Ralph Millward Big Issue Seller, Westbourne
Ralph Millward Big Issue Seller.
On 7 May 2009, Ralph Millward, Big Issue seller outside Marks & Spencer in Seamoor Road, Westbourne, was senselessly killed by three teenage boys. The 41 year old was found under an upturned trolley near his pitch. The three teenagers were convicted of his manslaughter by Winchester Crown Court just over a year later. The trial revealed that the youths had been drinking cider at a friend’s flat nearby in Westbourne. They apparently went to the victim, looking for tobacco. When he refused their request, he was subjected to a vicious attack. Two of the youths later returned with the trolley, and continued the attack.
Ralph Millward Big Issue seller.
Ralph Millward was left for dead, with serious injuries. The battered body of the Big Issue seller was discovered by street workers a few hours later. The jury were unable to agree a charge of murder, but found them guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. (more…)
Bournemouth West Station, Westbourne, Dorset
Bournemouth West Station.
Opened on 15 June 1874 by the Poole & Bournemouth Railway, Bournemouth West Station was the terminus of the line from Poole. Initially, it consisted of just two platforms. However, by 1886, the line had been doubled and extended on to Bournemouth East. At this time the Central Station did not exist. The East station, also long gone, was located on the eastern side of Holdenhurst Road. It later became a parcels station, and later a B&Q. The site is now occupied by a bus garage and student accommodation.
Bournemouth West Station in 1962. © Michael Blackbourn (used with permission)
West station was further enhanced when the Somerset & Dorset reached the town and made it its terminus. At this time, of course, Bournemouth was in Hampshire – not coming under Dorset until 1974, some 9 years after the station closed. (more…)
Bournemouth Carers Support in Westbourne
Bournemouth Carers Support.
Based in St Ambrose Cottage, next to Christ Church in Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, is the Bournemouth Carers Support service. Through the delightfully entitled “CRISP” (Carers Resource, Information and Support Programme), the service offers a range of help & support.
CRISP in Alumhurst Road, Westbourne. © expat
There are many people (you may well be one yourself) who care for a family member (parent/spouse/child/etc), friend or other loved one. Some of these do not even realise they may be entitled to the Carers’ Allowance. The allowance may not be much but, at just under £250 every four weeks, it can help take some pressure off. (more…)
Millburn Road inc Landseer Road
Millburn Road, inc Landseer Road, Westbourne.
Slightly to the north of the main shopping area is Millburn Road, which starts just to the east of Tesco, before turning to head west. On the other side of the former Methodist Church is the link Landseer Road.
Children’s Play Area and café in the old Methodist Church Hall, Landseer Road. © expat
Although not forming part of the main shopping experience, there is plenty down here. There are two substantial car parks – the smaller of the two is designated short-term, the larger long-term. Behind the former church, in what used to be the hall, is a children’s play centre and café. The former manse is now occupied by NFU Mutual. (more…)
A brief look at Churches in Westbourne, Dorset
Churches in Westbourne, Dorset.
For a relatively small area, there are perhaps more churches in Westbourne than you might expect. There are two substantial Church of England churches, as well as a Baptist Church and a Catholic Church. The former Methodist Church still stands, although no longer serving its original function.
The entrance to the Catholic Church (Our Lady Immaculate) on Seamoor Road can easily be missed. © expat
Today’s blog is intended to be a brief study of the churches in Westbourne. In the future, I will do a more in depth study of each individual church and their histories. (more…)
Westbourne Fire Station Open Day
Westbourne Fire Station Open Day.
Saturday 11 June saw Westbourne Fire Station open its doors to the public. Fire appliances were on display, and demonstrations entertained the many people who came to enjoy the day.
Simulated fire engine rides. © expat
A heavy duty rescue crane was set up on the frontage. A draw was held during the day for a free ride up into the sky on this! Inside, a tender was available to sit in. A demonstration video displayed on the windscreen gave an idea of what it would be like to ride in the vehicle on its way to an emergency. (more…)
Eating & Drinking in Westbourne
Eating & Drinking in Westbourne.
A slight change of tack today. There are plenty of places for eating & drinking in Westbourne, not all of them in the main shopping area. We shall be taking a quick look at what is around, particularly as June is Westbourne’s “Foodie Heaven”.
