Boscombe Blog

It's over...

2010-04-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to break this to you, but it's over... the Boscombe Blog is no more.
Work commitments mean it's not been updated for a long time and now, reluctantly, I am leaving Dorset and my beautiful seaside home for the Sussex countryside.
A new blog awaits on the horizon, although I'm not sure what it will be about until I get there.
Thank you to the Boscombe Blog followers. Please check back for news of my next project.

Double boost for troubled retailers

2009-12-10T01:32:00.000-08:00

Boscombe retailers have received a double boost.
Residents of the town have pledged to shop nowhere else other than Boscombe following an online pledge campaign set up by Boscombe West's Lib Dem councillor Lisa Northover.
Despite a slow start, the campaign, launched in October, reached its target of ten people at the beginning of the month.
Traders have also learned that Ashley Road, which has been closed for two months, will reopen by next Saturday, December 19, as planned.
The road closure has caused traffic chaos in the town, causing many shoppers to stay away. This is despite the introduction of a parking refund scheme at council-owned car parks and the Sovereign Centre.

Silly sports event in park

2009-11-26T02:53:00.000-08:00

A group of volunteers has set up a keep fit group with a difference.
The Silly Army meets every Sunday in Kings Park, Boscombe, to play crazy sports like polo on spacehoppers, dodgeball with peanut shaped foam balls, spacehopper sumo, and footnetball - a cross between netball and football. They also lark about playing kids' games too, like splat and bulldog.
Club chairman Pete Reed said: "The things we play vary each week, we are always inventing and trying new games, and in the summertime, to keep cool everyone brings along water guns."
The group meets at 1pm each week and the sessions are free.

School to take extra pupils

2009-11-24T02:06:00.000-08:00

Corpus Christi Catholic School in Boscombe is one of 10 primary schools earmarked to take extra pupils to cope with extra demand for places.
The school in St James's Square, off Parkwood Road, could take up to 30 pupils under plans announced by Bournemouth Borough Council.
The council says it needs a further eight reception classes next year because of a record rise in the birth rate in the borough.
The council is also considering creating a new primary school to cope with a predicted future increase in pupil numbers.
Neil Goddard, service director for children’s strategic services, said: "This is an issue facing not only us, but the UK as a whole, and urban areas in particular. Pupil numbers are increasing across Bournemouth with particular pressure on the centre and south east of the borough."

Shopping pledge campaign falters

2009-11-23T02:58:00.000-08:00

A councillor is hoping boost trade in Boscombe by getting people to do all their shopping there.
Lisa Northover (Lib Dem, Boscombe West) has already pledged to shop nowhere else but Boscombe for nine weeks after Christmas and is asking 10 others to join her.
Cllr Northover launched the campaign last month but so far only four people have signed up.
The deadline to sign the pledge is Christmas Day. You can sign up here.

Art to lure visitors to precinct

2009-11-22T01:53:00.000-08:00

Calling all public artists... Bournemouth Borough Council is commissioning an art trail to link Boscombe town centre to the seafront along Sea Road.
The council says it has £74,000 to spend on the project which will consist of seven pieces of public art.
The money is from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Sea Change project, which aims to stimulate cultural and economic growth in seaside areas.
The successful applicant will be expected to engage with the community during the project's development stage before creating "high quality and robust, site-specific artworks" that will form an "orientation feature and art trail".
The deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 3, at 5pm.
You can download the brief here.

RNLI releases reef training video

2009-11-21T01:19:00.000-08:00

The RNLI has released a video of a training exercise at Boscombe.
Lifeguards practiced how to launch a recovery jetski and rescue a surfer in trouble on the reef.
RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling the reef during daylight hours 365 days a year following its launch earlier this month.

Kings Park School refurbishment approved

2009-11-20T00:31:00.000-08:00

The council has given the go-ahead for a £5.3m refurbishment of Kings Park School.
The money has come from the Government's primary capital programme, which aims to improve facilities at primary schools across the country.
The Department for Children Schools and Families has also given a further £200,000 to improve the school's kitchen and dining facilities.
St Michael's School in Bournemouth will also undergo similar improvements and, when complete, both schools will have capacity for an extra 210 pupils.

Families produce area cycle map

2009-11-19T00:11:00.000-08:00

A map of cycling and walking routes in Boscombe and Springbourne is being launched next week.
The map has been compiled by families from Boscombe Children's Centre with the help of Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.
Boscombe Children’s Centre manager Lynn Bourne said: "We have been working closely with Sustrans this year to help encourage local families to consider walking and cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to driving. The main problem seemed to be that families didn’t feel safe enough to walk or cycle on our busy roads and were unsure of the areas with cycle lanes and appropriate footpaths."
Local families are invited to help launch the map at Boscombe Children's Centre next Wednesday, November 25, at 1pm.
The free A4 colour map will be available from the centre after the launch.

