House & Lifestyle | 289

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Welcome

As summer settles in, we’re brin ng you plenty of in iration for the season ahead — whether you’re entertaining at home, planning an escape or simply carving out a l tle time for yourself.

Summer entertaining starts here as Kelly Hoppen shares her secrets to e ortless hosting, elegant tablescapes and creating a home guests never want to leave. Elevate your summer soirées with fresh seasonal cocktails, complete with recipes to try — from elegant spritzes to crowd-pleasing classics. Bring fresh inspiration to the table as Shelina Permalloo talks family, food and heritage, alongside delicious recipes to try, from chicken peri peri traybake to quick cheesy naan and pistachio barfi. Dreaming of a summer escape? Discover where to travel this July, from crowd-free coastlines to cooler, alternative getaways beyond the classic European hotspots. Or, for fun a little closer to home, step inside Chessington’s brand-new World of Paw Patrol as we find out whether the much-hyped family attraction is worth the trip. And because wellbeing matters too, discover simple mood-boosting habits to support your mental health — from time in nature to mindful daily rituals.

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

Turquoise waters, dramatic fjords and crowd-free escapes—discover where to travel this July, see pages 34–39.

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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INTERIORS

88 CUSTOM CREATIONS From clutter to calm

OUTDOOR LIVING

99 THE LANDSCAPE SERVICE

LOCAL PROPERTY

51 APEX MORTGAGE BROKERS Built around outcomes

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

96 TINCLETON SOLAR SYSTEMS Powering Dorset’s energy future

The quiet luxury of garden design

FOOD & DRINK

118 SHELINA PERMALLOO Recipes DAYS OUT

125 DORSET CRUISES

The rise of experience-led corporate events in Dorset

READ ALL ABOUT IT

BOUNCE, SLIDE, AND RUN FOR A LIFE-CHANGING CAUSE

Bournemouth’s biggest, bounciest charity challenge makes its spectacular debut on Saturday 1st August 2026 at Littledown, and STARS Dorset is calling on the community to run, jump, bounce, swing and slide, and raise vital funds for survivors of sexual trauma across the county.

Imagine 30 giant inflatable obstacles: Towering slides, tunnels you’ll scramble through with a grin on your face. Now imagine all of that and knowing that every step you take raises money to support survivors of sexual trauma and abuse right here in Dorset. That’s the Bournemouth Inflatable 5k.

STARS Dorset (Sexual Trauma And Recovery Services) is proud to be an official charity partner of this incredible event, and we’re looking for fun-loving, big-hearted people across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and the wider county to join us on the course on Saturday, 1st August 2026.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who considers a brisk walk to the fridge a workout, there’s a distance for you; 2.5k, 5k, 10k or 15k.

It’s suitable for all ages, all fitness levels, and all people who believe that doing good should also feel ridiculously good.

STARS DORSET www.starsdorset.org

STARS Dorset provides specialist support, counselling, and advocacy to survivors of sexual trauma and abuse across the county. We are there for people at some of the hardest moments of their lives, and the work we do depends entirely on the generosity of our community.

When you run the Inflatable 5k for STARS Dorset, you’re not just burning calories, you’re helping fund the services that give survivors a voice, a path to recovery, and a reason to believe in a brighter future.

Register here: https://runforcharity. com/charity-landing-page/stars-dorset/ inflatable-bournemouth-local-partner

Once you’ve registered, STARS Dorset will support you every step of the way, from setting up your personal fundraising page to cheering you across the finish line.

A FOND FAREWELL AFTER A LIFETIME OF COMPASSIONATE CARE

Forest Holme Hospice is marking the retirement of one of its most treasured nurses, Carmel, whose career has spanned more than 30 years in the NHS, including 13 dedicated years at the hospice.

Known affectionately by colleagues as the “Pocket Rocket”, Carmel has been a constant source of strength, warmth and reassurance to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Her retirement has prompted an outpouring of messages from the local community, with hundreds taking to social media to share their memories and gratitude.

For many, Carmel’s care went far beyond clinical support. She brought calm when it was needed most, treated every person with dignity, and had a natural ability to know exactly what someone needed in the moment. Families have frequently spoken of her kindness staying with them long after their time at the hospice.

FOREST HOLME HOSPICE

www.forestholmehospice.org.uk

OUTDOOR HOLIDAY CLUB IN CHRISTCHURCH

Places are now available for an exciting outdoor learning experience at The Nature Nook during the school summer holidays, which is open to all, not just those with additional needs.

‘Nature Nook’ is a welcoming outdoor space designed to inspire curiosity, confidence and creativity through naturebased learning. The Nature Nook holiday club is for children aged 8 to 14 during the school holidays to enjoy a range of naturebased activities such as fire lighting, green wood crafts, and den building.

The Holiday Club takes place every Monday and Thursday during the school holidays. Each day’s activities are shaped by the interests and choices of the children, and the trained leader is there to support and help bring their ideas to life.

The Nature Nook Holiday Club is a drop off session so parents and carers will not be able to remain on site during the day.

Sessions take place from 8.30am until 3pm, and are £35 per child. Sessions can be extended to 4pm for a £5 surcharge.

DIVERSE

CREATE AND LEARN - OPEN INVITE TO LIGHTHOUSE YOUTH THEATRE

A Dorset arts centre is launching its first ever youth theatre with an open call to young people to come and explore their creativity through theatre.

Based at Lighthouse Poole and made possible thanks to funding from Arbor Vitae Foundation, a Dorset-based charity supporting initiatives in education, the arts and health, Lighthouse Youth Theatre will admit its first participants this autumn. They will follow an ambitious programme of learning and performance across three age streams building towards an end-of-year production on stage at Lighthouse.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to make, create and get involved in learning how a production develops from the page to the stage,” says Martha Earley, Lighthouse Creative Engagement Manager.

“The programme will offer participants access to all that Lighthouse has to offer – from backstage tours and discounted tickets to invitations to open dress

rehearsals and preview performances, all aimed at encouraging a lifelong love of theatre and music.”

Crucially, Lighthouse Youth Theatre will be open – there is no audition – and will connect with existing learning programmes for Young Technicians, Young Writers and Young Producers. Participants will divide into three age groups – 5-7 years, 8-11 years and 12-15 years – with sessions on Saturdays in term time.

Lighthouse believes that everyone should have access to creativity and is working to remove barriers by providing bursaries for those struggling with cost, ensuring the space and activities are accessible, and offering accessible application routes.

Research carried out by Youth Theatre Arts indicates that participation in youth theatre increases confidence, enhances emotional intelligence, boosts resilience, improves teamwork and leadership, promotes better emotional wellbeing and broadens horizons.

A FEAST OF FLAVOURS AND SOUNDS COMES

TO UPTON COUNTRY PARK

The home-produced festival in Poole’s ‘back garden’, Upton House Food & Music Festival is ready to turn up the heat this summer for families, foodies and music fans alike.

Well established as the region’s biggest and best celebration of food, drink and live music, festival goers can expect as many sweet sounds from the food stalls as the main stage as bangers blast, rolls rock and beats crunch and munch.

“There’s a really lovely vibe at Upton House; it just puts people in the best mood, super chilled – as if they’re in their own back garden,” says festival organiser Serena Wren.

“I can see why. There’s non-stop hits played by brilliant musicians and top DJs, with the most incredible street food, quality drink, and a totally stunning backdrop – complete with a picture perfect stately home – on the shoreline of Upton Country Park.”

This year’s Upton House Food & Music Festival has lined up top UK tributes to the likes of Queen, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams and Amy Winehouse. New this year, the Ibiza Classics Terrace will find star DJs Brandon Block, Paul Moss and Jon Langford with local legend Mark Rush Palmer and Hed Kandi artist Vicky Sax, cooking sweet beats all weekend.

And, as ever, there’s a full bill of top local acts including Chris Payn & the Parade, dynamic duo The Transitions, high energy cover specialists the Wonky Donkeys and instant party starters Mother Ukers; while the new Kids’ Area hosts top entertainers like Krazy Kev, Mr Merlin with Okey Dokey Dragon, and Jamie Jambo, as well as garden games and the incredible bubble shows and Mad 4 Animals’ interactive shows.

Taste buds will be tempted with flavours from around the world ranging from The Greekery’s amazing souvlaki and spanakopita and Bao Bao Beast’s traditional Asian cuisine with a western twist, to local favourites like Dorset Pizza Kitchen and the unbelievable handmade treasures to be found at the Chock Shop.

“We’re tapping the feel and flavour of much bigger events to deliver a fantastic weekend that’s like a mini holiday right on your doorstep – it’s a real feast for mind, body and soul,” adds Serena.

The site opens from 5pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday. Pre-paid onsite parking is available and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

For bookings and more information visit uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com.

HIDDEN

AT THE BACK OF HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE TEAROOM, A LITTLE SHOP DOING A LOT OF GOOD

The Castle Pantry Tea Rooms at Highcliffe Castle is celebrating a successful first year of its partnership with Dorset’s Independent Hospice Charity, LewisManning Hospice Care, reinforcing its role as a true community hub while raising valuable funds for a vital local cause.

Marking one year since the Lewis-Manning retail pop-up launched in May 2025, The Castle Pantry introduced a dedicated inhouse space selling second hand trinkets, homeware, and other items on behalf of the charity. Since its introduction, the initiative has generated £1,959 for LewisManning Hospice Care, with every penny going directly to support patients and families across Poole, East Dorset, Purbeck, Bournemouth and West Hampshire.

Situated at the heart of Highcliffe Castle, The Castle Pantry has always been more than just a tea room, it’s a place for people to come together. This partnership builds on that ethos, turning everyday visits into meaningful contributions to the community.

The permanent pop-up shop, located at the rear of the tea rooms, features a rotating selection of donated items, giving customers the chance to discover something unique while supporting an essential service.

THE TREEHOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC FOR NATIONAL OPEN GARDEN SCHEME

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity is delighted to announce that it will be opening the gates to the Sensory Garden and Nature Nook at The Treehouse as part of the National Garden Scheme on Wednesday 17th June, from 10am-4pm.

Located in Hurn, the gardens at The Treehouse are fully accessible, and have been specially designed to engage all the senses, enabling people of all abilities to enjoy and explore nature. The garden is designed to delight every sense, with striking and colourful flowers, soft leaves and grasses, edible herbs, rustling leaves, beautiful scented plants and the sound of water. Along the winding path are musical instruments, whilst in the outdoor learning Nature Nook visitors will discover a wishing tree, mud kitchen, fire pit, story-telling throne and produce grown by children we support.

The sensory garden and nature nook has been specifically designed for the children, adults and families that the charity supports, meaning they can benefit from:

• Mental Health & Relaxation - providing calming, therapeutic environment that lowers stress and anxiety levels

• Stimulation & Engagement - to safely explore the garden

• Cognitive & Memory Benefits - engaging with different textures, scents and colours

DIVERSE ABILITIES www.diverseabilities.org.uk

• Social Interaction - these spaces encourage social engagement, offering a shared space for families and the people supported by the charity.

• Education Opportunities - the sensory garden and nature nook are living classrooms and spaces for exploration, imagination and adventure

The open garden day provides a rare opportunity for the public to experience a space that plays a vital role in supporting children and adults with disabilities across Dorset. As well as enjoying the garden itself, visitors will be able to relax with tea or coffee and cake, available throughout the day.

Tickets will be available on the day, costing £5 for adults and free entry for children.

Find out more at diverseabilities.org.uk/ daevents/open-garden.

KANESBURY CARE WINS COMMUNITY AWARD

Kanesbury Care, one of the region’s most respected care home operators, has been named the Bournemouth winner of the Community Award at the 2026 Bournemouth & Poole Business Awards, organised by Marketing West SW Ltd. The family-run group was singled out for praise as a community-minded and caring local business, recognising the central role its homes play in the lives of residents, families, and the wider community across Dorset.

Kanesbury Care operates six highly-rated residential, nursing and dementia care homes across Poole and Bournemouth: Eagles Mount, Aranlaw House, Regency Manor, Branksome Park, Kingsman House and Seabourne House, all of which hold CQC ‘Good’ ratings. The group is known for its person-centred philosophy, which places residents at the heart of everything it does and champions the belief that moving into a care home marks the beginning of a rich new chapter of life, not a retreat from it.

The Community Award recognises businesses that go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

KANESBURY CARE www.kanesburycare.co.uk

WESTBOURNE

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 • MAD 4 ANIMALS • Jamie Jambo

MARK FRASER THE STORYTELLER • Bubble Shows Count Backwards • MR MERLIN

CAMPING AVAILABLE Of thieves & the Company

TICKETS FROM £37 ADULT • £97 FAMILY • £18 CHILD • UNDER 5’S FREE!

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New rules on rent in advance

The government has issued new guidance that tightens the rules on rent in advance— and councils now have clearer powers to act when landlords or letting agents step out of line. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, taking large sums of rent upfront is no longer allowed in most situations. The change aims to stop upfront rent being used as a gatekeeping tool and to make renting fairer and more consistent.

• They also can’t accept an offer of several months’ rent paid early as a way to “secure” a property before the tenancy is executed. Even if the tenant volunteers, accepting that payment before the agreement is signed breaches the rules.

• During an active tenancy, a landlord can’t bring forward the payment date or insist on early payment by relying on a clause in the contract. Any clause that tries to override the agreed rent due date has no effect.

What evidence matters

If a tenant reports being asked to pay rent early, councils say the most helpful items are:

• Proof of payment made in advance (bank statements, receipts).

• Records that show pressure or encouragement to pay early—texts, emails, or voicemails.

On the other side, a landlord or agent defending their position should provide:

What’s now illegal

• Landlords and agents cannot demand rent before both sides have formally entered into the tenancy. That includes asking for the first month’s rent alongside the holding deposit if the agreement hasn’t been signed by both parties.

Councils can now enforce these protections. If a landlord or agent requires rent early, invites it, or allows it through neglect or complicity, local authorities can issue civil penalties. Fines may reach up to £7,000 for requesting rent in advance before a tenancy is entered into, and councils can conduct unannounced inspections at premises where tenancy records are kept.

The signed tenancy agreement.

• A clear record of rent payments received.

Evidence of steps taken to refund any rent taken before it fell due.

• Communications with the tenant relevant to the timeline and terms.

