The coolest news around

You park – they fly

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is to be supported by Castlepoint customers by making a voluntary donation during Air Ambulance Week.

The ‘You Park - They Fly’ appeal starts on Monday 15 December. It is hoped that many of the 17,000 drivers who visit Castlepoint every day may donate enough money over the week to fund over 240 life saving missions.

As 31% of the life saving missions flown by the air ambulance are to attend road traffic related emergencies, organisers expect that car users will understand the importance of the ‘You Park –They Fly’ initiative.

Anyone wishing to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can call 01823 669604 or visit www.dorsetandsomersetairambulance.co.uk

Missing person?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for public help in finding a vulnerable man who has gone missing from a hotel in the town - and who could be seriously injured.

Officers are seriously concerned for the welfare of the man who suddenly left his room at a hotel in the St Michael's Road area of Bournemouth town centre.

He left possessions behind in the hotel room and was reported missing by hotel staff late Tuesday morning, 25 November 2008.

Police are appealing for any sightings of the man since lunchtime on Sunday, 23 November 2008.

Officers are also appealing to the public to come forward and contact the police in confidence - or the Crimestoppers line anonymously - if they saw or heard any suspicious, unusual or out of the ordinary activity in the area of St Michael's Road between mid-day on Sunday, 23 November, 2008, and late Tuesday morning, 25 November.

The missing man is described by officers as being aged between 30 and 35 years old, six feet three inches tall, of medium build and with dark close-shaven hair.

Police have carried out enquiries at other hotels in the St Michael's Road area of Bournemouth town centre and they have also carried out house-to-house enquiries in the locality.

Officers have also checked local hospitals in case the man has been admitted to any of them.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Connolly, of Dorset Police's Bournemouth and Poole Division, said: "We are growing very concerned for the man's welfare and safety and we are appealing for public help in finding him."The man could be at risk and I am hopeful that someone - perhaps several people - may have seen him in the St Michael's Road area of Bournemouth town centre as well as the retail area of the town centre itself, since Sunday lunchtime.

"Information we have received suggests that the man may have sustained serious injuries and he could have blood stained clothes.

Wimborne is on fire

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Wimborne's High Street was closed to traffic on 25 November when two fires occurred almost at the same time.

At around midday, an Aga at the Priest's House Museum became too hot leading to a visiting school party being evacuated. The second fire was at the Bell Public House where the chimney caught ablaze. Four fire engines attended the scenes, two from Wimborne and two from Westbourne.

Reindeer bring Santa - a first for Poole

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thousands of families flocked to welcome Santa to Poole and accompany him on his annual journey to take up residence in his Dolphin Shopping Centre grotto until Christmas Eve. Christmas spirit filled the air with crowds stretching from the Quay, down the High Street and towards the Dolphin Shopping Centre, and thanks to the outstanding generosity of the people of Poole; a staggering £1,364.80 was collected by Julia’s House.

Santa arrived courtesy of the RNLI Lifeboat at the Custom House Steps, greeted by a wonderful sea of red santa hats, which were given out free to the crowd along the parade route. The world’s longest serving town crier of Poole, David Squire, led the parade followed by all manner of marching bands, stilt walkers, street performers, majorettes and entertainers.

For the first time in the parade’s history, Santa’s sleigh was pulled by beautiful reindeer while the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Joyce Lavender, Adele Silva from Emmerdale fame and stars of the Poole Lighthouse’s pantomime Dick Whittington followed in a stunning horse and carriage.

Julia’s House was the sole fundraising charity for the event and the crowds gave a wonderfully warm welcome to the 45 children and siblings cared for by the Dorset children’s hospice, including twelve children who travelled in their wheelchairs in the heart of the parade. The Julia’s House families and siblings dressed for the occasion in Christmas and Disney costumes and were the first to see Santa in his Dolphin Shopping Centre grotto.

Louise Smith, Dolphin Shopping Centre Marketing Manager, commented: “A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed Santa to Poole and helped to raise vital funds for Julia’s House. We are delighted at the amount raised, which together with the money collected at the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s wooden animal feature means that over £3,000 has been raised in recent months. It was fantastic to see the town united and joining together to support Julia’s House on Sunday. Santa will be staying with us until Christmas Eve but don’t forget to put next year’s Santa Parade in your diary for Sunday 15 November. We’d like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

The Dolphin Shopping Centre grotto will be open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 4pm on Sundays. To celebrate the centre’s late night shopping events, the grotto will be open until 8pm on Thursdays while Santa will be available from 10am until 3pm on Christmas Eve. Please note there may be queuing at busy times.

Safety course for shotgun licence holders

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The next course takes place on Saturday, 20 December at Winfrith Technology Centre, near Dorchester. It costs £25 and lasts for four hours.

The course is specifically aimed at responsible shotgun licence holders, who have undergone rigorous vetting prior to receiving their licence.

It aims to increase the awareness and confidence of shotgun licence holders in terms of certificate procedures, gun and shooting safety tips, carriage of a gun and the legislation in place for licence holders.

The first course was held in October 2008 and attendees stated that the course ‘increased their awareness and responsibility’ with regards to shotguns.

Firearms Licensing Manager, Julie Welch, said: “Our Firearms Licensing Officers do an excellent job of ensuring very strict guidelines are adhered to prior to being granted a shotgun licence. We also monitor the conduct of licence holders to ensure they continue to maintain the high standards set by the conditions of their licence.

“We have introduced this low-cost course to provide responsible licence holders with a fantastic opportunity to receive instruction from our expert officers about safety and legislation.”

