Fatal stabbings, sex games gone wrong, citizens involved with armed robbery and pot-smoking students. These are the stories hitting the local headlines in Bournemouth. They may even be similar to the archetypal reports across the rest of the nation. That is, except for one important exception. These are all close to home.
This isn't post-modern revelling in Bournemouth's murky underworld nor a puritanical critique. This is just life and the current state of affairs in a town beset by scandal, intrigue and circulating rumours.
After an initial ban on releasing details of the deceased in the ongoing Moordown stabbing case, the Daily Echo appealed to the courts and more information has been released.
Mahmud Ibrahim Bakir, a 28-year-old man from Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, near the scene of the crime, has been charged with the murder of 20-year-old Kewen Khorsheed in the early hours of the fateful morning of Thursday 27 January.
Along with three other men, Bakir will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 7 February.
Bournmouth man Anthony Bado was involved in a criminal gang responsible for the theft of watches and jewellery worth more than £3.5 million. The spate of robberies, mainly across southern England, led to Bado of St. Clements, Boscombe, being jailed for 12 years.
Meanwhile, another murder case filling column inches has been that of Julie Bywater, 32, last May. She was allegedly strangled by ex-boyfriend Alan Pickersgill, 37, a trainee masseur who had become obsessed with Ms Bywater after their brief relationship fizzled out.
Pickersgill, of Southbourne, Bournemouth, had invited Bywater to his flat where the incident took place. He claims the murder was a result of a 'sex game gone wrong', a strangulation intended to generate erotic pleasure at the point of asphyixiation rather than a cold, brutal murder by an obsessive, as portrayed by Anthony Donne QC, prosecuting.
As that case continues, Bournemouth residents have also been regailed with accounts of the explusion of 'a number of students' from the Bishop of Winchester school in Mallard Road, Bournemouth.
The familiar cause of their exclusion-hash, blow, pot, weed, cannabis, green, the herb. Although the school was not prepared to expand on the exact reasons for their actions or the number of pupils permanently excluded, Principal Paul McKeown said: “The academy is determined to demonstrate zero tolerance towards behaviour that threatens children’s safety.
“As a consequence, it is with regret that a small number of students involved in this isolated incident will be permanently excluded,” he told the Echo.
These are the narratives of modern-day Bournemouth. From the bunga-bunga parties of sleepy Winton back streets to the drink and drug induced haze of Charminster Road, the local media has had much to ponder in the trickle of newsworthiness to emerge recently. This is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. This is Vice City. Keep looking.
Showing posts with label daily echo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily echo. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Build It And They Will Come? Another Tesco Prepares to Open in Bournemouth
Although the title header, "build it and they will come" is probably a tenet unlikely to hold much sway in the business world, it is one pertinent in relation to the forthcoming opening of a new Tesco Metro store in Bournemouth.
The line is a poignant paraphrase from the 1989 film Field of Dreams, a sports fantasy based on the tale of a man who builds a baseball field for ghosts. After a year has passed by, the spectres eventally begin to make use of the facility.
One suspects that it will not take as long for the residents of Bournemouth to visit the new Tesco store, located in the prominent unit off the Square that was previously occupied by the now defunct UK arm of the Borders bookstore chain.
When a Tesco store opens, people soon follow with £3.2bn pre-tax profits from the past financial year testament to the supermarket's ongoing success despite the effects of a recession.
Their newest addition to Bournemouth, a medium-sized Metro version, will open on Monday 17 January at 8am following reports that 791 people had applied for the 85 jobs available.
Naturally, president of Bournemouth Chanber of Trade and Commerce, Nigel Hedges, is happy that unit is now occupied with the fresh employment opportunities that the opening will bring to the town.
He told Bournemouth's Daily Echo, "It’s a big store to fill and it needed to be filled. It’s creating employment and getting the lights on in a prime unit."
Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs has been garnering online opinion from residents about the opening. Comments on the Echo website have highlighted how divided the local populous are on the issue.
Those in favour of the opening include 'Tamrin' who announced their recent successful application to join the supermarket giant.
The poster in question said, "I am one of the lucky people who got a job at Tesco ,only part time (17hrs) mind you but i can't wait until the overtime kicks in and i can say goodbye to the job centre and its arrogant staff." (sic)
This particular user is obviously delighted at finding employment following a period without a job and went further in praising the opportunity that the new role could bring by adding, "its all about getting your foot in the door and playing your cards right once your in!"
There are others who share 'Tamrin's' sentiments, welcoming the economic benefits to the town centre. Undoubtledly, the creation of 85 new jobs is a fillip besides the occupation of the redundant former Borders unit.
Meanwhile, various other posters have criticised the supposed lack of neccessity for another Tesco in the town, especially given the close proximity of one of the chain's Express stores, less than a mile away in the Triangle.
'Markmag' commented, "They won't close the Triangle - Tesco don't close stores. What it does mean is you'll have the choice to buy at the triangle at Express prices or at the Square at Metro prices."
With regards to Tesco's policy on opening new stores, no matter how close they are to others, this particular poster alluded to an issue where Tesco have publicly rebuffed criticism.
Addressing points made to the chain by the Competition Commission, in one instance by the Scottish Grocers' Federation, Tesco denied having a policy to deliberately build stores near to existing stores.
The response reads: "In some cases we do operate stores in close proximity, in densely populated areas where a single store would suffer from over-crowding and congestion that customers do not like. We only open stores where we can identify customer demand and we work with the grain of the planning regime to meet local needs."
