freezer bag and beating with a rolling pin until finely ground. Tip the crumbs into a bowl, add the butter and salt and stir until throughly combined. Tip this mixture into the base of a 23 centimetre loose-bottomed tart tin and spread, gently pressing it into an even layer. Use a flat-bottomed glass to compact the crust across the base and up the sides of the tin. Refrigerate whilst you make the cheesecake.

2. Put the chocolate in a small bowl and melt, using either a microwave or bain-marie. Set aside for about 10 minutes until cool but still fluid. Place the chocolate and all of the remaining cheesecake ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until thick and holding soft peaks. Scrape atop the biscuit base and spread into an even layer.

3. To make the compote, place 250 grams of the blueberries, the sugar, lemon juice and tarragon in a saucepan, along with 50 millilitres of water, and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

4. Once at a rolling boil, cook for 3-4 minutes until the fruit is starting to break down and the liquid is slightly reduced. In a small bowl whisk together the cornflour and 2 tablespoons of the liquid from the pan. Pour this slurry into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for a further minute or until you have a jam-like consistency. Scrape the compote into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until needed.

5. When ready to serve, remove the compote from the refrigerator and stir through the remaining blueberries. Spoon atop the cheesecake, spreading over most of it, but leaving a small border around the edge. Kept refrigerated, the cheesecake will keep for up to 2 days.

THE FURLONG SHOPPING CENTRE

Spring light, beautifully framed

Spring brings a lighter feel to homes across Dorset. Longer days and brighter skies create a renewed sense of possibility. It is the season of fresh starts and rooms filled with natural light. But light works best when it is thoughtfully shaped. It needs guidance, direction and framing.

Across Dorset, from period properties and townhouses to modern family homes, the way a space feels often comes down to the small details. As the seasons change, subtle, considered improvements can completely transform how a room works day to day, not just visually, but practically too.

Plantation shutters offer an elegant way to guide natural light throughout the day. They allow you to welcome in the morning brightness, soften strong afternoon sun, or create privacy without shutting the world out. With adjustable louvres, you can adapt a room as the light shifts, creating a softer atmosphere in the evening or a brighter, more energised space in the morning.

They also provide insulation when it is cooler and help maintain a comfortable environment as temperatures rise, making them as practical as they are refined. Designed to complement the proportions of each window, shutters bring a sense of permanence and balance that feels right in every season.

Just Shutters Dorset has been working with homeowners across the county since 2006, offering thoughtful advice and carefully tailored installations designed around each individual space and the way it is lived in. From the first visit through to installation, the focus is always on detail,

quality and a finish that feels considered rather than decorative.

Spring is the season of renewal, and nothing transforms a space quite like natural light. For Dorset homes, it’s about living lightly, welcoming the light in, and choosing design that works beautifully all year round.

Because when light is beautifully framed, everything feels considered.

Now that ,s kerb appeal.

Precision-crafted plantation shutters, made to fit your space and last a lifetime. Treat yourself and your home to the last shutters you’ll ever buy.

It’s

Of the best long weekend breaks to take this spring 5

a short flight to these easy-toaccess destinations.

With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, the shoulder season of springtime is a perfect time for weekend breaks to European cities. Here’s where to go – and stay – on the continent right now.

VALÈNCIA, SPAIN

With temperatures that have been known to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, springtime in València may be the time to go. More than 300 days of sunshine a year and on average only three days of rain in the month of March mean you’re likely to get good weather in the coastal Spanish city – which experienced catastrophic floods in 2024 – but has been very much open to visitors for a while.

A long weekend break here mixes rich history in the Old Centre with seriously impressive golden sandy beaches. Head to the huge La Malvarrosa for people-watching on a promenade of bars and restaurants or La Patacona for a quieter alternative. While the dune-backed shores of El Saler and La Devesa, set within the Albufera Natural Park, offer a wilder alternative.

WHERE TO STAY: Novotel Valencia Lavant is a 15-minute walk from the downtown area. A rooftop pool and a Sky Bar with impressive views, the hotel is particularly good for families, with 66 connecting rooms and 24 family rooms. Prices start from £134 for a standard double room, visit: all.accor.com/booking/en/accor/hotel/C0F6.

SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE

This May British Airways is launching a new flight route from London City Airport to Toulon Saint-Tropez, offering a more direct route to this part of the French Riviera.

Known for its marina, packed with luxury yachts, and a playground for the rich and famous, Saint-Tropez is a glamorous destination for people watching, relaxing at upscale beach clubs, shopping and sipping fine wine over sunny Mediterranean views. Wander through the narrow streets of La Ponche, the old fishing district, relax on the famous Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle, or stroll through the famous Place des Lices.

WHERE TO STAY: Lou Pinet offers an unbeatable location next to Places des Lices, has one of the largest swimming pools in Saint-Tropez, a luxury spa and topclass eateries. Nightly rates at Lou Pinet start from £479 on a B&B basis. Visit loupinet.com.

ATHENS, GREECE

If you visit the Greek capital in the height of summer, expect a sweaty city break with a lot of crowds. Springtime offers temperatures between 16 and 25 degrees, and generally dry, so it’ll be cool enough to sightsee all day and warm enough to visit the beach.

Tick the 3,000-year-old Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus off your bucket list, and wander the Ancient Agora, which was once the heart of Greek city life, dating back to the 6th century BC. But from street art to culture and a thriving culinary scene, modern life in the ancient city offers up an exciting long weekend break too.

WHERE TO STAY: Opening this April, Conrad Athens The Ilisian offers sweeping views of the Acropolis, the largest pool landscape in central Athens and an urban rooftop garden, complete with a rooftop running track. Rooms start from £349 a night on a B&B basis. Visit: hilton.com/en/hotels/athgrci-conrad-athens-the-ilisian/.

FLORENCE, ITALY

The Renaissance City of Florence is a must for anyone with an interest in history, art and architecture, and direct flights to Florence and nearby Pisa make it easy. The walkable city is perfect for a weekend break and springtime offers much more pleasant temperatures (and less crowds) to do so.

With an extremely high concentration of art galleries, highlights include Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Ospedale degli Innocenti and Galleria dell’Accademia, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Florence is sometimes called an ‘open-air museum’ – you only need to stroll down alleyways and cobbled streets to come across masterpieces of Italian sculpture displayed in public places.

WHERE TO STAY: The charming centrally located Il Tornabuoni, just steps from the Duomo and the Arno river, is housed in a 13th-century palace, and combines historic architecture with contemporary interiors. Double rooms are from £349 per night, based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. Visit: vretreats.com/en/il-tornabuoni/.

SPLIT, CROATIA

Often Croatia’s second city is overlooked in favour of Dubrovnik but it offers a truly great alternative, with just as much to see. Flights from the UK to Split are direct, regular and often cheap, and while it does offer a great jumping off point for a longer island-hopping Croatia break, Split is a worthy destination to stay in and explore.

The vast Roman Diocletian’s Palace, built between 295 and 305 CE, is made up of more than 200 buildings –making it one of the largest Roman remains in existence. It’s very much lived in though, with thousands of homes and many businesses within its ancient walls. The Riva waterfront provides a picturesque, boat-lined promenade to walk along and spring is a great time to go, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures to roam.

WHERE TO STAY: Just five minutes’ walk from Split’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and overlooking the Riva Promenade, Hotel Ambasador is ideally located for a short city break. Ultra-modern with mega views from every room, there’s also a tranquil spa and rooftop infinity pool. Prices start from £131 per night for a classic room with street view, in spring. Visit: ambasadorsplit.com/en.

Words by Lauren Taylor, Lifestyle Editor, PA

Elegant retirement living at St Ives Place, Ringwood

Set within the prestigious St Ives Place, part of the highly respected Care South group, these exceptional three-bedroom retirement cottages offer a wonderful balance of independence, comfort and peace of mind in a beautifully maintained setting.

Located on the edge of Ashley Heath, just moments from the charming market town of Ringwood, St Ives Place enjoys a peaceful woodland backdrop surrounded by mature trees and landscaped gardens.

This boutique retirement community comprises just 14 elegant apartments and four charming cottages, creating an exclusive, friendly and reassuring environment for residents.

Each cottage benefits from its own private entrance, allowing residents to enjoy the privacy and freedom of true independent living. Residents also have the reassurance of an on-site assisted living team, along with two hours of home help included each week. A handyman is also on call for small household jobs, helping make everyday living that little bit easier.

Residents can enjoy a range of shared facilities including a welcoming residents’ lounge, bright conservatory and on-site bistro, perfect for coffee with friends, relaxed lunches or entertaining visiting family. The development also features a guest suite, beautifully landscaped communal gardens and practical amenities such as buggy-charging areas.

Uniquely, St Ives Place sits alongside St Ives Country House Care Home, also operated by Care South, providing additional reassurance that if care needs change in the future, support is readily available within the same trusted community.

JOIN US AT OUR OPEN EVENT

You are warmly invited to visit and experience St Ives Place for yourself.

• Friday 10 April — 10am–1pm

• Saturday 11 April — 1pm–4pm

Come along to view the cottages, explore the facilities and meet the friendly team who make St Ives Place such a welcoming place to call home.

Call Goadsby now to register your interest on 01202 895511.

ABOUT CARE SOUTH

At Care South, we believe that later life should be lived with comfort, dignity, and independence. As a not-for-profit charity and one of the leading providers of care and support across the south of England, Care South is dedicated to helping older people enjoy fulfilling and secure lives in welcoming communities.

With 14 care homes, two Care South at Home offices, and five assisted living schemes, we provide a wide range of

services designed to meet different needs while always putting people at the heart of everything we do. Our compassionate teams are committed to delivering highquality care and creating environments where residents and clients feel respected, supported, and truly at home.

Our fully managed Assisted Living developments offer a safe, peaceful, and sustainable way of living for older people who want to maintain their independence while knowing that help is available whenever it is needed. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own home alongside the reassurance of professional support, thoughtfully designed accommodation, and welcoming shared spaces that encourage social connection and community life.

