Author Archives: Leigh Hatts

The sudden death of Simon Hoggart this week made me recall his visits to Bournemouth for party conferences. In 2010, when deploring the political parties’ switch to from the seaside to Manchester, he wrote: “The council at Bournemouth long ago … Continue reading →

The Royal Mail is to issue a postage stamp depicting actor Sir Alec Guinness who has many Bournemouth connections. He went to school in Southbourne where the headmaster said that Alec would never be an actor. Later he stayed regularly … Continue reading →

Canon Colin Deedes died last Tuesday. Canon Deedes was the rector of St Peter’s and the town centre parish from 1973 to 1980. He came to Bournemouth in 1973 following the appointment of his predecessor Colin James as Bishop of … Continue reading →

Jeremy Paxman’s Great Britain’s Great War is a first glimpse at the author’s  four part television series next year marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War. He has filmed at Talbot Heath School and in the book takes … Continue reading →

Bath Travel has been sold 89 years after the travel agent was founded by Reginald Bath at its present address 2 Albert Road. The name will survive under the ownership of Sunderland-based Hays Travel. Reginald’s son Peter, who expanded the … Continue reading →

Ben Miller’s My Hero on BBC1 this week looked at the life of Tony Hancock. It was disappointing not to see the Sacred Heart hall or the Avon Social Club in Avon Road where Tony made early appearances. However, Ben … Continue reading →

Etheldreda Anna Benett, Mother Foundress of the Sisters of Bethany, died a century ago and was buried in Bournemouth’s St Clement’s churchyard. The House of Bethany was a major presence alongside the church. The Foundress died at the mother house … Continue reading →

News in the Bournemouth Daily Echo that Cliff End at Boscombe Gardens might be rebuilt should be good news. But there is still a concern about the historic building. Bournemouth Council’s development brief expressed a desire to see the historic … Continue reading →

The Queen will enter Westminster Abbey this morning as the choir sings William Parry’s version of Psalm 122. This is a repeat of the start of the Coronation service sixty years ago. It will also be the moment to recall … Continue reading →

Jeremy Paxman has been to Talbot Heath School filming his television series to be broadcast next year on the anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. His focus in Bournemouth is Rosamund Essex was was head girl in … Continue reading →