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2011 ARCHIVE |
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FROM THE EDITOR
Well, it may be cold and the heating bills may be astronomical but at least we have some very good news to take us through into the new year (see Chris Meadows’ Letter from the Rectory).
As the year closes, I’d like to thank the Dubber team who work so hard to get the Dubber out to all corners of the parishes (even in this weather!) and all those who take the time to contribute either regularly or occasionally to the Dubber’s pages.
...And talking about those who give up their time for the benefit of us all, I’d also like to wish David Parsons a swift recovery from his broken leg (acquired while putting up the Christmas lights in St George’s Church!).
Angela Bell
Thanks to Owen Bryant, Media & IT Designer, ICIA, University of Bath for this month’s cover.
LETTER FROM THE RECTORY
January 2011
Dear Friends
You will probably read this before your Christmas dinner as we are publishing a little earlier than usual, so I still have time to wish you a very happy Christmas! With that wish, I am able to bring some very good news because on Friday, 10 December we offered Reverend Gaynor Burrett the post of Priest in Charge of the Purbeck Hills Parishes and I am delighted to report that she has accepted. It now has to go to the Bishop for approval but I hope that, by the time you see this, her appointment will have been confirmed.
From the moment she came into the church, where we had invited people to come to meet her, we instantly got a feeling of warmth and of someone who was interested in the person she was talking to. Before I took her up to Kingston and Worth, I had the opportunity to talk to many of the people whom she had met and I had positive reactions from them all.
At the interview she answered all the questions put to her by the churchwardens, the Rural Dean and the Archdeacon in a straightforward but thoughtful way and we had the impression of a person with a deeply held faith, interested in people but at the same time keen to take our churches forward. She came with excellent references, so offering her the job was a unanimous decision.
We don’t, at this moment, know when she will start, so for a while we will continue
to rely on Rev. John Staples, Elizabeth Crabbe, Rev. John Bloomfield and Rev. Andrea
Hagenbuch, together with others to lead our services -
Finally let me wish you all a very Happy New Year – whatever 2011 throws at us!
Chris
Chris Meadows
Churchwarden
St George’s Church
COFFEE & GIFT MORNING
We are planning to have a Coffee and Gift Morning in February at St George’s -
Chris Meadows
ST GEORGE’S PRE-
We raised £204 on our stall at the Putlake Xmas Fair and we would like to thank the
customers and parents, grandparents and pre-
Vanessa Millman
MEN’S BREAKFAST
See what you’re missing if you don’t come to Putlake Farm on the third Saturday of
each month for the Men’s Breakfast! Alfie, Gloria and all the staff do us proud -
Chris Meadows
PURBECK ARTISTS & STALLHOLDERS
We have had another successful Christmas Event in Worth Village Hall despite setting up in the icy weather. We have donated £250 to Julia’s House, £250 to St George’s Langton and £50 to Jerry Cole’s Sudan Fund from our yearly profits as well as raising money for the Hall itself. Thank you to the Hall Committee for their support and to all the customers braving the cold. Our team look forward to seeing you all in the summer.
Di Quinn
YOGA IN YOUR VILLAGE
From January 2011, I am planning to put on an extra Yoga Class for those of you who
have hip or knee replacements or suffer from health problems which make joining a
general Yoga class feel too challenging. Gentle Yoga can be practised by people of
all ages and all abilities -
The class will be on a Tuesday at 11am at the Langton Scout and Guide HQ -
Other classes are at Worth Matravers on Mondays at 5.30pm and 7.15pm. There is a change of day for Harmans Cross. 2011 classes will now take place on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm in the new Village Hall. Telephone 439041 for more details.
Cath Newman
WINDMILL LANE FOOTPATH CLAIM
You may have heard that the County Council has refused our claim for the track to be made an official public path. Well, our next step is to appeal to GONE (Government Office in North East). The parish council has decided to appeal. So I have the documents all ready and Brian Panton, the Area Footpath Secretary from the Ramblers, has checked them. All we are awaiting now is the official letter from DCC so that we can submit the appeal. GONE will then decide whether or not to instruct DCC to make the Order to add the track to the definitive map. The Ramblers’ opinion is that we have a good case. So watch this space!
