Poole Park Railway is set to return next year following a lengthy tender process.
Late-night Christmas shoppers, residents and visitors to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to benefit from a whole range of festive travel offers over the next few weeks including free parking on selected days, discounted bus tickets and free bike rides.
Christmas is officially back in Bournemouth with the opening of Christmas Tree Wonderland today.
Love was in the air at the weekend as Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf played host to its first wedding couple on Saturday.
Two BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism students at Bournemouth University have been nominated in the Independent Radio News awards in association with Sky News.
A former SAS sergeant who was the youngest member of the elite regiment when he passed selection is going on ‘the world’s worst ever book signing tour’ to promote his debut novel
The Festival Coast Live! outdoor pop-up entertainment and activity programme kicks off this Saturday
Dorset Police has introduced a number of improvements to transform the way it responds to and supports victims of domestic abuse
James Blunt’s gig at the BIC has been rescheduled to July 22nd following the extension of the coronavirus restrictions
Highcliffe Castle is opening a new addition for visitors to experience this summer
Games, prizes, training and bike servicing will all be on offer at the BCP Seafront Rangers Cycle Awareness Day on Saturday 26 June at the Pier Approach, Bournemouth
Poole Housing Partnership is asking residents to choose a new street name for the twenty-two new homes which are due to be built on the former Cynthia House sheltered site in Parkstone
Cllr Rebecca Knox has been re-elected as Chair of the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority
Dorset Police is reminding drivers and passengers to belt up this month as officers continue to tackle seat belt offences throughout June as part of a national seat belt safety campaign.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is now recruiting for its upcoming Prince’s Trust Achieve programme.
Improvements to public realm and facilities have been unveiled at Shore Road with the creation of a plaza with new seating and improved signage.
A new beach office, watersports centre, and extended catering kiosk, along with modernised beach huts have refreshed the area.
Refurbished toilets, showers and a new family changing area mean that visitors will find all the facilities they need conveniently placed on arrival at this heart of this popular and iconic beach.
The area is softened by natural planting of coastal grasses and flowers in new beds at the entrance to the promenade and stone benches invite you to enjoy the view.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar said: “The improvements to the plaza here are fitting for such a great location, and we’re delighted to welcome a new watersports concession; Easy Riders for their first season in the brand-new facility. This project at Shore Road is just one of many improvements from our ongoing plan to ensure we continue to invest in our world-class seafront across the whole of the BCP Council area.”
Nikki Parker-Goadsby, Dorset Coast Forum said: “Dorset Coast Forum are delighted to have been involved in the community engagement and coordination of the Coastal Community Funding (CCF) for the public realm improvements at such a prestigious and popular location on the Dorset Coast.”
Andy Gratwick owner of Easy Riders said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to take on the new facility at Shore Road. Having taught watersports here since 1993 we know the environment and conditions well. We are looking forward to introducing more people into watersports safely and progressing the sports we offer making shore road one of the premier venues nationally for watersports.
Residents from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who look after or support a relative, friend or neighbour and are unpaid will be celebrated during Carers Week for the contribution they make to their community.
They will also be encouraged to reach out for support and advice.
The theme of this year’s campaign is to Make Caring Visible and Valued, raising awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face, and to encourage those who don’t think of themselves as carers to access much-needed support.
This year, carers are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support, and may have felt isolated.
Following the lifting of national restrictions, BCP Council will be working with partners to coordinate a local Carers Week of activities later in the summer, where there will be opportunities for carers to access a range of face-to-face support and social events.
Carers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can access a dedicated Carer Support Service called CRISP (Carers Resource Information Support Programme) which is free and available all year round to carers of all ages. The service provides ongoing support and information as well as offering access to a friendly community of other local unpaid carers. Carers can access all of this by emailing CRISP: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Support is also available for young carers aged under 18, who can contact BCP Council’s Early Help Team at ehap@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01202 262626.
Councillor Karen Rampton, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, BCP Council said: “Caring for a loved one can be very isolating and lonely at times, so it is important that carers are recognised for the important help they are providing, and given access to information, help and support during this challenging time. I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have been providing care and support to loved ones throughout the last year of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for their commitment and dedication – your efforts have helped us immeasurably in responding to the Covid crisis.
“We are looking forward to being able to offer a wider range of activities later this summer to thank all our carers for the wonderful contribution they have made their community, especially during the Covid-19 crisis.”
A local carer said: “I often feel overwhelmed and isolated especially during the lockdowns. The CRISP group helps to remind me that many other carers are in the same position.
“The zoom meetings have been a really enjoyable way to have some special time to relax and think of other things. The positive side of being able to try new experiences in the comfort and privacy of your own home is an added bonus.
“Thank you all for putting together such a diverse menu of activities.”
Further information on help and services for carers can be found on the BCP Council website.
Two new routes from Bournemouth have been launched by easyJet to Belfast and Edinburgh.
BCP Council has been awarded funding of £1 million by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a programme of activities with local providers to children aged 5 to 16.
Those in receipt of benefits-related free school meals during the school holidays are welcome to apply.
The scheme was successfully trialed over the Easter Holidays when 3,382 activity and food places were funded across 15 different providers, reaching approximately 1,000 local children.
Following the success of the pilot scheme over Easter, BCP Council is now seeking a diverse range of food and activity providers for the scheme roll out over the summer.
The groups and activities that took place received great feedback from the children who took part, their families and activities providers. Easter holiday activities included: mountain biking, dance classes, trips out to the beach, den making, archery, football, yoga, gardening, tag rugby, dodgeball, arts and crafts, circus skills and more.
Councillor Mike White, Portfolio holder for Children and Young people at BCP Council said: “School holidays can be difficult for many families with increased costs for food and childcare, particularly this year with the impact of COVID-19 on family resources. We all want our children to return to school physically and mentally ready for the term ahead and it is important for children and young people to engage in activities, keep healthy and stay connected.
“We are pleased to have secured funding and look forward to working with local providers to be able to address this issue and provide consistent and easily accessible sessions that include activities and a meal for local children to enjoy and help support families.”
More information on the Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) can be found online here.