Three jailed for student's murder

2009-11-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

From the Dorset Police website:
Three men from London have been convicted of murder after 20-year-old Bournemouth student Luke Desmond Campbell was found stabbed to death in the back garden of a house in the Boscombe area of the town.
All three men were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The verdicts against 21-year-old Delaine Gordon Brown, 20-year-old Larbi Nordin Mohamed and 21-year-old Saeed Alkadir – all from London – came today, Tuesday, 17 November 2009, after a five week trial at Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire.
The jury deliberated for almost 15 hours before delivering its verdict.
Mr Campbell’s body was found by a passing male member of the public at the bottom of the back communal garden of a semi-detached house, which was divided into flats, at the junction of St Clement’s Road and Cleveland Road in Boscombe just after 10am on Saturday, 8 November 2008.
A forensic post mortem carried out by a Home Office pathologist concluded that the 20-year-old student had died of a stab wound to the chest that caused catastrophic bleeding that was not survivable.
At the time of his death, Luke was living in a flat in St John’s Road, Boscombe. He had moved to Bournemouth from Burton-on-Trent during July 2008 and was studying business and information technology at Bournemouth University.

Drivers are fined for shortcut

2009-11-11T23:53:00.000-08:00

The council has said it issued 800 fines to drivers using Kings Park as a shortcut while Ashley Road bridge is closed for repairs.
The fines of £60 each were issued in the space of a week and some motorists used the route up to four times a day, collecting multiple tickets.
Bournemouth Borough Council's environment and transport councillor, Robert Lawton, said: "I am very concerned that despite our numerous attempts to advise and warn motorists, people are continuing to drive through the park.
"We don’t want to be in this situation and therefore we have taken every possible measure to inform people that they are not allowed to drive through Kings Park.
"The correct signage is in place warning people that only buses are allowed through the park and our officers were onsite for two weeks advising people of the correct diversions.
"We also allowed a period of time when we only issued warning letters to motorists before we informed people last week that we would be issuing penalty charge notices.
"Again I would like to urge motorists to use the correct diversionary routes and not drive through Kings Park as they do risk a penalty charge notice. The camera does not flash so drivers may think that they are getting away with it."

Surf reef launches in haste

2009-11-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

The surf reef was launched this week, although you may not have noticed.
After weeks of waiting, the council seized the opportunity the moment the swell was creating waves over the £2.68m structure.
Councillors raced to the beach to hastily conduct an opening ceremony in front of no one except a handful of reporters.
Bodyboarders dutifully demonstrated its usefulness but many surfers expressed concern and disappointment over the high speed and lack of longevity of waves coming over the giant sandbags.
One board rider said it was almost impossible for stand-up surfers to catch a wave there, although it was great for the most experienced body boarders.
Another body boarder said he had been caught out on the reef and ended up being thrown around under the water, hitting the reef several times.
Despite the concerns, plenty of people seem to be enjoying the new addition. Boscomites are also grateful that the construction site has finally disappeared from the beach.

Winter sunsets on the way

2009-10-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

With just ten days to go before the clocks go back, winter is definitely just around the corner. On the plus side, the sunsets and sunrises from Boscombe get more spectacular as the days get shorter.
As sun the sun gradually moves south, it creates a breathtaking show over the Isle of Wight in the morning and over the Purbeck hills in the evening - and you won't have to be awake at a ridiculous hour to see it.

Beach hut design winner announced

2009-10-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Boscombe beach hut competition has been chosen.
The winning design, inspired by a beach windbreak, was submitted by architects in Brighton and Hove.
Peter Francis Lewis of Brighton based design consultancy AEREA worked with ABIR Architects to beat 173 entries.
The design, called 'The Seagull and the Windbreak', has echoes of two sights commonly associated with the seaside.
Designer Peter Francis Lewis said: "The seagull is represented by the canopy roof, each wing covering a pair of semi-detached beach huts. The curved horizontal bands of the exterior take their cue from the classic windbreak."
The four accessible beach huts can each accommodate up to four wheelchair users and include facilities such as adjustable height kitchen units.
The huts, which are due to open next summer, will be built west of Boscombe pier, near Coasters restaurant.

Sports events bring beach alive

2009-09-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Boscombe beach was buzzing with friendly rivalry this weekend as a lifeguard contest shared the sand with football tournaments, volleyball and surfing activities.
The European Inshore Rescue Boat Championships, which continues tomorrow, drew the bigger crowd.
Crews from around Britain, Denmark and Germany showed off their lifesaving skills by racing to rescue volunteers from the water.
Meanwhile, teams competed in five-a-side football, beach volleyball and on a 70m inflatable assault course brought in by the Army.
Other events included a free African drumming workshop and sumo wrestling ring.
You may also have been forgiven for thinking a pod of dolphins were washed up on Boscombe Beach, just days after Gilbert the whale met an undignified end. The dolphins were, in fact, part of a sand sculpture competition. By the end of Saturday, dozens of the animals could be seen leaping from the sand.
The events were all part of the Boscombe Beach Fest, organised by the Citizens Advice Bureau, Sport England, Bournemouth Borough Council and the 2012 Legacy Project.

