March 5 - The Marie Curie charity shop will be closing at the end of April. The closure is caused by escalating costs, especially huge increases in rents, and high business rates.
The hard working staff are saddened by the situation, but find themselves
without any choice in the matter.
Over the weeks before the closure, there is a half price sale on all clothes,
and everyone would like to make as much money as possible for this very
worthwhile charity in the remaining time. So why not drop in and pick up
a bargain or two?
The completely revamped Old Vicarage Hotel in Hinton Wood Avenue is now open for business. Every part of the hotel has been gutted and redone, including the outside.
The local owners are using local suppliers where possible, and the bar and restaurant are open to non residents. People looking for a location for their functions are welcome to chat with the friendly staff about their requirements,
The adjoining cricket pitch is also being reopened for the summer, and
the (very) old pavillion is being rebuilt.
Given that the new owners include the landlady from the Ship In Distress
when it was in its prime, I would expect the food, drink, and facilities
to be of a high order.
|
March 4 - Recently produced maps from Dorset County Council, showing the locations
of fatal and serious road traffic accidents over a four year period, graphically
illustrates how many incidents there have been in our area during that
time. Our stretch of the A337 from the Runway roundabout to the Naish roundabout
has had several, along with Hoburne Lane and Smugglers Lane North (plus
one or two in other spots).
Somerford Road, and both Bargates and Barrack Road, have all been particularly
bad also.
Anthony Adams, the local delivery driver who came a close second in the recent ITV show The One and Only, in which he sang as Frank Sinatra, has now decided to quit his job. He now has a new management team, and his own big backing band.
Anthony will be appearing at the Bournemouth Pavillion in Simply Sinatra, on Moday May 26, and tickets are already available.
Talking of music, Highcliffe's latest venue - The Cliffhanger - is starting to book more groups and bands, following the resounding success of its Ratpack evening. May be worth keeping an eye on their website for upcoming events.
There was a burglary in Elmwood Way (discovered on March 1). Several attempts
to force doors were made, before the thieves smashed a conservatory window.
The whole house was searched, so not only were they noisy, but were around
for a while. Anyone with info should call 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Also keep eyes and ears open in case these crooks are still around.
|
March 1 - Residents along the western stretch of Lymington Road are campaigning for
both safety and noise improvements on the road from the end of the 30 mph
limit by St Marks to the Bure Lane junction (where it becomes Highcliffe
Road.)
Their petition asks for an extension of the 30mph speed limit, a crossing
point near the golf course, and a quieter road surface.
The first two points should be easy enough to implement one would think, although the resurfacing may well be more difficult to achieve.
Although it has to be said that residents of other areas of the country
have been successful in such efforts.
Another Lymington Road story, which we raised a while ago, is the way the
verges were left as nothing more than heaps of mud following the recent
work to the pavements. Good news on that front. Council officers have now
been persueded to visit the area, and have agreed to restore the grass
to somewhere near it's former condition.
Planning inspectors have finally allowed a development in Chewton Way,
following a second lot of amendments.
Numbers 16 and 18 are to be demolished and replaced with 3 chalet bungalows
by Caleb Developments.
Superb local band, State of Undress, will be recording a live cd in a few days time, and are inviting all their local fans to attend the gig - free.
It's at The Centre Stage, in Queens Road, Bournemouth. Please be early
- 7:30pm for an 8:00pm start.
|
February 26 - A correction. In yesterday's news we mentioned that it is planned to convert unused offices into flats above two shops in Lymington Road. We mentioned one to be Go Mobility. It is of course called Go Easy Mobility Centre.
|
February 25 - I have just received what I am sure is another attempt at computer fraud.
The realistic looking email says it is from the Nat West Bank (who I don't deal with in any way) asking me to logon to activate an 'enhanced new security' function. It's subject line starts Important Security Alert.
The email was not to my email address, but was to this website's general purpose address (which I never use for personal dealings).
I would strongly recommend that if you also receive this you don't even
open it - just discard it.
An application has been made to convert two floors of unused office space
above 411 and 413 Lymington Road (Colour Copier and Go Mobility) into 14
flats.
Permission has been granted for the demolition of 54 Smugglers Lane North,
to be replaced with 2 four bedroom chalet bungalows.
The Chewton Glen has won yet another award, this one for the second year running.
'Best UK Hotel 2008' was won after voting by readers of the magazine issued
by the corporate travel organisation M&IT (Meetings and Incentive Travel).
Management were particularly pleased with this award, as the competition
included famous (and much larger) hotels, such as the runner up, Gleneagles
Hotel.
Two young girls from Beacon Drive who not only witnessed the attempted
murder of their 20 year old brother while they walked their father's dogs
(in December 2006), but behaved with courage and composure in getting help
for the young man. They then dealt with the aftermath and trauma with the
same resolution, in a way beyond their years, and have been given an award
by a national victims of crime organisation.