For further information, contact Julian South on 01305 227613 or email julian.south@dorset.pnn.police.uk.

For general enquiries or to report a non-urgent crime, call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22. Only dial 999 if life is in danger or a crime is in progress.

Photography group gives marginalised a voice

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The homeless, the immigrants, the disabled, the lonely elderly, the bullied children, the single parents, the stigmatized youth; can you bring a light to their eyes?

Young photographers aged between 20 and 25 are helping to give the marginalised a voice.

The project is being led by an experienced photographer with a successful portrait portfolio & a graphics/post production specialist.

For more information, contact Angela at V.I.B.E (the Volunteering in Bournemouth Experience) on 07827 848 480.

Wednesdays, 8-9pm, V.I.B.E, 4-6 Old Christchurch Lane, Bournemouth BH1 1NE.

Stratton homeowner to sue Barclays Bank

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A recent change in the law has opened the door for thousands of homeowners to sue HBOS and Barclays over "unfair" Shared Appreciation Mortgages. The case could cost the banks hundreds of millions of pounds.

Stratton homeowner, Mrs Maureen Putnam of Mill Lane, Stratton, Dorchester, is one such homeowner who will have to pay the bank £127,500 on the sale of her property, for borrowing just £30,000 in 1998 from Barclays Bank. The house is now estimated to be worth £250,000, however Mrs Putnam is unable to sell her property as it will not now yield her sufficient funds to buy a replacement home.

These mortgages were sold in large quantities throughout the UK in 1997 and 1998, and the loans were made on a zero interest basis or on a fixed interest basis. By far the overwhelming majority of the loans were made on a zero interest basis. In the zero interest cases, when the homeowner comes to sell today, the banks typically receive up to 75% of the appreciation in value of the home over the last 10 years, as well as repayment of the original loan in full, in exchange for having lent only up to 25% of the value of the home 10 years ago.

In the fixed interest cases, when the homeowner comes to sell today, the banks typically receive up to 75% of the appreciation in value of the home over the last 10 years, as well as interest on the original loan over the last 10 years and repayment of the original loan in full, in exchange for having lent up to 75% of the value of the home 10 years ago.

The result is that some 10 years later, thousands of homeowners are currently trapped in homes which when sold will not realise sufficient value for them to purchase a suitable replacement home.

The problem is so severe that Barclays has introduced a "Shared Appreciation Mortgage Hardship Scheme" but this neither provides compensation nor changes the terms of the original mortgage fixing the percentage of the appreciation payable, on repayment of the loan, to the Banks. HBOS has not even introduced a hardship scheme.

Hundreds of homeowners are therefore now taking advantage of recent changes in the Consumer Credit Act 1974 to sue HBOS and Barclays in a Group Action.

The Group Action is being conducted by Hilary Messer of RWP Solicitors. Hilary, Head of Litigation at RWP, said: "The previous provisions in the Consumer Credit Act 1974 applied in relation to ‘extortionate credit bargains’. They were seldom invoked and rarely successfully because the courts applied the provisions in a restrictive manner. The new provisions which have been substituted and now have retrospective effect operate on the basis of a lower and more flexible threshold. If the court determines that the relationship between the creditor and the debtor is "unfair" to the debtor, it has wide powers to vary the terms of the loan agreement.

Leading counsel has advised that there are strong grounds for contending that the relationship between the bank and the holder of the SAM was ‘unfair’ for the purposes of these new provisions. He has also advised that certain of the terms of the loan agreements were in themselves ‘unfair’ and that the terms of the brochures issued by the banks were ‘misleading’ in a number of respects."

Hilary confirmed that the relief sought from the court will include a reduction in the percentage of the appreciation payable to the bank, or alternatively the introduction of a cap or limitation on the amount payable to the bank as the bank's share of the appreciation.

Known to her clients as ‘The Rottweiler’, Hilary is not afraid to take on large

institutions in pursuit of redress for her clients. In October 2001 she won a landmark judgment in the House of Lords, which affected every small business, surety wife, institutional lender and solicitor in the UK. (UCB Home Loans v Moore - conjoined appeals with Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge [No2]). Hilary also won a case against Eagle Star in the High Court following an 8 day trial; the insurance giant appealed but the Court of Appeal unanimously found in her client's favour (Kausar v Eagle Star).

More recently, Hilary has acted for victims of the Paddington rail crash.

Holders of SAM mortgages who wish to benefit from the Group Action need to register at www.samgroupaction.com before the end of 2008.

In view of the lapse of time since SAM mortgages were sold, there is a potential limitation problem which will soon become critical in certain cases, and early registration is urgently required. Holders of SAM mortgages who do not make a claim in legal proceedings commenced within the correct time limit will not be able to challenge the amount payable to the Bank as the Bank's share of the appreciation.

Helped by the RAF

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham has helped Christchurch Council by airlifting some heavy material to construct a path on a marshy part of the borough.

Up until now, countryside service officers and volunteers have been dragging heavy wooden sleepers across Priory Marsh to improve parts of a public right of way across the marsh, which gets particularly wet. This work has been back-breaking and getting increasingly difficult.

Local Ambassador

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Erica Lea, chairman of the parents’ committee of Ferndown Jitsu Club was presented with the Jitsu Foundation’s Ambassador of the Year Award 2008.

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Lesley Dedman, presented the award to Erica for her contribution and commitment to the Ferndown Jitsu Club and the Jitsu Foundation.

The club is no stranger to the prestigious award, with John Hanrahan, the manager, scooping it in 2004 and 2007.

