Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

The painting Foam Horses by Lucy Kemp-Welch on show at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery has an interesting caption. The note next to the 1896 painting suggests that the three horses battling with sea waves was inspired by the sight of … Continue reading →

Wilts & Dorset buses has rebranded itself More although fewer buses are now operated. From this Sunday 4 January 2015 there will be no Sunday coastal bus services in Highcliffe, Barton-on-Sea or Milford-on-Sea. Also hit will be weekday afternoon buses, … Continue reading →

Sandbanks Ferry is suspended for its annual overhaul. The service is expected to return on Thursday 18 December.

There has been an unexpected cliff fall on the western side of Branksome Dene Chine. Part of a lawn dropped into the car park below. The grass belongs to a residence near to View Point House where Max Bygraves lived for … Continue reading →

A rare portrait of Florence Gibson who was brought up at Shelley Park by Sir Percy and Lady Shelley is to be auctioned at Bonham’s in London. It may have been painted at the house with the Boscombe sea view … Continue reading →

Sandbanks Ferry will cease operating for its annual refit on Tuesday 4 November. This is a day later than announced. Monday’s weather will not now be good enough for the vessel to be towed to Southampton.

Sandbanks Ferry will be out of action for most of November for its annual refit. The ferry will run during the weekend 1-2 November but from Monday 3 November there will be no service. Closure could last for six weeks. During … Continue reading →

The Planning Inspectorate held its main hearing for the Navitus Bay wind farm proposal at the BIC in Bournemouth yesterday (14 Oct). Most of those giving evidence were opposed to the scheme which would place the world’s largest wind farm … Continue reading →

Hordle Church was moved inland in 1829 ago but it seems that its graveyard containing the bodies of shipwrecked sailors may be reopened for new burials. This is because the All Saints graveyard in Hordle village is now full and may … Continue reading →

It is interesting to see which which pubs along the coast have made it into CAMRA’S Good Beer Guide 2015. At Swanage it is The Ship Inn, just back from the little seafront piazza with its fish shops. No more … Continue reading →