As spring has now most definitely sprung, there’s a real sense of energy building across our beautiful county. The gardens are waking up, and our towns and villages are beginning to offer lots of different options for outdoor pursuits once again. It’s a lovely time of year to reconnect with the places and people that make our region so special.
This month’s magazine is packed with local highlights, and there’s plenty to look forward to in the months ahead. From food and music festivals to community events, I know my calendar is certainly filling up quickly. I’m also looking forward to new local discoveries.
As ever, thank you for continuing to support local businesses and community initiatives. Perhaps choose your next book from an independent local bookshop, or consider one of the businesses advertising in this magazine for your next home project.
And don’t forget to look out for Sammy the Seagull as part of the Regent’s competition!
Rebecca Smith
Let’s get spicy! Summer
season starts with Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival
Fans of spicy hot chilli peppers and creamy cheeses should head to Parley Lane this May for the annual Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival.
Taking place near Bournemouth Airport, this open-air festival combines artisan food, live entertainment and family fun with children aged 15 and younger going free and adult tickets starting from just £9.
The family-friendly festival offers something for all ages. Grown-up food lovers can explore a selection of award-winning cheeses, artisan chilli products, hot sauces and gourmet street food from across the UK, while younger visitors can enjoy a dedicated Kids’ Zone packed with rides, activities and interactive fun.
Alongside the food, the festival will feature:
• Live music and stage entertainment throughout the weekend
• A dedicated Kids’ Zone with rides and activities
• Cooking demonstrations from talented chefs
• Chilli-eating competitions and interactive challenges
• Artisan shopping stalls and local produce
• Treasure hunts with Paradox Parlours
• Fully licensed bars serving craft beers, ciders, and more
Event Director Simon Stewart said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival is such a welcoming, family-friendly event.
“We’ve worked hard to make this an affordable and memorable weekend out for everyone.”
The Cheese & Chilli Festival takes place on 16 and 17 May at Parley Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6AD. Tickets are available on the gate, or book in advance by visiting cheeseandchillifestival.com.
CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS
THURSDAY 25 JUNE AT 7.30PM AT THE REGENT, CHRISTCHURCH
For 34 years, this sensational show has Rock ‘n’ Rolled audiences on television, radio and live on stages around the world, earning standing ovations everywhere from Croydon to California. Now revamped for 2026, it features all of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits plus classics from Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers and many more.
Five outstanding actor-musicians recreate the sound, spirit and energy of the 1950s in a night bursting with nostalgia, joy and unforgettable live music. Loved by all ages — children are often the first on their feet!
REGENT CENTRE BOX OFFICE
01202 499199
TICKETS £28
For your chance to win two tickets to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Legends Show, all you need to do is find Sammy Seagull who is hidden somewhere inside this month’s magazine (excluding this page).
Send an email with the subject line ‘Sammy Seagull’, the page number where he is hiding and your contact details to competition@ themudefordmag.co.uk.
Closing date is 31 May 2026
PREVIOUS WINNER:
The winner of two tickets to The Bon Jovi Experience was Linda Jones from Mudeford. She found Sammy hiding on page 42. Congratulations, Linda!
Coffee Break Time
How to solve codeword
Every letter of the alphabet has been replaced by a number.
All you have to do is decide which letter is represented by which number.
To start you off we reveal the code for 3 letters.
Solutions on page 46
sponsored by Louis P Creative
Coffee Break Time
RNLI Mudeford Fundraising Crew Newsletter
In January, Highcliffe Sailing Club kindly hosted a ‘Know your RNLI’ session for our fundraisers. Volunteer crew from Mudeford Lifeboat Station gave interesting and informative presentations, highlighting the extensive training, planning, organisation and contributions they undertake — which we are here to support with our fundraising activities and events.
First was Tim Hewett, joint local operations manager, who spoke about how the station is organised, the training and the callouts. Catherine Weston then outlined her role and training as shore crew while showing off her hard-earned, new yellow wellies. Lastly, Jake Harrison, long-time crew member, mechanic and recently appointed Helm, who is also operations manager at the RNLI College, gave us an insight into the boat crew training path, from first joining to achieving Helm status. It’s a long and arduous process, and it gave us greater respect for those who do all of this voluntarily, and with such commitment.
Fundraisers Annie Line and Adele Orr then ran a session on basic water safety information that our bucket collectors and volunteers on the souvenir and book stalls might find useful when engaging with members of the public. Finishing off the evening, David Richmond-Coggan, chair of the Christchurch & Bournemouth branch, gave a presentation about lifeguards and their 25th anniversary this year.
Dates for the diary
Coffee & Cake Morning, Stanpit Village Hall, 10am – 12noon, Thursday 14 May
Blue Light Day & Lifeboat Station Open Day, Mudeford Green, 10am, Sunday 24 May
Sea Shanties, Haven House Inn, Mudeford Quay, 6pm, Saturday 27 June
Mudeford Lifeboat Funday, Mudeford Quay and Green, 11am, Sunday 9 August
Join us
For more information on our events or monthly meetings, please contact our chair, Adele, at adele.orr.63@gmail.com.
We are always pleased to welcome new volunteers for our fundraising team. We meet at 2.15pm on the first Wednesday of the month at Stanpit Village Hall.
On 9 January 2025, the plan was simple: travel from Poole to Salisbury in the morning, then to Southampton in the afternoon and be back in Poole for dinner. My theory was that the locations were close enough together to make it manageable in a day — but I hadn’t factored in the icy weather in Salisbury…
After parking in what I thought was a sensibly located multi-storey, I stepped out of the car and realised the top level had completely frozen over — more of an ice rink than a car park! Once safely on solid ground, I found Paddington on Fisherton Street and spent a few minutes with him — not too long, as it was quite cold!
I had a wander around the city afterwards, unaware that my now-boyfriend was somewhere nearby going about his day, as this was his home. At that point in 2025, we hadn’t met.
From there, Millie (my cockerpoo) and I carried on to Southampton. The sun was shining, the pavements were ice-free, and the morning’s drama was forgotten. Paddington was attracting plenty of attention by the shopping centre, and Millie attempted to investigate
his marmalade sandwich a little too closely. Thankfully, no damage was done.
A few weeks later, while visiting a friend in Bristol, we made a detour to Cardiff. There is only one Paddington statue in Wales on this trail. Sat just inside the castle walls (no ticket needed), he had a wonderful view of a dragon. Daffodils were starting to appear in the parks, and Millie and I enjoyed a wander around the city and through the parks before heading to Bristol for a catch-up in the afternoon.
Later in the year, in April, on the way back from a weekend in the Cotswolds, we stopped off in Newbury to visit another Paddington. This statue felt particularly important because Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington, was born in Newbury in 1926.
All these statues were found during day trips or on the way back from a short break. They didn’t require elaborate planning — just a bit of motivation on cold mornings and a willingness to take a ‘slight’ detour for a bit of an adventure. You can find me on Instagram: @beckygoesbimbling. Next time, we are off to the Midlands.
Millie and Paddington in Southampton
Rebecca in Cardiff
Cold conditions in Salisbury
Get ready for Southbourne Food & Fun Fest
Put Saturday 16 May 2026 in your diary, because a brand-new event is taking place on Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne.
