Keith gets his beach hut after camping out for five days

HUTS THE WAY TO DO IT: Above, Keith Duell, 68, was first in line for the only full summer season hut. HUTS THE WAY TO DO IT: Above, Keith Duell, 68, was first in line for the only full summer season hut.

COMMITMENT was the name of the game at Avon Beach in Christchurch as dedicated residents got their hands on prized seasonal beach huts.

The picturesque tourist spot at Mudeford again proved a popular draw for locals keen to make sure they got a spot at the beach for the summer.

Around 30 people were in the queue for the beach huts, with many arriving in the early hours of Monday morning.

And Keith Duell, 68, who has camped outside the shop for five days and nights, was first in line to put his name against the only full summer season beach hut available this year.

The hut, which costs £850 a year, is so sought after because families can then keep them until they choose to give them up.

Keith said: “I will be very glad to freshen up, let me tell you.

“I am looking forward to getting home, having a shower and then settling down with a full English breakfast in the comfort of my own home.”

On Sunday, Keith was joined by a handful of fellow queue-mates for the final overnight stay with many hoping to get one of the six-week time periods available.

Jackie Hiscock, 56, from Mudeford, who claimed second place, said: “I’ve had friends who have done this for years.

“There were six of us here last night and the new owners put on a barbecue and lit a big fire for the group.

“It was a great atmosphere and everyone has been really friendly.”

Rachel Chard, 37, from New Milton, said: “It’s been really sociable and you see people in the queue that you then see again in the summer.

“My friend did it last year so this time I’ve come down to get a few weeks in the summer holidays.”

Nicky Hollyoake, 39, who was queuing for her friend Sara Breckon from Highcliffe, said: “I’ve done it before – last year and the year before. But this time I’m here for a friend.

“I had a really good time last year so really didn’t mind. It was a good laugh and the barbecue was a great idea.”

Comments(13)

HRH of Boscombe says...
10:17am Tue 8 Jan 13

Well done Keith. A lovely thing to do for the Missus.

Couchy125 says...
12:09pm Tue 8 Jan 13

Let's hope we have a nice summer for him and his wife.

dobrojoe says...
1:46pm Tue 8 Jan 13

What an archaic way of reserving beach huts in this day and age!

pete woodley says...
2:52pm Tue 8 Jan 13

Very archaic and unfair to elderly and disabled,and even those who work.

pete woodley says...
2:52pm Tue 8 Jan 13

Very archaic and unfair to elderly and disabled,and even those who work.

uberbloke says...
4:10pm Tue 8 Jan 13

pete woodley wrote:
Very archaic and unfair to elderly and disabled,and even those who work.
You did read that this bloke is 68, right?

pete woodley says...
4:41pm Tue 8 Jan 13

yes and i still worked at 68.not all over 65's are fit.and what about the older ones 70's and 80's.

pete woodley says...
4:42pm Tue 8 Jan 13

yes and i still worked at 68.not all over 65's are fit.and what about the older ones 70's and 80's.

Redgolfer says...
6:22pm Tue 8 Jan 13

pete woodley wrote:
yes and i still worked at 68.not all over 65's are fit.and what about the older ones 70's and 80's.
Pete, a word of advice please, HIT the submit button just the ONCE, LOL

pete woodley says...
6:45pm Tue 8 Jan 13

Its not only me others seem to have same problem,but i will be more patient,thanks Happy new year.

BIGTONE says...
7:58pm Tue 8 Jan 13

Nothing better than sitting in a shed watching it pouring down and blowing a gale.

pete woodley says...
8:16pm Tue 8 Jan 13

BIGTONE wrote:
Nothing better than sitting in a shed watching it pouring down and blowing a gale.
Does give you feeling of importance.

pete woodley says...
8:18pm Tue 8 Jan 13

BIGTONE wrote:
Nothing better than sitting in a shed watching it pouring down and blowing a gale.
Does give you feeling of importance.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree