HERE are five businesses which have closed in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and parts of east Dorset in October.

SimOnis florist 

Bournemouth’s ‘longest-running’ florist sold its last bouquet this month after more than 75 years in the trade.  

David Shires, the owner of SimOnis in Sea Road, Boscombe, called it quits after around 51 years in the family-run business on October 28.  

Having always told himself he will retire at 70, he finally retired and said he will miss the people the most – but not the early starts. 

Read more here: Bournemouth florist owner to retire after more than 50 years 

Beau Bijou 

Beau Bijou has announced it will be closing its doors after 17 years in the high street and moving to online-only. 

While an official closing date has not yet been confirmed, owners have said this Christmas will be the last for the store. 

A closing down sale began on Saturday, October 21, and includes Christmas stock. 

Read more here: Wimborne high street jewellery store Beau Bijou to close 

Winton Pre-school 

Parents, staff and children gathered at Winton Baptist Church to say so-long to Winton Pre-School after nearly 60 years.

They enjoyed cake to celebrate the decades, with well-wishers sending in thank you cards, displayed on the wall. 

There were ‘mixed emotions’ on Friday, however, a new chapter is just beginning with the managing team, Sally Burnell and Louise Tovey, planning a new venture. 

Read more: Winton Pre-School closes after nearly 60 years 

KFC 

Signs went up earlier at the very end of September on the KFC in Ringwood Road, Ferndown saying ‘Sorry, we are now closed’ with the lights still on but the doors locked.  

People had hoped that the closure was temporary and that it would be back open soon, with many hungry diners pulling up outside wanting their fix of chicken. 

But a spokeswoman confirmed, “sadly”, it will be closing for good. 

Read more: KFC confirms 'sad' closure of Ferndown restaurant 

Burley Working Men’s Club 

A Hampshire club has closed after serving the local community for more than a century. 

Mounting utility debts, a dismal summer, and the lasting legacy of the pandemic have resulted in the demise of Burley Working Men’s Club in the New Forest. 

They made the "difficult decision" after voicing fears that the site's utility bills would be even higher in the winter. 

Read more: New Forest: Burley Working Men's Club closes after 100 years