| March 12 |
News - The owner and administrator of the Highcliffe message board linked from
our front page has asked that the link be removed.
A combination of mis-use, lack of use, and the amount of spam that is created are given as the causes.
Yesterday afternoon at about 2:20 two youths were seen vandalising a bench
at Nea Meadows (well done boys - very bright!).
Anyone with any information - or even better - a couple of names is asked
to contact Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously
on 0800 555 111.
The official opening of the HIGH 5 project in the Recreation Ground is
now set for Sunday April 25, 12 Noon - 2:00pm. There will be a cash prize
for the lucky youngster who wins the basket shooting contest. It is also
hoped there will be a lot more going on, including a barbeque.
Changes -
|
| March 10 |
News - The new OLÉ Bilingual Preschool at the Scout Hut in Chewton Common Road is also introducing a Parent and Toddler session on Friday 26 March. It costs £4, and includes drinks and snacks, and runs from 1- 3 pm. The first session is a Easter Egg Hunt, with a visit from the Easter Bunny. See all about it here.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Home Watch page updated with latest report.
|
| March 9 |
News - Highcliffe residents Martin and Carolyn Roberts recently received the
Barclays RTS Entrepreneur award for new local businesses (South and South
West region). Martin received the award from Christchurch MP Mr Christopher
Chope.
Their online business is run from Seaway Avenue, with an office in New
Milton.
You can see what they are all about at www.kidsandfamilycycles.co.uk.
Changes -
Residents Association page updated to include latest magazine.
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| March 6 |
News - It is being reported that crime across the Borough of Christchurch has dropped by 14% since this time last year, and reported incidents of anti social behaviour have fallen over the last 4 months.
Studies show that the earlier children are introduced to other languages,
the easier they pick them up - which makes complete sense to me. Such children
also score higher on standardized tests such as Maths, English, and general
problem solving.
Other studies also show that being fluent in two languages will help to
keep the brain sharper for longer, so maybe I should have studied harder
at school.
With the above in mind, it is interesting to see that the only bilingual
preschool in Dorset is now open in Highcliffe.
The Olé Bilingual Preschool operates in the Scout Hut in Chewton Common Road, and they are currently offering a free trail session. To take advantage, or to find out more, see this page.
Changes -
Schools page has the above school added.
|
| March 4 |
News - Super talented local singing duo The Songbirds are performing TONIGHT at the East Close Hotel from 7:30pm.
Many locals will remember that the East Close used to be a great music
venue, and it seems that they are relauching regular music there again,
starting with Thursday nights being LIVE night.
While on the subject of The Songbirds. BAY Radio are taking an interest in them, and are interviewing them before tonight's gig.
Highcliffe Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who supported them by contributing to their collection at Sainsburys on Saturday 20 February. The collection in aid of the 'Thanks for Life-End Polio Now Campaign' raised £347.45, and through an arrangement with the Bill Gates Foundation this amount will be matched by them.
The Foundation has offered $200,000,000 provided Rotary worldwide raises
a similar sum.This project has been running for 25 years and polio is now
only endemic in 4 countries, where strenuous efforts are being made to
eradicate it, but vigilance in others countries particularly in Africa
is needed to avoid further outbreaks.
The HIGH 5 project is continuing apace, with completion due on March 11.
Due to the recent bad weather the grass areas have suffered, but should recover in time for the planned official opening during the weekend of March 27/28.
What is actually happening at the ceremony hasn't yet been decided, but
it is hoped there will be plenty of kids activities, and that the Bournemouth
footballers who supported the Peoples Millions effort will also be there.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| February 22 |
News - Some moron in Highcliffe is shooting an air rifle at animals, including
pets. One recent incident was in The Meadway, where someone's cat was shot.
The teachers at the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency) were showing their
students how to correctly fire flares this afternoon at Steamer Point,
and making walkers and dogs jump three feet in the air at the same time
(me included).
If you saw or heard rockets this afternoon, that's what it was, rather
than any kind of emergency.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| February 17 |
News - Sophie Rhodes, a very talented local singer (and a member of the Junior
Choir until 2002) is no longer part of Indian Summer.
Sophie is now performing solo, or with an acoustic guitarist. Take a listen at http://www.myspace.com/indiansummeracousticduo
Sophie doesn't perform locally often, but she will take bookings for private
functions/weddings/etc.
It has been pointed out that my report on the new Castle steps did not
mention the guys who actually did the work. It should have done, especially
as they completed the job early, and in freezing horrible conditions.
Stan Laurenson-Batten has written a report on the construction, which I
found very interesting. With his permission I reproduce it here for anyone
interested (in Acrobat PDF format).
Cliff Facelift - Step By Step
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Christchurch & New Forest National Trust group website added to Local organisations page.
|
| February 15 |
News - Starting today, CODA Music Therapy Centre in Chewton Farm Road has daily
musical activities for half term.
These popular events fill up quickly, so get on the phone right now - 01425
276161.
More details on What's On, and the CODA website.
I've just heard about an elderly lady who fell and injured herself while
walking on the paths below the cliff just along from the Castle in the
recent bad weather. She was feeling very faint and sick.
She was found by a resident from Wharncliffe Road who was out jogging,
who called an ambulance, and ran up and got Castle staff to help with blankets
etc.
The same resident had to run back up to the Castle again, to eventually
guide the ambulance to Crow's Nest (near The Cliffhanger) where they could
get down to the injured lady.
The real point of the story is that despite the bad weather the lady was
laying for 1.5 hours before finally being taken to A&E in the ambulance,
where they discovered both wrists broken in several places.
-----------------------
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Highcliffe Community Association now has it's own website - added to Community links and to Local organisations page.
Highcliffe company Architectural Solutions, designers of several attractive local buildings, added to Architectural page (a new page added to Business links).
|
| February 11 |
News - The new steps down to Castle Beach from Highcliffe Castle clifftop were
officially opened this morning by the Mayor, Councillor David Flagg.
One or two braved the cold for the photos without overcoats, including
the Mayor.
 (Click the pic for bigger version.)
Here is the official press release.
---------------------------
The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg was joined by ward councillors and representatives of local residents’ associations to officially open the newly-revamped Highcliffe Castle beach steps.
Four new flights of wooden staircases have replaced worn sections. The top two sections, previously wooden staircases, were replaced with new like-for-like flights.
The middle section, previously a zigzag made up of a mix of wooden and concrete steps of varying widths, was replaced with an all-wooden staircase to match the top sections. The new middle staircase now leads directly on from a landing adjoining the top sections in a straight line down the cliff, eventually reaching the beach by a new shorter flight.
The Mayor said: “These new steps will not only be safer than the old ones, which were becoming costly to maintain, but they will also give a much shorter and quicker route to and from the beach now that the zigzag section has been removed.”
Joining the Mayor for the opening ceremony were ward councillors Cllr John Lofts and Cllr Myra Mawbey, council officers and representatives of Highcliffe Residents’ Association and Rothesay Drive Residents’ Association.
-----------------------
Changes -
What's On - New events added
Latest newsletter added to Methodist Church page
|
| February 10 |
News - Some well established Highcliffe businesses are now helping to keep
this website going. I'm sure you'll join with me is supporting local companies
whenever possible. Why not take a look at their websites?
Copies of the full size version of the superb photo of Highcliffe Castle and surrounds linked from the front page is available from the Daily Echo. Many thanks to them for allowing me to use it.
Visit www.bournemouthecho.co.uk to purchase your copy.
Changes -
New front page added.
|
| February 9 |
News - Highcliffe Rotary Club would like to thank all those who supported their street collection last Saturday which raised £350.
This will be donated to Shelterbox, who provide the Tents and other Emergency Equipment for the tented villages you will have seen on news reports from Haiti.
For more information, and their reports from Haiti, please see their web site www.shelterbox.org
where you also donate if you missed Saturday's collection.
Changes -
Local Builders page added.
Solicitors page changed to show new address and links for Aldridge Brownlee in Lymington Road.
Plan changed to show various new and moved businesses.
|
| February 8 |
News - The new steps from Highcliffe Castle down to the beach will be officially
opened on Thursday (11 Feb) by the Mayor, Councillor David Flagg, at 11:15am.
The steps are already in use, and the ceremony is going to be little more
than a low key photo opportunity.
There are currently temporary traffic lights for road works outside of
the Lord Bute Hotel in Lymington Road.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| February 4 |
News - Highcliffe's young footballer Megan Smith is a rising star. At only
12 years old YATA (The Young Athletes Training Academy) is listing her
as One To Watch - a future star.
http://www.yatasports.com/wp-content/uploads/Slide13.JPG
Unsurprisingly, Megan was among the prize winners at last Friday's Christchurch
Schools Sports Awards ceremony, and I hope to have the full list of Highcliffe
winners very soon.
I notice that Highcliffe's AllNew Conservatories are currently running special offers for anyone considering a new conservatory. See the Conservatories page.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| February 1 |
News - Highcliffe Castle reopens today (11:00am - 5:00pm) and one of the first exhibitions - starting tomorrow - is The Highcliffe Millennium Project -Ten Years On - A Multimedia Exhibition.
This is an illustrated history of Highcliffe-on-Sea crafted by local people,
and sponsored by Highcliffe Rotary Club.
It's in the Drawing Room Gallery, and has to be worth a visit.
Work is scheduled to start on the HIGH5 project at Highcliffe Recreation Ground on Monday, February 15.
The existing play area will not be affected and will remain open for continued
use.
