Boscombe Mag April 09

April/May 09

In this issue

Financial

A look at Mortgages

Waggy’s World

Balcony Gardening

Spotlight on . . .

The Gallery

BOSCOMBEBOSCOMBEBOSCOMBEBOSCOMBEI T S A L L A B O U T

Your free bi-monthly mag for everything Boscombe

AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

‘

Boscombe Mag April 09 27/3/09 17:14 Page 1


In this issue . . . 6 Wellbeing Beechwood Dental Practice

7 Editor’s Choice

8 Town News Indian Summer at Baraka

9 Little Gems Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service

10 Waggy’s World Balcony Gardens

12 Spotlight on . . . The Gallery at The Chine

13 Town Map

14 Financial To Fix or Not to Fix

16 Food Bites Gorgeous Weekend Brunch

18 Entertainment

20 A Lighter Look on Life St George’s Day

21 Just For a Giggle:-)

22 Services and Useful ContactsCover images: Urban Beach and Boscombe Seafront, courtesy of Sean Gardiner

It’s All About Boscombe is designed and published byGazelle Design, Tel: +44(0)1202 599077

Advertising enquiriesSarah Mitchell or Sue Peck, Tel: +44(0)1202 599077Email: [email protected] Design wish to express their appreciation for the help and assistance provided by various organisations andindividuals in the production of this magazine. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information containedherein is correct at the time of going to press. Neither Gazelle Design, its employees and agents shall be liable forany inaccuracies or omissions, or for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on any informationcontained. No part of this publication, including advertisements designed by Gazelle Design, may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying orotherwise without the written permission of Gazelle Design. ©Gazelle Design 2008

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FENCING - DECKING - GATESSHEDS - CABINS - SUMMERHOUSES

www.fencingcentre.co.ukE: [email protected]

The Fencing Centre, Chapel Lane, Parley,Christchurch, Dorset BH23 6BGT: (01202) 579539 F: (01202) 579792


I have been overwhelmed by the amount of positivefeedback we’ve received about this mag and I’d like to thankeveryone for their comments, without which our job would

be a lot harder:-)

Well, a lot’s been going on here since the last mag.We now have a new contributor to the mag ~Pete Granger. He’ll be writing our ‘Just for a Giggle’ featurefrom now on . . . make sure you check out his first contributionin this issue on page 22 . . . we hope, like us, it’ll put a smileon your face ~ thanks Pete:-)

The team here have decided to create a new website for themagazine and for Boscombe in general which is due to belaunched online on April 9th ~ make sure you visit us atwww.itsallaboutboscombe.co.uk ~ it’ll be full of the regularmag contents and will also be a source for visitors to the townwith news, history, community news, town news, events andlots, lots more.

If you’d like us to include your company on the new websitethen please give Sarah or Sue a call on 01202 599077 ~ they’llgive you all the info:-)

Please feel free to contact me at my email [email protected] if you have any news, information,events or chit-chat . . . all feedback is gratefully accepted.

Helene Bowman-Brown, Editor

Welcome . . .

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077

GAZelle

“Please drop us in as many copiesas you can, they are really popular.

“

Joe, Cafe Boscanova

Boscombe Chine Gardens courtesy Sean Gardiner


Wellbeing ~ Beechwood Dental Practice Advertorial

Local Dentist AwardedDenplan Excel Accreditation

Beechwood Dental Practice in BoscombeManor is celebrating having achieved the highstandards required to join the Denplan ExcelAccreditation Programme. The programme,developed by Denplan, helps dentists todevelop better relationships with their patientsthrough good communication and improvingpeople's experience of going to the dentist.

The Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme isthe first to be approved by the PatientsAssociation and was developed as a result ofstudies showing that patients who enjoy a good

relationship and effective communication with their dentists areless anxious about examinations and treatment.

Principal Dentist Anthony Inman says: 'I am delighted for all ourpatients and the Practice Team. This is the culmination of lots ofhard work by the whole team, and reflects our attention to detailin all aspects of our Practice.'

Beechwood Dental Practice offers high quality dental care for thewhole family and is currently happy to accept new patients. Locatedon Beechwood Avenue, opposite Shelley Park, we are convenientlyclose to the town centre. We offer a full range of treatments,including cosmetic dentistry, a dental hygienist, white fillings, crowns,veneers and tooth whitening.