Only serving police officers can nominate recipients of the awards by the
Child Victims of Crime charity, and the girls nomination was made by the
detective in charge of the case at the time.
The award, presented by Inspector Andy Earley, Commander of Christchurch
Police, includes a fully chaperoned activity holiday of their choice (parents
are not invited). I understand that the only problem is that the girls
can not yet agree on which holiday to choose.
Highcliffe Castle have introduced some new ideas for this Spring/Summer. For example, alongside the old favourites is a series of Spring Lectures. To be held on Wednesday evenings, the five lectures will have nationally recognised speakers, and range from The Mystery of Healing to The Genius of Beethoven. Take a look at the Castle website for details.
The Times newspaper has listed local cafe/restaurant The Cliffhanger as one of the top ten restaurants in the UK for kids. It is the only establishment
chosen south of Pattiswick in Essex.
|
February 21 - The latest Residents Association newsletter - UPDATE - which is about to be delivered to members, is now available online.
It's a full edition, containing lots of good information, including an article on the plan to revitalise the Old School House, known as The Rainbow Project. Members recently voted in favour of all the proposed aspects of the plan,
so if it succeeds, we should end up with a vibrant location, containing
something for just about everyone, both young and old.
UPDATE is available from the HRA page, the Community links page, or from their website, but it is quite a big file, so you may need to be a little patient while it opens.
|
February 18 - Anthony Adams (as mentioned last week) came second in the final of Saturday's
One and Only show, which was won by the Dusty Springfield impressionist.
While Anthony is not off to appear in Las Vegas as the winner, the competition judges were sure that he probably won't be returning to his job as delivery van driver.
Police continue to search for Scott Anthony Kenny. He is the suspected
gang member still on the run after last weeks excitement in Stuart Road,
when police shot out the tyres of a car, and arrested two men in connection
with a series of armed robberies across Dorset and Hampshire last year.
(The raids included one on the Total petrol station in Somerford Road.)
A third man was arrested at the Naish Holiday Park on the same day.
The application to build a 2.5 storey block of 10 flats on the site of
70-72 Glenville Road has been thrown out by the Council Planning Committee.
|
February 12 - Apologies for the lack of activity on this site for the past week. I've
been hit by a major computer problem (mainly a very nasty Trojan working
it's way through my network).
Here's a few items we have missed.
A TV film crew was in Highcliffe last week, filming for Saturday evening's
One and Only show. Anthony Adams - the Frank Sinatra impressionist, who has made it
to next weekend's grand final, comes from Southbourne, but used to have
a Highcliffe business, and now delivers frozen food locally.
He was put forward for the show by the good people at The Scullery on Sea Corner, who were also featured in the film.
The Cliffhanger was featured in last week's TASTE, the Bournemouth Echo food supplement. (A copy of the article can be found on their website for anyone who missed it.) It also looks like they are aiming to become
a regular live music location, as they now have several quality groups
and performers lined up over the next few weeks.
Our old friends McCarthy & Stone have announced that in their first
year since returning to private ownership, profits were up by 40%.
Enough said.
Just in case anyone is not aware of the dangers of the area beneath Chewton
Bunney and Naish, a 56 year old architect had to be rescued by emergency
services on Saturday lunchtime, after becoming trapped waist deep in the
mud. He had been cut off by the incoming tide, and had tried to climb to
higher ground.
Luckily, he was not alone, and his wife called for help. Other people in
the area at the time tried to help, but were unable to get close enough.
It looks like we're in for a 4.9% increase in the Christchurch Borough
element of the 2008/09 council tax. (The maximum allowed by central government
is 5%.)
|
February 5 - Residents along a stretch of Lymington Road are understandably upset with
the mess that's been created outside of their properties.
Following the recent installation of the shared footpath and cycle track, property owners around the Nea Road junction (opposite the Golf Club) are particularly incensed. The work not only created inconvenience and disruption while it was taking place, but involved digging up the grass outside of the properties. This grass has always been kept very neatly by the residents, but has been left as a muddy pile of dirt, with no attempt having been made to restore the area at all.
It appears that good old CBC have no intention of doing anything to rectify
this mess, leaving the residents wondering why they ever bothered to keep
the area neat and attractive.
Rumours still abound about G&Ts being sold for development. The latest
one actually mentions our old friends McCarthy and Stone (although there's
nothing new there - most rumours about Highcliffe property or land mention
them).
if anyone has any actual facts, please email.