John said, "Winning the ambassador's award is such an honour as there is a lot of competition from all the other clubs in the UK. We have now won it three times. This shows the commitment towards our club."

Concern for missing Bournemouth woman grows

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Concern continues to grow for the safety of 23 year-old Michelle Burberry who is alcohol dependent and of no fixed abode.

Police are appealing to the residents and business owners in the Holdenhurst Road and Northcote Road areas of Bournemouth to check their gardens, outbuildings, car parks and alleyways.

Police have been searching Bournemouth railway station, the neighbouring travel interchange, ASDA supermarket and Texaco petrol station as well as the old B&Q DIY store opposite.

Detective Inspector John Gately, of Bournemouth and Poole police, said: “There is concern that due to poor health, Michelle may have gone to such an area to sleep and may be too unwell to come out.

“Since she went missing, Michelle has not accessed any finances and she has not been heard from since Saturday, 1 November 2008. We believe she was last seen in the area of the Texaco garage in Holdenhurst Road – close to the town’s railway station,” he added.

Michelle Burberry is described as white, five feet three inches tall and of medium build with shoulder length, light brown hair usually tied back – she has blue eyes and a tattoo on her left wrist. Anyone who thinks that they find evidence of anyone having slept rough on their premises should contact Dorset Police in confidence as soon as possible while anyone who sees Michelle should dial 999 immediately.

Call to scrap regional strategy

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Robert WalterMP (North Dorset) lends his support to EDM 2257, which urges the Secretary of State Hazel Blears to abandon the South West Regional Spatial Strategy entirely.

The Early Day Motion, initially proposed by Conservative MP for Weston-Super-Mare John Penrose, has quickly gained the support of Members of Parliament throughout the South West – and especially in Dorset.

In addition to Bob Walter MP Dorset signatories include Oliver Letwin MP (West Dorset), Robert Syms MP (Poole), Annette Brook MP (Mid Dorset & North Poole), Sir John Butterfill MP (Bournemouth West) and Christopher Chope MP (Christchurch).

Bob is keen to highlight the fact that objections to the Draft Revised Regional Strategy for the South West – the public consultation stage of which ended on 24 October – cross the political divide, and stresses that the numerous concerns raised over its proposal are based on logic and reason, and not the result of ‘Nimbyism’ as some have been too quick to suggest.

Bob also wants to register his full support for the findings of the recent Labour-dominated, cross-party Commons Environmental Audit Committee, which has independently reinforced the concerns already highlighted by Dorset MPs, local authorities and thousands of members of the British public regarding the vast and totally inappropriate new housing figures endorsed by the Secretary of State in July.

Bob says:

“I obviously welcome the conclusions of the Committee’s ‘Green Homes for the Future’ report, which appears to fully endorse many of the concerns myself and my parliamentary colleagues in Dorset and the South West have been raising for some considerable time about development on Green Belt land over brownfield sites; the total absence of support for new or improved supporting infrastructure; and above of the ludicrous figures proposed for housing development that have run rough-shod over the views of experts and local council officers alike.

“There is an ever growing groundswell of opinion against the South West Regional Spatial Strategy and considerable resentment that such an important document has been imposed on all of us with little or no regard for local knowledge or expertise.

We all want decent housing for local people, and I know that our local councils are working really hard to achieve this. But it should be up to local communities and their elected representatives to decide when, where and how much new housing our infrastructure and environment can cope with.”

Gravel extraction - local MP urges residents to make their voices heard

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Last month, Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) raised concerns over sites put forward in the recently published Minerals Site Allocation Document, and urged his constituents to make their voices heard.

The publication of Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth Councils’ Minerals Site Allocation Document (MSAD) on 17 October, which sets out possible sites for the future quarrying of building materials, has caused almost as much controversy as the unpopular South West Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).

Following a similar timeline to the RSS, the final result of the MSAD Discussion Paper (which forms part of the joint Minerals and Waste Development Framework) will be a document that identifies specific locations for mineral extraction in Dorset, and one that will ‘provide specific planning guidance throughout the plan period until 2026’.

Bob feels that those sites identified for sand and gravel extraction in East Dorset by landowners, consultants and mineral companies are of particular concern - especially those at the Cannon Hill and Uddens Plantations and several others on designated Green Belt.

Problems regarding the proximity to residential areas, the burden on infrastructure, the protection of biodiversity and the character of the local landscape have all already been identified in a council-led sustainability appraisal. For this reason Bob believes it essential that everyone who currently uses any of the proposed sites or cares about the future of the local area takes part in the consultation process.

Bob says: “I am genuinely concerned about several of the proposed sites, as even a quick glance at the online MSAD Sustainability Appraisal document shows the negative points of the East Dorset sites considerably outweigh the positives.

“Many of the sites contribute enormously to the beauty and character of this area, as well as providing important places for recreation – something that even our area’s RSS ironically recognises as essential to our quality of life.

“Although this discussion process is in its very early stages the whole point of the consultation is to gauge local opinion on the proposals. So it is really important that as many users of the proposed sites and affected residents take this opportunity to put forward their views.

“The County Council is also giving a series of exhibitions between now and 27 November where people can find out more and put questions direct to council officers. I would definitely recommend that affected Wimborne and Colehill residents attend their nearest event, both of which will be held locally on 21 and 25 November.”

Get into the Christmas spirit with Osborne Day Centre

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Bournemouth District MS Society is holding a Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 29 November from 10am-12.30pm. See Father Christmas and start your shopping early. Variety of stalls including Christmas cards and decorations, cakes bottle and hamper raffles, tombola, jewellery, nearly new clothes, games andtoys. Coffee and hot mince pies. Osborne Day Centre is in Church Lane, West Parley on the way to Hurn Airport.