Are you worried about crooked front teeth? With the revolutionaryInman Aligner we are able to straighten your smile quickly andefficiently without the need for ugly fixed braces.

Beechwood Dental Practicecan be found at:8 Beechwood Avenue, Boscombe Manor,Dorset BH5 1LX

For details on all aspectsof our Practice ring: 01202 397074E: [email protected] visit www.beechwooddental.co.uk

Beech

w

ood Dental Practice

Caring about your smile

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS6

a New Patient Consultation forreaders of “It’s All About Boscombe”if you mention this advert!50% off


IF SO CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET CONSULTATIONAND ADVICE ON ACHIEVING THE BEST PRICE

THINKING OF SELLINGOR LETTING YOUR HOME?

FOR AN OPEN, HONESTAND TRANSPARENT SERVICE

Please Call McKinlays on 01202 64 69 64 www.mckinlays.co.uk

FREE FEESfor every 10thInstruction for

April, May and June

Sales & Lettings

Editor’s ChoiceA new feature to “It’s All About Boscombe” . . . my favouritesin and around the town. These are my honest, independentopinions based upon customer service and quality of goodsexperienced by me which I’d like to share with you ~ I hopeyou get to enjoy them too:-)

These are fab!For those of you with any secrets to hide,objects to conceal, goods to stash, or ifyou just lose stuff really easily, theseflippy floppies are for you. They feature a

hidden, in-sole compartment for storinganything from personal items, to cash and credit

cards, and because your flippy floppies stay onyour feet, you won’t have to worry about losing your valuables.

You can get yours from Sorted Surf T: 01202 399099or visit www.sortedsurfshop.co.uk

A great evening out!I would just like to praise and thankthe brilliant staff at Urban Beach fortheir friendly service ~ they talked tous; for caring ~ they put themselvesout for us; for smiling ~ everyone gaveus a smile and the for the food ~ absolutely fabulous!

The atmosphere, staff and food are spot on . . . I can’t wait toexperience Urban Reef @ The Overstrand when it opens!

Take a trip to Urban Beach Sea Road, Boscombeor visit www.urbanbeachhotel.co.uk


FREEContinuous!Landlords’

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and she also creates 'one-off' recycled knitwear that customersreally love because they are so warm and funky . . . youdefinitely won't see another one the same.

Baraka means blessings in Arabic, and Julie Ann says she feelsvery blessed to be doing a job she loves so much. At Barakathey offer a personal service, including alterations, put buysand personal styling. Starting on April 1st Baraka are runningmonthly jewellery making workshops, teaching basic skills toenable you to make a necklace or bracelet and earring set,using glass, metal, shell and semi-precious stones. Workshopsare from 7pm to 10pm and cost £15 plus materials.

You can find Baraka at16 Sea Road, BoscombeFor workshop bookings call: 01202 394949or visit www.baraka.uk.comOwner of Baraka, Julie Ann, has a passion for

fashion, so much so, she has just travelled toIndia in search of colourful summer fashion at theright price.

She is really excited about this season, she hasfound new suppliers, higher quality garments, largersizes and her own designs are on their way. First toarrive are a range of discounted designer surf-wearincluding Billabong, Rip curl, O'Neil and Roxy.There's lots of new Silver Jewellery from Rajasthan,unique beach wear, sexy satin dresses and sensualchiffon gypsy skirts.

Julie Ann believes that fashion is an outerexpression of how we feel and that we needdifferent clothes to reflect our moods. She lovesclothes that celebrate uniqueness and individuality

8

Town News ~ Indian Summer at Baraka

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS


Little Gems . . .


KANTARAGuest House

01202 557 260kantaraguesthouse.co.uk

8 Gardens View, Bournemouth BH1 3QA

Single/Double/Treble/Family RoomsEn-Suite on request

Colour TV/Coffee/Tea in all roomsStag/Hen weekends by arrangement

Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service is based on the belief thattheir customers' needs are of the utmost importance.Their entire team are committed to meeting those needs.As a result, a high percentage of their business is from repeatcustomers and referrals.