At long last, a planning appeal has been won. The Government Inspector
dismissed developers (New Forest Projects) plans to open a landlocked site
behind properties in Hinton Wood Avenue and Woodhayes Avenue. The Inspector
agreed that the plan would cause unacceptable harm to living conditions
of neighbours (especially in Rossley Close), and that there was also a
threat to protected trees on the proposed site.
Highcliffe Castle reopened for the 2008 season last Friday. Leaflets are
now available from all the usual souces, but details are also listed on
the Castle website. Many of the special events will also be listed on our
What's On page of course.
|
February 1 - Reports are coming in of what seems to be a fairly serious accident in Smugglers Lane North, in the area where traffic calming work is taking place. These reports put the incident at about 2:50 ish this afternoon.
No details are yet known, except that police and ambulance services are
in attendance.
The campaign to rid ourselves of plastic bags, which started in the little
town of Modbury in Devon, is being lauched in Christchurch tomorrow (Saturday
2). Mayor Josie Spencer will officially introduce the campaign to the Borough
at 12 Noon, at the regent centre.
This follows a 45 minute BBC film which starts at 11:00am. Viewing Message in the Waves is free, but may not be suitable to younger children, as it shows distressing scenes of suffering wildlife (caused by our irresponsible discarding of plastic).
Following the many shed and garage breakins in the area in recent months
(often reported here) the police will be touring the area in a couple of
weeks selling their extremely good value shed alarms, personal alarms,
and window vibration alarms (£10, £3, and £3 respectively). good advice
will also be available of course.
The daye is Saturday February 16:
Wortley Road car park (behind Somerfields) - 9.00 am to 11.00 am
Saulflands Place shopping parade - 11.15 am to 1.15 pm
Bure Lane Post Office - 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm
A rumour is that a village centre cafe (which has been on the market for
quite a while) is set to become a Chinese restaurant (not just a takeaway).
Absolutely nothing to do with Highcliffe at all, but some of you might
like to know that Pam Ayres will be at the Regent Centre on 19 and 20 March.
|
January 30 - Two young men have been knocking on doors in Highcliffe area, impersonating energy company representatives.
They have fake id cards around their necks, and at first glance seem quite
plausible.
Their story is that they have identified the resident from a list of people
paying too high charges for their gas and/or electricity.
However, when challenged about who they are actually working for they make
off. The police are aware of they people, so call them immediately if you
get a visit.
As you know, the Crafty Wool shop in Lymington Road recently changed hands. It is now the Crafty Wood shop (although the new sign is not yet available). The similar name is
unrelated to the old business, but the new owners decided it summed up
their intended product range.
The main theme is carved wood products of all kinds, from complex ornaments
to house name and number boards. But the interesting bit is that the articles
are designed on computer, and carved by state of the art computer aided
machinery - all by the owner.
Size doesn't seem to be an issue either, as even things like doors can
be designed and supplied. There are goods already on sale, but there will
soon be much more (which will replace the current range of furniture and
antiques).
Other business news. The Cliffhanger is introducing music to their evenings over the next few weeks. In addition to two different live events on February 14 and 15 (Valentine's celebrations of course) there is a performance from the main artists from the well known Ratpack on Thursday February 28 (everything from Sinatra and Dean Martin to Stevie
wonder and van Morrison).
|
January 28 - You may well have seen reports in the local press this weekend, confirming
our report on January 17 about reduction of car parking charges in the
Wortley Road car park.
Unusually, our Borough Council appear to have finally seen sense, and are
making the reduction to try to encourage more visitors to the village.
When the announcement was made, it included the statement that the Council
would be losing £14,000 in income in order to help Highcliffe businesses.
However, a closer look shows that in the two years between 2003/4 and 2006/7 numbers of tickets purchased dropped by well over 20,000 in the car park (nothing to do with the price increases taking place during the same period of course).
Not mentioned at all was that in the same period, lots of village centre
businesses ceased operating, leaving empty premises, and yet more charity
shops. This of course also cost the Council a lot of income in lost business
rates. Again, like the car park charges, we're led to believe the closures
were/are nothing to do with the constantly escalating business rates imposed
on small businesses, already suffering from lost trade caused by ridiculous
car park charges.
Hopefully, the lower charges will help our village traders, and encourage
more visitors. Maybe then CBC will see that constant driving up of costs
reduces trade, and that lower costs (both parking and business rates) is
actually an investment.
|
January 21 - It's again time to nominate people and organisations for the Christchurch
Good Citizen Awards. The only stipulation is that the nominee's contribution
to the community or environment must have taken place within the Borough.
Nominations must be in by February 15, and forms are available from the
CBC section of Dorset For You website, along with all the details about
the scheme. (http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=377587)
The forms are also available from the Civic Offices reception, the Information Centre, and will also be included in the next edition of The Courier, through our doors at the end of January.