Illustrative breaches

• Requiring rent at the holding stage: A tenant pays a holding deposit and is told to transfer the first month’s rent and the tenancy deposit before the landlord signs. Because rent is demanded before both parties have entered into the tenancy, that’s a breach.

• Accepting six months upfront to “lock in” the deal: A tenant wants to move quickly and offers several months’ rent before anything is signed. If the landlord takes the money and only then moves to sign, that again breaks the rules—accepting rent in advance prior to entering into the tenancy is not permitted.

• Forcing earlier payment mid-tenancy: A landlord points to a clause allowing them to bring the due date forward and requires rent earlier than agreed. That clause has no legal effect; requiring early payment during the tenancy is a breach.

Where advance payments are allowed There are narrow, important exceptions:

• Homelessness duty lettings: When a local housing authority arranges a tenancy to discharge its homelessness duty, it may pay rent upfront—even before the agreement is signed—and can agree lump-sum rent payments (for example, every six months) after the tenancy begins. Local authorities are not “relevant persons” under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, and this specific type of tenancy is exempt from the usual rent-inadvance restrictions once started.

• Voluntary early payment by a tenant during a tenancy: If a tenant chooses— without pressure—to pay one or more months ahead during an ongoing tenancy, the landlord is allowed to accept that payment. The key distinction is voluntariness and timing: it must be after the tenancy has begun, and not compelled or used as a condition.

01202 711169

Sharon@moveon.biz

Practical takeaways

• Landlords and agents should align procedures so rent is only taken on or after the moment both parties have entered into the tenancy—never at the holding stage and never as a precondition to signing.

• Clauses that purport to change due dates or demand early rent won’t protect you; update templates to reflect the law.

Keep thorough records. If anything is taken in error, move quickly to refund and document your actions.

Tenants should keep communications and payment evidence. If asked to pay rent before signing, push back—this request may be unlawful.

The bottom line: upfront rent is now tightly restricted, with targeted exemptions for council-arranged homelessness placements and genuinely voluntary early payments during a tenancy. Councils have the teeth to enforce, so getting the sequence and documentation right is essential.

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.

Joint health matters: How to protect your mobility at every age

As summer arrives and the days become longer, many of us naturally feel more motivated to get outside and become more active. Whether it is local park runs, countryside walks in the New Forest, outdoor bootcamps, cycling or simply spending more time in the garden, movement plays a vital role in both our physical and mental wellbeing.

At Dr Helen Medical in Ringwood, our experienced private GP team regularly supports patients with joint pain, stiffness and mobility concerns that may be preventing them from enjoying an active lifestyle. From sports injuries in younger adults to arthritis management later in life, joint problems are incredibly common - but they should never simply be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing or just something to put up with.

While natural wear and tear can contribute to conditions such as osteoarthritis, age is only one factor. Activity levels, previous injuries, weight, occupation, muscle strength and genetics can all influence joint health over time.

CONTACT

01202 022956

reception@drhelenmedical.co.uk

One of the most important things people can do to protect their joints is to keep moving. Regular movement helps nourish cartilage, maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. In contrast, prolonged inactivity can increase stiffness, weakness and discomfort.

Summer is an ideal time to build healthier movement habits. Low-impact activities such as swimming, brisk walking, cycling, Pilates and gentle strength training can all improve joint mobility while placing less strain on the body.

Weight management also plays an important role. Excess weight places additional pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and lower back. Even modest weight loss can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain levels.

At Dr Helen Medical, we also frequently see patients experiencing ongoing joint issues linked to old injuries. Poorly rehabilitated sprains, ligament damage or fractures can

ADDRESS

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

continue to affect the way joints move years later, increasing the risk of long-term discomfort and instability.

For some patients, targeted treatments such as joint injections may also help relieve inflammation and improve mobility alongside physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Dr Helen Medical offers private joint injection appointments for selected conditions including knee, shoulder and carpal tunnel pain as part of a personalised treatment approach.

Persistent joint pain should never be ignored. Early assessment can often prevent smaller issues from developing into more serious long-term problems.

At Dr Helen Medical, we provide friendly, professional private GP appointments for patients across Hampshire, Dorset and the surrounding areas, helping people stay active, mobile and independent at every age.

To learn more about our joint health services or joint injections, call 01202 022956 or visit www.drhelenmedical.co.uk

www.drhelenmedical.co.uk

Kelly Hoppen on summer hosting and tablescaping

The interior designer shares pro tips for stylish place settings and entertaining at home.

Hosting summer dinners and planning the finer details – from curating the tableware to candlelight and flowers – is an art in itself, with an aesthetic appeal to delight the senses.

“For me, entertaining is all about the music, the lighting, you know… the drinks you have, the combination of friends you have round, and making people feel really comfortable at home,” says Kelly Hoppen CBE, and multi award-winning designer.

“It should feel like you’re at home. It shouldn’t feel that it’s all very stiff. And that’s the beauty of entertaining at home – celebrating the people who are there.”

“And I’m always very good at putting people together,” says the 66-year-old, who splits her time between London and the Cotswolds with her long-term partner.

“I love doing the table layout, so I know who’s sitting with who, because I know about the conversations people are going to have.”

Obviously, food is important, says Hoppen, but believes “you can serve up anything.” And if you’ve got everything else right, “you’re going to have a fun time.”

Speaking about her love of entertaining, Hoppen says since they moved a few years ago, they’ve downsized from a dining table which seated 30 to less than half the size.

“We now have a beautiful table in our kitchen which seats 12, and that’s perfect… nice, small and cosy.”

Famous for her signature neutral palette, “my favourite colours are taupe, white, black and grey,” which have graced some of the most famous celebrity homes and hotels in the world, the super-host has two favourite colour schemes for tablescaping.

“For me at home, it’s always white and green. But it really depends on somebody’s home… if it’s all greys and monochromes, you could go for navy and white, which is really lovely in the spring and summer.”

Or just have all white, she suggests, and then have bits of red. “And also remember, food is a colour on the table; so you can always go more neutral and have food as a colour.”

To help create a Hoppen-inspired presentation of your own, she’s designed a new home collection with Marks & Spencer, featuring design-led pieces… with tableware at the heart of the collaboration.

The range features a soothing colour palette of white and sage green stoneware in the mix; with glassware, nibble bowls, linen napkins and serveware which she describes as bringing a sense of quiet luxury into the home.

“All the beautiful glasses with the white base,” referencing the footed wine glasses. “And the striped white glass [tumblers], I just love that… it evokes summer.”

With side and dinner plates to dish up your favourite recipes, the collection also features a playful slogan platter…

“Big salads, meats and fish, whatever you want to put on it… but I love the fact it just says Bon Appétit. It’s happy. We need happiness. We all need those positive affirmations at the moment. And why not have it on a plate?”

When it comes to laying the foundations for a beautiful tablescape, Hoppen doesn’t play by the rules. “If I ever drink wine, which occasionally I will, I’ll drink it in a tumbler with ice. I love that… I just like it.

“Everyone always laughs at me, but I like mixing. You might have some old glass that’s crystal, but mix it in with my new collection – I like the mix of it, so there are no rules.”

But she does play it old school with a seating plan. “I always do a name card. I think it’s easier, because when you’ve got 12 people coming to sit down for dinner and people go ‘where do I want to sit?’

“Well if they can see their name, and I just draw it really nicely, it makes it easier.” And sometimes she switches out place cards for something less formal.

“I’ve got luggage tags, like the old-fashioned luggage tags, and I write their name on that and put it on the napkin… and that’s quite nice.”

ABOVE

M&S X Kelly Hoppen Contrast Side Plate, £6; Wooden Long Serving Board, £30; Set of 2 Footed Wine Glasses, £15; Set of 4 Striped Tumblers, £25, rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer | Marks & Spencer/PA

LEFT

M&S X Kelly Hoppen Bon Appétit Platter £35, Marks & Spencer | Marks & Spencer/PA

Especially if it’s a casual, mid-week meal. “When you say ‘come over for a kitchen supper,’ that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and gorgeous,” highlights Hoppen.

“You know, it’s the same way as people say ‘what shall I wear?’ I say ‘come in jeans, come in whatever you want, whatever you’re comfortable in.’

“Because the more comfortable people feel when they’re out for dinner in somebody’s home, or you’re in your home, the better the night is.

ABOVE

M&S X Kelly Hoppen Set of 2 Footed Wine Glasses, £15; Set of 4 Striped Tumblers, £25, Tall Ribbed Ceramic Vase, £15, rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer | Marks & Spencer/PA

M&S X Kelly Hoppen Wooden Long Serving Board, £30; Set of 2 Footed Wine Glasses, £15; Set of 4 Striped Tumblers, £25, Tall Ribbed Ceramic Vase, £15, rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer | Marks & Spencer/PA

“And then it gets to midnight and people are like ‘Oh, it’s a school night… we’ve got to go home, but we don’t want to… that’s a good night.”

In contrast to her modern style, and author of 10 books focusing on contemporary chic, Hoppen also likes to bring quirky accessories to the table.

“When it comes pudding, we always do a really nice cake. Everyone loves custard, so we’ll make a nice custard.

“But I put my custard in a glass teapot, and that looks nice. So interesting ways to do things on the table that you wouldn’t expect… that people will take away thinking ‘God, that was cool.’

She’s also a firm believer in blending the old with the new. “All the stuff my mother’s given me, I mix it in… so nice bits of silver, I love all of that.”

“I think the more you can mix, the better. And it takes the pressure off people to know that that’s okay; because we’ve all got stuff we’ve had before, but we want to buy new things. It’s the same way you dress. You’ve got something from years ago, you put something new with it; it feels new. So I think it’s fine.”

To top the most stylish tables, summer blooms make a big impact, and Hoppen’s love for flowers is well storied.

“I think you have to keep it at a low level.”

“I mean, it kind of drives me mad. I love the idea of having food all the way down the centre of the table, because it feels very Italian and family.

“The problem is, I love flowers down the centre of the table, so I’m always juggling for space with my own self; but you’ve always got to keep everything low.

“But there’s nothing better than some beautiful flowers down the centre, and then you’ve got big things of bread and big chunks of butter, and it’s a celebration when you have people round.”

Moreover, she says you can use anything you’ve got to put them in, and suggests thinking out of the box.

“Even if you’ve got Pyrex mixing bowls because you haven’t got anything else, you can float flowers in them and put them down the centre of the table.”

Hoppen continues: “If you’ve got baked bean tins, take the baked bean wrapper off and fill that with herbs; and do herbs down the centre of your table.

“Anything goes, as long as you can create it and make it look stylish.”

M&S X Kelly Hoppen S/S 26 Home Collection is available online and in-store now.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris

ABOVE

Kitchen in Kelly Hoppen’s Cotswolds barn | Mel Yates/PA

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Dermot O’Leary’s Toto the Ninja Cat comes to the stage

Mayflower Studios, 23rd - 25th July

Co-producers Mayflower Southampton, Little Angel Theatre and Mercury Theatre

Colchester are delighted to announce the world premiere stage adaptation of Dermot O’Leary’s much loved children’s book illustrated by Nick East, Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape, published by Hachette Children’s Group. The new production will open at Mercury Theatre Colchester (2 to 18 April), Little Angel Theatre London (16 May to 19 July) and Mayflower Studios (23 to 25 July) before heading out on tour.

Author Dermot O’Leary says “I’m over the moon to see my book brought to life through puppetry. Toto is currently fast asleep, blissfully unaware of all the attention, but speaking on her behalf, she’ll be thrilled to bits that her adventures are about to come to life, in theatres to audiences all around the country.”

Illustrator Nick East says: ‘’Working with Dermot on the Toto the Ninja Cat series has been an utter delight, and I’m thrilled that the amazing Little Angel team are now giving our fearless feline a whole new adventure in puppet form - it’s sure to be the cat’s whiskers!”

The bestselling Toto the Ninja Cat series is based on Dermot’s real-life pets and has sold more than half a million copies globally and has been translated into 17 languages to date.

The world of Toto and her friends will be lovingly adapted from page to stage by award-winning duo, Little Angel Artistic

Director Samantha Lane and acclaimed musician Barb Jungr (Olivier nominated for Best Family Show in 2023 for their previous collaboration on The Smartest Giant in Town). Set, costume and puppets will be created by celebrated puppetry designer and Little Angel Associate Director Oliver Hyman (whose work has also been presented at Tate Modern, Royal Albert Hall and the National Gallery and who recently won a special Fringe Theatre Award for exceptional services to puppetry) and lighting will be by award-winning designer Sherry Coenen whose credits for Little Angel include The Smartest Giant in Town, Wow Said The Owl and The Singing Mermaid. Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape will be a highlight of Little Angel’s 65th anniversary season next year.

Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but she’s no ordinary feline. Almost completely blind, Toto has incredible ninja skills, a big heart, and a nose for adventure. By day, she naps like any other pet… but by night, she’s out on daring missions with her cheeky brother, Silver.

In their very first adventure, a deadly King Cobra has escaped onto the streets of London, and it’s up to Toto to use every ounce of her courage and cunning to save the day.

Co-adaptors Samantha Lane and Barb Jungr said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be co-adapting ‘Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape’. It’s such a joyful, funny, and heartwarming story, and we can’t wait to bring Toto’s world, full of courage, friendship, and adventure, to life on stage. Led by a stellar creative team, the production promises brilliant songs, imaginative puppetry, and an abundance of surprises for audiences of all ages.’

The stage rights were acquired from Hachette Children’s Group in a deal made between Sarah Lennon Galavan, Head of Licensing for Hachette Children’s Group and Samantha Lane, Artistic Director of Little Angel Theatre and Natasha Rickman, Artistic Director of the Mercury Theatre.

Sarah Lennon Galavan, Head of Licensing for Hachette Children’s Group said ‘Full of humour and heart, Dermot and Nick’s bestselling books are loved by so many young readers and their families. We are thrilled to have found the perfect stage partners in Little Angel, Mercury and Mayflower Studios, and we can’t wait to see Toto make the leap from page to stage in this wonderful new adaptation.’

Tickets are available to book from www.mayflower.org.uk

THE FURLONG SHOPPING CENTRE

Where should you travel to in July?

Travellers are opting for alternatives to the classic western Europe beach breaks.

The peak of summer, the start of school holidays and high season in many places, July is somewhat synonymous with the quintessential sunny holiday.