If you dream of walking into an immaculate house withouttaking the time or effort, Mrs Mop's Housekeeping Service isready to help. Their cleaning services cover a wide range oftasks to free up your time so you can concentrate on theimportant things in life ~ family, friends, career and hobbies.

Mrs Mop’s offer competitive rates for all types of cleaning ~weekly, fortnightly and monthly domestic and commercialcleans, end of tenancy cleans, preparation or clean-up forspecial events, holiday homes, lettings and even after builderscleaning! They also offer an ironing and laundry service,window and gutter clearing.

Contact Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service on 07528 558475

or visit www.mrsmopshousekeeping.co.uk


Avoid using heavy containers; plastics and cedar woodare recommended for low-weight situations.

Wood containers are one of the more popularcontainers used in the balcony garden, besides likingthe look and feel of wood planters, some town houses,penthouses, and apartment blocks have terms in theirlease that only wood planters are allowed on theirbalcony or terraces due to safety and weight limitations.Other light-weight and rustic looking planters are thebamboo planter or willow planter.

Once you have evaluated the balcony for comfort and safety,you may start looking for plant materials. Spend some timereading, looking for information which focuses on containergardening. Choose plants suitable to your site. VerticalGardening is also well suited for gardening in a limited space.

Container gardening often is the easiest solution. Potsand planter boxes come in a myriad of shapes and sizes,take up little space, and are movable and easilymaintained. Don’t be limited to the “usual” standardannuals. Try long-blooming perennials, which, with alittle extra care, can last well into winter.

Plant the perennials in large wooden planters. Thelarger the soil volume, the more success you will haveat over watering your plants. Avoid small containers aswell as plastic or terracotta that may crack when thewater you apply in the winter freezes. After the first fall

Balcony Gardens bring anotherdimension to your life!Many types of gardens can be created on balconies.With the addition of floral colour, a balcony becomesan entertainment centre just right for relaxing.

Turf, small shrubs, and dwarf trees can be used to createa suburban landscape in miniature above the ground.Balconies even offer the opportunity for foodproduction, with flowering fruit trees and container-grown herbs and vegetables.

Whether transforming a high-rise penthouse or a simplesecond-floor terrace into a garden, a set of guidelineswill aid in creating your “garden on high.” First, considerhow you wish to use the area. Are you looking for acolourful relaxation area or just privacy from an adjacentblock of apartments?

Second, evaluate the microclimate. Toward whichdirection does the balcony face? Note how much sun thearea receives and for how long. If the balcony is recessed,does direct sunlight reach it at all? If the situation is veryopen, will you and your plantings be subjected tobuffeting winds and scorching sunlight? Look at the areawith a very critical eye before putting a lot of money intothe project. Some minor remodeling may need to bedone to make the area inviting to both people and plants.

Safety considerations are another important factor tothink about. Most balconies are required by buildingsafety codes to support 60 pounds per square foot. Besure to use a lightweight growing media which canreduce weight by up to 60% over standard garden soil.

10

Waggy’s World




of frost, cut the perennials back, mulch well and move thecontainer to a shaded area. Water two or three times amonth, especially if the containers collect no snow in theirwinter location.

In spring, move containers to their permanent location,remove the mulch and water regularly. Vegetables, herbs,roses and even dwarf fruit trees can be grown this way.

The plants on an outdoor balcony will usually be enjoyedindoors as well, so be sure to plant eye-catching displayswhere they can be viewed through glass doors. For example,miniature conifers in a wooden trough offer year-roundviewing pleasure. Clematis trained up a permanent trellisdoes wonders to disguise an unsightly view.

Many summer bedding plants are suitable in a sunny, balconylocation.Try Grandiflora Petunias, graced by big, bright flowers,or compact Salvias with red blossoms on strong, stocky spikes.Even a shady position still provides a multitude of choices.Experiment with shade lovers including climbing or trailingIvies; year-round, evergreen plants such as Boxwood; andannuals like Impatiens or Browallia to brighten sheltered areas.