Taking the plunge for charity

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Wimborne Rotary Swimathon was a huge success and over £8500 was pledged by the 100 swimmers taking part.

The money will be split four ways so that each of the three nominated charities receive 25% and the final 25% will go to the charity which the individual swimming team has nominated.

The three nominated charities are Cancer Research UK, Age Concern-Wimborne & Wessex Autistic Society.

Since its conception seven years ago, £100,000 has been raised by the Wimborne Swimathons. President Stephen Protheroe said, “All the swimmers are to be congratulated for putting so much effort into this fun charity event. Clearly they all enjoy it. I would also like to give a special thanks to the staff at QE pool and the Poole Life Guards for the support they give us.”

Next year the Swimathon will be on Saturday 21 Nov 2009. If you would like to be put onto the mailing list then please call Perter Douch on 01202 882936.

Christmas Tea Party

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Bournemouth & District Support Group of the National Osteoporosis Society is holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, 2 December at 2pm in the Howard Suite at Christchurch Hospital.

This meeting will take the form of a Christmas tea party and 'Bring and Buy' sale. All proceeds to go to the NOS.

Entry is still just £1 (no charge for the tea) and all are welcome.

Please note that there is no meeting in January and that the first meeting in 2009 will be on Tuesday 3 February.

For further details please ring 01425 478748.

Santa, camels and Alaskan dogs are on their way!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

He is arriving on Friday December 5 at 6pm on a sleigh drawn by Storm and Jadis, two large dogs called Malamutes from Alaska.

Santa and his wolf-like dogs will be flanked by the three wise men on real camels, Mary and Joseph on donkeys, and shepherds.

Many of the Ringwood shops will be staying open late for this spectacular occasion. And to get everyone into the Christmas mood, the Market Place will be swirling with snow settling on the heads of the Ringwood Pipe Band who will be playing around the jubilee lamp.

Before all the excitement begins, a bustling continental market will be trading throughout the day and into the evening, many of the shops will be offering mulled wine and mince pies. The Plonkers band will also be playing in the town.

The event starts in the Furlong at 6 o’clock and Santa’s parade will make its way from the Furlong down into the Market Place at about 6.30pm.

At the end of the evening Santa will leave to go to his Gingerbread House in the Furlong Centre where he will be found every weekend in December leading up to Christmas from 10am–4pm. He will give his young visitors a gingerbread man baked fresh every day by the Aga shop and receive their Christmas wish lists.

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce are grateful to the main sponsors of this event who are Letchers, The Furlong, Keystone Motors and Ringwood Brewery.

The BHS calls for an end to equine discrimination in the New Forest

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The British Horse Society has released its response to proposals which impose controversial development control restrictions on equestrian activity in the New Forest.

The New Forest National Park’s Draft Recreation Management Strategy and the New Forest Park Plan Consultation Draft, aim to restrict equestrian activity in the New Forest by requiring planning permission for certain types of horse-keeping. This is due to alleged erosion of the landscape and natural habitat of local wildlife.

The Society welcomes the New Forest National Park Authority’s review of recreation provision across the whole of the National Park and the opportunity to make representations. It does not however accept, and the Park Authority adduces no evidence to show, that horse riding causes any more localised erosion or associated damage to vegetation than cycling or walking – activities that are not restricted under the proposals and occur on well-used routes and at pinch points.

Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access Safety and Welfare, said: “The equine industry is a £4 billion industry and any development control policies need to balance the needs of this industry against the need to preserve and enhance the landscape character of the New Forest.

“Five per cent of households within the New Forest identify horse riding as their main activity, providing them with a healthy form of exercise on their doorstep and reducing the need to go further afield to find an alternative exercise opportunity.”

A copy of the Society’s full response can be viewed at http://www.bhs.org.uk/DocFrame/DocView.asp?id=2615

BOURNEMOUTH MURDER - TWO MEN ARRESTED

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Two men have been arrested by Dorset Police on suspicion of the murder of 20-year old Bournemouth university student Luke Desmond Campbell.

The 20-year old and the 21-year old were detained by officers in London on Wednesday afternoon, 12 November 2008.

BOURNEMOUTH MURDER UPDATE

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Detectives investigating the murder of 20-year old Bournemouth university student Luke Desmond Campbell in Boscombe are appealing for five pedestrians to come forward in confidence because they could have important information.

Two people were seen in the churchyard of St Clement's Church in St Clement's Road and three were seen at the junction of St Clement's Road and Walpole Road in Boscombe on the evening of Friday, 7 November 2008.

The first two people, were men seen at a bench in the grounds of St Clement's Church around 8.30pm.

The bench is at the Walpole Road end of the churchyard where it overlooks St Clement's Road - close to the property in whose rear garden Luke's body was found. The bench is also close to a lane running down the side of St Clement's Church to the St Clement and St John First School.

One of the men was sitting on the bench and the other - possibly wearing a red jacket - was standing next to the bench.

Both white skinned, aged in their early 20s and between five feet nine inches and five feet ten inches tall, the men were believed to be talking loudly - and it is thought they had alcohol with them and were smoking.

Murder squad detectives are also keen to speak to three people seen at the junction of Walpole Road and St Clement's Road in Boscombe around 8.25pm.

Two of those people - a man and a woman - were seen walking along St Clement's Road from the Palmerston Road direction towards Cleveland Road.