The inaugural Food & Fun Festival will be a community celebration of local food, drink, sustainability and seaside fun. It aims to shine a spotlight on the best food and drink producers from across Dorset and Hampshire, as well as give you a chance to meet the people behind Southbourne’s favourite cafés and restaurants.
This free one-day festival is being organised by Stir Events CIC, the team behind some of Dorset’s most popular community events, including Shake & Stir, Poole Goes Vintage, and the Cliff Top Music Festival.
Visitors can look forward to a day of shopping, food tasting, learning and
entertainment. As well as live music by The Hush Club, there will be “grow your own” and “cook your own” workshops led by local chefs, gardeners and community groups, plus cake-baking competitions, food bingo and a fancy-dress parade.
The festival has adopted eco-friendly initiatives such as plastic-free trading and on-site recycling.
Mandy Polkey, managing director of Stir Events CIC, said: “We’re so excited to bring a brand-new event to Fisherman’s Walk that celebrates the local food scene and the brilliant community behind it. The Southbourne Food & Fun Festival will be full of flavour, creativity and positivity — a real showcase of Dorset and Hampshire talent.”
Visit eventsbystir.co.uk for full details.
Rise in forest animal road deaths
Last year saw an unfortunate increase in accidents involving animals in the New Forest, with a rise in deaths.
In 2025, there were 108 incidents involving ponies, cattle and donkeys, with 47 animals killed compared to 97 accidents and 37 deaths the year before.
It follows the lowest livestock deaths on record in 2024 and is the highest number of animals killed or destroyed because of a road accident since 2020. However, the overall trend since 1991 has been downwards.
While accidents at night fell in 2025 compared to 2024, it remained the time of day when most accidents occur. Alarmingly, accidents in daylight and twilight increased. Hit and runs also remained consistently high with 18, compared to 19 and 18 in the two years before.
It’s a legal requirement to report any road accident involving New Forest livestock to the police within 24 hours, even if it has run off. Call 999 if you are a witness or are involved in a collision.
Forestry England community manager Charlotte Belcher said: “It’s so important that all of us driving through the Forest are alert for ponies and animals. They can be on or near the road at any time, day or night.”
Drivers are reminded to give livestock plenty of space and pass them wide and slow. Animals are unpredictable, so expect them to step out.
I’m a huge advocate of ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers — it’s the book I reach for whenever I’m feeling a bit shaky. Over time, I’ve realised that feeling unsettled is a natural part of getting older and of the whole menopause journey.
The crux of the book is simple: everyone experiences fear from time to time. The important thing is to recognise that it’s universal and that, often, the things we’re afraid of turn out to be much easier to tackle than we imagine.
What’s struck me, though, is just how personal fear is. We all have our own unique worries, cropping up in various parts of life and sometimes putting a spanner in the works when it comes to making decisions or going with the flow.
Some of the most common fears include:
• Speaking in public
• Standing up for yourself
• Making choices
• Being on your own
• Getting older
• Driving
• Losing someone close
• Breaking up with someone
Fears are as varied as we are, and what bothers one person might not faze another. Driving around London? A piece of cake for me — probably because I spent more than 20 years there. My first move when I arrived was to get behind the wheel and explore. Before the congestion charge made things more complicated, I’d happily drive into Oxford Circus, leave the car and hit the clubs until dawn.
Southampton, on the other hand, is a different story. It’s a much smaller place, but I used to worry about missing a turn or accidentally getting snapped by a traffic camera and ending up lost in the wrong part of town. Still, after living here for more than a decade, the fear is starting
to fade — although I steer clear of Ikea!
I’ve written before about travelling solo. It’s been a few years since my last trip alone, but I’m itching to do more of it — setting off by myself and keeping an eye out for fellow travellers to spend time with when I arrive. Most times, I end up making friends who stick around for years. Like that time in Crete — by day three, I’d met someone who became a lifelong friend.
My point is this: give the book a go and, whatever you’ve been worrying about, let’s leave it behind in 2026. Our thoughts shape our lives, and it’s all too easy for unfounded fears to cloud our judgement and stop us from doing what we want — or what needs to be done.
With love, Beth X
By Colin Nash | Head Chef colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Sesame red slaw
This is my favourite way to eat red cabbage. We serve it with our local venison pie and creamed potato. It enhances any salads or red meat dishes and can be made the day before you need it. Just store it in a sealed container in your fridge. Easy to make and your friends will be very impressed. Always check if anyone has a sesame allergy, just to be safe.
INGREDIENTS:
Half of a small red cabbage
3 tbs dark soy sauce
1 tbs dark brown sugar
1 tbs sesame seeds
3 tbs water
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 tbs pine nuts
half tsp peeled fresh ginger (finely grated)
A few sprigs of fresh coriander and mint
50g golden sultanas or raisins
First, toast your sesame seeds and pine nuts until they go a light brown colour. Leave to cool down. This will help release the oils and give a more nutty flavour.
Meanwhile in a mixing bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, lime zest and juice, ginger and water. Remove the stalk of the red cabbage and the outer leaf. Slice as thin as you can or use a mandolin slicer which helps with the consistent fineness. Add to your mixture immediately, making sure you turn the cabbage with a spoon. This will prevent oxidisation or discolouring of the red cabbage. You are looking for a vibrant, freshlooking cabbage.
Then, add the sultanas. Finally chop the coriander and mint and add to the mix. Store in a sealed container until ready to use. This
Colin Nash Restaurant
Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF
T: 01425 200050
W: www.colinnashrestaurant.co.uk
Magnificent mustelids
By Tom (CHOG)
A sleek family of predators thrives in the local area, as otters, stoats and weasels are regularly recorded around Christchurch Harbour. These members of the mustelid family share the UK landscape with other relatives such as badgers and pine martens.
The weasel, the smallest British mustelid at roughly 20cm in length, is often seen hunting small mammals along hedgerows and field margins. If you are lucky enough to see one, you may be able to capture a photo like the ones on this page taken by Adrian and Peter.
Stoats, which have been seen on Hengistbury Head, are larger than weasels and can be identified by the distinctive black tip on the tail. Rabbits make up a significant part of their diet.
Along the water’s edge, otters are often observed feeding in the harbour. One individual was even filmed enjoying a crab at Mudeford Quay. Scott’s photo is a great capture, offering a clear view of the formidable teeth that make them such effective hunters.
Photo of the week
CHOG runs a popular weekly photo competition on Facebook, with winning images featured on its website. Those not using Facebook can submit entries by emailing sightings@chog.org. uk with ‘POTW’ as the subject line. Submitted images may also appear on the CHOG website.
Spring migration
Spring migration is now underway, bringing returning migrant birds, including blackcaps, swallows and common terns, to the harbour. Birdsong, spring flowers and warmer days make this an ideal time to explore hotspots such as Barn Field on Hengistbury Head, North Scrubs at Stanpit, and the sea at Mudeford Sandspit. Please also use the email address above to submit your sightings.