One popular way to display a variety of plants in a smallspace is the “three-tier” design. Upright plants are usedagainst a wall or trellis, or as the centerpiece in a planter boxto add height. Bushy, medium-height plants fill in the bulk ofthe container. The planter boxes come in various sizes andshapes such as rectangular, square, with raised legs and alsocylindrical which are suitable for shallow-rooted plantmaterials. Trailing plants placed on the edges of the plantertumble over the sides softening the composition.

Balconies have been transformed into the “backyards” forthousands of apartment, flat and townhouse dwellers acrossthe country.

Be adventurous. Your balcony may just be the spot!

Key CuttingLocks Supplied & Fitted

Watch Straps/Batteries Supplied & Fitted Handy Man Service

Cycle Spares ~ Engraving

ApsecurityFor local friendly service

81 Palmerston Road, Boscombe BH1 4HWTel: 07 502 195 406

On-StreetParking

Open: Mon to Fri 9:30am -14.30pm; Sat 9:30am -17:30pm

NOW AVAILABLESPARES AND REPAIRS

FOR ALL MAKES OFUPVc DOORS AND WINDOWS






Built in 1874 by Christchurch M.P. SirHenry Drummond Wolff, the Chine Hotel,originally the Boscombe Spa Hotel, hasbeen part of the FJB Group since 1955.

Formerly owners of a large chain of theatres,the Group diversified into hotels and thearray of photographs on display at the Chinebears testimony to the number of legendaryperformers with whom the Group had linksover the years.

But the Chine has no intention of resting on its past and the recent refurbishmentof the public areas has introduced not only a stunning, contemporary look to thehotel blending perfectly with the original Victorian building but allowed thecreation of The Gallery brasserie and bar.

Executive Chef, Carl Munroe and his team have created seasonal menus using,wherever possible, food from local and sustainable sources. Enjoy a light snack ora three-course lunch ~ the choice is yours. Dinner offers a good selection ofstarters, main courses (including vegetarian options) and desserts; whatever youchoose, there will be the perfect wine to complement your meal.

With magnificent, unspoilt sea views and just a short walk from beautiful beaches,the hotel is within easy reach of the new surf reef (opening late 2009). Visitors tothe Chine will also enjoy three acres of secluded, mature gardens ~ recentlywinner of two prestigious awards by Bournemouth in Bloom.

For weddings, meetings, holidays (long or short) or dining with friends, family orbusiness colleagues ~ the Chine Hotel and The Gallery brasserie and bar ~ just perfect!

Reservations at The Gallery can be made on 01202 646622

For all other enquiries contact The Chine on 01202 396234

Spotlight on . . . The Gallery



Map index of advertisers

Map not to scaleTO BOURNEMOUTH

1. McKinlays2. Fence Stores Ltd3. Crystal IFA4. APSecurity5. Kantara Guest House6. The Royal Arcade7. Baraka

8. Urban Beach9. Gazelle Design10. Beechwood Dental Practice11. C&S Carpet Cleaners12. Dorset Contract Flooring13. Belvoir14. Fishtails

15. Balti House16. Southbourne Blinds17. Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping18. Bond & Co19. Forest Leisure Cycles20. Gas Boiler Services

TO CHRISTCHURCH

TO CASTLE LANE& PARLEY

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9

8

7

18

13

11

TO SOUTHBOURNE

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P

PP

P

P

P

POLICE

P+

+

+

+

+

KEY

ParkingDoctorsToilets

WC

WC

WC

1

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4

17

15

WC

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1920

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FinancialTo fix or not to fix . . .that is the questionWith house prices continuing to fall andthe Bank of England reducing bank baserate almost as quickly, you might wellthink that first time buyers and peoplelooking to re mortgage might well sit onthe side lines waiting for yet anothercheaper deal to come by.

However, this could be the best time formany years to actually take some positiveaction as, with right advice, there are dealsavailable to suit most applicants.

If you’re a first time buyer you should belooking to take advantage of the fallinghouse prices and although a larger depositthan 18 months ago is now required tosecure the best rates, there are lenderswilling to help First Time Buyers onto thehousing ladder.

With many lenders reducing their standardvariable rate (SVR) the re-mortgagemarket has put householders in aquandary, do they stay on the prevailinglow SVR or do they pay slightly more tosecure a fixed rate for years in the future?