'CrashTest1976' makes the point that "The store creates 85 much needed jobs for the people of Bournemouth. Quit your whining about prices and recognise that 85 Bournemouth families will now have an income they didn't have before!" however perhaps this poster, whilst recognising the social and financial benefits of employment, fails to recognise the worrying continuing trend of low-paid service based work in the town.
This is an issue not limited to Bournemouth. Even by the Council's admission in a recent study of the local labour market, Bournemouth's economy centres on a "significant number of service based jobs (particularly) in the leisure and tourism industry, which tend, to be lower paid," with 91.4% of jobs in the service sector.
Closely following the opening of another retail giant in the town centre, namely the feted introduction of a Primark store in November, Tesco's new Bourne Avenue site is another example of the service sector offering its wares in the age of austerity.
It would be foolish to write-off the new store given the success of the chain's aggressive expansion policy thus far. After all, rightly or wrongly, Tesco may be the only viable option in depressed economic conditons where independent stores had already previously struggled to compete.
The line is a poignant paraphrase from the 1989 film Field of Dreams, a sports fantasy based on the tale of a man who builds a baseball field for ghosts. After a year has passed by, the spectres eventally begin to make use of the facility.
One suspects that it will not take as long for the residents of Bournemouth to visit the new Tesco store, located in the prominent unit off the Square that was previously occupied by the now defunct UK arm of the Borders bookstore chain.
When a Tesco store opens, people soon follow with £3.2bn pre-tax profits from the past financial year testament to the supermarket's ongoing success despite the effects of a recession.
Their newest addition to Bournemouth, a medium-sized Metro version, will open on Monday 17 January at 8am following reports that 791 people had applied for the 85 jobs available.
Naturally, president of Bournemouth Chanber of Trade and Commerce, Nigel Hedges, is happy that unit is now occupied with the fresh employment opportunities that the opening will bring to the town.
He told Bournemouth's Daily Echo, "It’s a big store to fill and it needed to be filled. It’s creating employment and getting the lights on in a prime unit."
Arm Chairs & Deck Chairs has been garnering online opinion from residents about the opening. Comments on the Echo website have highlighted how divided the local populous are on the issue.
Those in favour of the opening include 'Tamrin' who announced their recent successful application to join the supermarket giant.
The poster in question said, "I am one of the lucky people who got a job at Tesco ,only part time (17hrs) mind you but i can't wait until the overtime kicks in and i can say goodbye to the job centre and its arrogant staff." (sic)
This particular user is obviously delighted at finding employment following a period without a job and went further in praising the opportunity that the new role could bring by adding, "its all about getting your foot in the door and playing your cards right once your in!"
There are others who share 'Tamrin's' sentiments, welcoming the economic benefits to the town centre. Undoubtledly, the creation of 85 new jobs is a fillip besides the occupation of the redundant former Borders unit.
Meanwhile, various other posters have criticised the supposed lack of neccessity for another Tesco in the town, especially given the close proximity of one of the chain's Express stores, less than a mile away in the Triangle.
'Markmag' commented, "They won't close the Triangle - Tesco don't close stores. What it does mean is you'll have the choice to buy at the triangle at Express prices or at the Square at Metro prices."
With regards to Tesco's policy on opening new stores, no matter how close they are to others, this particular poster alluded to an issue where Tesco have publicly rebuffed criticism.
Addressing points made to the chain by the Competition Commission, in one instance by the Scottish Grocers' Federation, Tesco denied having a policy to deliberately build stores near to existing stores.
The response reads: "In some cases we do operate stores in close proximity, in densely populated areas where a single store would suffer from over-crowding and congestion that customers do not like. We only open stores where we can identify customer demand and we work with the grain of the planning regime to meet local needs."
'CrashTest1976' makes the point that "The store creates 85 much needed jobs for the people of Bournemouth. Quit your whining about prices and recognise that 85 Bournemouth families will now have an income they didn't have before!" however perhaps this poster, whilst recognising the social and financial benefits of employment, fails to recognise the worrying continuing trend of low-paid service based work in the town.
This is an issue not limited to Bournemouth. Even by the Council's admission in a recent study of the local labour market, Bournemouth's economy centres on a "significant number of service based jobs (particularly) in the leisure and tourism industry, which tend, to be lower paid," with 91.4% of jobs in the service sector.
Closely following the opening of another retail giant in the town centre, namely the feted introduction of a Primark store in November, Tesco's new Bourne Avenue site is another example of the service sector offering its wares in the age of austerity.
It would be foolish to write-off the new store given the success of the chain's aggressive expansion policy thus far. After all, rightly or wrongly, Tesco may be the only viable option in depressed economic conditons where independent stores had already previously struggled to compete.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Residents Sick of Surf Reef Squabbles
As a key component of Bournemouth Borough Council's strategy to revitalise Boscombe, the controversial surf reef has thus far largely proved to be divisive.
The construction of Europe's largest artificial surf reef aimed to attract a more bohemian class of visitor to an area synonymous with deprivation. Instead, it has quickly become a symbol of resentment for many residents.
Those who have always been opposed to the reef are now allied with an increasing number angry at its failure to deliver on its promise. In addition, dissenters are annoyed at the significant amount of public money used to fund a project where costs have already doubled to £3 million.
Yet again the reef is making headlines with a very public spat between Councillor David Charon and Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger West dominating the front pages of the Daily Echo.
The Conservative Leader of the Council, Councillor Charon, has attacked Councillor West for his intervention in a deal between council bosses and the firm charged with creating the reef, New Zealand based ASR.