ST IVES PLACE Prices from £525,000 GOADSBY 01202 895511

www.goadsby.com | www.care-south.co.uk

bookings@findyourspace.uk www.findyourspace.uk

Why renting doesn’t have to be a headache

(Thanks to Camerons Lettings)

Let’s be honest. The world of renting can sometimes feel a bit like assembling flatpack furniture without the instructions. There are forms, references, legal bits, viewings, more forms… and somewhere in the middle you’re expected to magically produce the perfect tenant or the perfect home.

Fortunately, this is where Camerons Lettings step in – and they bring a refreshing dose of common sense with them.

Based in Bournemouth, Camerons have built a reputation as a modern, friendly letting agency that takes a refreshingly honest approach to property. Instead of baffling jargon or mysterious “hidden costs”, they focus on straightforward advice, clear communication, and helping people find the right property match. In other words, they do things the way lettings probably should have been done all along.

For landlords, letting a property can feel a bit like adopting a new hobby you didn’t sign up for. There’s marketing, tenant checks, inspections, paperwork, legal responsibilities and the occasional latenight email that starts with the words “just a quick question…”. Camerons take

PICTURED ABOVE

Aleina Cameron, Owner of Camerons Estate and Letting Agents, Bournemouth

the pressure off by managing the whole process – from sourcing and vetting tenants to handling notices, rent collection and property management.

In short, they take care of the hard work so landlords can focus on the part they actually enjoy: the investment.

Tenants, meanwhile, are treated to something that shouldn’t be rare but sometimes is – genuine help. Camerons work closely with renters to understand exactly what they’re looking for, whether that’s a cosy flat, student accommodation, or a family home near the beach. Their team helps navigate contracts, paperwork and the occasional confusing bit of rental law so tenants know exactly where they stand.

And with a wide selection of properties across Bournemouth, from town-centre apartments to spacious houses, there’s something for just about every taste and budget.

Perhaps what really sets Camerons apart, though, is their attitude. They aim to make the entire process less stressful and far more human – the kind of service where people actually answer the phone, explain things clearly and maybe even share a laugh along the way.

So whether you’re a landlord looking to let without the headaches, or a tenant searching for somewhere that finally feels like home, Camerons Lettings prove that renting doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes all it takes is the right people holding the keys.

CONTACT

01202 295678

info@cameronsproperties.co.uk

ADDRESS

162 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8AS

Summer’s most stylish weekend returns to Sandbanks, Poole

Dorset’s most glamorous beach event marks its 19th year with polo, music, feasting and seaside celebration. Summer on the South Coast would not be complete without the return of Sandpolo and in July the iconic event returns to the golden sands of Sandbanks Beach.

Since its launch back in 2008, Sandpolo has grown into the world’s leading beach polo event, blending high-adrenaline sport with luxury hospitality, live entertainment and coastal lifestyle. Thousands now attend the two-day celebration each year, drawn by the rare combination of professional polo played directly on the beach, stylish hospitality experiences and a vibrant party atmosphere that continues long after the final chukka.

Sandpolo takes place this year on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, and once again is set to transform Dorset’s famous coastline into a vibrant beachfront arena, bringing together world-class beach polo, live music, fashion and high-summer celebration across an unforgettable two-day event.

Where the Sandpolo story began When Johnny Wheeler first launched Sandpolo back in 2008, the ambition was simple but bold: to bring the drama of polo to the beach and create an event that captured the spirit, style and social energy of the South Coast.

Nearly two decades later, that vision has grown into one of the defining moments of the Dorset summer calendar. Each year thousands gather on Sandbanks beach for a weekend that blends sport, hospitality and entertainment in a setting few events in the country can rival.

For Johnny Wheeler, the event has always been about more than just polo. It is about creating an atmosphere a place where friends meet, businesses entertain, and visitors discover the unique coastal lifestyle that makes Sandbanks such a special destination.

Like many events and hospitality ventures, Sandpolo has faced its share of challenges over the years. The pandemic brought the global events industry to a standstill and tested the resilience of organisers across the country. Yet the event returned stronger, continuing to draw crowds eager to celebrate summer by the sea. In an industry that has weathered economic pressures and changing social habits, Sandpolo’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to deliver something rare that is a full day, or even a full weekend, where sport, music, fashion and beachside dining combine into a truly memorable experience.

Johnny Wheeler says: “The goal has always been to create a moment in the summer when people simply want to gather and enjoy themselves, and nearly twenty years on, Sandpolo continues to do exactly that. From the energy of Boogie Nights to the glamour of Ladies Day, the weekend brings together sport, music, fashion and celebration in one of the most unique settings in the country. With an exciting line-up for 2026, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Sandbanks Beach for another unforgettable year”.

Boogie Nights launches the celebrations

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the return of the much-loved ‘Boogie Nights’, setting the tone for Sandpolo 2026 with a powerful celebration of soul, funk, Motown and disco on the sand. Headlining the opening night are British acid-jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies, joined by actor, DJ and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Craig Charles and powerhouse vocalist Angie Brown.

Together, the line-up promises an electrifying start to the South Coast’s summer season, where music lovers gather to celebrate beneath the stars on one of Britain’s most exclusive stretches of coastline.

Glamour takes centre stage on Ladies Day

The celebrations continue on Saturday 11 July as Sandpolo ‘Ladies Day’ returns to the golden sands with a fresh wave of fashion, glamour and feel-good music, this year with a playful nineties and noughtiesinspired twist.

‘Ladies Day’ is one of the South Coast’s most anticipated social occasions, where fashion takes centre stage with some truly head-turning looks. Guests arrive

dressed to impress, embracing statement summer style for the chance to be crowned Sandpolo’s ‘Best Dressed Man’ and ‘Best Dressed Woman’.

Providing the soundtrack for the day will be the feel-good collective Discolicious, featuring Jemma Bolt, Jules Cameron and Woody Cook. Known for their uplifting blend of disco, house and sunshine-drenched energy, the trio bring an infectious party atmosphere perfectly suited to a summer celebration by the sea.

Adding to the excitement is pop icon Peter Andre, whose unmistakable voice and chart-topping hits promise a welcome dose of nineties nostalgia, while British pop favourites The Vamps will deliver their high-energy live performance, packed with infectious anthems that have made them a firm festival favourite.

A highlight of the British summer season Now firmly established as a highlight of the UK’s suseason, Sandpolo blends elite sport with entertainment, fine dining and a standout party atmosphere, attracting guests from across the country to experience a weekend where seaside glamour meets high-energy spectacle. See you on the beach.

For ticket information and hospitality packages, visit www.sandpolo.com

Broadstone £1,495,000

Individually designed executive home (built 2009) offering over 3,500 sq ft across three floors | Five double bedrooms plus superb 31ft top-floor room – ideal as bedroom six or home office | Private plot approaching 0.5 acres with landscaped garden & charming cottage-style outbuilding | Three versatile reception rooms including cinema room & dedicated study/music room | Prestigious Laurel Drive location, walkable to Broadstone village & golf course, double garage & ample parking

Ferndown £1,500,000

5,100 sq ft four bedroom detached home built in 2020 | Bespoke kitchen opening to vast open-plan living space | Four first-floor double bedrooms | Office/studio/gym (converted garage) | Planning approved for garage & additional gym | Control4 smart home system throughout | 0.41-acre south-facing plot in prime Ferndown location

Ferndown £1,750,000

Over 3,000 sq ft single-storey five bedroom home on an approx. 0.4-acre plot/ Spectacular 30’ open-plan kitchen / breakfast / family / dining room | 22’ lounge with vaulted ceiling and bi-fold doors | Southerly-facing rear garden | 27’ heated swimming pool | Private courtyard garden with hot tub and adjoining games room (suitable for annexe conversion

Sandbanks/Poole £3,000,000

Exceptional frontline five bedroom detached residence overlooking Poole Harbour | Tastefully remodelled to an exacting standard throughout | Twin balconies with exceptional harbour views | Large plot with beautifully manicured grounds | Off road parking for multiple vehicles

Matilda

The Musical

Syndicated interview by Marianka Swain

Matilda is all grown up. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s beloved stage version of Roald Dahl’s children’s book, Matilda The Musical, this year celebrates its 15th anniversary, and, as well as continuing its hit run in the West End, this autumn the show is heading out on a UK and Ireland tour.

Matilda is an extraordinary British success story, premiering in Stratford-upon-Avon in November 2010, and then transferring to the West End’s Cambridge Theatre the following year. It won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards and has played everywhere from Broadway to Australia. In 2022 it was adapted into a Netflix movie.

It’s a level of success that continues to astonish its creative team, says Matthew Warchus, who also developed and directed Matilda. “None of us knew it would have the long life and the impact that it’s had. You could never have predicted it.”

However, Warchus vividly remembers the audience reaction to their first performance. “I’d had a few successes as a director, but as the show ended I had the strange feeling of ‘Oh, I see, that’s what a hit is’. There was an explosion of emotion. You looked around and saw people with tears running their cheeks and big smiles on their faces. It was like a cultural bomb going off.”

The RSC had originally thought Matilda would be their short-run Christmas show. But the moment Warchus read playwright Dennis Kelly’s adaptation, he knew “it was a much bigger prospect.” He explains: “Dennis gave the source material such emotional heft. Most importantly, for a musical, it felt like there was a lot to sing about. I thought it could have an audience of not just young people but adults as well.”

Kelly, who grew up reading Dahl, immediately connected with Matilda as “a powerful hero.” Still, he knew that the narrative needed to be fleshed out considerably. “I was quite lucky: I hit on this idea for Miss Honey’s backstory, about an acrobat couple who want a child. It makes complete sense for Matilda to narrate it, since she’s a storyteller, and it makes her more active: she sets up the whole climax.”

Poignantly, notes Kelly, the tale Matilda creates is “about parents who love their child more than anything – in sharp contrast to what she’s experiencing. I always get swept up in the emotion of that. I also love that she and Miss Honey form this unconventional family. We still don’t see those enough in drama.”

Matilda composer and lyricist Tim Minchin was passionate about honouring Dahl’s distinctive tone. “One of the first things I said to Matthew was: please don’t do a cute princess version.” Minchin explains he always thinks of Quentin Blake’s illustrations in Dahl’s books, “which are disturbing and grotesque. When I went into Matilda, I brought my childhood bathed in dark, inky drawings and Dahl’s revolting rhymes. It translated into a particular sound musically, which is quite angular.”