There is a strong case for fixing now. Notonly are fixed rates generally as low as they

have been for many years, they also offergreat long term value and stability. If (and itwill only be a matter of time) the Bank ofEngland decides to increase interest rates,the attractive fixed rates currently available will almost certainly bewithdrawn overnight.

As with all financial products there are many options available tosuit different client needs. If you are one of those people who thinkthey could benefit from some of the low deals presently availablethen give Crystal IFA a ring to discuss your options.

Contact Paul Kemp at Crystal IFATel: 01202 528677 W: www.crystalifa.co.uk


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CONSERVATORYBLINDS

SPECIALIST

14


20% OFF with this ad Valid til 31.5.09775 Christchurch Road, Boscombe BH7 6AW

Telephone orders welcome on 01202 421075

FISH AND CHIPS

www.belvoirlettings.com/bournemouth

[email protected] BELVOIR!the lettings specialist

TENANTS! LANDLORDS!We are the lettings specialist!

LET . . . us do all the work!

01202 39 49 59

Domestic & Commercial cleaningRegular or one-off cleansIroning & Laundry ServiceWindow CleaningGutter Clearing

Mrs Mop’s Housekeeping Service

219 Barrack RoadChristchurch,

Dorset BH23 2AXTel: 07528 558475

email: [email protected]


Food bites ~ Gorgeous Weekend BrunchBrunch ~ the relaxed weekend meal thatcombines breakfast and lunch ~ is finallycoming into its own here in the U.K.Brunch is reminiscent of being a pamperedchild, of being cared for ~ no rushedcornflakes, no burnt toast, no quick croissantwhile rushing to work. Brunch is a celebrationof a day off.In North America, normally queue-shyinhabitants are happy to line up for an hour fora table at their favourite brunch spot.Who wouldn't be? Brunch means you candrink at breakfast time ~ Bloody Marys andMimosas are popular brunch cocktails. Exoticcoffees often come complete with amazingcoffee art drawn in the froth. Brunch means you can eat anytime between10 am and 4pm and everyday food like breadgets turned magically into French toast.Before you ask, it's not toast and it’s not eggy-bread. It's a divine breakfast cake that can bemade with chocolate or with bananas ortopped with fruit compote, or stuffed withricotta or topped with ice cream ~ thepossibilities are endless!Try this lovely version at home for a happyweekend breakfast. Or, if you feel like beingpampered, French toast is on Café Boscanova'snew Brunch menu.

PLEASE MENTION “IT’S ALL ABOUT BOSCOMBE” WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS16

HypnotherapyWinchester - Bournemouth

weight loss - stop smoking - confidencemotivation - self esteem - fears - phobiashabits - driving test/interview/examnerves - improve sleep - release negativeemotions - stress relief - and much more

Kevin J Baker Dip.Hyp.

Phone: 07733 479 665Email: [email protected]


GAS BOILER SERVICES

FOR ALL YOUR HEATING NEEDS

Mobile: 07926 039137Office: 01202 253968

www.gasboilerservices.co.uk

● Boiler Servicing

● Boiler Breakdown Specialist

● Same Day Service subject to parts availability

● Boiler & Central Heating Installations

● Additional Radiators

● Gas Safety Certificates

● Unvented Systems Repaired/Installed

● Fully Insured

● Based in Southbourne

● Plumbing Service Available

121684

Chef’s DetailsTansy Austin, Head Chef

Café Boscanova, 650 Christchurch Road, Boscombe Tel: 395596 E: [email protected]

www.www.cafeboscanova.comhttp://tansyskitchen.blogspot.com

Method

Cut four thick slices of brioche bread.

Break the four eggs into a bowl and mix with thewhipping cream.

Add the orange zest and a teaspoon of vanilla.

Dip the bread into the batter mixture.

Heat oil in a 10 inch frying pan. Add the battered bread.Turn the bread frequently until it is slightly golden.