Underground market closes

2009-09-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Stallholders at Boscombe's indoor market, Boscombe Underground, were packing up for the last time today as the venture became the latest victim of the recession.
The market, on the corner of Adeline Road and Christchurch Road, opened just three months ago. But the stalls selling vintage clothing, records, goth clothing, art, crafts and incense did not attract enough customers and several stallholders decided to pull out.
A notice on the window today read: "To our lovely customers - thank you for your support over the last few months.
"If you wish to see us, we have now opened independently. Bunty's Beads, now at Unit 3, Roumelia Lane (opposite); Deco Vintage, Pokesdown (check us out on Facebook); Fairtrade, Pokesdown (near Deco); Armour Gothic/Horror, Winton High Street.
"Goodbye from all of us. We've enjoyed every day."
The closure is the latest to hit Boscombe traders. The Reef Indian and Pizza restaurant on the same block was recently reposessed by agents Terra Firma who, in a public notice, cited non-payment of rent. Chains such as Woolworths and Rosebys have also disappeared from the High Street.

Musicians bring Boscombe together

2009-09-22T01:17:00.000-07:00

The weather was on the side of Boscombe musician Theone Coleman for Sunday's Bourne 2 Stand Out music event in Boscombe Chine Gardens.
Dozens of musicians and live acts took part in the mini festival in the sunshine and hundreds more residents, young and old, came along to watch.
There are already plans for another event next year. Theone said: "The council said they want us to do it again. It was hard work to put together but we now have a whole year to plan the next one."
Theone, 24, launched Bourne 2 Stand Out - a community music project - with the help of the Princes Trust. It has since developed into a band who try to break down barriers in the community. Sunday's gig was supported by ITV Fixers.
Theone's aim of using music to heal social ills stemmed from his time in prison. You can find out more about Theone's story on ITV regional news next Wednesday, September 30.

Bournemouth Air Festival

2009-08-24T01:30:00.001-07:00

Bournemouth Air Festival drew to a close yesterday afternoon with organisers claiming more than 1.25 million people attended over its four days.
The displays reached a climax yesterday afternoon with the Avro Vulcan, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Red Arrows rounding off the weekend.
The dates for next year's event have already been announced - August 19-22, 2010.

Air Festival Fireworks Disappoint

2009-08-21T04:25:00.000-07:00

Bournemouth Air Festival began yesterday, although high winds hampered some of the events.

The biggest welcome by far was for the Vulcan bomber, which gave a short display en-route to Dawlish where it flew with the Red Arrows. The Cold War aircraft is the last flying example and has been beset with technical problems at previous air shows.

The biggest disappointment, however, was with the evening's fireworks.
Billed as a record-breaking 'Roar on the Shore', organisers promised more than 100,000 fireworks in under 60 seconds.

Thousands flocked to the beach to see the display, causing tailbacks and queues just about everywhere. Many never made it to the seafront and were stranded in traffic jams until well after the event.

At 9.40pm, after the initial fireworks display, viewers stood disappointed, thinking they had already seen the record attempt.

A few seconds later a second barge suddenly erupted in a hail of rockets before catching fire within a matter of seconds. The blaze was quickly extinguished to the sound of boos coming from the packed beach.

As people queued to leave the undercliff, another display began in Poole, prompting many despondent revellers to pause and watch before making their way home.

Bournemouth Borough Council hailed the event a success, saying the 110,000 fireworks were let off in less than 10 seconds.

Jon Culverhouse, managing director of Fantastic Fireworks, who organised the display, said: "We are as astonished as everyone else that the fireworks went off so quickly, but we are of course delighted that we have claimed a new world record.

"It was always our aim to get the rockets up in the shortest possible time in order to claim the record but we didn't expect them to go up in 6.5 seconds."

Surf reef nears completion

2009-08-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

Bournemouth Borough Council has said Boscombe's surf reef is close to completion.
The local authority's media team said the final phase of construction would include a "crucial" bathymetric survey (although no explanation was offered as to what that means).
The remaining sand will be distributed across the rest of the beach ahead of next week's Air Festival.
Additional waves are visible on the site of the £3million reef, however, the best and most popular surfing spot still seems to be on the west side of the pier.

Burberry in Boscombe

2009-08-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

A rather unusual fashion has emerged on Boscombe Beach of late.
If you have witnessed the local resurgence of Burberry, you'll know it's not being sported by teenage pram pushers or skinny white boys smoking weed.
The newest devotees of the chav check are Jewish women of all ages, although I have yet to spot a man wearing a Burberry kippah.

More diversions for Spa residents

2009-07-14T09:57:00.001-07:00

Boscombe Spa residents are set for more disruption with further road works planned in the area.
Bournemouth Borough Council has warned locals they will not be able to turn right into Boscombe Spa Road from Christchurch Road for three weeks from Monday, July 20.
Drivers will be diverted via St John's Road until the work is complete.
The stretch of road between Christchurch Roundabout and Boscombe town centre has been a traffic blackspot for nearly a year with almost constant road works and closures for one reason or another.
The council said: "The works are part of a series of improvements being undertaken on Christchurch Road, designed to reduce accidents and traffic delays, provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and undertake essential carriageway maintenance and resurfacing of footpaths."

Peregrine falcons attend college

2009-07-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

This is a rather blurry image of one of the peregrine falcons that took up residence in the clock tower above Bournemouth and Poole College in Lansdowne.