Cllr West and a colleague have challenged a decision made by the cabinet to meet with ASR to discuss a "£55,000 up- front payment, with another £95,000 if they could sort it out", relating to teething problems with the reef.
These were highlighted during the summer by a damning report given by Plymouth University which described the reef as "sub-standard" and "only met four of its 11 objectives."
Ultimately, Cllr West's move was predicated by his dissatisfaction that there was no mention of a safety aspect in the cabinet report relating to construction flaws. The Councillor is also concerned that the initial refinement plan will not address these issues.
Are the Con/Lib differences symbiotic of the schisms that have recently been revealed within the ruling coalition Government?
What is certain is that the residents of Bournemouth, much to their chagrin in a supposed 'age of austerity', have to further subsidise an over-budget project in serious danger of becoming a proverbial white elephant.
Cllr West is right to intervene if genuine concerns about safety remain and if, as he says, he is acting “in the interest of Bournemouth’s economy and tourism" and not merely in the spirit of political opportunism as his accuser has suggested.
Decisive action is called for with all stakeholders expecting positive answers and action from ASR. Public in-fighting is counterproductive with the successful completion and implementation of the reef a priority, not tiresome politicking to an already apathetic public.
The construction of Europe's largest artificial surf reef aimed to attract a more bohemian class of visitor to an area synonymous with deprivation. Instead, it has quickly become a symbol of resentment for many residents.
Those who have always been opposed to the reef are now allied with an increasing number angry at its failure to deliver on its promise. In addition, dissenters are annoyed at the significant amount of public money used to fund a project where costs have already doubled to £3 million.
Yet again the reef is making headlines with a very public spat between Councillor David Charon and Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger West dominating the front pages of the Daily Echo.
The Conservative Leader of the Council, Councillor Charon, has attacked Councillor West for his intervention in a deal between council bosses and the firm charged with creating the reef, New Zealand based ASR.
Cllr West and a colleague have challenged a decision made by the cabinet to meet with ASR to discuss a "£55,000 up- front payment, with another £95,000 if they could sort it out", relating to teething problems with the reef.
These were highlighted during the summer by a damning report given by Plymouth University which described the reef as "sub-standard" and "only met four of its 11 objectives."
Ultimately, Cllr West's move was predicated by his dissatisfaction that there was no mention of a safety aspect in the cabinet report relating to construction flaws. The Councillor is also concerned that the initial refinement plan will not address these issues.
Are the Con/Lib differences symbiotic of the schisms that have recently been revealed within the ruling coalition Government?
What is certain is that the residents of Bournemouth, much to their chagrin in a supposed 'age of austerity', have to further subsidise an over-budget project in serious danger of becoming a proverbial white elephant.
Cllr West is right to intervene if genuine concerns about safety remain and if, as he says, he is acting “in the interest of Bournemouth’s economy and tourism" and not merely in the spirit of political opportunism as his accuser has suggested.
Decisive action is called for with all stakeholders expecting positive answers and action from ASR. Public in-fighting is counterproductive with the successful completion and implementation of the reef a priority, not tiresome politicking to an already apathetic public.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
The Potential Decline of Bournemouth's Alcohol Based Economy
Bournemouth's image changed dramatically throughout the noughties. Once supposedly the favoured retreat of the 'blue rinse brigade', a term used to describe right-leaning pensioners, the seaside town has become synoymous with groups of raucous stag and hen parties in search of a vibrant club scene.
Partying is big business in Bournemouth however the landscape of its lauded night-time economy could be about to change dramatically after an announcement that stated local councils could be about to receive extra powers to deal with the excesses of the demon drink.
The perception of Bournemouth as a south-coast party hub has only been accentuated in recent years by the passing of infamous drinking legislation by the previous Government in 2003.
The 24-hour drinking laws aimed at creating a continental style cafe culture. The ability for pubs and clubs to stagger closing times purported to decrease levels of street violence in towns and cities, allegedly caused as trouble brewed within the throng of people leaving licensed premises at a standardised hour.
Critics, including the new coalition Government, have decried the rise in binge drinking and anti-social behaviour attributed in part to the aforementioned, with a review promised following their election in May.
One of the strictest sanctions that could be made available is the power for local councils to 'impose a blanket ban on specific areas, in which all premises will be barred from selling alcohol between midnight and 6am.'
Another alternative would be to force those premises who choose to open later to pay a levy towards extra policing and the subsequent clean-up operation, believed to be 'up to £4,480 and could generate between £9m and £15m nationally.'
No doubt there will be a polarisation of opinion on the merits of these new powers, should they materialise.
Bournemouth residents have often chided the ill effects of the night-time economy as the town centre, particularly its party strip on Old Christchurch Road, has at times resembled a war zone. Regularly, as those who pass through early on Saturday and Sunday mornings will attest, it is akin to a rubbish dump.
Another common source of debate in relation to the clean-up operation centres on who is to blame for the mess with outside visitors often derided. This, however, misses the point and is ultimately a futile line of inquiry, despite a recent Daily Echo poll favouring a ban on stag and hen parties in the town.
There is most definitely a national, as well as local need, to challenge the downside of excessive alcohol consumption. After all, according to estimates from 2002, Britons spent £17 billion a year on alcohol, figures based on information available nearly a decade ago, no doubt with a continuing trend.
The question is, from these bile filled heady days to arguably draconian measures, how far will the pendulum swing and how successful can these planned powers possibly hope to be?
It is not merely pubs and clubs that may suffer should any limit to their opening hours be imposed or if they refuse to pay for keeping the party alive into the small hours.
