Dorset Olympians triumph in Florida

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Tom Simpson

Dorset sailors are returning to the county on a wave of success after their performances in the Miami World Cup Regatta this weekend.

The women’s match racing trio of Annie Lush, Lucy and Kate Macgregor, all from Poole, took gold. Also topping the medal podium was Weymouth windsurfer Nick Dempsey while Hannah Mills and Saskia Clarke, of Portland and Weymouth respectively, took silver in the 470 class.

Of the twenty-one athletes selected for the British Olympic team so far, eight are from Dorset, six sailors and two windsurfers. After these results, it’s not hard to see why they’ve already secured the chance to represent their country this summer.

With only 180 days left until the Olympic sailing competition gets underway, these Dorset Olympians have every reason to look forward to the event with confidence.

“It’s definitely all going to plan and it’s all on track” said Nick Dempsey after his triumph in Florida. “I’m really looking forward to the next few months.”

Why is it that so many world class sailors come from the County? Chris Knight, of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy said that while there may be some debate over whether all of the Dorset Olympians could be called local there was no disputing the fact that, “the natural advantages and facilities of the area”, were a key element in their success.

Whatever the case, there’s no disputing that Dorset is a hotbed of sailing talent. And, with the inspiration and facilities provided by the Olympics, it should continue to be in the future.

As for the current generation, their preparations for a truly local Olympics will continue at the next Sailing World Cup event in Palma, Mallorca at the end of March.

Sailing event results and schedules can be found here.

‘Occupy Bournemouth’ campaign stays intact

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Joel Holt

Graffiti: Protesters use artwork to convey their anger towards the coalition government

ANTI-CAPITALISTS remain outside Bournemouth Town Hall following the eviction order issued at the Crown Court on Friday.

Bailiffs are expected to arrive at the ‘Occupy Bournemouth’ campsite this afternoon to remove the protester’s tents and other belongings.

During the ten days of being there, activists have put up banners to display their frustration towards the government including, ‘It’s Not Just us. It’s injustice’.

Chief Executive of Bournemouth Borough Council Pam Donnellan said: “We very much hope those occupying the land will leave peacefully today.

“We have applied for a warrant of possession should we need to undertake an eviction. We very much hope that this course of action will not be necessary.”

The protestors have insisted that when they are evicted they will set up a pitch on the opposite side of the Town Hall.

According to activists Bournemouth Borough Council has no way of kicking them off the other site.

Head cook of the camp, Stewart Macarthur said: “Around 1,000 people have walked past and donated money to support us living here. We are going nowhere.”

The artist added: “I most certainly do not need the thrills of modern life.”

An updated statement from the Council will be revealed this afternoon if immediate action to evict the protestors will take place.

Banner: A message from 'Occupy Bournemouth' campaigners

Some people happy with café closure

Posted on October 17, 2011 by James Fudge

Many residents in the Christchurch area have backed plans to close a café in the town.

‘Kelly’s Kitchen’ in Christchurch has been ordered to close by the Christchurch Council after the library plans to move in next door to expand.

With the work starting when the café closes at the end of March, the people of Christchurch will be looking forward to the planned completion in February 2013.

The library’s out of date books and other services will be replaced to help the youngsters in Christchurch experience the benefits of advanced learning.

Mum of three Louise Knight of Christchurch, said, ‘I feel it’s important that there is a good standard of library within the local area. Moving a café out of Christchurch isn’t going to hurt the locals at the cost improving the services.’

Although the number of petitions, the general feeling within Christchurch is not saddened by the decision due to the large number of cafes and food and drink outlets in the town.

The library is estimated by the County Council to be one of the busiest in the Dorset area, with an estimated 220,000 visitors in the years 2010 and 2011.

Dennis Chalk, a regular user of the library services, said: ‘I welcome the new changes as the library books have become a bit tatty and it’s also good that the Adult Learning Centre is coming here.’

Although the owners of Kelly Kitchen haven’t accepted the decision, the people of Christchurch are looking forward to the extended library service.

West Hants Semi For Brit Windley

Posted on May 7, 2011 by Dominic Bryant

Jade Windley stormed into the women’s semi-finals of the AEGON Pro Series tournament at The West Hants Club in Bournemouth.

Jade Windley: Through To The Semis

Windley, 21, from Lincolnshire, raced through her match against German Alina Wessel with a comprehensive 6-1. 6-2 success.