About CHOG
Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, known as CHOG, is an independent organisation and registered charity, which is dedicated to recording, promoting and restoring nature in the Christchurch Harbour area. More information, daily sightings, and social media links are available at chog.org.uk or by scanning the QR code.
Weasel by Adrian Simmons
Weasel by Peter Corbin
Otter by Scott Usher
Portfield Hall — 120 years of history
By Julie Ratcliffe, Christchurch History Society
I hope readers were able to visit the excellent exhibition ‘Christchurch Through the Lens’ at the Red House Museum. Fascinating home videos were played, and one section showed troops marching from Portfield Hall, which was then a drill hall. The first drill halls were built around 1850–60 to provide a reserve of men with military training, and many volunteer units began to form. These units needed a large area to practise drills, along with storage for weapons. Drill halls became common in most towns.
Portfield Hall (formerly Drill Hall) dates back 120 years to Monday 14 May 1906, when the foundation stone was laid by Lady Meyrick. The new drill hall was for B Company of the 4th Volunteer Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, and cost £1,090 to build (around £116,000 today). The Christchurch Times reported that, as well as a drill hall, facilities would include an armoury, orderly room, lecture room, billiard and reading room, and officer’s room. On the upper floor were to be the sergeant-instructor’s quarters, and the building would have electric lights.
The drill hall would see two world wars. During WWI, the men attended training such as Miniature Class Firing, Musketry Class instruction, rehearsals and inspections, at which “full equipment to be worn, each man to carry haversack ration”. As well as training, competitions were held between battalions from other nearby drill halls. In 1922, the 4th Battalion was replaced by D Company, 5/7th Battalion, Territorial Army, and the building’s name panel was replaced with the current stone.
In the 1930s, the drill hall was also at the centre of the community, with all kinds of events held. These included Sunday School prize-givings, concerts and even wedding receptions.
In 1938, with war looming, the call went out for volunteers for the Auxiliary Territorial Service (Women), Christchurch Company. This was a clerical company formed to free up men for combat duty, though the women would go on to take on a range of roles.
After WWII, the hall remained a base for the local Territorial Army but, eventually, its military purpose lessened. It was next used by Archers Football Club for training, then, in 1971, Christchurch Sports and Community Association was formed to take over the building. The hall fell into a poor state but was still a community asset and, in 1975, a public meeting was held “to discuss the future use of the Drill Hall, Portfield Road”.
As a result, in the summer of 1977, Christchurch’s first Borough Lottery was held, with the proceeds going towards the “establishment of a community centre at the Drill Hall, Portfield Road”. £8,000 was raised for improvements, and the hall was renamed Portfield Community Hall.
Today, Portfield Hall is a thriving community hub with events, clubs and classes, and rooms for hire.
TALKS
Held at Christchurch Junior School, 7.30pm
5 May — ‘Wings over the Forest’ by Marc Heighway explores aircraft development in Christchurch and the New Forest.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick is on the podcast
Born and raised in Bournemouth, David Sidwick was elected as the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Dorset in 2021 and reelected in 2024.
The role was set up in 2012 but is not well understood by voters. As Sidwick jokes: “It’s probably one of the least explained jobs on the planet.”
Sidwick says the role has three main responsibilities. First, ensuring the Force has the funding to be effective and spends money efficiently. Second, the PCC can commission crime-fighting initiatives; Sidwick allocates his budget on victim support, crime prevention initiatives such as the Operation Relentless Community Fund, and reducing re-offending.
“But the main part of the job, and the reason why it’s an elected position, is it is about holding Dorset Police to account for the people of Dorset. So, you and everybody else in Dorset are my boss,” explains Sidwick.
How effective is Dorset Police?
“We are now the fifth safest area in the UK. We have dropped anti-social behaviour to the lowest it’s been in 16 years. We have an effective rural crime team. And if I pick on one of the more violent measures, knife offences, we are the second lowest in the country with a 19 per cent drop compared to last year.”
Despite these positive statistics, there is a public perception that Dorset, especially areas like Bournemouth and Poole, is not safe. Why?
“There’s a number of reasons. One is, and I push Dorset Police on this all the time, [but] policing does not generally communicate well enough and put out the good news about what they’re doing.
“Even when good things are communicated, sometimes the press picks on a headline which says a bad thing.
“It is a frustration to me that no matter how good we seem to get, we can’t move the dial on that perception.”
The Labour government plans to abolish PCCs in 2028 and replace them with mayors or Policing and Crime Boards. How does Sidwick feel about this?
“I’m extremely grumpy [because] there is no evidence base for this decision. If they could show us the evidence that mayoral areas are better at reducing crime than PCC areas, I would hold my hand up and say, ‘That’s the way to go’. But this is nothing but political ideology.
“What they’ve said is we’ll go back to ‘something’ but we’re not quite certain what it is yet. We are still waiting for the detail. But it will be something like a local committee. Now, there is a local committee which scrutinizes me once a quarter. I sit down with the Chief Constable once a week.
“There is a huge amount of detail that hasn’t been landed, and I will be fighting to make certain that Dorset gets good police governance.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick
Barcelona to Southampton onboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria
Last October, I sailed on Cunard’s Queen Victoria from Barcelona to Southampton. Sailing from Barcelona to Southampton felt like a gentle ‘homecoming’ — you swap the warmth and colour of the Mediterranean for the familiar comfort of arriving directly into a British port, with no need for flights at the end of your holiday.
This particular voyage was a wine-themed cruise with wine experts on board; we were able to enjoy a variety of talks and tastings hosted by guest speakers and Cunard’s own experts. Cunard
offers a variety of event voyages, giving you the opportunity to sail with experts and take part in Q&As and hands-on workshops.
Before joining Queen Victoria, we spent a couple of days in Barcelona, strolling Las Ramblas and exploring La Boqueria market and, of course, enjoying some tapas along the way. Arriving a day or so before the cruise departs is a great way to extend your cruise holiday and means there is no stress should your flight get delayed.
Boarding Queen Victoria in Barcelona is a particularly lovely contrast. One moment you are in a bustling Catalan city, the next you are stepping into the calm, classic world of Cunard. Luggage is taken care of, your stateroom awaits, and your only real decision is where to watch the sail-away. Our holiday immediately felt effortless.
Cunard is renowned for classic ocean travel: sweeping staircases, polished wood, string quartets and evenings that feel like an occasion. Queen Victoria captures this heritage beautifully, but with all the comforts you would expect from a modern ship. The atmosphere was refined yet relaxed. The service was a particular highlight; Cunard’s famous White Star service means that crew are attentive but never intrusive, often remembering your favourite drink or how you like your morning coffee. Around the ship, you will find quiet corners to read, spacious decks to stroll around and elegant lounges ideal for pre-dinner drinks. The Chart Room was my favourite place to go pre-dinner.
Dining is another reason many guests return to Cunard again and again. The main restaurant provides multi-course dinners with a real sense of occasion, while the buffet offers relaxed breakfasts and lunches with plenty of choice. Afternoon tea in the Queens Room is a daily ritual with delicate sandwiches, warm scones and pastries, all served by white-gloved waiters under
glittering chandeliers.
