Middle Chine, Westbourne, Bournemouth
Middle Chine, Westbourne, Bournemouth
Middle Chine is one of the smaller chines. It runs from West Cliff Road, at the junction of West Overcliff Drive, down to the beach. It is roughly half-way between Durley Chine and Alum Chine.It is easy to imagine Victorian men in their top hat and tails, with the ladies in their long dresses with parasols, promenading in the shade of this tree-lined path. However, it is probable that the trees would have been fairly newly planted, so it is more likely that there would not have been much shade.
Entrance to Middle Chine from West Cliff Road. © expat
The walk is not particularly long (certainly nowhere near as long as Alum Chine!), but it is a gentle, slightly meandering walk. About half-way down is the rather impressive structure of the West Overcliff Drive road bridge crossing at a fair height. (more…)
A Brief Look at Holiday Accommodation in Westbourne
A Brief Look at Holiday Accommodation in Westbourne.
Since the Victorian times, people have been coming to Bournemouth to enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of the area. As late as 1851, the entire population of Bournemouth only amounted to 695 people! Just 30 years later, it was nearly 17,000.
Holiday Accommodation in Westbourne: Mount Lodge. © expat
Westbourne has also grown, and, although holiday patterns have changed and evolved over the years. Being so close to the centre of Bournemouth, and handy to Poole as well, Westbourne is an obvious choice for those who prefer to stay that little further out. Being so close to the beach, the beauty of the chines and, of course, the marvellous shopping area of Westbourne, makes this an ideal holiday location. Holiday accommodation in Westbourne is still very much in demand. (more…)
A Look at West Cliff Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth
A look at West Cliff Road, Westbourne.
West Cliff Road, Westbourne, is a cliff top thoroughfare. It runs from the junction of Tregonwell and Priory Roads at the east end (just up from the BIC), until its rather ignominious end when it meets Alum Chine Road.
West Cliff Road as it enters Westbourne. © expat
It enters Westbourne just as it passes the top of Durley Chine. At this point, it takes on the appearance of a boulevard, being wide and fairly straight. It is lined with trees , and originally would have had large Victorian villas either side. (more…)
A Brief Guide to Residential Care Homes in Westbourne
A Brief Guide to Residential Care Homes in Westbourne.
There are several residential care homes in Westbourne, from the small, independently owned, to large, plush chains. Two are next door to each other in Poole Road, but couldn’t be more different from each other. On the one hand, there is Sunrise Senior Living. With 27 homes across the country, this is a fair sized concern. With a large modern, purpose-built building, it certainly stands out.
Sunrise Senior Living, one of several Residential Care Homes in Westbourne. © expat
Adjacent is Drumconner. One of just two homes (the other is in Lancing, West Sussex), this is based around the original Victorian house, but with a more recent extension at the back. (more…)
A Brief Look at Bus Routes in Westbourne
A Brief Look at Bus Routes in Westbourne.
In the days of Bournemouth Corporation Transport, Westbourne was served by a tram service that ran from Bournemouth Square all the way to Poole Railway Station. This ceased when Hants & Dorset Motor Services (originally Bournemouth & District Motor Services) started a motor bus service along the route.
Bournemouth Tram in Poole Road, Westbourne by the former Congregational Church.
When trolleybuses replaced the trams, Westbourne became the terminus of the route from Bournemouth – trolleys using the one-way loop around Seamoor Road and Poole Road to turn. Service 25, running through to Christchurch via Bournemouth & Boscombe became the main route. When trolleybuses were finally withdrawn, the route continued as a motor bus service. (more…)
Simon and the Grand Bingo, Westbourne
Simon and the Grand Bingo, Westbourne.
Travelling through Westbourne on Poole Road, you can’t help but notice the Grand Bingo, Westbourne. Built as the Grand Cinema and seating 1,000, it opened on 18 December 1922 to “Anthony & Cleopatra”.
Simon Bartlam – Owner and manager of the Grand Bingo. © expat
Initially built and operated as an independent cinema, it was soon taken over by Savoy Cinemas, later absorbed into the ABC (Associated British Cinemas) group. During 1933-1935, it was leased to Regent Cinemas, before returning to ABC control under the name Grand Super Cinema. On 21 December 1953, it was taken over by Snape Entertainments, who continued to operate it as a full time cinema until 8 October 1975. (more…)
Guide to Listed Buildings in Westbourne
A Guide to Listed Buildings in Westbourne
There are a number of listed buildings in Westbourne. All but one are Grade II. The exception is St Ambrose Church, which is listed as Grade II*.
All of these buildings add to the character of the area. Most can be enjoyed by the public – in particular, the Arcade. It is the centre of the shopping area, and a refuge when it is wet outside! All enhance the street scene, giving Westbourne a style that suits the eclectic nature of the shopping area and surrounding streets. (more…)
A Quick Look at Buildings in Westbourne
A Quick Look at Buildings in Westbourne
So far, I have been concentrating on the main areas looking at the buildings in Westbourne. As with many towns and villages, there are always buildings that have a story to tell. Some are obvious, others less so.
A bus pulls into the Grand Bingo bus stop late one evening. © expat
For example, the Grand Bingo Hall (the former Grand Cinema) is one of several Grade II listed structures. The exterior view is largely unchanged, and it is very easy to imagine it in its heyday. Others, are less obvious, so it is always worth looking beyond what you first see. (more…)
The Colours of Westbourne in Bloom
The Colours of Westbourne in Bloom.
It is the middle of “Flaming June”, and the planted baskets have arrived in Westbourne. Well, one out of two isn’t bad! The main shopping streets are bedecked with baskets of colourful flowers. Even the railings have baskets on them to brighten the street scene.
Flowers on the Seamoor Road barriers. © expat
Westbourne in Bloom dates back to 1995, when the late Maureen Rouse and Edna Lipscombe. Both were also founder members of Bournemouth in Bloom and past Chairmen. Maureen had run a hotel, and Edna owned holiday flats. Supported by the Westbourne Traders Association, it got off to a very successful start. The continued success is down to community spirit and many loyal supporters. (more…)
Why Come to Westbourne, Dorset?
Why Come to Westbourne, Dorset?
Westbourne, Dorset (not to be confused with the other one in Hampshire) has been dubbed an “Urban Village”. It is very much an integral part of the conurbation of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole. However, it manages to maintain not only its identity, but a life of its own.
One of the main shopping areas in Westbourne, Dorset © expat
So often, urban sprawl can be the death of the smaller villages that get swallowed up. However, far from suffering this fate, Westbourne has bucked the trend. Not only has it become fashionable, it has a life and vibrancy of its own that reflects the small community and identity. Community spirit ia alive and well here. (more…)