She said: “I’m pleased, it was a solid match for me and I got the job done. I’m usually on court for longer.”

At the start of the week Windley had to muster all of her stamina to recover from a set and 3-1 down to progress but did so winning 3-6, 7-5. 6-0.

The British number 19’s progression was all the more impressive considering the difficulties she has had when playing on clay courts.

“I hate the stuff but it’s just about getting used to it. At the start of the week I was even falling over on it.”

Windley is now set for a difficult contest against another German, in the 28-year-old number two seed, Scarlett Werner.

Windley describes her more experienced opponent as being a “proper clay courter who will play lots of high balls with plenty of spin”.

In the event, Windley and fellow Briton Francesca Stephenson lost out in the semis. Scarlett Werner went on to claim the $10,000 prize by beating Slovakia’s Romana Tabak.

Park receives traditional twist

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Olivia Blackamore

Visitors to Parkstone Park will find a stunning new addition to the grounds when they reopen next week now that the park’s new centrepiece has been hoisted proudly into position.

The original Victorian cast iron fountain was restored to its bye gone splendour by specialists Barr and Grosvenor of Wolverhampton. Visitors will be able to marvel at the eight foot piece which features two large bowls and an otter holding a fish.

The fountain dates back to 1880s Glasgow where it was produced by McDowell, Steven and Co Ltd at the Milton Ironworks and is believed to be one of only four remaining of its kind.

The choice of feature rests with the Parkstone community who felt that a traditional fountain should be part of the restoration of the park.

The addition of the fountain is part of the regeneration project for the green space area at Ashley Cross which began in January this year and is set to be completed in time for Easter. The project has been entirely funded by developer contributions.

Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, Borough of Poole said: “We are really pleased with the progress of the works so far and the arrival of this beautiful new fountain is a key stage in improving this well-loved area.

“We are even more delighted to know that residents will really enjoy this new feature in the park as it was their input on this scheme that led us to include a traditional fountain, rather than something more contemporary.”

The improvements to the park promise to provide something for everyone and include the creation of a ‘performance space’, the resurfacing of all footpaths, additional seating and a ‘play path’ for very young children. Add a healthy dollop of sunshine and Parkstone Park looks set to have the key ingredients for a local summer hot spot.

Heath Firebugs Strike Three Times In One Night

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Roselyne Ngure

Police are appealing for public help following three suspicious heath fires that occurred in Poole
area last Monday evening.
All the fires occurred one after the other in a matter of a few hours.
Police Constable Dave Street, of Poole police, said: ‘’I am appealing for anyone with any
information about those responsible to contact us as soon as possible.’’
The first fire destroyed an area of around 20m by 30m. It took place in the heathland on the
Bourne Bottom nature reserve, the rear of Benbow Crescent in Poole, at around 6.10pm on
Monday.
Later the same evening, the largest fire was started in the centre of the nearby Turbary Common and
then a smaller fire was started near the common’s entrance off Wallisdown Road, next to the Knighton Heath
Industrial Estate. These two fires were started between 10pm and 10.30pm destroying an area of
around 50m by 50m.
Police Constable Dave Street, of Poole police, acknowledged that sometimes it’s difficult for
people to pass information to the police but appealed for people to know that by helping the
police they will be helping to save a rare and important habitat that is internationally protected.
He added: ‘’by coming forward as a matter of urgency, they could also be preventing the
possibility of serious injury to members of the public.
‘’I’m asking legitimate users of the heathland to be alert and vigilant in keeping an eye out for
anything strange, unusual, or out of the ordinary – and to report it to the police immediately.’’
Dorset fire and rescue helped to extinguish all the three fires and no one was hurt during the
incidents.
Police Constable Dave Street, of Poole police, confirmed that there is a high level of patrolling
going on so the police, fire service and health wardens will be able to respond quickly to
information from the public and catch those responsible.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 22 22 22 quoting
incident number 21:416.
Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Callers
need to know that mobile phone tariffs may apply.

View Up To Speed’s Heathland Fires map to see where the suspicious fires were started.

Radio presenter heads for Absolute success

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Olivia Blackamore

By Olivia Blackamore

FROM humble beginnings on Hospital Radio Bedside in Bournemouth, Ben Jones has steadily climbed the ladder of success and currently airs his talents on the Absolute Radio 90s evening slot.