Contractors - locally based Sutcliffe Play (South West) - will be on site
for 3 or 4 weeks and will complete the work in readiness for an end of
March / beginning of April opening.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Home Watch page updated with latest report.
St Marks Church page amended to remove info about St Michael and All Angels Church at Hinton. (It now comes under Bransgore, rather than Highcliffe.)
St Marks website added to Community links page.
|
| January 30 |
News - An elderly gentleman from Beacon Drive was knocked down this morning
while crossing Wharnecliffe Road.
The gentleman, who was using a walking frame, was struck by an elderly
female driver, and sustained serious injuries, which required the calling
of the air ambulance.
Wharnecliffe Road was still closed this afternoon, and several Police vehicles
were still in attentance.
|
| January 27 |
News - The Highcliffe Charities organisation are sometimes able to help local people whose circumstances, either short or long term, might justify a grant by the trustees. If you know of such a person, whu not have a word with them.
Contact details and a full description of the group can be seen on the Highcliffe Charities page.
Changes -
|
| January 26 |
News - The new Highcliffe Castle steps down to the beach are now open, several
weeks ahead of the planned date of mid-February. Very smart they are to.
Despite having taken out the old zig-zag shape, and the increased steepness, they are much safer than the old ones.
(Click the pic for bigger version. Thanks to StanL-B for the photo.)
Music lovers may well be interested in a concert in a couple of weeks time.
Entertaining Queen Victoria is a recital by highly regarded Amanda Pitt, accompanied by David Owen Norris.
Amanda was a member of the Highcliffe Junior Choir for 11 years, and after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, has made a career as a singer, travelling extensively to perform and make recordings. David Owen Norris is a well-known broadcaster, conductor, pianist and composer.
An interesting new pre school has opened in Highcliffe, at the Scout Hut
In Chewton Common Road.
The Ole Bilingual Preschool offers more than just childcare, they offer bilingual education in English
and Spanish to children age 2 to 5 years old (the very best time to start
learning other languages.)
Telephone 01202 772030 for more information, or visit www.olespanishschool.co.uk
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Home Watch page updated with latest report.
|
| January 19 |
News - Highcliffe's Friday market will be back regularly in April. When I have
the exact date, I'll add it here.
Changes -
|
| January 18 |
News - Popular Highcliffe fish and chip shop/restaurant Berties of Highcliffe needs your support.
You can vote for them in the Love My Chips competition in the South West area.
Go to www.lovemychips.co.uk, select the South West area, and Berties is listed near the top.
It's a fun website anyway, with games, competitions, and recipes, in addition
to the voting. (And there's a chance to dine with good old Cheggars, Keith
Chegwin.)
There's a couple more weeks before voting closes.
I notice that Berties is listed under two names - Berties and Backhouse
(ie James - the owner). Both of them have interesting addresses, but the
entry under Berties is closest to the real thing.
Recently there have ben reports of males acting suspiciously around the
Walkford area.
Two men were seen in a rear garden of a property in Walkford Road this afternoon. The males had bags with them, and had no reason to be there.
One male is described as 6ft tall, skinny build, wearing a cap, jeans and
carrying a bag.
They were seen knocking on a front door. When it was not answered they
left and walked down the road, but 10 minutes later were seen in the back
garden looking through the window.
Eyes open everyone, and call Police with any suspicions.
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| January 12 |
News - The popular and very useful 3 hour Driver Refresher Courses, which aim
to help drivers update their knowledge and skills, are coming to Highcliffe
again.
No driving is involved. Group discussions include: new driving techniques;
changes in the law and Highway Code; keeping fit to drive; motorways and
roundabouts.
The courses are free to attend. To book your place contact Dorset County Council’s Road Safety Team either by email roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk or telephone 01305 224558.
Local opportunities are as follows, but there are also others not far away:
Monday 25 January 2010, 2.00pm, Mudeford Wood Community Centre
Thursday 25 February 2010, 9.30am, Highcliffe Methodist Church Parlour
A limited number of practical driver refresher courses are also available
free of charge (usually £37.50). These are also extremely useful courses
aimed at older drivers.
Christchurch Homewatch Association has been awarded the coveted "Dorset
Police Watch Group Of The Year" award. Take a look at their website
www.cbhomewatch.blogspot.com
Changes -
|
| January 11 |
News - A few days ago we mentioned that paint marks and what appear to be bore
holes have appeared in the new road surface in Lymington Road.
The council have now said that the road will be dug up yet again to carry on with the replacement of the main gas pipe.
We all thought that last year's chaos was supposed to fix the problems of the old obsolete mains, but it now appears that there are still leaks. Work will not be started until the weather warms up (probably Easter time - just in time for the arrival of our first visitors).
The holes we have seen are apparently temporarily venting the leaking fumes.
This morning regulars at the Beach Hut Cafe braved the cold and snow flurrys
to support staff when they handed over of a cheque for £841 to Macmillan
Cancer Trust Christchurch.
Jo Smith presented the cheque to Neal Williams, Secretary of the Trust, who said that the money would be used to purchase two oxygen machines.
Currently, patients needing oxygen have to be transferred to the main hospital,
so these machines will be extremely helpful for the staff, and much less
disruptive for patients.
(Click the pic for bigger version.)
(By the way, the headless dog getting in on the act is mine.)
Last week's sight of the local Police team busy in the village centre gritting
the pavements was very welcome.
It now seems that the action was prompted by Bournemouth Hostpital's A
& E people phoning Christchurch Council about having to deal with a
large number of casualties who had fallen along that stretch of Lymington
Road. (As I reported earlier, there was actually an ambulance in attendance
while the gritting was taking place.)
Changes -
What's On - New events added, old events removed.
Home Watch page updated with latest report.
|
| January 8 |
News - Local singing sisters The Songbirds, who we have mentioned several times
in recent months, have a local gig later this month.
They will be performing at the East Close Hotel's Wedding Fayre on Saturday,
January 30, which is running from Noon until 5:00pm.
As well as a chance to see the girls perform, there are complimentary champagne
cocktails and canapes, plus lots of wedding experts displaying their services.
(As always, click pics for bigger versions.)
There will be a presentation ceremony next Monday morning (January 11)
at the Beach Hut Cafe on the prom at Friars Cliff. They will be handing
over a cheque to Neal Williams, Secretary of the Christchurch Macmillan
Cancer Trust. The money was raised from donations in two hours on Christmas
Day at the cafe, when they opened for free mulled wine and minced pies.
Everyone is welcome to come to the ceremony, which takes place at 10:00am.
It's not just ice underfoot that's a threat. Stan Laurenson-Batten spotted
this threat in Friars Road.
Changes -
What's On - New events added
|
| January 7 |
News - This is mostly for visitors and the many non residents that visit the
site. (The rest of us know we've had snow.)
Unsurprisingly, our little bit of England has had by far the best of the weather that is bringing the rest of the South to a standstill, but even we haven't been completely immune.
Here are a couple of photos taken yesterday - look at for the beach steps
one on Meridian TV's weather reports. (Thanks Jane.)
(As usual, click for the bigger versions.)
   
While on the subject of the bad weather, this morning saw our local Police
team on the streets of Highcliffe (where we would like to see more of them
of course). They were all spreading grit on the extremely slippery and
dangerous pavements.
Too late for one poor soul though, as an ambulance had to be called at
about 12:15 to an incident around the Highcliffe Garage location.
Still on the conditions. The Medical Centre had to close their car park
yesterday afternoon, and again this morning, after ice made it all but
impossible to drive on.
It didn't make any difference to one driver though, who went through the
tape barrier and parked in the car park anyway. He maintained that he hadn't
even seen the barrier, which makes me think he probably shouldn't even
be in a car, much less driving it.
Thankfully, he couldn't then get his car out again on the ice, and had
to walk home.
Changes -
|
| January 5 |
News - The Cliffhanger will be closed for refurbishment on Monday 11, Tuesday 12, and Wednesday
13.
Also, apart from the music tribute nights (Buddy Holly on Thursday 14,
and Neil Diamond on Thursday 28) the restaurant will not be open in the
evenings until Thursday February 4.
There was a spate of burglaries and breakins over the Christmas period. All the details on the Home Watch page.
(This page has had to be replaced, so old reports are not displayed. Email
me if you need them.)
All kinds of excitement at Mudeford Quay yesterday. Police arrested a man
following a pursuit from Christchurch, where there was a stabbing incident.
One man was arrested at the scene, but the other drove off, ending up at
the Quay. Apparently he removed most of his clothes and was about to jump
in the sea.
Sensibly he thought better of it, and was captured below the Gundimore sea wall.
One of our readers was horrified to see that the brand new road surface
on Lymington Road has suspicious yellow markings on it, and a number of
small "bore holes" have been made in the surface near the new
Pelican Crossing. This obviously leads to suspicions that the shiny new
road is about to have holes dug in it.
If anyone knows anything, please email us.
Changes -
What's On - New events added - old events removed.
New Home Watch page.
|
| December 30 |
News - Another Highcliffe B&B has joined the select band to be awarded the English Tourist Board (enjoyBritain.com) Silver Award. Castle Lodge in Lymington Road now has the award, given for
exceptional quality and service, in addition to the Four Stars they already
hold.
Changes - Accommodation page amended (see above item).