The man was wearing a dark jacket and the woman was wearing a lighter jacket. Both pedestrians were wearing light coloured trousers and light coloured trainers.

The third person that detectives would like to speak to was using the telephone kiosk at the junction of Walpole Road and St Clement's Road around 8.25pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Redstone - who is leading the investigation into Luke's murder - said: "These five people are being treated as potential witnesses and not suspects - they have nothing to fear in coming forward.

"It is important that they come forward as a matter or urgency because they may have important information that could assist in the investigation to find Luke's killer.

"My message to these five people is please come forward and contact Dorset Police. To anyone who recognises their descriptions and the circumstances under which they were seen, I would say please also come forward as soon as possible.

"Thanks to the media and the public, we were able to find Luke's bicycle which is being forensically examined. Now, I am hopeful that with the help of the media and the public, we will be able to identify and speak to these five people.

"This is a very detailed investigation and we are following several lines of specific enquiry. We are keeping an open mind as to the motive for Luke's murder," explained Detective Chief Inspector Redstone.

Luke's body was found in the back garden of a semi-detached house at the junction of St Clement's Road and Cleveland Road just after 10am on Saturday, 8 November 2008. It was discovered by a pedestrian using the Cleveland Road railway bridge.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Bournemouth murder

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Detectives investigating the murder of 20-year old Bournemouth university student, Luke Desmond Campbell, have this afternoon, Tuesday, 11 November 2008, found what is believed to be his green 'Apollo Awesome' BMX bicycle.

The discovered followed a Dorset Police appeal to the media - newspapers, radio and television.

Police located the bicycle just before 3pm this afternoon, Tuesday, off Churchill Road, in the Boscombe area of Bournemouth - a short distance from where Luke's body was found on the morning of Saturday, 8 November 2008.

The bicycle - which is being forensically examined by scenes of crime officers - was recovered after police officers received a call this afternoon from a lady who lives in Boscombe.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Redstone, who is leading the hunt for Luke's killer, said: "I am very grateful to the media for their help in publicising our search for the bicycle and I feel sure that the bicycle was found thanks to that media coverage."

Detectives with Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team are still interested in hearing from anyone who saw Luke cycling in the vicinity of Walpole Road, St Clement's Road and Cleveland Road in Boscombe between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, 7 November 2008.

Murder squad detectives are also still keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious, unusual or out of the ordinary activity in that area on that Friday evening.

Detectives are still pursuing several lines of specific enquiry and they are keeping an open mind as to the motive for Luke's murder which is believed to have been an isolated incident

Luke's body was found at the bottom of the back garden of a semi-detached house at the junction of St Clement's Road and Cleveland Road just after 10am on Saturday, 8 November 2008.

The house has been converted into several flats and the communal garden backs on to the main London to Bournemouth railway line.

Detailed forensic search work where Luke's body was found has been completed and the scene released by police. Officers have also completed search work involving road drains in the area and the nearby St Clement's Church.

British Transport Police officers have completed a search of the main London to Bournemouth railway line next to the rear garden where Luke's body was found.

Detectives are continuing to examine closed circuit television (CCTV) footage from the Boscombe area of Bournemouth.

Born in August, 1988, Luke lived in the Belper area of Derbyshire before moving to Bournemouth during the summer of 2008 ahead of starting his four-year information technology and business studies degree course at the town's university.

A detailed forensic post-mortem to establish the cause of Luke's death was carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Basil Purdue at the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester on Saturday, 8 November 2008.

The cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Wimborne pays its respects

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A crowd of over 200, including a number of veterans gathered beside the war memorial on Wimborne’s Minster Green adjacent to the Church of St Cuthburga at 11am this morning (11 November) to mark the two minutes silence for Armistice Day.

A short service, conducted by the rector of Wimborne Minster, the Reverend Canon John Holbrook was followed by the last post, sounded by bugler, Mark Adams. The Exhortation was said by Captain David Hoyle, late XX the Lancashire Fusiliers and chairman of Wimborne Royal British Legion.

Alan Dean, MBE formerly of the Parachute Regiment laid a wreath of poppies assisted by Captain Ian Munro, MC, formerly the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

Anne Hodkinson and Spencer Hare of Wimborne Royal British Legion carried the standards, with the Dorset flag being carried by the deputy town crier, Mel Gudger.

The Town Mayor, Cllr Robin Cook and deputy, Cllr John Burden, together with other town councillors were also present along with members of the Fire Brigade.

In The Square and High Street, which the police had closed to traffic, people stood still to observe the two minutes silence.

The only sound to be heard was the starlings singing in the Minster’s yew trees. Fortunately the weather stayed fine for the occasion unlike on Remembrance Sunday and indeed yesterday (Monday) when the high winds and lashing rain brought down the Minster’s flag pole.

Free heater health checks from Calor this winter

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Portable gas heaters are the perfect way to keep you and your family warm and cosy once the chilly winter weather arrives. However, it is important that you get your heater checked before you use it for the first time – especially if it has been stored away all summer.

Calor, the expert in home heating, tell us they are offering FREE heater health checks this winter at Calor Gas Direct outlets, located nationwide. The checks highlight any visible defects within your heater to give you reassurance that it is working safely and efficiently.

A spokesperson for Calor says, “All you need to do is take your heater to your nearest Calor Gas Direct outlet where it will have a nine point health check, carried out by a Calor trained engineer or representative. This includes the inspection of: general wear and tear, current approved design, controls, fireguards, pilot light, back plate, kick plate, ceramic panels and stability of castors.”

