Latest news with #Bournemouth-based
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Tattoo artist shares designs they 'refuse to do' including most popular request
Jo Chastney, who is based in Bournemouth, has some very strong opinions when it comes to the designs they 'refuse' to do Tattoo enthusiasts get their skin inked for various reasons ranging from marking significant events, expressing themselves or simply for the love of art. In Britain, tattoos come in a multitude of designs including timeless roses and enigmatic dragons. Yet Bournemouth-based tattoo artist Jo Chastney has specific boundaries when it comes to what they'll ink. They firmly refuse to tattoo "anything offensive", firmly rejecting any imagery that carries hate or racism. Jo clarified their position further on their TikTok account, emphasising their refusal to inscribe "negativity" such as "negative words or sayings". They advise against making such permanent decisions rashly, cautioning "You don't want that on your body,". Furthermore, tribal tattoos are another style Jo steers clear of; when asked why, they simply said: "Just not my style, I find it really hard to do!". Occasionally, Jo encounters client ideas that are either too vague or convoluted, which leads them to respectfully decline the commission. This includes requests that attempt to incorporate an excessive variety of elements into "too many elements in one, simple, little delicate tattoo" Committed to maintaining their professional integrity, Jo abstains from projects that fall outside their skillset, such as "full colour cartoon stuff", and they won't copy another artist's work in respect for originality. One request consistently denied is the inking of a partner's name – a service they prefer not to offer. These points proved divisive, as readers reacted to Jo's policy of declining to create tattoos that don't match their artistic vision. One commenter wrote: "To be fair, I think I'd rather go to a tattooist who has standards like this than not. Shows that they are actually interested in doing good work rather than making a quick bit of cash." Another shared their own regrettable experience: "Ah if only my artist had refused to do my partners name. The rest of the tattoo is fab but the name is just so embarrassing now." Yet, not all responses were supportive of Jo's stance. One said: "I'll agree with the first one but I take issue with someone telling me what I want on my body. it's not yours. it's mine. and I reserve the right to be the ONLY person who gets to decide what does and doesn't get tattooed on." Another added: "I have my wife's name tattooed on my face, gets a lot of looks but a lot of compliments too, and my tattoo artists are close friends, I don't get the stigma behind names of partners." According to their website, Jo draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Otto D'Ambra, M. C Escher, and Rebecca Vincent, valuing both their creativity and technical skills. They further stated: "When I first started tattooing I was focusing on traditional style tattoos but I found it hard to make them unique and personal, therefore I realised that I wanted to express my own creativity and that I was naturally predisposed for a style that would allow more freedom and individual input: dot and line drawings."
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Port of Mostyn fire engine set for journey to Ukraine
Donated by the Port of Mostyn as part of its ongoing humanitarian support efforts, the vehicle will be delivered to the city of Kryvyi Rih through the charity Ukraine Relief. Karol Swiacki, founder of the Bournemouth-based charity, said: "Having seen first-hand what the people of Ukraine are facing I can honestly say that donations like this are the driving seat is Port of Mostyn managing director Jim O'Toole with charity founder Karol Swiacki and charity trustee Alastair Young (Image: Mandy Jones) "This equipment is really needed and this can be used to save so many lives. "There is a real shortage of this equipment, so this will make such a difference." Mr Swiacki, who recently survived a missile strike in Ukraine, travelled to Flintshire for the handover of the fire engine, which was donated by Port of Mostyn managing director Jim O' ablaze after Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied) The Port of Mostyn inherited the vehicle after it purchased the neighbouring 45-acre former Warwick International site as part of its expansion plans, which include building a new berth for larger floating offshore wind turbines. The 2001 fire engine, with only 40,000 miles on the clock, will be sent to Kryvyi Rih, a city critically short on emergency vehicles and life-saving equipment. Mr Swiacki, who is originally from Poland, has spent extended periods in Ukraine delivering ablaze after Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied) In March, he survived a missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih that killed several people and injured dozens more, including children. He said: "The people of Ukraine are suffering more and have more problems than we realise. "Every single gift such as this donation goes a long way and gives those people hope that people around the world care. "It is our duty to stand with them and show that we care."Devastation caused by Russian missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied) Mr O'Toole said: "We didn't really have a use for the engine so we decided to donate it to a charity who could make use of it and we are happy that we are able to do something to help those in need. "We hope this gift from the people of Mostyn will give hope to those caught up in this awful war." Preparing the fire engine for transport took several weeks, complicated by the absence of keys to start or move the vehicle. Mr O'Toole enlisted the help of locksmith Matthew Barton-Jones of Prestatyn-based Locked Out North Wales, who successfully got the engine up and running. Mr Barton-Jones said: "It was quite a challenge to find out the key profile. "I had to contact the original vehicle builder and Volvo Europe to get the answers I needed. "With a lot of work back and to we got there in the end. "I was determined to get it done." Following the handover in Mostyn, Ukraine Relief trustee Alastair Young presented Mr O'Toole and his team with gifts and certificates of appreciation. Mr Young said: "Emergency vehicles have been damaged and destroyed in Ukraine and the Government just does not have the money to replace them so there is a real shortage. READ MORE: Fury as 300-home plan for Hawarden approved by councillors "This engine will be appreciated so much and will help to keep people caught up in a tragic situation safe. "It is an incredible gift and will do so much good for so many people." Mr Swiacki said: "We are waiting for quotes on the transportation. "If there is anyone who could help us with the journey we would love to hear from them." The fire engine is expected to begin its journey to Ukraine on a low loader in the coming weeks.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Treat dad to food and music festival in Poole