What's On - New events added (including a New Year's Eve bash at The Amberwood).
|
| December 29 |
News - The Beach Hut cafe at Friars Cliff opened from 11:00am to 1:00pm on
Christmas Day, to give away mulled wine and mince pies, and to raise donations
for Macmillan Cancer Trust, based in Christchurch Hospital.
A combination of the lovely weather and the chance of something for free
led to the cafe being all but overwhelmed with people, with queues forming
along the prom.
While many cafe regulars could not get near the place in the chaos, the
extremely good news is that the money raised for Macmillan is currently
over £800, some of which has been donated since the event by customers
who could not get in on the day.
Local photographer Stan Laurenson-Batten has kindly donated the photo below.
Click it for a bigger version.
(Stan has captured the scene while it was reasonably quiet.)
Changes - What's On - New events added, old events removed.
|
| December 24 |
News - I hope everyone survived yesterday's icy pavements and roads without
injury.
Unless I hear of any news worthy incidents before, I'll be back in the
New Year.
Many thanks for the kind words and compliments about this site. It really
is very much appreciated (and encouraging) that so many people bother to
email.
Happy Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous New Year to everyone.
Changes -
|
| December 18 |
News - The Lymington Road Action Group attended last week's Council meeting,
where their demands were being discussed.
While some points seem to be progressing towards solutions, they took serious
issue with several aspects of the meeting, and some of the comments made
by officers, and have written to leader of the Council (Cllr Alan Griffiths)
laying out their concerns. The concerns below are as given to me by the
group:
1. Residents at the meeting were not happy that a low number was read out
re petition numbers who signed. Our calculations were 99% of all households
had signed and late signature/papers were posted on to Chief Executive.
2. In the report it stated residents were overstating that people were
doing 70mph past the golf course.
We all went mad, as we live with such speeds night and day, with most of
having 7 or 8 years experience of same.
3. No explanation was read out as to why we want a new road surface...it
came across as if we were just after a new pretty surface...not a quiet
surface to help us sleep with constant 24 hour coastal traffic.
4. No mention was made of enforcing parking fines re people parking on grass areas.
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
|
| December 14 |
News - Congratulations to everyone involved with Saturday's carnival. It was
a terrific event.
Many shops and businesses stayed open, and several of those were welcoming
people in with wine and mince pies. The actual carnival was very entertaining,
with a wide range of participants, and there were plenty of people on the
streets enjoying it all.
Hopefully plenty of money will have been raised for this year's chosen
charities, which this year includes the Day Centre, which has several things
in dire need of replacement.
(Click the pic for bigger version)
Please send me your photographs to share with the rest of the village.
Yet another house clearance business has opened.
Highcliffe House Clearances is now in 366 Lymington Road (on the corner of Stanley Road). Like Fergusson's mentioned on Friday, they also sell previously owned furniture etc.
There's also a new gents barber about to open. Hughie's Barbershop is at 318 Lymington Road (right by the pedestrian crossing).
Last Thursday (Dec 10) there was a series of burglarys in Shelley Close,
Sunderland Drive, Farm Lane, and Freshwater Road.
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
Plan updated with new businesses.
Home Watch page updated with latest reports.
|
| December 11 |
News - Another empty shop has been taken over in the village.
Fergusson's House Clearance Services sell quality previously owned furniture (and other household goods) and have taken over what used to be a hair dressers near Sea Corner (by the bus shelter).
Apparently they have been established since 1972.
The shop was shut when I visited, but I hope to have more details soon.
The Lymington Road Action Group have been encouraged by a letter from Council Leader Alan Griffith, in
which he lists the Group's demands, and details the various departments
and organisations he has asked to look into the various demands. As previously
reported, many of these are road safety issues, such as a reduction of
the speed limit to 30 mph right down to Hoburne roundabout, and the resiting
of the speed camera to a location near the Golf Club.
Two ladies collided yesterday morning at the junction of Smugglers Lane North and Forest Way. This was about school drop of time. It appears that one driver turned right out of Forest Way, and was hit by the other. At least one of the cars looked like a write off, but apart from being very shaken, neither driver appeared to be badly hurt.
Don't forget - tomorrow is Carnival time. Turn up - have fun - help local
charities. It all kicks off at 5:45pm.
See carnival website for route etc.
Popular B&B Four Seasons (on the corner of Nea Road and Lymington Road) is now a private residence.
The owners have sold up, and intend to spend their retirement travelling
and relaxing.
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
Plan updated with new businesses.
|
| December 7 |
News - The cd by Peter St Cruz that I mentioned yesterday will not be available
until the New Year sometime.
Details will be added when I have them.
The Cliffhanger Cafe is now on Facebook. For you many Facebook users, just
use the search box for "Cliffhanger Cafe" and become a fan. You
can then add your photos, comments, etc.
Parents with very young kids may be interested in a Christmas service for
under 5's and their families.
It's on Tuesday 22 at 3:30pm, at the New Life Christian Centre, 34 Gore
Road, New Milton. (With tea and mince pies after the service). Children
are being encouraged to attend dressed as angels.
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
|
| December 6 |
News - I should have mentioned in the previous report that the Lymington Road
Action Group are trying to get speed limit reduced to 30 mph along the
whole stretch from Hinton Wood Avenue down to the Hoburne roundabout. Quite
right to!
Also, the link to their campaign site did not work for some reason. It does now, but here it is again - just to make sure. http://www.communigate.co.uk/dorset/a337action/index.phtml
Visitors to O'Rileys in Lymington Road on Friday lunchtime were entertained
superbly. Well known local singer Peter St Cruz gave a free two hour performance,
singing songs from the 50's to the present day.
Peter apparently has a cd currently available, and I'm trying to find out where it can be obtained.
(Click the poster for bigger version)
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
|
| December 4 |
News - The body of missing fisherman, Osman Sharif (32), was found yesterday.
He was washed up along a stretch of beach near Barton.
Unfortunately, the location was hard to access, and emergency services
were having difficulty recovering the body.
Fans of marching bands could have a treat this Sunday. The well known TS Unity Band will be at The Amberwood (Ringwood Road, Walkford) and playing and marching from 1:30pm.
The Lymington Road Action Group, trying to get the speed limit reduced
along the Golf Club stretch, and also trying to get the extremely noisy
road surface replaced, are pointing out that there is a very important
meeting coming up soon.
Their demands and petition will be considered at a CBC Community Services
Committee meeting on Wednesday, December 16, at 6:00pm, in the council
offices. The public can attend but not contribute in any way.
All the details of what the Group are demanding (and what will be under discussion) can be seen here:
Changes -
|
| December 2 |
News - Emergency services, including the Air-Sea rescue helicopter, have spent
many hours searching for a fisherman, reported missing at about 10:00pm
last night after failing to return home.
The man from London went fishing alone in a very small inflatable boat
yesterday afternoon. The empty boat was later found at Chewton Bunney,
and his car was still parked at Mudeford Quay.
It seems that he had a lifejacket, but it is not known if he was wearing
it. Nor is it known if he knew how to use the GPS he had on board.
As I write this at mid morning, the helicopter is still searching the seas
and coastline, presumably without success so far.
Changes -
|
| December 1 |
News - Pretty Made bridal shop at 341 Lymington Road has closed. It looks like a new bridal shop called Bliss Bridal is opening soon in the same location.
Changes - What's On -New events added, old events removed.
Plan and various business listings updated.
|
| November 30 |
News - It seems that the Baytree Cafe in Lymington Road was broken into last
night. Rumour has it that some cash was stolen.
There is a new shop - Home Essentials - in the old Accolade premises in
Lymington Road. They are selling bargain priced household goods.
The shop next door, which is to become a Sally Army charity shop we believe,
looks like it is to open very soon.
Stewarts Gardenlands have had a busy few days with criminals.
On Wednesday (early afternoon) a group of three men tried to steal 4 boxes
of LED lights, before making their escape in a car (partial number HS53).
In the evening of the same day, a gang used a truck to break in and steal £6000 worth of Christmas trees.
Then on Thurday evening, a woman shoplifter concealed items and took off
without paying.
(All the details in the Home Watch report below.)
A recent report told of young sailor (and Highcliffe School student) Phil
Sparkes, along with crewman Phil Gratton, becoming junior world champion.
They won Gold in their 420 on the final day of the 2009 Volvo Youth Sailing
ISAF World Championships in Brazil. They also won first place in the Kiel
Week regatta.
Phil has now been chosen as Young Sailor of The Year for the South, along
with sailing partner Phil Gratton.
The award recognises sporting excellence in power or sail, and acknowledges achievement of any sort such as a phenomenal win, overcoming adversity, or exceptional bravery.
Changes - Home Watch page updated with latest reports.
New events added toWhat's On.
|
| November 25 |
News - Fans of Radio Solent can meet Charlie Crocker and Jason Dean this Saturday,
not to mention Santa. The amazing annual display of Christmas lights at
Byron Road in Barton (by the Renault garage, just past the rear entrance
to Chewton Glen) will be officially switched on at 6:30pm.
Donations are always welcome to support this year's charity, the Air Ambulance.
The opening event sounds like a lot of fun for all the family. There will
be music from the Funky Little Choir, fun, hot drinks, prizes, and presents
for all kids who are dressed Christmas-y.
This display is normally the best around, so well worth a visit.
(Click the poster for bigger version)
Recently we told you about extremely talented local singer Helena Mace.
Helen's new album Enlightened is now available (and the title track is already playing on radio stations
across the globe).
Go to her website for a taster, and places where you can get the album.
