Surf reef launches in haste

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.

Sponsored swim raises £400

A 60-year-old who swam from Branksome to Boscombe Pier to raise money for the RNLI has handed over a cheque for £400 to lifeguards.
Long distance swimmer Derek Biggs took the 5km sponsored challenge in August.
Mr Biggs uses the stretch of water for triathlon training and wanted to repay the lifeguards in the area for the service they provide.
He said: "Bournemouth is ideal training area with one of the best-lifeguarded beaches in the country and miles of safe swimming from Poole to well past Boscombe.
"Having swum at other beaches you realise just how well lifeguarded Bournemouth and Poole are."

Pic: RNLI

Winter sunsets on the way

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

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

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

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

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.