A new hospitality venue says its blend of dining, drinking, entertainment and wellness activities is bringing something new to the sector – and proving a hit.

Rockwater Village opened its doors for business at Branksome Chine last September.

During the day, visitors can enjoy yoga, fitness classes and coffee catch-ups with dining from breakfast to evening from Michelin-trained chefs.

At night, an events programme moves the relaxed daytime vibe up a gear.

It’s already featured intimate gigs from high-profile names such as Fatboy Slim and James Bay.

Rockwater says its approach to hospitality services and wellness initiatives has proved popular with hundreds of people every month taking part in a variety of wellbeing-focused events.

The venue’s winter timetable of classes includes several Pilates and yoga sessions on its roof terrace each week as well as early morning swim clubs.

A partnership with Bournemouth-based Who Dares Gyms has brought bootcamps and run clubs to the seafront, too.

Rockwater has also selected local experts to run regular workshops and classes for both Open Water members and the public on a ticketed basis.

They include Cassey Lee, a Poole-based personal trainer.

She leads Rockwater classes including a ‘Reset and Detox’ afternoon which provides attendees with a reset for mind and body.

Other local practioners, Ellie Loves and Joe Aston, facilitate ‘So Talk’, a safe space for attendees to chat and listen with no boundaries, themes, or judgment.

Luke Davis, Rockwater’s CEO, said: “Having been around the hospitality industry for many years, I’ve seen first-hand how venues can become a hub for the community and a second home for many patrons.

“There are plenty of night-time venues that provide a luxury dining and social atmosphere for customers, and plenty of coffee shops and social clubs that are great places to unwind during the daytime.

“At Rockwater, we are doing something new and different by providing all these things and more to customers, all packaged into one scenic setting where groups can truly connect and enjoy together from dusk till dawn.

“We’re setting a new trend in hospitality by creating a space where our guests can pursue their personal ambitions, whether those are wellbeing led, socially, or from a working perspective, so it’s great to see so many customers already embracing the Rockwater Life.

“We want to take things even further in 2024, so we will be investing at least £250,000 into Rockwater’s wellness initiatives over the course of the year.

“Through Rockwater, I set out to create a luxurious environment that captured the spirit of a private members’ club, but which was accessible to and inclusive for the whole community.

“Wellness is at the heart of the beachside lifestyle, and by creating a welcoming concept which brings together people to eat, drink, connect, play, and be inspired, we’ve set a clear benchmark for the future of the industry.”

Branksome is the second Rockwater. The first was in Hove, Sussex, and a third is planned for Sandbanks later this year.

•  More information on Rockwater Village and Open Water Membership can be found here.

A petition has been launched calling on the government to return to Dorset some of the millions of pounds taken in tax on oil and natural gas from Poole Harbour.

Retired academic Mike Plummer from Poole says that to date over 515 million barrels of oil has been extracted through Wytch Farm and sold for more than £11.2 billion.

The Treasury receives 40 per cent tax on all profits made by oil companies.

Mike said the Shetland Islands have received £380 million from the government although the nearest oil field is 120 miles away.

By contrast Dorset had not received a penny but even a fraction of the money taken in tax could solve the financial problems faced by BCP Council.

He said: “I’m talking about Dorset oil coming from Dorset soil.

“It’s high time that Dorset people receive some financial benefit for the oil and gas that’s been extracted since 1979 from the Purbecks.

“Rather than levelling up north, why don’t they start levelling up down the south in Dorset?”

Mike, pictured, said he hoped to get up to 20,000 people to sign his petition.

He would then organise a march up to London and demand a meeting with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The petition can be found here.

A semi-detached house in Bournemouth was badly damaged by fire last night.

Crews from Christchurch, Springbourne and Westbourne fire stations using pumps and an aerial ladder platform tackled the blaze in Iford Lane.

They were on the scene for more than five hours.

No-one was injured.

The cause is being investigated.

New children’s play equipment in a park, a colourful mural at a hostel and a refurbished foodbank are just some of the improvements made possible by a cash boost to community projects across Bournemouth and Poole.

Some 28 projects, spanning 16 wards, have been awarded £316,454 via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Portion Fund

The fifth round of funding, generated from new developments, was awarded by BCP Council to projects that will improve local community facilities and neighbourhoods.

To date, £1,550,031 has been allocated to 123 community projects through the CIL fund.

Residents, businesses, and community groups were invited to submit ideas for local projects which will improve, benefit and shape the development of their community.

Grants of varying amounts have been distributed to a broad range of project bids.

Facilities at Knyveton Gardens have been enhanced with a grant of £50,000 to improve children’s play equipment, general accessibility and vegetation management alongside upgrades to signage, notice boards and toilet provision.

An extra climbing frame has been installed at St George’s Play Area in Oakdale with an £18,750 cash injection while a large-scale mural now adorns the outside of St Paul’s Hostel in central Bournemouth, thanks to a grant of £9,972.

The team at Poole Foodbank have used a £9,700 grant to refurbish an empty retail unit in Poole’s Dolphin Centre to enhance operations.

Gill Payne, Manager at Poole Foodbank said: ‘We are so grateful for the financial support that we have received from CIL.

“This has enabled us to transform an empty unit in central Poole into a working environment for our fantastic volunteers.

“This food store receives, sorts and stores donated food and serves as the pivotal point for distributing packages to our seven satellite venues that serve the people across the Poole area who struggle with food poverty.”

Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader, and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, BCP Council, pictured, said: “I am delighted that so many different worthwhile and community led causes and projects have been given a boost from the CIL grants, big or small.

“It’s fantastic that money raised from development can be put to such good use, from refurbishing disabled toilets at Merley Community Centre to installing environmental signage at Seaview to providing hanging flower baskets in Winton or making it possible to open a community café in the newly refurbished Alexandra Park pavilion.”

“We can’t wait to see the results of all the hard work put in by our residents across Bournemouth and Poole.”

The dates and details of how to apply for Round 6 of the CIL grants will be announced in due course.

Ryanair has confirmed its 20^th destination from Bournemouth Airport with twice-weekly flights to Nantes in Brittany from June this year.

Europe’s biggest airline will fly on Wednesdays and Saturdays to France’s sixth largest city from 1^st June. Tickets are available now at ryanair.com

Following the recent announcement of brand new flights to Morocco from April, it means Ryanair now offers 20 destinations and its biggest ever schedule from Bournemouth Airport.

Ryanair increased the number of flights last year by 30 per cent with the addition of a second aircraft based at the airport.

And with tour operator TUI adding 60,000 extra seats from Bournemouth in 2024, airport bosses have already said they are confident of exceeding one million passengers this year for the first time since 2008.

To cater for the expected passenger growth, airport owners Regional and City Airports is currently investing more than £5m in new facilities, equipment, staff and training, ready for the new season.

Steve Gill, Bournemouth Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve enjoyed a 16-year relationship with Ryanair and are delighted that the airline has chosen to introduce Nantes as its 20^th destination this year.

“That comes hot on the heels of announcing Agadir in Morocco at the start of the year, and year-round flights to Lanzarote, which are new for 2024.

“It means we can offer passengers more choice than ever before, with 37 destinations available from Bournemouth.

“We are continuing to invest in upgrading our facilities and are also recruiting for a range of summer jobs including ground handling teams, passenger service staff and security officers.”

Bournemouth Airport now has 37 destinations on offer. In 2023 it was ranked one of the top three airports in the UK for customer service.

Bournemouth & Poole College’s residential provision has been rated as ‘outstanding’.

It follows an inspection of its residential provision by education watchdog Ofsted.

The three-day inspection, carried out in November 2023, found the College’s homestay accommodation provision to be outstanding in all areas.

Overall experiences and progress of young people, how well young people are helped and protected as well as the effectiveness of leaders and managers all received the highest possible grade across the board from the inspectorate.

Phil Sayles, Principal at Bournemouth & Poole College, said: “It is wonderful that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of the teams supporting students requiring accommodation.

“This is an excellent report from Ofsted which is testament to the exceptional work delivered by our residential team of student support and wellbeing teams, and academic staff, it really is a team effort.

“We are committed to provide students with a comfortable and outstanding ‘away from home’ experience which aims to increase their knowledge, confidence and independence and it’s fantastic to be acknowledged by Ofsted.”

The College currently supports residential students, aged 16 to 20, who are enrolled on its renowned Specialised Chef Apprenticeship Programme.

Approximately 75 per cent of students on this apprenticeship do not live locally to Bournemouth, Poole or Christchurch and require accommodation not only during their studies at the College but also during their employment during their apprenticeship.