Reference the proposed Vodafone mast. It seems that their network signals
in areas near the village centre are actually poor.
However, it has been pointed out that the existing mast behind The Globe
is currently being used by several other networks, but not Vodafone. The
question might be asked why they need a new and separate mast, rather than
join the other networks in using the existing mast.
(Incidentally, I have been told by someone who has worked for many years
in the mobile phone industry that there is no way he would live in close
proximity to a phone mast. Read into that what you will.)
Changes - Home Watch page updated with latest reports.
New events added toWhat's On.
|
| November 24 |
News - There was a burglary last night in Highcliffe.
A house in Castle Avenue was broken into between 5:30 and 8:30pm while
the owners were out. A quantity of jewellery, bank cards, and cash was
stolen.
Changes - Home Watch page updated with latest reports.
New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| November 23 |
News - A reminder - there is a Mudeford & West Highcliffe PACT meeting
this Thursday at Hoburne Holiday Park, starting at 6:30pm.
Why not get along to the meeting and raise issues (and vote) on the community
safety crime and disorder issues in your neighbourhood that are most important
to you?
As a result of items raised at this meeting, they will be prioritised and acted upon by your local PACT panel members.
This meeting is in addition to street corner meetings held on the first
Tuesday of every month at Saulflands Shops, between 4pm and 6pm.
Click here to see the area of Highcliffe covered by this PACT group.
Changes -
|
| November 21 |
News - Yesterday's market (and last week's) did not take place. I asked the
people at SMTC Markets about it, and they responded with the following
- perfectly understandable - answer.
"It is all due to the weather conditions and health and safety reasons - it
was quite impossible to erect stalls this mornng.The market will be back
on
again next week.
We do apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Changes -
|
| November 20 |
News - An investigation has been launched by Dorset County Council following
the discovery in September of an elderly ladies body in the toilets at
the Day Centre in Lymington Road.
Although a post mortem showed that the lady died of a massive heart attack,
she was undiscovered until 8:00pm by a cleaner. She should have been on
a coach after lunch, to take her home in Walkford Way, where she lived
alone.
The investigation will look at the failed procedures that allowed the lady to be picked up and taken to the Centre, but then not taken home again.
The full story can be seen here (where it is today's main story). http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/
Dorset Trading Standards and local police would like to hear from anyone
who has been visited by a company called Clean and Seal, who are offering roofing and driveway work. Please call the police on 01202 222222 and leave a message for PC 2125 Justin Clarke or PCSO 8896 Mark Lane. You can also call Trading Standards Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Solicitors Aldridge Brownlee, who have been in Highcliffe since 1962, are moving into their new custom built offices (in the new buildings on the old market site) on December 12.
This just happens to be the same day as this year's Highcliffe Carnival, and to add to the party atmosphere office chief Andrew Lilley and his team are holding an open day, and welcoming visitors to the new office between 4pm and 8pm for a seasonal glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
To find out more see this document, or visit their website which is listed on Solicitors page.
Everyone's help may be needed again, following Vodafone's appeal against
the refusal to allow a phone mast near the junction of Lymington Road and
Bure Lane.
The mast would tower over many residents' gardens, regardless of any health
risks. It would also be a highly visible eyesore.
Residnets in the area are currently being leafleted, to ask for support
again and giving information of how to do this. Last time there were 180
letters of objection, and over 100 residents attended the original planning
meeting. This needs to repeated - at least.
Watch this space for more information.
It might be just me - but I use Vodafone, and have never had the slightest problem with signals in this area. Nor have other Vodafone users I have spoken to. We hear horror stories about problems with other networks, but never about this company. So why do they need another mast when their signal strength is already excellent?
The well publicised (and very interesting) film Christchurch - An Insiders Tale is to be shown at the Regents Centre on 26 and 27 November. Performances
are at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.
A trailer of the Christchurch film can be seen at http://focuschristchurch.co.uk/
DVDs will be available at 50% off for ticket holders.
The 1939 film Newforest Borderland will also be shown. This is a classic publicity film about Christchurch,
first shown in 1940.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
Changes to contact info for Christchurch and New Forest National Trust on Local organisations page.
Their very nice new website also added to Community links page.
There's a couple of changes to the HRA Committee (Editor and Youth Affairs). See HRA page.
|
| November 16 |
News - There are rumours about two currently empty shops in the High Street.
The old Accolade premises at 350a Lymington Road is reported to have a
99p shop opening.
Next door at 350 is going to house a Salvation Army charity shop.
Both of these are unconfirmed at present.
A special offer started.
Berties Fish and Chips have a Monday to Thursday (lunch and evening) special. For a Fiver (£5) you can get Cod, Chips, Mushy peas, Tea/Coffee, and Bread and butter.
For those who have asked - The flowers that have been pinned to the fence
opposite St Marks Church for the past couple of weeks are in memory of
the fireman who died back in the 1980s, when a tree fell onto the vehicle
he was travelling in during a bad storm.
It all seems very quiet on the local news front at present. If you know
differently, please let me know.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
Latest Ringmaster crime reports added.
|
| November 10 |
News - Tickets are on sale now for a great show at the Regent's Centre on Thursday
December 10 (7.30pm start - doors open 7.00pm).
Super local band State of Undress are holding their annual Festive Concert.
Tickets are available now (£9.50 adults, £5.00 children) from the Box Office 01202 499199 or online at www.regentcentre.co.uk
If you are one of the few who still do not know the music, visit their
Myspace site and have a listen.
www.myspace.com/stateofundress
Here's a look at the poster (As usual, click the picture for bigger version)
If you feel nostalgic about the good old days, you might be interested
in the historic steam engine coming to Christchurch station on Thursday
November 26 (9:30 - 11:00am).
Friends of Christchurch Station are having an early Christmas, complete
with mince pies and hot drinks.
Locomotive Tangmere (34067) will be hauling the vintage carriages of the
Bath and Bristol Christmas Express.
Changes - New events added to What's On.
Lovely new photo of Highcliffe Castle added to Pictures page. (Thanks to Barrie for this.)
|
| November 9 |
News - A group called Helping Arms, who are saying they are collecting unwanted clothes to help medical charities,
are in our area knocking on doors (in my case, after leaving a blue collection
bag similar to other charities).
This group (mostly foreign, if the people collecting in my neighbourhood
are anything to go by) are very well known in other areas. It is believed
that they actually are selling donated goods for profit and NOT for charity.
There are plenty of legitimate charities around if you do have anything
you no longer need, so I suggest that we all send this lot on their way.
There's plenty of information about them on the following website:
http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/news/s/2038323_clothing_collections_not_for_charity
Changes -
|
| November 6 |
News - We had Meridian TV filming this morning in the Crows Nest car park,
just alongside the Cliffhanger Cafe. They were filming the action from
the Not In My Neighbourhood Week event we talked about on Monday.
There was a full blown fake car crash staged, with all the relevant emergency
services turning up with all guns blazing, demonstrating the whole procedure,
from initial Police arrival and evaluation, to the Fire & Rescue guys
cutting the roof of a car to release a trapped victim, to the Paramedics
wheeling away the "victim" in an ambulance. All of this done
with an expert commentary for the decent crowd that had gathered.
The PACT vehicle was also there, giving advice on home security, and selling various equipment at very reasonable prices.
Unusually I didn't have my camera with me, so you'll have to watch Meridian
this evening to see the action.
Age Concern in Christchurch has been shortlisted to receive a grant from
The People’s Millions and is asking members of the local community to vote
for their project when the voting goes live on 25 November.
The organisation has applied for £46,000 for a project to create a home
visiting service for older members of the community in Christchurch. The
service will visit older people, offer them advice, and make sure that
they are applying for the benefits to which they are entitled.
Age Concern staff will recruit and train volunteers to run the service.
On 25 November, the voting phone lines will be open from 9.00am to midnight. The telephone number to ring will be shown in the Daily Mirror and on the website at www.peoplesmillions.org.uk.
A short film about the service will be shown on Meridian Tonight between
6.00pm and 6.30pm on that day.
Celia Burgess, Manager of Age Concern Christchurch, said: “We really would urge people to help us win this money by phoning the number at some time during the day or evening on 25 November. There will be two projects highlighted on that day and the one that gets the most votes from the public will get the grant.
Celia says “This project will mean so much to older people in Christchurch.
Many of them are unable to travel very far and so cannot come to our office
and some of them are not very comfortable using the phone. To have people
come and visit them in the privacy of their own home to explain what sort
of benefits they might be able to have will make a huge difference to them."
The last time we had a vote for Peoples Millions money was the Highcliffe
Residents Association application, when the money was to be used to build
facilities for the young people of Highcliffe.
We locals failed to get behind that vote in sufficient numbers, and did
not get the money.
All of us will be old one day (or even older for many of us) so please
make the phone call to help Age Concern implement this much needed scheme.
I will be reminding everyone about the vote nearer the date - several times
probably.
Changes -
|
| November 5 |
News - There are several rogues around at the moment, especially on the telephone.
People are making phone calls claiming to be from the local council office
offering a Tax Rebate.
The phone callers are claiming that they can pay back your overpayments.
What they actually want are your bank account details.
If you receive such a call, please do not disclose ANY personal information,
and contact Christchurch Police immediately. (Number below.)
There is also a well know bunch of cold callers from a burglar alarm/home
security company, which have tried their luck in this area before. They
have featured on BBC Rogue Traders and Watch Dog many times over the past
few years.
