The coolest news around

Ferndown girl and her dog at Crufts

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Young Kennel Club (YKC) member, Christina Hoare from Ferndown will get her moment in the ring at Crufts on Friday, 6 March, after being placed fourth in the Rebecca Pointer Memorial Award 2008.

The annual competition runs for YKC members aged 8-18 years and the trophy is presented at Crufts to the member who has achieved the most with their dog in the world of obedience.

The presentation gives recognition to both the members and dogs for working so hard at obedience shows all year. Points are awarded for wins and places at YKC events and classes: Companion, Limited, Open and Championship shows. The award can only be won once by a YKC member.

Barbara Pointer will present the trophy on Friday, 6 March to the winner Daniel Thompson, with his working sheepdog Mills on Wheels.
All those placed will also get their moment to appear in the ring with their working sheepdogs.

1st Daniel Thompson, Mills on Wheels
2nd Alexandra Duesbury, Dodgin Amber Gambler
3rd Jodie Lunn, Gypton Just Hadta Havya
4th Christine Hoare, Komeno Little Wing
5th Chloe Connell, Chlosarian Driveu to Drink (crossbreed)

If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join, or if you are a Young Kennel Club member andinterested in this competition for next year, please contact the Young Kennel Club team on 020 7518 1030,visit the YKC stand at Crufts.

Crufts is taking place from the 5-8 March 2009, at the NEC Birmingham.

Abacus motor home weekend break

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Entries flooded in for the Town & Village competition to win an Abacus motor home weekend break. It was the most popular competition since the introduction of submissions through the mags4dorset website. The office was inundated and it took nearly an hour to print them off and fold them into a drawable size.

They were transported along with the postal entries in a large box to Abacus where the managing director, David Wolfenden carried out the draw. He was staggered by the response and said, “The popularity of this competition seems to reflect the increased demand for English holidays this year.”

Editor, Janine Pulford, thanked David for putting up the prize and added, “We receive over 1,000 page views a day on our website and word is getting round about our competitions. The Abacus motor home weekend break certainly grabbed people’s attention.”

The winner will be announced in the April 2009 edition of Town & Village.

Waitrose application will not be ‘called in’

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The detailed planning permission for a new Waitrose supermarket on the cricket ground in the centre of Wimborne Minster has been issued by EDDC.

The 1,834 square metre proposal with associated car parking for 215 vehicles and a two-acre plot of new public open space, has been issued after a legal agreement between the applicants and the land owners.

The granting of the permission follows the government office for the South West announcing that it has no intention of 'calling in' the decision, made by the Planning Committee.

The committee resolved to grant the application in principle, at a special meeting in September 2008. A further report on a number of detailed matters was brought to the committee in January 2009. The application was then forwarded to the government office for the South West to see if it wished to hold an inquiry into the scheme.

Leader of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, said: “The Waitrose application has proved to be a very emotive subject. However, now the permission has been issued, the focus should shift on to the positive impact that the store will have on Wimborne.

"There is a need to revitalise Wimborne and the new Waitrose store will give the town the anchor store it so desperately needs. It will attract shoppers to the town and provide a huge boost to the local economy. It will provide jobs to the local community and assist in improving the vibrancy of the town centre. The good links from the new store into Wimborne will compliment the town, rather than take anything away from it."

Laughter and harmless fun at Castlepoint

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Racing against the clock, five teams of retailers entered the annual pancake race held on the East Mall of Castlepoint shopping park in Bournemouth. The participants raced along the 83 metre course cheered by colleagues and shoppers on the mild spring day, in their bid to win the Pancake Challenge.

Castlepoint’s General Manager, Peter Matthews presented Alan Locke from Nat West the shield, saying, “It’s a great tradition and a lot of fun for all involved and for the spectators judging by their encouragement! It’s important to create as much laughter through harmless fun in these days of gloom and doom news."

Minster Mayhem

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The heat was on, there was jostling at the start line, dropped pancakes, tears of joy and a few tears of disappointment. It was the Pancake race around the Minster on Shrove Tuesday.

The crowd cheered as commentator, Ray Arnold, egged on the competitors.

The 2009 trophy went to Scott Taylor. It was his third attempt at the title. He would have won last year, but he forgot to cross the finish line and the year before he suffered an injury in slippery conditions. Proud of his trophy, he said he would definitely be back to defend it in 2010.

