ON Monday I joined Mary Randall and her team from Winton Salvation Army on their meal run to the homeless for a Radio Four feature to be broadcast before Christmas. After meeting the men who sleep out on the streets of Bournemouth, it will be impossible
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THE bottom is falling out of the market for New Forest ponies with some foals failing to reach their reserve price of 10 guineas at the Beaulieu Road sales. It has led to concerns from one pony owner that some will end up like some Dartmoor ponies, as
This week a meeting of Full Council took place on Tuesday evening – as usual, open to the public to attend. Also as is quite usual, we received a deputation from a member of the public. Mr Keith Watson, Chairman of the Kinson Community Library
A PLAY and respite centre may be forced to operate a “greatly reduced service” if it cannot redress the staff wages shortfall for the next financial year says its chairman. Founder and chairman of Fernheath Play Association, West Howe, Paddy Williamson
A SKIP full of posties’ bikes and spare bike parts was the sorry sight greeting visitors at a Royal Mail office in Poole. Royal Mail will be phasing out the majority of its bicycles for postmen, from a fleet to of 24,000 to just a few hundred for rural
A woman caring for two adults with learning disabilities has spoken out against proposals to close day care centres. Dorset County Council has proposed closing day centres for the elderly and people with physical, mental, and learning disabilities
DETECTIVES are investigating a vicious unprovoked attack that left a man needing reconstructive facial surgery. The 32-year-old Poole man was hit in the face as he stood in the busy smoking area outside Yates's in Poole High Street.
SHORT-term savings from axing paid school crossing guards could cost lives in the long run, fear mums. Dorset County Council plans to transfer responsibility to volunteers. Blind mum-of-three, Emelye Purser, fought a successful campaign
THE tuition fees vote was passed by 21 votes last night as thousands of students clashed with riot police and started fires in Parliament Square. One police officer was knocked unconscious and seriously injured after an estimated 20,000-strong march
A BUSKER was left with a black eye after he was assaulted by three men and a woman in a busy Bournemouth town centre street. Eddie Walker is a familiar face for playing his guitar outside Barclays bank on Old Christchurch Road. The 40-year-old was set
CATCHING a tram took on a whole new meaning in Monday’s explosive episode of Coronation Street (ITV1 days/times vary). There had been a media frenzy surrounding this hugely-anticipated, endlessly-speculated over episode, where, in a move designed
FORMER Bournemouth West MP Sir John Butterfill says he knew he hadn't broken any rules when he suggested he could set up meetings with ministers in a David Cameron government in exchange for money. Sir John was one of six MPs taped during an
In true Christmas spirit, BOS are raising money to support those living with Motor Neurone disease, and what a way to kick off the Christmas season! Leaving stuffiness to the turkeys, BOS soar through a mixed medley of Christmas songs, from older
THOSE familiar with Peter Benchley’s novel, Jaws, and the subsequent film of the same title, will testify that the script was already written for this week’s shark attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh. For readers who haven’t seen what is one of the most iconic
LIKE the opening of advent calendars, a Madness tour has become an integral part of the countdown to Christmas. The years keep ticking by, but enthusiasm for the veteran Two Toners shows no sign of waning – and it was going to take more than
Finish the week with this delicately spiced twist on a classic. Coconut Rice Pudding Serves 8 100g rice, rinsed and drained 2 fresh coconuts, peeled and grated 250g sugar 8-10 green cardamom pods, ground 1 tablespoon ghee 2 tablespoons
A YOUNG father has described his disappointment after taking his family to see the Lapland New Forest theme park. Stephen Dimond told Bristol Crown Court yesterday he bought tickets for his wife and four-year-old son to go to see the attraction
THE latest snapshot of the social shape of the south west paints a rosy picture of life in the region. With the highest life expectancy in the UK, lower than average unemployment rates and the fourth highest levels of disposable income, the
Poole’s first lapdancing venue is due to open in the town centre tonight – with the owners saying it is there by popular demand. The Kitty Club’s adult entertainment is being launched downstairs at the Penthouse Nightclub in Carters Lane, just
AS the feud between North and South Korea simmers, the Korean Grill has done its bit for diplomatic relations by choosing a perfectly ambiguous name. Bravo. But you can’t disassociate yourselves that easily, I thought, as I sat in the restaurant
I’VE often wondered how people will remember me when I’ve gone to that great newspaper office in the sky. I know I want my ashes scattered on Sandbanks beach by my closest friends who will have been transported to the car park in a limo stacked with
I WAS greatly disturbed by the anti-Christian sayings from Martin Skipworth (Letters, Dec 2). He obviously has never studied the Bible or learned about the truths therein, which are even more relevant today than ever. Our laws, our democracy and our
I have read three articles recently which I feel must be addressed. The first is about the ongoing bone of contention concerning the devastation caused by night-time revellers who rampage through Bournemouth town centre like invading Vikings. Secondly
A woman was grabbed and subjected to a “very serious” sexual assault in a quiet road on Poole’s biggest housing estate. The 46-year-old woman was attacked by a hooded man as she walked alone on Redhoave Road in Canford Heath, Poole.