Remind your family, friends, and neighbours that they shouldnever deal with cold callers.
Some of these companies install their alarms the same or the following
day before you can change your mind, but the cooling off period (sometimes
as short as 7 days) is still valid. The monitoring charge for these alarms
is usually exceptionally high and you are tied into a very long contract.
Phone Police if you bothered by any of these crooks, on 01202 222222, or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Don't forget that it is well worth registering your telephone number with
the Telephone Preference Service to stop these cold callers from contacting
you. Email users can register very easily online at www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps. Telephone users can call 0845 070 0707.
It takes 28 days to be effective but it is then an offence for anyone to
ring with an unsolicited call. Unfortunately they cannot stop calls from
abroad.
The above link is permanently available on the Services page (along with similar schemes for mail and fax).
Changes - New events added to What's On.
All business pages now in new website format, and several additions and corrections have
been made to the listings. (Only a few more pages to update now !)
|
| November 4 |
News - An interesting development. A mobile fishmonger is now available in Saulflands Place car park every Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm. (See here for location.)
I'm reliably informed that the produce is excellent quality, and that a
range of home made pre-prepared fish dishes are also available.
Especially given the time of year, a new book about Highcliffe might well
be of interest.
Highcliffe and the First World War is by Sandra Taylor, and is available from local bookshops (including
Ludlums and Highcliffe Castle), the Tourist Information Centre, Red House
Museum, and the Local History Room in Christchurch Library.
The book answers many questions. In excess of 200 men from this village
went to war, and thirty eight did not return. Who were they? How did they
die? Where are they buried. What was life like in Highcliffe during that
war? What did the children of Gus Common do? Take a glimpse into the forgotten
past.
Also, new information is always coming to light,and the November issue
of the Christchurch Local History Society Journal has an interesting update
on one of the Highcliffe men who did not return from the Front.
The Journal (free to members) is £1 from the same sources as the book.
You can find out more about the Society by using the link on the Community Links page.
There are a couple of events this weekend for people looking for a pre
Christmas bargain.
There's a Craft Fair in the Methodist Church hall (Highcliffe RLNI), and
an Autumn Fair in St Marks Church Hall (West Highcliffe Conservatives).
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
New photos added to Pictures page - courtesy of David MacLannan.
New Driving schools page added to Business links.
Entertainers link was incorrect. It should have gone to here.
|
| November 2 |
News - The Chewton Glen Hotel has won yet another award. Readers of Spafinder magazine and website have voted it the best spa in the UK. (Amazingly,
over 360,000 votes were cast in the poll.)
Managing Director Adrew Stembridge said "We were totally unaware that
our spa had been nominated for this prestigious award, are are thrilled
that our guests thought so highly of the spa experience we offer that they
participated in this survey."
This week is Not In My Neighbourhood Week, and Highcliffe has two events for your diaries.
On Wednesday, from 10am - 4pm, in Sainsbury's Car Park, where the subjects
being covered are:
burglary, vehicle crime, cold calling, personal safety, home fire safety.
On Friday, from 10am - 3:30pm, in the Crow's Nest car park (alongside the
Cliffhanger Cafe) where the following are the main subjects:
road safety, including incidents, speeding and parking, fire safety.
Apparently, at 11am and 2.20pm Fire and Rescue services will be giving
demonstrations, including removing victims from a crashed vehicle.
Changes -
|
| October 30 |
News - A correction. In Wednesday's report about the new Dorset Denture Clinic,
I started by using the phrase "dental technicians". This should
have read "clinical dental technicians" which describes a person
much more highly trained.
In fact it is illegal for a dental technician to operate direct to the
public supplying dentures. Only qualified Clinical technicians who have
completed the extra training are authorised by law to operate direct to
the public.
|
| October 28 |
News - A little while ago, regulations controlling dental work were changed,
so that dentures can be manufactured, relined, and repaired by dental technicians.
These technicians need to undergo about an extra two years training, over
and above their already extensive training, which then allows them to work
directly with the public.
We in Highcliffe have now got one of the very few Denture Clinics in the
UK, at 415c Lymington Road.
Dorset Denture Clinic is owned and run by Colin Butchart (Dip.CDT.RCS-
Eng), who has 27 years experience in prosthetic dentistry, and has qualifications
with the Royal College of Surgeons, the British dental Association, and
the George Brown College in Toronto.
I'm told that home visits and out of hours appointments can be arranged
when necessary. (See the business link below for more information.)
Changes - Extremely talented Highcliffe singer Sophie Rhodes has been added to
the Entertainers page.
(Sophie is available as a solist, or as part of Indian Summer - well known
acoustic duo, and now as part of 5 piece rock/pop band Scowlin Wife.)
There's a new business page for Denture Clinics
|
| October 26 |
News - Saturday's Fun Day was just that - good fun. The rain in the morning
did its best to dampen spirits, but failed. Then the weather brightened
and more and more people were out and about enjoying the music and entertainment.
Here are a few photos. (In order - The New Forest Plonkers, The New Forest Meddlars Morris Dancers, the stilt walker, the Dragons Puppet Show, and the face painting booth.)
(As usual, click the pictures for bigger versions)
    
Changes - There's a couple of new pages, both available from the Business list.
Entertainers lists local singers, bands, groups, etc. It is nowhere near complete yet, but hopefully it soon will Care and Nursing homes is self explanatory.
|
| October 23 |
News - Highcliffe Market was officially opened this morning at 11:00am by Councillor
Sally Deham-Wilkes.
(As usual, click the picture for bigger version)
Reference tomorrow's Fun Day in the village centre from 10am to 4pm. (Or
if you just want to do some shopping or visit Highcliffe.)
The Wortley Road car park (behind Somerfields) is FREE all day tomorrow.
The New Forest Plonkers will be performing outside of the Methodist Church, and the morris dancers will be performing outside of Tudor Antiques in the morning, and outside of Occasions in the afternoon.
Changes -
|
| October 22 |
News - In a previous report I incorrectly named the new flooring shop at 344
Lymington Road as Avon Flooring.
It is of course called Coastal Flooring (www.coastal-floors.co.uk)
Highcliffe Market gets officially opened tomorrow morning at 11:00am by
Councillor Sally Deham-Wilkes.
Don't forget the Fun Day on Saturday - 10am to 4pm in Lymington Road.
It's organised by the Highcliffe Business Association in conjunction with
CBC.
There's a puppet show (by Dragons of the New Forest) at 11am, face painting,
music from the New Forest Plonkers, plus morris dancing from the New Forest
Meddlars, all at various times during the day.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
Business links page now has a Conservatories page added. (Includes new Highcliffe company Allnew Conservatories at 406 Lymington Road.)
|
| October 20 |
Business list now includes News - As mentioned yesterday, below is a link to a diagram of the current
and proposed Highcliffe Castle steps.
Click here.
Work will start on Monday 9 November 2009 on the project, which will see two new flights of wooden staircases. The top section, currently a wooden staircase, will be replaced with a new like-for-like staircase.
The middle section, which is currently a zigzag made up of a mix of wooden
and concrete steps of varying widths, will be replaced with an all-wooden
staircase to match the top section. The zigzag will also be removed as
the new middle staircase will now lead directly on from a landing adjoining
the top section in a straight line down the cliff face.
The new staircase will be constructed by local Christchurch firm Falla Ltd from Iroko hardwood from sustainable sources. The work will involve one crane located at the top of the steps and another on the beach below, to facilitate the removal of the old staircase and the positioning of the new one. As the staircase is attached to landings at each end of each section and stands off the ground, there will be no need for any deep excavations during the work.
Work is expected to be completed by December 2009.
For any enquiries regarding the work please contact Steve Woolard, Coastal Engineering team Leader at Christchurch Borough Council on 01202 495095 or by email at s.woolard@christchurch.gov.uk, or Alan Ottaway, Principal countryside & Open Spaces Officer on 01202 495068 or by email at a.ottaway@christchurch.gov.uk.
Changes - New events added to What's On.
|
| October 19 |
News - Here's a couple of "better late than never" items (as I've had a couple of days away).
Highcliffe's new market started on Friday last. Running from 9am to 3pm,
the market in the Globe car park was a huge improvement on what we used
to have. It is being run by the Southern Market Traders Cooperative (SMTC),
and there were lots of stalls of all kinds, including a fresh fish seller,
and plenty of local produce being sold.
Friday's healthy crowd bodes well for the future, but remember that this
is a trial period, so if we don't support it, it will soon go the way of
previous Highcliffe markets.
What should make a difference this time though, is the range of goods on
sale, and the numbers of traders - a proper market - not just a motley
collection of a couple of stalls that we've had in the past.
Anyone wanting a regular stall should call Paul Lewis of SMTC n 07971 646483.
Another drama caused by an elderly driver took place on Saturday, when
she managed to accelerate out of the Crows Nest car park, up and across
the cliff top footpath, and 150 ft down the cliff into bushes below.
Amazingly her only injuries were scratches caused by the bushes when she
was trying to get out of her vehicle. Also amazingly, she managed to cross
the busy footpath on a sunny weekend without hitting anyone.
Apparently, the 83 year old was practicing the recently adapted controls
on her Perodua Myvi. These include a steering wheel accelerator - which
it appears she discovered how to use, if not control.
Personally, I wouldn't have thought a public car park on a busy Saturday
was the correct place to practice your driving.
Whispers Ladies Accessories in Lymington Road (next to the garden centre,
and right by the pedestrian crossing) has closed down, and the shop now
joins the rest of the empty properties.