Two of Westbourne’s Cafés on the left in the arcade. © expat
To start with, there are the three pubs – all popular. Perfect for a pint, and traditional food. The Westbourne is part of the Green King empire. The Libertine is independent, and specialises in pizzas as well as quality pub food. The Porterhouse belongs to the local Ringwood Brewery, serving real ales and food. (more…)
Herbert Hospital, Alumhurst Road
Herbert Hospital (now Dorset Health Care).
The former Herbert Hospital is a Grade II listed building (as is the associated lodge), situated at 49 Alumhurst Road, Westbourne. It was largely based on designs by Florence Nightingale.
South side (from a postcard)
It was built between 1865-1867 by TH Wyatt, as the Herbert Memorial Convalescent Home, in memory of the late Lord Herbert of Lea. Sidney, the 1st Baron Lord of Lea, was born in 1810. He was the second son of George Augustus, the 11th Earl of Pembroke. He was educated at Harrow and Oriel College, Oxford. From 1832, he was the Conservative MP for South Wiltshire, until his peerage in 1860. An eminent politician and statesman, he was Secretary to the Board of Control (1834-5), Secretary to the Admiralty (1841-5), War Secretary under Peel (1845-6), Aberdeen (1852-5, during the Crimean War), and Palmerston (1859-60). He led the movement in favour of medical reform in the army and was primarily responsible for Florence Nightingale going to the Crimea. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Lt Gen Charles Ashe a Court-Repingham in 1846. They had seven children including George 13th Earl and Sidney 14th Earl of Pembroke. He died 2 August 1861. During his time, he was president of the Salisbury Infirmary. (more…)
Studland Road and Surrounds
Studland Road and Surrounds.
Today we are looking around the road network between the far end of Alumhurst Road and Alum Chine. These are: Studland Road, plus Beaulieu, Burnaby, Crosby and Earle Roads.
Looking Down Beaulieu Road. © expat
We shall start our tour at Beaulieu Road, which is opposite the entrance to Zetland Court. As this heads down towards the mid-point of Alum Chine, it is fairly steep. At the bottom is the western end of the suspension bridge.
Instead of continuing across the bridge, we turn right into Studland Road, parallel to the chine itself. We see a mixture of large houses, converted houses, purpose built flats and, at the far end, a smart new hotel. This is in stark contrast to the derelict Lawnswood halfway along. This appears to have seen better days, and a planning application on a nearby lamp-post forecasts its potential doom, along with some adjacent housing.
Turning back, we take the next turning on our left in Burnaby Road, the entrance to which is flanked by a pair of hotels. Older style properties, these appear to be fairing well. We can imagine the early Victorian visitors to the area staying in such as these. Further along, the Fircroft and the Alum Chine Beach House seem to represent the more modern trend of “holiday apartments”. A perhaps unexpected sight is a Montessori School.
Earle Road and Crosby Road cross Burnaby Road. The former is host to Kings House Care Home, and the latter Studley Tower, which advertises itself as a holiday apartment.
It is easy to imagine the landed gentry in days gone by living in this area, enjoying the beneficial pine air that Bournemouth grew its reputation on. The prevalence of large properties has given rise to a number of hotels, guest houses and similar accommodation. Modern trends have seen a change to more modern buildings, with some of the older ones becoming flats and/or holiday apartments.
Mount Lodge Guest House © expat
View towards the suspension bridge © expat
The Fircliff © expat
Former Lawnswood © expat
Lovely garden © expat
Riviera Holiday Apartments © expat
Typical large house now sub-divided. © expat
Studland Dene, Studland Road and the Edge Resturant. © expat
Wonderful mock Art Deco building © expat
Tracy Ann House (Youth Cancer Trust) © expat
Alum Dene Hotel © expat
Alum Grange Hotel © expat
Fircroft Holiday Flats © expat
Riveria Hotel and Holiday Apartments. © expat
Blue Penguin Montessori School. © expat
Alum Chine Beach House (Holiday Apartments). © expat
Studley Tower. © expat
Studley Tower and the Coach House. © expat
Kings House Care Home. © expat
Further Reference:
Alwyn Ladell Flickr Account – Pictures of Studley Tower
Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, Bournemouth
Alumhurst Road.
Stretching from the western end of Seamoor Road, Alumhurst Road runs all the way to the bottom of Alum Chine. It is largely residential, although there are a few businesses along the way.
The Forge, behind (and part of) the Libertine pub and kitchen. © expat
Starting at the northern end, it is dominated by the Libertine Pub which includes the Forge Pizza restaurant. Next to this is one of the car parks that serves Westbourne. On the opposite side there is a very nice terrace of houses. (more…)