Silence is golden

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A silent auction with some stunning lots is currently underway to raise money for Naomi House and Julia’s House - two children’s hospices, which support life-limited children and their families who live in Dorset.

The auction forms part of the Great Dorset Dinner – the UK’s largest dinner party, which will be held in stately homes, manor houses and cosy country cottages throughout Dorset on 7 March. On the night, the silent auction will be beamed to the dinner parties.

The event aims to raise £100,000 for the children’s hospices and came about because Valerie Pitt-Rivers, Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, wished to garner the support of the local community to fundraise for children’s hospices. The Great Dorset Dinner was the innovative idea of Jenny McVeigh and Russell Lucas-Rowe and has been organised by a special committee. Parties range from close gatherings of six people nestled around the kitchen table for supper to full banquets for up to 100 guests.

Some of Dorset’s leading food producers are wholeheartedly supporting the event by providing top quality discounted local produce, to help keep expenditure to a minimum.

Although the Great Dorset Dinner is by invitation only, anyone can take part in the silent auction, which can be found at www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk/event/the-great-dorset-dinner Lots include: a week’s skiing in Val d’Isère; ‘Surf and Turf’ for six people along the Dorset coast in a 24-foot motorboat; a cookery course with Giuseppe Sinaguglia; a case of excellent wine; two tickets to Glastonbury 2009.

No fire in this dragons’ den

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

It may be home to more than 300 different species, but the award-winning Oceanarium in Bournemouth has never been home to a water dragon … until now.

Like buses that never appear, until three turn up at once, the visitor attraction celebrated the arrival on 20 February of not just one, but three water dragons.

In preparation for the new species, staff at the Oceanarium have created a display in its reptile sanctuary, which resembles the exotic climes the water dragons would enjoy in their native home of south-east Asia.

With branches hanging over a pool of water, a humidifying daily spray system and a constant temperature of 30 degrees, the reptiles’ new home resembles a scene from a perfect summer holiday, with days spent relaxing by the pool, basking in the sun.

Oliver Buttling, Group Curator of the Oceanarium, Bournemouth, said: “The arrival of the water dragons is very exciting and this is definitely a first for the Oceanarium. Reflecting every shade of green, the water dragons are roughly 20 centimetres long with big yellow eyes. The display we have spent time creating mimics the natural tropical habitat the reptiles are accustomed to, which we hope they will explore, enjoy and embrace as their new home.”

For further information about the Oceanarium please call 01202 311993. Mention you saw this article on mags4dorset.co.uk

Fixed penalty for selling alcohol to underage teenager

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Supermarkets and off-licences in Ferndown came under scrutiny recently when a police licensing officer, together with a 14-year-old female volunteer visited a number of premises in a joint operation to target the selling of alcohol to underage drinkers.

In each case the young person sought to buy alcohol. Out of the nine places visited, a newsagents, failed the test by selling alcohol to the underage volunteer. The staff member involved was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Section Commander for East Dorset, Inspector Mike Darkin, said: “This news clearly shows the commitment our community has to the responsible sale of alcohol. I am very pleased with the results, which demonstrate that our licence holders are actively dealing with the underage sales.

“We will continue to work closely with Dorset County Council Trading Standards in answering concerns that our communities raise through various forums. We will of course fully support prosecutions in relation to the minority of premises that fail the test purchases.

“Premise licence holders risk having their licence reviewed or revoked for failing to comply with the legislation.”
To make a complaint about traders selling alcohol or other controlled goods, the public are encouraged to call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Consumer Direct is the first point of contact for consumer advice and complaints requiring investigation are passed to the Trading Standards Service for action locally.

Wedding Cakes-to-be

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A young bride-to-be from Poole burst into tears after finding out she’d won the wedding of her dreams at the Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole.

Eleanor Maher and fiancé David Cake beat hundreds of hopeful couples to win the top prize in the Vizzit Media wedding fair competition held at the historic garden attraction.

After entering, the couple had forgotten all about it until Eleanor’s phone rang one afternoon at work. She said:“I was expecting a call from the jeweller who was re-fitting my ring, and when I was told I’d won I just burst into tears in the middle of the office, my colleagues were worried something was wrong but I was just so shocked. I called David and he didn’t believe me at first, he thought I was joking!”

She added: “I fell in love with the Italian Villa the moment I saw it. It really does have the wow factor, it’s so unique and I’m just so excited that we’ll be having our wedding here.”