However, Avon Flooring has now opened a little further along at 344 Lymington
Road.
The work to replace the Castle steps (announced here some months ago) is
set to start on November 9.
Tomorrow I'll add the plans so you can see what is going to happen.l
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
New business section added for optical reglazing, repair, amd manufacturing
(see News item on October 16).
|
| October 16 |
News - This is not a normal news item, but having just saved a fortune on my
new spectacles, I thought I'd pass on some information about how I did
it.
I used to use a small company on the Sea Vixon Estate for my optician related requirements, but they have disappeared, so I searched for a new supplier, and found an excellent little family run business in Southbourne, called Smart Eyes.
All you need is your prescription (you get a copy when you have your eyes
tested), or your broken or damaged spectacles, and they do the rest - at
a fraction of High Street prices. (My wife and I both saved over 50% on
prices we had been quoted elsewhere.)
They can reglaze your existing specs, or provide new if you prefer.
Find out more about them on this page.
Changes - Superfluous Business link has been removed from front page, and replaced with a categorised list.
New events added, existing events amended, and old events removed from
What's On.
Pictures page revamped. (Anyone got any more local photos theywant to share with the rest of us? Please email them to me.)
|
| October 12 |
News - The award winning Highcliffe Junior Choir has released a cd containing
many of their favourite Christmas songs.
Anyone who has heard the choir will know that this cd will be a real treat.
It is available from any member of the Choir or committee member. (See their website for details.)
It is also available by post from:
Len Hatchard
20 Hurstbourne Avenue
Highcliffe
BH23 4RQ
01425 276994 or email friends@highcliffejuniotchoir.org.uk
By post it costs £11.25 (inc p&p) or £10 otherwise.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| October 9 |
News - West Highcliffe/Mudeford PACT street corner meetings, where you can
discuss problems with the PACT team, are held regularly in the Saulflands
shops car park, normally on the first Tuesday of the month. The next ones
are on November 3 and December 1, both from 4:00 - 6:00pm.
The next Highcliffe/Walkford meeting is in Montegu Road on Tuesday October
20, from 10:00am - Noon.
Following a spate of thefts from sheds, gardens, and vehicles in August,
and damage to cars, September was relatively quiet on the crime front in
the village. A big concern is the continuing problem of cold callers, many
of whom are highly suspicious.
If you have problems with these people, who often put a lot of pressure
on residents, just call the Police (01202 222222) or for advice call Trading
Standards (01305 221000).
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| October 6 |
News - There are already holes appearing in the newly resurfaced road in the village. Several have appeared on the Eastbound side, right opposite Wharnecliffe Road.
The recently formed Lymington Road Action Group has now made plain exactly
what they are expecting from the Borough and County Councils, with the
publishing of a list of demands, some of which they say have previously
been promised, but not delivered.
1. They have a long term demand (7 years plus) that the extremely noisy
road surface be replaced with a quiet surface. It is maintained that existing
noise levels exceed those laid down by law.
2. They are requesting that the speed camera near St Mark's (where traffic
is often at a stand still anyway) be moved to the Golf Club stretch, where
speeds of around 70mph are common place, despite the 40mph limit.
3. They are demanding that their council taxes are reduced to take into account the constant 24 hours a day noise that they are subjected to.
4. They are requesting a full pedestrian crossing to enable residents to
cross the road in safety. They believe this should be near Nea Road, as
many pedestrians (including school children) join Lymington Road from there.
5. They maintain that the Police have promised in the past to have regular
speed camera checks on this stretch of road, but that those have never
been implemented. They want those promises kept.
6. They are requesting that the 30mph limit be extended from St Marks along
this stretch, before there are even more serious accidents.
(I believe that this last item is in the CBC plan. I understand that the
30 mph is to be extended to St George's Close.)
These demands are contained in document that includes a section for other concerned locals to join the Action Group. Here is a copy - Word DOC format - Acrobat PDF format.
This year's Highcliffe Carnival (Saturday 12 December, 6:00pm) promises
to be bigger and better than ever.
There are lots more stalls and entertainers, and for the first time, the
stretch East of the Sea Corner lights will be needed to accommodate everything.
The number of floats looks like growing considerably as well, with lots of enquiries from groups and organisations wanting to take part.
It's not too late to join in. This year's theme is DICKENS, but participation
is more important.
Contact the organisers through their website, or phone 07799 660029 or 07790 860074.
On the subject of the Carnival, would any of our local celebs consider
declaring the Carnival officially open?
We have many famous residents in the area, so if anyone wants a fun evening,
while helping out with a worthwhile charity raising event, please call
one of the above numbers.
(Following several years of donating to local youth organisations, this
year the money raised will be going to the Day Centre in Lymington Road
- a superb local service in dire need of extra cash.)
Changes - Old events removed from What's On.
|
| October 2 |
News - The Highcliffe Business Association is organising a celebration to mark
the end of the current road works through the village.
Businesses have been seriously hit by these badly timed works, with those open in the evenings seriously losing out, so getting back to normal (when it eventually happens) seems to be a good reason to celebrate.
The date is Saturday October 24, and there will be music and dancing in
the street outside of the Methodist Church. Entertainment will be from
the New Forest Plonkers, morris dancers, and the CODA Choir (a treat in
itself). I don't know the exact timings yet, so watch this space.
While we're on the subject of the resurfacing work. Why did the councils
involved not realise that the tourist season doesn't end in this area when
the kids go back to school? All of the local holiday parks are still fully
booked, and local accommodation is still busy. This is hardly a new situation.
It's the same every year, yet local councils decided to seriously impact
businesses, many of which rely on tourism. Very strange.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| October 1 |
News - Anyone still having problems since yesterday's digital Freeview changeover?
Here is the advice circulated by the HomeWatch Ringmaster.
----------------------------
HOW TO TUNE IN YOUR EQUIPMENT
Switch on your Freeview TV or box
Using your remote control, press "menu"
Select the "set up" or "installation" option
Select the "first time installation" option (sometimes called "factory reset", "full retune" or "default settings")
Press "ok". If your equipment asks if you want to delete all your channels, don't worry, that is normal.
If you are prompted for a code, try 0000 or 1234
Channels will be automatically installed. This may take a few minutes and your equipment may shut down and restart
After re-turning, you may have to reset your "favourites" list. When you re-tune a digital TV recorder, you should re-set future recordings
Remember to re-tune every piece of Freeview equipment you have
These instructions are a guide only, as menu instructions will vary.
If you are still unsure about re-tuning your equipment, don't worry. You can find more help and information at www.tvretune.co.uk or you can call 08456 05 11 22.
-------------------------------------
And from me -
There are some older Freeview models which will not work from now on. The
ones I know about are as follows:
Bush IDVCR01
Portland DP100
Triax DVB2000T
Labgear DTT100
Daewoo DS608P & SV900
Also, you should retune your Freeview boxes on a regular basis anyway.
This ensures you can receive the extra channels that are being made available
quite often.
Changes - New events added, a couple of existing events amended, old events removed
from What's On.
|
| September 29 |
News - Highcliffe Scouts have been in touch. Due to an unfortunate plumbing
situation (and a District Scouting event) the Open Day planned for October
10 has been postponed until the following week - Saturday October 17.
Does anyone know of a typist who would like some data entry work? This
paid job is for the Highcliffe Residents Association. Phone 01425 279175
or 01425 273928 or email the Chairman.
It's quite a substantial job and therefore worth a few bob.
Changes - Latest Ringmaster crime reports added.
|
| September 28 |
News - An elderly couple took a tumble a couple of days ago, while crossing
Lymington Road outside Flowers By Design, having just left Crystal World.
The gentleman tripped on the pavement foundations which have been exposed
by the resurfacing work.
Unfortunately he was holding his wife's hand at the time and dragged her
to the ground as well.
With the help of passers by, he was helped to his feet, but an ambulance
had to be called to deal with his wife.
Luckily, she wasn't too badly hurt, and the paramedics lifted her into the ambulance and moved into Tesco's car park to deal with her injuries.
A new conservatory company - All New Conservatories - are meant to be opening
today after moving into 406 Lymington Road. (I haven't checked to make
sure they have.)
Highcliffe Scouts are holding an Open Day to celebrate their centenary,
and to thank everyone who helped raise £10,000 towards the refurbishment
of their hut in Chewton Common Road (next to St Marks School).
Saturday October 10 is the day, and there will be a bonfire and a BBQ.
The organisers are also asking for anyone with photos, memorabilia, or
stories of past years relating to the troop, to get in touch.
Either email highcliffescouts@tesco.net or phone 07709 712731.
Two men have been visiting and delivering leaflets claiming to be SOUTHAMPTON
DRIVEWAYS.
This company is not SOUTHAMPTON DRIVEWAYS, so if you have been given any
leaflets with an address of 12a Jonas Nichols Square, St Marys, Southampton,
SO41 1JD, and two telephone numbers 0800 5424183 or 07768280636, please
do not contact them.
There is a legitimate company of the same name, but these are not their
contact details.
Thus far, they have been in West Christchurch, but these people usually end up in our area at some stage, so please contact Christchurch Police Station if they come calling - 01202 222222.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| September 24 |
News - Even though the Autumn season has started at The CODA Music Trust (in
Chewton Farm Road) it's not too late to get involved. A couple of examples:
You can have one-to-one tuition on more or less any instrument, no matter if you are a complete novice, or maybe wanting to return to an instrument previously given up for some reason.
