With the Summer holidays approaching fast one of Bournemouth’s most controversial attractions is still out of action.
Olivia Blackamore talks to surfers and visitors about Boscombe surf reef.
Boscombe Surf Reef
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Poole boasts world class beaches
For the twenty fourth consecutive year Poole’s beaches are proudly flying much-coveted Blue Flags.
The prestigious award is given annually by Keep Britain Tidy in recognition of beaches that have obtained the highest levels of quality in water facilities, safety, commitment to the environment and management.
This year Poole’s beaches are celebrating with no fewer than four Blue Flags. Canford Cliffs, Shore Road, Branksome Chine and Sandbanks are deservedly recognised as some of the best coastal destinations in the world and with 3,330 awards given internationally our little corner of the globe has plenty to be proud of. Poole is no stranger to such accolades – the area has been awarded Blue Flag status since 1987.
Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services for Poole Borough Council said:
“We are very privileged to have three and a half miles of beautiful beaches on our doorstep and the council continue to work hard in keeping them to award-winning standards and making them special places to visit and enjoy. These awards continue to put Poole on the map as a quality visitor destination.”
Chine – ing, happy people
Smile! You’re in Bournemouth! Or at least that is what we should be doing according to the results of a survey carried out by Right Move estate agents.
The survey, which had over 27,000 responses, has found that Bournemouth is one of the happiest places to live in the UK. Residents were asked to rate their towns over a number of categories including: parks and outdoors; character and personality; health care; schools and safety. Bournemouth made an appearance in the top five of all these areas and was ranked top in the categories of parks and outdoors and schools.
Pam Donnellan, Chief Executive for Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to see that Bournemouth features highly in this survey – most importantly because it’s the views of our local residents. In particular, I’m pleased to see that the town’s parks and schools come top of the list, a real achievement. This is recognition of the hard work and commitment that our staff continue to give, in helping to make Bournemouth a place we can all be proud of.”
So what is it about Bournemouth that leaves us all such happy and contented souls? For many it seems that the combination of beaches, a vibrant town centre and buzzing night life with easy access to stunning countryside are vital ingredients for a relaxed and varied style of living. It is also this winning combination that pulls tourists to the area in their droves every year.
Mark Smith, Bournemouth’s Director of Tourism, said: “With a seven-mile bay of sandy beaches, acres of immaculate gardens, top restaurants and one of the best free event programmes in the country, it is easy to see why so many visitors want to come and share some of the great features that make residents proud,
“Only last weekend the beaches were enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors but the beauty of Bournemouth is space, there really is room for everyone.”
Park receives traditional twist
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.
Radio presenter heads for Absolute success
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.
Olivia Blackamore: future face of BBC
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!”
Dom Bryant: the flamboyant Magpie
Up to Speed Journalism student profile: Dom Bryant
By Olivia Blackamore
FOLLOWING his whistlestop tour of the globe (three continents in four months), 19-year-old Dominic Bryant decided it was time to focus on what he loves and kick start his career with an NCTJ Diploma course at Up to Speed Journalism in Bournemouth.
At school in his home county of Buckinghamshire, Dom published the sixth form magazine as well as gaining work experience with the Buckingham Herald. But writing isn’t his only passion.
Taking flight: Dom Bryant
Dom is fanatical about sport and has no hesitation in revealing that he discovered Newcastle United at the age of four.
An interesting choice of team for a Buckinghamshire boy but his ardour for them is obvious.
“I’ve only actually seen them play twice because they’re so far north,” he confesses, laughing.
It will come as no surprise that the dream for this southern “Magpie” is to carve out a successful career as a sports journalist.
So who is Dom away from the job?
“Flamboyant, ditzy and funny” are the three words he uses to sum himself up. There’s not much evidence of the first two, but humorous he is and honest with it, citing “going out too much” as his potential downfall in trying to achieve his dream.
It was reassuring to hear that Dom is approaching the NCTJ course with the same eager anticipation that I certainly feel. The shorthand he finds a challenge and the prospect of his first interview and profile piece he describes as “daunting”.
Dom’s dedication to reaching the dizzy heights of success is clear. He’s keen to stress that his perfect weekend would, unquestionably, have to involve “going to do a profile on a sports star or reporting on a match”.
He quickly adds that spending a great day with his girlfriend, Bonita, would be an integral part of the ideal weekend.
Dom’s quite understated about his relationship with Bonita. She’s 20, she lives in London, they’ve enjoyed a three-year relationship and she’s currently undertaking a patisserie course.
“She keeps me in cakes,” he says. But his eyes are bright and dancing and it’s obvious that Bonita is very special.
I’m impressed by Dom. He’s very focused and assured. He’s seen the world and now that he’s come back, he’s ready to take it by the throat. Success is definitely within his grasp.
Tempers rise along with student fees
By Olivia Blackamore and Jasmin Snook
TUITION fees are on the up and it’s causing a stir across the generations.
Yesterday Nick Clegg got a verbal bashing from students and it seems that the people of Bournemouth are none too pleased at the Coalition’s plans either.
The huge debts that will be incurred by students are worrying to young and old alike with parents taking the financial strain to get their kids the best education.
But for Joe Williams, 17, of Broadstone in Poole, like many others his age, family funding was out of the question. “My parents have told me that If I go to uni, they can’t afford to help. It’s so expensive and there is no guarantee of a job at the end of it.”
For Lisa Dunning, 30, from Parkstone, Poole, the rise in tuition fees was outrageous. “It upsets me as a parent as I cannot help them out but we simply cannot afford it.”
Dudley Asquith, 32, from Broadstone, Poole, said: “Parents are under a lot of pressure to help out their children, and if they cannot afford to do so it’s very distressing.”
Amy Kelly, 18, from Poole, planned to go to a performing arts school through a scholarship but now the fees were on the increase that wasn’t looking possible. “Performing arts schools are different to universities. The government is seriously cutting their funding and they might not offer scholarships this year.”
Anastasia Lee, 16, from Poole, was still in a quandary about what she was going to do after school. She had dreams of university but due to the rise in fees she was anxious about going and feared the fees would increase even more.
It seems parents are really feeling the financial and emotional strain. Guy Jagger, 45, from Bournemouth, said he would rather take the loan out himself than his son have “a millstone around his neck.”
Sarah Griffiths, 42, from Wimborne, agreed she would not want her children to be in debt from the off. “But it’s difficult because we can’t afford to help them, and don’t want to deny them of the chance of going.”