Another local event I am taking part in is the Westbourne Book Binge.
I will have further details coming out but wanted to leave a few links here to begin with.
Website: Westbourne Book Binge
Facebook: Westbourne Book Binge
This has been a very rewarding year so far, on a personal level, when it comes to some of the work I am getting involved in on local issues. Some people are natural local warriors but for me it has been a fairly recent thing to step forward. It could be that having focussed on work to a level where it has provided me with a nice lifestyle and some stability, it has given me the time, tools and skills to contribute to the community.
Being one of the early administrators of the Southbourne Facebook Group (SoBo) it had been fantastic to see the group top 5000 members at the end of last year and now it has gone over 6000 in March.
Saturday March 17, 2018 - I headed into town for a new initiative that started at the Old Fire Station on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth. Called Real Food Bournemouth, it brings together independent businesses selling food and drink, in an informal setting with live music and DJ vibes.
Although there was a light dusting of snow coming in, Bournemouth football club playing and rugby on TV there was a steady stream of foodies coming in to support the event, drink some Bloody Marys and eat oysters, as well as visiting the various stalls buying breads, cheeses, seafood and savouries.
I also had my first Yorkshire pudding wrap and it was epic. By that stage I needed it: Bloody Mary, gin cocktail, red wine and Red Stripe.
This is going to develop further and come the summer there should be hot BBQ street foods being cooked up and we'll be eating inside listening to chilled out music.
Instagram: Real Food Bournemouth
Facebook: Real Food Bournemouth
Facebook: Syron
Live music provided by Stompy Woodstock.
The story behind the BH6-CAT Facebook page and how it is helping the Southbourne community fight back.
Social Media can be a funny old thing, but as we know, it can be a powerful thing as well. I wanted to highlight what we have done in our little community of Southbourne in Dorset, and this model can be repeated across the country at no expense, besides the admin time.
Southbourne, or SoBo as it is affectionately known locally, has a great community feel to the high street, the shops, the residents and local events. Two recent things have come together in prompting the formation of the BH6-CAT group page on Facebook.
The SoBo page has over 5000 members now, most of which live in Southbourne but many more who visit and have connections in the area, that would love to keep in touch with what’s happening. People have felt that crime has been on the increase. Looking at the statistics produced by the Police, this is sadly true and not just perception any more. Because of the strong community feeling, people want to help to combat this and to be more aware.
Normally at the start of every year I get off to a good one, all refreshed, lose my Christmas indulgence weight, restore my fitness and so on.
This year it didn't feel the same. I just didn't feel right inside. I decided, sod it, I am taking Monday off and booking myself a day to myself. This was after I received a promotional email from River Cottage that made the decision so much easier. A full one day cookery course it was then!
Gordon and Angela Fong - living in Southbourne, working hard, enjoying life, travelling the world, eating great food and drinking some nice tipple along the way.
Give us a wave.