(I can think of several deserving cases, not least of whom is John Mather,
our incredibly hard working Chairman of the Residents Association, whose
work in trying to improve the lives of Highcliffe's residents, especially
our younger people, is never ending.)
A follow up the report on January 11 about Police activity in Lymington
Road, near the Castle. Apparently, they arrested a 32 year old Highcliffe
man after finding a cannabis factory in a house.
|
January 17 - Amazingly, the traffic calming work mentioned on January 15 has already
started, with temporary lights appearing near the Smugglers Lane South
junction.
It was announced at this week's CBC Revenue Committee meeting that it had
been decided that parking in the Wortley Road car park will (from April
1) cost 50p for two hours, rather than for the one hour as is the case
at present.
Petals Florist in Lymington Road (next to the old market site) has been taken over. It
is now Jules - The Village Florist.
Jules already has successful shops in Mudeford and Christchurch.
|
January 15 - Businesses and residents around the Saulflands Place area have been informed
that traffic calming work is soon to start on the stretch of road where
Hoburne Lane meets Smugglers Lane.
(These are the works that CBC informed me some months ago would take place
during November and December.)
The object of the work is to slow traffic along a stretch where there have
been several accidents in recent years, including a fatality, and where
speeding is a serious problem, despite the existing 30 mph limit.
It is also an area where many Highcliffe School pupils are crossing the
road in large numbers to get to and from school.
It is not currently known the exact start date, nor how long the work will
take. But I think we can be sure it will cause delays, especially at school
run times.
|
January 11 - Following Police action this morning at a property near the Castle, nearby Lymington Road houses received a leaflet through their doors from PACT (see News item yesterday) representatives, stating that Police had taken action in the neighbourhood as part of a continuing crack down against drug dealing and drug related crime.
The objective of PACT is to make our neighbourhoods safer and better places
to live. It sounds like they are doing their best to live up to that objective.
Last year's Christchurch Community Action Fortnight showcased over 90 local
events - everything from concerts and exhibitions, to family fun days to
heritage walks.
Bring your group's activities to the public eye by registering an event during this year's Action Fortnight, which runs from March 28 to April 13. Get a registration form HERE. You need to register your event(s) by January 25.
|
January 10 - There is a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) public meeting coming
up soon.
The Mudeford and West Highcliffe Safer Neighbourhood Team meeting will
be at Hoburne Holiday Park, on 21 January, 7:30pm start.
Your concerns, questions, and views are needed.
The team is run by PC Chris Vaughan and PCSO Louise Michael, who can be contacted on 01202 222222 or 07825 521830, or by email at mudefordandwesthighcliffesnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
We regularly mention local businesses here, and one piece of news we have received is that from Monday next (January 15) the Cliffhanger Cafe is offering 2 meals for £10 from Monday to Friday, from 3-6 pm (from a selected menu).
We also hear that they are considering running a once a week jazz evening,
probably on a Friday or Saturday. We'll look out for that.
If you own accommodation locally, be aware of a Trading Standards crackdown.
You are laible of fines up to £2000 for claiming ratings or stars you are
not entitled to, so ensure your ratings are both valid and up to date.
|
January 9 - There has been a spate of cars being damaged at night, especially among
those parked on roads.
The latest Home Watch report lists a few, mostly in the western parts of
the village. If you see or hear anything suspicious please call the Police
immediately.
If you have any information on these (or any other) crimes call Dorset
Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
|
January 8 - The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Trust is holding a public meeting soon, and are asking for your views and questions on their proposals aimed at improving rehabilitation services and facilities at Christchurch Hospital.
The meeting is at the Civic Offices on Tuesday 5 February, at 2:00pm.
Copies of the proposal document can be received in advance by phoning Rachel Vye on 01202 704271, or by collection from the Civic Offices One Stop Shop in reception.
|
January 3 - The body found just after 8:00am on New Years Day, was discovered on the
shore near Sandhills Holiday Park, between Mudeford Quay and Avon Beach
car parks.
The victim was a 57 year old local woman. Relatives have been informed,
but the name has not been released.
Police Inspector Phil Cheverton said the lady had died "in tragic
circumstances", but they are not treating her death as suspicious.
|
January 2 - As usual at this time of year, Highcliffe is more or less in hibernation,
with the notable exception of our multi award winning Charity Players.
This years's panto is Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and will be running in the Regent Centre from 19 to 26 January, including three matinee performances. Tickets are available from the Centre box office (01202 499199). All the details about the production can be found at their website http://www.highcliffecharityplayers.co.uk/
A female body was discovered at Avon Beach yesterday morning. Police have
not yet released a name, but it is believed to be a lady in her late 40's.