“July continues to be one of the most sought-after months for travel, but in 2026 the decision-making process has become far more considered,” says Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder HotelPlanner.com. “Travellers are no longer simply defaulting to the hottest destinations, they’re weighing up factors like comfort, crowd levels and overall experience.

“While Southern Europe remains a cornerstone of July travel, with its dependable sunshine and vibrant peakseason atmosphere, there’s a growing awareness around extremes. As a result, many travellers are broadening their horizons, mixing classic beach destinations with cooler, more spacious alternatives that offer a different pace.”

So where should you go this year?

CANADA

July 1 marks Canada Day, celebrating independence, and fittingly, it’s also a great month to travel to the North American country.

The first of the month sees a lights and fireworks show at Niagara Falls, as part of the Niagara Parks Two Nation Celebration, or LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa will also be hosting a free all-day event with Canadian musicians and activities.

From July 3-12 the not-for-profit Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, celebrates Western heritage and culture, featuring the world’s largest rodeo.

For nature-lovers, the scale of Canada’s great outdoors can feel unlike anywhere else in the world. The Rockies offer dramatic natural beauty in July, with long, sunny days for hiking, turquoise lakes and wildlife spotting for bears and elk.

Banff National Park, home to the popular and pristine Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park, both offer accessible hiking trails with breathtaking views.

But the less crowded Yoho (for rugged glacier trails) and Kootenay (for grasslands and rivers) in British Columbia, are well worth a visit, and the Yukon’s Ivvavik National Park offers arctic hiking experiences in the remote wilderness, off-the-grid wildlife viewing and a peek into the region’s Inuit culture, the communities’ traditional way of life still protected and practised today.

NORWAY

If you’re looking for cooler temperatures in July, consider Scandinavia.

“In northern Europe, Norway in midsummer is magic,” says Bruce. “There’s endless light, long days, epic fjords, and wild camping that is completely natural. Our fjord kayaking trips are some of our customer’s favourites. People go once and start planning their return before they’re even home.”

For Hentschel, Norway stands out for its fjord regions. Here, “July brings long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures. It’s an ideal destination for travellers prioritising nature, outdoor activities and dramatic scenery.”

ABOVE

A hiker in Glacier National Park, British Columbia | Alamy/PA

PUGLIA, ITALY

‘Italy’s heel’ on the southwest of the country may be hot in July but for those who love the heat, Puglia is generally a good-value alternative to the well-known hotspots.

With its reputation as ‘the new Tuscany’ in full swing from the early 2020s, visitor numbers have increased year-on-year. It may be less of a ‘hidden gem’ today but the region retains its rustic charm, rural feel and ‘cucina povera’ (peasant cooking) cuisine.

“Puglia in Italy offers a more laid-back alternative to Italy’s major hotspots,” agrees Hentschel. “Known for its whitewashed towns, Adriatic coastline and exceptional local cuisine, it delivers an authentic summer experience without the intensity and crowds of cities like Rome or Florence.”

ABOVE

Trulli Homes of Alberobello, Puglia | Alamy/PA

LEFT

Preikestolen cliff near Stavanger, Norway | Alamy/PA

SLOVENIA

When the beaches of western Europe are swarming in the summer heat, look further east.

Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, says: “We see a lot of our customers (adventure travellers who are typically allergic to crowds) tend to look beyond the classic tourism spots to lesser-visited destinations – or those with more space.

“Slovenia is a brilliant example. Almost 60% of the country is covered in forest, so it’s extremely green. The Soča Valley has this extraordinary turquoise river, running through the Julian Alps, which are every bit as beautiful as the Alps in France or Austria but far less crowded.”

The picturesque Lake Bled will be busier in July but it’s a not-to-be-missed highlight of Slovenia – and probably the country’s most iconic image. While Lake Bohinj is Slovenia’s largest natural lake, and Bovec is a perfect base (between the Julian Alps and the Soča River) in Triglav National Park for water-based activities in the summer sunshine.

MONTENEGRO

In a similar vein, Montenegro is “still undiscovered by a lot of even seasoned travellers”, says Bruce, yet offers “serious scenery and adventure”.

A wholly underrated destination, the Southeastern European country offers a unique mix of beaches along the Adriatic coast, hiker-friendly mountains, bright blue lakes and pretty, traditional old towns.

He recommends packrafting (a raft that’s light enough to pack down and hike with) down the Tara, Europe’s deepest canyon with a river cutting through it.

According to Bruce, Durmitor National Park is “a UNESCO World Heritage Site without the traffic. It’s home to these immense, dramatic, wild landscapes and some fantastic mountain climbs”.

JERSEY

If you want to escape any possibility for delays with Europe’s new EES system for travel to Schengen countries, either staying domestic, or hopping across to the Channel Islands might really appeal.

Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director at InteleTravel, says: “Jersey offers passport-free travel with a flight under an hour. Connectivity to the island is rising with the new easyJet flights from London Southend Airport to Jersey and it’s a great option if you want the beautiful beaches but not the long flights.”

Words

by Lauren Taylor, Features and Travel Editor, PA

Landlords, tenants and the pursuit of sanity

Because renting a home shouldn’t feel like an endurance sport

If you’ve ever rented a property in Britain, chances are you’ve experienced at least one of the following: mysterious damp patches shaped like Wales, a landlord who communicates exclusively through passive-aggressive Post-it notes, or a letting agent who vanishes faster than your deposit. Thankfully, Camerons Lettings appear determined to restore a bit of dignity — and perhaps even sanity — to the whole affair.

Based on the South Coast and proudly serving landlords and tenants alike, Camerons offer the sort of service that feels refreshingly old-fashioned in the best possible way: they answer the phone, know the local market, and don’t treat clients like contestants on a low-budget property game show.

Whether you’re a landlord trying to avoid becoming an accidental full-time plumber, or a tenant simply searching for a home without discovering “cosy” actually means “you can cook dinner from the toilet”, Camerons have built a reputation for making the process straightforward, professional and — dare we say it — pleasant.

Their lettings and property management services cover everything from marketing

PICTURED ABOVE

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

until the boiler explodes on Boxing Day and your tenant rings sounding like they’re reporting a maritime disaster. Camerons help remove the stress, handling the day-today chaos with efficiency and experience, allowing landlords to enjoy the rewards without constantly Googling “emergency electrician near me” at 2am.

Tenants, meanwhile, benefit from dealing with humans who understand that moving house ranks somewhere between a root canal and assembling IKEA furniture in terms of emotional stability. Their approachable team helps guide applicants through the process with clarity and professionalism — and without the usual estate-agent theatrics involving phrases like “rare opportunity” for a flat above a kebab shop.

CONTACT

01202 295678

info@cameronsproperties.co.uk

properties and tenant referencing to maintenance coordination and compliance. In other words, all the fiddly bits most people would rather avoid while pretending they fully understand what an EPC rating is.

For landlords, the appeal is obvious. Property can be a wonderful investment WEBSITE

ADDRESS

162 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 8AS

What really sets Camerons apart is their local knowledge and personal approach. They understand the areas they serve, the people who live there, and the realities of the rental market. There’s no smoke, mirrors or impossible promises — just practical advice and dependable service.

And frankly, in today’s property market, that’s rarer than finding a rental with both parking and zero mystery stains.

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.

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Casting is announced for Moulin rouge! The musical

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life

New casting is announced for the multiaward-winning hit stage show Moulin Rouge! The Musical which will be welcomed by Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from Thursday 24 September to Saturday 24 October 2026 as part of its first ever world tour.

The cast includes Verity Thompson as Satine, Nate Landskroner as Christian, Cameron Blakely as Harold Zidler, Kurt Kansley as Toulouse-Lautrec, Rodrigo Negrini as Santiago, James Bryers as The Duke, Kahlia Davis as Nini, Ellie Jane Grant as Arabia, Scott Sutcliffe as Baby Doll, Claudia Kariuki as La Chocolat and Ann Sophie as Alternate Satine.

The full cast is completed by Joe Burrell, Gracie Caine, Alisha Capon, Nathalie Chaves, Sol Childs, Kamau Davis, Martin Dickinson, Ike Fallon, Francis Foreman, Tessa Fox, Lucie Horsfall, Sayaka Kato, Jacob Kohli, Nathan Mariniello, Matt Powell, Daisy Quainton, Chloe Radford, James Revell, Phoebe Roberts, Samuel Routley, Nathan Saxon, Fraser Stewart, Sorcha Stephenson, Craig Watson and Frazer Woolcott.

Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.

As in the film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates over 160 years of music – from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago.

Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub.

When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago –Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards including Best Musical, an Olivier Award, two Drama League Awards including Outstanding Production of a Musical, five Drama Desk Awards and ten Outer Critics Circle Award Honor citations including New Broadway Musical.

Tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Thursday 24 September to Saturday 24 October 2026) are available now at mayflower.org.uk

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Apex Mortgage Brokers

– built around

After more than 20 years in the mortgage industry, Apex Mortgage Brokers has been created to offer something straightforward: clear, reliable advice delivered properly.

This is not a volume-driven, sales-led brokerage. The focus is simple – get cases approved, keep them moving, and see them through to completion with minimal friction. For clients and professional introducers such as estate agents, solicitors and accountants, that means certainty, communication and a broker who understands the importance of each part of the transaction.

At Apex, every case starts with a thorough fact-finding and is packaged correctly from the outset. We stay close to the process throughout, providing clear updates and

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info@apexmortgagebrokers.co.uk

www.apexmortgagebrokers.co.uk

outcomes

dealing with issues early, rather than reacting late. The aim is to reduce delays, avoid unnecessary complications, and support smoother transactions for all parties involved.

A key part of how we achieve this is our structure. Clients are supported by both an experienced adviser and a dedicated Completions Manager, ensuring continuity and consistent communication from application through to completion. It is a simple approach, but one that makes a meaningful difference to speed and reliability.

Equally important is the environment we are building. Apex is based on the top floor of Advantage Padel in Mudeford, with access to full health and wellbeing facilities including a gym, sauna, cold plunge, and on-site café

and restaurant. Creating a professional, well-supported working environment is deliberate. A strong team, operating in the right conditions, delivers better outcomes for clients and introducers alike.

We are looking to work with professionals who value clear communication, pragmatic advice and a shared focus on getting transactions completed smoothly. If that reflects how you operate, we would welcome the opportunity to work together.

At Apex, the approach is simple: do the job properly, communicate clearly, and deliver consistently.

Should you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ADDRESS

Christchurch Business Park, Radar Way, Christchurch BH23 4FL

Seasonal cocktails to rustle up now

Sam Wylie-Harris delves inside a new cocktail book with seasonal twists on classic serves.

Cited as the Queen of Cocktails, Sarah Gualtieri cut her teeth working as a photographer with food and beverage clients before starting her cocktail blog, The Boozy Ginger.

Today, the New York-based photographer and creator has written her first book, Sips of the Seasons… with eye-catching imagery to accompany her creations.

“Five years ago, I started my journey into crafting cocktails at home and sharing them on social media.

I learned a lot about making classic cocktails and finding the right balance of flavours,” writes Gualtieri (@the.boozy.ginger), who has 266k Instagram followers.

“One thing that was always guiding me as I worked on new recipes was using the freshest ingredients available.

“I have always loved gardening and having fresh herbs and vegetables ready for cooking, so it only made sense that I would use those fresh ingredients in my cocktails too.”

A deep dive into seasonal cocktails for every occasion, the book promises an eclectic mix of 40 stylish cocktails themed to the four seasons, alongside a section on syrups – from blackberry to lavender, to spiced cranberry.

With notes on glassware, garnish and a trio of infusions made with vodka, Campari and gin. Easy on the eye, here are four favourites to whet your whistle…

CUCUMBER AND BASIL GIN SMASH

“I try to keep fresh herbs year-round – in pots inside, and then move them outdoors or plant new seeds in the spring,” writes Gualtieri. “Having fresh basil is a must for me, both for cooking and making cocktails. I love the flavour and the fragrance that this herb adds to a drink. I also always plant cucumbers in my vegetable garden each year and usually have a steady supply of them by July.

“This pairing of herbal flavours, along with the botanicals in the gin, makes it so refreshing,” suggests the author.

INGREDIENTS

60ml gin, 60ml cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped, 15ml lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, 3 basil leaves.

METHOD

Put the cucumber, basil and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle. Pour in the gin and lemon juice, then add ice and shake until chilled.

Press the cucumber ribbon around the inside of the glass and fill it with ice. Double-strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a basil sprig.

ABOVE

Cucumber and Basil Gin Smash | Sarah Gualtieri

SUMMER SPRITZ

“I often say that every season is spritz season, but they taste just a little better in the summer.

“There’s nothing better than enjoying a bubbly spritz while dining al fresco or lounging by the pool. While a classic Aperol or Hugo spritz are both great choices, this combination of both – with a hint of bright citrus – is one of my favourites.”

INGREDIENTS

25ml Aperol, 15ml fresh grapefruit juice, 15ml elderflower liqueur, 90ml prosecco, 30ml soda water. Grapefruit slices and edible flower (optional) to garnish.

METHOD

Fill a large wine glass with ice. Add the Aperol, grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, and prosecco. Top with soda water, then stir to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

APEROL MIMOSA

Once spring celebrations begin, Gualtieri says there’s one cocktail that’s her go-to for gatherings and Sunday morning brunch: “The mimosa. It’s a simple cocktail with a ratio that can be adjusted to each person’s preference.

“Adding Aperol turns this one into a cross between a mimosa and a spritz and adds a burst of colour, just like the early spring blossoms. Garnish with an edible flower for a feminine touch,” suggests Gualtieri. “I love to start planting my edible flower garden in early spring with pansies, violets and marigolds.”

INGREDIENTS

30ml Aperol, 45ml orange juice, 90ml prosecco or sparkling wine, edible flower or orange slice to garnish.

METHOD

Pour the orange juice into a champagne flute. Top with prosecco or sparkling wine, add the Aperol, stir gently and garnish.

LAVENDER LEMON DROP

“I’m lucky enough to live close to lavender farms in New York and I have also planted many of my own,” writes Gualtieri. “While my lavender bushes aren’t in full bloom until June, I use dried culinary lavender to make syrups and infusions in the spring (which is also the best time to plant it in your garden).

"Lavender can be used for so many different things, from cocktails and baked goods to lotions and perfumes. The calming scent and subtle flavour also pair very well with lemon. Adding it to this classic, refreshing cocktail tastes like spring in a glass.”

