I WROTE the following from a wish to celebrate rather than, as seems to be more usual, denigrate our local area:

While it is sometimes necessary to point out shortcomings in one’s local area I want, for a change, simply to celebrate it. So here are my nominations for Seven (free) wonders of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

1. Hengistbury Head: a refreshing area of heathland and nature conservation amid an urban area, with good facilities for youngsters and visitors with disabilities.

2. Christchurch Priory: an awesome building whose historical interest is well communicated, not least by the very welcoming volunteer stewards.

3. Bournemouth Valley Gardens: beautifully combines natural and cultivated areas. The improved bicycle also path provides a fantastic, safe access to the town centre.

4. St Peter’s Church, Bournemouth: this stunning gem of Victorian architecture is open each day, and its four acres of restored grounds are an oasis of peace in the midst of the town centre.

5. The beach! Extending six miles, this is surely the best stretch of sandy beach and safe bathing in the whole of England, with a pleasant promenade along the entire route and lifeguards at numerous points.

6. St Aldhelm’s Church, Branksome. Ok, I admit a personal interest in this, being the vicar! However, it is a sanctuary of peace and prayer close to the incessant traffic slowly plying between Bournemouth and Poole, and is a fine example of one of the greatest Church architects of the 19th century, G F Bodley.

7. Poole Park: to my mind the jewel in this splendid crown of local wonders. A great example of an old civic park sympathetically restored for the 21st century with new features such as the rose garden. To my mind the park’s tranquility and peace have been greatly enhanced by closing it to much of the through traffic that previously made it so busy with impatient-driven vehicles.

Others will have different suggestions to compete with my list. Mine however are all chosen on the basis of being open and available every day completely free of charge.

Thank goodness for such a wonderful area in which to live or work, and to which visitors are so welcome!

Pip Martin

St Aldhelm’s Road

Poole