The couple met two years ago on dating website Match.com. They quickly fell in love and soon found themselves driving four hours to see each other every weekend as stockbroker David lived in Weymouth whilst financial analyst Eleanor lived near Chichester.

After a year of dating they decided to move into their first home together in Ashley Cross and at Christmas, just a year later, David asked Eleanor to marry him. The happy couple are now looking forward to a September wedding.
Suzie Watts from Compton Acres says:

“David and Eleanor are such a lovely couple and we’re absolutely delighted that we’ll be able to share their special day with them. Compton Acres really does offer a very special setting, from the beautiful grade II listed grounds which can be illuminated with hundreds of candles in the evening, to the bespoke dining options. From a picnic in the Italian Garden to a more formal sit-down meal we endeavour to cater for all tastes to ensure our couples have a uniquely personal experience.”

Ghost Hunt could scare you ‘Whit’less!

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Can you stay awake in the dark, with strange noises and shadows on the stairs and an atmosphere that makes the hairs of your neck stand up?

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is offering the chance of a ghost hunt on Saturday, March 14 at the Five Bells Inn, Whitchurch Canonicorum. A professional paranormal investigator will be on hand to answer creepy questions.

The village pub, where inns have stood for hundreds of years, has an incredible atmosFEAR.

It costs £30 to take part, to include the use of the paranormal investigative equipment, a disc of photos of your frightening night and a cooked breakfast to help you on your way – if you’ve survived the ordeal. This charity event is to raise funds for Dorset Wildlife Trust and entrants will get a fundraising pack in the hope of their raising as much money as possible.

Kizzy Brown, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for DWT, said: “This is going to be a great event and whether believing in the paranormal or not I would encourage anyone to take part. It’s a brilliant chance to test your nerves. I shall be attending the night myself, already a little scared but excited! Please join us for this one-off chance to try something so unusual.”

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment, by contacting Kizzy Brown at DWT on Tel: 01305 264620 or email kbrown@dorsetwildlife.co.uk. Alternatively, text ‘I’m Scared!’ to 07877 614403 with your name, address and number of entry forms required.

Caring recruit joins local funeral directors

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The mother of two has just joined funeral directors AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown as an office administrator and has high hopes of becoming a funeral director.

Sue, 48, previously worked for the national Co-operative Funeralcare service but wanted to join a smaller, family company.

Her appointment follows the retirement of Dawn Pomeroy, an admin assistant at AE Jolliffe & Son for more than 15 years.

Sue, from West Parley, said: “Dawn was a treasured member of staff so I have tough boots to fill but I feel very much a part of the team already. I love the sense of helping people in their hour of need that this vocation provides - I hope that in years to come I will become a funeral director myself.”

AE Jolliffe & Son is part of the Dorset Funeral Plan, a collection of local independent funeral directors working to help people plan and pay for their funerals.

Appeal to find missing vulnerable man from the Isle of Wight

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Malcolm Russell, aged 49, of Carter Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight, was reported missing shortly after 9.30pm on Thursday, February 12.

He was last seen in the Dodnor area of Newport, Isle of Wight at approximately 9.15pm on Thursday, February 12.

Mr Russell is described as: 5 ft 10 ins tall, of medium build, with blue eyes and collar length, thinning, grey hair.

He was last seen wearing glasses, a grey, suede jacket with sheep skin lining, blue jeans and white trainers. He was also carrying two holdalls, and wearing earphones listening to music.

Police are investigating the possibility Mr Russell is in the London area.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Newport Police Station, Isle of Wight on 0845 045 45 45.

The heat is on

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Come gather your pancakes and pans at the ready
And race round the Minster but keep nice and steady
Flip at each corner, don’t dare drop your dinner
Then run to the finish - you might be the winner

Wimborne’s pancake race takes place on Shrove Tuesday, 24 February.

Simply report to the North Porch of the Minster (the big church in the middle of Wimborne) by 10.30am to enrol. You must have a frying pan and ready cooked pancake.

It’s flipping good fun and if you win through the heats you will take the coveted title of Minster Pancake Champion 2009.

So whether you are young, old, in a team or whatever, get along to Wimborne for the race of a lifetime.

All competitors have to do is run round the Minster, tossing their pancake at the four corners of the church.

Atmos-fear-ic ghost hunt

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Could you stay awake all night in the dark, whilst strange noises surround you, shadows pass you on the stairs and the atmos-fear makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end?