Restaurants, hotels and shops also depend on the knock-on effect of Bournemouth's hedonistic lustre and should barflies, both local and from further afield, feel the town has lost its edge, it could mean even harder times ahead for a hospitality trade already fighting the fall-out from a crippling recession.
It is worth remembering that the seeds have already been sown for a potential decline in the fortunes of Bournemouth's evening entertainments. Former nightclub tycoon, Richard Carr, saw his empire dismantled in 2008 following a spate of expensive acquisitions that failed to make significant enough returns.
Ultimately, in maintaining the economic benefits to the town of a strong night-time economy and managing anti-social behaviour, efforts to curb any disturbance caused will have to strike a fine balance.
Ruling that convenience stores may not be able to sell alcohol after midnight should not have too much of a detrimental effect. Meanwhile, restricting licenced premises to certain opening hours will only serve to ensure larger groups of intoxicated partygoers will be heading home at the same time, with the potential for trouble as they leave town or scramble to the nearest venue still open.
With the Government's insistence that the private sector should be the driver for economic revival, local pubs and clubs may have to accept any extra charges levied to clean up their act, even if there are protestations and accusations that the exercise merely amounts to the Council lining their coffers.
Indeed, it is the responsibility of local government to act too. The Bournemouth Quality Nights (BQN) Initiative is one of the Council's key projects. Two of its tenets are particularly poignant in maintaining the strength of this vital cog in the economic lifeblood of the town.
Under the sub-heading of 'Exciting', the vision statement reads that the Council maintain a desire for 'A vibrant and varied choice of high quality entertainment (which) should be one of Bournemouth’s defining characteristics.'
Fair enough. The article goes on to state that Bournemouth must be market leading and that 'A key aim of the Bournemouth Community Plan is to create a World Class Resort. To achieve this the night-time economy must be at the forefront of new initiatives to improve customer service, choice and safety.'
Again, the lure of an attractive night-time offering is paramount to the future economic success of the town. Naturally, it will be more difficult to adhere to this outlined vision should pubs and clubs object to any levy.
Besides, there is also the complexity of creating appealing alternatives as any other activities are unlikely to generate as much money as our drink dependency.
One aspect of the Town Vision document focuses on plans to develop the site of the iconic Winter Gardens. This includes proposals designed to detach the local populous from viewing an evening of inebriated bonhomie as the sole way to enjoy a night out on the town.
The details outlined include a new 'leisure, hotel and residential complex including cinemas, shops, parking and landscaped areas. The move would bring an estimated £60million of inward investment to the town centre'.
The plans, however, if and when they come to fruition, are a strictly medium to long-term project with the developer given until 1st March 2012 to obtain planning permission with the possibility that the project would not near completion until years later.
With regards to proposed levies, whether any such charges would be the proverbial 'nail in the coffin' remains to be seen. One thing is certain; altering the local and national psyche will not be achieved by levies, taxes and regressive laws. Like the alcoholic in search of an epiphany, any change will be much harder to engineer.
The dual aim of discouraging binge drinking whilst providing alternative forms of recreation, remains for the time being at least, merely a pipedream. The short-term future for the night-time economy needs to be secured before any foregrounded ambitions can be realised.
Partying is big business in Bournemouth however the landscape of its lauded night-time economy could be about to change dramatically after an announcement that stated local councils could be about to receive extra powers to deal with the excesses of the demon drink.
The perception of Bournemouth as a south-coast party hub has only been accentuated in recent years by the passing of infamous drinking legislation by the previous Government in 2003.
The 24-hour drinking laws aimed at creating a continental style cafe culture. The ability for pubs and clubs to stagger closing times purported to decrease levels of street violence in towns and cities, allegedly caused as trouble brewed within the throng of people leaving licensed premises at a standardised hour.
Critics, including the new coalition Government, have decried the rise in binge drinking and anti-social behaviour attributed in part to the aforementioned, with a review promised following their election in May.
One of the strictest sanctions that could be made available is the power for local councils to 'impose a blanket ban on specific areas, in which all premises will be barred from selling alcohol between midnight and 6am.'
Another alternative would be to force those premises who choose to open later to pay a levy towards extra policing and the subsequent clean-up operation, believed to be 'up to £4,480 and could generate between £9m and £15m nationally.'
No doubt there will be a polarisation of opinion on the merits of these new powers, should they materialise.
Bournemouth residents have often chided the ill effects of the night-time economy as the town centre, particularly its party strip on Old Christchurch Road, has at times resembled a war zone. Regularly, as those who pass through early on Saturday and Sunday mornings will attest, it is akin to a rubbish dump.
Another common source of debate in relation to the clean-up operation centres on who is to blame for the mess with outside visitors often derided. This, however, misses the point and is ultimately a futile line of inquiry, despite a recent Daily Echo poll favouring a ban on stag and hen parties in the town.
There is most definitely a national, as well as local need, to challenge the downside of excessive alcohol consumption. After all, according to estimates from 2002, Britons spent £17 billion a year on alcohol, figures based on information available nearly a decade ago, no doubt with a continuing trend.
The question is, from these bile filled heady days to arguably draconian measures, how far will the pendulum swing and how successful can these planned powers possibly hope to be?
It is not merely pubs and clubs that may suffer should any limit to their opening hours be imposed or if they refuse to pay for keeping the party alive into the small hours.
Restaurants, hotels and shops also depend on the knock-on effect of Bournemouth's hedonistic lustre and should barflies, both local and from further afield, feel the town has lost its edge, it could mean even harder times ahead for a hospitality trade already fighting the fall-out from a crippling recession.