Ian Mackenzie
TRAIDCRAFT
There will be no Traidcraft stall at St George’s in January due to the reasons explained last month. We hope very much to be able to resume normal service as soon as possible. Watch this space for information. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their support over the past two and a half years, for buying from us, and for helping Traidcraft to transform lives. We would also like to wish you all a very happy new year.
Judith & Robert
LOCAL SHOPPING FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR
I notice from my records that this is the 60th article that I have written over the last three years. During this time, the majority of my social life has been as a member of Purbeck Products. Through them, I have become part of the farming and wider community in the Isle of Purbeck. I have had a wonderful time. So thank you.
It being a New Year, I think that it is important to remember what Purbeck Products
does and why. This Co-
The markets provide an interface between the purchaser and the producer. You get to know the farmer and can decide whether he is an honest person and is worthy of your custom. You are able to buy some of the very best produce from the area.
You can be sure that the food that you buy is produced to the highest ecological and care standards. Finally there is an environmental benefit and that is that this food will be some of the lowest food mile food produced in the area. My hope for the New Year is that this should be valued, and that the markets should thrive.
Over the past eight years I have lived a very odd life; my children decided they
wanted to be educated in France. I was sent home to farm and had to commute out to
visit my family once a month. Just recently, my mother-
Thank you for reading the ramblings of an old dyslexic over the past three years.
Happy New Year; may 2011 be the best for you, shop locally, enjoy and “eat the view”. Adieu.
Christopher Lees
WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?
To take this photo I had to get out of the sun which entailed my kneeling on the
snow. It’s of my favourite tree -
Last month’s photo was taken in the woods at Arne, just beyond the car park. The
autumn colours were stunning. What a co
ntrast to this month’s photo!
Chris Meadows
THE WALK OF PRIDE
SHAME UK Ltd, is a new charity (based in Swanage) that has been set up to try to help homeless people in the local area to find homes, and regain a little self respect by being given the opportunity to use skill that they already have or, with our help, can learn.
Homelessness is something that can affect any one of us, for many assorted reasons, and at any time. Although, we would all like to believe that this is something that isn’t happening in our local community, It is !..... Homeless people don’t make their plight well known for several reasons, some of which include, protection of others, discrimination, safety and shame.
The name SHAME UK has been chosen because the letters stand for ‘Safe Homes And Monies Essential’ and UK because all the money that is generated from the UK will be used in the UK to help resolve our own homeless problems.
The walk of PRIDE is the name chosen because the people we are representing are still
just that, people -
I am appealing to all of you to help me to get this charity up and running.
Whether by donations of premises to be used as a temporary office, or workshop and storage facilities, craft materials, tools, raffle prizes for various planned events, financial assistance or physical help (we all have skills, why not share them ). Any help that you can give will be greatly appreciated by everyone involved whether a homeless person or a fellow worker.
Some of you may already have heard about ‘The Walk of PRIDE’, and for those of you that haven’t, it is a sponsored walk around the 12000 miles of the coastal pathways of the British Isles. Starting at the Obelisk, Pier road, Swanage on 5 March, 2011. This expedition will take approximately two years to complete.
Our walking party has recently grown from two members (myself and my dog Bob) to a possible three members for the entire walk and others that would like to do a shorter walk on the start day. If you would like to accompany us, do a sponsored event yourself or help in any way, please email me at shameukltd@yahoo.co.uk or phone/text 07779926711. There will be a presentation day on 22 January at the Mowlem Committee Room, Shore road, Swanage, between 10am and 6pm also other events are being organised in the local area. Please support us in any way that you can and help to regain UK’s pride by showing that we do care about our homeless community.
Linda Ballard
NATIONAL TRUST
I hope this finds you full of the joys of a New Year and fully rested after time spent with family and friends over the festive season. January is, of course, the time to make New Year’s resolutions. So if you’ve set yourself the challenge of meeting new people, learning something new or getting out and about more then we may well be able to help.