Dorset Wildlife Trust is offering you the chance to do just that on March 21 at the Old Black Dog, Uplyme.

You will be joined by a professional paranormal investigator and have the chance to use ghost hunting equipment.

This former pub goes hand-in-hand with stories of dangerous black dogs. One tale is that a black dog haunts Hayne Lane at dusk. As the light fades a dog appears in the distance. It appears perfectly usual, until it gets closer and closer and then it becomes enormous, enveloping evening walkers and then vanishes. Many local people will not venture down this lane after dusk – will you? Now it is your chance to find out the bloodcurdling truth.

It costs £30 per person to take part in this event, to include the use of paranormal investigative equipment, a disc of photos of your experience and a cooked breakfast to help you on your way in the morning – if you survive the night of course.

This is a charity event organised by Dorset Wildlife Trust to help raise funds to support essential conservation work. By taking part, you can help to ensure that everyone can enjoy Dorset’s beautiful wild places for generations to come. Entrants will be given a full fundraising pack in the hope that they will try to raise as much money as possible.

Places are limited to 20 so book quickly to avoid disappointment. Your place can be booked by contacting Kizzy Brown at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or emailing her at kbrown@dorsetwildlife.co.uk. Alternatively, text ‘I’m Scared!’ to 07877 614403 with your name, address and number of entry forms required.

Old Black Dog owners Pat and Peter Dench are curious to hear from anyone who knows anything of the building’s history. Contact them on info@oldblackdog.co.uk.

‘Brief Encounter’ for one night only!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Now’s your chance.

At a special screening, organised by the town mayor, Robin Cook, you can sob your heart out in a real theatre atmosphere, just like everyone did in 1945 when this romantic movie brought incredible passion to a Britain recovering from World War II. Make sure you have a plentiful supply of tissues as you follow suburban housewife, Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) embarking on a romantic liaison with the respectable Dr Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard), accompanied by Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No 2.

To further enhance this terrific opportunity, one of the stars of the film (from the tea room), Margaret Barton (now Margaret James) will give an audience at this special charity event. Proceeds will go to the town mayor’s chosen charities: Friends of the Tivoli and Wimborne in Bloom.

Noel Coward’s ‘Brief Encounter’ will be at the Tivoli Theatre, West Borough, Wimborne on 8 April at 7.30pm. Tickets are only £6 and can be purchased from the box office on 01202 885566. Book now before the event is sold out.

PACT meetings will raise local issues

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Local residents in Heatherlands, Ferndown are invited to a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) surgery and public meeting on 16 February 2009 at the Heatherlands Centre, Barns Road to raise and vote on the issues which concern them in the local area.

The PACT surgery runs from 2–6pm with the public meeting starting at 6pm.

For more details contact the Heatherlands and Ferndown Links Safer Neighbourhood Team on 07825 521737 or email heatherlandsandferndownsnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Members of the Christchurch community are invited to a series of PACT (Partners and Communities Together) surgeries on the following dates:

Christchurch High Street - Monday 16 February (Market Day), 9am-4pm
Christchurch Quay (bandstand) - Saturday 28 February and 4 April, 11am-3pm
Saxon Square (part of Homewatch Promotion Week) - Saturday 14 March and Saturday 21 March, all day

The PACT panel is made up of police, local councils, fire, housing and health services.

Contact Christchurch Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team on 07825 521797 or email christchurchtowncentresnt@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Unemployment doubles in North Dorset

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

However, these figures hide an underlying problem for men in North Dorset. Looking just at the rise in unemployment for men shows an increase of a staggering 142.8% compared to this time last year. That’s an increase of 24.2% in the last month.

Women in North Dorset fair better: but still with an increase in unemployment of 63.9% in the last year.

UK unemployment rose to 1.97 million between October and December, the highest level since 1997. The unemployment climbed 146,000 for the three-month period, data from the Office for National Statistics shows.

MP for North Dorset, Robert Walter, said, “Today’s figures are deeply concerning. It means that unemployment in Dorset is up for the seventh month in a row.

“We are now officially in a recession. My real fear is that it is going to take some time for our businesses here in Dorset to recover and feel confident enough to increase their work force. What we need now is for the government to stop announcing ill-thought out schemes for tomorrow’s headlines. Instead, we need to take stock and prepare a financial recovery plan for the long term.