Workers in Royal London House, opposite the college, enjoyed a birds eye view of the avian des res.
One member of staff at Bournemouth University, which occupies Royal London House, said she had seen the falcons catch other birds, including pigeons, in mid-flight and dismember them on the stone lintels surrounding the bell tower.
The birds, which sit in the uppermost section of the tower, cannot be easily seen from street level.

Photo by Roz Tappenden.

Free bus - But is it Pokesdown or Boscombe?

2009-07-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Travellers to the recently renamed Pokesdown for Boscombe Station can now catch a free shuttle bus to the beach.
The Shoreline bus service, which launched on Saturday, is free to rail ticket holders to Bournemouth or Pokesdown for Boscombe or to anyone using the long-stay car park behind Boscombe Sainsbury's in Hawkwood Road.
Pokesdown for Boscombe Station opened in 1886 and was originally called Boscombe until another station of the same name was opened in Ashley Road 11 years later.
The Ashley Road Boscombe Station was shut down in 1965 following the Beeching Report, which drastically reduced the size of the country's rail network, but Pokesdown Station was not renamed until May this year.
The local Liberal Democrat group has included plans in its manifesto to reopen the Ashley Road stop as part of Boscombe's regeneration but the proposals were branded "too expensive" following a study by Bournemouth's head of planning and transport.
The shuttle bus will ferry holidaymakers and daytrippers to the beach every day until September. At weekends it will also pick up and drop off passengers at the Littledown Centre in Chaseside.
Fare paying passengers and concessionary pass holders can also use the service, which is partly funded by South West Trains.

Boscombe forgets the birthday of its oldest friend

2009-06-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

A little-recognised anniversary passed today without acknowledgement - the 120th birthday of Boscombe Pier.
Despite being a much-loved focal point on the seafront, everyone forgot this special day.
In fairness, after many incarnations, the structure bears little resemblance to its original design.
The resort's first pier, designed by Archibold Smith, was opened on July 29, 1889, by the Duke of Argyll.
The 600ft structure cost £12,000 to complete but by 1904 its lack of popularity prompted owners, The Boscombe Pier Company, to sell it to the council.
By the 1920s it was in need of repair and underwent a partial rebuild, extending it by another 150ft.
During World War II the pier was closed and by the late 50s yet more of it had started to crumble so concrete replacements were made along with the modern pier entrance, which still stands today.
In 1962 a theatre opened in a new building at the pier's head and in the years that followed was used as a skating rink, a restaurant and an amusement arcade but it was eventually closed by the council in 1988 for safety reasons.
After a £2.4m restoration the new improved Grade II listed pier was finally reopened in October 2007 and the refurbishment of its entrance building is nearing completion.
Happy birthday Boscombe Pier and here's to another 120 years.

Beach hut designs go on display

2009-06-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Entries for the Boscombe beach hut design competition will go on display this Tuesday.
Residents and designers were asked to submit ideas for four unique beach huts, accessible for disabled users.
More than 160 models will go on display in the President Suite of the Carrington House Hotel, Knyveton Road, from 10am to 7pm.
Entries have been submitted from all over the world.
Visitors to the exhibition will be asked to vote on their favourite designs before the final decision is made on Wednesday, July 1.
The huts will be built in time for next year's holiday season.

Rip Curl Girls Tour arrives in Boscombe

2009-06-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Rip Curl Girls Tour arrived in Boscombe late last night night for a weekend of girls-only surf lessons and Hawaiian-themed activities.
Among the entourage was Steph Gilmore, twice World Championship Tour champion, who signed merchandise at Urban Reef beach bar and offered tips to the would-be surfers.
The month-long tour is aimed at promoting surfing among women and will also make stops at Llanglennith, Croyde and St Ives.

Beach huts destroyed by arsonists

2009-06-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

There was more misery for beach hut owners yesterday when arsonists torched a row of huts just yards from Bournemouth Pier.
One building was completely destroyed and two others were burned beyond repair in last night's blaze.
Firefighters from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the site at 2.20am.
The burning huts were on Undercliff Drive between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers near to Harry Ramsden's restaurant.
Today the site remained fenced off and a sign posted by Dorset Police read: "Due to an act of vandalism, three neach huts were burnt down last night.
"The site will be cleared once the scene has been fully investigated by the police.
"We apologise for any inconvenience in the meantime."
Investigators believe the blaze was started deliberately.
Two further beach huts suffered damage in the fire, which also burned shrubs on the cliffs above.
In February five luxury beach huts were destroyed by arsonists at Mudeford Spit, near Christchurch.
Watch the video about the Mudeford Spit beach blaze below.

Twelve cops + one drunk = overkill

2009-06-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

A small crowd gathered on Boscombe seafront today after no less than five police cars and 12 officers arrived to deal with a man sitting on top of a giant sandcastle.
The man, who had obviously been drinking, had been sitting on top of the giant sand pile which is being used to build Boscombe's surf reef.
The sand pyramid has become popular with young people who consider climbing it an amusing challenge for a Saturday night.
As soon as he became aware of the trouble he'd caused, the man - can in hand - slid down the pyramid to the throng of waiting police below.
One officer joked: "It's a competition to see how many police officers you can get in one place."
Unfortunately for the two policemen left to make the arrest, the man was too drunk to scale the fencing and found himself trapped inside the construction compound.
He had to be escorted to the compound gate.