Minchin adds: “If you want people to genuinely root for a character to overcome something, you have to give them real jeopardy. Kids understand monsters. Miss Trunchbull is such a great monster that at the end of the show, when the children are rebelling against her, we all feel like we’ve scaled a mountain.”

Kelly got some crucial advice from Dahl’s widow Felicity. “She invited me for lunch at her house and took me to see the shed where Dahl wrote. He had a chair with a

hole in it because he had a bad back, and a sleeping bag he put on his knees to keep warm. She was very nice about my script, but she said did say, about the Trunchbull, ‘You must remember she’s a murderer.’ It was her brilliantly subtle way of pointing out that I was having too much fun with the character, which stopped her being genuinely dangerous when we needed it. Perfect note.”

In the show’s early workshops, recalls Warchus, the child characters were played by adults, which “increased the comedy quota a lot. Then we tried it with young actors: the irony and self-awareness vanished immediately. When Trunchbull or the Wormwoods shouted at Matilda, and she stood up to them defiantly and said ‘Leave me alone, you big horrible bully!’, something extraordinary happened. You felt transported back to your own childhood.”

It created an unusual challenge for children’s casting director Jessica Ronane. She began life as a dancer, and her first casting job was on Billy Elliot: The Musical. “They’d had such trouble casting the film and they didn’t know if they’d be able to find that number of boys for the West End,” she explains. “But I learnt from our brilliant choreographer Peter Darling, who then brought me onto Matilda, about the authenticity and energy that kids bring to a show.”

Likewise, Matilda relies on a huge cast of young performers. “We have four Matildas, four Bruce Bogtrotters, and then three for everyone else, like Lavender, Amanda, Nigel and Eric,” says Ronane. “It’s a big ask: the dance is hard and the vocals are incredibly complicated. Like Bruce does this amazing falsetto riff, because our original Bruce had just been in the Michael Jackson Thriller musical and Tim was excited to use his massive high range. Now we have to replicate that!”

Ronane says she can quickly spot promising kids in auditions. “It’s a combination of having the energy to attack it and the skill to maintain it. The Matildas might not be the kid pushing to the front of the room, but they’re smart and they have inner steel.”

There are practical considerations too. “We have a specific height range, so you have to predict their growth over the next six months,” explains Ronane. “The boys’ voices might change. Matilda has to be physically small for the story to work.”

She notes that the Matilda team is proactive in looking beyond stage schools, whether it’s sticking up a poster in the local sports centre or approaching a choir.

Kelly says audiences always fall in love with ‘their’ Matilda. “You talk to people who’ve seen it and they go ‘I know there’s four of them, but our one was the best.’”

Notably, the musical never talks down to its young audience. That’s very deliberate, explains Minchin. “Matilda is obviously gifted, so we couldn’t write a show where the protagonist is anything less than a genius. If you don’t believe kids can be brilliant, you can’t really make Matilda.”

Equally, he loves the silliness – which produces great big belly laughs from both children and adults. “Like the song says, sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty,” quips Minchin. Kelly agrees: “It’s a show that we experience together, not in our isolated little bubbles. We can all enjoy jokes like Bruce’s epic burp.”

That combination is reflected in Rob Howell’s wonderfully distinctive design, with its cluttered backdrop of Scrabble tiles (spelling out clues to the story) and alphabet blocks which are memorably stacked in “School Song” to illustrate Minchin’s intricate letter puns. “It’s clever but also fun and a bit messy, so it speaks to audiences of all ages and it immerses you totally in this heightened storybook world,” says Warchus.

Playful set-pieces include the infamous “phys ed” lesson. That was in Kelly’s script, says Warchus, “but we didn’t know the extent of the gymnastics that the kids and Miss Trunchbull would be able to manage. It’s a real thrill to discover that our Trunchbulls can do this huge vault, eight shows a week.”

It took more experimenting to figure out how the Trunchbull could swing poor Amanda Thripp around by her pigtails. “We tried with a dummy, which was the jokey version, and I kept asking if it could be done for real,” says Warchus. “The kids actually love being swung around.”

The cast also adore flying out into the auditorium on giant swings during the number “When I Grow Up”. It’s now an iconic moment in the show but it came late in the day, recalls Warchus. “We were thinking about a roundabout or alphabet cubes. It was Peter Darling who had the brainwave and said ‘Let’s try swings.’”

It might sound simple but it requires absolute precision, notes Warchus. “Peter worked out that the length of the ropes has to coincide with the number of beats in a bar for the pendulum point to be in the right place, in order to swing in time with the song. So wherever in the world the production plays, that measurement is sacrosanct.”

Alongside the fun, Kelly notes that the show captures “children’s burning sense of justice: ‘That’s not right’. Matilda doesn’t just use her skills to help herself – she stands up for others. She’s a great role model.”

Ronane’s favourite moment is when Matilda sings “Quiet”. It’s extraordinary, she says, “watching this little girl hold the audience in the palm of her hand. The music is transporting and gorgeous, and it’s the kind of shared experience you can only have in the theatre.”

Kelly concurs, noting: “Tim is a very intelligent, funny guy, but what underpins his music is emotion. His kids were quite young when we made this and you can feel his love of being a dad.”

Warchus says he feels a great affinity with Matilda since he similarly didn’t fit in as a kid. “But I was never as courageous as her. I find that inspiring because it’s a quality I lack.” He continues: “I got bullied a lot at school, and creative imagination wasn’t generally nurtured (with the exception of a couple of great teachers: Beryl Nairn and Tony Norris). For me, Matilda is a revenge show. It’s a way of fighting back against all the Trunchbulls in my life who said ‘You can’t do this.’ That’s ridiculous because creativity isn’t just a route to escapism – it can transform the world.”

Kelly says he would have been closest to Eric as a kid, “someone who was lucky to have been hanging out with Matilda”, while Ronane was like Lavender:

“A feisty best friend.” Minchin relates to naughty Nigel. “He runs on stage saying ‘Hide me, someone put treacle on Miss Trunchbull’s chair and she thinks it’s me but I never’. Well I reckon he did!”

The team have all had the pleasure of sharing Matilda with their own children. Warchus’s three kids, now aged 17, 19 and 21, watched those early Stratford rehearsals since his wife Lauren Ward was the original Miss Honey. “I always had one child on my lap and one squished up next to me, and I had to stop them calling out ‘Mummy!’ every time Miss Honey came on stage. They’ve grown up with it.”

Kelly recalls that he was married to his first wife at the time, and she didn’t want children. “We don’t talk about the male biological clock. But when I look at Matilda now, I see the story of the circus couple who desperately want a child – that’s who I was. Now that I’m a father, I have a whole other connection to it.” He’s eager for his five-yearold daughter Kezia to see it. “Her friends talk about it at school and she knows it has something to do with me.”

That’s actually a turnoff for Minchin’s children, he says wryly. “My kids are pathologically interested in everything but my work.” But he thinks his daughter Violet “turned out to be a Matilda – she’s a kid with a pretty interesting brain.”

Ronane is delighted that Matilda is going back on the road. “I remember the last tour when we opened in Leicester, seeing it in that new space was incredible. Every theatre brings a different energy to it.”

Kelly saw the show several times on its last tour. Minchin visited it in Leicester, and is hoping to catch it in one of his favourite venues, the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh.

Warchus, who’s originally from Selby in North Yorkshire, recalls seeing touring shows “in Manchester, Hull, Leeds and Bradford. That’s how I fell in love with theatre. I’m proud that Matilda’s standards on tour are enormously high –you’re getting the full bells-and-whistles production.”

Celebrating 15 years is “absolutely incredible,” says Minchin. “It’s my proudest, proudest achievement.” Warchus feels the same way. “Matilda has got so much of me in it. It would be my favourite thing even if it had been a flop. The fact that it’s gone on to do all these amazing things and impact so many people is something I think we all find very moving and very humbling  - the way all our efforts came together and fused, it’s a kind of miracle.”

Matilda the Musical is coming to Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 29 April to 17 May, with tickets available to book now from www.mayflower.org.uk

The Renters’ Rights Act: Three key changes savvy landlords are preparing for

Ask our expert, Sotiria Laitmer anything you need to know

The response to last month’s column showed one thing clearly: landlords want clarity on the Renters’ Rights Act, and they want it now.

With the biggest reforms in a generation landing on 1 May 2026 — including the end of Section 21 and all ASTs becoming open‑ended periodic tenancies, the sector is about to shift. Most landlords know the headlines, but the real impact, and the real opportunities lie in the details.

Here are the three areas that forward‑thinking landlords are already getting ahead of:

1. Understanding the updated possession rules

With Section 21 going, every possession route moves through the revamped Section 8 grounds. These new rules are clearer, but not simpler. Notice periods, evidence requirements, and rent‑arrears thresholds are changing, and each affects whether a case succeeds. Landlords who understand this early will stay in control.

2. Getting documentation right first time

From 1 May, landlords must issue a Written Statement of Terms for every tenancy, and provide the government’s Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.

CONTACT

01202 553335

hello@burnshamilton.co.uk

Handled correctly, these documents protect landlords and strengthen their position.

Handled incorrectly… they can limit your rights later.

This is one area where precision matters.

3. Recognising that enforcement is about to get sharper Councils will have wider powers and stronger tools, including fines of up to £7,000 for breaches ranging from documentation issues to illegal eviction.

ADDRESS

Hawthorn House, 1 Lowther Gardens, Bournemouth, BH8 8NF

WEBSITE

www.burnshamilton.co.uk

With the Ombudsman and landlord database coming online, enforcement will be more coordinated and more visible than ever before.

For compliant landlords, this is simply a shift toward a more professional landscape.

So how do you stay ahead?

This transition is absolutely manageable, with the right preparation and support.

That’s exactly what we’re already doing at Burns Hamilton:

 Updating tenancy documents

 Reviewing landlord portfolios

 Mapping new compliance requirements

 Advising on risk‑free transition plans

Our clients won’t be scrambling in April; they’ll be ready, confident, and compliant.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your properties, or if you want to make sure your portfolio is fully protected well before May, get in touch with us.