INGREDIENTS

60ml vodka, 15ml triple sec, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 30ml lavender syrup, small sprig of culinary lavender or a lemon twist, to garnish.

Lavender syrup: 250ml water, 220g granulated sugar, 2g culinary-grade dried lavender buds. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and warm over a medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat, add the lavender and steep for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow to cool completely, then strain through a sieve. Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Makes 350ml.

For the rim: Superfine (caster) sugar, finely grated lemon zest, lemon wedge.

METHOD

Combine the sugar and lemon zest in a shallow dish. Run a lemon wedge around the outside edge of the rim of the glass. Dip the rim into the sugar/lemon mixture, rotating to coat. Tap off any excess and set aside briefly to set.

Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and lavender syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into the rimmed coupe. Weave half a lemon through a cocktail pick to place on top.

Extracted from Sips of the Seasons: Fresh Cocktails for Every Holiday by Sarah Gualtieri. Published in hardback by Quadrille, priced £14.99. Photography by Sarah Gualtieri.

Charming Edwardian home with land in Milford on Sea

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

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Historic New Forest home with acreage in Blissford

£1,500,000

An impressive four bedroom period home set within over four acres of paddocks and gardens in the heart of the New Forest National Park, complete with equestrian facilities.

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

Romsey, Hampshire Bank, Lyndhurst Mudeford, Christchurch

Arguably one of the finest houses on this prestige development, enjoying stunning elevated views across the water meadows of Romsey.

A charming detached cottage dating back over 200 years, set within established gardens approaching 0.4 acres in the sought-after New Forest hamlet of Bank, offering over 2,170 sq ft of characterful accommodation, garaging, outbuildings and close proximity to the open forest.

Masterfully renovated and thoughtfully extended, this exceptional chalet-style home combines character features with stylish contemporary living, ideally positioned close to Avon Beach and Christchurch Harbour. Perfect as a family home, luxury retreat or investment purchase.

Emery Down, Lyndhurst

A beautifully presented detached residence, seamlessly blending timeless character with contemporary living to create a spacious and welcoming home. Ideally positioned in a picturesque village setting, just moments from the vibrant heart of Lyndhurst.

Lymington, Hampshire Sway, New Forest

A beautifully presented contemporary townhouse enjoying stunning views across the Lymington River to the Isle of Wight, featuring a balcony, garden, garage and parking, ideally situated within walking distance of the quay, marinas, station and High Street.

A charming 1920s detached family home in the heart of the sought-after village of Sway, offering character, spacious modern living, a beautiful south-west facing garden, detached tandem garage, ample parking and easy access to the open forest and amenities.

The rise of modern urban country style

Interior Design Masters’ Briony Ace on how farmhouse decor is filtering into city living.

Are you ready to embrace country living but with the benefits of being a townie?

Turns out you’re not alone… and this is where the shift towards modern urban country decor differs from countrycore; particularly the nostalgic aesthetic and whimsy touches – but they are connected.

When it comes to this design trend, “I feel like it’s essentially having a sort of a country sensibility, without the country postcode,” explains interior designer and stylist, Briony Ace.

“It’s about people bringing that warmth and heritage into their home; but perhaps not the more traditional clutter you might see with countrycore.”

She continues. “It’s more sort of urban. I think people are perhaps a little bit done with minimalism… when we all went through that grey era.

“I think it’s about bringing all of the warmth and depth of the country; but it’s definitely not twee or chintzy,” says the 38-year-old, who lives in Surrey.

Having grown up in Croydon, “way into that urban era” as she puts it; and now in the country “which is beautiful, lots of greenery,” she’s experienced the best of both worlds.

“I’m able to bring those lovely elements of warmth into people’s homes, no matter where they live,” she says confidently.

The mother of two, who was a quarter finalist on the BBC show Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr, recalls she had to come up with a tagline to summarise her style, namely “earthy and organic,” and one she says very much suits her. “Very lived-in, perfectly imperfect… that’s how I would describe it. I’m not trend-led.”

Today, she’s looking forward to the Ideal Home Show, where she’ll be presenting a series of sessions, including ‘Spring Tablescaping Made Simple.’ “It’s about bringing those smaller styling pieces into the home and tablescaping around spring.”

Armed with some personal pieces, Ace says: “I love a visual, so I’ll be there with my bits and bobs.”

As well as having something on the screens behind her, she says there’s nothing like seeing it [in real life], and making people feel like it’s OK to play around with what they currently have. “I always say shop your own home.”

Here, she shares some key styling tips to get the modern urban country look…

Warmth without the fuss

“Traditionally, if you see country you think country farmhouse, quite a lot of items, and a lot of things,” highlights Ace.

“So for people who don’t like the idea of clutter, then it’s about urban living with a touch of the country.”

“And I would say the touch of country is about warmth. So if you crave a bit of character in a traditional urban home, and want a little bit of that softness, it’s about bringing in things such as colour – which is a really easy shift and change.”

She continues: “So those deeper, darker, earthier tones, perhaps olives, tobacco, oxblood, those deep navies.”

“It’s very much about texture as well… so it could be limewash walls which is a really lovely way of introducing warmth and a ‘feel’ into the home.”

ABOVE

Briony Ace in a kitchen that capture the relaxed elegance of modern urban country living | Briony Ace/PA

Mixing metals

Ace says mixing metals is a non-traditional way of giving urban living a country mix. “It’s all about texture, laying things up; mixing your metal tones, your wood tones, having that patina on things.”

“So anything that’s a little bit older, beaten up, that’s bashed up – it’s absolutely a bit of me, because we all know I love pre-loved, I love antique,” she quips.

And she’s not alone, suggesting another reason this decor has come into the forefront now is because preloved, antique and vintage are massive. “People are really getting into it. It’s got way less stigma attached to it.

“To pop to your local charity shop, second-hand places and antique fairs… grab your favourite piece, which has all this gorgeous patina,” Ace says enthusiastically.

Indeed, if you have one gorgeous patina piece in an otherwise urban, flat space, she says it can do wonders for the ‘feel’ and how it moves in a room.

Form and layering

As she points out: “You think country, and a lot of people immediately think about florals, right? That’s where you lean, and think about heavy pattern.

“This is more about heritage in shapes, and having all the comfort, but not the clutter and fuss,” she underlines.

Moreover, she says it’s not about having loads of florals and patterned prints, but about layering up different textures and materials.

“Maybe have two rugs layered on top of one another.”

“And making sure you have lots of different size cushions, not just one shape. I’m a huge fan of linen and use it all the time; 100% wool, gorgeous; cotton blends… just mixing the textures.”

LEFT

Helping to maximise the look, she says: “Whatever it is you love, that’s great… use that, but mix it. So you have a good blend of at least three different textures to look at, and to feel.

“You have to design with what you know, what sets your soul on fire, and what you love… I think rugs are a really lovely opportunity; it’s like introducing a piece of art for your floor.”

“That’s very much part of the whole country vibe… it’s about bringing the warmth and making you feel good.”

Briony Ace is presenting several sessions including ‘Spring Tablescaping Made Simple,’ and the ‘Organic Spring Wreath Making’ workshop at the Ideal Home Show which returns to Olympia, London from April 10–19, for its 118th year. For tickets and more info visit idealhomeshow.co.uk.

Words by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

ABOVE

Ikat Collection Sage Green Hand Embroidered Cushion (centre), £29.99; rest of items from a selection, Daals | Daals/PA

LEFT

Briony Ace in a dining area, and says: “Muted greens, natural timber and aged brass create a warm, inviting backdrop for the dining space.” | Briony Ace/PA

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You’ll see the team out and about at charity and community events across the area, cheering people on, and helping shine a light on the causes that matter locally.

Recently, we’ve been proud to be part of the Twilight Walk, a brilliant evening of togetherness and community spirit, and the Muddy Dog Dash, a proper feel-good day where everyone (and every dog) got stuck in for a great cause.

If you spot us at an event, come and say hello, and if you’re planning something special, book a live broadcast for it!

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Beaulieu’s Custom and American Show

Set to be bigger and better than ever in Route 66 Centenary Year, on Sunday 21 June 2026

Beaulieu’s Custom and American Show returns this Father’s Day on 21 June 2026, in partnership with the Solent Renegades club. Visitors can expect everything from jaw-dropping vehicles to brand-new features, including Transformers and Ghostbusters displays, live country music, axe throwing and Mini Monster Trucks. There’s plenty to delight families, petrol-heads and country fans alike. Notably, this year’s show takes place on the centenary of Route 66, the historic route on America’s most legendary highway, and will feature a new international sponsor inspired by the occasion.

The Custom and American Show is proud to be sponsored by Illinois Route 66, a region steeped in American motoring heritage. Home to the final 100 miles of Route 66, and the only place where the Mother Road meets the Great River Road, the area truly captures American road trip culture. Cory M. Jobe, Chair of the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission said: “Illinois is thrilled to bring the spirit of Route 66 to the UK. As the home of the Mother Road, we are proud to celebrate its rich history, sense of adventure, and enduring legacy.”

The Illinois Route 66 team will be at the show, giving visitors the chance to meet them, enter an exciting competition and start planning their next big trip.

Spectacular custom and American motors remain at the heart of this vibrant show, with roaring roadsters and modern Mustangs lining up alongside mind-blowing custom cars, bikes, trikes and hot rods.

This year, participants get the special bonus of Garage Goods, a dedicated trading corner to sell leftover project parts and spares from their display vehicle.

Perfect for fans of film and nostalgia, the show will feature a Film & TV Display, showcasing iconic cars from the big screen. Included in the line-up so far are Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, KITT from Knight Rider, a Delorean Time Machine from Back to the Future, Herbie, an Austin Powers tribute car and the Dodge Monaco 350 from The Blues Brothers.*

The Transformers display will bring movie magic to life, featuring not just the vehicles but the walking, talking robot heroes themselves! Featured in the display will be the 2011 Chevy Camaro ‘Bumblebee’, Pontiac Solstice ‘Jazz’, the towering Optimus Prime truck, a vintage Bumblebee, and the Ford Mustang ‘Barricade’.

Visitors will also have the rare chance to get up close and take photos with the Transformers themselves.

The cinematic excitement doesn’t stop there, as the Ghostbusters will also be making an appearance. Fans can see the iconic Ecto-1, fully equipped with ghostcatching gear and proton packs, plus keep an eye out for the Ghostbusters patrolling the show, along with the infamous Slimer and the legendary hotdog cart.

Long-time friend of the show and custom car builder extraordinaire, Andy Saunders, returns with more of his one-of-a-kind creations. Metropolis will make a welcome return after several years away from Beaulieu, as well as his newest creation, the Daroo 1/3. Visitors will also be among the first to see the latest updates to Tetanus, as Andy continues its most recent refit, displayed alongside acclaimed artist Maxime Xavier’s striking Sundancer.

The prize-giving, sponsored by local business Vibrant Forest Brewery, will include a wide range of exciting awards. The People’s Best in Show will be decided by public vote and is open to all participants. Other highlights include the Solent Renegades Choice, the Andy Saunders Award for the best custom creation selected by the car builder himself, and the Brian Ackland Memorial Award, presented in memory of the well-loved figure in the custom car scene. A Father’s Day Prize Draw will also take place, with winners chosen at random from registered entries on the day.

Enhancing the country theme, live performances from country and folk band Route 66, Craig Jefferson’s Elvis tribute act and a Dolly Parton tribute act will provide the perfect soundtrack throughout the day. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere or take to the dancefloor, while both Elvis and Dolly will be available for photo opportunities with fans at set times. Also taking to the dancefloor is Resolution Dance Company with a highenergy, American-style cheerleading performance sure to impress the crowds.

A family fun day wouldn’t be complete without rides and attractions**, with plenty for all ages to enjoy. Visitors can take the wheel on the Dodgems or enjoy a spin on the Toy Set Carousel. NEW for this year, showgoers can also get behind the wheel of a Mini Monster Truck and test their driving skills on a fun course. There’s also the chance to try axe throwing and aim for the bullseye, while the Rodeo Bull offers an added thrill for those keen to prove they have what it takes to be a real cowboy. UK Country Hat Bar will also be joining the show this year, offering the opportunity for visitors to customise their own one-of-a-kind cowboy hat from a selection of

wraps, bands and accessories. While free face painting and glitter tattoos will also be available, bringing a splash of colour and sparkle to the many photo opportunities throughout the day, including in the Giant Deckchair!

Visitor and Participant Tickets for the Custom and American Show are available now at an advance rate from www.beaulieu.co.uk/custom-and-american-show

Tickets to the Custom and American Show include full access to the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum and its brand-new gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring History. Visitors can rediscover the cars from their past in the interactive We Had One of Those display, explore Palace House and the 13thcentury Beaulieu Abbey, and enjoy the Secret Army Exhibition and On Screen Cars. The day also includes the popular Little Beaulieu adventure play area for children, as well as the Brabazon Restaurant.

*Cars mentioned are correct at time of print and subject to change. **Additional charges apply to some of the features mentioned.

Lytchett Matravers/Poole

£1,295,000

Five bedroom | Three bathroom | Three reception rooms | No onward chain | Ideal potential for 2 family living annexe | C1.75 Acres plot including paddock | Stunning rural Purbeck views

Stapehill/Wimborne

£1,000,000

Over 2,700 sq ft six-bedroom home in a prime semi-rural setting between Wimborne and Ferndown | A self-contained annexe with independent entrance, offering flexibility for multi-generational living or ancillary accommodation or additional income | Careful attention to detail and quality of finish throughout | A highly desirable plot backing onto protected land, providing privacy and pleasant outlook

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

Ringwood £3,000,000

Completely secluded country holding with no near neighbours | Direct access into the New Forest National Park — ride or walk straight out | Approx. 24 acres of mixed paddocks, woodland and landscaped grounds | Spacious five-bedroom main house with excellent scope to modernise | Secondary two-bedroom cottage — ideal for multi-generational living or income | Established equestrian infrastructure, including stabling and grazing land

bookings@findyourspace.uk www.findyourspace.uk

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The hidden impact of the Renters’ Rights Act

And how Burns Hamilton is already ahead

The Renters’ Rights Act is often defined by its headline reforms: the abolition of Section 21, the move to periodic tenancies, and increased tenant protections. However, the true impact lies beneath the surface, in the operational detail that will fundamentally reshape how landlords manage their properties.