More sad news is that much respected, and extremely hard working, Jeff
Wild - secretary and driving force of the Christchurch Life Saving Club
(based at Friars Cliff) for many years. Jeff sadly committed suicide, and
his funeral was held a couple of days before Christmas.
|
December 21 - More on the High 5 project.
HRA Chairman John Mather, driving force behind the project, and the recent
attempt to win peoples Millions lottery money, has said that the project
is far from dead.
He says that an application for a community grant will be applied for,
and that these grants are decided on merit, not on numbers of votes. He
thinks there is a better chance of achieving success by this method, although
the maximum amount is £50,000 , and that adjustments will need to be made
to the existing scheme, at least to begin with. A possibility is for only
one youth shelter to be built initially.
Mr Mather also pointed out that although the Peoples Millions vote failed,
there were some very big positives arising from the campaign, not least
of which was the close working between the Residents Association and Highcliffe
School, which is definitely a relationship to be maintained and enhanced.
Residents of the Saulflands area will be unhappy to know that planning permission for the demolition of 252 and 254 Smugglers Lane North, to be replaced with seven (7) new homes and associated parking, was granted by CBC on December 17.
There are a raft of conditions attached to the approval, but nothing that
will stop leo Developments going ahead with the building.
|
December 19 - The final figures are now available for the recent Peoples Millions competition on Meridian TV, in which the Highcliffe High 5 project failed to win lottery backing.
Highcliffe can feel extremely agrieved! The 3193 votes received would have
easily won both the Monday and Thursday competitions, and was the 4th highest
vote of the week. Unfortunately, the strange (and in my opinion - totally
unfair) voting system they were using meant High 5 came 6th, and was therefore not one of the top five projects to be funded.
If I was one of the team that worked so hard I would be extremely unhappy.
|
December 17 - So what has been happening during the last week - what have I missed?
Not a lot apparently, apart from the usual collection of damaged lamp posts,
bush shelters, pubs, walls, etc - all caused by people who cannot stay
on the road when it's wet/a bit slippery/dark/whatever - nothing new there
then.
Apparently just over a week ago, someone broke the window of the Celebration
Developments/Eclipse Limos shop just up from G&Ts.
Very strange. I wonder what they were expecting to get.
More interesting, especially to those who like a pre Christmas Lunch walk,
is that the Beach Hut Cafe is open on Christmas Day from 11am until 1pm.
It's drinks only, but they are providing complimentary mulled wine and
mince pies.
Apparently the Message Board was unavailable for part of the weekend, and
for some time this morning. I'm not sure what the problem was, but it is
working fine now.
Usually by now, many groups and clubs have started to send their events for the coming year, for inclusion in What's On. Everyone seems to be a little tardy this year, so perhaps you secretaries,
committee members, organisers could get your forthcoming events to me,
so that we can all know what's coming up.
|
December 11 - Saturday's appalling weather seems to have hit attendances at the Highcliffe
Carnival evening, despite the rain actually stopping (more or less) just
before procession time.
Unfortunately by then the gales and heavy rain had hit the preparation
of at least some of the floats, and it appears that some at least could
not take part.
The low turnout, while hardly surprising given the circumstances, will have undoubtably hit the fund raising efforts, but final figures are not yet available.
However, well done to the intrepid band of organisers and volunteers, who battled on regardless. And well done also to everyone who braved the conditions to support what is always a good night out.
Hopefully some photos will be available very soon.
(If you have any we can show, please email them to me.)
This morning there was a major power cut in the village. Reports are blaming
workmen, but these are unconfirmed at this time.
Some properties lost power completely, while others - like the Medical
Centre for example - kept their lights, but lost power to things like their
computer system. (We can imagine the chaos that caused.)
Please email me if you know the actual cause of the cuts.
|
December 7 - Sadly we have to report the death of village stalwart Jack Bonney, who
has died in the Macmillan Unit of Christchurch Hospital after a long illness.
Until his illness meant he could no longer continue, Jack was an extremely
popular member of the Residents Association Executive Committee, and ended
up as Roads and Transport representative. In that position, he worked tirelessly
- and invisibly to most of the population - for the good of Highcliffe
residents, doing battle with bus companies, councils, super stores, in
fact anyone at all that could improve life for all of us.
Our lives will be the poorer for his passing.
|
December 6 - Further to previous reports about the large number of shed and garage breakins
around the area (averaging one a day for the past few weeks) from today
Christchurch Police Station will be stocking a number of suitable alarms.
Costing £10 including batteries, and very easy to install, these are a
wise investment. Just call in.
|
December 4 - Unfortunately, and despite a huge amount of work by lots of people, especially
John Mather (Residents Association Chairman) Highcliffe's High 5 project
failed to secure enough votes to be one of the runners up projects to be
funded by lottery money through the People's Millions scheme.