Tolkien Treasures rescued from demolition come to Wimborne

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Hazael Design furniture exhibition including limited edition pieces of furniture handmade from timber reclaimed from JRR Tolkien’s demolished home, Woodridings in Poole, will take place from 15-29 November 2008, Mon-Sat 10am - 4pm

Hazael Design will also be hosting an exhibition of treasures salvaged from Woodridings, by demolisher Stephen Malton from Prodem.

The exhibition will be opened by the Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Robin Cook this Saturday (15 November) at 11am. Follow the town crier's ringing bell just off the Square in Wimborne, down Mill Lane, left at end of lane under the arches to Hazael Design,12 Mill Lane, beside the river. The opening event continues until 8pm.

Visitors can also enter a competition to win a ring mirror handcrafted from the salvaged Tolkien Timber. Entry cost £1 - enter at Hazael Design. All proceeds to be donated to one of The Mayor's charities.

Competition closes at 5pm, 29 November 2008. Winner to be announced at 5.30pm at Hazael Design.

This is an independent competition and cannot be entered through the mags4dorset.co.uk website.

A fish called Obama

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

While the 44th President-elect prepares to move into the White House, a stars-and-stripes pufferfish named Obama is settling into his new home at the Oceanarium.

The Bournemouth seafront attraction has aptly named its new, star-spangled resident after the man who dominated headlines around the world last week.

Donated to the visitor attraction, the Arothron hispidus is commonly known as the stars-and-stripes pufferfish due to its striking pattern of stripes and spots, similar to that of the American flag.

As Barack Obama organises his administration in preparation for taking office on January 20, the Oceanarium’s very own ‘president’ has already started to familiarise himself with the multi-creature community, which he will preside over in the attraction’s Florida Keys display.

Charlotte Brown, Marketing Manager at the Oceanarium, said: “It was only fitting to name our newest resident after the next President of the United States of America. Not only are his markings reminiscent of the Star-Spangled Banner, but his new home is also very appropriate. Florida was a key victory for the next US President and as such we hope Obama the pufferfish feels very at home in our Florida Keys display.”

Heather Barnett murder

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Detectives investigating the chilling murder of Heather Barnett are still determined to bring the killer of the Bournemouth mother of two to justice - on the sixth anniversary of the incident that shocked the residents of Charminster.

Detective Superintendent Mark Cooper and Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team are renewing their appeal for public helping in identifying and tracing the owner of cut hair strands found in the right hand of the murder victim.

The pledge to bring Heather’s brutal killer to justice comes on the sixth anniversary of Heather’s mutilated body being found by her two children - Terry then aged 14 and Caitlin then aged 11 - in the bathroom of her ground floor flat in Capstone Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, just after 4pm on Tuesday, 12 November 2002.

The 48-year old seamstress - who grew up in Sturminster Newton in North Dorset and was known to her friends as ‘Bunny’ had been hit over the head with a hammer-like object and stabbed several times. Her breasts has been cut off and placed next to the body.

Last year, chemical and isotope analysis of the nine centimetre long strands of hair - not belonging to Heather and representing nine months’ growth - revealed that the person the hair belonged to lived in the United Kingdom. The tests also revealed that the owner of the cut hair strands travelled abroad twice, and changed their diet twice, in the three months before the hair was cut.

That person visited the Valencia to Almeria area of Eastern Spain and or the Marseille to Perpignan area of Southern France for up to six days some eleven weeks before the hair was cut. They then visited the urban area of Tampa in Florida, Southern USA, for eight days some two to two and a half weeks before the hair was cut.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who undertook, or recognises, the patterns of travel to the USA and Europe - before Tuesday, 12 November, 2002 - to call detectives in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Involved in the case since the beginning, Detective Superintendent Mark Cooper said: “This investigation is still continuing and the case will never be closed until Heather’s brutal murder is solved and justice achieved for her children and family.

"…I feel sure that someone - perhaps several people - has information that could help this murder enquiry which is just as focussed and determined as it was immediately after Heather’s tragic death on that November day back in 2002.”

Court upholds revocation of taxi driver’s licence

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Wimborne Magistrates have backed Christchurch Borough Council’s decision to revoke the combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire licence of Mr Bill Tin Sung Leung.

The council received a complaint from a member of the public on 28 July 2008 alleging assault following two previous allegations of assault within the previous 12 months.

Mr Leung’s licence was subsequently revoked by the council on 7 August under powers delegated to David Fairbairn, the head of Legal and Democratic Services. The council was subsequently informed by the police that Mr Leung had also been the subject of a Vehicle Seizure Notification for anti social use of a motor vehicle.

Mr Fairbairn said: “Where there is evidence that someone is not a fit and proper person, the council’s duty is to protect the public. In this case, because of the number and nature of the allegations, the council considered that revocation of Mr Leung’s licence was the best way of protecting the public. This approach has been supported by the courts in cases like this one, where there are allegations but no convictions.”

Mr Leung appealed to the Magistrates’ Court against the revocation of his licence during a hearing held at Wimborne Magistrates Court on the 29 October 2008. The Magistrates dismissed his appeal accepting the council’s decision was correct and that Mr Leung had produced no evidence to prove that he was fit to hold a taxi driver’s licence. The court also awarded costs to the council in the sum of £1,586.50.

PUDSEY BEAR HAS GOLDEN SAILING EXPERIENCE AT WPNSA

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) welcomed Pudsey Bear, the face of BBC Children in Need on Friday, November 7 to help run the fundraising events.