With the Renters’ Rights Act, the difference between stress and certainty comes down to having the right agent in your corner.

Is your portfolio ready? If not, Burns Lettings will get you there.

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At Burns Hamilton, we’ve been specialising in residential lettings and property management across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas for over 55 years. As ARLA-licensed letting agents, we pride ourselves on delivering a professional, reliable and personal service to both landlords and tenants.

Whether you’re looking to let your property, searching for your next rental home, or need expert guidance throughout the tenancy process, we’re here to make the experience straightforward, efficient and stress-free.

Why do service charges feel so expensive?

Burns Hamilton’s Emily Gray explains the truth behind rising service arges.

If you’re a leaseholder, you’ve almost certainly asked the question: “Why are our service charges so high?” It’s one of the most common concerns raised and one that often comes down to the services contained within a building and how well the property is maintained.

A frequent misconception is that service charges are income for the managing agent - they are not. Service charges are ring fenced funds collected solely for the running, safety, maintenance and longterm protection of your building.

At Burns Hamilton, the income we receive is limited to the management fee clearly set out in the management agreement and agreed with our client. This fee represents only a small percentage of the overall budget. The remainder of the budget is allocated entirely to the services, suppliers, and statutory obligations necessary to manage the building responsibly and e ectively.

Your annual service charge budget isn’t put together behind closed doors. Our Property Managers work closely with our client, usually the Directors of the Resident Management Company to discuss and agree every cost. Through balancing

service requirements with cost, we collectively ensure the building receives good value without compromising essential standards. We share the budget with leaseholders, with line-by-line itemisation and a description of what each line covers, giving confidence that spending decisions are thoughtful, reasonable and proportionate.

Financial transparency and accountability are key to building trust with your Managing Agent, and it is something which Burns Hamilton do well. Directors receive regular expenditure vs budget reporting and explanations of any variances. All leaseholders receive clear, accurate annual accounts prepared in line with industry best practice. We also have proactive arrears management to ensure the building’s finances stay stable, whilst balancing the individual situations of residents.

A well managed service charge isn’t just an annual bill - it is an investment in your building’s future. These funds support the integrity and safety of your building, ensure smooth day-to-day operations and maintain the long-term value of the property.

When service charges are managed transparently and responsibly, owners and residents benefit from a well-maintained environment and the reassurance that their contributions are being used wisely.

Speak to Burns Hamilton for transparent, accountable management of your property and service charge funds. We provide Directors and leaseholders with the reporting, expertise and financial confidence they deserve.

CONTACT 01202 391663 admin@burnshamilton.co.uk

ADDRESS

Hawthorn House, 1 Lowther Gardens, Bournemouth, BH8 8NF

www.burnshamilton.co.uk

ABOUT BURNS HAMILTON

For more than five decades, Burns Hamilton has been at the heart of block and estate management across Dorset and the surrounding areas. Established over 55 years ago, the business has grown through a simple commitment: clear communication, transparent financial management, and hands on care for every building it manages.

The company prides itself on delivering a personal, responsive service supported by industry expertise. Its team includes qualified professionals across property management, compliance, finance and customer service, all working together to ensure all clients, whether they be Resident Management Company Directors, freeholders, developers or leaseholders, receive high quality support tailored to their building’s needs.

Great block management is more than compliance, legal terminology and finances - it’s about people and places. The team takes pride in building strong relationships with clients, understanding each development’s unique character, and ensuring buildings remain safe, well maintained and pleasant places to live.

Whether managing a small residential block or a large, complex development, Burns Hamilton combines professional expertise with a genuine commitment to care. For those seeking reliable, transparent and approachable block management, the team stands ready to help.

NIALL MOLONEY ON HOT RADIO

SUNDAY 10AM-NOON

THE MAN POWERING YOUR SUNDAY MORNING

MEET NIALL MOLONEY

Every station has a presenter who sounds like they’re enjoying themselves more than everyone else and on Hot Radio, that’s Niall Moloney Tune in on a Sunday morning from 10am and you’ll find a show that feels less like traditional radio and more like catching up with a friend with a story to tell, a point to make, and maybe a slightly ridiculous tangent.

Niall’s origin story is, by his own telling, dramatic “Once upon a time, in a land far, far away… a man and woman kissed and Niall was born. The world changed forever.” What followed was his route into radio

By the age of ten, he’d discovered it and decided he wanted in, starting on hospital radio before moving into local stations lots of them By his count, around 37 (give or take). “Which is a decent record,” he says

That irreverent tone carries into his broadcasting Niall was once told he “sounded too young” something he took as a compliment. The result is a style that avoids the polished sound of more traditional presenters He doesn’t try to sound like anyone else

Eventually, he arrived at Hot Radio, where he’s presented almost every show on the schedule The only one he’s avoided? Overnights. “And I’d quite like to keep it that way,” he jokes

His Sunday morning show reflects his approach. It’s conversational and based on everyday observations listeners recognise

He talks about things people care about often the small details of daily life with a mix of sarcasm and honesty A recent highlight was broadcasting during the Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run. “It’s a pretty cool feeling,” he says, “being on the radio when something big is happening and knowing you’re part of it live ”

When he’s not on air or DJ’ing, he spends time with family “maybe the dog slightly more, depending how annoying the family get,” he laughs and enjoys quieter moments like watching the sunset in Sandbanks

That mix of humour and relatability defines Niall Moloney on air He’s not trying to be the slickest voice just the most human. And on a Sunday morning, that’s exactly what listeners want

Away from the studio, his connection to the area is clear. Ask what he likes most about BCP and the answer is simple: the beach. Even in winter, he’ll head out for a walk with his dog Sheldon, watching him run across the sand

Listen to Niall Moloney, Sundays from 10am, on Hot Radio 102.8 F M, on DAB, or online at hot.radio.

WHY CHOOSE ELEGANT LOFT SERVICES?

• Experience you can trust – Over 30 years specialising in loft conversions across Dorset, Hampshire and beyond.

• Free no-obligation survey – A home visit and detailed quote within 24 hours.

• Flexible options to suit every home – From full loft conversions to cost-effective non-habitable rooms and diy-friendly packages.

• All trades managed in-house – Planning, building regulations, structural work, scaffolding and waste removal handled for you.

• Velux roof windows, dormers & more – Let natural light flood your space with bespoke window installations.

Designed to fit your home – and your life

Custom Creations shows how bespoke fitted furniture can transform your home, maximise space and make everyday living easier.

Spring is often the time when we start looking around our homes with fresh eyes. The darker months are behind us, the light is brighter, and suddenly that cluttered corner, awkward alcove or overflowing wardrobe feels impossible to ignore. If you’re thinking about refreshing your interiors this season, bespoke furniture could be the perfect place to start – and that’s where Custom Creations can help.

Based in Verwood, Custom Creations is a familyrun business with more than 40 years of combined experience in designing, manufacturing and installing beautiful fitted furniture for homes across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. Their approach is simple: create furniture that is tailored specifically to your home, your lifestyle and your storage needs.

Unlike off-the-shelf furniture, bespoke fitted pieces are designed to make the most of every inch of space. Whether it’s a loft room with angled ceilings, a tricky under-stairs area or a bedroom that never quite seems big enough, Custom Creations specialises in designing clever storage solutions that transform awkward spaces into practical features.

Bedrooms are one of the most popular areas for fitted furniture, and it’s easy to see why. Made-to-measure wardrobes can maximise storage while keeping the room looking clean, stylish and organised. With a wide choice of materials, finishes and door styles – including sliding and hinged designs – every piece can be tailored to complement your interior perfectly.

But the benefits of bespoke furniture don’t stop in the bedroom. Custom Creations also designs fitted lounge furniture such as bookcases, media units and cabinets that keep technology tidy and cables hidden while creating a sleek, modern focal point for your living space. And with more people working from home than ever before, their bespoke office furniture can transform a spare room into a practical and inspiring workspace.

What really sets Custom Creations apart is the personalised service they offer from start to finish. Every project begins with a consultation to discuss your ideas and requirements, followed by a design tailored specifically to your space. Because their designers do not work on commission, the focus remains firmly on finding the best solution for you rather than making a sale.

All furniture is designed and crafted in-house using high-quality materials and modern machinery, ensuring exceptional precision and durability. Each installation also comes with a reassuring 25-year guarantee, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating furniture that will stand the test of time.

Beyond practicality, bespoke furniture can also dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home. A well-designed storage solution not only eliminates clutter but creates a sense of calm, balance and harmony in a room – something we all appreciate as our homes become spaces for relaxing, working and entertaining.

So if you’re feeling inspired to give your home a spring refresh, Custom Creations could be the perfect partner to help bring your ideas to life. With expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design and a genuine passion for creating beautiful interiors, they help turn everyday spaces into something truly special.

After all, when your home works perfectly for you, life at home becomes that little bit easier – and a lot more enjoyable.

The beauty of green and how to style this versatile shade

The new go-to, green is having a moment in the home, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

Some might say some shades come and go… making headlines one season, gone the next.

Today, spin the colour wheel and the result is far from random… the arrow is firmly pointing towards green.

“Green is one of the most naturally comforting colours we can bring into our homes because it connects us instantly to the world outside,” highlights Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.

“As the colour of leaves, gardens and new growth, it carries all the optimism and freshness of spring with it, helping spaces feel calmer, lighter and more restorative.”

Indeed, she says it’s also becoming one of the most popular colours in our homes. “We have an immediate and powerful affinity with green because we instinctively recognise it from the world around us.

“It’s the colour of life and nature… it’s also right in the middle of the visual spectrum, which makes it the most balanced versatile shade on earth.

ABOVE

Set of Three Green Seaweed Prints ??? Framed, £147, Beach House Art | Beach House Art/PA

LEFT

Joules Harewood Wall Light Matt Pink With Shade, £70, Dar Lighting | Dar Lighting/PA

“Green means go – because it goes with everything,” suggests Shillingford.

Cited as the new neutral and easy on the eye, she goes on to say botanical greens in particular have a wonderfully grounding quality, “helping to create interiors that feel relaxed and supportive of our wellbeing.”

