Summer is now upon us and our beaches, parks, gardens and chines are busy with both residents and visitors making the most of the sunshine which, thankfully, has been in excellent supply.
One recent highlight was the unveiling of the new Pinecliff Gardens shelter mural. Thursday 2 July saw around 35 people including Councillor Tracey Newman Mayor of Poole, BCP officials and ward councillors John Challinor and Gavin Wright and Stuart Roberts our mural artist, coming together for the event and to chat over a glass of wine. Our immediate past chair, Peter Schroeder, offered hours of his time to put the event together and I extend many thanks. A wonderful unveiling enjoyed by all, please take a look at some pictures from the event here.
We have a small group of amazing volunteer gardeners who manage Pinecliff Gardens for us as part of an agreement with BCP. As we continue to look for a volunteer to take on the wider Special Projects role I met someone in the meantime who is a great fit to support our gardeners. Andy Allflatt is one of BCP’s experienced horticulturalists and has worked extensively in Alum Chine tropical gardens. Andy has kindly agreed to work alongside our gardening team following discussions with our ward councillor and BCP Environmental Services and we’re excited to have him join us.
We’re also pleased to welcome back to the committee Pamela Carvell who joins us to manage the association’s marketing efforts and membership drive with a focus on engaging more local businesses, managing agents and local residents. I’m delighted Pamela accepted my invitation to return.
Alongside these positive developments we continue to represent members on a number of local issues.
While this seasonal activity brings welcome income to our local shops, cafes and restaurants, it also brings some familiar challenges. Litter is perhaps the most obvious and one where there are practical solutions. Electric scooters and bicycles along the promenade and throughout the chines, presents a different challenge altogether requiring a much wider national conversation.
Parking remains a perennial pest requiring serious attention from BCP. One example is the number 50 Breezer bus route through Pinewood Road where vehicles parked on both sides of the road often leave insufficient space for buses and oncoming traffic to pass safely. Cars are frequently forced to dive into any available gap to allow the bus through causing delays and congestion. During the sunny weather when visitors to the beach increase along with their cars the problem becomes even more pronounced.
A related concern is the use of double yellow lines by Blue Badge holders. Where vehicles are parked adjacent to bus stops buses can be forced to stop in the middle of the road disrupting traffic and creating potential safety issues for passengers boarding and alighting.
Several of our members have expressed their dissatisfaction about the lack of double yellow lines in certain parts of the 50 bus route through Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs. Their view is that the double sided residential road parking is inappropriate on bus routes.
If you have any input, feedback or questions on this issue please do let us know so we can review the full picture with a view to raising the issue with BCP as appropriate, please email ChairBPCCRA@pinesandchines.co.uk
Next BPCCRA Open Meeting
Wednesday August 12, 7.30 pm Committee Room St Aldhelm’s Church Hall. This is our summer meeting which includes a post meeting chat and glass of wine from 8.30 to 9.15pm. The usual chance to meet fellow members and the committee to exchange views, ideas and concerns.
Yet again my heartfelt thanks to our volunteers including our Executive Committee who dedicate long hours to keep the association up and running.
You’ll be aware we are always looking for volunteers. We’re actively seeking to fill two Executive Committee posts: Honorary Secretary and a Special Projects lead. The latter is critical to planning and presenting CIL bids amongst other local topics. If you’re interested in finding out more please contact me at ChairBPCCRA@pinesandchines.co.uk
My thanks to you all for your continuing interest in supporting us in doing the best we can for our community and in raising awareness of the need to conserve our natural assets.
Andrea Charman
Chair BPCCRA
July 2026
