Fraser Simpson

The Nici hotel in Bournemouth has received the AA’s highest five-star rating, making it the town’s first Five AA Star hotel in 26 years and the only one in the local area to hold the distinction. Inspectors praised its resort-style atmosphere, ocean-view rooms, dining, interiors, heated outdoor pool and spa. Founder Nicolas Roach and managing director Lukasz Dwornik said the award recognizes the team’s work and supports the brand’s ambition to redefine coastal hospitality. The Nici is expanding with properties in the New Forest and Newquay and a planned hotel at Southampton’s Town Quay.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has formally objected to the Home Office’s Phase 2 expansion plans for Haslar Immigration Removal Centre. She argues that the proposed site, which could accommodate up to 600 people in accommodation blocks as high as 12 metres, would harm the area’s visual character, nearby regeneration projects and potential housing development. She also questions the use of the Crown Development process and the lack of clarity over how people released on immigration bail would be managed and supported locally. Public comments on the application are being accepted through the Planning Inspectorate until 11:59 p.m. on August 6.

Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) will deliver nutritious meals and conduct wellbeing checks for more than 2,936 older and vulnerable people during the summer heatwaves. Operating across Hampshire, Hertfordshire and West Sussex, HILS will also help clients access drinks, identify health concerns and contact relatives or support networks when necessary. The charity is encouraging families, friends and neighbours to check on vulnerable people and provides additional nutrition advice and post-hospital discharge food services.

The RNLI has been named Charity of the Year for the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show, which runs from September 18 to 27 and is expected to attract more than 90,000 visitors. RNLI volunteers will demonstrate lifeboats, provide water-safety advice and showcase the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and Atlantic 85 Mk4. Visitors can make optional donations when buying tickets, with proceeds supporting the charity’s lifesaving work.

A new Sam Holland crime thriller titled Sleeping Beauties has been released exclusively on Audible, centered on Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde’s race to catch a serial killer while protecting a comatose witness. Holland, a Hampshire-based author of seventeen crime novels, researched the story with support from local police and medical staff. The audiobook is narrated by actors Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle.

Southampton held its first Mental Health Friendly Day with citywide events aimed at promoting positive mental wellbeing and social connection. Coordinated by the Southampton Mental Health Network with support from the City Council and the NHS, the initiative featured awareness campaigns, wellbeing walks, workshops, arts activities and support events for carers. Local organisations, community groups and businesses participated to strengthen social ties and encourage ongoing engagement through the network’s resources.