With its ability to calm and signal serenity, she says shades such as sage green and khaki capture this beautifully.

She describes sage green as having “a soothing, natural quality that makes it perfect for creating peaceful spaces that still feel fresh and full of life.”

While the colour khaki “brings quiet sophistication to a room. It has the versatility of a cool neutral while still carrying the calming influence of botanical greens,” notes Shillingford.

Moreover, she says the real beauty of green is its versatility…

“In lighter tones it feels fresh and uplifting, while deeper shades can feel cocooning and elegant.”

LEFT

RIGHT

BELOW

Ca’Pietra Willesden Autumn Brown & Green Matt Porcelain

Indoor Floor & wall tile, Pack of 10, (L)330mm (W)330mm, £70.85, B&Q | B&Q/PA

“Greens like these work beautifully with natural materials such as wood, stone and linen, and they also create a delicious energy when paired with contrasting reds and pinks.”

To create contrast and warmth, the colour expert suggests soft blush pinks and dusty rose shades which “sit particularly well alongside green, creating a gentle contrast that feels balanced and natural.”

“While deeper red or terracotta tones can add warmth and richness to a space.”

That adaptability is why green continues to grow in popularity, she explains.

“It’s a colour that not only looks beautiful, but helps our homes feel more balanced, calm and connected to nature,” underlines Shillingford.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

IN 6 WEEKS www.tuscanyblinds.uk

We are specialists with over 30 years experience supplying and fitting blinds, shutters and awnings. A family owned business based in Bournemouth, we service the Dorset and Hampshire area. We offer stylish blinds and shutters for the home, as well as commercial blinds and shutters.

Contact us today to transform your room 01202 848628 | info@tuscanyblinds.uk

Stallion Property Management are holiday let experts covering Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas. We take care of your holiday let and boost your rental income. Our pricing ranges from 18-24% for a fully managed service of your rental income depending on the circumstances of your property.

Contact us now for a free consultation. 01202 287351 contact@stallionpm.co.uk 18 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NE

28 March th - 12 April th

Jacuzzi 509 Platinum Noir

Combining striking contemporary design with exceptional hydrotherapy performance, offering a luxurious and rejuvenating spa experience tailored for modern outdoor living.

Contrast Therapy Contrast Therapy

Alternating soothing heat with refreshing cold — a beautiful addition to modern outdoor living. A warm spa soak followed by a cool plunge can help restore balance, ease tension and leave you feeling calm yet revitalised — all from the comfort of your own garden retreat.

Kodiak Cold Plunge

Powerful, temperature-controlled cold water immersion in a sleek, compact design — bringing professional-level recovery and revitalising contrast therapy into the comfort of your own garden.

J19 PowerPro Swim Spa

Delivering a powerful, adjustable current for full-body aquatic workouts and therapeutic hydrotherapy. The perfect blend of fitness, relaxation, and year-round outdoor wellness.

Jacuzzi Sauna

A beautifully crafted, heat-enhancing sanctuary that promotes deep relaxation, improved circulation, and detoxification — the perfect complement to hydrotherapy in any home wellness space.

28 March th - 12 April th

The quiet luxury of outdoor living

The Landscape Service delivers design-led gardens that bring beauty, balance and purpose to outdoor space

As the first signs of spring emerge and brighter days return, our gardens begin to call us back outdoors. It’s the season of fresh starts – and the perfect time to reimagine how your outdoor space can look, feel and function. That’s where The Landscape Service comes into its own.

Great landscaping is about far more than a quick refresh. At its best, it blends thoughtful design with skilled craftsmanship to create spaces that feel considered, cohesive and built to last. Whether you’re working with a compact courtyard or a larger garden, the right approach can transform how you use and enjoy your outdoor environment.

The Landscape Service specialises in exactly this kind of design-led transformation. Offering a comprehensive garden design and build service, they guide clients from initial concept through to the finished space. Every project is approached with creativity and attention to detail, ensuring each garden reflects both its setting and the lifestyle of those who use it.

From carefully planned layouts and highquality materials to expertly chosen planting schemes, their work demonstrates how well-designed landscapes can elevate a property. It’s not simply about aesthetics, but about creating outdoor spaces that feel intuitive, functional and inviting throughout the seasons.

What sets The Landscape Service apart is their ability to balance vision with practicality. By managing projects from design through to installation, they ensure consistency at every stage, resulting in gardens that are not only visually striking but also thoughtfully executed.

As we move into the warmer months, there’s real value in investing in a garden that draws you outside – whether for

entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in the sunshine. With The Landscape Service, your outdoor space becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes an integral part of your home, designed to be enjoyed from the very first days of spring and beyond.

Is your solar system ready for the summer season?

As the warmer months approach, many homeowners begin preparing their homes for the season ahead. Gardens are tidied, patios washed down and outdoor furniture dusted off. It’s also common to think ahead to winter — arranging chimney sweeps, ordering logs or servicing the boiler long before the cold weather arrives.

In reality, a solar installation is not simply a row of panels collecting sunlight. It is a fully functioning electrical system — effectively a small power station — operating above your home every single day. And like any electrical system, it benefits from periodic checks and maintenance.

Tincleton Solar Systems frequently encounters homeowners who only realise something is wrong at the end of the summer season. When reviewing their energy generation figures, they discover that their system has produced only a fraction of the electricity generated in previous years. Often the issue has been quietly developing for months, going unnoticed until the figures reveal the difference.

Understanding how solar systems operate helps explain why this can happen.

Electrical systems tend to fail either at startup or during shutdown. A familiar example PICTURED ABOVE

is the humble light bulb, which usually blows the moment it is switched on or off. Solar PV systems behave in much the same way. Each morning, when sunlight reaches the panels, the inverter — the central component that converts solar power into usable electricity — runs through an automated start-up sequence.

It is during this start-up process that faults are most likely to appear.

Yet there is one system quietly sitting on the roof that rarely receives the same level of attention: the solar installation.

For households across the UK, solar panels have become a trusted source of renewable energy. Throughout the summer months they often generate the greatest amount of electricity, helping homeowners reduce bills and make the most of longer daylight hours. But while we prepare other parts of the home for seasonal change, solar systems are often overlooked.

The inverter is often described as the engine of a solar PV system. If it fails to start correctly, the entire system can struggle to operate efficiently. One common issue is a breakdown in the system’s DC wiring, which can trigger what is known as an “insulation fault”, often displayed as “ISO” on the inverter.

When this occurs, the inverter may refuse to start properly and instead shut itself down as a safety measure. It will then repeatedly attempt to restart throughout the day. Imagine sitting in your car repeatedly turning the ignition on and off for hours — it is easy to see how this could lead to further mechanical strain.

Repeated start-up attempts place stress on the inverter and can gradually affect overall system performance.

ISO faults are particularly common in older systems, especially those that have been installed for five years or more. In many cases the problem can be traced back to poorly installed DC wiring. If cables and connectors have been left exposed or resting directly on the roof surface, rainwater can gradually seep into the connectors. Over time this can lead to internal corrosion and eventual electrical breakdown.

Aside from reducing energy production, these issues can also create safety concerns if left unresolved.

The good news is that homeowners can carry out some simple observations themselves before calling in a professional.

Take a look at your inverter if it is safely accessible. Check whether the system appears to be operating normally. Are there warning lights, error messages or unusual sounds? Many inverters display faults clearly, often showing messages such as “ERR”, “Fault” or “ISO”, or simply displaying a red warning light.

You may also notice other signs. Does the system seem to take longer than usual to start generating electricity each morning? Does it only begin producing power later in the day when sunlight is stronger? Does the inverter display an ISO fault during windy or rainy weather but appear to work normally once conditions improve?

Other warning signs might include cooling fans running continuously or the inverter becoming unusually hot to the touch.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar — or if you have concerns about how much electricity your system is producing — it may be time to have the installation professionally checked.

Tincleton Solar Systems specialises in solar system inspection and investigation services designed to identify hidden issues before they become more serious problems. A professional survey examines the roof installation, wiring, inverter operation and overall system performance, providing homeowners with a clear report on the health of their solar system.

Solar energy remains one of the smartest long-term investments a homeowner can make. But just like a boiler service before winter or a chimney sweep before lighting the fire, a little preventative attention ensures everything continues running smoothly.

As summer approaches and your solar system prepares for its busiest season, a simple check could help ensure it delivers the performance — and peace of mind — you expect.

CONTACT

01305 848709

EMAIL

info@tincleton.co.uk

WEBSITE

www.tincleton.co.uk

MOTORING NEWS

Mark Slack tells us the latest news on all things motoring.

2026 CUPRA BORN REVEALED – SUBTLE STYLE WITH ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY

Cupra has launched the latest version of its Born, which was the brand’s first all-electric car. An impressive car when launched it stood out from the other rather look-a-like EVs at the time and in its latest guise it has retained the style advantage to this writer’s view. The changes to the styling are subtle as little change was needed to the original. However, more detail changes to the interior and batteries make this more than just a facelift.

Depending on trim level there’s an array of styling detail from copper highlights on the exterior and interior, along with superbly comfortable sculptured seats, and bucket seats on the sporting VZ model, plus generous equipment levels across the range. Admittedly the bucket seats in the VZ do somewhat close in the rear seats but are still very worthwhile.

The new Born’s exterior design features restyled front and rear bumpers, triangular Matrix LED lights and an illuminated CUPRA logo integrated into the 3D rear light. It avoids adopting the all too frequent slab front design that seems to be in vogue amongst a lot of EVs. This latest Born is sensibly an evolution rather than revolution.

Inside, there’s a redesigned steering wheel featuring physical controls, a general higher quality feel thanks to new textures and fabrics, and a larger 26cm digital cockpit supported by augmented reality head-up display. The sound system has also been upgraded with Sennheiser Contrabass technology to deliver an improved bass performance.

When it comes to performance, this latest Born delivers the usual EV electrifyingexcuse the pun - performance with the 326hp VZ model passing the benchmark 62mph time in 5.6 seconds. Even the nonperformance versions have very decent performance. There are four-motor-battery configurations to choose from, launch control, the new One Pedal Driving System, and wider tyres for both 19” and 20” wheels.