Starting in February we’re launching a new beach clean volunteer group. Based at the Studland Discovery Centre, the ‘Studland Tidy Group’ will be a hit squad keeping our coastline clear of debris washed up by the tide or left by careless visitors. It offers a great opportunity to get out and about along our stunning coastline whilst meeting new people.
Alongside the practical activity there will be the opportunity to learn about Purbeck’s
wildlife and countryside as each task will have a discovery theme. The route the
activity will follow will be suitable for everyone so why not bring the family along?
(Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.) So come and find out what a
Pandora Shell is whilst untangling discarded fishing line or learn to tell the difference
between Cross-
Starting in February we’ll meet 10.30 on the third Sunday of every month at the Discovery Centre at Knoll Beach and we’ll be back there at 12.30. Below are the dates and themes for the first four sessions: Sunday, 20 February: Explore the Shore; Sunday, 20 March: Changing Coastlines; Sunday, 17 April: Spring Flowers and Sunday, 15 May: Shorebirds.
We are also launching our very own youth group this month which will build on our previous work with local schools and colleges by providing an opportunity for young people to develop their skills in and understanding of practical countryside work. Hopefully, those of you between 14 and 18 years old who have already expressed an interest in these activity days have already signed up for the first session but if not do get in touch. The group only has 11 places so its first come first served!
For more information or to register your interest on either of these opportunities get in touch with Rachel Rodman on 477320 or email rachel.rodman@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Mandy Jarvis, Community & Volunteering Manager
KINGSTON NEWS
Winter wonderland it may be, but life has to continue. This time the snow was not a problem for too long, the roads dried out quickly and as I write we have not had another fall.
However our requests for a bin of salt and grit at the bottom of South Street do not attract any positive action. Our Parish Council in Corfe have done considerable research into the problem.
They would have to get permission from the Conservation Department, the County Council would have to check the location. The Parish Council would have to obtain and pay for the bins themselves and provide a concrete base with bolts. But most importantly, the Parish Council would have to take out extra insurance against accidents because the salt was being distributed by non County Council personnel.
There is no way that the Parish Council can afford this. As a result the Corfe PC has decided not to attempt to take the matter any further. Are we, as private individuals, covered if someone slips on the path outside our house which we have cleared? What a world we live in! Is there anyone out there with the experience and skills to take on the County Council? The Corfe PC has gone as far as they can go. Perhaps my insurance company would take action if a car slides into my car, because there is no salt or grit.
Nora Gould’s tree is looking good in the churchyard. It is growing apace which causes problems with the lights. We have to keep buying extra lights and then it might grow so high that we cannot put the lights on to. Perhaps it needs some judicious pruning.
As you may know, we have our very own British motor racing champion in Kingston. Zac Chapman of the Old St James is 2010 Toyota MR2 champion. You may have seen his red car near the church. It is looking for a home for the winter. Has anyone got any garage space for a much loved machine? If you have, please phone 480154. Zac would be very grateful.
It is good to know that Jerry Cole is home for Christmas, though he is likely to be returning to Africa soon. He has very much enjoyed the experience. John Cole is driving his car, but is not right yet.
There was a good crowd at the Christmas Party and the Scott Arms looked after us
very well. We were welcomed by the charming children from the Corfe Pre-
The mulled cider in half pint glasses was very acceptable and we enjoyed the food contributed by the party goers. Father Christmas made an appearance with presents for all the children.
He seemed to have come from the South rather than the North, but then he is a very busy man and has to travel long distances. Thank you Peter and Sue for all your hard work.
A happy Christmas and New Year to all our readers.
George Pitman
COMPUTER CLUB NEWS
With the festive period now becoming a distant memory, it may be time to think of
a new challenge to stir the mind and help blow away the excesses that are often associated
with Christmas. Why not come along and join us at the Computer Club at Harmans Cross
Village Hall and make your New Year’s resolution one to banish those computer demons
-
We run sessions in the small meeting room and tailor each around topics that are of interest to the assembled group. We have the new flat screen TV in use to make discussions very easy, or you can bring your own laptop along, if you need specific help.