It is worth remembering that the seeds have already been sown for a potential decline in the fortunes of Bournemouth's evening entertainments. Former nightclub tycoon, Richard Carr, saw his empire dismantled in 2008 following a spate of expensive acquisitions that failed to make significant enough returns.
Ultimately, in maintaining the economic benefits to the town of a strong night-time economy and managing anti-social behaviour, efforts to curb any disturbance caused will have to strike a fine balance.
Ruling that convenience stores may not be able to sell alcohol after midnight should not have too much of a detrimental effect. Meanwhile, restricting licenced premises to certain opening hours will only serve to ensure larger groups of intoxicated partygoers will be heading home at the same time, with the potential for trouble as they leave town or scramble to the nearest venue still open.
With the Government's insistence that the private sector should be the driver for economic revival, local pubs and clubs may have to accept any extra charges levied to clean up their act, even if there are protestations and accusations that the exercise merely amounts to the Council lining their coffers.
Indeed, it is the responsibility of local government to act too. The Bournemouth Quality Nights (BQN) Initiative is one of the Council's key projects. Two of its tenets are particularly poignant in maintaining the strength of this vital cog in the economic lifeblood of the town.
Under the sub-heading of 'Exciting', the vision statement reads that the Council maintain a desire for 'A vibrant and varied choice of high quality entertainment (which) should be one of Bournemouth’s defining characteristics.'
Fair enough. The article goes on to state that Bournemouth must be market leading and that 'A key aim of the Bournemouth Community Plan is to create a World Class Resort. To achieve this the night-time economy must be at the forefront of new initiatives to improve customer service, choice and safety.'
Again, the lure of an attractive night-time offering is paramount to the future economic success of the town. Naturally, it will be more difficult to adhere to this outlined vision should pubs and clubs object to any levy.
Besides, there is also the complexity of creating appealing alternatives as any other activities are unlikely to generate as much money as our drink dependency.
One aspect of the Town Vision document focuses on plans to develop the site of the iconic Winter Gardens. This includes proposals designed to detach the local populous from viewing an evening of inebriated bonhomie as the sole way to enjoy a night out on the town.
The details outlined include a new 'leisure, hotel and residential complex including cinemas, shops, parking and landscaped areas. The move would bring an estimated £60million of inward investment to the town centre'.
The plans, however, if and when they come to fruition, are a strictly medium to long-term project with the developer given until 1st March 2012 to obtain planning permission with the possibility that the project would not near completion until years later.
With regards to proposed levies, whether any such charges would be the proverbial 'nail in the coffin' remains to be seen. One thing is certain; altering the local and national psyche will not be achieved by levies, taxes and regressive laws. Like the alcoholic in search of an epiphany, any change will be much harder to engineer.
The dual aim of discouraging binge drinking whilst providing alternative forms of recreation, remains for the time being at least, merely a pipedream. The short-term future for the night-time economy needs to be secured before any foregrounded ambitions can be realised.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Pudsey Bear and the Peculiarities of Local News
There is no doubt that the way we consume news has transformed the media landscape, even at a local level.
Improvements in access to news and journalism mean that even the more obscure stories, often overlooked when browsing through the print version of a favoured publication, can achieve a high-ranking status owing to their popularity online.
As web news channels rank their stories in terms of most read and popularity, nuggets of news gold are unearthed as they rise to prominence.
As Bournemouth's Daily Echo launches an internet research project to gauge how users view content online, the peculiar story of how a famous fundraising mascot 'nearly caused a riot' at a local school finds itself top of the charts as residents revel in its newsworthy peculiarity.
Cue my own surprise whilst reading the headline 'Children in Need fundraiser cancelled after Pudsey sparks near riot' as I trawled through the daily digest sent to my email inbox.
Pudsey Bear, the furry face of the Children in Need telethon was due to appear at Ashdown Technology College, Canford Heath however his suprise appearance resulted in hundereds of children stampeding to greet his arrival and that of a local TV crew by helicopter on the school field.
As a result, the decision was taken to halt proceedings and a planned non-uniform day was scrapped as punishment and rescheduled.
Despite the relatively comical nature of the piece, it is perhaps a sad indictment that the paper's headline story, 'Help David, 5, make the most of his last weeks of life' was relegated to the number five slot on the most-read list.
Contrast this with High Wycombe's Bucks Free Press and it's stories of the day, the most obscure relating to the planned entrace by Father Christmas by air ambulance having to be toned down to the slightly less glamorous arrival by fire engine after an emergency call-out for the Thames Valley and Chiltern helicopter. Presumably, his reindeer were unavailable.
This gem has only managed to rank number eight in the most-read standings as the more sobering 'Fire at student halls' and 'Linford Christie unable to attend Wycombe court appearance' hold sway. Viva the (social media) revolution.
Improvements in access to news and journalism mean that even the more obscure stories, often overlooked when browsing through the print version of a favoured publication, can achieve a high-ranking status owing to their popularity online.
As web news channels rank their stories in terms of most read and popularity, nuggets of news gold are unearthed as they rise to prominence.
As Bournemouth's Daily Echo launches an internet research project to gauge how users view content online, the peculiar story of how a famous fundraising mascot 'nearly caused a riot' at a local school finds itself top of the charts as residents revel in its newsworthy peculiarity.
Cue my own surprise whilst reading the headline 'Children in Need fundraiser cancelled after Pudsey sparks near riot' as I trawled through the daily digest sent to my email inbox.