Our itinerary included visits to Palma, Cartagena, Cadiz, Vigo and La Coruna, all interesting places to explore on foot or take an excursion. With days at sea in between, we were able to unwind back on board. There is a rich programme of daytime activities, from talks and classes to spa time and simple poolside relaxation. In the evenings, we enjoyed West End-style shows, a comedian and live music. There was ballroom dancing and quiet bars where you can chat over a nightcap.
One of the biggest advantages of this sailing was the ease of arriving back at Southampton. After a final breakfast on board, you simply disembark and travel home by car or train; no long queues or rush.
To start planning a Cunard voyage, or if you have any other travel plans, please get in touch with me. I would be delighted to help.
SALLY PULLEN TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
T 01202 375150 M 07929626156
E sally.pullen@travelcounsellors.com
W www.travelcounsellors.com/sally.pullen
Christchurch water sports centre set to reopen
After months of hard work, the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre plans to reopen this spring.
The centre was closed in 2020, but a local community-led charity has breathed new life into the centre, which has been renovated and repaired.
Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO) will be a year-round wellbeing hub, offering activities including water sports for people of all ages. Thanks to a government grant and a 99year lease from BCP Council, HHO is now a community-owned asset. Any profits generated will be reinvested back into the hub.
Mark Merritt, chair of HHO, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity, a community-owned site, rent-free for 99 years, owned by its members.
“With the help of a talented team and an
incredible group of volunteers, we’re turning possibility into reality. Hengistbury Head Outdoors will be a place for health, wellbeing and activity — on the water and on land — in harmony with nature.”
HHO held two preview days at the end of March, giving visitors a chance to see the revamped centre. To get involved or see the centre for yourself, visit hengistbury.org.
Volunteers helping to bring HHO back to life
On watch at Hurst Castle
by Tricia Hayne
To stand on the walls of Hurst Castle, looking across the Hurst Narrows to the Isle of Wight, is to stand in the footsteps of countless men on watch over a timespan of more than four centuries.
For almost all those years, ships passing through the Solent would have been adorned in canvas, from their billowing mainsails to topsails hoisted high in the rigging. Caravels and galleons, ships of the line and elegant tea clippers of the Victorian era — all would have passed in front of the castle since King Henry VIII’s time.
In 1787, those on watch would have spotted HMS Bounty at the beginning of her voyage to Tahiti. In command of the ship, William Bligh could have had no idea what awaited him and his
crew on that fateful voyage.
As the advent of steam power brought an end to the days of sail, so the ships in the Narrows evolved. Gone was the grace and beauty of yesteryear, soon to be replaced by the stark functionality of military machines and associated vessels: gunboats and destroyers, escort ships and submarines.
Today, those too are gone from these waters. In their place come cargo ships and bunker ships, racing yachts and lifeboats, the occasional tall ship, or perhaps a passenger-carrying paddleboat on a day trip.
Why not come and see for yourself? The castle — complete with an exhibition of model ships through the ages — is open this year from 28 March to the end of October. To spot today’s seagoing vessels, climb up on to the walls for a front-row view over the Solent.
The Friends of Hurst Castle have supported this historic building for 40 years. Some members get involved as volunteers; others enjoy taking part in events. All receive our regular newsletter and are entitled to free entry to the castle. To find out more, email trjhayne@gmail.com. We’d love you to join us.
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to luke@dorsetview.co.uk.
Every Monday 9am–4pm
Christchurch Market on High Street and Saxon Square. Approximately 50 stalls selling food, produce, gifts and household goods.
Every Tuesday 2.30pm–4pm
The Chitter Chatter Club meets at Arcado Lounge, 71 High Street, BH23 1AS. Free to join group, aiming to tackle loneliness and social isolation.
Every Thursday 2.30pm–4pm
The Chitter Chatter Club meets at The Oaks, 189 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, BH23 5EA. Free to join group, aiming to tackle loneliness and social isolation.
30 April to 2 May 7.30pm Saturday matinee 2pm
Milton Musical Society are performing the classic Broadway musical ‘Funny Girl’ at the Regent in Christchurch. Ticket price £21. Book via theregent.co.uk.
3 May 10am–3pm
Open day at Southbourne Bowling Club in Seafield Gardens, BH6 3EX. Ages 12 and up. No need to book, just wear flat-soled shoes.
4 May 12noon–4pm
Bransgore Fun Day on The Playing Field, BH23 8AY. Stalls, attractions, and the annual ‘Greatest Hat in Bransgore’ competition. Organised by Bransgore Rotary. Entry costs £2 on foot or £5 per car.
13 May and 10 June 10am–12noon
Christchurch Repair Café sessions at The Saxon Bar, 5 Fountain Way, BH23 1QN. Bring broken electricals, toys, clothes or household items to be mended or to get advice.
16–17 May 10am to 6pm (Sat) and 5pm (Sun)
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival at Parley Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6AD. Featuring a cooking theatre, chilli-eating competitions, market stalls, and live entertainment, including wrestling. Tickets available on the gate, or book in advance via cheeseandchillifestival.com.
16 May 11am to 6pm
Southbourne Food & Fun Festival at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, BH6 3SQ. Brand-new festival focused on local food and drink producers. Live music and entertainment. Free entry. Details via eventsbystir.co.uk.
23–24 May 10am–5pm
Christchurch Food Fest Local 2026 takes place for the third year. Organised by Christchurch BID, vendors will be selling street food along Christchurch High Street. Live music and entertainment, plus kids’ activities.
23 May 10am–4pm
Christchurch Baptist Church invites you to attend the opening celebration of its new church building, The Beacon Centre, at 51 Bargates, BH23 1QE. From 10am to 1pm, take a tour of the building and enjoy a BBQ, bouncy castle and activities. A celebration service will take place from 2pm to 4pm. Register your attendance at christchurchbaptist. churchsuite.com/events/ldmp5sjo.
31 May and 28 June 10am–12noon
Coffee and Carbs at Ellie’s Farm Shop, BH23 7AB. Monthly meet-up for car enthusiasts. Bring your classic, quirky, vintage or custom vehicle. No booking needed.
31 May 3.30pm–5.30pm
Sustainability Hub at Stanpit Village Hall. Enjoy an afternoon tea and a chat about sustainability.
13–14 June 10am–5pm
Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival. Freeto-enter festival on the High Street and Recreation Grounds, featuring live music, street food and market stalls. Details via highcliffefoodandartsfestival.co.uk.
27 June 10.30am–7pm 28 June 11am–5pm
Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, BH6 3SQ. Celebration of vintage music and fashion. Free entry. Donations appreciated. Details via eventsbystir.co.uk.
Charity of the Year
From toddlers to teenagers – how our care adapts to changing needs
By Natalie Sheehy, Julia’s House lead nurse for the Dorset Hospice
I first started working at Julia’s House 16 years ago and have watched many of the children I first cared for — toddlers and preschoolers — grow up with us. It’s been wonderful to be there with them through the years. As well as supporting them, I’ve learnt so much from them in terms of the type of care they want and how we can best adapt to meet their needs.