To serve, place toast on a plate, top with yoghurt andfruit compote, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

French Toastwith fruitcompote andyoghurtServes 2

1 loaf brioche bread 4 eggs 100 ml whipping cream Zest of 1 orange 1 tsp vanilla

2 tblsp Vegetable oil4 tblsp Yoghurt4 tblsp Fruit Compote3 tblsp of cinnamon sugar



Entertainment

At Opera House www.operahouse.co.uk570 Christchurch Rd, BH1 4BH

April◗ Slinky 12th Birthday Pt 1 Fri 10◗ Circus ~ Gay Night Sun 12◗ Carl Cox Fri 17May◗ Slinky 12th Birthday Pt 2 Fri 1

At Tiffany’s Bar677 Christchurch Rd, BH7 6AA Tel: 729038

◗ Student Night Tue’s◗ Salsa Night Thu’s◗ Party Night Opening ‘til 2am Fri & Sat’s

At Moontree Gallery@ Baraka, 16 Sea Road, Boscombe BH5 1DB www.moontree.org.uk

◗ Reiki Attunement Workshop ~ 1st Degree April 25/26◗ Reiki Share Evening April 27◗ Reiki Attunement Workshop ~ 2nd Degree May 24

TO ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 01202 599077Photo courtesy Urban Beach



Family Fun Day @ Boscombe Chine GardensOn Saturday the 11th April, The Friends of Boscombe ChineGardens will be holding their annual Family Fun Day, inBoscombe Chine Gardens.

As in previous years there willbe plenty to keep the familyentertained for the wholeday. This year we are pleasedto have a display of BreadMaking and a number ofsmall Farm Animals to learn

about. There will also be thefree Nature Trail for the under 15's to discover, with a gift for allthose that complete the trail questionnaire. The children will beable to have their faces painted; ride on a train around thegardens; talk to our local Fire Brigade and sit inside the FireEngine; have fun on the trampolines and ride on the roundabout.Scruffs Dog Show is open for all comers, enter as long as theowners behave themselves! There will be many other stalls toenjoy and things to do. In addition we will also have a fullafternoon of live entertainment, including Count Backwards!

For eats, you can try the BBQ or you can sit on the Clock Caféterrace and enjoy their fantastic organic menu. The mini golfwill be open and the children's water play park promises to bea splashing good time.

Come and enjoy Bournemouth's latest Nature Reserve andrelax in your open space.

Anyone wishing to join the Friends or find out more aboutrenting a stall can do so by contacting:Cllr Chris Wakefield @ 6 Wharncliffe Road, Boscombe BH5 1AHE: [email protected]


20

A Lighter Look on LifeIt's St. George's Day on 23April and that always

reminds me of William Shakespeare.You see, we used to live in Warwickshire and Iremember wandering up the High Street in Stratford-upon-Avon one 23rd April when it fell on a Saturday,wondering why we English do not celebrate the slayingof dragons. The Irish moved to New York so they couldhave a parade for St. Patrick every year, so it wouldn’thurt us to get the paper mache out, would it? A bit ofthe Blue Peter spirit and you’ve got a nice greenmonster that we can yell at and throw stones at, anddodge the flamethrower in its mouth. (Health & Safetycan stop reading now. I’m only joking. Really.)Anyway, back in Stratford I was mulling these thoughtsover in my mind, as you do, when a parade appearedout of nowhere. Floats manned by schoolchildrentrundled past, led by a brass band, and right at the frontwas a chap dressed in a leather tunic and breeches,with a suspect goatee beard, who did not look at all likeI had imagined St George.That’s when I discovered that Shakespeare was born on23rd April ~ he shared his birthday with St. George’s Day.Maybe that’s why we don’t celebrate it any more. Justimagine, you’re the best playwright in the land, admiredfor your turn of phrase and wit, lauded by commonersand royalty alike for the deep emotions you can stir upwith a few well-judged words. You are the Oscar Wildeof your day, and some ancient soldier with a dragoncomplex steals your birthday every year. What’s acelebrity to do?