The prestigious Specialised Chef Apprentices are employed in some of the best hotels and restaurants across London and surrounding counties including The Ritz, Claridge’s and in the Royal Household.

The work placement gives students the opportunity to work away from home and reside in homestay accommodation or live-in facilities with their placement employer.

Debbie Smith, Assistant Principal People and Student Experience, added: “We are delighted that the incredible support and care our students and apprentices receive in our residential provision has been recognised as being outstanding.

“Our Specialised Chef scholarship programme is both prestigious and award-winning and our students and apprentices on the programme progress to many amazing jobs within the hospitality industry.

“We always have our students at the heart of all they do, and this result demonstrates the comprehensive and excellent support package that enables them to focus on their studies and develop their technical skills to the highest level while also growing in confidence, developing independent living skills, and training for the world of work.”

The Ofsted report states: “The residential accommodation at Bournemouth & Poole College helps young people to achieve excellent outcomes.

“Through diligent preparation and consistent support, the College helps young people to achieve their ambitions while on the specialised chef course.

“As a result of running this course for many years, the College has built and sustained an extensive network of restaurants.

“Because of the stability offered by accommodation, and support from the College, young people finish the course able to meet their future career goals.

“Most young people go on to gain full-time employment within the industry, often at prestigious restaurants.”

• A full copy of the report can be read via: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/3/SC041848

Samaritans are reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.

The charity has dubbed today, Monday January 15, Brew Monday.

The Bournemouth & District branch is joining forces with South Western Railway to host an event at Bournemouth Rail Station from eight this morning to four o’clock this afternoon.

Volunteers and rail staff will be handing out tea bags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting.

The third Monday of the year has been labelled by some as Blue Monday – and the saddest day of the year – due to the winter weather, post-Christmas slump and cost of living pressures,

But the suicide prevention charity has long campaigned to dispel the myth and says it plans to turn the day into something positive by running Brew Monday.

Charlie, Samaritans of Bournemouth and District Branch Director, said: “At Samaritans, we’re consistently busy responding to a call for help every ten seconds, every hour of every day of the year.

“We know that people find life difficult at all times of the year, not just one day in January. And when they do, it’s important that they reach out for support.

“Blue Monday sounds very negative, instead we’re celebrating Brew Monday and encouraging friends and family to check in with one another over a cuppa.

“Even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.”

• Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org

Bournemouth man David Haze is swapping paddle boarding for cycling this weekend.

The eight-time world record holder is riding 250 kilometres from Portsmouth to Paris on a Beryl bike.

He aims to raise at least £500 for the mental health charity, Dorset Mind.

The full-time adventurer, who’s better known for stand-up paddle boarding, says he hopes to also raise awareness of mental health support.

The success of a Christmas drink and drug drive campaign has been welcomed by Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.

Between Friday 1 December 2023 and Monday 1 January 2024, party-goers were encouraged to plan their journeys home.

During the campaign, Dorset Police arrested 113 people in connection with 127 suspected drink and drug driving offences.

Some drivers were arrested on suspicion of both drink and drug-related offences.

Of the 113 arrests, 71 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving, 53 people on suspicion of drug driving and three further arrests were made for failing to provide a sample for analysis.

The number of arrests was up compared to the same campaign period last year when 85 arrests were made.

A number of venues supported the force’s ‘Lift Legend’ campaign, rewarding designated drivers with free drinks as a ‘thank you’ for getting their friends and family members home safe.

Mr Sidwick, pictured, said he was pleased to see the increased operational activity during December.

He added: “Drink and drug driving kills, and while the vast majority of road users are responsible, it is important that those who choose to take the risk and get behind the wheel while under the influence are dealt with robustly.

“I want to be clear, there is no excuse for driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs and, as demonstrated in my Police and Crime Plan, I am in full support of officers who are relentless in their work to target those who make this dangerous choice, putting themselves and others at risk.”

A petition has been launched to save Bournemouth’s Kings Park Nursery.

BCP Council announced yesterday that the nursery is to close permanently due to budget cuts.

It’s been growing plants for Bournemouth’s parks and gardens since 1924 and also sells plants to the public.

The council says the closure was a difficult decision but it will save £85,000 in the next financial year.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, pictured, has now started the Save Kings Park Nursery petition.