The Born V1 and V2 is capable of achieving around 279 miles range on the 58kWh battery, with both models and the VZ capable of a range of around 372 miles on the enhanced 79kWh battery. The car can also be customised with six exterior colours – including the new Timanfaya Grey.

Cupra’s Born has always proved a nice place to be on any journey and has a character lacking in many rivals, and it has managed a pleasingly different personality to its VW stablemate, the ID.3. Launched officially last week driving impressions, prices and more detailed specification will be available soon.

If this ends in free eggs, I’m already egg-cited.

Let’s just say the eggs have multiplied… the car hasn’t.

We’ll source the right car.

Fully checked and serviced.

Valeted and ready to go.

Car sourced. Finance arranged. Easter handled… Santa’s next!

Can you take my old car in part exchange?

Absolutely. But this one’s definitely egg-stra special!

We’ve seen worse vehicles!

Think he’ll bring us eggs?

After that? We deserve an egg-cellent reward. OK, so slightly magical too.

NISSAN LEAF – EV THAT STARTED IT ALL HAS A NEW, STYLISH AND MORE USEABLE DESIGN

We’re all very familiar with EVs now and many companies are making great strides in sales of their electric cars. Sometimes people perhaps forget that one of the initial leaders, arguably they created, the practical and useable EV.

Nissan launched the LEAF back in 2010 when few practically useable electric vehicles were available, or had even been developed. Although it lost that initial appeal as more manufacturers joined the EV fray it has remained a constant and now the LEAF has been relaunched in a new, more dramatic and stylish form.

Nissan has revealed that its all-new, Britishbuilt LEAF goes on sale this month. And the 75kWh model will be priced from £35,999, or if purchased in the UK £32,249 with the government’s electric car grant, and production commenced last month in the UK.

With a range of up to 386-miles (WLTP) on the 75kwh versions there are four trim levels: Engage, Engage+, Advance and Evolve, a second version with a smaller 52kWh battery will also be available, with a range of up to 271 miles. Pricing of this model will be announced at a later date.

Standard equipment for the ENGAGE trim level includes a heat pump, navigation, 18” alloy wheels and dual 12.3” display screens. Next in the range is the ENGAGE+ offering

Heated front seats, heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging.

The equipment levels keep stepping up with the Advance model including a dimming panoramic roof, head-up display, powered tailgate, full-length front signature lamp with illuminated Nissan logo, 3D rear lamps and privacy glass.

Topping the range is the Evolve with a BOSE nine-speaker audio system, 19” alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, power 8-way; slide/recline/height/tilt front seats and driver’s massage seat.

Since its debut in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has sold close to 700,000 models worldwide, rightly earning its place in history as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

As mentioned, prices start at £35,999 for the lead-in Engage trim level, moving to the next level with the Engage+ the price is £36,899, the Advance version at £37,999 and finally the top-of-the-range Evolve model at £39,999.

XPENG G6 PERFORMANCE BLACK EDITION – A COMFORTABLE PERFORMANCE

You may have noticed, not just on the road but from advertisements, every new car brand that’s launched seems to emanate from China. Although not all, most are EVs and one of the most aspiring entrants is XPENG. They arrived in the UK back in 2024 and have launched a nicely compact yet comprehensive line-up of vehicles.

Their G6 mid-size coupe SUV has just received some subtle external changes, but lots more, 20,000 changes according to XPENG, under the skin. Tweaks to the equipment, suspension, steering and technical side of the car. However, one of the major changes is the addition of a performance model, the 480 bhp, allwheel-drive, dual motor, Black Edition.

Priced at £49,990 the G6 Performance offers an excellent array of standard features and passes the benchmark 62 mph in a whisker over 4 seconds. The allimportant range is listed as 316 miles, which from past experience of a G6 suggests in the real world 280 miles is achievable given the right conditions. Exploit your right foot though – easily done - and the range

will sink! In the overall car park of such brands the G6 range isn’t at all bad and very useable.

Charging time is excellent, it can charge from a 450kwh charger from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 12 minutes, and few if any EVs can match the XPENG at the moment. This makes it eminently more practical and useable. However, there’s always a ‘but’! You’ll struggle to find a 450kwh charger here in the UK, certainly for the time being at least. If the lack of infrastructure, not to mention the extremely high cost here in the UK, annoys you as a customer, then just think how the car makers feel about it.

On the road the G6 Performance model rides well, arguably more settled than the long-range model, and although no sports machine it’s surprising just how nimble it can be on a more twisting road. It’s certainly better on A roads and dual carriageways, and a very pleasant drive. Comfort is faultless and equipment levels generous.

Despite my disapprobation for touchscreen and tech-mania, XPENG’s ‘Hey XPENG’ voice command system actually works rather well. It saves dipping into numerous menus. You can also move command icons from any screen to feature on the ‘home’ screen by dragging them as if on your laptop. A nod to the fact that tech features in cars do need to be made easier, quicker and safer to access when driving.

A Standard range G6 model will join the range later, priced at £39,990 with a 292-mile range and the benchmark 62 mph passed in a respectable 6.9 seconds. Pick of the crop for this writer though is the Performance Black Edition. Its sparkling performance, creature comforts and excellent build quality might tempt even Tesla drivers.

VOLVO EX30 – BLACK EDITION ADDS EYE-CATCHING NEW LOOK

Volvo has launched the Black Edition variant of its all-electric EX30, boasting an eye-catching new look with design enhancements and available with either single or twin motor versions priced from £40,060

The Black Edition styling additions include the prominent high gloss black 19-inch wheels and tinted rear windows. The front grille strikethrough, iron mark, rear Volvo script and model name badge are also adorned in high gloss black, alongside the colour coordinated roof spoiler and door mirror covers.

As one might expect being the Black Edition it is available with one exterior colour - Onyx Black - and one interior colour schemeIndigo. The high metallic Onyx Black paint sparkles in daylight while the deep blue indigo interior with upcycled denim trim is exclusive to the Black Edition.

Priced from £40,060 in Single Motor Plus trim, the Black Edition comes with Volvo’s advanced sensing technology with up to

five radars, five cameras and twelve ultrasonic sensors continuously monitoring the car’s surroundings to help ‘assist’ the driver.

Other equipment highlights across all Black Edition models include adaptive cruise control, powered tailgate, heated front seats and steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors, LED lights and high beam assist, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking assist with rear view camera, wireless phone charging, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Harman Kardon sound system and a 12-inch centre screen.

Interestingly, for markets where required, there is provision for alcohol lock software

which is something discussed in many EU countries with certain types of vehicles requiring them and other voluntary use options. It’s something discussed but not required at the moment in the UK.

With a potential range of up to 295 miles (combined) and the benchmark 62 mph passed in 5.3 seconds in Single Motor Extended range form, the EX30 comes as standard with a heat pump to maximise range.

Following the introduction of the Black Edition in 2023 on the XC60, the EX30 becomes the latest model to receive the treatment. The Black Edition is now available across six models: XC90, XC60, XC40, EX40, EC40 and EX30.

The addition of the Black Edition variant adds another level of choice and is available in Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance configurations. The Black Edition will be available on Plus and Ultra trim levels across the Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance Powertrains.

FESTIVAL

14TH - 16TH AUGUST 2026 BRIDPORT, DORSET

DUB PISTOLS • FEROCIOUS DOG • DR MEAKER

N-TRANCE • DAVE PEARCE • BEZ (HAPPY MONDAYS) DJ SET

BRANDON BLOCK • FREESTYLERS • FUNKE AND THE TWO TONE Baby

GAZ BROOKFIELD

• BLACK WATER COUNTY • SAMANTICs

CAPTAIN • THE LEGGOMEN • MISCHA & THE MERRY MANY

STILLYANO • RIBBLE • CHRIS PAYN & THE PARADE

MOTHER UKERS • SHELBY’S ELBOWS • THE TRANSITIONS

World Class TRIBUTES FROM FOO FIGHTERS • THE KILLERS • ARCTIC MONKEYS

FLEETWOOD MAC • ROBBIE WILLIAMS • OASIS

Many more acts to be announced

FREE KIDS’ ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES EVERY DAY

Dinosaur Shows • K-Pop Disco • Bubble Shows • Storytelling Fire Shows • Mad 4 Animals • Mr Merlin & Okey Dokey the Dragon

Jamie Jambo • Pinkie Parties

CAMPING AVAILABLE

TICKETS FROM £34 ADULT • £85 FAMILY • £15 CHILD • UNDER 5’S FREE! Of thieves & the Company

See the season in style

Whiffens Opticians offers professional eye care, and designer frames to suit every style.

Spring is the season of fresh starts. Wardrobes get a refresh, homes get a tidyup, and suddenly we all feel the urge to try something new. But while you’re updating your look for the brighter months ahead, there’s one thing many people forget to check – their eyes.

If it’s been a while since your last eye test, a visit to Whiffens Opticians could be just the thing to help you see the season clearly – and perhaps discover a brand-new look while you’re at it.

A well-known independent practice in Lower Parkstone, Whiffens has been caring for the local community since 1984, providing professional eye care with a warm, personal touch.

CONTACT

01202 771144

whiffensopticians.co.uk

Unlike larger high-street chains, independent opticians often take a little more time to understand their patients, offering advice tailored to both vision and lifestyle.

At the heart of what they do is comprehensive eye care. A typical eye test lasts around 30 minutes and checks far more than just whether you need glasses. Modern testing equipment and OCT scanning allow the team to detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, as well as other health indicators like diabetes or high blood pressure. Regular eye examinations are an important part of maintaining long-term health, even if your vision seems perfectly fine.

Of course, eye care doesn’t have to be purely practical. Glasses today are as much about style as they are about sight, and Whiffens offers a wide range of frames to suit every personality. Whether you prefer something subtle and classic or bold and fashion-forward, their collection includes recognisable designer names such as Versace, Prada, Tom Ford, Ray-Ban and Ralph Lauren. With expert guidance from the team, choosing the right frame

becomes part of the fun – a chance to find something that complements your face shape and reflects your individual style.