I’m very pleased to confirm that local computer Guru, Tom Wishart, has kindly volunteered to help out running the sessions. This is especially good news as Tom’s professional background means he is an expert in photo editing so, if your interest is in improving the quality of your own photographs, please get in touch as we can help.
Sessions for your diary are: 4 & 17 January; 2 & 14 February; 1,15 & 29 March. Each session runs from 7pm till 8.30pm and we ask for a contribution of £2 for each evening attended to go towards our costs. Info: 480573.
Shaun Williams
HARMANS CROSS MOVIE NIGHTS
Our second film show at the new village hall, the family comedy Nanny McPhee & the
Big Bang, attracted 32 people. Those who completed our questionnaire rated it Good;
‘an enjoyable light-
Our next Movie Night will be on Tuesday, 11 January with 2010’s Robin Hood, a 12
Certificate action/adventure drama starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Ridley
Scott’s reworked tale of dispossession and rebellion cleverly reconciles disparate
threads of the Robin Hood myth. The Guardian critic said: ‘Crowe... still has exactly
the right kind of leading-
Tickets are available at the door on the night at just £4 each. The doors and the
Residents’ Club bar will open at 6.45pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. Movie Nights
then continue on Tuesday 8 February with The Blind Side with an Oscar-
Nigel Edmonds
RESIDENTS’ CLUB
After taking a break for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the Residents’ Club bar is open every Friday in January from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. There will be a report on our Christmas Evening on 17 December in February’s Dubber.
On 26 November, the Club held another of its popular Pub Quiz nights devised and presented by Treasurer David Hollister and Vice Chairman Keith Fisher. The successful evening was attended by 41 members and guests. The winning team, ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’, was made up of Lerida & Brian Arnold, Martyn & Sue Lloyd and Linda Kawycz. They won a bottle of wine and a £5 bar voucher. Please watch The Dubber for details our next Quiz Night.
Nigel Edmonds
NEW HALL SWINGS WITH THE RATPACK
The New Hall was filled to capacity in November, when the 9 piece Rat Pack -
The Ratpack are a Bournemouth based band playing Swing, Jump Jive, Latin and Retro
Pop, including music from the Sinatra Era. The nine piece band with vocals, play
Ratpack favourites like -
Commenting on the event Lesley confirmed that ‘the New Hall is a great venue for a musical event such as this, with the hall and kitchen operating well. And all this in conjunction with drinks being served continuously from the excellent bar servery. We will definitely be back in the Summer when the outside patio can be used to the full at another event.’
Alan Stephenson
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
A warm, colourful atmosphere was evident at our December Christmas Bazaar and with two Christmas trees, and attractive decorations (see picture), the New Hall provided a welcoming ‘ambiance’ for the community and the many visitors who joined in the fun.
All the stall holders contributed to the festive occasion as did Carole and Trevor
Ayling, who ‘served-
Alan Stephenson
TIRELESS TREE PEOPLE
On a cold Wednesday morn in December, some fortified with a rare highland brew, our
intrepid committee members -
The 6 meter pine was purchased locally and took the now experienced team around one hour to put up and decorate. Our thanks are due not only to the tree people but also Moonfleet Cars and the Foley family for their assistance and the use of their facilities.
Our photos on The Dubber website show the ‘installation’ team at work – and no doubt Chairman Hugh Salter will welcome volunteers for the ‘decommissioning’ in January!
Alan Stephenson
VILLAGE CLUB NEWS
The trip to Southampton was very enjoyable we had a full coach of people prepared to shop ‘till they dropped. It was a cold day but this did not deter shoppers from bringing lots of bags full of Christmas goodies onto the coach going home. On a very cold snowy night, many people turned out to enjoy the American Evening. The Hall looked fantastic decorated in red, white and blue and the Stars and Stripes were proudly displayed. Thanks go to Mary Fisher and her team of helpers for all their hard work in organizing the catering and transforming the Hall into a realistic venue. Also thanks to Jo Edmonds for the beautiful flower arrangements that were displayed. An American styled supper was enjoyed by all and the evening was rounded off by dancing to popular American music.
