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.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
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.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
John Hampden Hockey Team Stranded by the Ash Cloud
"Never mind, it's only John Hampden", says this bitter ex-St. Bernardian. Over the road from John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe, those of us who attended St. Bernard's Catholic School didn't have the luxury of hockey trips to Greece.
With a plethora of individual ash cloud stories, it is no surprise that the Bucks Free Press have chosen their own. The under 16 hockey team from the Wycombe school had been due to return home following a successful trip in which they became the first team to beat the Greek Under 21 national side and they were the first touring group since the gold winning Australian Olympians of 2000.
Owing to the ongoing restrictions on flights amid safety fears, twenty-six students and three teachers are stranded in the Greek capital of Athens. Deputy headteacher Andrew Wright informed the local newspaper that the group of boys "Are coping extremely well. They've spent most of the day in the hotel lobby playing computer games and listening to iPods, so they're a little bored but in good spirits.
Has history forsaken the curriculum at John Hampden or are the teachers worried about letting their precious winners outside in case their healthy, pink lungs should become encased in poisonous ash and they all start foaming at the mouths?
The deputy head went on to say that they'd be let out for a "long lunch-break." Granted, re-booking accomodation was hassle enough but come on, you're in Athens! Take them out and show them a bit of culture. Or would that involve a separate risk assessment? Perhaps the children aren't covered by the insurance in case of a medical emergency prompted by an 'act of God.' Perhaps that's just Hampden for you. Bunch of sissies. I'm not bitter...
With a plethora of individual ash cloud stories, it is no surprise that the Bucks Free Press have chosen their own. The under 16 hockey team from the Wycombe school had been due to return home following a successful trip in which they became the first team to beat the Greek Under 21 national side and they were the first touring group since the gold winning Australian Olympians of 2000.
Owing to the ongoing restrictions on flights amid safety fears, twenty-six students and three teachers are stranded in the Greek capital of Athens. Deputy headteacher Andrew Wright informed the local newspaper that the group of boys "Are coping extremely well. They've spent most of the day in the hotel lobby playing computer games and listening to iPods, so they're a little bored but in good spirits.
Has history forsaken the curriculum at John Hampden or are the teachers worried about letting their precious winners outside in case their healthy, pink lungs should become encased in poisonous ash and they all start foaming at the mouths?
The deputy head went on to say that they'd be let out for a "long lunch-break." Granted, re-booking accomodation was hassle enough but come on, you're in Athens! Take them out and show them a bit of culture. Or would that involve a separate risk assessment? Perhaps the children aren't covered by the insurance in case of a medical emergency prompted by an 'act of God.' Perhaps that's just Hampden for you. Bunch of sissies. I'm not bitter...
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Wycombe Wanderers Still Living in Hope of the Greatest Escape
Willi's Wycombe
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.
These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.
The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.
Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.
In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.
These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.
Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."
Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.
Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.
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!
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Raymond Blanc vs Jungs-Beaconsfield's Continental Conundrum
The celebrity chef, Raymond Blanc, has been granted permission to open a French patisserie in Beaconsfield. Plans for Maison Blanc were approved on Wednesday by South Bucks District Council.
No doubt the establishment will be a huge hit with the 'Hooray Henrys' and their spouses who inhabit the leafy environs of South Bucks. There will undoubtedly be a clamour for Mr. Blanc's speciality breads and French confections as cafe culture continues to thrive in the town.
Some residents, however, are concerned about the impact the opening will have on family-owned bakery Jungs, situated directly opposite. For the uninitiated, Jungs is a small chain with shops in Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. Amongst other cakes and pastries that they offer, one is, or certainly used to be, the chocolate banana. The title of this inspired combination is pretty self-explanatory, the taste is sublime.
Those vowing to continue their support for Jungs include a Seer Green resident who did not want to named. They told the Bucks Free Press, “It would be very sad if Jungs started to struggle and I would want to give them all the help I could."
Hopefully both patisseries can thrive alongside each other and mutually benefit the town. A chain attached to a celebrity chef is always going to prove popular, especially in a well-heeled market town.
It would be naive and dewy eyed to ignore the fact that the competition will revolve somewhat around the bottom line of business. Still, let's hope residents don't forget about the family-owned chain that has preceded some of them and continue to support local, quality produce at the heart of the community.
No doubt the establishment will be a huge hit with the 'Hooray Henrys' and their spouses who inhabit the leafy environs of South Bucks. There will undoubtedly be a clamour for Mr. Blanc's speciality breads and French confections as cafe culture continues to thrive in the town.