Alongside designer frames, Whiffens also provides contact lenses, prescription glasses, sunglasses and a variety of lens types including single-vision, bifocal and varifocal options. In short, whether you need a clinical check-up or a style update, they have the expertise to help.

So this spring, why not give your eyes the attention they deserve? A routine check-up might reveal clearer vision, improved eye health – and perhaps the perfect new pair of frames to welcome the season in style.

After all, when you look good and see clearly, everything feels a little brighter.

ADDRESS

Whiffens Opticians, 2 Bournemouth Road, Ashley Cross, BH14 0ES

EXPERT GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT: YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PRIORITY

Embrace personal growth, connect with likeminded individuals and achieve your fitness goals

At Train Elite, we understand that reaching your fitness goals requires more than just a supportive community. That’s why we provide access to experienced coaches who are dedicated to your success.

Our team of professionals possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ready to guide you on proper form and technique. They genuinely care about your progress and well-being, offering the encouragement and motivation needed to overcome obstacles and surpass your goals.

With their guidance, you’ll find yourself reaching new heights you never thought possible.

Join the Train Elite community today

We invite you to come and experience Train Elite first hand. Step inside our facility, meet our passionate team, and take advantage of our complimentary 3-session trial. Discover a fitness community that goes beyond the ordinary, where personal growth, lasting connections, expert guidance, inclusivity, and fun converge to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Step aboard this spring

Reopening this April, the Dorset Queen invites guests back on board for a new season of relaxed coastal experiences, where heritage meets modern-day moments.

Built in 1938, the Dorset Queen has lived many lives. From wartime service to decades carrying passengers along the coast, she now sails proudly around Poole Harbour as one of the South Coast’s most loved vintage motor yachts.

Carefully restored and full of character, she offers something increasingly rare - the chance to slow down and enjoy time on the water.

Moments made on the water

Today, Dorset Queen is home to a range of thoughtfully curated experiences. From elegant Afternoon High Tea, a gentle river cruise and traditional Fish & Chips Cruises to the ever-popular Champagne & Oysters Cruise, each journey blends local flavours with the gentle rhythm of the harbour.

It’s an experience designed to be savoured, whether you’re celebrating something special or simply making time to pause.

Entertaining, without the boardroom

Alongside leisure experiences, Dorset Cruises is redefining corporate entertaining for the summer season.

Moving away from formal meeting rooms, businesses are choosing to bring their teams and clients out onto the water, creating space for genuine connection, fresh thinking and memorable moments.

The return of the Sunday ritual

From May through to September, the Gin & Jazz Cruise returns on the first Sunday of each month.

Guests are welcomed aboard with a refreshing Gin Fizz cocktail before settling in to enjoy live Postmodern Jukebox-style jazz from The Fifinellas. As the Dorset Queen glides through Poole Harbour, passengers can take in views of Brownsea Castle, the Royal Motor Yacht Club and Sandbanks’ iconic coastline, all while enjoying a carefully curated gin menu and a relaxed, speakeasy atmosphere.

With limited tickets available, early booking is recommended for what promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

With locally sourced food, options such as onboard BBQs, and panoramic harbour views, each corporate cruise is designed to feel effortless yet considered. Whether it’s a team celebration, client event or strategy day, the experience offers something far more meaningful than the traditional setting. EMAIL

info@dorsetcruises.co.uk

A timeless Dorset experience

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a summer gathering, or simply looking to experience Dorset from a different perspective, Dorset Queen offers a timeless way to enjoy life on the water.

Visit dorsetcruises.co.uk to find out more or

Bates Restaurant ; Where home-cooked heart meets fine fare

Where comforting flavours and friendly service make every meal memorable.

In a town teeming with dining options, there’s something genuinely comforting about a place that feels like a home away from home — and that’s exactly what Bates Restaurant delivers in spades.

Tucked away on Charminster Road in Bournemouth, this family-run restaurant has spent over a decade winning hearts (and appetites) with classic British cooking, warm hospitality and a kitchen that truly knows its craft.

From the moment you step through the door, Bates feels different from a standard night out. There’s an inviting atmosphere where familiar faces greet you with a smile and where attentive service enhances every course without ever feeling stuffy or over-formal. Whether you’re heading in for a casual lunch, a cosy dinner for two, or a celebratory meal with friends and family, Bates strikes that rare balance between welcoming and special.

The menu celebrates the very best of traditional English fare, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served with classic flair. Start with rich, velvety soup or perfectly seasoned chicken liver pâté. Move on to hearty mains like roast pork fillet stuffed with apple and sage in a creamy calvados sauce, or a beautifully cooked fillet steak trio, each served with sauces that elevate every bite. There’s something here to delight every palate, including vegetarian and European options that broaden the appeal.

What keeps diners coming back is not just the food — it’s the genuine experience. Guests frequently praise the attentive, friendly staff, the warm ambience and the

sense that nothing is too much trouble. Portions are generous, flavours are bold and the value for money is consistently applauded by locals and visitors alike.

In a world of fleeting food trends and fastcasual fillers, Bates Restaurant stands out as a satisfying, soulful dining destination. It’s the kind of place where good food tastes even better because it’s shared in good company — and where every visit feels like coming home.

CONTACT BATES RESTAURANT:

T. 01202 240 310

E. johnbates617@gmail.com

A. 350 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, BH8 9RX

www.batesrestaurant.co.uk

THE DORSET OPER A

MMXXV I

President: Sir Mark Elder CH CBE

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists

Marquee Bar | Picnics | Formal Dining

Gaetano Donizetti

L’ELISIR D’AMORE

21, 24, 25 July at 19:00 | 23 July at 14:00

Camille Saint-Saëns

SAMSON et DALILA

22, 23 July at 19:00 | 25 July at 14:00

Gennaro Contaldo: Italian food is not just carbonara and Bolognese

The Italian chef – and Jamie Oliver’s right-hand man – talks about the rich and varied nature of Italian food.

Gennaro Contaldo might have dedicated his life to Italian food, but admits he “didn’t know” just how much variety there is in his country’s cuisine.

“It’s incredible – I didn’t know myself,” says Contaldo, who grew up on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, before moving to the UK more than 50 years ago.

Contaldo – known for his numerous TV appearances alongside his protégé, Jamie Oliver – cites with glee the fact there are “about 600 [known] shapes of pasta” and “God knows how many other thousands”.

“Each family makes their own versions, their own way,” he adds.

Contaldo explores the varied nature of his home country’s cuisine in his latest cookbook, Hidden Italy, which is split up into four geographical parts: central Italy, the islands, the North and the South. Ultimately, he wanted to show people that Italian food “is not just carbonara, Bolognese, cacio e pepe”.

Not that it was particularly easy to find some of these recipes. “Nobody’s writing any books about those original recipes and where they come from, so there was a lot of research, nearly two years of research,” notes Contaldo.

ABOVE

It’s not like these recipes “disappeared”, he says, but “they hide” – families are “still doing it”.

However, 77-year-old Contaldo is keenly aware that the “world is changing”.

“Generations are changing, the world is changing, and we don’t want all these beautiful recipes to get lost. They’re still there – nothing will be lost, but it’s nice to put them in writing.”

Through his research for the book, Contaldo met people still making some of these lesser-known recipes, and stresses that “there is a story for every single food”.

Take the pasticcio di pasta alla ferrarese, a type of pasta pie made from tortiglioni or rigatoni, baked in a mince meat ragut and béchamel sauce, all topped with pastry. Its origins comes from noble banquets during the Renaissance times, with the recipe spreading from Ischia, an island near Naples, to all over the country.

“They share recipes – Italy’s like that,” Contaldo explains. “Italians, they communicate, they speak, and they transfer their love through food.”

With so much history attached to each dish, Contaldo says: “It’s not just spaghetti and a glass of wine. Italy is an emotion.”

Italian households are used to making fresh pasta for their meals – something that is much rarer to see outside of the country.

But Contaldo urges people to give it a try, calling it “so easy”. He adds: “It’s not scary, they should try – it’s cheaper.”

“Ordinary flour, mix with water – it’s so easy. If you do it with eggs, one egg for 100 grams of flour is all you need, then you have

knows what kind of eggs,” he says, urging people to buy “proper Italian pasta”.

In Italy, Contaldo says, “The food and wine is balanced. Water is to drink, but wine is to flavour [the food], to help ingest it. Everything else, it’s all [about] the friendships, the philosophy.”

That’s why Contaldo has dedicated his life to keeping Italian culture “alive”, he says –and he’s still constantly surprised by what he learns, even though he hasn’t lived in the country for decades.

“There are many Italian restaurants, especially in London, [where] you find a dish that you haven’t done before that’s a special – and the chef put it on because it’s part of his culture.”

Ultimately, Contaldo says: “I cook from North to South, and I cook from the Amalfi Coast. I want to remember where I came from. I want to know my roots.”

Words by Lauren Taylor and Prudence Wade, Press Association

almost 200 grams of pasta,” he explains. Once boiled, this gives you enough to “easily feed” two people, “Even three”.

One of the best things about making your own pasta is being able to “make your own shapes”, according to Contaldo, who says he makes “endless shapes”.

You can even use your pasta dough offcuts to make something called ‘fazzoletti‘, which translates to ‘silk handkerchiefs’ – so nothing is wasted

If you do buy dried pasta (and nothing wrong with that, with Contaldo saying it can be “magnificent”), just watch out for what’s in it.

“You have to be very careful when you buy pasta, because they make pasta all over the world – but they use rubbish flour, and God

And, of course, make sure it’s cooked al dente– and your stomach might thank you. “You chew it longer when it’s inside your mouth, it tastes better, you digest it better… It’s beautiful.”

Compared to the Italian approach to food, Contaldo says that Brits eat “too quickly”.

“If you go into an Indian restaurant, if something is hot and spicy, you find yourself [saying], ‘Oh it’s spicy, it’s spicy’. You eat faster, you don’t taste anything.

“Italian food is simple – what you see is what you eat. You want to taste the carrots. You want to taste the beans.”

He says of the difference between the two countries: “In England, it’s the culture of drink; in Italy, it’s the culture of food –and wine.”

