Congregational Church, Westbourne Poole Road
Congregational Church, Westbourne Poole Road.
Very little information seems to exist for the former Congregational Church, Westbourne. It was located on the corner of Poole Road and Prince of Wales Road.
Tram passing the Congregational Church on Poole Road in the early 1900s. Old Postcard.
Built in 1898, it followed the perpendicular style like St Ambrose. A prominent and attractive building, it created an impressive entrance to Westbourne from County Gates. Like St Ambrose, it also gained its tower some time later. It closed in 1969, and demolished a year later. It was replaced by a remarkably unattractive office-style building, housing a language school. (more…)
Portarlington Road and Close, Westbourne
Portarlington Road and Close, Westbourne.
Portarlington Road is residential, running mainly east-west parallel with and south of Poole Road. However, it starts by heading almost south from Marlborough Road, before heading west.
Pedestrian entrance to No 1, Bell Moor. © expat
It is almost a thoroughfare of two halves. The eastern end, running from Marlborough Road to Clarendon Road still consists largely of the Victorian villas that would have been typical of the area. Just on the bend, another, private, drive continues south. This is Portarlington Close, and houses a small estate of terraces known as The Boltons. (more…)
Colosseum Cinema and Café Refurbishment
Colosseum Cinema and Café Refurbishment.
The Lavish Life café and Colosseum Cinema, Westbourne, are currently closed for redecoration. Due to reopen around 15 July, the café will become a healthy salad centre, featuring juices and foods from around the world.
Lavish Life Café and the Colosseum in Westbourne Arcade. © expat
The cinema can lay claim to being the smallest in the UK. At just 19 seats, it first opened its doors on 30 September 2013. It even has a 2-seater “Royal Box”! It shows classic vintage films, using the latest high quality equipment. (more…)
New Hotel and Restaurant in Westbourne
New Hotel and Restaurant in Westbourne.
The former Roselyn Hotel, in West Cliff Road, has seen a lot of refurbishment work recently. The old name board was removed a few days ago, and the replacement, bearing the new name, has been installed.
The New Fab Hotel & Tiien Restaurant, West Cliff Road, Westbourne. © expat
Called the Fab Hotel, it has 10 en-suite rooms, and will have a Tiien Restaurant. Conveniently located on the corner of Alum Chine Road, it is easy walking distance from both the beach and Westbourne shopping centre. (more…)
Westbourne Car Parks and Parking
Westbourne Car Parks and Parking.
If you want to visit Westbourne, unless you are coming by public transport (see Bus Routes page), you are likely to want to find somewhere to park your car.
Plenty of parking along Seamoor Road. © expat
There are five Westbourne Car Parks – four right in the main shopping centre. The other one is on the site of the former West Station. Alternatively, there is a reasonable amount of free on-street parking. (more…)
Westbourne Beach – The Best in Bournemouth?
Westbourne Beach – The Best in Bournemouth?
The Bournemouth area started to become popular as a seaside resort in the early 1800s. A retired army officer, Lewis Tregonwell, purchased some land in 1812, and began building some “sea villas” to let them out – the original holiday lets!
Beach huts at Alum Chine. © expat
He also started planting the pine trees for which the area has become famous, creating sheltered “invalid walks” to access the beaches. Westbourne beaches also have these wonderful walks through the chines. On a hot summers day, the shade can be extremely welcome. (more…)
Sandbourne Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth
Sandbourne Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth.
Sandbourne Road runs off Alumhurst Road near the cliff-top. It’s western end is close to Branksome Chine.
Northern entrance by Zetland Court. © expat
This is a purely residential area. Being on the cliffs near the chine has attracted the usual collection of large properties. No doubt the Victorians would have been very attracted to this area with the sea views. (more…)
LV Insurance: Kellie Wilkins at LV= talks to Westbourne Life
LV Insurance: Kellie Wilkins at LV= talks to Westbourne Life.
If you live, work or pass through Westbourne, you will most likely have noticed the distinctive building that is home to LV= (LV Insurance or Liverpool Victoria). Still known as Frizzell House, reflecting its roots, this is now part of the local headquarters of the company.
An excellent view of Frizzell House in the County Gates Gyratory. © expat
Kellie has been with the company for most of her working life. One of many “Frizzellians”, she has worked for Frizzell and then LV= for over 25 years. This landmark was marked by the company with a trip to London for a meal at the Ritz and a show. Leaving school at 16, Kellie worked at NatWest for 18 months. “I then saw an advert for a clerical administrator at the Lansdowne office of Frizzell Banking Services” says Kellie. “I got the job, and have been with the company ever since”. At this time the company was offering some banking services but largely Motor Insurance to affiliated organisations. Sold to an American insurance broker in 1992, Frizzell’s was purchased by Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society four years later. (more…)
What is a Chine, What is a Dene?
What is a Chine, What is a Dene?
Bournemouth has four chines – Alum, Middle, Durley and Boscombe. There are several more along the Dorset coast, and elsewhere – particularly the Isle of Wight. But, what is a Chine?
Middle Chine, Westbourne. © expat
Typically, a chine is a deep, steep-sided ravine formed by a river flowing through to the sea. They tend to start by a small stream running over the cliff edge, creating a nick, or “knickpoint”. As the water continues to flow, erosion plays its part, and the ravine is formed. (more…)
West Overcliff Drive & Surrounds, Westbourne
West Overcliff Drive & Surrounds, Westbourne.
West Overcliff Drive runs along the cliff top between Durley Chine and Alum Chine. It loops round and over Middle Chine. It would appear that the eastern section is perhaps older than the western section, for a couple of reasons.
The start of West Overcliff Drive. © expat
Firstly, the eastern section loops back round to West Cliff Road. However, half way along Middle Chine, it crosses on a bridge. From the lie of the roads, this looks as though originally the bridge was part of the continuing McKinley Road. (more…)