For many, this is where uncertainty begins. At Burns Hamilton, it is where preparation is already well underway.

One of the most significant changes will be the introduction of new documentation and information requirements. From May 2026, landlords must provide a formal Written Statement of Terms for every tenancy, while also ensuring existing arrangements are supported by updated government information within strict timeframes. While these may appear administrative, they are critical.

These documents sit at the core of your legal rights, including possession proceedings, meaning even small errors can carry significant risk.

Alongside this sits a more rigorous compliance environment. Increased enforcement powers mean that errors —

PICTURED Sotiria Laitmer –Associate Director, Burns Hamilton

whether procedural or operational — are far more likely to result in financial penalties or formal action. With the introduction of a national Ombudsman and a central landlord database, compliance is no longer something that can be managed reactively. It must be built into everyday processes.

Perhaps the most significant shift is in how tenancies will be managed in practice.

With Section 21 removed, landlords must

rely on clearly defined legal grounds for possession, supported by robust evidence and precise processes. This is not simply a change in legislation; it is a change in approach. The margin for error will be smaller, and the consequences more immediate.

At Burns Hamilton, we have taken a proactive approach. We are already reviewing and refining our full process landscape — from tenancy creation through to possession — to ensure every step meets the new regulatory standard. Our teams are developing updated documentation, strengthening workflows, and equipping landlords with clear, practical guidance so they can move forward with confidence.

In short, we are not waiting for the changes to arrive. We are ready.

For landlords, this is a defining moment. Those who act early, with the right support, will transition smoothly. Those who delay may find themselves exposed to unnecessary risk.

The question is simple: are you confident your current approach is ready, or would you benefit from working with a team that already is?

CONTACT

01202 553335

hello@burnshamilton.co.uk

ADDRESS

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

WEBSITE

www.burnshamilton.co.uk

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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.

How can I get the most from my Managing Agent?

Burns Hamilton’s Operations Director, Emily Gray, offers expert advice.

If you are a Director of a resident led building, you are ultimately responsible for decisions that affect its safety, condition, and finances - often alongside a full-time job.

The quality of your Managing Agent doesn’t just affect day-to-day administration; it determines how confident you can feel in those decisions, and how well your building is protected for the long term.

At Burns Hamilton, we regularly work with Directors of Resident Management Companies and Right to Manage Companies who have taken on the role alongside busy professional lives. The responsibility that comes with it can feel significant, particularly when decisions around budgets, compliance, and building safety sit firmly with the board.

One of the most important factors in making that role manageable is the relationship you have with your Managing Agent. In our experience, the difference between a building that runs smoothly and one that feels reactive often comes down to how well that partnership works.

Getting the most from your Managing Agent starts with understanding that their role goes far beyond administration. At Burns Hamilton, our teams bring together expertise in financial management, building safety, contractor oversight, and compliance. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it is essential to ensuring that decisions are made correctly and that the building is properly protected.

A strong partnership allows that expertise to be fully used. Directors set the direction and priorities, and our role is to guide those decisions with clear advice, practical

recommendations, and a full understanding of the risks and implications involved. When that relationship works well, decisions are made earlier, issues are identified sooner, and the building is managed pro actively rather than reactively.

Financial management is a good example of this in practice. At Burns Hamilton, we do not simply issue budgets. We work with our Directors to understand what their building needs, not just this year, but over the next five to ten years, so decisions are made early, costs are controlled, and there are no unnecessary surprises. That might involve planning for major works, managing pressures on costs, or ensuring that funds are in place to maintain standards over the long term. With the right partnership, budgets become a tool for planning, not just a document issued once a year.

The same applies to maintenance and contractor management. Our role is not just to arrange works, but to ensure

the right contractors are selected, clear specifications are in place, and standards are maintained throughout. For Directors, this provides reassurance that works are being carried out properly, without the need to manage the detail themselves.

Where relationships can feel challenging, it is often because there is not enough visibility. Directors quite rightly want to understand what is happening, why decisions are being taken, and whether the building is being managed effectively. At Burns Hamilton, we focus on structured, transparent reporting so that our Directors always have a clear picture — what has happened, what is changing, and what decisions need to be made.

When Directors and Managing Agents work in this way, the role becomes significantly easier. Instead of reacting to issues, you are making informed decisions with the right support. Instead of managing individual tasks, you are overseeing a structured, wellmanaged process.

Ultimately, getting the most from your Managing Agent is about using their expertise fully. When that expertise is combined with clear communication and a shared understanding of responsibilities, the result is a well-managed building, confident Directors, and long-term protection of the asset.

At Burns Hamilton, we work alongside our Directors to provide clarity, reduce risk, and ensure that buildings are managed prudently, pro actively and professionally.

If you’re not sure whether you’re getting the level of support you should from your Managing Agent, we are always happy to have an informal conversation about what an effective partnership looks like in practice.

At Burns Hamilton we have been successfully managing communal residential and mixed-use properties in the Hampshire and Dorset area for over 55 years, offering tailored block and estate management that keeps buildings safe, compliant and well maintained.

As a Member Firm of The Property Institute, with Property Managers holding relevant industry leading qualifications, we demonstrate a clear commitment to professional standards and consistently high levels of compliance across our managed portfolio. With specialist experience working alongside freeholders, RMCs and RTM companies, we handle repairs, ensure contractor competency, service charge administration and more — all supported by a dedicated Property Manager and team who know your building inside out.

Whether you require proactive management, statutory compliance expertise or a responsive service for residents and owners alike, we deliver with professionalism and strong local insight.

TRAVEL

World of Paw Patrol has opened at Chessington –here’s what it’s like

Neil Lancefield take his young daughter to the brand-new section of the Surrey theme park.

“It’s like we’re in Paw Patrol!” my daughter shouts out as we enter the new land at Chessington World of Adventures Resort.

Comments made by an excitable five-year-old often have to be taken with a hearty dose of scepticism, but in this case I fully agree.

The vibrant colours of the buildings, rides and life-sized figures make it easy to believe we are in Adventure Bay – the city which is the main setting of the popular children’s TV show – rather than a theme park in Surrey.

The 3D-animated children’s television series followings a boy named Ryder and his team of search and rescue dogs – Chase (police dog) Marshall (fire fighter), Zuma (water rescue), Skye (aviation), Rocky (recycling), and Rubble (construction) – who protect the community.

A recent report found that Paw Patrol was the mostwatched children’s content on streaming platform Netflix in the second half of last year, with a mega 344 million hours viewed. There’s also a strong focus on teamwork and friendship in the storylines.

Here inside Chessington’s new section, everything is bright and bold. There is a huge replica of the Paw Patrol’s lookout tower, big logos, and even the footpaths have markings making them look like roads.

The land features big and bold Paw Patrol logos | Chessington World of Adventures Resort/PA

The land has many large figures such as the show’s other characters Captain Turbot (a marine biologist who sometimes helps the ‘pup patrol’), Wally the Walrus (Captain Turbot’s friend), Mayor Humdinger (the show’s certified ‘baddie’) and of course, all the pups.

The children here have broad smiles across their faces, while parents – who like me have undoubtedly had the catchy Paw Patrol theme tune stuck in their head at some point – also seem impressed.

All four of the new rides are themed around members of the pack and match the basic premise of the show’s episodes: someone or something needs rescuing, or an imminent disaster that needs averting.

Each are adventurous enough to excite my daughter Penny without scaring her.

The most immersive experience is Chase’s Mountain Mission, which begins with us stepping into a huge

replica of the show’s lookout tower and made to feel as though we’re in a lift taking us to the top.

On a screen, the patrol’s leader, Ryder, explains the mission. We “junior pups” need to board Chase’s rescue vehicle – a rollercoaster – to help him save Mayor Goodway [the ‘good mayor’ of Adventure Bay] and her pet chicken who are under attack from a scary bird while stuck on a tightrope at the top of a mountain.

It’s Penny’s first time on a rollercoaster, and we zip around at a decent speed. “It was too fast but still fun”, she tells me when we stop. The fact we return for another go half an hour later indicates she has overcome any fears.

ABOVE

Chase’s Mountain Mission at World of Paw Patrol | Chessington World of Adventures Resort/PA

Air rescue pup Skye has always been Penny’s favourite member of the pack, so it’s no surprise that Skye’s Helicopter Heroes is the next ride she wants to experience. We climb onboard one of Skye’s grey and pink helicopters, which are lifted into the air before we spin around.

Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure is a drifting ride and the only one of its kind in the UK, designed to replicate the motion of a hovercraft on water.

We hop into an orange craft and help Zuma navigate the waters from Adventure Bay to Seal Island to deliver a vital new lightbulb to the top of the lighthouse.

Pulling a lever makes it feel like we’re moving faster, and I’m happy to oblige as Penny asks me to lift it again and again.

Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue involves us taking our seats on a red fire engine which rotates through the air as we save a kitten stuck up a tree.

There are two play areas, ideal for when little ones are either too tired to queue for rides or need to burn off excess energy.

ABOVE

Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure is the only ride of its kind in the UK | Chessington World of Adventures Resort/PA

LEFT

Skye’s Helicopter Heroes takes passengers up into the air | Chessington World of Adventures Resort/PA

RIGHT

Penny enjoying one of the play areas at World of Paw Patrol | Neil Lancefield/PA

At Rubble and Rocky’s Play Zone, Penny climbs and slides alongside construction pup Rubble, before making her way through a maze of repurposed items with eco pup Rocky.

I’m impressed by the attention to details on the Flounder Boat Play when the sound of a boat engine is emitted as I turn Captain Turbot’s wheel.

If all that isn’t enough, the lookout tower is also a helterskelter, with a slide winding around the outside.

The land hosts regular meet-and greets with the pups, enabling Penny to say hi to Chase and give Skye a high-five.

There are also Paw Patrol-themed food and retail outlets, meaning it’s possible to spend a large chunk of a day here.

There are two hotels onsite (one with five Paw Patrolthemed rooms), giving guests benefits such access to the theme park an hour before the main gates open and free parking.

We spend a night at the Safari Hotel, where we open our curtains to stunning views of giraffes, antelopes and zebras at Chessington’s Wanyama Reserve. Staying so close means we have enough time to discover much of what it has to offer beyond World of Paw Patrol – such as the walk-through Room on a Broom attraction, based on Julia Donaldson’s book.

Chessington World of Adventures – which has been around since 1987 – will face tough competition when Universal Studios opens a theme park in Bedfordshire by 2031.

The £15 million project to build the UK’s only Paw Patrol land gives Chessington a unique selling point, while next year it will also open a world-first land inspired by video game Minecraft.

Chessington’s attractions have traditionally been inspired by different parts of the world, so the use of intellectual property such as Paw Patrol and Minecraft marks a major shift. With Universal parks often featuring ultra high-speed rides to attract thrillseekers, it may be wise for Chessington to focus on family-friendly experiences.

The success of attractions such as Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, Hampshire, and Thomas (the Tank Engine) Land at Drayton Manor Resort, Staffordshire, prove it can be a winning formula.

We walk out of World of Paw Patrol under a large sign telling us “You saved the day!” For us, and Chessington, it feels like mission accomplished.

HOW TO BOOK

Tickets at Chessington’s World of Paw Patrol start from £34pp and include access to Theme Park, Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium. You can also extend your stay in a hotel on a Chessington short break; prices start from £73pp.

Words by Neil Lancefield, Press Association

From clutter to calm

Custom Creations are helping homeowners create beautifully organised spaces that truly work.

For many of us, June is the month when the home begins to feel alive again. Windows are thrown open to let the warm breeze wander through, lighter evenings encourage lazy dinners with friends, and suddenly we start to notice the spaces around us a little differently. That awkward alcove in the bedroom, the clutter gathering beneath the stairs, the home office that never quite works as it should. It’s often at this time of year that we begin imagining how our homes could feel calmer, brighter and far more beautifully organised.

That is where Custom Creations comes in.

Based in Dorset, this family-run company has spent more than 40 years helping homeowners transform everyday rooms into thoughtfully designed spaces that genuinely improve daily life.

From bespoke fitted wardrobes and walkin dressing rooms to custom media walls, home studies and clever under-stairs storage, every piece is handcrafted to suit the individual home and the people living in it.

There’s something particularly reassuring about working with a business that still believes in craftsmanship and personal service. Unlike flat-pack furniture that often forces homeowners to compromise on size, style or practicality, Custom Creations designs furniture around the customer’s needs. Whether you live in a period cottage with sloping ceilings or a modern apartment where every inch matters, their team creates fitted solutions that make the most of the available space.

And it isn’t simply about storage — it is about lifestyle.

A well-designed bedroom can become a sanctuary rather than a source of stress. Bespoke wardrobes remove clutter and create a sense of calm at the beginning and end of each day. Beautifully fitted lounge cabinetry can turn a busy family room into a sleek, welcoming retreat where everything has its place. Even children’s bedrooms can be transformed with creative fitted furniture that grows alongside them, offering practical storage without sacrificing personality or fun.

As working from home continues to shape modern living, Custom Creations has also become a valuable resource for

homeowners wanting stylish and functional office spaces. Their bespoke home studies combine practicality with comfort, helping to create environments that support focus and productivity while still feeling connected to the rest of the home.

What makes the experience feel especially personal is the company’s collaborative approach. Their designers work closely with customers during free consultations, listening carefully to how each room needs to function. Because the business is family-run and non-commission based, the emphasis remains firmly on creating the right solution rather than pushing unnecessary extras.

That level of care continues throughout the process. Furniture is crafted in their Dorset workshop by skilled joiners using quality materials and modern machinery, before being installed by an in-house fitting team who treat customers’ homes with respect and attention.

In an age where so much feels massproduced, there is growing appreciation for interiors that feel unique and personal. Industry experts continue to highlight the long-term value of bespoke furniture, not only for its practicality but also for the way it enhances the character and flow of a home. Custom Creations embraces exactly that philosophy, offering hundreds of finishes, styles and design possibilities to ensure no two projects ever feel the same.

Perhaps most importantly, investing in fitted furniture is often an investment in peace of mind. Better organisation can make homes feel more spacious, routines feel easier and everyday living feel less chaotic. When storage works beautifully, life tends to work a little more smoothly too.