“The government cannot hide from the fact that this recession is going to be deeper and longer than anyone thought. The government’s failure to control the banks in this country and to even recognise the global banking catastrophe must not be allowed to shield them from their responsibility to tackle the economic crisis that now affects so many businesses, both small and large."

Shoreline Management Plan on the agenda

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

More than 100 people attended Mudeford Wood Community Centre in Christchurch to hear about the measures being taken to protect the coastline in Christchurch and Poole Bays.

Chaired by David Harlow from Bournemouth Borough Council, the meeting featured speakers from New Forest District Council, Natural England and maritime consultants Royal Haskoning Ltd talking about the problem of climate change and how this will affect coastlines.

They also discussed the Shoreline Management Plan which covers developments in the management of changing coastlines. Its main objectives are:

1.    To set out the risks of coastal flooding and erosion for Poole and Christchurch Bays and
       Harbours over the next 100 years
2.    To identify preferred policies for managing those risks, and the consequences of putting them
       into practice
3.    To inform others in order that future land use takes account of the risks.

Anyone wanting to find out more about this subject can visit the website at www.twobays.net.

Kennedy Breakthrough at Forest FM

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Forest FM is pleased to announce Kennedy is the winner of the February 2009 Breakthrough award. As part of the award the band will receive daily airplay on Forest FM during February and will headline a gig at Verwood’s New Legion on Saturday February 21st. They will also get a live session and interview on the radio station.

Kennedy is a highly rated four-piece indie band from Bournemouth. Comprising Andy Pickering on keyboards and vocals, Darren Lovell on bass, Steve Prosser on drums and Sam Jones on guitar and vocals, the band has really made a name for itself in recent months. Their music is good intelligent rock with fine hooks and terrific lyrics.

Tickets are only £4 – on the door, or in advance from The Musical Bus on 01425-483105. Students (with an NUS card) and 14-18 year olds are only £3 – great value for a great night out.

Snow go in West Moors

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The recent blizzard of snow forced many schools in the region to close and West Moors Middle was no exception, closing for two days last week. On reopening, Year 7 pupil, Edward Hicks, was inspired to do something out of the ordinary.

Most of the children avoided the slippery pavements by getting a lift in the car or using the school bus – but not Edward, he got to school on a pair of skis!

Edward, who usually cycles to school, said "I wanted to ski to school as it seemed like a fun and new thing to do, and I wasn't sure I'd ever get the chance to try it again."

Princely trees at Knoll Gardens

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

More than 10,000 of these disease tolerant elm trees are now thriving in the UK, playing a small part in a project to bring the elm back into the British landscape.

“Despite our best efforts we have yet to find a native elm tree with proven tolerance to Dutch elm disease,” said Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens. “Planting the fast-growing Princeton elm ensures that the elm remains within our botanical matrix, and opens new possibilities to the wide variety of flora and fauna once dependent on our native trees. Whilst scientific trials are still underway, my own experience tells me that, at least here in Dorset, the wildlife is enjoying all the trees have to offer!”

Throughout the UK the Princeton elm has already found its way into the hearts of the nation. Trees have been planted on village greens and in royal avenues, on landed estates and in school grounds, as more and more people join Neil’s mission to reinstate the elm within our landscape.

Fifteen hundred, bare-rooted elm whips are now at Knoll Gardens and awaiting new good homes. They are ready for immediate planting and will be quick to make a real impact on any situation. A more limited supply of larger trees is also available. For full details call Knoll Gardens on 01202 873931.

More snow on its way

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy snow caused chaos on the roads in Dorset today with many businesses closing early.

Ferndown Industrial Estate was clogged with traffic at 12.30 as workers queued to get off the estate.

The Met Office has issued warnings for more heavy snow this afternoon, clearing tonight when a frost will set in. Roads and pavements will be icy.

Labour of love benefits mums-to-be

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Expectant mums in Dorset and Hampshire have been signing up for inspirational tips on handling labour from a Verwood-based natural birth expert.

The demand for places has prompted Rosa Davies to run new classes in Poole in addition to her series already under way at venues in Bournemouth and Ringwood.

Ms Davies, a professional birth educator, said, “These friendly and interactive classes help women prepare mentally, physically and emotionally.

“The hands-on teaching style enables pregnant women to take more active control of their birth process through yoga-based exercises, breath work, pain coping techniques and understanding positions that are helpful for birth.

“This participatory approach encourages confidence and trust in women that birth can be a natural process. Birth is an exciting, special time but it can be daunting for many women so we look at how to keep you feeling positive even if it doesn’t always go as planned.”

