August 2nd

The monotonous, flat grey sky, the humid air, and the stiff breeze has become the distinctive features of this summer. Visitors are still braving the lumpy waves and the blowing sand but by mid afternoon a steady caravan of families laden with windbreaks, collapsible chairs, bulging bags and buckets and spades is wending its way up the steps away from the beach. A woman sys “It’s cold, I had to put my cardi on.” And still the green is in stasis with no rain again. The only patch of colour is a little area of purple and yellow sea asters which is suddenly visible because of the mowing yesterday. Magpies chatter. Pigeons coo. The breeze rattles the dry leaves. #Bournemouth #WestCliffGreen #Summer #August

From August 2nd 2021

This strange year continues. Rolling grey skies and a tweak in the air this evening. But the sea is still calm and placid with a hint of mist wreathing the hills and the horizon. Apparently it's been a very good year for grass and farmers have been struggling to keep up with the forage crops. And that's true on the West Cliff. The grasses have put on a magnificent show and wave and nod gracefully in the breeze. But, looking back, every year is extraordinary and there have been gales and storms and tropical heat in different years at this time. Nothing is certain and never has been.

From August 2nd 2019

An Irish tenor seems to be singing Purple Rain from down on the beach. A small boat tries to slip the cordon and get just a little closer to the action. The police launch, blue light flashing, chases sedately and sends it back. A light flashes in Admiral's Walk. People's converversations are slow but urgent. The lights go off on the pier. Ready for this.... (The Fireworks on the pier)