So as summer arrives and thoughts turn towards refreshing the home, Custom Creations offers something more meaningful than furniture alone. They offer thoughtful design, handcrafted quality and spaces that truly work for modern living — helping homeowners create homes that feel not only stylish, but genuinely enjoyable to live in every single day.

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How to create a stylish and practical laundry room

Here’s how to optimise one of the hardest working rooms in the house.

When it comes to everyday chores, creating a dedicated, organised space can be a lifesaver – especially if you run a busy household, are short on time, or simply want to spruce up a hardworking space.

Especially with warm summer days signalling widespread washing, a need for fresh bedding to ensure good sleep hygiene, fair-weather wardrobes, and higher turnover of cleaning supplies to keep up with demand.

And this is where you can make your dedicated space as aesthetically pleasing as it is practical, with sufficient cabinets, cupboards, stylish shelving, and clever storage ideas which bring everything together in a streamlined, calming, stress-free zone.

“People increasingly expect more from the things they invest in, and practicality alone isn’t enough,” highlights Rachal Hutcheson, interiors expert at Sharps with three decades of experience in interiors and home transformation.

“With social media constantly showcasing inspiring spaces, it’s an expectation that the home reflects personality – and feels elevated.

“A laundry room is no longer just a functional corner of the home,” underlines Hutcheson. “It’s a place where organisation and thoughtful design come together to make everyday routines feel seamless and enjoyable.”

Indeed, a utility room is rarely a place where you, well, just do the washing. It’s also somewhere for moments of reflection; sorting and folding, ironing, listening to a favourite playlist… with the smell of freshly washed linen an instant mood booster.

And this is where planning comes into play, so everything’s in it’s place – and easily accessible.

“The most common issues we see are cramped layouts and inefficient storage,” says Hutcheson. “A well-planned laundry room should feel intuitive with everything in the right place, easy to reach and free from obstacles.”

She says proper storage and organisation are essential to success.

“Clutter builds quickly and once it does, the room can become stressful to use. Built-in cabinetry is invaluable as it allows you to tailor every inch to your needs.”

Depending on your budget and layout, Hutcheson says tall cupboards can hide away mops, brooms and bulky cleaning tools; while internal drawers keep detergents and laundry products neatly contained.

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Shoe Storage Bench - Cream, £59.99, (was £64.99), Vonhaus | Vonhaus/PA

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“Open shelving with labelled baskets makes it quick to sort and find things. Simple additions like a pull-out ironing board, a dedicated drying rail or a bench seat with hidden storage can transform the way you use the space.”

In addition, versatile standing units with capacity for wicker baskets or stackable laundry baskets; antitangle clothes hangers and smart space saving ideas can be the workhorse you’ve been banking on to get the job done.

“The ideal laundry room should work hard for you while still feeling calm, bright and inviting,” suggests Hutcheson. “Summer is the perfect moment to rethink the space as the season naturally encourages a fresh start and clear mindset.”

Moreover, she says to take time in designing the space beyond just the practical features, “with design details and finishing touches that elevate the everyday.”

Lighter colours, soft neutrals and warm woods can make even the smallest room feel spacious and uplifting, suggests Hutcheson.

“Consider pops of colour for added character through shelving in contrasting materials, framed prints, patterned pots or planters and woven rugs.”

Lighting is another key consideration, she points out. “When designing a space never forget the power of good lighting.”

“Natural light is ideal, but if that’s limited, warm, evenly distributed overhead lights, with strip lights across all shelving; and motion-censored lights within cupboards will ensure the room stays welcoming and functional.”

by Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

Powering Dorset’s energy future

Tincleton Solar Systems expands through strategic partnership

Tincleton Solar Systems has announced a strategic partnership with NERA Electrics and Renewables, forming Tincleton Solar Systems (incorporating NERA Electrics and Renewables) Ltd — a move that significantly expands the company’s offering across Dorset and beyond.

Already recognised for its high-quality renewable energy installation, maintenance and repair services, the partnership enables the business to provide a comprehensive range of domestic and commercial electrical solutions, including:

Solar PV installation, servicing and repairs

• Energy storage solutions and battery installations

• Home and business EV charger installations

• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)

• Consumer unit upgrades and replacements

• Indoor and outdoor lighting installations

• Full and partial electrical rewiring

• Electrical fault finding and repairs

• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

With many years of experience in electrical contracting and domestic installations, Nicholas and the NERA team bring a wealth of technical expertise to the partnership. Together, Tincleton Solar Systems and NERA aim to deliver an unrivalled level of service to homeowners and businesses across Dorset.

Heat pump electrics and EcoFlow battery installations are also among the specialist solutions now available through the expanded business.

A growing focus on energy security

Recent global energy shocks, exacerbated by conflict in the Middle East, have prompted many homeowners and businesses to think more carefully about long-term energy security. Against this backdrop, there has rarely been a better time to consider the benefits of installing renewable energy systems.

What makes Tincleton different?

Tincleton Solar Systems distinguishes itself through an uncompromising commitment to quality. The company exclusively uses

MCS-approved products and installs systems to the highest standards, without cutting corners.

While this approach can occasionally make the company appear more expensive than competitors, Tincleton believes solar is an investment that should only need to be undertaken once — and done properly.

“A solar system is effectively a mini power station on your roof,” the team explains. “The consequences of poor installation can be significant.”

One of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of solar installation is roof integrity.

The critical importance of roof surveys

A key issue Tincleton Solar Systems frequently encounters is the need to strengthen roofs to safely accommodate the additional loads imposed by solar systems.

Unlike many installers, the company carries out a full structural roof survey, underwritten by a professional FRICS-registered surveyor. Where strengthening works are recommended, these are completed as part of the installation process.

Surprisingly, seven out of ten roofs surveyed require additional strengthening work. The team says they are often told by prospective customers: “The other company that quoted didn’t mention that.”

01305 848709

EMAIL info@tincleton.co.uk

Unfortunately, Tincleton has also been called to rectify poorly installed systems where the original installer has disappeared, ceased trading or failed to respond. In many cases, only a superficial “desktop survey” had been completed — often burdened with caveats and conditions that rendered it effectively meaningless and served merely as a box-ticking exercise.

Why roof strengthening matters

Strengthening a roof is not simply about supporting the additional weight of solar panels.

During periods of high wind, solar panels can generate uplift forces, behaving much like an aircraft wing. These forces place pressure on roof rafters and timbers in the opposite direction to which they were originally designed to perform.

Over time, repeated flexing can weaken structural components and, in extreme cases, lead to catastrophic failure.

For this reason, Tincleton Solar Systems strongly advocates a straightforward philosophy:

“Get it done once. Get it done right.”

A typical strengthening solution often involves doubling and bolting rafters together, ensuring the roof is robust enough to safely support the system for decades to come.

A message to existing solar owners

For homeowners who have recently had a solar system installed, Tincleton recommends requesting sight of the roof survey undertaken as part of the process — and, importantly, understanding what type of survey was carried out and what recommendations were made.

For those uncertain about the integrity of an existing installation, the company offers comprehensive solar service visits, reviewing the full system and identifying any areas of concern.

As a useful rule of thumb, homes built this century and fitted with factory-made roof trusses are particularly likely to require strengthening work.

The team’s advice is clear: don’t delay having it checked — the cost of not doing so could quite literally go through the roof.

WEBSITE www.tincleton.co.uk

The quiet luxury of garden design

The growing appeal of gardens designed to be lived in, not just looked at!

As soon as the British weather climbs above 18 degrees, something remarkable happens. Suddenly, everyone becomes an outdoor person. Garden furniture emerges from sheds, barbecues are dusted off with misplaced optimism, and people begin inspecting their gardens as though they’re preparing for the Chelsea Flower Show rather than a slightly ambitious sausage supper.

Which is precisely why June is the perfect time to rethink outdoor spaces — and where The Landscape Service come into their own.

Specialising in landscape and garden design, The Landscape Service help homeowners transform underused, uninspiring outdoor areas into beautifully planned spaces designed for modern living. Whether it’s a contemporary entertaining area, elegant planting scheme, familyfriendly garden or a complete redesign, their work is about creating gardens that feel considered, functional and genuinely enjoyable to spend time in.

Because gardens are no longer just somewhere to mow every other weekend while questioning your life choices. Increasingly, they’ve become extensions of the home itself — places for entertaining, relaxing, working remotely or simply escaping indoors for half an hour with a coffee and a bit of peace.

The Landscape Service understand this perfectly. Good garden design isn’t simply about making a space look attractive; it’s about understanding how people actually want to use it. From layout and flow to materials, planting and practical features, every detail is carefully planned to create outdoor spaces that work beautifully year-round.

And while many homeowners begin summer convinced they can “probably redesign the garden themselves”, this confidence often fades somewhere between online paving samples and trying to sketch a patio layout on the back of an envelope. Professional design brings clarity, creativity and expertise — helping clients avoid costly mistakes while achieving a far more polished result.

What sets The Landscape Service apart is their collaborative approach and eye for detail. They work closely with clients to create bespoke designs that reflect both the property and the people living in it, balancing style with practicality in a way that feels effortless.

After all, a thoughtfully designed garden is something that adds enjoyment, value and beauty to a home long after summer has passed.

WHY CHOOSE ELEGANT LOFT SERVICES LTD?

• 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.

MOTORING NEWS

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

HAVAL JOLION PRO – SENSIBLE, WELLEQUIPPED, VALUE MOTORING

We’re used to completely new marques being launched, usually Chinese, but there is one Chinese manufacturer that started over 40 years ago. Great Wall Motors are not a well-known name even today, they have principally manufactured pick-up trucks. One of their most interesting cars is the Haval Jolion Pro. Quite a name!

The first interesting fact about the Haval is that I have not found a single good review about the car, most have slated it as one of the worst cars they have ever driven. I am puzzled as to why because having spent a week behind the wheel of the Jolion Pro, while it has its flaws, it’s actually a very likeable, comfortable and affordable car.

Prices start at £23,995 rising to just under £30,000 with three models all powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine boosted by a 110kw electric motor for a combined 189PS. Three trim levels – Premium, Lux and Ultra – offer excellent levels of standard equipment which as a minimum include CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and exit, rear view camera, rear parking sensors and a very clever idea, a USB point for your dash cam.

On the road the Jolion has a decent amount of power and acceleration although using your right foot too enthusiastically highlights the limits of the transmission. It’s a bit lethargic, and vocal, as the gearbox catches up with the engine’s need for power. It may not offer a sporting ride but the Jolion is a comfortable one that soaks up the bumps rather well.

Build quality appears impressively good given the Haval’s pricing and although the lead-in Premium model would, in my view, offer the best value, the top models provide highly impressive levels of standard equipment. Fuel economy seems good and providing you are looking for a longer

term purchase the effects of depreciation should be minimised. The dealer network is expanding but for the moment is not expansive so that may be an issue for some in less populated areas.

Why then does the Haval receive such negative reviews? Many potential buyers want affordable, comfortable and wellequipped transport. Therefore handling, premium badging and image are not uppermost in their purchasing decisions. Perhaps some reviewers don’t get it that not all motorists are petrolheads.

Whatever the answer the Haval Jolion Pro needs to be given a fair hearing and it may then find a deserved wider audience.

NEW TIGGO 8 EXPANDS CHERY EUROPEAN PRESENCE

With an increasing amount of new Chinese manufacturers launching cars across Europe it’s no surprise that we’re constantly seeing names that are unfamiliar on our roads. CHERY Automobile designs, engineers and develops much of its technology in-house and although they are independent brands is also the parent company of Jaecoo and Omoda. Jaecoo in particular has made a big presence on UK roads. Chery confirmed late last year that its first seven-seat SUV would go on sale with prices starting from £28,545.

The company continues to expands its European dealer network, and with the launch of the TIGGO 8 there are two main powertrain options: a 147hp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 204hp 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV), known as “Super Hybrid”. The PHEV offers around 56 miles of electric-only range. There are two high-specification trims –Aspire and Summit – and a diverse colour range including Reef Blue and Forest Green.

In 1.6-litre Turbocharged petrol form the 62 mph benchmark is reached in an

acceptable 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 118 mph. Meanwhile, the Super Hybrid – the plug-in hybrid model with both selfcharging and fast charging capabilities –offers a total range of 745 miles, including 56 EV-only miles, and is capable of a 0-62 mph time of just 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph.

Two interior trims – Aspire and Summit – feature lots of USB sockets for all occupants, a 6-way power adjustable driver seat, heated seats, ergonomic controls, panoramic sunroof, hands-free automatic tailgate, air conditioning vents for second and third row seats (something often overlooked in large family SUVs) plus an upgraded 12-speaker SONY audio system.

Both trims feature 15.6-inch Quad HD central console display, multi-function steering wheel, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. With the top-line Summit specification lumbar and electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated seats, with passenger massage function in the front row, and heated outer second row seating, alongside a head-up display is standard.

Priced from £28,545 for the 1.6-litre TDGI and from £33,545 OTR for the Super Hybrid, both variants have a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, with unlimited mileage in the first 3 years. The TIGGO 8 Super Hybrid will have an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

During January to September last year, Chery sold 145,000 vehicles in Europe, more than doubling its sales compared to the same period last year. I suspect we’ll be seeing more this year as they continue to grow their presence.

Models discussed relate to UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

SUZUKI SWIFT –HITTING THE MARK!

Compare the offerings from car makers now to just a few years ago and the number of small hatchbacks seems to have declined. Cars have got larger, the desire for crossovers and SUVs continues unabated and it’s more challenging to make smaller EVs given the need for battery space.

One manufacturer that has managed to retain its small, and ever popular, hatchback is Suzuki and their Swift. Although, thanks to emissions regulations and the march of the EV, the immensely enjoyable Sport version is no longer available, the Swift is a well-equipped, nicely finished and enjoyable all-rounder. Add the words ALLGRIP and it becomes an exceptionally capable supermini.

Swift pricing starts at £19,699 for the lead-in model with an impressive array of standard equipment including adaptive cruise, keyless

entry and start, navigation, auto-lights with high beam assist, heated front seats, rear camera and parking sensors, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning and tyre pressure monitoring.

In manual form there is a 5-speed gearbox, with a CVT for the automatic option. There’s just one power unit, a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol that just sneaks under the 100g/km Co2 emissions on the lead-in car. The Swift isn’t going to set the performance world alight, but it feels much peppier than its 82PS would suggest. At times you do have to offer encouragement, but the manual gearbox is smooth and slick with a nice short throw on the gear lever. Once on the move it keeps up with modern traffic on faster roads and proves good fun on smaller cross-country routes, especially if you have the ALLGRIP model as tested here.