Medal stars from Qingdao including Bryony Shaw and Paralympic inspiration, Helena Lucas were on hand to show Pudsey round the internationally renowned venue as well as the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland and the Town Mayor of Portland. Over 150 local children entered the, ‘Indoor WPNSA Rowathon’, where teams raised funds for the charity and won prizes donated by the Royal Yachting Association and Musto Clothing. Children also tried dry dinghy sailing and had fun in the VSail Access Simulator. The silent auction for a signed piece of sailing legend and triple medallist, Ben Ainslie’s medal race clothing is still open, everyone is free to enter at the Academy.

Mark Stubbings, Chief Executive of WPNSA, explains why the Academy is involved with fundraising efforts, “BBC Children in Need is a nationally recognised charity that really assists children across the UK, we have a legacy programme in place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy ‘Sail for a Fiver’ which has already introduced over 2,000 children to the world of water sports, but we wanted to extend our support of children to a national scale and we chose to do this through an active fund raising activity whereby the children tried indoor rowing at our venue competing in a safe and fun atmosphere with support from the current sailing stars.”

PICTURE: Mark Stubbings, Chief Executive of WPNSA supporting BBC Children in Need with local Weymouth and Portland children, windsurfing medallist Bryony Shaw, Paralympic inspiration Helena Lucas (sponsored by Charles Russell lawyers) and guest of honour Pudsey Bear at the WPNSA indoor rowathon

A day of empowerment: 23 November 2008

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In the current economic and social climate of doom and gloom are you desperately hoping for a glimmer of health, wealth and happiness? As Britain finds itself on the brink of a recession, are you starting to feel overwhelmed by stress and negativity?

Sue Stone, Happiness and Confidence Coach to the celebrities will be appearing at A Day of Empowerment, Happiness and Angels at the Tregonwell Hall, Bournemouth International Centre on 23 November, 2008. She joins the world renowned authority on angels, Diana Cooper and spiritual teacher Kathy Crosswell.

Sue Stone transformed her life from one of sheer desperation and distress as a single mother to one of happiness, inner peace and prosperity through her study and understanding of the incredible power of our thoughts and feelings. Having faced financial ruin, divorce and three young children to bring up, Sue now dedicates her time to helping others achieve happiness and abundance and is the acclaimed author of ‘Love Life, Live Life’ and regular TV expert.

When Diana Cooper, world renowned spiritual author, was broke and in despair an angel visitation showed her a new way of living. Do YOU believe in angels? Are you ready to see visible proof of their presence? Diana Cooper has helped millions of people fulfill their spiritual potential and will provide awesome photographs of angel orbs (angels captured on film).

Tickets are available online at: www.suestone.com/events.htm

Boscombe murder victim named: witnesses sought

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Police are appealing for any information relating to the murder of 20-year-old Boscombe man, Luke Desmond Campbell - known as ‘Luka’ to many of his friends.

Mr Campbell's body was found at the bottom of the back garden of a semi-detached house at the junction of St Clement's Road and Cleveland Road, Boscombe just after 10am on Saturday, 8 November 2008. He had been stabbed.

A member of the public alerted the police after seeing the man’s body while walking across the Cleveland Road bridge that spans the main London to Bournemouth railway line.

The murder of Mr Campbell - which is believed to be an isolated incident - is being investigated by Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, led by Detective Chief Inspector Neil Redstone.

Mr Campbell was cycling in the vicinity and his green BMX bike has gone missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Redstone said: "I am appealing to the public to come forward in confidence if they saw Luke riding his distinctive green coloured 'Apollo Awesome' BMX bicycle in the vicinity of Walpole Road, St Clement's Road and Cleveland Road in Boscombe, between 8pm and 9pm on Friday, 7 November 2008.

"I also need to hear from anyone who has seen the green BMX bicycle - or has information about its whereabouts - since that time. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence and I am interested in any information, no matter how unimportant or insignificant it may seem."

House-to-house enquiries by officers in the area surrounding where Mr Campbell's body was found are continuing and the police are examining closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of the area.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

The inquest into the death of Luke Desmond Campbell of St John's Road is due to be opened and adjourned at the Stafford Road coroner's court in Bournemouth at 2pm this afternoon, (Monday, 10 November 2008).

Ringwood’s Gingerbread House – not for eating!

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Rose Perry, the craft instructor at the Stable Family Trust in Bisterne has been busy since the summer creating a wonderful gingerbread house.

The finishing touches are being made at this very moment. Appetising giant chocolate buttons, huge pink wafer biscuits, marshmallows and a door made out of plate-sized smarties will certainly be the talk of the town.

Visitors will find Santa in his Gingerbread House on Saturdays and Sundays 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 20 and 21 December, talking to children and giving out freshly baked gingerbread men.

Children can visit free of charge, but are requested not to eat parts of the house or poor Santa will be homeless. Instead they can post their letters to him in the special North Pole Post Box.

Visitors to the whimsical house are invited to make a small, donation to the Stable Family Trust charity for children with special needs.

The gingerbread house will be finished off with floral swags by Ringwood Floral Society, toys and Christmas stockings. It will be a delight to see.

21 beeches will go

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) met with National Trust representatives to discuss the future of Dorset’s celebrated Beech Avenue at Badbury Rings.

Bob Walter MP met with Nick Kendall-Carpenter, National Trust Area Manager for Wessex, Property Manager David Roberts and Gardens and Countryside Manager Nigel Chalk at Kingston Lacy House, with whom he raised constituent concerns over the Trust’s management of the famous Beech Avenue, which has attracted national interest.

