Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

As we approach the First World War anniversary Highcliffe Castle is staging an  exhibition reminding us that Gordon Selfridge escaped the fear of Zeppelins by moving his family to the Castle. Soon his wife Rosalie established an emergency convalescent camp for … Continue reading →

On Friday evening a small boat collided with Sandbanks Ferry with one of the two crew being swept under the chain ferry vessel. The small inflatable dinghy suffered an engine failure whilst in the path of the ferry. The person who … Continue reading →

UNESCO is opposing the plan for a wind farm off the Bournemouth coast. UNESCO’s scientific arm, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), says: “Any potential impacts from the Project on this natural property are in contradiction to the … Continue reading →

Lucy Clarke who writes in her family beach hut below Hengistbury Head has just had a second novel published. Sea Sisters is now followed by A Single Breath (HarperCollins £7.99). Sales last time reached more than 60,000 so there is … Continue reading →

Chris Packham was at Hengistbury Head just before Easter to officially open the visitor centre. It’s already been open for a little while in the winter but it was good to have the Springwatch presenter’s enthusiatic support for this important … Continue reading →

The Marine at Milford-on-Sea has opened the upstairs which it has renamed ‘Valentine’s’. It was the St Valentine’s Day storm which closed the cafe. Breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and an evening restaurant menu are now available. The ground floor … Continue reading →

Oswald Bailey outdoor shops which have been part of walkers lives for 108 years are closing. Closing down sales are being held this week at Winton and Parkstone. The business has been sold to Blacks Outdoors Group which includes Millets. The … Continue reading →

The main coast path route between Southbourne and Mudeford is now open for the summer. This is determined by Mudeford Ferry which operates daily during British Summer Time which has just started. The winter route is via Wick Ferry/Tuckton Bridge … Continue reading →

The Bournemouth Air Festival is enjoyed by many walkers either in Bournemouth or  from the cliffs in Purbeck or Highcliffe. The dates this year are Thursday 29 August to Sunday 31 August.

A plaque has been placed on the front of Clarks shoe shop in Lymington’s High Street recording that it was once home of Admiral Arthur Philip who was the first Governor of New South Wales and founder Sydney. Lymington Rotary … Continue reading →