Thieves destroy Cliff Gardens

2009-05-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Shrub thieves have stolen so many plants from Boscombe Cliff Gardens, the council can no longer afford to replace them.
Newly planted shrubs have been gradually disappearing from the pleasure gardens between The Marina and Boscombe Cliff Road and, to begin with, council workers replaced them.
But a sign from Dorset Police pinned to a lamp post informed visitors it was no longer worth replacing the plants until the culprit was found.

New surgery for Boscombe

2009-04-23T00:34:00.001-07:00

Patients in Boscombe Spa will have to travel further to see their GP from September when the area's surgery relocates to Shelley Manor.
Dr Poulton and Partners, currently based at Adeline Road Surgery, will move to new premises a mile away. The new facility will allow Bournemouth and Poole Primary Care Trust to treat more patients in the community instead of sending them to hospital.
Dr David Poulton said: “This is excellent news for everyone – patients, the practice, including our staff, and the people of Boscombe. This represents a new phase in the development of the practice which will enable us to deliver even more services.”

High demand for surf pods

2009-04-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

More than 400 people have registered interest in just 59 'surf pods' in Boscombe's Overstrand building within days of the price tags being announced.
Estate agent Savills announced the price of single units at £64,995 and £89,995 for a double.
The 1950s building has been refurbished under the direction designers of Wayne and Geraldine Hemmingway. It originally contained 72 single beach huts but around half of them have been combined to create larger units. Many have balconies overlooking the beach at the surf reef construction site.
Wayne Hemmingway said: "The Overstrand excites us both as designers, and as people interested in seaside regeneration. It’s the restoration of a cool, historic building. With the great work being done on the Pier and Europe’s first artificial surf reef, Boscombe is about to become big news."
The surf pods are nearing completion but only half will be offered for sale. The remainder will be available to rent through Bournemouth Borough Council.
Savills is organising a sales event for the surf pods on May 15.

Rally beset with problems

2009-03-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

Motorsport fans were left disappointed two days running after both legs of the two-day Rallye Sunseeker were cut short.

Friday night's action came to an abrupt end after a Subaru Impreza, driven by Geoff Underhill, brought down a lamp post in a dramatic 100mph smash on the Undercliffe Drive between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers.

The danger caused by the exposed live cable meant organisers had no choice but to halt the race. Underhill had to be cut out of his car and was taken to Poole Hospital with ankle injuries.

A Land Rover Discovery, driven by Andy Drummond, also made an early exit after losing an argument with some railings just half a mile into the stage.

The contest continued in Ringwood Forest the following morning but had to be brought to an early conclusion shortly after 5pm after a spectator was taken ill with a suspected heart attack. The race was stopped and the track cleared to allow emergency crews to gain access.

After thirteen gruelling stages Will Nicholls, from Ventnor, Isle of Wight, and Nick Broom, of Yeovil, Somerset, emerged triumphant in their Subaru Impreza WRC, almost half a minute ahead of their nearest rivals, Roger Duckworth and Mark Broomfield, both from Northamptonshire.

Subaru Imprezas dominated the podium as Sean Devine and Francis Regan, of Ireland, took the third place.

The annual event, now in its 24^th year, also acts as the opening round of the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship and the Mitsubishi Evolution Challenge.

Brazilian beats rock 2020

2009-02-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Bournemouth’s 2020 club seemed a fitting place to welcome an emerging international star like DJ Marky. The Brazilian is no stranger to these shores and as drum and bass becomes ever more popular, Marky is there setting the benchmark.

The venue is reminiscent of London’s Fabric or Brighton’s Audio, with a plush interior, leather sofas and chandeliers – both venues have welcomed Marky in the past but this time it was the rare turn of Bournemouth to welcome the showman from Sao Paolo.
It is eight years since the release of The Brazilian Job, the album which turned so many heads. Expectations are high wherever Marky plays, which could be why he was greeted with a hail of boos as 2020 sound engineers scrambled to remedy the silence which followed after the DJ connected his laptop to the mixer.
But the mishap was soon forgotten when the first tune soared through the speakers. Marky’s unique blend of Brazilian samba and flowing drum and bass captured the mixed crowd.
Throughout his set Marky teased the audience with snippets of old favourites like LK and Nightfall, but despite the roars from the dancefloor, Marky resisted the crowd pleasers, opting instead for new music fresh from his Macbook.
Midway through the set the crowd erupted as Marky, one of the few DnB DJs who can scratch properly, ripped it up while goading the crowd. A few minutes later he could be seen singing along to soulful remixes of Fernando Porto records, arms outstretched and eyes closed.
He is, without a doubt, a showman and a great ambassador of Brazilian music of all genres.