Suzuki launched their first four-wheel-drive vehicle over 50 years ago and their off-road abilities are well respected. The automatic system in the Swift uses a viscous coupling so that if the front wheels start to lose traction, power is distributed to the rear wheels to maintain progress. There are no buttons, levers or other paraphernalia, it’s all very simple. The Swift has always been a surefooted drive, in this form it’s even better, and in the winter makes perfect sense. No automatic option for the AWD but with the 5-speed manual £22,049 seems especially good value for money.

Style is always subjective, everyone’s different, but I cannot imagine anyone finding objection to the Swift. It’s smart, feels nicely bolted together and thanks to the thrum of the 3-cylinder engine makes for a fun and engaging drive. The interior is smartly done with decent space and lots of places for in-car oddments.

Suzuki has a knack of hitting the mark in terms of giving buyers practical, sensible cars that still have a dash of style. The Swift perfectly embodies this ethos.

MAZDA 6E – NEW GENERATION FOR MAZDA’S 6

Revealed at last year’s Brussels Motor Show, and on sale in Europe since last Autumn, the Mazda6e will finally arrive in the UK this summer with a new 78kWh single battery specification - priced at £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for Takumi Plus. Mazda say the car reinvents the Mazda6 for the electric age.

Bringing a fresh take to the well-regarded Mazda6, which across three generations from 2002 to 2023 was a popular model in the UK fleet market, the Mazda6e represents a fresh take on its predecessors, featuring a modern flowing exterior and sleek cabin design.

Launched in Europe with two powertrain options – a 68.8kWh LFP or 80kWh NCM battery, the UK specification Mazda6e simplifies the range with a single 78kWh LFP battery that combines the best of both in terms of range, performance and charging

times. The new 78kWh battery delivers a combined range of 348 miles, while 10 to 80 per cent charging time can be as little as 24 minutes. With a 258ps power output the rear-wheel drive Mazda6e will reach 62mph in 7.9 seconds and delivers 290Nm of torque.

Standout design details include frameless doors and at the rear the Mazda6e’s while newly designed Mazda lettering replaces the brand logo badge at the rear of the car. Another unique for Mazda feature is the electronically extendable rear spoiler that enhances stability at speed.

Inside, the Mazda6e’s cabin a panoramic roof contributes to an airy ambiance and sense of space. A floating centre console and instrument panel along with premium materials feature throughout both the available trim levels: Takumi and Takumi Plus. Takumi models will feature black

or stone Maztex^ artificial leather, while Takumi Plus offers premium tan Nappa leather with Artificial Suede Cloth woven fabric seat trim.

The smart driver-focused cockpit features a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch instrument set, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display. Mazda has always had a deserved reputation for quality and premium build quality and the company hopes that together, the exterior and interior elements create a blend of style, comfort and functionality that will attract drivers to the new generation electric Mazda 6.

Available to configure and order now, the first Mazda6e will arrive this summer, while later in the year the next chapter in Mazda’s BEV story will arrive in the UK – with the debut of the all-new Mazda CX-6e SUV.

NEW PREMIUM SPECIFICATION

BLACK EDITION JOINS GRENADIER LINE-UP

It began life as a sketch on a £5 note over a drink at the Grenadier pub in London, INEOS Founder and Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, miffed that Land Rover had decided to cease production of the original Defender decided to build his own version and the Grenadier was born. You can find that note stapled to the ceiling inside the very pub in which the Grenadier was conceived.

As it enters its third full year of production, INEOS has enhanced the Grenadier for the 2026 model year The company’s engineers have significantly upgraded the steering setup that results in a more positive on-road feel. A new steering box features a variable ratio for the first time and a lower ratio around the central steering position results in a tighter, firmer feel to deliver more precision and greater responsiveness.

These changes increase confidence in high-speed straight-line driving, lane changing and overtaking, as well as more assured handling on sweeping A and B-roads. The ratio at each end of the steering gear remains unchanged, ensuring the Grenadier – in both station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up guises - retains its off-road capability and performance.

Further steering improvements have resulted in a reduction in the turning circle by around five percent. Extending the steering stops means the 2026 vehicle is more manoeuvrable on- and off-road, and easier to use in town and on tight off-road trails.

The 2026 Grenadier also benefits from upgraded climate control components to improve the performance and predictability of heating and cooling within the cabin.

A new homescreen shortcut enables one-touch deactivation of the audible alert for the now compulsory Intelligent Speed Assist, helping drivers to minimise unwanted distractions.

The Black Edition is a new addition to the Grenadier line-up for 2026 and is based on the Fieldmaster trim, and is available as both a station wagon and Quartermaster pickup. It’s identifiable by new and exclusive all-black aesthetic body and trim finishes the sole Inky Black paint option. Gloss black 18-inch alloys, a dark exterior pack, privacy glass and lockable spare wheel storage box complete the look, while dark interior headlining and carpet set the interior scene.

Prices for the Black Edition start from £71,995 and while there is no limit to volume, it will have a limited production window. For all other 2026 models, pricing is unchanged, starting from £51,930 exVAT for the Grenadier Commercial, £62,495 for the Quartermaster pick-up and the base model Grenadier and £69,995 for the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions.

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Mood-boosting actions to support mental wellbeing 8

A new poll suggests that as work, family, and daily demands build up, many of us are guilty of letting our own needs slip to the bottom of the priority list.

The survey of 4,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation in March, found that a quarter of respondents hadn’t taken any action to support their mental health in the previous month.

The theme for the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11-17) is action, and the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people to adopt small, manageable habits to help boost mood and improve overall wellbeing.

“This year we really want people to not only to think about their mental health, but to actually to take concrete action,” says Alexa Knight, director of policy and influencing at Mental Health Foundation.

“There’s a lot more understanding of mental health and how important it is, but so many of us don’t take action for ourselves or for others, and there are lots of quick, simple things we can all do that will have an impact on our mental health.

“It’s important that we all try and prioritise doing something for ourselves, even if it’s a just small thing every week.”

Here are eight simple actions to incorporate into your routine that could help boost your mood and support your wellbeing…

SPEND TIME IN NATURE

“Being out in nature can give you a mental health boost,” says Knight. “There’s something about being out in the natural world that takes us out of ourselves and provides a change of environment which can lead to a shift in mindset.

“Even a short walk in a park or sitting in the garden can have a positive impact.”

MOVE YOUR BODY

“We don’t all need to run a marathon, but trying to move, whatever that means for you at your capability, every day is really important,” says Knight.

“Whether that’s having a little dance in the kitchen or doing some chair yoga, being physically active has a great impact on your mental health.”

TAKE SCREEN BREAKS

“From time to time, many of us fall into the habit of thinking it’s relaxing to go on our phones and scroll to see what’s going on,” reflects Knight. “However, when there’s so much difficult and distressing things going on in the world, it might be a good idea to give yourself permission to take a break from this.”

ORGANISE A MATE DATE

“Make plans to catch up with friends,” suggests Knight. “There’s something about looking forward to the future and being hopeful that has a really protective boost for mental health.”

CREATE A CALMING BEDTIME ROUTINE

“Doing things like staying away from screens for an hour before bedtime, making sure you have a calm environment and doing relaxing activities like having a bath,listening to music or reading a book can all help your mind unwind before bed,” recommends Knight.

WRITE DOWN THREE THINGS THAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR

“Write down three things that happened to you today that you are grateful for,” suggests Knight. “They can be small things, like a nice, short conversation you had with your neighbour, something you love about your neighbourhood, or it might be just knowing there are friends that you can call should you need to.

“Doing this can help shift your mindset back to the positive and the hopeful.”

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

“There’s such a close relationship between physical health and mental health, they are intrinsically linked. Therefore, doing things that we know are good for our physical health, like drinking water, is really good for our mental health as well,” explains Knight.

“Staying hydrated is fantastic for improving things like concentration and memory, but can also help improve our mood too.”

LEARN A NEW SKILL

“Being in a growth mindset where you’re taking on new challenges or learning new things has been proven to be a real boost for mental health,” says Knight.

“Trying a new hobby can also often provide a meditative boost as it takes you again away from negative thoughts because you’re focusing on something creative or enjoyable.”

Take action for your mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week. Find out more and get expert tips here.

Words by Camilla Foster, Press Association

Photos credit Alamy/PA

Step into summer with confidence

Enjoy crystal-clear vision and UV protection with designer frames from Whiffens Opticians.

As the summer season arrives, there’s never been a better time to make sure your vision is as bright and clear as the days ahead. Whether you’re enjoying holidays abroad, driving through the countryside, relaxing in the garden or spending time with family outdoors, good eyesight makes every moment more enjoyable. That’s where Whiffens Opticians can help.

With years of trusted experience and a reputation for friendly, professional care, Whiffens Opticians offers far more than simply glasses. Their dedicated team understands that every patient is different, taking the time to provide tailored eye care and expert advice to suit individual lifestyles and needs. From comprehensive eye examinations to stylish frames and advanced lenses, every visit is designed to ensure comfort, confidence and crystal-clear vision.

Summer can bring unique challenges for our eyes. Increased sunlight, glare, pollen and dry air can all affect eye health and visual comfort. Regular eye tests are essential not only for checking vision but also for identifying early signs of wider health conditions. At Whiffens Opticians, patients benefit from thorough examinations using modern technology, giving peace of mind alongside exceptional service.

For those spending more time outdoors, prescription sunglasses are a perfect investment. Combining clear vision with vital UV protection, they help reduce glare while protecting eyes from harmful sun exposure.

Whiffens Opticians offers a fantastic selection of fashionable frames and lens options, helping customers find eyewear that looks great while enhancing everyday life. Whether you prefer timeless classics or modern designer styles, there is something to suit every taste and budget.

The team also prides itself on delivering a welcoming, personal experience. Choosing new glasses can feel overwhelming, but Whiffens Opticians makes the process simple and enjoyable. Their knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide customers through frame choices, lens options and fittings to ensure the perfect result.

In a busy world, it can be easy to overlook eye care, but clear vision should never be taken for granted. Booking an appointment with Whiffens Opticians this summer is a simple step towards protecting your eyesight and improving day-to-day comfort. Whether you need a routine eye examination, new glasses or expert advice, their experienced team is ready to help you see summer clearly.

Visit Whiffens Opticians today and discover the difference that professional, personalised eye care can make.

CONTACT

01202 771144

whiffensopticians.co.uk

ADDRESS

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

Making every meal an occasion

Warm hospitality, home-cooked food and the simple joy of sharing time around the table.

There are certain restaurants that feel instantly familiar the moment you walk through the door. The kind of place where conversations flow easily, glasses are raised without hurry, and good food somehow makes time slow down just a little. In a world of rushed meals and endless distractions, finding somewhere that feels genuinely welcoming has become something of a luxury. That is exactly what makes Bates Restaurant in Charminster such a local treasure.

Tucked away on Charminster Road, this much-loved family-run restaurant has spent more than 18 years quietly building a reputation for exceptional home-cooked food, warm hospitality and an atmosphere that encourages people to truly enjoy each other’s company.

Picture a Sunday lunch where generations gather around the table, stories shared between mouthfuls of beautifully prepared roast dinners and homemade desserts. Or perhaps it is a long-overdue catch-

up with friends, where one bottle of wine turns into two and nobody notices the time passing. Maybe it is a birthday celebration, anniversary dinner or simply an excuse to enjoy good food with people you love. At Bates Restaurant, those everyday moments feel just a little more special.

What makes the experience so memorable is the balance it strikes between quality and comfort. The setting feels relaxed and homely rather than formal, allowing guests to settle in and unwind, while the menu offers something for everyone, from traditional British favourites to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

At the heart of it all are owners John and Cheryl Bates, whose family-run approach is evident in every detail, from attentive service to carefully prepared dishes made using quality ingredients. Homemade desserts have become something of a

signature, and regulars often speak fondly of the welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back.

Perhaps that is the real charm of Bates Restaurant. It is not simply somewhere to eat; it is somewhere to gather. A place for celebrations, reunions, quiet lunches and spontaneous evenings out — where memorable meals become part of family traditions and friendships are strengthened around the table.

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

Shelina Permalloo: Our world is changing – it’s not always the 2.4 family

The MasterChef winner talks solo parenting, introducing diversity into children’s diets and her Mauritian heritage.

TV chef Shelina Permalloo has “started to feel more confident” in her identity as a single mum, saying she “recognised it resonates” with a lot of people.

The 43-year-old was the first woman of colour to win the coveted BBC One MasterChef title in 2012, by showcasing the food of her Mauritian heritage.

Mum to eight-year-old daughter Niyyah, Permalloo says being a solo parent can feel “relentless and exhausting”. “I don’t want to have to cook a meal, then think about all the washing up, because the minute I put her to bed and the house goes quiet, I still have work to do [so] I don’t want to be in the kitchen.”

Although very proud to be a single mother, the chef says: “I actually only became confident saying it out loud when I realised what the problem was.

“When you’re in a 2.4 family, you assume someone’s going to take the bins out whilst you’re cooking dinner, hopefully someone’s bathing your child when you’re cleaning up in the kitchen. But when you are responsible for all of that, the onus is heavy.”

After more than a decade-long hiatus from cookbook writing (she published two in quick succession after her MasterChef win) Permalloo is back with her third, What To Make When Everyone’s Hungry – and it aims to solve the problem for people who have “no time or mental capacity to cook”, whatever your family size.

“It’s a really relatable cookbook for people like me who are in situations like mine. I think the world of parenting has changed, you know, it’s not always the 2.4 family.

“Our world is changing, and we need to reflect what that looks like,” says the British-Mauritian chef, who has appeared on Sunday Brunch, This Morning, and John And Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.

“The other lonely aspect about single parenting is, when you’re cooking a meal, a lot of the recipes [are made to feed] four or six. You don’t want to eat that meal four times in one week.”

Permalloo fell pregnant just three months after opening her first restaurant in Southampton, Lakaz Maman Mauritian Street Kitchen, while also running the kitchen as head chef.

She wants people to be able to use the skills she learned in the restaurant at home.”You don’t have to be a professional chef but with all those skills that I know; being a little bit more prepared, cleaning up your kitchen a little bit, not having to go through 50 different pots…”

“There’s something about having an organised kitchen that allows you to make quick decisions, and it allows you to free up the space for all the other stuff that you have to get on with.”