We’ve also had to adapt to the changing clinical needs of the children as they have grown. Types and routes of medication, different equipment, guidance on how their condition should be managed — all these aspects change with age. We’re also now looking after children and young people with increasingly complex conditions, as there have been huge advances in medical care and equipment over the years, which means children and young people with complex conditions can be managed at home and are living longer.
can. We don’t want them to miss out.
We have more electronic communication equipment now too, from modified gaming consoles to eye-gaze systems that can help a child achieve all the things other children can achieve and give them a voice. We want the children and young people to have access to as much as they
Some of the ways in which we’re able to support families are so special too. It is a real privilege to go to parents’ weddings to help care for their child so they can be part of their big day too, or help them when they’re having a new baby. Recently, we arranged a two-day overnight stay at the hospice so one family could visit their daughter at university. We always try and help wherever we can.
We’ve built a new extension at the Dorset Hospice that was due to open in March. It will help us continue to adapt to the changing needs of the children and families and best support our local community. I’m so looking forward to having everyone back — the nurses, carers, all the children and young people and families. I’ll be really proud and will want lots of people to come and see it!
The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa, paperback £10.99
Thirteen-year-old Nanami Kosaki loves reading. The local library has become a home from home, and books are her friends. When Nanami notices that some of her favourite books are disappearing from the shelves, she becomes suspicious of a man in a grey suit whose furtive behaviour doesn’t feel right. Should she follow him to see what he’s up to? It wouldn’t be dangerous, would it?
When a smart-talking tabby cat called Tiger appears and issues a grave warning about how dangerous it could be, they decide to team up and investigate. This is the must-have sequel to Sosuke Natsukawa’s bestselling ‘The Cat Who Saved Books’, an uplifting tale from Japan about a talking cat and the power of books to make a difference in the world.
Book Reviews
By Kirsty Robinson
The Postal Paths by Alan Cleaver, paperback £10.99
Postal paths span the length and breadth of Britain, from the furthermost corners of the Outer Hebrides to the isolated communities clinging to the cliffs of the Rame Peninsula in south-east Cornwall. For more than 200 years, postmen and women have delivered post to homes across Britain on foot, no matter how remote.
A chance remark led Alan Cleaver on a quest to discover more about this network of lanes, short-cuts and footpaths in the British landscape. From the rolling fells of Cumbria to Kent’s shingle coast, he walked in the footsteps of 20th-century posties. What he found, through conversation and painstaking research, was not just beautiful scenery but an incredible, forgotten slice of social history — the tales and toil of rural postmen and women trudging down lanes, over fields and even across rivers to make sure the post always arrived on time.
A Year in Nature: A
Collection of Stories for Every Season by Sean Taylor, hardback £12.99 Celebrate nature and learn about the seasons in this collection of four heart-warming, fact-filled picture book stories: ‘Busy Spring’, ‘Wild Summer’, ‘Autumn Feast’ and ‘Winter Sleep’. Join young children and their families as they explore the outdoors through the changing seasons. Each story is woven with fascinating facts and stunning illustrations, offering a gentle introduction to how plants and animals adapt throughout the year. ‘A Year in Nature’ is an invitation to step outside, notice the wonders of the natural world and take action to protect it.
Why not pop into the shop to have a browse and see lots of great book ideas for adults and children, as well as jigsaws, cards and gifts? Orders are usually fulfilled within 24–48 hours. Contact us on 01202 418403, email sales@bh6booksandhome.co.uk or find us on social media @bh6booksandhome to place orders and discover all that we have to offer at BH6 Books and Home, 69 Southbourne Grove, BH6 3QU.
Short Story
New novel by best-selling Dorset author One in a Million
by Della Galton
Della Galton’s latest novel ‘One in a Million’ was released in February.
Emotionally uplifting and poignant, this gripping story is about one woman’s journey to wrestle with her past and find happiness.
Sarah-Jane Crosse, SJ to her friends, is desperate to avoid going to her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary party. She’s terrified of introducing her new husband, Tom, to her estranged sister, Alison, because the sisters have history. Alison covets everything that belongs to SJ.
With her anxiety spiralling, SJ knows she often has a couple of glasses of wine too many and after a disastrously drunken night she reaches out for help. Sadly, help does not begin at home. Tom is not supportive. Seemingly in denial, he misses SJ’s distress calls, and SJ begins to second-guess herself.
Meanwhile, her very supportive best friend, Tania, has a surprising secret, and SJ is determined to help her out. But navigating through this lot isn’t easy.
With the help of an ever-faithful dog, a few reformed characters, and a lot of self-reflection and home truths, the future looks a whole lot brighter for SJ. The statistics speak for themselves: she is one in a million…
Here is the opening of the first chapter:
The first thing SJ noticed was the tinny metallic taste in her mouth. And then came the thirst. The thirst was so bad it had got into her dreams and forced her awake. No, not awake, aware — a slowly growing awareness which was coming, sense by sense.
Like sound. She could hear an echoey blur of footsteps and voices, which rolled in and out of her head. Closer by, something electronic beeped. Beep, beep, beep — steady and rhythmic — beep, beep, beep.
Where was she? SJ opened her eyes and was hit by a wall of light. She shut them swiftly. She felt as though she was made of crystal, cool and brittle. She was a thin glass person who could be shattered by the slightest touch.
After a while she tried opening her eyes again. This time the room swam in various shades of light, but she managed to squint long enough to focus. To her left was a tall metal stand with a clear bag of fluid clipped to the top. To her right was a machine, which was the source of the beeping. Against her cheek was the edge of a thin blue woven sheet, but it felt more like a tablecloth than a sheet. She shifted away from its roughness and her head spun.
“So you’re awake then?” A blurred face came into view. SJ made out red lipstick, a thin line of a nose, kind eyes.
“Drink?” SJ gasped.
The face moved away, then loomed back in and she was aware of a straw close to her mouth. “Take it steady.”
Ignoring the advice, SJ sucked greedily and her throat was awash with coolness — the wonderful coolness of water — and then she was retching, choking, drowning. A firm hand supported her back. “Easy does it.”
She tried again, more carefully, and with more success.
“You’re in the Intensive Care Unit,” the voice explained. But SJ wasn’t really listening, didn’t really care; the need for water blanked out every other sense, every other feeling.
It was about 30 seconds later that the pain kicked in.
There was a deep ache in her lower back, sparked off by the movement of leaning forward. She moaned and the voice
returned. “Gently does it, love. Slowly, slowly…”
The other voices — the furtheraway voices — were still rumbling in the background, and now she could make out odd snatches.
“She’s in a very weakened condition — I really wouldn’t advise visitors.”
“I want to bloody well see her. Tell him, Jim. Tell him we want to bloody well see her now.”
Oh, God, that was her mother. What was her mother doing here? And why was she swearing? She never swore. Something bad must have happened. Something very, very bad.
Beneath the awful aching, her heart began to thump harder and the beep of the machine sped up to keep time.
To read on, you can purchase ‘One in a Million’ by Della Galton from bookstores or online. It is published by Boldwood Books, ISBN 978-1806580163.