Taster sessions are only £5, and lessons are a mere £9 - amazing value.
The award winning CODA Choir also still has places that need filling. Everyone
is welcome, but men are apparently in short supply. If you would like to
spend a very sociable evening singing with 20 women, CODA would love to
hear from you! The choir is held every Wednesday, costs £5 per week, and
performs at local events and fundraisers throughout the year.
Either phone 01425 276161 or visit our website at www.coda.org.uk.
While on the subject of CODA, it has undergone a big facelift recently. Thanks to the help of two local businesses New Milton Sand and Ballast and PPH (Pearson Plant Hire) the access road has been repaired, while a team of volunteers from the
Friends of Coda have helped to tidy and paint some of the former farm buildings.
This is a lovely place to be involved with music, so why not give them
a call?
The latest Dorset Home Watch magazine (KeepSafe)is now available. Several interesting articles include information about Not In My Neighbourhood Week (November 2 - 6).
See or print a copy here.
Changes -
|
| September 21 |
News - You can now see plans for the much discussed HIGH 5 childrens' play
area that is going into the Recreation Ground. Highcliffe Residents Association
CIC have published the options chosen by the pupils at St Marks and Highcliffe
School.
There is also a Public Consulation document, which describes the background,
how the scheme is being funded, and a comments form.
Go to the HRA website NEWS page to get the documents.
A note for visitors - I happen to know that there a mobile home on Sandhills
Holiday Park has become available for the next few weeks. Anyone wanting
a few days right next to the sea should
phone 07752 313 401.
Changes - New Complimentary therapies page added to Business listings. Revamped Holiday parks page added to Business listings.
|
| September 18 (part 2) |
News - Earlier we mentioned unhappy Lymington Road residents.
It's fair to say that most business owners in the village centre stretch
of the road are also seriously at odds with (in particular) the County
Council.
DCC were supposed to be putting "Village businesses still open for
business" signs up, to let people know that the road closures are
not closing businesses.
They have not, despite many phone calls.
On top of that, the "Road Closed" signs have been left up all
day on the approach roads, despite the closures only being from 6:00pm
- 1:00am.
And on top of that, the no parking bollards have been left in place all day along the parking
bays through the village.
Traders have also had to produce their own banners to publicise that not
only are they open, but that there is free parking after 5:00pm.
It has also been forcibly pointed out that September is still visitor season
in this area, and that it doesn't stop just because kids have gone back
to school.
Needless to say, this information fell on completely deaf Council ears.
There's an Open Mic night tomorrow at The Galleon pub in Lymington Road.
Hosted by well know local DJ (and BBC employee) Jason Dean, this is an
opportunity for budding singers to perform (and have some fun at the same
time).
Take any backing tracksyou might have on CD/MD or Ipod, and register on
the night. The fun starts at 9pm and there's a prize for the best overall
act.
I've noticed that the Cliffhanger is providing a £5 off voucher for two
upcoming tribute nights.
I mention this because I happen to know that both Eric Clapton and Neil
Diamond tributes are excellent, with Alan Michaels (Eric Clapton) being
described by an influential BBC critic as "the best tribute act I've
ever seen".
Changes - New section added to Business listings. Entertainment page lists local agencies, dj's, presenters, etc, etc. (Currently just one entry.)
|
September 18
(part 1) |
News - There have been a series of crimes and attempted crimes recently. See Ringmaster report.
It is, of course, a coincidence that three males with strong Irish accents
have been acting suspiciously around the area. They have been using a white
and blue Transit van, with Irish registration plates - OPKE10968.
Again see Ringmaster report for details.
A reminder. Tomorrow between 10:00am and 4:00pm, Christchurch Local History
Society celebrate 20 years dince their foundation. There will be live folk
music and morris dancing, a competition (with M&S goodies as prizes),
and an opportunity to find out all about the Society.
A new book "Old Town Halls of Christchurch" will also be on sale,
being signed by the author Bill Hoodless.
Another reminder. RLNI Highcliffe is holding a week long sale of Christmas
goods next week (21 - 26).
It's outside Hoburne offices from 9:00am - 4:00pm daily.
A row is rapidly developing between residents of the stretch of Lymington
Road between Hinton Wood Avenue and the Bure Lane junction.
The residents have for seven years been trying to get the road resurfaced
with a quiet surface, as the 24 hours a day trafficon this main road causes
a loud drumming noise which seriously affects residents sleep, and is a
major disturbance all day. I have visited properties in the affected area,
and the noise is so bad you cannot hold a normal conversation in the gardens.
Having been led to believe some months ago that the road was finally to
be resurfaced this year, there was a communal sigh of relief.
Residents were therefore understandably devastated to discover that the
resurfacing plans had been changed, and would stop at Hinton Wood Avenue.
They have formed an action group that is currently considering what to do, and direct actions such as blocking the road with a sit-in are a possibility - and who could blame them.
They are particularly aggrieved that while they have been arguing for a
decent night's sleep, several other areas of the Borough, including much
quieter areas such as Burton, have had comprehensive traffic calming schemes
put into place.
They point out that the speed limit is 40mph along a residential stretch of road, instead of 30, and that the speed camera near St Marks is in a location where traffic is often at a standstill anyway, while 70 and 80 mph along their stretch is common.
Watch this space. we haven't heard the last of this one.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
Latest Ringmaster crime reports added.
|
| September 14 |
News - Don't forget the Residents Association AGM tonight. 7:00pm sharp in
St Marks Church Hall, Hinton Wood Avenue.
The Council have decided NOT to close Chewton Farm Road, following consulations
with all interested parties, including emergency services (who said that
the closure would cause them delays in getting to emergencies), Chewton
Glen Hotel, and CODA, all of whom do not want the road closed. Many local
residents are also against the closure, pointing out that the rat-run problem
would just be transferred to othe rroads, such as Glenville, Solent, and
Wyndham.
Some other residents however have contacted the Residents Association (who
went with the majority in not wanting the road closed) with extreme views,
including one couple who have said they will hold the Chairman personally
responsible for any future injuries or deaths in the road. (Get a grip
people!)
As Councillor Colin Jamieson said "If you closed every road that had speeding traffic, you would close every road in the Borough".
My humble opinion - for what it's worth - is that CBC have already introduced
traffic calming of various types through the Borough, so why not juts include
Chewton Farm Road.
I also think that if people want to live up a dead end street, they are
living in the wrong place.
We now have the performers at the Jazz Night in aid of local Citizens Advice
Bureau. (See News September 9). Local fans will need no introductions for
these guys:
Digby Fairweather, Dave Shepherd, Roy Williams, Len Skeat, Paul Francis,
Stan Bourke.
A reminder. The driver refresher courses for over 55's (see NEWS, August
27) are on Thursday Sepember 24, in the Methodist Church Hall. (There's
one course in the morning, another in the afternoon.)
No actual driving is involved. It's basically a chance to brush up your
skills, and to ensure you know about defensive driving, and more recent
rules and guidelines.
Telephone 01305 224558 to book a place.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| September 10 |
News - Reference the road works by Bournemouth & West Hants Water that
we reported yesterday.
Apparently, this is a one day job, and will take place this Sunday (September
13).
Changes - Latest Residents Association magazine added.
|
| September 9 |
News - For the duration of the current road works, CBC has announced that the
Wortley Road car park will be free from 5:00pm.
On the subject of road works. Residents of Lymington Road in the village
centre has just been informed that Bournemouth & West Hants Water,
saying they will be digging up the road opposite Coral Racing / Highcliffe
Garage to lay water pipes for the new flats. They will be working between
9am – 6pm.
I am (unusually) speachless. I don't have any dates yet, but what's the
betting it will take place just after the road has been resurfaced?
Next Monday, from 10:00am - Noon, in the Mayor's Parlour in Christchurch
High Street, there is a Bring and Buy, a Raffle, and Coffee and biscuits
(for £1).
This is in aid of the excellent Dial a Bus service.
There is a 'not to be missed' treat for jazz fans coming up in a few weeks.
It's in aid of local Citizens Advice Bureau service, and is at Hoburne
Bashley (Sway Road), on Tuesday 20 October.
Tickets are only £14.50 (with good food available from £5.00).
Tickets from ROS GLICKMAN - phone 01425 628032.
Doors Open at 7.00pm.
Highcliffe's Friends In Need, who do such a great job helping locals with
things like lifts to hospital and doctor's appointments, are currently
desperate for volunteers to carry on this essential service.
If you are a driver with even a few hours to spare, and would like to help
your village neighbours, please give Secretary Mrs Winfield a call on 01425
274378.
Changes - New events added to What's On.
Methodist Church page has September newsletter added.
|
| September 7 |
News - As previous reported, Highcliffe is to get new a play park for our kids.
Following the failure to win lottery money in October 2007, Highcliffe
Residents Association has been working hard to fund the scheme in other
ways, and now money is available from a variety of sources, including from
a new government grant to help fund play facilities. (Christchurch has
a total of £200,000 fordistribution across the Borough.)
Two designs, similar in content, have been drafted, with local primary and secondary school students deciding which one each school would prefer.
The proposal includes plans for a new ballpark, with equipment for netball, basketball and football as well as other new facilities.
And although the plans have drawn slight opposition from residents near the recreation ground about the prospect of possible anti-social behaviour and noise, the chairman of the Highcliffe Residents Association, John Mather, says the majority of the community is behind the scheme.