Bob was taken on a tour of the avenue to see for himself why the National Trust have taken the hard decision to fell 21 trees judged as potentially dangerous to walkers and road users. The recent loss of a large beech at the entrance to Stourhead – another popular Trust property – has reinforced just how badly the species is coping with the effects of climate change, and how susceptible its wide but shallow root system can be to not particularly high winds.

The age of the trees, all 541 of which are now nearing the end of their 150 to 200 year life-span, has presented a huge challenge to the Trust. Gardens & Countryside Manager Nigel Chalk, who regularly inspects all the tress, insists that Bob’s constituents can rest assured the Trust is only felling trees that present a risk to the public, and that they still undertake surgery to extend the life of those trees that will benefit from it – a total of 68 this year alone at considerable cost. Sadly the age of the trees means they do not respond to pollarding, and earlier attempts to do so have led to rot setting into the pollarded areas. Where rot has set in large branches run the risk of snapping off.

The decision has therefore been taken to introduce the more climate resilient hornbeam – a very similar tree to the untrained eye – to replace those beech trees removed to slowly but surely recreate as far as possible the original avenue line. Deeper holes will be dug for the new plants to allow them to gain greater purchase below the chalk bed, and more space will be allowed in order to give them the best possible chance to thrive.

After the meeting Bob said:

“Some constituents were concerned that the National Trust’s decision to celebrate the Beech Avenue this year was the final wave goodbye to this beautiful, historic site. But having discussed the matter at length with the experts who look after the trees on a daily basis, I am satisfied that the Trust are taking the best course of action under the circumstances.

“Having now seen for myself the problems on the inner avenue, and the lack of growth in the beech trees in the outer line - which have not gained the height one would expect in the 20 years since their planting – it is not hard to see that the beech trees are just not thriving.

“Although the felling of mature trees is always a tough choice, I do believe that the National Trust has the long-term health of our beloved Beech Avenue at heart and that they will do all they can to safely maintain this site for future generations”.

What a stink!

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

After fifteen years of trading in Wimborne town centre, Classy Collections owner Nicola Sheppard, has found herself in the middle of a stink.

The new owners of Angels café in Quarterjack Mews, which also fronts East Street and is next door to Classy Collections, have upgraded their kitchen and installed an extraction unit.

Nicola said, “Since then, all their kitchen smells have wafted across the alley into my shop.”

She said, “The smells are off-putting for staff and customers and twice my shop has been filled with smoke. It got so bad, I decided to seal off the main doorway to protect my stock. In the current economic climate, I need all the custom I can get and having to close off the main entrance is detrimental to my business.”

Mr Bernard Simpson, who owns Angels, said, “As soon as I knew how the smells were affecting the shop next door, I dealt with the problem. I had a carbon filter and ozone injection installed, which cost over £2,600, to minimise the smells.”

Nicola is not of the same opinion, she said, “After the remedial work, there wasn’t any significant improvement. The only solution in my estimation would be to have the extractor unit removed and the ventilation unit put back in its place. There has always been an air vent in the alleyway, but it was to suck fresh air into Angels, not extract smells out.”

Steve Ducket, head of public health services at East Dorset District Council said, "Following an initial approach from the council, the occupier voluntarily installed odour reduction measures and their impact is currently being assessed.”

If members of the public have any comments on the smell, they can contact the Public Health Department at East Dorset District Council on 01202 886201.

It pays to react fast to crime

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Within seconds of a shopper at Castlepoint reporting his £400 BMX cycle had been stolen, the team controlling and monitoring the 150 CCTV cameras spotted 2 youths with cycles, and one matched the description of the stolen item.

One of the security teams already out patrolling confronted and detained the youths whilst the police were called. In just a few minutes, one of the youths well known to the police for other petty crimes and anti social behaviour in the area was arrested for theft. The BMX was reunited with its owner.

The evidence produced was enough for Bournemouth Magistrates Court to serve an ASBO preventing the offender from entering the shopping park and the surrounding area unless accompanied by his mother.

“I would urge anyone wherever they are, to immediately report an incident and not hesitate believing that nothing will be done,” said Jay McLean. “Thanks to the uniformed patrols and the camera network backed up by vigilant staff and members of the public, we are keeping crime at the park to a minimum.”

Picture: Determined to deter. Security officer Ian McKai and Assistant Security Manager Jay McLean monitor Castlepoint from the control room.

Not such good news for Wimborne

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It turns out that since Canford Bridge, Merley opened under traffic light control at the end of October, the people of Merley have lost a service.

Local resident, Mr Traylen telephoned to tell us that during the bridge closure the route 3, Wilts & Dorset bus had run regularly up to Merley and from there, a shuttle bus had provided a service into Wimborne. Since the opening of the bridge, the shuttle bus put in place by Poole Borough Council, has been stopped, yet Wilts & Dorset are not allowing the route 3 into Wimborne because of the expected traffic hold up at the lights.

Wilts & Dorset Operations Director Andrew Wickham commented: “We consider it important to offer a reliable service to our customers. By continuing to terminate the route 3 buses in Merley while traffic across Canford Bridge is disrupted, we can ensure that this section of the route to and from Poole should run to time. The service we will be operating has been in place since the bridge closed in June, so users should notice no difference from the current situation.”

Mr Traylen argues that since the shuttle stopped, he cannot get into Wimborne unless he goes via Broadstone and Corfe Mullen.

Wilts & Dorset confirm the route 3 buses that run between Poole and Wimborne via Corfe Mullen are not affected, and continue to run every 30 minutes as shown in the timetable.
Mr Traylen said, “It is now not worth me shopping in Wimborne, I may as well go to Broadstone. This is not good news for Wimborne.”