Some residents, however, are concerned about the impact the opening will have on family-owned bakery Jungs, situated directly opposite. For the uninitiated, Jungs is a small chain with shops in Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross. Amongst other cakes and pastries that they offer, one is, or certainly used to be, the chocolate banana. The title of this inspired combination is pretty self-explanatory, the taste is sublime.
Those vowing to continue their support for Jungs include a Seer Green resident who did not want to named. They told the Bucks Free Press, “It would be very sad if Jungs started to struggle and I would want to give them all the help I could."
Hopefully both patisseries can thrive alongside each other and mutually benefit the town. A chain attached to a celebrity chef is always going to prove popular, especially in a well-heeled market town.
It would be naive and dewy eyed to ignore the fact that the competition will revolve somewhat around the bottom line of business. Still, let's hope residents don't forget about the family-owned chain that has preceded some of them and continue to support local, quality produce at the heart of the community.
Bournemouth and Dorset Ready to Show Its Support for England
Let's get past the slightly jingoistic title of this blog and its sub-text and permit ourselves to revel in a minor victory over political correctness. Whilst other areas of the country are banning people wearing England football shirts in pubs this summer, Dorset Police and pubs and clubs in the conurbation have hit back.
The police and local bar owners have revealed their stance, stating that they'll be more than happy for people to nail their national colours to the mast.
A spokesperson for the force told the Daily Echo that their approach will be "proportionate and intelligence led", adding "Our priority is to ensure that all people wishing to celebrate the tournament can do so and in a way that is safe and enjoyable for all".
In other areas, police have already sounded out certain parts of the country where they believe shirt-wearing fans could cause trouble. The Metropolitan Police have already issued warnings to pubs screening forthcoming World Cup matches in Croydon, urging them to apply dress codes that outlaw England shirts. The authorities in the capital have claimed they're desperate to avoid outbreaks of violence, especially if England lose.
It would be nice if those of us who wish to swill imported lager and wear a garment that was probably stitched abroad could support our national side in peace. We're not all members of the English Defence League (EDL) and we're not about to march through Bournemouth Square declaring white supremacy.
In an age where the loss of English national pride is mourned as culture becomes a homogenised, Americanised gloop, it would make a refreshing change if we could still cling to the typical elements of our Englishness-namely throwing up in a heap after a defeat on penalties as we relentlessly berate our footballing icons.
In that spirit, well done to Will Bowling, manager of Dukes in Barrack Road, Christchurch for upholding these rights of passage as we prepare for another summer of potential heartbreak. His establishment will assess the risks of individual matches and act accordingly.
Minus the occasional oddball, Mr. Bowling offered this insightful nugget, stating "To be honest I would think more trouble comes out of the club games."
Car stickers and flags should be compulsory for all. Yellow Buses should be painted with the St. George's cross. Most importantly, we should be able to proudly bear the Three Lions. After all, win or lose, the shirts will probably disappear as a throng of heavily tattooed, corpulent torsos will emerge, ready to cheer on or chastise in symptomatic fashion.
The police and local bar owners have revealed their stance, stating that they'll be more than happy for people to nail their national colours to the mast.
A spokesperson for the force told the Daily Echo that their approach will be "proportionate and intelligence led", adding "Our priority is to ensure that all people wishing to celebrate the tournament can do so and in a way that is safe and enjoyable for all".
In other areas, police have already sounded out certain parts of the country where they believe shirt-wearing fans could cause trouble. The Metropolitan Police have already issued warnings to pubs screening forthcoming World Cup matches in Croydon, urging them to apply dress codes that outlaw England shirts. The authorities in the capital have claimed they're desperate to avoid outbreaks of violence, especially if England lose.
It would be nice if those of us who wish to swill imported lager and wear a garment that was probably stitched abroad could support our national side in peace. We're not all members of the English Defence League (EDL) and we're not about to march through Bournemouth Square declaring white supremacy.
In an age where the loss of English national pride is mourned as culture becomes a homogenised, Americanised gloop, it would make a refreshing change if we could still cling to the typical elements of our Englishness-namely throwing up in a heap after a defeat on penalties as we relentlessly berate our footballing icons.
In that spirit, well done to Will Bowling, manager of Dukes in Barrack Road, Christchurch for upholding these rights of passage as we prepare for another summer of potential heartbreak. His establishment will assess the risks of individual matches and act accordingly.
Minus the occasional oddball, Mr. Bowling offered this insightful nugget, stating "To be honest I would think more trouble comes out of the club games."
Car stickers and flags should be compulsory for all. Yellow Buses should be painted with the St. George's cross. Most importantly, we should be able to proudly bear the Three Lions. After all, win or lose, the shirts will probably disappear as a throng of heavily tattooed, corpulent torsos will emerge, ready to cheer on or chastise in symptomatic fashion.
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