Pudsey Bear, the furry face of the Children in Need telethon was due to appear at Ashdown Technology College, Canford Heath however his suprise appearance resulted in hundereds of children stampeding to greet his arrival and that of a local TV crew by helicopter on the school field.
As a result, the decision was taken to halt proceedings and a planned non-uniform day was scrapped as punishment and rescheduled.
Despite the relatively comical nature of the piece, it is perhaps a sad indictment that the paper's headline story, 'Help David, 5, make the most of his last weeks of life' was relegated to the number five slot on the most-read list.
Contrast this with High Wycombe's Bucks Free Press and it's stories of the day, the most obscure relating to the planned entrace by Father Christmas by air ambulance having to be toned down to the slightly less glamorous arrival by fire engine after an emergency call-out for the Thames Valley and Chiltern helicopter. Presumably, his reindeer were unavailable.
This gem has only managed to rank number eight in the most-read standings as the more sobering 'Fire at student halls' and 'Linford Christie unable to attend Wycombe court appearance' hold sway. Viva the (social media) revolution.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
A Very British Rebellion?
Hats off to the Recessionairs for taking on those ghastly banks. A very British rebellion against corporate greed has taken place in Westbourne, Bournemouth this past weekend.
As reported through the Daily Echo, a group calling themselves the 'Recessionairs' bricked up the entrance to a branch of Barclays bank in the seaside suburb in protest against the whole banking network's refusal to loan money to small businesses, calling in overdrafts and paying punitive interest rates on savings while charging higher rates on loans.
Property developer, Cameron Hope, 59, organised the protest along with fellow developer, Charlie Townsend, 49, from Poole. Friend Les Dawson, 66, is the other member of the rebellious triumvirate.
Dawson's comments strike at the heart of the nature of the trio's expression of anger.
“Somebody’s got to say something. We’re all too apathetic in this country; we need to be a bit more like France.
“We’re not here for a jape, we’re here to bring a serious problem to people’s attention.”
Shortly after the bricks were put up, two police officers arrived to ask the men to remove their protest though not before a photo opportunity with the local press.
As Dawson points out, this kind of direct action is usually anathema to the majority of Britons who still regard the stiff upper-lip as the dignified way of dealing with problems.
When it comes to the subject of banks and bosses' pay though, even the rage of a middle England normally full of hot-air and bravado is being translated into concerted action.
Whether you agree with the views of a few property developers obviously out to make a quick buck themselves, the feelings evident are clear. The British Bankers' Association stressed that "The UK’s banks have established a taskforce to report to the government on exactly this issue – addressing how banks can further help small businesses through the recovery."
For the time being at least, this might not be enough. People want decisive action, not more bluster.
As reported through the Daily Echo, a group calling themselves the 'Recessionairs' bricked up the entrance to a branch of Barclays bank in the seaside suburb in protest against the whole banking network's refusal to loan money to small businesses, calling in overdrafts and paying punitive interest rates on savings while charging higher rates on loans.
Property developer, Cameron Hope, 59, organised the protest along with fellow developer, Charlie Townsend, 49, from Poole. Friend Les Dawson, 66, is the other member of the rebellious triumvirate.
Dawson's comments strike at the heart of the nature of the trio's expression of anger.
“Somebody’s got to say something. We’re all too apathetic in this country; we need to be a bit more like France.
“We’re not here for a jape, we’re here to bring a serious problem to people’s attention.”
Shortly after the bricks were put up, two police officers arrived to ask the men to remove their protest though not before a photo opportunity with the local press.
As Dawson points out, this kind of direct action is usually anathema to the majority of Britons who still regard the stiff upper-lip as the dignified way of dealing with problems.
When it comes to the subject of banks and bosses' pay though, even the rage of a middle England normally full of hot-air and bravado is being translated into concerted action.
Whether you agree with the views of a few property developers obviously out to make a quick buck themselves, the feelings evident are clear. The British Bankers' Association stressed that "The UK’s banks have established a taskforce to report to the government on exactly this issue – addressing how banks can further help small businesses through the recovery."
For the time being at least, this might not be enough. People want decisive action, not more bluster.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Dirty, Stinking Bournemouth
It's the Council, the pubs, the clubs, the take-aways, the cheap booze, those lascivious hens, those haughty stags. Everyone's pointing the finger of blame at all and sundry apart from themselves when it comes to the subject of Bournemouth's messy streets following another hedonistic weekend on the south coast.
Council cabinet member David Smith has made his feelings known on the state of Bournemouth's streets followings evenings of revelry, describing them as resembling a "pigsty".
He told a meeting: “You’d be appalled if you saw Bournemouth every morning; we have to go out and pick up the litter left behind by the night-time economy.”
Disgraced former Leader of the Council and porn aficionado Stephen MacLoughlin ironically added that the town had lost its once sterling reputation.
He told the Daily Echo that "people are not proud of Bournemouth anymore", a comment that has been pounced upon by the baying masses of Echo internet respondents still seething from the fall-out following 'Porngate'.
No doubt most of those slighted by MacLoughlin would probably never admit to having a quick look at the errant copy of Nuts magazine accidently moved to the classic car section of Sainsbury's.
So, where does the blame lie? The obvious answer is we must share the responsibility of keeping our town clean and act collectively. It might also help if we were to be empowered by local and central government to enact appropriate rule changes to curb the nasty side of effects of 24-hour drinking legislation.
Fines for the mindless act of inebriated littering would no doubt be difficult to enforce, especially with limited police manpower to target isolated offenders in the throng of a Saturday night.
Ensuring clubs have the power (and also the inclination) to have a sensible last entry time could be one positive step forward.