Please come to the AGM on 27 January at 2pm, renew your membership and share the Club’s tenth birthday celebrations. The subscription for next year has gone up to £9.50 which, I am sure you will agree, is very good value for money. On behalf of the HX Village Club I wish everyone a very Happy and Enjoyable New Year.
Marie Evans
...AND FINALLY!
At the end of one of the most momentous years for our village (especially if you receive your Dubber in December!) and one that embraced the demolition of the Old Hall, the construction of the New Hall and numerous community focused events, we should like to express our thanks for all your support and wish you a most healthy and peaceful 2011.
As you will know -
Once again from all the Village Hall Team – our warmest wishes for the year ahead – we will continue our active programme of events and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Alan Stephenson
VILLAGE HALL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
We would like to thank everyone who ventured out on a bitterly cold day to support the Christmas Bazaar. Despite the cold weather we managed to raise £766.45 for the Hall funds. Thank you also for the many generous donations of cakes. Your support and donations are greatly appreciated.
Valerie Collins
LM HISTORY & PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Langton Matravers Local History & Preservation Society holds its first meeting of
the new year on Thursday, 20 January at 7.30pm in the village hall. Reg Saville will
give an illustrated talk on ‘The Leeson Estate’. This had a long and interesting
history before it became the Field Study Centre that it is today. All welcome. Members
£2.50, non-
Rosemary Stevens
LANGTON MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL
Present Cllr P. White, in the Chair, Cllr M. Turner (Vice-
Footpath
On 29 November 2010 the Roads & Rights of Way Committee of Dorset County Council considered an application, submitted by the Parish Council, to upgrade FP13. The proposal aims to create one continuous route between Valley Road (A351), Coombe to Burnham’s Lane. It is regretted that, despite having made a good case, the application was dismissed.
The Parish Council decided at its Meeting held on 8 December to support an appeal. This will be lodged in the name of Ian Mackenzie, on behalf of the Council. The Council is extremely grateful for his continued support.
Updating the Parish Plan
In an attempt to update the Parish Plan and to re-
Purbeck Core Strategy
The Purbeck District Council is at a critical point in determining its Core Strategy
and has been inviting comments ‘Planning Purbeck’s Future -
Recognition was given to the issues directly affecting Langton Matravers although these were not deemed to be major or strategic i.e. transport. Support for the issues, also being faced in the neighbouring parishes of Worth Matravers and Swanage, in respect of secondary education were noted with concern. The Parish Council has responded accordingly.
Planning
Plans submitted by Cothill Educational Trust for the change of use, demolition and alterations to form two dwellings and erect two detached dwellings at The Old Malthouse, High Street, Langton Matravers. Observation – Support Unanimously.
Plan submitted by Raglan Housing Association for a proposed Non Material Amendment
to PP 6/2006/1154 (Erect 4 houses and 4 flats; form new vehicular access). Request
to insert condition requesting compliance with approved plans at Land adjacent to
Steppes, Langton Matravers. Observation – Defer and seek clarification on definition
of ‘Non-
Plan submitted by Keate’s Quarrie to vary conditions 1 and 3 of PP 6/2007/0779 to allow the extraction of stone to continue in plot 18 and the continued use of Keate’s service area until 31/12/2012 with the restoration of both area by 31/10/2013 at Acton Quarries, Langton Matravers. Observation – Support Unanimously.
Next Meetings
The next Parish Council meeting is at 7pm on Wednesday, 19 January (Please note change of date). The February monthly meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 10 February.
Alan Leeson, Clerk to the Council
WORTH HISTORY
Worth Matravers Hall was nearly full for the second illustrated talk by Reg Saville in November on the history of Worth. We were delighted that friends from Swanage, Corfe, Langton, Harmans Cross and further afield were able to join us and enjoy both the talk and the preceding exhibition. Trev Haysom added to the evening with his knowledge of the stone from which the Worth parish church and village buildings are made.