The next series of Labour of Love birth preparation classes will be held over six weeks at the Zen Zone holistic therapy centre, 2a Davis Road, Parkstone, starting on Wednesday 18 February. For more information, contact Ms Davies on 01202 828348.

East Dorset waste collections back to normal

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

East Dorset District Council's waste and recycling collection service resumed normal service on 5 February after severe disruption caused by this week's adverse weather conditions.

The council was unable to collect:

•     green recycling bags and boxes on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
•     brown bins on Monday or Tuesday
•     refuse sacks on Tuesday

Residents affected are advised to store their waste and recyclables until their next scheduled collection, or take them to their local recycling centre.

Lindsay Cass, the Council's Head of Technical Services said: "Some waste collection services were cancelled earlier this week as it was not safe for crews to be working in such hazardous conditions.

“The Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by this temporary break in service and is grateful to residents for their understanding in this matter."

MAN DETAINED IN HOSPITAL INDEFINITELY

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Bournemouth man who repeatedly stabbed a man in the head with a knife while they were watching football on television has been detained indefinitely in a mental health hospital.

Orges Toromeni, aged 25, from Bourne Avenue in Bournemouth was given a Section 37 Hospital Order and a Section 41 Restriction Order at Bournemouth Crown Court on 30 January 2009.

Toromeni was found guilty of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding. He was sentenced to a term in hospital and will not be released until he is deemed to no longer present a danger to the public.

The judge also recommended that Toromeni be deported.

It was on 19 May 2007 that Toromeni met a friend in a kebab shop in Bournemouth town centre. The pair went back to the victim’s home in Old Christchurch Road to watch football.

Toromeni stabbed the victim, a 31-year old Bournemouth man, several times. The victim sustained three stab wounds to the head as well as one to a shoulder and cuts to a hand. He was treated by an ambulance crew for life-threatening injuries before being taken to hospital – treatment that has included specialist surgery at Salisbury’s Odstock Hospital to reattach severed tendons.

The officer in the case was Detective Sergeant Neil Phillips of Bournemouth and Poole CID.

Houdini doesn’t sing for his supper

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

As part of an ongoing environmental enrichment programme at the visitor attraction, staff have custom built the creature his very own acrylic ‘food puzzle’, to provide increased mental stimulation.

A series of interlocking chambers hides food from Houdini, who has to use his unique physiology and dexterity to search for his dinner.

The octopus, who can already unscrew jar lids to get to tasty morsels, took delivery of his specially designed ‘food puzzle’, just in time to celebrate Puzzle Day at the end of January.

Oliver Buttling, Group Curator of the Oceanarium, Bournemouth, said: “Environmental enrichment is a critical part of creature care at the Oceanarium. In the wild the North Pacific giant octopus faces a multitude of challenges when hunting. As a result it has evolved to become a proficient nocturnal hunter, using its physiology and at times just its touch, to capture its prey.

“By introducing the custom built ‘food puzzle’ we are able to replicate the challenges the creature would face in the wild when hunting for food. Already intelligent, the ‘food puzzle’ will continue to test the octopus’ mental abilities.”

Pushing up the slippery slope

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

When staff at Ceuta Healthcare, based on Richmond Hill, Bournemouth looked out of the office window this morning, they were met with a scene of chaos – snow was falling thick and fast and cars were getting stuck as they tried to drive up the hill.

Quick thinking Ceuta team members, Gary Farley, Vince Gardner, Luis Bernabeu and Jim Fisher grabbed the grit that is used for the Ceuta offices and went to the rescue of the struggling motorists.

The Ceuta boys spread the grit and pushed stranded vehicles up the hill meanwhile the police prevented more cars from driving down the hill.

Schools out!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Dorset and Hampshire children joined the thousands who were forced to stay at home making snowmen or venturing out on toboggans because of the adverse weather conditions.

More than 1500 schools were closed across the South East. In Bournemouth around six decided not to open, seventeen schools and three pre-schools in Poole were closed and 48 in the rest of Dorset.

Hampshire County Council said most of its 540 schools were closed due to the weather.

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said schools in southern England were among the worst affected.

Tuesday (3.2.09) should see clear periods and light winds, a hard frost and some patchy fog later. Wednesday will be mostly dry with some bright or sunny spells, but more sleet or snow may spread into northern Dorset and Hampshire areas by Thursday evening.