I'm a man about town so I don't wish to sound too reactionary at the risk of being hypocritical. I've stumbled into night clubs at 5am to get that one last drink. But even I am wondering if that's such a good thing and whether I'd really miss that kind of 'luxury', In the past, I think my brain and liver have asked the same question too with a similar outcome.
That fine bastion of corporate responsibility, McDonald's, has been sounded out as an example to follow. The 'McDonald's Solution', as I like to call it, refers to the Bournemouth town centre branch and its approach to littering outside its frontage. If it's in their vicinity, provided it doesn't cross the force field across the road to Roddis House, their workers will clean it up.
But why should Dallas Chicken clean up mess brought along by Joe Benson or Sharon Hedges if they've accumulated polystyrene containers from Hot Diggidy Dog and carelessly dropped them on the street corner?
The answer: because we're all in this together. Until all parties responsible muster the collective spirit of common sense and civic togetherness, we're all going to suffer the wider repercussions that local and national legislation have wrought. Combined with increasing mind-numbing idiocy and abandon of personal responsibility for our actions, the consequences of failing to face up to this and other problems affecting our town will only lead to further decline.
Just put the damn chip packet in the bin, eh? That is, if you can find one.
Council cabinet member David Smith has made his feelings known on the state of Bournemouth's streets followings evenings of revelry, describing them as resembling a "pigsty".
He told a meeting: “You’d be appalled if you saw Bournemouth every morning; we have to go out and pick up the litter left behind by the night-time economy.”
Disgraced former Leader of the Council and porn aficionado Stephen MacLoughlin ironically added that the town had lost its once sterling reputation.
He told the Daily Echo that "people are not proud of Bournemouth anymore", a comment that has been pounced upon by the baying masses of Echo internet respondents still seething from the fall-out following 'Porngate'.
No doubt most of those slighted by MacLoughlin would probably never admit to having a quick look at the errant copy of Nuts magazine accidently moved to the classic car section of Sainsbury's.
So, where does the blame lie? The obvious answer is we must share the responsibility of keeping our town clean and act collectively. It might also help if we were to be empowered by local and central government to enact appropriate rule changes to curb the nasty side of effects of 24-hour drinking legislation.
Fines for the mindless act of inebriated littering would no doubt be difficult to enforce, especially with limited police manpower to target isolated offenders in the throng of a Saturday night.
Ensuring clubs have the power (and also the inclination) to have a sensible last entry time could be one positive step forward.
I'm a man about town so I don't wish to sound too reactionary at the risk of being hypocritical. I've stumbled into night clubs at 5am to get that one last drink. But even I am wondering if that's such a good thing and whether I'd really miss that kind of 'luxury', In the past, I think my brain and liver have asked the same question too with a similar outcome.
That fine bastion of corporate responsibility, McDonald's, has been sounded out as an example to follow. The 'McDonald's Solution', as I like to call it, refers to the Bournemouth town centre branch and its approach to littering outside its frontage. If it's in their vicinity, provided it doesn't cross the force field across the road to Roddis House, their workers will clean it up.
But why should Dallas Chicken clean up mess brought along by Joe Benson or Sharon Hedges if they've accumulated polystyrene containers from Hot Diggidy Dog and carelessly dropped them on the street corner?
The answer: because we're all in this together. Until all parties responsible muster the collective spirit of common sense and civic togetherness, we're all going to suffer the wider repercussions that local and national legislation have wrought. Combined with increasing mind-numbing idiocy and abandon of personal responsibility for our actions, the consequences of failing to face up to this and other problems affecting our town will only lead to further decline.
Just put the damn chip packet in the bin, eh? That is, if you can find one.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
'Quiet Argument' Leads to Bloody Mess in Winton, Bournemouth
Browsing through local news stories on Monday morning, I was shocked and surprised to see a story about a man having his face slashed in a quiet neighbourhood. There was a part of me thinking, 'I wonder if it was near me.'
To my horror, it was! The tree-lined environs of Maxwell Road, Winton, opposite a popular park which families frequent, witnessed a scene usually reserved for the less desirable parts of the town. If that sounds snobbish then maybe it is, however, factually, it's not a churlish statement to make.
These type of incidents are rare in Winton. Even the described nature of the event ensured the attack was almost in keeping with the surroundings. On a quiet Saturday morning, one resident working in their front garden at the time told the Echo, “I did not hear anything at first,” he said. “It must have been a very quiet argument.”
Perhaps we shouldn't over-react to this incident. According to crime statistics from Dorset Police, violent crime fell 14% between April 2007 and April 2008. Incidences of 'violence against the person' are listed as falling 16%.
It should also be mentioned that the men involved in the stabbing are alleged to have been known to each other, with the perpetrator fleeing in the direction of Charminster Road. Despite this caveat, no one wants to witness a couple of mates wielding various sharp instruments at each other over a supposedly quiet tiff in a residential street where families are likely to be nearby.
Let's hope this story is a one-off and not indicative of the oft described 'Broken Britain' encroaching upon this pleasant suburb of Bournemouth.
To my horror, it was! The tree-lined environs of Maxwell Road, Winton, opposite a popular park which families frequent, witnessed a scene usually reserved for the less desirable parts of the town. If that sounds snobbish then maybe it is, however, factually, it's not a churlish statement to make.
These type of incidents are rare in Winton. Even the described nature of the event ensured the attack was almost in keeping with the surroundings. On a quiet Saturday morning, one resident working in their front garden at the time told the Echo, “I did not hear anything at first,” he said. “It must have been a very quiet argument.”