He says that in a bid to reduce costs, BCP Council is wrongly turning its attention to leisure, cultural and community assets which bring joy to residents and support communities.

Dorset’s Diverse Abilities has come up with an answer to unwanted Christmas gifts.

The disability charity is repurposing them as raffle and auction lots for its fundraising events this year.

The Great Christmas Present Amnesty takes place throughout January.

Unwanted and new items can be donated including beauty products, shower gel sets, cookbooks, alcohol, food hampers and more.

The only exclusions are electrical products.

Francesca Potton, Community Fundraiser, said: “We’ve all received that one present from a distant relative that doesn’t know you all that well, or even received duplicates of the same thing because some people know you really well!

“These presents don’t need to linger in the back of the cupboard anymore as we will make good use of them throughout the year.”

Gifts can be dropped off at the Diverse Abilities Head Office, above Langside School, on weekdays between 10am and 3pm.

The school’s address is Langside School, Langside Avenue, Poole, BH12 5BN. On arrival use the doors for the main office – to the right of the main school doors.

In addition, presents can also be dropped off at G&T Cards in Broadstone, Ashley Road, Boscombe (Sovereign Centre) and Poole High Street or the Coach & Horses in Wimborne.

Alternatively, individuals, community groups, and businesses can host their own collections to be dropped off at the head office together.

Francesca added: “If you want to host your own collection, then we want to hear from you.

“We’ve got a helpful fundraising pack to support you along the way and explain how these contributions make a huge difference in our fundraising events.”

• https://diverseabilities.org.uk/presentamnesty

A Bournemouth advertising and marketing agency is under new ownership after a management buyout by its leadership team.

Walker Agency, which counts the national mapping agency Ordnance Survey among its clients, was founded by Martin Walker in 1993.

He remains on the Board as Founder but will take on a more strategic role while Matt Clarke takes over as MD.

The agency has been ranked among the Top 20 agencies outside London by Campaign Magazine.

It says it keeps clients for an average of 11 years, three times longer than other agencies.

Following the MBO, Zennen Thomas becomes Client Director and Paula Barclay Operations Director.

They join the agency’s senior management team of Steve Collins (Finance Director), Robin Upshon (Creative Director) and James Hickman (Strategy Director).

Castlepoint celebrated the end of its 20th anniversary year with a 46 per cent rise in December visitor numbers.

The footfall figures build on growth of 22 per cent in visitor numbers in November compared to the previous year.

The shopping centre’s first Christmas village, Festive Point, proved particularly successful.

The new feature is estimated to have attracted more than 16,000 people over the 18 days it was open.

Castlepoint provided more than £15,000 of support – both financial and in-kind – to community and charity causes during 2023 as part of its Project Positivity initiative.

They ranged from giving away weekly food shops and providing free IT support to building racking for food banks and litter picking and beach cleans.

Its aim was to deliver 20 acts of kindness in acknowledgement of Castlepoint’s 20 years.

The centre also underwent a full rebrand and welcomed a trio of new brands – Holland & Barrett, Hotel Chocolat and Nike.

Castlepoint Centre Manager, David Pickett, said: “Well what a year to look back on and it certainly has been a merry Christmas here at Castlepoint.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to provide a special festive experience for our shoppers and we are so glad to have been rewarded with extraordinary uplifts in visitor numbers as families come in their thousands.

“We are proud to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to making more improvements and enhancements in 2024, and hopefully launch some new stores too.

“With the sales period now in full swing, there are some amazing discounts available at our 40+ brands.”

Heavy rain is expected to cause major disruption to rail services this afternoon.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for severe weather across Dorset and Southern England.

It says between 20 and 30 millimetres of rain could fall – and perhaps as much as 50 millimetres.

South Western Railway has warned its services could be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Severe disruption is expected until the end of the day.

The Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning for heavy rain today, Thursday, across Southern England including Dorset.

It’s in force from midday to three o’clock tomorrow morning.

Forecasters say there is a chance of between 20 and 30 millimetres of rain falling – and perhaps as much as 50 millimetres.

They warn that there could be flooding, made worse by the current wet ground conditions, and travel disruption.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “The track of the heaviest rain remains uncertain but there is chance of 20 to 30 mm of rain falling in a 6 to 9 hour period for a portion of the warning area, with a few places seeing as much as 40-50 mm.

“Much of this rain is falling on already wet ground and therefore, impacts are more likely.”