YOUR correspondent John Curtis (December 4) evidently considers wind farms to be foolish things as well as mortal hazards to migrating birds. So it is ironic that his letter sat across the page from a letter bemoaning unnecessary lighting in flats.
THIS is a short letter to say thank you to the vandals for kicking our gate in, smashing both the bolt and padlock off of it. At the same time some innocent scooter owner had their scooter damaged. This all happened over night on November 4/5 and should
MY husband was recently admitted as a 999 emergency to Royal Bournemouth Hospital with excellent immediate response, after which he was transferred to Ward 23 where he spent several days. The purpose of my letter is to state that the treatment he received
I would like to comment on Tony Williams’ letter [have your say Friday November 12] regarding cynicism towards the parties’ political leaders. I cannot understand how anyone looking at today’s national issues can blame the coalition for any current
Arthritis is the biggest cause of physical disability in the country. It is a painful disease that affects around 10 million people of all ages – it does not exclusively affect older people. But although arthritis is relatively common, this condition
AS care homes tend to get bad press I decided to write of my experience. Two years ago my mother lived in London alone, but it had become increasingly obvious she could no longer manage alone. Finally after agreeing to be taken to hospital she eventually
RUSS Tinsdale is backing his struggling All Blacks to beat the South West One East drop. Wimborne go into their derby clash at Swanage & Wareham tomorrow (2pm) languishing second from bottom. Tinsdale’s side have struggled to adapt to life at the higher
CHERRIES star Rhoys Wiggins believes Eddie Howe’s surprise packages can continue to prove wrong their doubters by sustaining their unexpected promotion push. Wiggins has been instrumental in Cherries’ revival under Howe, both during two fruitful loan
BOSS Eddie Howe knows Cherries’ impressive home record is likely to face a stiff examination from Hartlepool – one of League One’s meanest travellers. The Teessiders have conceded just six times on the road this season, a defensive record matched only
TITLE-challenging Bournemouth will be aiming to seal their first National Three South West double of the season when they visit Barnstaple tomorrow (2.30pm). But they travel to north Devon without unavailable Frazer Wilford and Will Brooks. Lions coach
SIMON Browne believes a ground share between Hamworthy United and Poole Town would only work if it were equally beneficial to both clubs. Dolphins vice-chairman Chris Reeves has confirmed they are in talks with their Sydenhams Wessex League neighbours
TOM Killick says he has no problem keeping his players focused – despite Poole Town’s well-publicised off-field distractions. Dolphins, aiming to lift the Sydenhams Wessex League title for the third season in a row, have just seen Wimborne Town turn
CHRIS Ferrett admits he has taken “a lot of stick” from his Bashley team-mates after being sent off while warming up on the sidelines as a substitute. But, after acknowledging the funny side of the heated incident, the red-faced player-coach insisted
DEAN Court old boy Steve Claridge admits he would love to see Cherries win promotion – but reckons the sale of top strikers Brett Pitman and Josh McQuoid has made it a tall order. Claridge is a keen follower of Cherries’ fortunes and says he has a “real
CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe is keen to extend Nicholas Bignall’s loan spell from Reading into a second month. Bignall has made three appearances since arriving at Dean Court four weeks ago and his current loan deal is due to expire following the visit of
ART Robert Golden – Lighthouse café, Poole (until December 31) Cruising with the Queens – Southampton City Art Gallery (until January 30) Christmas Arts & Crafts Show – Russell-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth (until January)