Well done everyone who voted. We were all hoping to provide at least some
facilities for our young people, but on this occasion we failed.
Not - in my humble opinion - through lack of effort, but through a combination
of a smaller population than our competitors, and a truely amazing apathy
among many of our mostly aging residents. (I do NOT include the many who
actively supported the scheme, and those that at least picked up the phone
and made a 10p call.)
I still find it incredible that there were extremely vocal opponents to
the scheme, including some that hold the view that young people should
not be allowed to use the recreation ground.
(Mmm. An interesting concept that - a playing field with no young people.)
Let's hope there's much more support for this year's Christmas Carnival,
which again is raising funds for young people, in this case the non profit
making, volunteer run Rainbow Pre-school Group).
Garage and shed breakins are continuing around the area. The latest Homewatch report says how to get a cheap alarm.
|
November 29 - Sadly, and despite huge efforts by many people both young and old, Highcliffe's
High 5 bid for Peoples Millions funding on television yesterday unfortunately
failed, when the scheme was outvoted by supporters of the Angmering skate
park project.
There was always a danger that the larger population and bigger schools
of the Sussex town would make it difficult for Highcliffe to generate enough
votes to win.
John Mather, Chairman of the Highcliffe Residents Association, has said
today how much he would like to sincerely thank eveyone who took the trouble
to vote, and to commend those involved in the planning and effort. Particular
praise is due to those pupils at Highcliffe School,, such as Sixth Former
Danielle Trudgeon who fronted the television appeal.
There is still a chance that the scheme will be one of the runners up,
but that will not be known until the end of the week, when all presentations
are complete for the area covered by Meridian TV.
|
November 28 - VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! Today is the day.
The number to call to support the High 5 bid is 08702 433 801
Maximum charge is 10p (from BT landline) and you can call up to 10 times from each number.
The actual presentation is between 6 and 6:30pm TODAY on Meridian TV.
|
November 24 - The big news this week is that Highcliffe is to be featured on Meridian
TV on Wednesday next ( Nov 28, between 6 and 6:30pm.
Anyone who uses this website, or reads or listens to the local press and radio, can fail to be aware that the High 5 project is in competition for funding from the Peoples Millions.
This project is aimed to provide Highcliffe with desperately needed youth
facilities, all the more so since the closing of our youth club by Dorset
County Council some time ago. High 5 aims to provide a ball park, with
facilities for netball, basketball, and football, plus two youth shelters,
on the recreation ground. Additionally, the plan includes conversion of
a nearby building to provide internet facilities.
Highcliffe Sixth Former Danielle Trudgeon will front the presentation,
which was filmed at Highcliffe School, with the support of Bournemouth
footballers Danny Hollands and Josh Gowling.
Highcliffe is in competition with a project to build a skate park in Angmering
in West Sussex. Angmering has a bigger population than Highcliffe, with
bigger schools, and potentially more available votes.
This means that we need every local person, plus their friends and families, to vote for Highcliffe.
Voting by telephone and text (local charges - not 09 numbers) will start
on the same evening from 9:30pm until midnight.
You will also be able to vote online at http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_peoples_millions
Peoples Millions sponsor, The Daily Mirror, will apparently have the voting
numbers published in the Wednesday edition, so we presumably can start
voting earlier than 9:30.
I urge every single one of you to vote in all ways possible. Highcliffe
needs this facility badly.
There's yet another nasty computer virus around. It's similar, and just as dangerous, as the recently reported 'Life is beautiful' one.
This one has a subject of 'You've received a post card from a family member'
or something similar.
do not open it, or you can say goodbye to your C Drive.
In addition to the ongoing thefts from sheds and garages, there are deception
thieves about as well. as usual, they are targeting the elderly, so please
be aware, and phone the police if you are suspicious.
Another theft was to a property while owners were away. Please keep an
eye and ear open for suspicious activity if your neighbours are away.
Traffic problems caused by temporary lights in Lymington Road (between
the Castle and the Golf Club) seem set to continue for some time.
Witnesses report seeing the digger driver fast asleep in his cab, which
is probably not helping much.
Avoid the road if possible, especially at busy periods.
|
November 19 - It looks like the proposed betting shop in Lymington Road is going ahead, with BETFRED set to move into the two shops that were Encore and Newsbox (352 and 354 I believe).
Meanwhile, work continues in the old Williams Fruits premises, but with
no news of any new occupants at present. There are stories being spead
about it being the location of the Police Station, once the existing one
closes, but I believe these rumours to be untrue, as my belief is that
the station is to be located in another property.
Unconfirmed rumours about the old market place are saying building work
will finally start on in January. Maybe the lonely looking wheelbarrow
that's been there since the clearance work will get some friends at last.