Maybe Will decided to do something about it. A wordhere, a well placed joke there, and a bon mot to thenewspapers, and all of a sudden no one wants to knowabout St George’s Day. Job done!And anyway, what’s so great about slaying a dragon?I rather like the idea of dragons and think I have missed outby living at a time when they are rather thin on the ground. Who hasn’t read “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”and not envied Hagrid the chance to study Norbert, theNorwegian Ridgeback?Who wasn’t moved by the death of Smaug, the last firedrake, in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”? If you’re the cynical type and need convincing thatdragons are much misunderstood warm and cuddlybeings, then the solution is simple: sing after me . . .“Puff the Magic Dragon, lives by the sea (in Boscombewith the goats), and frolics in the autumn mist in aland called Honah Lee” . . . you see, it takes you to abetter place.So let’s hear it for all dragons and celebrate them on23rd April. The revolution starts here!

by Keith Hart



Bond & Co Estate Agentsof Boscombe East BH7 6BQ

For Sales, Rentals, Managementand Commercial property● Large Prominent corner position to display your

home until it's sold or rented.● 25 years experience and down to earth valuations

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Call Mike Simpkins on 429333or email [email protected]

or [email protected] ADVERTISE IN THE JUNE ISSUE CALL 599077

There’s one thing I’venever quite understoodabout Easter. What’s itgot to do with rabbits?Everywhere you lookthere are Easterbunnies, and they’reusually carrying an egg! Now it may be a few yearssince I left school, and correct me if I’m wrong, butaren’t rabbits mammals? And don’t mammals havelive babies rather than laying eggs?So where do rabbits get the Easter eggs from?I suspect that all those battery farms that people getso upset about are actually run by rabbits. They’reprobably called battery farms because people believeall rabbits have Duracell batteries inside them! Mostof the time the rabbits keep a low profile and let ushumans believe they are only interested in makingmore rabbits, when in actual fact they are obsessedwith making money from the eggs they farm.However, every cloud has a silver lining, and I thinkthe current credit crunch may put an end to chickenexploitation by rabbits. There just won’t be the profitin eggs any more, so I think the rabbits will abandontheir battery farms and go back to doing what bunniesdo best. That will leave the way clear for the Easter bunny to bereplaced by the Easter chicken, which is only fairconsidering they do all the work laying the eggs in thefirst place:-)

Just for a giggle:-)by Pete Granger


General◗ Beach Office 01202 451 781◗ Bournemouth Council 01202 451 451◗ B&WH Water 01202 590 059◗ Citizens’ Advice Bureau 01202 290 967◗ Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111◗ Cruse Bereavement Support 08444 779 400 ◗ Dorset Lesbian & Gay Helpline 01202 318 822◗ Marriage Guidance 01202 311 231◗ Neighbourhood Management 01202 458 972◗ NHS Direct 0845 46 47◗ Report Anti Social Behaviour 0845 605 22 22◗ Samaritans 01202 551 999◗ Surfline 01202 434 344◗ Tourist Information 0845 05 11 700

Travel◗ Bournemouth Airport 01202 364 000◗ Condor Ferries 01202 207 216◗ National Express Coaches 08717 818 181◗ National Rail Enquiries 08457 484 950◗ Star Radio Cars (Taxis) 01202 391 919◗ United Taxis 01202 55 66 77◗ Wilts & Dorset Bus Co. 01202 673 555◗ Yellow Buses 01202 636 060

Emergencies◗ Boscombe Police Station 01202 222 222◗ Bournemouth Hospital 01202 303 626◗ Bournemouth Police Station 01202 552 099◗ Childline 0800 11 11◗ Electric 0845 770 80 90◗ Gas 0800 111 999◗ Rape Crisis 01202 547 445◗ RSPCA (Cruelty Line 24hrs) 0300 1234 999 ◗ Water 01202 525 295

Useful Contacts

22

CleaningMrs MopsOne-offs, weekly, fortnightly, monthly or springcleaning. Private and commercial.Tel: 07528 558475W: www.mrsmopshousekeeping.co.uk

Motor Recovery ServicesC T Mobile AutosMobile & Workshop Mechanic, Breakdown Recovery,Car Transportation and Fault Diagnostics.Tel: 07896 607497 W: www.ctmobileautos.co.uk

Boiler BreakdownGas Boiler ServicesHeating and plumbing engineers.Tel: 01202 253968 M: 07926 039137

Property MaintenanceDLA Property MaintenanceGeneral property maintenance.Tel: 01202 428436 M: 07766 740161

Services

Get yourself seen by

21,000+potential customers for just £11 a month!

Tel: 599077 E: [email protected]




Documents

Boscombe Mag April 09