Father's plea to students

2009-02-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

A Bournemouth father is urging young people to join a bone marrow register at a recruitment event in the town this Thursday.
Saroosh Farid, who lives in Springbourne, has spent nearly eight years watching his 17-year-old son, Adib, battle a rare form of leukaemia and says more people are desperately needed to help save lives.
Adib was 10 when he was diagnosed and had his first lifesaving operation at the age of 11. Now, just weeks away from his 18th birthday, Adib is facing the prospect of a second bone marrow transplant.
The Anthony Nolan Trust, which organises the bone marrow register, is coming to Bournemouth University on Thursday and is encouraging students to sign up by giving a teaspoon of blood.
Saroosh said: "By giving that kind of help to others we can save lives and change lives. I wish that could have been the case much earlier for some of Adib's friends because maybe they would be sitting with us now."
Karen Archer, who is organising the event, said: "When students come along on the day they will be given an application form and will be asked for a teaspoon of blood and that might be the only thing they need to do unless they become a match for somebody."
Mrs Archer said the newest methods of extracting bone marrow are not dissimilar to giving blood. She said: "It's very similar but a lot longer and you have two needles instead of one. You're wide awake and you have someone with you that you know.
"You can have your iPod on or the TV on and the time goes very quickly and the most important thing is that it's a life-saving procedure."
There are currently 16,000 people around the world who are desperately trying to find a bone marrow donor.
The trust is urging anyone, not just students, aged between 18 and 40 to come to Poole House at Bournemouth University on Thursday, February 19, between 11am and 2pm.

Saroosh Farid talks about the bone marrow register.

Goats get a view with pastures new

2009-02-08T03:36:00.000-08:00

Six lucky goats will soon be taking up residence above one of the most sought-after addresses in Boscombe.

Bournmeouth Borough Council is bringing in the animals to help control vegetation on the cliff above Honeycombe Beach.
The goats, due arrive in April, will enjoy some of the best views in Britain – looking out over Boscombe’s surf reef to the Isle of Wight and Purbeck.
The council will run the trial scheme for six months and, if it is successful, more goats will be invited to come and live on other areas of the cliff.
Workmen are already fencing off the area between the Honeycombe Beach development and Manor Steps ahead of the goats’ arrival.

Economy and tourism councillor Beverley Dunlop said: "Following discussions and site visits with Natural England and, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we decided that the ideal area to trial the grazing project is from Honeycombe Chine to Manor Steps. If the scheme is a success, the aim is to introduce grazing management on the majority of the cliff.

"A decision to make this type of grazing permanent will be done in consultation with local residents, beach hut owners and ward councillors."
The scheme is being paid for by Honeycombe Beach developer Barratt Homes.

A new life for Boscombe musician

2009-02-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

With a beaming smile and boundless energy, Theone Coleman has a zest for life like no other 23-year-old. And it's not surprising because the last two years have taught him some tough lessons.
Surrounded by his keyboard, mixing desk and speakers, Theone's Boscombe studio flat is a far cry from his last home – Leyhill Prison in Gloucester.
After being banged up for selling coke and pills he is now helping young people keep out of trouble with a project he set up with the Prince's Trust.
Only six months into the scheme, he has already won the charity's Young Achiever of the Year award for the region and is due to attend the national awards ceremony in London in March.
“It started off as an idea to teach young people music,” says Theone. “I know it sounds fluffy but music has always been a release for me and a way to express myself.
“I used to sell drugs to buy music equipment and now I provide music equipment for young people so they don't get tempted to do the things I did.”
The project, called Bourne 2 Stand Out, gives 16 to 25s the chance to get involved in music.
Not content with that, Theone has also set up a record label called Infinite Possibility Recordings, which already boasts more than 40 acts ranging from hip hop to funky house.
So with all this ambition how, at the age of 21, did he end up in prison?
“Possession with intent to supply class A – pills and coke,” explains Theone.
He shakes his head and throws his hands up in exasperation.
“What an idiot!”
When he was convicted Theone was sent to Dorchester Prison then spent time in Exeter, Guys Marsh in Shaftsbury and, finally, Leyhill, before being released.
“It was weird,” he continues, “when I first went in, there was this dude, Jamie. He was huge. I'll never forget him.
“We were sitting in the waiting room and you had to be twos-up in a cell and they started pairing people up and I was thinking, please don't pair me up with him.
“They even asked me, 'do you mind' and I thought, I'm not gonna complain, am I?
“So it was really scary going in but he was cool and he showed me the ropes and how to keep my head down, but prison's not a cool place, man.
“The realisation kicked in when I went to a D-category prison, which is an open prison. I met this dude called Pip. He asked me about what I'd done and how long I was in for but when I asked him the same question he said – I was in six years before you were born and I've still got 20 to do.
“I didn't wanna know what he'd done.”
Now he is free, Theone is focused on using his experience to help others and believes down-at-the-heel Boscombe is just the place to do it.
He said: “People are trying to boost up Boscombe – it's got that label on it now because there's a lot of drugs and violence. I think there's a lot of work to be done here and I want to be part of doing that and I think I can help.”
But Theone knows only too well about the problems in the neighbourhood. He is currently working on a track using material written by his friend, Luke Campbell, the Bournemouth University student who was stabbed to death in Cleveland Road in November.
“We did one track and were planning to get together and do some more stuff,” explained Theone.
“He'd done his own mix tape too which was really cool.
“I asked his mum if I could record some material on a Dictaphone and use some of the verses that he's done to do a track about knife awareness.
“Tupac said, 'why die when you can live forever in the hearts and souls of other people', so if I can do that then Luke's not gone anywhere because he's still here.”