For anyone on their own, she wants them to “feel pride” in what they’re cooking, and “feel a sense of joy and a little bit of calm without it feeling frenetic.”

Being able to lean on, say five recipes that you can go back to, from which “you know you’re going to get clean bowls” from, “no fuss, not too much mess, a bit of leftovers and some peace and quiet”, will help single parents.

But even a professional can’t also get children to eat whatever they cook. “Being a Mauritian parent, there are certain things I want my child to, without question, love, [because] it’s part of her cultural identity. For example, plantain, she didn’t like it. And I was like, ‘What? Sorry, what did you say?’ She said, ‘I don’t like this mummy’ and pushed it away –it was a proper dagger to my heart!”

Next time, Permalloo seasoned it with cumin and salt – a nod to Niyyah’s dual Moroccan heritage – and it was gobbled right up.

“The same with okra, she hasn’t quite gotten used to the consistency yet. So I continue to try and bring it into her diet every two weeks, and normally the plate gets pushed aside. But I think the whole point of introducing diversity at a young age is really key.”

Although the cookbook includes family classics like spaghetti bolognese and chicken peri peri traybake, Permalloo says she “naturally cooks with heritage”.

“You’ll see a whole array of different inspirations from Thailand, from Ghana, from Mauritius, from Jamaica because that’s naturally what I’ve been exposed to. So these recipes are really entrenched in our everyday life, and they work for so many different families. They cover so many different tastes, flavours and textures.”

The African island of Mauritius, to the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, is “religiously and ethically diverse”. The cuisine is “a true melting pot of identity”, says the mum-of-one. “Because of the way the island was formed, through African, Chinese, Indian and French [migration] these cultures and identities brought with them the foods of their heritage.

“If we were to have a spread on a Sunday, we would definitely have Mauritian noodles, we would have a curry, a flat bread, some kind of roti, a fiery African chilli paste, a French stew with baguettes. That’s a really traditional table, all in one meal, because the flavours and the food completely correlate and make sense.”

dominoes, and they had the big pots in the garden, almost like the barbecue mentality.”

that I cook at home is not dissimilar to the way that I was brought up. I suppose the only difference is we have the pleasure of eating more expensive cuts of meat, or having the pleasure of choosing what kind of eggs we want. So I think because of that, I am privileged.”

Permalloo first visited Mauritius at 11 years old and it brought up questions for her of identity.

“I realised, I’m not quite Mauritian, my Creole accent was very English, but I spoke Creole, I ate the food, I was the same ethnic identity as all my family. But I was different, I looked bigger, I was a bit more well-fed.

“There is something really interesting about being from a land and your soul thinking that you’re from there, but equally, being very, very British.

“And there is absolutely no harm in straddling both of those identities at different points when it’s necessary. So I very confidently say I am British, Mauritian, and I say that with pride, because I exist here, my life is here, but my soul and heritage exists over there.”

Permalloo was born and bred in Southampton, while her parents emigrated in the 1970s after being invited through the Commonwealth because her dad was a teacher.

“It was a different world back then. Moving to Southampton from Mauritius, I don’t know what the link was, I think they just thought, ‘It’s next to water, so we’re going to be fine’.

But, “they were faced with rife racism, challenges of integration, difficulties of understanding the language, and connecting with people… So one of the things that my mum and dad did was [get] involved in the Mauritian community.

“Every weekend, without fail, there were people in our house all day long. We had this whole cacophony of noise; women gossiping and clampering in the kitchen as they’re cooking, and then the men playing cards or

When her dad died when she was just 12, “we became very, very independent very quickly. I think when you have such a trauma at a young age you learn to become a mini adult very quickly.”

With her mother working as a nurse in the NHS, it was normal for Permalloo and her older sister and brother to cook dinners and clean up the house. Money was tight, “so we would cook from what we had, back then it was hessian sacks full of lentils and rice, and tinned corned beef, tinned sardines, and mackerel – and that was a treat.

“We would eat vegan, probably five days a week. We were poor, really, really poor, and obviously with Dad not being around, my mum hustled.”

Learning to stretch ingredients and make meals from what’s available has stayed with her though. “I’m really frugal. The way

Easy pistachio barfi

MAKES 18-20 PIECES

INGREDIENTS

97g tin of sweetened condensed milk

150g milk powder

100g pistachios, shelled and blended to a fine powder ½tsp ground cardamom

Pinch of salt

To decorate:

Shelled and chopped pistachios Gold leaf

1. Line a 15 x 20-centimetre glass tray with baking paper.

2. Gently heat the condensed milk in a non-stick saucepan over a medium heat for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Stir in the milk powder, ground pistachios, cardamom and salt, and cook for another two to four minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and come away at the sides like a thick dough.

4. Tip out the dough into the prepared tray and press it down firmly to flatten.

5. Tumble over the chopped pistachios, and finish with some gold leaf for extra razzle-dazzle!

6. Leave to cool in the freezer for one hour or in the fridge for two to three hours, then cut it into small squares or diamonds.

7. Store out on the counter for up to seven days.

INGREDIENTS

6 chicken wings, skin on 2tbsp peri peri seasoning

300g basmati rice (I use golden sella basmati, grand extralong or easy-cook), rinsed

1tbsp smoked paprika

1tbsp garlic granules

3tbsp Turkish tomato paste

500ml vegetable stock

½ red pepper, sliced

½ yellow pepper, sliced

To serve:

Handful of chopped coriander

1 lemon, cut into wedges

INGREDIENTS

50g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

200g Greek-style full-fat yoghurt

½tsp salt

150g mozzarella cheese, grated

75g butter

Chicken peri peri traybake

SERVES 4-6

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/400°F.

2. Separate the wings into drumettes and flats to make 12 pieces in total. In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces with the peri peri seasoning and set aside.

3. In a large ovenproof saucepan, combine the rice, spices, tomato paste and vegetable stock, mixing it all together until the rice is a vibrant red.

4. Arrange the chicken wings on top of the rice in a circle, then cover the pan with a lid and cook over a high heat for five minutes.

5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 15 minutes.

6. Remove the lid and sprinkle over the pepper slices, then transfer to the oven and cook for another 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to allow the wings to get crispy.

7. Scatter with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges, getting stuck in straight from the dish. Enjoy!

Quick cheesy naan

SERVES 4-6

1. In a bowl, combine the self-raising flour, yoghurt and salt, mixing until a dough forms. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Split the dough into six equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle, place a portion of mozzarella in the centre of each, then bring up the edges of the dough to form a parcel around the cheese and seal by pinching the edges together to make six balls.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, gently roll out each stuffed dough ball into a naan shape about five-millimetres thick.

4. Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the naans, one at a time, for two to three minutes on each side until golden brown and puffed up.

5. Once each naan comes out of the pan, grab your butter straight from the packet and generously wipe it over both sides of the bread, then cover with a clean tea towel to keep warm while you cook the rest. Make sure to butter each one as soon as it comes out.

6. Serve warm with curry, chutney or on their own.

WELCOME

TO TRAIN ELITE

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Our programmes are designed to progressively build strength, helping you burn fat, improve fitness and energy levels and support bone health, particularly important for women at menopause age. Alongside nutrition programmes, specially designed recipes books, and dietary support. Plus integrated wearable tech from MyZone.

Our community is second to none. Inclusive, welcoming, supportive and fun. Take up our offer of 3 free sessions, give us a try and meet some of our Train Elite family!

The rise of experience-led corporate events in Dorset

There was a time when corporate events meant hotel conference rooms, lukewarm coffee and predictable lunches. But increasingly, Dorset businesses are rethinking how they bring people together - swapping traditional meeting spaces for experiences that feel more memorable, more meaningful and, importantly, more enjoyable.

Whether it’s rewarding hardworking teams, strengthening client relationships or hosting networking events that people actually want to attend, businesses are increasingly looking for settings that encourage genuine connection. And it seems the best conversations don’t always happen around a boardroom table.

Across Dorset, hospitality venues are responding to this shift, offering experiences designed to blend business with wellbeing, creativity and connection. One local business embracing this trend is Dorset Cruises, which is seeing growing interest in private charters for corporate entertaining and company events.

With Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast as its backdrop, Dorset Cruises offers a unique setting for corporate events, client entertaining and team celebrations.

Guests step aboard the historic Dorset Queen, which is the only vintage motor yacht in Poole Harbour, offering a memorable setting that feels a world away from the usual meeting room.

“Businesses are increasingly looking for experiences that feel different,” says Jon Morgan, Director and Captain, Dorset Queen. “Whether it’s celebrating success, rewarding teams or entertaining clients, people want events that leave a lasting impression.”

The company has recently expanded its corporate offering to include a range of private charter experiences, from relaxed morning brunch cruises and elegant afternoon teas to sunset BBQs and premium evening events complete with drinks and entertainment.

For businesses, the appeal is clear. A memorable setting can help spark better

WEBSITE

www.dorsetcruises.co.uk

conversations, encourage team bonding and create shared experiences that feel far removed from day-to-day work pressures.

And in a world where employee wellbeing and company culture matter more than ever, perhaps taking business off dry land is no longer simply a nice idea, but smart business too.

As Dorset businesses continue to prioritise people, relationships and experiences, the future of corporate events may just be found on the water.

Weddings & Celebrations

Alongside corporate events, Dorset Cruises offers private hire for weddings and special celebrations on the water. From drinks receptions and wedding transport to intimate gatherings and post-wedding celebrations, private charters provide a memorable setting for bringing people together against the backdrop of Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast.

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 JUNE

W h a vibrant mix of countryside, bea es and attra ions, there is always plenty to do in Dorset & Hampshire. Here is a sele ion of events happening across the counties over the coming weeks.

‘COUNTRY ROOTS’ NIGHT

05 JUNE

Dorset-based disability charity

Diverse Abilities is inviting the community to saddle up for a feel-good evening of music, dancing, and fundraising at Country Roots, a popular country-themed event taking place on Friday 5 June 2026 at The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch.

Country Roots promises a night of “all things country”, featuring live music, line dancing, delicious food trucks, a bar, and plenty of fundraising fun— all in support of the children and adults supported by the charity across Dorset.

DIVERSE ABILITIES

www.diverseabilities.org.uk

RNLI COLLEGE SUMMER FETE

06 JUNE

Join the RNLI college for a day of family fun on the 6th June, 11am - 6pm!

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the College, or come meet RNLI mascot Stormy Stan. There’ll be live music, food and drink stalls, circus workshops, face painting and lots more – it’s an event with something for everyone!

UPTON HOUSE FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

12 - 14 JUNE

Set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park, the Upton House Food and Music Festival is a lively familyfriendly weekend celebrating great food, drink, and live music. Guests can enjoy a huge variety of international street food, local ales and craft drinks, tribute acts, live bands, entertainment for children, and a fantastic festival atmosphere — all in a stunning outdoor setting.

UPTON COUNTRY PARK www.uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com

RNLI COLLEGE rnli.org/college

OUTDOOR CINEMA

05 - 07 JUNE

Adventure Cinema brings the magic of the big screen to the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle, creating an unforgettable open-air cinema experience beneath the stars.

Guests can relax with a picnic and enjoy a fantastic line-up of films and musical favourites, including Jurassic Park, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, Pretty Woman, Sing, and The Gru alo and Stick Man, all set against the dramatic backdrop of one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks.

LULWORTH CASTLE

www.adventurecinema.co.uk

ROADS TO RAIL STEAM RALLY

26 - 28 JUNE

The Roads to Rail Steam Rally returns to the Isle of Purbeck near Corfe Castle, bringing together the very best of road and rail steam for a fantastic family-friendly weekend. Set against the beautiful Dorset countryside, the event recreates the atmosphere of a bygone age with traction engines, road rollers, showman’s engines, stationary engines, and steampowered demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Visitors can also enjoy steamhauled passenger trains, a traditional vintage fairground, live music, trade stalls, picnic areas, and a lively beer tent serving Dorset ales. With plenty of food, sweet treats, and entertainment for all ages, it o ers a memorable steam-filled day out for the whole family. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

CORFE CASTLE

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

BALLETBOYZ: STILL

POINTLESS

30 JUNE

Twenty-five years after Michael Nunn and William Trevitt’s critically acclaimed debut performance Pointless at the Roundhouse, pioneering dance company BalletBoyz returns to the stage with their new show Still Pointless at Lighthouse Poole on 30th June.

Still Pointless leads audiences on a retrospective journey through a quarter of a century of daring commissioning, producing, and performing dance across stage and screen. The show will open with an excerpt from Russell Maliphant’s seminal work Critical Mass, performed as part of the original show at the Roundhouse back in 2001. At once looking back to celebrate all the company has achieved and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm and ambition, the show will also showcase the world-premiere of a brandnew commission by up-and-coming choreographer Seirian Gri iths.

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

WIMBORNE MINSTER FOLK FESTIVAL

12 - 14 JUNE

WIMBORNE MINSTER www.wm .co.uk

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE

13 JUNE

BOURNEMOUTH

PAVILION THEATRE

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

HIGHCLIFFE

FOOD AND ARTS FESTIVAL

13 - 14 JUNE

HIGHCLIFFE HIGHSTREET

highcli efoodandartsfestival.co.uk

WAKEY, WAKEY, PADDLE & BREKKIE

13 & 20 JUNE

STUDLAND BAY

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

KINGSTON LACY

SOCIAL WALKS

20 JUNE

KINGSTON LACY www.nationaltrust.org.uk

It is time to TAKE A BREAK

Pop

ACROSS CRYPTIC CLUES

1. Dangerous (6)

4. Spruce (6)

9. Ornamentation (13)

10. Snake (7)

11. Build (5)

12. Nip (5)

14. Send (5)

18. Intelligence (5)

19. Draw (7)

21. Prosaic (13)

22. Signify (6)

23. Streamer (6)

DOWN CRYPTIC CLUES

1. Restless (6)

2. Inferiority (13)

3. Treacherous (5)

5. Accomplish (7)

6. Forethought (13)

7. Twirl (6)

8. Hilarity (5)

13. Touch (7)

15. Be plentiful (6)

16. Madness (5)

17. Scattered (6)

20. Torment (5)

LAST ISSUES SUDOKU

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