Filled brioche from Gennaro’s Hidden Italy by Gennaro Contaldo | David Loftus/PA

Gennaro’s Hidden Italy by Gennaro Contaldo is published in hardback by Pavilion Books, priced £22. Photography by David Loftus. Available now.

INGREDIENTS

2tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ½ red chilli, finely sliced

600g cleaned calamari/squid tubes, cut into chunks, keeping the tentacles

4tbsp white wine

300g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Handful of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus extra to garnish

100g cherry tomatoes, halved Rustic bread, to serve

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

INGREDIENTS

150g 0 flour or strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting

150g 00 flour

4g easy-blend dried yeast

45g caster sugar

4tbsp milk, plus extra for glazing

2 eggs

50g butter, melted

1tbsp rum

1tsp vanilla extract

⅓tsp sea salt

Zest of 1 lemon

14tsp apricot jam

Icing sugar, for dusting

Stewed squid and potatoes

SERVES 4

“The dish traditionally uses a local variety of squid, known as totani, but as this is not available outside of the area, use whatever squid you can find. You can use ready-cleaned calamari rings, or otherwise ask your fishmonger to clean the squid for you. Serve with lots of good, rustic bread and a cool glass of Greco di Tufo white wine, as this will immediately transport you to the sensations of the Amalfi Coast.”

1. In a large pan, place the olive oil over a medium heat and sweat the garlic and chilli for about 30 seconds, then add the calamari and stir-fry for a minute.

2. Add the white wine and allow to evaporate slightly. Add the potatoes, parsley and cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 25–30 minutes until the squid and potatoes are cooked through. If, during cooking, the pan becomes too dry, add a little hot water.

3. Remove the lid, increase the heat and cook over a high heat for about a minute, shaking the pan until you obtain a slightly creamy consistency.

4. Serve with lots of rustic bread and a sprinkling of extra parsley.

Filled brioche MAKES

14

1. In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the flours, dried yeast and caster sugar. In a smaller bowl or jug, gently whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, rum, vanilla extract, salt and lemon zest and gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing well to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Form into a ball, cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for about two hours.

2. Line a 20-centimetre round cake tin with baking paper.

3. Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and divide into 14 pieces, weighing approx. 35–40 grams each. Roll each piece into a small ball and, using a rolling pin, flatten them into small circles. Place a teaspoon of apricot jam in the centre of each and close the edges well to form small balls and enclose the jam. Arrange the dough balls, seam-side down, in the prepared tin, cover with a cloth and leave to rest for 1 hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 160°C Fan/180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

5. Brush the dough balls with a little milk to glaze and then bake in the oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly in the tin, then remove and dust with a little icing sugar. Serve by ‘tearing and sharing’.

INGREDIENTS

16 anchovy fillets in salt (approx. 60g in total)

3tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 small shallots, finely chopped

120g tomato purée

300g bucatini

Sea salt

20g sultanas, soaked in a little lukewarm water then drained

10g pine kernels

Handful of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

20g dried breadcrumbs

Pasta with anchovies and breadcrumbs

SERVES 4

1. Rinse the anchovy fillets in water to remove the salt, then pat dry and set aside.

2. In a pan, heat two tablespoons olive oil over a medium heat and sweat the garlic and shallots for a couple of minutes until softened. Add the anchovy fillets and continue to cook for a couple of minutes until they have dissolved. Add the tomato purée and cook over a low heat for about 10 minutes, until it begins to thicken slightly.

3. In the meantime, cook the bucatini in a separate pan of boiling salted water until ‘al dente’.

4. In a smaller frying pan, heat the remaining olive oil over a medium heat and, when hot, lightly toast the breadcrumbs, stirring for about a minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.

5. Drain the pasta and add to the anchovy and tomato sauce along with a little of the hot pasta water. Cook over a medium heat, mixing well, for a minute or so.

6. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with the sultanas, pine kernels, parsley and toasted breadcrumbs and serve immediately.

INGREDIENT NOTES: Salted anchovy fillets can be found in good Italian delis or online. Please use the best tomato purée you can (not tinned or passata) as this, together with the anchovies, will impart a depth of flavour and richness to the dish, which is balanced by the sweetness of the shallots and sultanas. The addition of pine kernels and lightly toasted breadcrumbs adds a nice crunchiness.

Train strong, feel confident; Thai Boxing for Mums at Wassmuffin

There’s never a wrong time to start something new — and Thai boxing is one of the most powerful ways to build fitness, confidence, and strength. After busy weeks of juggling family life, school runs, and endless to-do lists, many mums reach a point where they’re ready to focus on themselves again — to move, sweat, and feel strong.

Starting a new routine is about creating healthy habits that last. Thai boxing delivers a full-body workout that burns calories, builds strength, improves coordination, and boosts energy levels. Just as importantly, it o ers huge mental benefits. Hitting pads, learning new skills, and pushing past personal limits helps relieve stress, clear your head, and build confidence.

No experience is needed. Every session is designed to help beginners feel comfortable and supported, while still o ering progression and challenge as you grow stronger.

The 9:30am morning class is ideal for mums. It fits perfectly after school dropo , allowing you to train without rushing or sacrificing family time. Morning training sets a positive tone for the rest of the day — you’ll leave feeling energised, focused, and accomplished, rather than drained later on.

This is a welcoming, supportive environment where you can train alongside other mums who are on the same journey. There’s no ego and no pressure — just a space to learn, laugh, and get fit together.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, build strength, try something new, or simply enjoy some well-earned “me time,” the

9:30am Thai boxing class o ers the perfect balance of challenge and support.

Whenever you decide to start, make it about you. Train strong, feel confident, and move forward with purpose.

CONTACT

01202 729 270 | 07766 090116

info@fitterthanfit.co.uk WEBSITE

www.fitterthanfit.co.uk LOCATION Wassmu in Mixed Martial Arts Academy, 686 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, BH7 6BT

What’s on IN APRIL

With a vibrant mix of countryside, beaches and attractions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a selection of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

EASTER EGG HUNT AT CORFE CASTLE

28 MARCH - 12 APRIL

Make your way throughout the castle and find activities for the whole family. Taking place between 28 March to 12 April 2026, from 10am to 4pm, with last entry to the trail at 4pm, so come along and explore the beautiful ruins of Corfe Castle. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. (*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.)

This Easter hop into a fun filled day of spring themed games and activities as you explore the ruins of Corfe Castle. Get involved with some garden games, test your aim with a spot of archery, challenge your friends and family to a traditional egg and spoon race, plus much more.

CORFE CASTLE

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

EASTER

ADVENTURES

21 MARCH - 12 APRIL

Put on your bunny ears, complete the ten amazing activities around the Easter adventure field and claim your egg-cellent prize. Out in the Easter adventure field you’ll find activities for everyone. Be a whisk-taker and complete the rope maze, become an eggspert at carrot throwing and complete an egg-streme rabbit racecourse.

Prices are £3.50 per trail (plus normal admission charges), which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. (*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.

KINGSTON LACY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

TOP HAT

07 - 11 APRIL

Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth.

MAYFLOWER THEATRE www.mayflower.org.uk

LA TRAVIATA

16 APRIL

Hurn Court Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic opera, La Traviata, telling the story of Violetta, a highclass courtesan in Paris and her passionate love affair with the young nobleman, Alfredo. The tragic tale deals with human emotions such as love, envy, jealousy, loyalty and hatred and continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing the timeless conflict between personal desire and societal expectations. Perfect for seasoned opera fans or as the ideal introduction to opera.

THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH www.regentcentre.co.uk

LESSONS FROM TEACHER X

15 & 16 APRIL

Cam is a hopeless romantic, a secondary school teacher falling for a handsome stranger. Crystal is an online model, punishing men for money.

One has pupils, the other only fans. But they share a shameful secret… The debut play by Erin De Frias, Lessons from Teacher x follows Cam as she embarks on a new romantic relationship, all the while harbouring a deep, serious secret – that of being an online model – which, if revealed, would ruin her life.

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

DRIVE-IT DAY

26 APRIL

National Drive-It Day was launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to celebrate motoring heritage. It marks the One Thousand Mile Trial, which took place in 1900 to demonstrate the potential of the newly invented motor vehicle! The event also raises funds for children’s charity NSPCC and a portion of each participant ticket will go to the charity. Visit the Drive-It Day website to purchase your fundraising plate, with proceeds donated to the NSPCC, and to access the JustGiving link for donations.

Owners of pre-2005 vehicles (inclusive of 2005) of any make and model are invited to join the celebration at Beaulieu and show their support for keeping motoring heritage alive on UK roads, whilst also supporting NSPCC and their work.

All participants have the opportunity to be chosen as the winner of the Best in Show Award, selected by public vote. Prizes are awarded to the winner and runners-up.

BEAULIEU www.beaulieu.co.uk

BOUNCY CASTLES AT THE PARK

NOW - 08 APRIL

UPTON COUNTRY PARK

www.uptoncountrypark.com

FOOD FAIR

03 - 04 APRIL

ABBOTSBURY

SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES

11 APRIL

BOURNEMOUTH

PAVILION THEATRE

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

HISTORICAL GUIDED WALK

14 & 21 APRIL

BROWNSEA ISLAND

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

BOURNEMOUTH WRITING FESTIVAL

24 - 26 APRIL

PAVILION DANCE SOUTH WEST

bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk

It is time to TAKE A BREAK

Pop the

ACROSS CRYPTIC CLUES

4. Sailor (7)

8. Withstand (6)

9. Silhouette (7)

10. Bend (6)

11. Body (6)

12. Exhume (8)

18. Injudiciously (8)

20. Passage (6)

21. Result (6)

22. Scorn (7)

23. Breeder (6)

24. Vindictiveness (7) DOWN CRYPTIC CLUES

1. Yield (7)

2. Weigh down (7)

3. Aft (6)

5. Propeller (8)

6. Tell (6)

7. Join up (6)

13. Reliant (8)

14. Free (7)

15. Enigma (7)

16. Writer (6)

17. Interfere (6)

19. Scared (2,4)

PORTMAN STONE