Perhaps we shouldn't over-react to this incident. According to crime statistics from Dorset Police, violent crime fell 14% between April 2007 and April 2008. Incidences of 'violence against the person' are listed as falling 16%.
It should also be mentioned that the men involved in the stabbing are alleged to have been known to each other, with the perpetrator fleeing in the direction of Charminster Road. Despite this caveat, no one wants to witness a couple of mates wielding various sharp instruments at each other over a supposedly quiet tiff in a residential street where families are likely to be nearby.
Let's hope this story is a one-off and not indicative of the oft described 'Broken Britain' encroaching upon this pleasant suburb of Bournemouth.
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Things to do in Bournemouth: The Bournemouth Balloon
The Bournemouth Balloon, formerly known as the Bournemouth Eye, enjoys a prime location in Bournemouth Gardens in the centre of the town. Passengers can expect panoramic views for miles around (on a clear day). For about a tenner, they can witness this allegedly breathtaking experience and it's generally considered one of the stellar attractions in the town.
Late on Thursday afternoon, a group of passengers boarded the tethered balloon, no doubt looking forward to the aforementioned experience. Having had the standard fifteen minute ride, they probably didn't bargain on being stuck up in the air for a total of two hours.
An electrical fault was cited as the cause of the elongated ride. Staff had to frantically work to fix the problem and get the passengers down to earth in clear but chilly conditions. Foreign language student Andreina Martinez was one of the party left hanging and she said, “It was getting cold.”
University student Mishaal Albuaynin chose to eschew his fellow passenger's brevity, preferring to elaborate. He told reporters, “I’ve been in Bournemouth for two years. That was my first and last time in the balloon.”
Despite the unfortunate nature of this incident, let's not get carried away. Whatever individual thoughts are on the worthiness of the Balloon experience, it's probably best to avoid the Echo auto-responder list of comments.
'Typical Bournemouth, what a mess' would perhaps fall into this category. The most imaginative so far appears to be "Real ballooning is much better, rather than this toy thing in Bournemouth gardens." (sic). This comes from the aptly named 'likestocomplain', maybe a satirical nod towards the usual standard of Echo reader responses.
Late on Thursday afternoon, a group of passengers boarded the tethered balloon, no doubt looking forward to the aforementioned experience. Having had the standard fifteen minute ride, they probably didn't bargain on being stuck up in the air for a total of two hours.
An electrical fault was cited as the cause of the elongated ride. Staff had to frantically work to fix the problem and get the passengers down to earth in clear but chilly conditions. Foreign language student Andreina Martinez was one of the party left hanging and she said, “It was getting cold.”
University student Mishaal Albuaynin chose to eschew his fellow passenger's brevity, preferring to elaborate. He told reporters, “I’ve been in Bournemouth for two years. That was my first and last time in the balloon.”
Despite the unfortunate nature of this incident, let's not get carried away. Whatever individual thoughts are on the worthiness of the Balloon experience, it's probably best to avoid the Echo auto-responder list of comments.
'Typical Bournemouth, what a mess' would perhaps fall into this category. The most imaginative so far appears to be "Real ballooning is much better, rather than this toy thing in Bournemouth gardens." (sic). This comes from the aptly named 'likestocomplain', maybe a satirical nod towards the usual standard of Echo reader responses.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
March 2010 Podcast Now Online
To hear the best of the blog from March 2010, visit our Podbean hosting site at http://williwycombe.podbean.com. It's very Bournemouth-centric this time round but next month this will be evened out and will see the return of the Wycombe Wanderers review as we approach the end of the season.
Happy listening!
Happy listening!
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Reaching Bournemouth's Richmond Hill Would Feel Like the Summit
Walking down Bournemouth's Richmond Hill on the way to catching the bus can be an exhilirating feeling. This might sound like a slightly strange observation but it's a notion that has stuck with me since moving to the town, three years ago. Upon embarking on that first job hunt on one beautiful September morning in 2007, the bustling open space of Bournemouth Square greeted me. This was quickly followed by a trip 'up the hill'.
The towering offices, dominated by Portman House, home to Nationwide, were a gargantuan sight. Bristol and West House, situated opposite, carried an unmistakable air of importance. The Daily Echo offices added further to a sense of metropolitian grandeur. What else is it about this calf-busting hill that appeals?
Could it be the nicotine high one passes through as the hill's transients puff away relentlessly? Is it the historic Norfolk Royale Hotel, a reminder of the charm exuded by memories of the golden age of the British seaside? It is a curious place, casting an almost aloof gaze upon the rest of the town centre. To work here would surely indicate my own arrival into the exclusive club inhabited by those lucky enough to be there every day. I could even have a swift half after work at the trendy Ink Bar. All of these thoughts and emotions have combined, every time I've walked up or down this most enigmatic of hills.
The towering offices, dominated by Portman House, home to Nationwide, were a gargantuan sight. Bristol and West House, situated opposite, carried an unmistakable air of importance. The Daily Echo offices added further to a sense of metropolitian grandeur. What else is it about this calf-busting hill that appeals?
Could it be the nicotine high one passes through as the hill's transients puff away relentlessly? Is it the historic Norfolk Royale Hotel, a reminder of the charm exuded by memories of the golden age of the British seaside? It is a curious place, casting an almost aloof gaze upon the rest of the town centre. To work here would surely indicate my own arrival into the exclusive club inhabited by those lucky enough to be there every day. I could even have a swift half after work at the trendy Ink Bar. All of these thoughts and emotions have combined, every time I've walked up or down this most enigmatic of hills.
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