Price tags distract gallery goers

2009-01-20T00:12:00.000-08:00

Some people might consider a £1,200 price tag for an original piece of art a bargain. That would certainly be the case at a trendy gallery in, say, Dorchester or Poole, but try telling that to visitors and students at Bournemouth University.

Habitus, the latest exhibition in the university's Atrium Gallery, comprises of twelve works by Michael Griffiths, a fine art tutor at the neighbouring Arts Institute.
The narrow room displays eleven framed works and one larger unframed piece, primarily in charcoal, so the overall impression of the whitewashed space is drab and colourless.
Passing along the display of framed works, one could be forgiven for thinking the drawings were the scribblings of a disturbed, hyperactive child. The marks on the paper are frantic and pronounced as if made during a fit of rage, yet they have been worked and reworked until, out of The mayhem appears the promise of an image - albeit depressing and grey.
The drawings are based on what French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu described as Habitus, a system of dispositions, actions and preferences which define individuals.
Mr Griffiths says of his work: "I use drawings to pose questions, to explore possibilities and to make thinking visible."
The works on display are a selection from the last six months and offer an insight into the development of the artist's rather more appealing printmaking work.The unfortunate habit of putting price tags on works of art must surely be a ploy. It is difficult to imagine at a university exhibition who would buy these pieces, yet beside each frame is a small white ticket bearing the optimistic tag of £580.
The largest piece, on an unfurled sheet of A1 paper attached to the end wall with drawing pins, is clearly worth more - it's at least twice as big - but it's difficult to envisage where it would live, especially at this price.
The monetary value placed on art may well be a red herring, gleefully snapped up by those of us who just don't get it, but if curators don't want visitors to be distracted by over-inflated price tags, why not use a bar code instead?
Habitus is at the Atrium Gallery until Saturday, February 21, 2009.

Police use new law to close pub

2008-12-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Deacons pub in Christchurch Road has been shut down by police who suspect it was being used by drug dealers.
Dorset Police obtained a temporary closure notice against the premises which is thought to be connected with the "use, production or supply of class A drugs".
The pub temporarily closed in February following the death of a customer.
The Home Office introduced new laws on Monday which extend current crack house closure powers under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "The new premise closure order power will enable police forces and local authorities to close any premises - privately owned or rented accommodation - that cause significant and persistent disorder in the local community. That means no-one will be able to hide from the law if they cause serious nuisance to their neighbours.
"Premises closures will only be used as a last resort, but they make it clear that anyone who thinks they can flout the law and get away with it is just plain wrong."

Surf contest put back until next year

2008-11-27T02:58:00.000-08:00

The South Coast Surf Championships, due to take place in Boscombe this weekend, have been postponed until the end of February.
A second weekend of poor swells prompted organisers to call off the event and reschedule it for next year.
Paul Clarke, of Bournemouth Surfing Centre, said: "This is a showcase event for south coast surfing and we want to make sure the competitors are pushed to their limits and spectators are entertained. Neither of these looked to be on the cards this weekend."
The contest is now due to take place on Saturday, February 28, and Sunday, March 1, 2009.
The event is organised by Wessex Surf Club, Bournemouth Surfing Centre, Bournemouth Surf School, Sorted Surf Shop, A1Surf and Bournemouth Borough Council.

Beach restaurateur ignores recession

2008-11-26T02:55:00.000-08:00

The owner of Urban Beach Hotel has said he would have preferred to open his beachside restaurant two years ago.
Mark Cribb, who has won a contract to open a restaurant in the refurbished Overstrand building when it opens next spring, says Boscombe's regeneration will press ahead despite the credit crunch.
He said: "Nobody wants to open a restaurant during a recession but sometimes opportunities present themselves and they ignore what's going on in the wider economy, as does Boscombe's regeneration, so we have to do it now.
"Hopefully in two or three years we will look back and say, 'well, it was difficult but it's all been worth it'."
Mark said he was disappointed about the delays to the surf reef but believed it was not the "be-all and end-all" of the town.
The new restaurant will be called Urban Reef and is due to open on Thursday, April 9, just before Easter.

Third man faces murder charge

2008-11-20T09:09:00.001-08:00

A third man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Luke Campbell, the 20-year-old Bournemouth University student who was found dead in a Boscombe garden, according to Press Association.
Delaine Gordon Borwn, 21, from London, was charged with murder yesterday and was due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.
Larbi Nordin Mohamed, 20, and Saeed Alkadir, 21, also from London, have also been charged with the same offence.

Surf contest postponed

2008-11-19T03:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend's South Coast Surf Championships have been postponed.
Contest director Paul Clarke, of Bournemouth Surfing Centre, said: "It looks like nice weather but no surf this weekend, so we've postponed the competition for a week."
The competition, which has been running since the 1960s, was due to be held in Boscombe this Saturday and Sunday.
David Somerville, of event sponsor A1 Surf, said: "The contest will be postponed until the following weekend sadly due to a lack of waves for this weekend."
He added: "We are really pleased to be able to sponsor the South Coast Championships. We feel it's very important to support the surfing community through events and are really looking forward to the weekend."
The first heats will take place at 8am on both days with a presentation at around 3.30pm on Sunday.
Saturday's contest will be mainly shortbaord heats and quarter finals.
Sunday's events include the shortboard and longboard finals.