Dad's the way we like it! Why not treat the old man to a late treat for Father's Day – a big weekend out at Upton House Food & Music Festival? He'll love the laid-back mix of tasty treats and classic beats. For three days from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 June, the beautiful surroundings of Upton Country Park are home to a premium programme of top UK tribute acts and the very best local bands and artists, as well as a smorgasbord of amazing food and drink, much of it from local producers. It's the top-notch festival on your doorstep where the eats are as big as the beats! 'Taking the family to festivals like Glastonbury or even the Isle of Wight costs more than a lot of holidays, but Upton House Food & Music Festival has all the flavour of bigger events with none of the stress – it's all the fun of the fare – both gastronomic and musical!' says festival organiser Serena Wren. There can't be many food and music loving dads who wouldn't find the good stuff in Friday's line-up with tributes to Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian following local rocker Chris Payn and his new band. On Saturday, there are rockin' tributes to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kings of Leon and U2, with top local act Saints Of Sin, ballsy singer Jordan Watts, cover masters Wonky Donkey and the red hot All Funked Up. Sunday's lineup is topped by Police Academy's acclaimed tribute to The Police supported by banjo-wielding good time merchants Sixteen String Jack, Chris Payn and the Mother Ukers earlier in the day. 'Upton House Food & Music Festival is like having a party in your back garden,' adds Serena. 'People love the easy vibe, the chance to check out some amazing food and have a bit of drink with family and friends!' On the menu are big flavours from around the world including street food superstars Two Lads Kitchen with their famous Afghan street food, the super fresh flavoured chicken wings of Bournemouth-based Wings & Tings, and, for a sweeter tooth, check out Chock Shop's amazing artisan brownies. To drink there's a variety of local craft beers and ciders as well as the distinctive flavours of Shanty, Poole's very own seaside vodka distilled using five types of hand-foraged organic seaweed. And for a non-alcoholic refresh, how about the authentic Taiwanese tastes of Bubble World's bubble tea? First Release tickets start from just £18 for families, £7 for adults and only £3.50 for kids; with full three-day weekend tickets from £50 for families, £20 adults and £9 children. The site opens from 5pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday with pre-paid on-site parking available and well-behaved dogs on leads welcome. Full details and ticket booking at
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Swanage beaten by Poole in winner-takes-all T20
ON SATURDAY, Swanage's 1st XI travelled to face a very formidable Poole side in their final, 'winner-takes-all' T20 South Division Group Match. Swanage elected to bat first and got-off to a positive start through Sid Nash against some hostile, seam bowling. Then, despite some useful contributions from Freddie Long, Steve Ramsay & Ethan Stacey - the visitors were finally dismissed in the last over for just 106. In reply, despite the hosts losing 2 early wickets, they had no further alarms and cruised to an 8-wicket victory with 6 overs to spare. From this weekend, Swanage continue their quest to join Poole in Premier Division 1 with a return to 50-over matches. Also on Saturday, the 2nd XI played host to league newcomers Rolex - a Bournemouth-based side in Division 4. The hosts batted first and got off to a solid start with a half-century opening partnership between Simon Goldsack & John Lewis. Although, when Goldsack was finally dismissed for a fluent 44 with the score on 87 he was the 4th quick wicket to fall leaving Swanage in a precarious position. The innings was consolidated and, then, given some respectability by not only Mike Nash - who made 28, but also, some lower-order hitting by Dylan Church and Andrew Hancock to at least 'post' a total - which gave the bowler's something to bowl at 168-8 from their 40 overs. In reply, the hosts were subjected to a display of brutal, destructive power-hitting by the visitors opening batsman - Suresh Manoharan. He smashed an incredible 26 boundaries - which included a staggering 13 sixes (it was like watching the IPL). He finished undefeated on 139 from only 75 balls as the visitors recorded a convincing 8-wicket win in less than 20 overs.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Couple quit 9-to-5 to launch disability-led firm
When Imali Chislett set up a marketing agency in 2018, she never imagined it would turn into an award-winning champion of workplace inclusion. All she knew was, as a wheelchair user and living with chronic illness, the traditional workplace was not for her. Ms Chislett and her husband, Cameron, launched Bournemouth-based Inkfire, which claims to be the UK's first disability-led marketing and tech agency. As part of its services, it has helped more than 200 businesses embed inclusivity into their operations. "I had some really terrible experiences, as did my husband, in the workplace," said Ms Chislett. "We both realised that traditional nine-to-five working didn't suit us. We knew we needed something different and tried to build jobs that worked for us. "In doing that, we had so many positive conversations where people said 'we need this too'. "We didn't fully perceive how far it would get at the beginning but it has developed and morphed into this incredible space that we have now." Last month, Inkfire was named winner of the Inclusive Workplace Experience category at the Disability Smart Awards, hosted by the Business Disability Forum. The award recognises small organisations that value the health and wellbeing of workers and have inclusive practices. Ms Chislett said: "Our entire team have disabilities and chronic illnesses and everybody has lived experience, so we very much bring that knowledge to the table when we approach work. "It's good to show businesses that this is what you can achieve. "Our message is, talk to people with disabilities, find out how you can help. "Don't guess what somebody will need because we are here and more than happy to chat." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Disabled-led orchestra 'proves we are good enough' Inkfire Business Disability Forum