There's a sale of childrens clothes next Saturday (24th) that may be of interest to those with young children. See What's On for details.
|
November 15 - There's (yet) another charity shop in the village centre. VITALise has
opened next to SOS (Save Our Shoes) in Lymington Road. They raise funds
to provide breaks for disabled folk and their carers.
|
November 14 - The previously discussed Peoples Millions competition presentations will
be shown on Meridian TV's local news programme on Wednesday November 28.
The programme starts at 6:00pm, and voting lines will be open from 9:00pm
until Midnight.
To give our young people play facilities that are desparately needed, your
telephone or text votes are vital.
The need for every vote is especially important, as our main competitor
for the £80,000 grant is much larger than Highcliffe. Angmering in Sussex
has more people, bigger schools, and potentailly more votes, so it's up
to us all to flood the lines with calls.
Please put this date in your diaries, and encourage every friend, neighbour, and relative to vote for the Highcliffe High 5 project.
There have been a lot of incidents around the Mudeford area recently in which males have been knocking on doors offering to do unnecessary work on gutters and the like. There have also been reports of attempted distraction burglaries, maybe by the same people.
It is likely that these criminals will work their way into our area soon,
if they haven't already. Be aware.
Our old friends, the "antique" dealers are also back in the area.
Do NOT have anything to do with them.
Carole, from the Beach Hut Cafe at Friars Cliff, is planning another charity fund raiser at the cafe for SCOPE. She is looking for donations of good quality raffle prizes, and Christmas gifts of all kinds. Carole has already raised over £1,900 for the charity this year.
if you can help, either call into the cafe, or call 01425 275378.
|
November 8 - Our local police officers will be at the Walkford United Reform Church
this coming Saturday (November 10) from 10am until 3pm.
They will be happy to discuss crime prevention and other issues with you. They will also have goods such as shed alarms for sale at reasonable prices. (Very useful, given the number of sheds being broken into in the area at the moment.)
|
November 6 - Many local disabled blue badge holders are celebrating, after a long campaign to change the signage in Christchurch Borough Council car parks. One campaigner described the current signs as 'nonsensical'.
The wording is currently Disabled badge holders only. A valid parking ticket is still required.
The new wording will be Blue badge holders are required to pay unless vehicle is road tax exempt due to occupants disability. Blue badge must be clearly displayed at all times.
The council will also - over this and next financial year - be adding additional
disabled parking bays, and ensuring all ticket machines comply with Disability
Discrimination legislation. The new signs will be installed during this
work.
|
November 5 - Since the closure of the popular computer education centre in the village
many moons ago, I have heard lots of people saying how they would like
to learn how to use their computers properly, but that there no longer
seems to be anywhere locally to do so.
A new Highcliffe business may go some way to remedying that problem.
Purple Paperclips is based in Hinton Wood Avenue, and offers tuition for all levels of ability, from an experienced teacher (who is also a member of the British Computer Society). The new website is listed on the Computers page.
Superb local band, State of Undress, not only have a Christmas EP out (called Christmas 'round Ours), but are going festive on Sunday 9 December 6, at the Tivoli Theatre
in Wimbourne. They will be putting their distict brand of music into a
Christmas context.
Tickets are £8.50 from the box office (01202 885566), but for £15 you can
also get a return coach ride to the theatre included.
To book the trip, call Terry on 07788 926280.
The EP is available from Amazon, all good music shops, or directly from the band. (See their website for details.)
Having heard the disc, I can heartily recommend it.
|
November 1 - Company cold calling in the area, offering fire and security advice (and goods). Do NOT have anything to do with them. If you have arranged an appointment, cancel it, and call Trading Standards at Dorchester asap (01305 224012).
The usual company doing this calls itself European Environmental Controls.
The traffic problems caused by the recurbing work in Lymington Road are continuing this week. they seem to be really dragging out this work.
The first cliff top shelter was vandalised almost before the workmen moved
to the second site. We really do have our share of morons in Highcliffe.
Filming will be taking place next week, related to the contest for Peoples
Millions money to fund the much needed youth facilities at the recreation
ground. Don't forget the Meridian TV showing of the finalists at the end
of the month. Your votes are crucial.
Gordon Peters, whose credits include Dads Army, One Foot In The Grave, My Family, Little Britain, and many more will be at Highcliffe castle on Wednesday 21 November, performing Flanders and Swanng. Sounds like an entertaining night to me. Details on What's On page.
There are several new computer viruses around at present, but the one most
likely to catch people out appears to be from Microsoft, offering to update
your Hotmail program.
Don't be tempted.