Kings Park School first in line for refurb

2008-11-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Kings Park School in Boscombe will be the first to benefit from a share of £3 million to be spent on refubishing Bournemouth's schools.
The Government has approved the funding, plus a further conditional £5.3 million for 2010, as part of the nationwide Primary Capital Programme which aims to rebuild or refurbish half of the country's primary schools by 2022.
Cllr Malcolm Davies, Bournemouth Borough Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "The first school to benefit will be King’s Park Primary, which will see an extensive refurbishment.
"These works are planned to begin in the summer of next year and are scheduled to be completed in 2010.
"Consultation is already underway with the school and with the local forums to discuss the plans and opportunities available."

Murder suspects appear before magistrates

2008-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

The men accused of murdering Bournemouth University student Luke Campbell in Boscombe last weekend appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates this morning.
Larbi Mohamed, 20, and Saeed Alkadir, 21, of London, have been remanded in custody and will next appear at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, November 24.

Murder pair charged

2008-11-14T14:04:00.000-08:00

The two men arrested in London over the death of student Luke Campbell in Boscombe have been charged with his murder, according to the BBC.
His mother and sister paid tribute to the 20-year-old Bournemouth University student via a statement issued by Dorset Police. Click here to read the full statement.

Council publishes press enquiry online

2008-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Bournemouth Borough Council has taken the unusual step of publishing its response to a press enquiry on its website.
The response to questions from the Bournemouth Echo follows intense media attention yesterday about the late completion of Boscombe's surf reef. The post, which includes the questions asked by the Echo, aims to set the record straight over speculation that contractors would incur penalties over construction delays. Completion of the surf reef has been put back until next year.

Murdered student: two arrests

2008-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Two men have been arrested over the murder of Bournemouth University student Luke Campbell, according to the BBC.
Police revealed that the men, aged 20 and 21, were arrested in London earlier today.
Earlier this week police said they had found a BMX bike which they believed belonged to the 20-year-old victim.

Murdered man named

2008-11-11T01:41:00.000-08:00

The man found murdered in a back garden in Boscombe was a Bournemouth University student from Burton, according to Derbyshire's Evening Telegraph.
Luke Campbell, 20, was in his first year at the university where he was studying IT and Business Studies.

Murder hunt after body discovered in garden

2008-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

A 20-year-old man has been stabbed to death in Boscombe, according to Sky News.
Police are conducting house to house inquiries after a man spotted the body in a back garden in as he crossed a railway bridge near the junction of Cleveland Road and St Clements Road.

Missing local man: photo released

2008-11-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

Police have issued a picture of a man who has been missing from Boscombe for over a week.
Steven Thirlwell, 40, was last seen on Friday, October 24, and sent a distressed text message to friends the following day.
Officers believe he may be in the Lymington area and would have travelled there by public transport as he does not drive.
He was last seen wearing a dark blue Reebok jacket, black trousers, black slip-on shoes and carrying a black bag.
He is white, six feet two inches tall and of a slight build with short dark hair.
Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.

Surf reef delayed until 2009

2008-10-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Construction of Boscombe's surf reef will not be completed by New Year as expected.
Bad weather and heavy swells has already hampered New Zealand contractor ASR and the company has conceded that conditions will only get worse as winter draws in.
Bournemouth Borough Council is currently in negotiations over a new target date for the reef's completion. Engineers need to wait for several consecutive days of calm weather before work can recommence.

Paragliding along the seafront

2008-10-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this person from my living room window paragliding along the clifftop past Boscombe towards Bournemouth. According to the Wessex Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club website, paragliders are allowed to fly along this stretch of the seafront provided they inform Bournemouth Air Traffic Control.

Boscombe surf reef

2008-10-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

The first section of an artificial surf reef was laid near Boscombe Pier at the end of August. The reef, designed to improve conditions for surfers, is the first of its kind in the northern hemisphere. This video, by www.hallmarkproductions.com, shows how it is made.
Work has been delayed by strong winds and heavy swells so engineers have amended the plans by dividing the second section of the reef in two. This should allow them to complete the next stage sooner, instead of waiting for several consecutive days of good weather.

Government funding to restore town's pride

2008-10-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

The town centre at Boscombe could benefit from nearly half a million pounds of funding from central Government.
The area has been awarded £455,000 as part of the Government's Sea Change programme, run by the Commision for Architecture and Built Environment, which aims to link heritage and culture while restoring pride in the community.
Suggestions about how to spend the money include illuminations along Sea Road, accessible beach huts designed by local artists and improved wheelchair access on the seafront.
The money was secured by Bournemouth Borough Council and the improvements will be rolled out over the coming year.

Is Boscombe The New Sandbanks?

2008-10-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

BBC Hampshire discusses whether Boscombe will become the new Sandbanks when the surf reef is finished.
Click here to listen.