So how did it all start and where is it all going for the man who describes his progression in the industry as “purely luck”?

Ben Jones: on the road to Absolute success

Ben grew up in Bournemouth and is clearly fond of the area. “It’s a wonderful place. Beaches, forests and an amazing outdoor lifestyle that reminds me that life’s not all work and congestion charges.”

It is also the place where Ben first hit the airwaves. “I always wanted to work in television. It seemed like the best job in the world, but I quickly realised that radio was easier to get into.” After a spell at hospital radio Ben made the professional leap and worked as a broadcast assistant on stations 2CR and Power FM. “It made sense to start small and work my way up,” he said.

But Ben wasn’t thinking small. Inspired by the likes of Steve Wright, Simon Mayo and Nicky Campbell, he soon found his way to the Capital Radio Café. “I overheard a conversation about a job in London, so I went for it.”

This was a defining moment in Ben’s career, as mentor Chris Tarrant took Ben under his wing. “Chris gave wonderful advice. I am very grateful.”

After meeting Chris it wasn’t long before Ben got to try his hand at television, working for CITV and the Disney Channel in the late 90s. Although he made the transition back to the airwaves, joining Fire Radio in Bournemouth in 2000, television has remained part of what Ben does. He often appears on CNN and Sky News to talk all things music.

It was from Fire Radio that Ben arrived at the door of Absolute Radio (previously Virgin) in June 2001. “I was doing a couple of shows at Fire. I sent a CD to Virgin, it was at the top of the pile. It was no more glamorous than that. Purely luck.” I strongly suspect that “luck” has played a smaller part in Ben’s story than his talent, likeability and determination.

As a national radio presenter the big interviews started to flood in: Chris Martin, Martin Scorsese and the Rolling Stones to name just a few.

But getting starstruck is out of the question. “They’re people I hugely admire, but I want to get on and do it!” And Ben’s keen to pass on the benefit of his wisdom to an aspiring journalist: “Never be afraid to get stuck in.’”

The enthusiasm and excitement in his voice is compelling as he tells me what’s next. “I want to be on Radio 5 Live. It’s without question the UK’s most exciting radio station. I’m going on there in April!”

Ben will no doubt dazzle when joins his radio heroes, Nicky Campbell and Simon Mayo. And I can’t help but think that to work alongside one’s idols is nothing short of achieving absolute success.

Comedian Tom Walker humours the Capital

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Matt Kelly

By Matt Kelly

REMEMBER at school when the teacher picked on you to answer a question? You weren’t listening and don’t know the answer. You felt yourself getting hot and the preying eyes of your classmates expecting an answer.

Well multiply that a few times and you may get close to the feeling of being a stand-up comedian. Factor in that the audience have paid to be there and expect entertainment. If you ask me it sounds like one low-point.

Not for 24-year-old Tom Walker. A comedian from Sherborne, Dorset, Tom is currently on the London stand-up circuit. He’s been performing for around three years and talks in an enthusiastic and relaxed manner. Qualities I’m sure are needed for any comedian. Mind you, after doing his first gig with some of Britain’s finest comedians is it any wonder one journalist does not intimidate him?

“A friend of mine from university and brilliant comedian, John Kearns, ran a comedy night in Norwich. I always meant to get involved. Then when I moved to London he introduced me to ‘My First Gig’, where a comedy virgin headlines a bill of established acts. I applied and got in.”

From that point on it seems Tom hasn’t looked back. “I enjoy the feeling of showing off in front of strangers. The feeling after a good gig is hard to beat.”

Despite that he’s well aware of the pitfalls of exposing yourself in such a way.

“My worst gig was a seated audience of about 75 with an average age of about 75. They didn’t like me much.I died dramatically.”

Tom outside a gig in London

He cites a diverse range of influences and talks intelligently of the genre. It’s refreshing to hear someone who isn’t in it because of the likes of Jimmy Carr or Frankie Boyle, who get a sniff of fame only to water themselves down and end up rotting on average panel shows.

“The great thing about comedy is it mixes different art forms. The top stand-up comedians I’ve seen would be Terry Alderton for his insane split personality, Time Key for his great poems, Brian Gittens for his terrible jokes, Fergus Craig for his delivery and John Kearns for his ever inventive sets”

So is there more to comedy than just making us laugh?