According to Mr Mather, the facilities will be divided with an area for the 8-12 year-olds and the ball park designed for 14-16 year olds.
He said: “My two girls grew up in this area and despite there being two good schools here, they always said there was nowhere for them to go.
“While we are biased in favour of the older generation it seems unfair not to support our youth and we hope these facilities will go some way towards doing that.”
Once Highcliffe St Mark’s Junior School has chosen their favourite design, the plans will move to open consultation, with the best option ready to be installed by March 2010.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
The Walkford page now included links to several business websites.
|
| September 3 |
News - Reference the police helicopter in action earlier in the week over Hinton
area.
The helicopter was searching for a missing vunerable person in the area
of the Hinton Admiral train station. The search by the helicopter assisted
in searching a large amount of open ground in a very short time.
Their search was negative, but the missing male was found by Dorset Search
and Rescue in the early hours.
Following the recent extremely sad and untimely death of Len Richards,
the Starlight Singers are in need of a keyboard player, so that they can
continue to perform and raise even more money for the Macmillan Cancer
Trust in Christchurch.
If there are any talented people out there able to help this wonderful group, please use the contact information on the Starlight Singers page.
Changes -
|
| September 2 |
News - I'm trying to find out what the police helicopter was doing over Hinton
area in the early hours of Tuesday morning. If/when I get some information
I'll put it here.
Some good news. The Highcliffe Carnival is definitely on this year. It looked to be under threat after a major sponsor pulled out, but others have stepped into the breach.
Although the late decision will undoubtably put lots of pressure on the
organising committee the carnival will take place on Saturday 12 December.
This year's theme is "Dickens". (Plenty of scope for your imaginations
there.)
To help out, or take part, contact Annie Reed - email anniereed@tiscali.co.uk or phone 07919 043583.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| September 1 |
News - There's a meeting at Highcliffe Castle on Thursday 3 September, at 6:00pm.
All businesses in village centre are invited to discuss the upcoming road resurfacing works, which will include overnight road closures.
This is an opportunity to get more information, and to put forward any
suggestions that might minimise the impact.
An invitation has gone to village centre businesses, but any business in
Lymington Road or nearby will be affected, so should be made aware of the
meeting.
(I cannot attend, but would like to hear how it goes from someone who does.)
I'm on vacation this week.
Keep the news (and/or events) coming in though, and I'll try to get the
website updated with anything interesting.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
|
| August 27 |
News - More on the Sea Corner traffic lights. I'm not sure why they have been switched off already, but they are to be replaced by temporary lights for work starting on September 7, and continuing until September 16.
Resurfacing of Lymington Road will be taking place between Hinton Wood
Avenue and the Walkford roundabout, with the road being completely closed
from 6:0pm to 1:00am, Monday to Friday.
The work is to be done in sections, in an attempt to keep holdups to a
minimum, but there will inevitably be disruptions.
Coming soon:
A half day (3 hour) Driver Refresher Course aims to help drivers aged 55 or over to update their knowledge and skills. No driving is involved. The group discussions include: new driving techniques; changes in the law and Highway Code; keeping fit to drive; motorways and roundabouts.
Called Drive 55 Plus, this is a joint casualty reduction initiative, between the three local
authorities in Dorset, to reduce the numbers of drivers aged 55 plus being
injured on our roads.
The courses are free to attend at various venues around the county, including
two in Highcliffe on Thursday 24 September.
To book your place contact the Road Safety Team on 01305 224558 or email roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Here is the full list of venues, and other details.
There is also an initiative aimed at younger motorcycle riders. It sounds
like a fun day, with the benefit of hopefully making young bikers better
riders, and therefore safer. The three events are in deepest Dorset, but
probably well worth the effort.
Here are the details.
Changes -
|
| August 26 |
News - The traffic lights at Sea Corner were not working this morning, obviously
causing traffic problems. At around 11:30am, when I went through them,
the main road traffic was moving well - better than normal in fact. Unfortunately,
for anyone trying to get out of either Waterford Road or Gordon Road it
was a lot more difficult.
There was no sign of anyone working on the lights after several hours.
Changes -
|
| August 24 |
News - There has been another burglary committed while residents were on holiday,
this time at a house in Ringwood Road, Walkford, where entry was gained
by smashing a window.
Please keep an eye and ear open when your neighbours are away, and call
the Police if you have any suspicions. It's better to be wrong than to
do nothing.
There seems to have been a lot of thefts over the past week or so - garden
ornaments, plants, pots, car breakins, etc.
So called "travellers" moved onto a patch of land alongside the
Somerford roundabout approximately a week ago.
Winstons Confectionery Store opened last Friday afternoon at 354 Lymington
Road.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On.
Latest Ringmaster crime reports added.
Plan and Food and Drink retailers page updated.
|
| August 21 |
News - Reference the story about potential problems with emails from SIMON25@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
a few days ago. Microsoft are saying that it is not the emails themselves
that are likely to cause problems, but all the warning emails that people
are sending off to everyone they know.
Just delete anything at all that arrives in your Inbox that is referring
to this. Don't open it and don't forward it to anyone else.
A couple of music items.
The Songbirds, who we have mentioned several times recently, spent last weekend in London auditioning for the new tv competition for singing families, hosted by GMTV presenter Jeff Brazier.
The girls should hear today if they have made through to the next round.
(As usual, click the pictures for bigger versions)
Following in the footsteps of (other) great bands like The Beatles and
U2, the brilliant State of Undress will be performing on a rooftop.
They are releasing their new album by performing on the roof of Highcliffe
Sailing Club on Mudeford Quay on Bank Holiday Monday (31st August). They
will perform the whole album twice - once at 1:30pm and again at 4:30pm.
Here's a great chance to see a superb local band for FREE.
Here is the press release, which also lists some of their other upcoming gigs, including a few fairly local ones.
One of these is this Sunday afternoon at 5:00pm, in the gardens of The Old Vicarage at the top of Hinton Wood Avenue. Why not support a local band and a local business at the same time?
Take a look at their website, where you can hear and see the band in action.
Changes - New events added, old events removed from What's On
|
| August 18 |
News - The new traditional sweetshop, Scullery Parlour, is now open. Owned
by Dawn and Shaun Henderson, the shop follows the theme of the Scullery
Tearooms next door, offering traditional goods, quality and service. Residents
couldn't wait to get in there once the doors opened at 11:00 am, and not
just to take advantage of the special offers.
Pictures below include the first shoppers, leaving with their goodies.
(As usual, click the pictures for bigger versions)
  
It looks like we might be getting a market again. The old one was stopped
when the market place owner decided to develop the site (amazingly - three
years ago), and the attempt to put it in the Wortley Road car park predictably
failed.
The new one, which could start as soon as early September, will be on a
Friday in a section of The Globe car park. (Organisers are just waiting
for planning permission to use the car park.)
Paul Lewis, chief of experienced market company, Southern Market Traders,
points out that this is for a trial period, and can only be a success if
people support it. There will be space for 25-30 stalls, focusing on local
produce of all kinds.
Lesley O'Neil, chair of the Highcliffe Business Association, says "We are glad to have a market return to Highcliffe, and I am sure that everyone will benefit from it."
I didn't mention yesterday that the new Bike Works shop in Waterford Road has moved there from their Walkford location, which is now closed.
Changes - Business lists and Plan amended to reflect above changes.
New events added, old events removed from What's On
|
| August 17 |
News - If you receive an email from SIMON25@HOTMAIL.CO.UK do not open it. I am reliably informed that this is a hacker, who will hack into your
computer, including your mail (and then use your address book to send emails
to everyone in it).
The new Bike Works shop in Waterford Road (where the old Corals bookies was) is now open.
Changes -
|
| August 14 |
News - Back in June we reported orange lights in the night sky off the coast
near the Castle.
On Wednesday night identical lights were seen at about 11:00pm in the same
locality. The witnesses are sure it was nothing to do with the current
meteor storm, as the 3 lights came from the South in perfect formation,
hung about for a short while, before very rapidly disappearing Eastwards
- in a very similar manner to earlier reports.
Attempts to take photographs failed when the picture turned completely
orange. The next picture was black as you would expect with a night sky.
Any other witnesses? We know there a couple of fishermen on the beach at
the time who must have seen the lights.
The excellent Residents Association magazine - UPDATE - is looking for a new editor as Ann Thompson, the current editor is having
to give up the job. Below is the HRA advert for this very interesting job.
Interested parties should contact the Chairman or Secretary. See their website for details.
--------
Upcoming opportunity- The HRA is seeking a new editor.
Ann Thompson, the present Editor of Update is standing down in September. This role involves collating articles with the option of contributing your own material, proof reading a good spread of information, maintaining a deadline for a 1/4 publication and keeping abreast of current issues in the Highcliffe area. Here is a great opportunity for an aspiring and budding journalist to develop their existing skills within their local community.
It is rumoured that Marjorie Proops began her journalistic journey by editing a publication such as Update.
----------
Changes - New events added to What's On
Residents Association page has new Committee members (Roads and Transport, and Youth Director)
|
| August 12 |
News - As we mentioned a few months ago, Jane (local resident, and until recently,
owner of The Scullery) had won a 2CR radio competition to be featured as
one of the faces on the MORE yellow buses.
The bus has now hit the streets, and the pictures are now being used for
publicity by Transdev on their website, and in local papers.
(click the picture for a bigger version)
Changes - New events added to What's On
|
|
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