Dorset deserves its fair share
By David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Over recent weeks, I have been asking Dorset residents for their views on police funding. I do this because setting the police budget is one of my most important statutory responsibilities, and one I take extremely seriously as the public’s voice in policing. My Police and Crime Plan is clear — we must Make Every Penny Count. But even the most efficient force cannot operate to its full potential if it is persistently underfunded.
The reality is that Dorset Police does not receive the funding it needs or deserves. Year after year, Dorset sits near the bottom of the national funding table. As a result, local people are forced to pay far more for their police service than residents in most other parts of the country. Dorset residents fund 52 per cent of the Force through Council Tax. The national average is around 35 per cent, and in some areas as low as 20 per cent. That disparity is simply unfair.
This situation exists because the national police funding formula is not fit for purpose. It fails to reflect the real demands placed on policing in Dorset. It ignores our rurality and takes no account of seasonality, despite the fact that millions of visitors come to Dorset each year, placing an enormous additional burden on operational policing. I have been clear about the need to change the funding formula since I came into office, and I have consistently lobbied government for reform on this issue.
However, despite my efforts, as well as calls for change from across the country, no action has been taken. The funding formula still disadvantages Dorset, and government has made it clear that it expects Police and Crime
Commissioners to bridge the gap by increasing the police precept. That is why I had no option but to ask the Police and Crime Panel to approve an increase in this year’s precept to the limit of £15 for a band D property. Asking residents to pay more is not something I do easily; it is deeply frustrating, particularly given the already disproportionate burden on local taxpayers. But the uncomfortable truth is this: standing still or paying less is no longer an option if we want to maintain effective policing.
What matters is that Dorset Police has shown, time and again, that it uses public money responsibly. The most recent HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services inspection recognised the Force’s strong financial management. Despite years of savings and relentless pressure on budgets, Dorset remains one of the safest places in the country. Crime is falling, positive outcomes are increasing, knife crime has reduced, and anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level in 16 years. Yes, there is still work to do in other areas, and that is ongoing, but these successes are not accidents. They are the result of hard work, professionalism, and careful management of limited resources.
This will continue, unabated, but the difficult financial situation we find ourselves in cannot continue indefinitely. Forcing Dorset Police to make savings year after year is not sustainable. While the Force will continue to keep people safe, I will continue to press, challenge, and campaign until Dorset receives a fairer share of national funding. It is time the system delivered what Dorset deserves.
Vintage music festival to honour Armed Forces
Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival, an annual community celebration of vintage fashion and sounds, will this year honour the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force as part of Armed Forces Day.
Taking place at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, the two-day festival has been renamed the Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender. It is officially recognised and approved as an Armed Forces Day event, with details published on the national Armed Forces Day website.
Now entering its second decade, the free community event will feature period fashion and live music spanning the 1940s–1960s. This year’s festival will blend swing, jive, rock ’n’ roll and vintage culture with remembrance, heritage and community pride.
Taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, visitors to Shake & Stir can expect to see live bands, dance displays, vintage traders, military and heritage vehicles, cadet and veterans’ parades, a History Hub exhibition, and the moving Beating the Retreat ceremony.
The event is organised by Stir Events CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company, working with veteran organisations, charities and community partners, including BCP Indian Association and Helping Homeless Veterans UK.
Mandy Jane Polkey, managing director of Stir Events CIC, said: “Shake & Stir has always been about music, style and bringing people together.
“Becoming an officially recognised Armed Forces Day event allows us to honour those who serve and have served, while staying true to the vintage spirit that our community loves. With the support of local businesses and volunteers, we can make 2026 a truly special celebration.”
To stay up-to-date on the event, head to facebook.com/shakeandstirvintagefest.
When I first set out on this craft beer quest, I never imagined a ‘Westy’ would become my champion of champions.
Once upon a time, I would have cowered at the sight and smell of such a bold beer, calling for the safety of a light, fizzy pilsner. Yet here we are, because this style absolutely knocks it out of the park when it comes to intense flavour.
So, what is a Westy? For me, it’s the epitome of craft beer. The West Coast IPA was born in California, with Sierra Nevada often credited for pioneering those big hop flavours back in the 1980s. But let’s bring things closer to home, to the South Coast, to Dorset, where Badger Brewery in Blandford has brewed a cracking example with its Outland West Coast IPA.
Like the state of Cali itself, this beer is big, bold and beautiful. Its warming bronze colour is reminiscent of the giant Californian redwoods, and it practically urges you to grab a backpack and head off the beaten track for a Dorset adventure. It really is the great outdoors in a glass.
Packed with all-American hops Amarillo, Cascade and Mosaic, this beer doesn’t hold back. These confident hops are the stars of the show, delivering punchy aromas and flavours. Expect a stunning citrus burst of freshly squeezed grapefruit with hints of sweet orange, tangerine and marmalade. Then come the piney, resinous notes — think fresh alpine air, or a crisp day in the New Forest. It sounds unusual, but it works beautifully.
Supporting all that hop bravado is a subtle backbone of bready, digestive-biscuit malt and sweet caramel, giving the beer both boldness and balance. The bitterness bowls in confidently and charmingly lingers, while the mouthfeel stays smooth with a lively sparkle on the tongue. Close your eyes while you sip and you could be in San Diego, Big Sur… or even better, Lulworth
Cove on a quiet day. At five per cent, it’s a wonderfully sessionable little number.
Another reason I adore this beer is how brilliantly it pairs with food. It stands up to big, flavoursome dishes where other beers would simply fade away. The hops cut through rich, fatty foods, while the bold aromas complement strong flavours.
My go-to pairings? A classic stone-baked pepperoni pizza, sticky barbecue ribs, or a wedge of aged extra mature cheddar. And for a real revelation, try it with Greek Kalamata olives; the bitterness of the beer and the olives meet in perfect harmony… yamas!
If you’re wondering where to get a taste of this great-outdoors behemoth, you’re in luck. Outland West Coast IPA is available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. And if you want it at its absolute best, grab a pint on draught at your local Hall & Woodhouse pub.
Here’s to bold, beautiful beer. Cheers to the Westy.
For more information on Crafty Beer Boy or to join one of his tasting events, visit craftybeerboy.com or tiktok.com/@craftybeerboy.
The clocks have changed — has your vision?
By Kat Amey, life coach
The clocks have changed, the evenings feel warmer and daffodil season is in full swing. Winter is behind us. Spring has arrived. The world around us feels alive once again.
Do you feel alive, or do you still want to take things a little slower?
We often get caught up in the belief that New Year is the time for us to set our vision and goals for the year, but what if we used this time of year instead to set (or perhaps recalibrate) our vision for the year? Would it feel like a more authentic vision?
This is something I’m testing out this year. January didn’t feel like the right time for me to map out my year or set my vision, so instead I continued to rest.
Only now does my mind feel expansive, ready to plant the seeds and map out the vision that I’m excited to bring to life this year.
What’s the benefit of this? Won’t it make me feel like I’ve ‘lost’ three months of the year already and that I’m behind?
Possibly, but I also feel that it’s better to take a slow walk down an unknown path than to battle through a field of brambles, fighting your way to the other side only to discover that it’s not the right destination.
You can use this spring energy to your advantage and create or recalibrate your vision for 2026. Use this gentle momentum to take action towards bringing it all to life, ready for full bloom in summer.
Rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list of goals, I want you to consider these three questions to get you started:
1. What feels exciting to plant?
A coach once said to me: “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no!” Ever wondered why you didn’t succeed in that goal you set yourself to run a marathon? It wasn’t the weather, it wasn’t the lack of the latest training gadget, it wasn’t even the lack of motivation. It’s because you never got excited about the process of becoming someone who’s run a marathon. You wanted the result but not the journey.
2. What needs recalibrating?
It’s OK to fail, to change paths or pivot. If you’ve begun this year with a vision mapped out that now feels in total misalignment, let this be your permission to change it.
3. What small action can you take this week? This is the fun part and the most important step! The action that takes you closer to this vision you believe in and want to bring to life. Make it simple, easy to action and something that feels exciting.
I’d like to finish with a gentle reminder for you today. Your vision doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s or follow a set timeline. Plant your seeds with intention and trust that what is meant to bloom will, in your own beautiful and unique way. If you’d like some support along the way, you’ll find my details below.
W www.kathrynamey.com
E kathryn@kathrynamey.com
I @kat_amey
Kat Amey is a certified life coach who helps people ditch expectations and timelines and create a life that brings them joy. As well as offering life coaching, Kat hosts journaling workshops and wellbeing retreats in Dorset.
A photo exhibition celebrating local wildlife was officially opened on Valentine’s Day by the Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick.
‘Amphibians Are Friends’ is a unique, large-scale outdoor photo gallery curated by this magazine’s lead designer Louis Pulford. As well as being a keen local wildlife photographer, he is a regular volunteer with Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol. The patrol help to save the lives of migrating toads as they cross a busy rural road just north of Ringwood during the amphibian’s breeding season.
Set in Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, the outdoor display features 12 posters that showcase photos of common toads and other amphibians, and the vital part they play in our ecosystem.
The launch event on Saturday 14 February
Roses are red
Toads can be green
This new photo gallery deserves to be seen
was attended by volunteers from Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol, as well as Cllr Tracy Monkcom, chairman of St Leonards and St Ives Parish Council, and other local wildlife and conservation organisations.
Cllr Frederick pulled the official ribbon to open the gallery with the help of two giant toads. She said: “Caring for our local environment is one of the most important things we can do as a community. I would especially like to recognise and thank our incredible volunteer toad patrollers.
“Toads may be small, but they play a big role in our ecosystem, and their annual journeys are a remarkable reminder of how closely connected we are to nature. And a special thank you to Louis Pulford for developing and bringing this fantastic display ‘Amphibians Are Friends’ together.”
The gallery will be on display until July.
The mayor of Ringwood opened the gallery
The launch event took place on Valentine’s Day
The photo gallery features a dozen posters about amphibians
Local charity helps rescue residents
Storm Chandra brought extensive flooding across the area at the start of the year, leading to the evacuation of some homeowners.
The Wessex Rescue Unit, a charity based in the Dorset area, helped with emergency evacuations and flood assistance on 28 January following the impact of Storm Chandra.
Its operations were focused in Christchurch (where it has a base) and Bournemouth, specifically at mobile home parks where rising river levels from the Lower Stour posed a ‘danger to life’.
The team worked with Dorset Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, BCP Council, the British Red Cross and the Environment Agency to ensure no residents — including many beloved pets — were left stranded by the rising water.
At Iford Bridge Home Park, Wessex Rescue assisted in transporting residents away from their flooded homes after the Environment Agency issued a severe flood warning. Redhill and Wheatplot Home Sites also required support to help transport
residents away from flooding.
Wessex Rescue worked alongside colleagues from the local emergency services using their training in flood response techniques and specialised equipment. Operations continued through the night of 28 January and into the following days. Residents were eventually cleared to return on 31 January after power was reinstated and floodwaters receded.
If you would like to assist Wessex Rescue, visit wessexrescue.org.uk/support_us.
Teams working together in darkness to take residents to safety
Operation Beggar
By
By December 1942, with Allied forces advancing through Tunisia, victory in North Africa was in sight. In January 1943, the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, met at the Casablanca Conference and decided that the island of Sicily would be the Allies’ next objective. Planning for the operation included an airborne assault, but there were insufficient gliders available, and the American ‘Waco’ gliders were too small. It was therefore decided that there was a need for British ‘Horsa’ gliders for the assault. However, the only Horsa gliders were then in England, and transporting them to North Africa would require a tow of 3,200 miles (5,100 km) from England to Tunisia. Nobody had ever towed a glider that distance before, and it was not known if it was even possible.
To test the idea and prove they had the necessary endurance, Handley Page Halifax bombers of No. 295 Squadron RAF, operating from Holmsley South airfield in the New Forest, towed Horsa gliders flown by pilots from No. 2 Wing, Glider Pilot Regiment, around the coastline of Britain in a training programme that lasted 11 weeks. At the end of this time, it was decided that the tow would be feasible.
The supply mission to North Africa was codenamed Operation Beggar and took place between
March and August 1943. The Halifaxes and Horsas were first moved to RAF Portreath in Cornwall to shorten the distance they would have to travel. Even so, they still had to endure a 10-hour flight to Morocco so, for the flight, each glider was crewed by three pilots, who had to change around every hour to relieve fatigue. Altogether, five Horsas and three Halifaxes were lost on the journey, but 27 Horsas arrived in Tunisia in time to participate in the invasion of Sicily.
More information on Holmsley South, Operation Beggar and the squadrons and aircraft used can be found at the Friends of the New Forest Airfields Heritage Centre in Bransgore. Details of opening times and admission charges can be found at fonfa.co.uk.
Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA)
A Halifax Glider Tug of 295 Sqdn RAF at Holmsley South. Photograph courtesy of John Leversley
Two generations of art on show
A new exhibit at the Red House Museum in Christchurch celebrated two generations of an artistic family with strong ties to the area.
Launched on Saturday 7 March, ‘Brushstrokes of a Family — The Platt Artistic Heritage’ showcased the work of John Michael Platt, his parents and his first wife, all of whom studied at the Royal College of Art.
Michael Platt taught painting at Southampton School of Art and later in London, while his first wife, Joan Platt née Dickson, worked as an art teacher, both in Beaulieu and London.
After his retirement and divorce from Joan, he lived with his second wife Susanne in Lymington, Christchurch and New Milton. He died at Oakhaven Hospice in December 2000.
His father, John Edgar Platt, was a master of the colour woodcut, using the Japanese technique. His mother, Phyllis Platt née Harvey-George, did illuminated writing and embroidery.
Arranged by Michael Platt’s second wife, Susanne, the display featured paintings, drawings, prints and embroidered fabrics.
The Red House Museum is operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
‘The Sofa’ by Michael Platt depicts his first wife Joan
Tasty treats in Highcliffe
The award-winning Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival takes place on 13–14 June, promising a celebration of food, music and art.
The free, two-day festival takes over Highcliffe Recreation Ground and Lymington Road, with market stalls selling arts and crafts made by local artisans, as well as food vendors offering cuisine from around the world.