“Comedy has a brilliant ability to surface problems about the way we live in an accessible manner. Often comedians just say what everyone’s thinking. It deals with contentious issues without making people feel like they are being attacked.

“When you are live you can say what you like. However, as your audience is in the same room you are aware of the consequences of what you say. So it only restricts you by how you want to come across.”

And after such an informative insight, can a comedian end without even a sniff of humour?

“My ideal job would probably be writing and directing films of a funny nature. Then once I reach 60 I want to be a fisherman.”

To watch Tom during his ‘My First Gig’ back in 2009, follow the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgFDZfTLyRI

Olivia Blackamore: future face of BBC

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Matt Kelly

Up to Speed Journalism student profile: Olivia Blackamore

By Matt Kelly

BEFORE my interview with Olivia, I watch in silence as she asks one of her fellow trainee journalists a series of questions she will use to compile a profile.

: Olivia Blackamore: watch this face

Her questions are clearly well thought out as the interview quickly turns into what appears to be a casual chat, putting her subject at ease. This obviously isn’t her first time.

Olivia Blackamore is 28 and is originally from Nottingham. At around 5ft 4″ and smartly dressed, she seems totally prepared to begin a professional media career.

When I ask her where she wants to be after completing her NCTJ journalism qualifications, Olivia responds with admirable ambition: “I want to be a household name in ten years.”

Her dream job would be on BBC Breakfast news or a topical programme like The One Show.

These are clearly not unfounded aspirations. Before moving to Bournemouth, Olivia worked for community radio station Harborough FM in Leicestershire for two years, co-presenting the Sunday Night Show and Drive-Time shows.

Before this she worked for the civil service providing grants for people with disabilities. But she left after the birth of her second child, Harrison, who is two and a half.

“I have spent the last two years at home with the children focusing on what I wanted and what I wanted for them.”

Olivia now lives in Market Harborough in South Leicestershire with Harrison and her other child, four-year-old Eva, and their father.

Leaving her children was clearly difficult for Olivia. “Everything I am doing now is for them, moving to Bournemouth and doing this course. My main drive is to get a good job so that I can provide the best possible future for my children.”

Although moving to Bournemouth has clearly had its problems, one good thing has come from Olivia’s move south.

After reconnecting via social networking site Facebook, she has moved in with her friend Sarah, who she hadn’t seen for ten years.

“It’s been great, it’s like we never missed each other. It’s like an extension of uni!”

Matt Kelly: dreaming of Brazil

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Dominic Bryant

Up to Speed Journalism student profile: Matt Kelly

By Dominic Bryant

MATT KELLY is not one to shy away from making ambitious statements.

“I want to change the face of golf,” he says unflinchingly. “It is not just an old man’s sport.”

: Matt Kelly: a sports journalist with a nifty line in hats

His desire is unquestionable and extends not just to golf but all sports.

He dreams of such things as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, and holding close to him a pen and notepad, scribbling furiously away, watching the match of all matches.

Matt is an enthusiastic, aspiring journalist. At the ripe old age of 23 he already has worked as a freelance writer for a local newspaper.

After four months as a freelance, Matt felt it was time he warranted paid full-time work, but he was turned down because he didn’t have an NCTJ qualification.

Not one to linger, he set his sights towards travelling, gaining a job in factory work making windows in the process, a job he described as “difficult, due to my incredible lack of common sense”.

After earning the money he needed Matt set off around Europe, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand for seven months.

But the trip wasn’t all carefree travelling. While sitting in a shanty restaurant waiting to cross the border from Cambodia into Thailand, Matt witnessed a sight he could hardly believe.

“A man just ran straight up to this guy and shot him in the face,” he said. “I was literally shaking for ten minutes.”

Matt later found out the shooting was drugs-related and this reaffirmed his belief in being strongly against drugs.

But the experience didn’t sour Matt’s travels and after seven months of touring the globe, he returned to the south coast of England intent on gaining an NCTJ sports journalism qualification.

Citing the sports desk at The Guardian as the best in newspaper journalism, Matt envies the likes of Sid Lowe (a sports writer for The Guardian and World Soccer) who lives in Spain and reports on Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as big matches in the Premiership.

“It’s the job you would just love to have,” he says with such enthusiasm that you know while it may still be a dream for Matt, it could soon be a reality.

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