You may notice on the site's front page that we have a new sponsor. The
Cliffhanger Cafe (alongside the Castle Tearooms) have joined the other
local companies supporting the website.
|
October 29 - A "For sale" car in the service road adjacent to the Hoburne
roundabout was severely damaged by fire on Saturday night (along with other
damage). There is late night vandalism of one kind or another just about
every weekend around this area, but this is a step up from the usual kicking
down of road signs and the like. Given that something happens every week,
at more or less the same times, you would think that maybe a Police presence
sometimes might be expedient.
Several people have asked what is known about the meeting at Highcliffe
Castle (in the Drawing Room) tonight.
The invitations seems to have been scattered randomly, with some individuals
and local businesses getting them, and some not.
However, the meeting is an open meeting, and is about "Pride in Highcliffe"
for anyone interested in seeing Highcliffe prosper.
Given that the meeting is open, there has been precious little publicity
about it.
If anyone wants to go, it is at 5:30pm (for a 6:00pm start).
If you receive an email with an attachment called something like "life
is beautiful", delete it immediately. opening it will apparently not
only destroy your machine, but will send your name, email address, and
password back to the hacker.
|
October 25 - So what has been happening over the past few days while I've been inactive?
Not a lot apparently.
The recurbing work in Lymington Road (near the golf club) continues to
cause long traffic queues at busy times, with tailbacks past Hoburne roundabout
and back into the village centre not unusual. That work should be complete
this week.
Next Sunday sees the screening of Antiques Roadshow from Highcliffe Castle,
filmed in the Summer. The Roadshow now appears later than it used to, with
a start time of 8:00pm.
All of our local public toilets (15 of them across the Borough in fact)
have reached the four star standard, the first time this has happened.
The standards have risen noticeably since the cleaning contract was taken
up by Wettons Cleaning Services, who's blue vans are much in evidence around
the area these days.
The cliff top shelters are finally being replaced at Crows Nest. One seems
to be complete, and the other (near the Cliffhanger) is currently being
constructed. It's probably best not to dwell on the time it has taken to
sort out the mess that was there before, and just be grateful the work
is now taking place.
The Friends of St Marks have an Autumn Bazaar on Saturday week (November
3). It's at the Church Hall, from 10:30-12:30, and will include all the
usual good stuff - cakes, produce, games, refreshments, and a Grand Raffle.
|
October 17 - There is a charity table top sale on Saturday next (October 20) in aid of SCOPE. It's at the Beach Hut cafe at Friars Cliff, from 9:30am until 3:00pm. The
weather forecast is for a lovely day, so why not go along and support a
well worth while charity, at one of the top ten beach cafes in the UK.
(See Guardian newspaper survey in the Summer.)
Members of the Residents Association (thousands of us) should soon be receiving
a response form asking for comments and yes/no decisions on a small number
of questions. These relate to the Rainbow Project - the proposed regeneration
of the Old School for the benefit of the whole community (rather than just
the pre-School currently the only users of the building).
Please note that the responses are being requested by Friday 26 October,
so if you do not receive your form by the end of the weekend, use the contact
info on the HRA website to ask for a copy.
Village centre businesses have received a letter from the Borough Council
stating that the new taller lamp posts will not be now installed before
Christmas, due to a supply problem, so the same restrictions will apply
as last year with very little in the way of public Christmas lighting.
Businesses have been invited to pay for Christmas trees and decor to be
installed outside their properties (or attached to them) that will be comply
with the health and safety restrictions. Many businesses did this last
year, and hopefully will do so again, or Highcliffe will be having a glooomy
Christmas.
Apart from the above, it seems to have gone very quiet in the village over
the past few days. If anyone knows differently, please email.
|
October 10 - An incident we missed yesterday - the A35 was closed on Tuesday morning
- again.
At 8:18am there was a collison near the Cat and Fiddle, at the Station
Road junction. A Highcliffe woman in a 4x4 and a female motor cyclist were
in collision, and it is believed that the motor cyclist fractured a leg.
The road reopened at 9:07am.
If anyone can shed light on the apparent plan to open a betting shop in
Lymington Road, right opposite the Methodist Church in the shops which
were Encore and the News Box, can they please email me?
Posters are starting to appear asking for people to vote for the plan to
create some much needed facilities for children and young people in the
Recreation Ground. The bid for People's Millions funding will be shown
on Meridian TV (along with seven other projects) during a four day period
starting on Wednesday November 28. At the end of the presentations there
will be a public vote, with the winners receiving the funding for their
projects.
Voting details will be published here when known.
Here's the designers impression of what will be created.
There have been several attempts to break into cars around Highcliffe over
the pact few days. Please report anything suspicious immediately.
We are also being revisited by our old tarmaccing friends. It should go
without saying that you should have nothing to do with them.
The same goes for the good old Polish picture sellers, who are also back
in the area.
|
|