There will be live music and bars scattered across the festival, keeping visitors cool and refreshed. For little ones, there is a Kids’ Kitchen offering children the chance to take part in cooking classes or learn circus skills in the Kids’ Zone. Highcliffe and Walkford
in Bloom are organising two family-friendly activities: pot your own vegetable to grow at home or make a bird feeder for the garden.
Throughout the weekend, talented chefs will share their knowledge in the cooking demo tent dubbed Mary’s Kitchen.
The headline sponsor this year is Meadens Omoda Jaecoo, a new car dealership located in Somerford Road, Christchurch. Four of the cars will be on show during the festival for visitors to see.
Omoda Jaecoo and our other confirmed sponsors supporting this free-to-enter event.
“Without their support, we just could not put on this event, loved by so many people.”
Founder and chairman of the festival, Mary Reader, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Meadens
To see the full schedule for the event, visit highcliffefoodandartsfestival. co.uk.
May Day fun in Bransgore
Organised by Bransgore Rotary CIO, the annual Bransgore Fun Day will take place on Monday 4 May.
Starting at 12noon on Bransgore Playing Field, there will be fun-filled attractions, a range of stalls, and hot food and drinks for sale.
And make sure to take part in the ‘Greatest hat in Bransgore’ competition, open to anyone wearing a hat, with lots of categories to enter: homemade, shop bought, big, small or completely wacky.
Entry is £5 per car or £2 by foot. Proceeds raised will go towards supporting local good causes. For details, follow Bransgore Rotary on Facebook or visit the website: bransgorerotary.com.
Members wanted for new(ish) women’s group
By Bransgore Women ToGether
A new women’s group (well, sort of) has started in Bransgore, known as Bransgore Women ToGether.
We are “sort of” new because most of the group were originally members of the Bransgore Townswomen’s Guild, but the national Guild closed at the end of January.
It’s a small group, which helps to make it a very relaxed and friendly one. However, we would like to welcome new members.
We have a monthly evening meeting at The Carpenter’s Arms on Burley Road, with a speaker or a social activity. The next one is on Monday 27 April at 7.30pm, when the speaker’s topic will be ‘History of Happiness’.
During May, there will be a special celebration of the 40 years since the Bransgore Townswomen’s Guild began, and there won’t
be an evening meeting, so the next one will be on 29 June, when the topic will be “SCARF” (Supporting Children with Special Needs, Relatives and Friends).
If you didn’t see us at the Bransgore Community Open Day in February, come along to one of our monthly meetings. We’d love to see you. We also have activity groups throughout the month, including a book group, crafts and lunches out. There are all kinds of activities throughout the year, such as walks, skittles, coffee mornings and afternoon teas, quizzes, and visits to museums, art galleries and gardens.
If you’d like to know more, please email Sue at suelesleygibbs@gmail.com, phone her on 07809 615963 or Nora on 07818 643190, or check us out on Facebook.
Spring is one of the best times to explore the New Forest with your dog. Lighter evenings, warmer days and miles of beautiful walking make it irresistible. But as the season wakes up, so do the adders — this is when we see the highest number of snakebite cases in dogs.
At Priory, we want to help you enjoy the Forest with confidence, so we’ve put together some simple, practical advice to keep your dog safe while protecting the wildlife that call this landscape home.
Adders in the New Forest
Adders are the UK’s only native venomous snake and are common across the Forest. They favour sunny patches on heathland, woodland edges and bracken. In early spring, they can be slow and drowsy as they warm up, which unfortunately makes accidental encounters with dogs more likely. Despite their reputation, adders are shy; most bites occur when a dog stumbles across one, not through aggression.
How
to reduce the risk
A few small precautions can make a big difference:
• Keep dogs close in bracken, long grass or heathland to avoid surprise encounters.
• Stick to clear paths where adders are easier to spot.
• Discourage dogs from nosing into undergrowth or log piles.
• Take extra care on warm, sunny days when adders bask.
If you suspect an adder bite
Typical signs include sudden swelling, pain and lameness, with some dogs developing more general symptoms shortly afterwards. If you’re concerned, contact your vet immediately. Keep your dog calm and limit movement ideally carrying them back to the car. Don’t apply ice, tourniquets or attempt to remove venom.
Clinical signs of an adder bite
• Rapid, progressive, local swelling.
• Bruising or bleeding from puncture wounds.
• Pain: lameness, vocalising, panting and lethargy.
Dark V or X shape on the back of the head Classic zigzag pattern from head to tail
treatment at Priory Vets
Rapid veterinary care is the biggest factor in how well a dog recovers from an adder bite. Treatment focuses on managing pain, reducing swelling and supporting vital organs while the body deals with the toxin.
Antivenom is used in the most serious cases, such as when a dog is in significant shock or when the bite is on the face or neck. In these situations, it can shorten recovery and — in some cases — be lifesaving. Priory Vets is one of the few practices in the area that holds antivenom on site at our 24/7 hospital, ensuring it is immediately available. Most dogs go on to make a full recovery, though some may need a few days of hospital care while their circulation stabilises and the swelling settles.
Want more tips for enjoying the New Forest safely this spring? Scan the QR code for more local advice, seasonal health tips and guidance from the Priory Vets team.
Commonwealth Day took place on Monday 9 March. New Forest District Council (NFDC) marked the annual event by flying the Commonwealth flag at their Appletree Court offices in Lyndhurst. Commonwealth Day is celebrated by 56 Commonwealth countries and serves to connect those countries in deep-rooted networks of friendship and goodwill.
Cllr John Sleep, chairman of NFDC, said: “The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day is ‘unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, and it speaks directly to our district’s ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with our communities, partners and businesses to create opportunities that help our area thrive.”
To learn more about Commonwealth Day, visit thecommonwealth.org.
Food, friendship and fun
By Revd Sandra Prudom, Christchurch Community Partnership chief executive
It’s been a busy year so far for us at CCP — with both our Winter Volunteer Thank You event and the launch of our new Fun, Food and Friendship group in Burton, in addition to all of our usual activities, including Lunch Clubs, Coffee Connections and Seated Exercise Classes.
The Volunteer Quiz event saw more than 60 of our volunteers, trustees and staff gather for food and a fun quiz, as well as some great raffle prizes! Huge thanks to The Captain’s Club and Nici for donating vouchers, and to Amy for making up the fabulous luxury hampers.
At the event, two of our amazing volunteers, Sarah and Kathy, received Room to Reward awards presented by the Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Maggie Fidler. Cllr Fidler also spoke about the Youth Democracy project we are currently working on with local schools in partnership with Somerford Youth & Community
Centre and Christchurch Town Council.
At the other end of the age spectrum, February saw the launch of our new Triple F group in St Luke’s Church Hall, Burton. The first hour was time to get to know each other (with an entertaining ‘Jenga challenge’ to break the ice), followed by a light lunch — before being transported home for a well-deserved afternoon nap (and that was just for the staff team). This project is a departure from our usual lunch club activity and could be the model for others in underserved areas of Christchurch.
As always, if you have a relative or neighbour you think might enjoy connecting with activities and making new friends, do suggest they contact us.
W christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk E contact@ccpartnership.org.uk T 01202 989632