Reg will give his third and final illustrated talk in WMVH at 7.30pm on Friday, 4
March. He will kindly organise the pre-
In January, Lilian Ladle will give her illustrated talk on the finds from her archaeological dig in Worth – now thought to be ‘one of the most important sites in Southern England’ – at 3pm on Saturday, 15 January again in WMVH. All are welcome to what we know will be a fascinating event that will take the history of our area back some 6,000 years. Info: 439014.
Richard & Sandra Brown
WORTH AFTERNOON CLUB
Our Christmas lunch, combined with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Club, began with a glass of fizz and a wonderful performance of carols by the children of St George’s School. Our sincere thanks to Helen and to the children for such a great start to our event. Karla and Jack provided a super meal, much enjoyed by everyone, and we even had a surprise visit from Father Christmas!
The Club meets again on Wednesday, 12 January when a short AGM will be followed by a talk entitled ‘The Road to Santiago de Compostela’ by Richard and Sandra Brown.
A reminder that annual subscriptions (£6) are due in January. Visitors welcome £2 per visit.
Rachel Seaton
WORTH MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL -
During the public discussion at the December meeting, the fouling by dogs around the parish, was raised. All dog owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and to keep them under proper control when around livestock. Further discussions will take place at the January meeting.
Cllr Handy will attend a meeting in January on local transport.
Thanks were recorded to Cllr Burden, John James and Gwyn Jenkins for the cleaning of WM pond on a bitterly cold day.
The new litter bins have now arrived and will be installed in the new year.
Three nominations were received for the ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’. All from WM. The name of the nominee chosen has been forwarded to PDC.
A response has been made, on behalf of the Parish Council, to the Core Strategy consultation.
After the recent snowy weather we received two requests for grit bins. The provision of grit bins was discussed at the February meeting and it was felt, then, as now, that grit bins would be unsightly and would only be necessary for a couple of months a year. It was agreed that 40x25kg bags of rock salt be purchased and stored at WM and HX for use on the roads and pavements. Since the meeting we have been informed that DCC will supply some dumpy bags of salt as soon as possible. If residents wish, they can purchase their own grit bins which Highways will fill up once they have agreed the position. These cost in the region of £165 for a 200 litre or £215 for a 400 litre.
Planning applications this month
The Parish Council had no objection to the following:-
- Downs and Southdowns Quarries, Kingston Rd., WM.
- Extension of Downs and Southdowns quarries for the extraction of Purbeck stone and variations of condition 14 of planning permission 6/2007/0302 to change the phasing and working scheme to facilitate an extension.
- Worth Community Property Trust: Application to extend the time limit on planning permission to erect five new dwellings and form new vehicular access.
The Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal by the owner of Rose Cottage, South Instow, HX.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 4 January at 7.30pm in WM Village Hall.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
Joyce Meates, Chairman
THE ROUND
BARRY GRAY
Barry passed away in Poole Hospice, last year on 19 October. I would like to thank all kind friends for their cards, condolences and support at my very sad loss.
Jan Gray
The For Sale sign over the shop in Worth Matravers means I suppose that the Christine
and Derek will shortly be leaving. I was sorry when the shop closed and I am sorrier
to see them go for they were always friendly and helpful and Derek became famous
for his repartee. The shop suffered the fate of all such in a small village, being
used for small emergencies and chat while the big money went to the supermarket.
One can’t blame the public or any shopkeeper who gives up the unequal struggle, but
I do blame the District Council who make it so easy to obtain a change of use from
shop to residential within the village envelope, but correspondingly harder to apply
for a change of use the other way round. I remember how they supported the closure
of the Worth craft centre and cafe, even though it was a viable business and permitted
it to become yet more second homes despite nearly universal opposition from Worth
residents.
The audience on Any Questions last week were asked if they thought the Wikileaks revelations were a bad thing. The majority said ‘Yes’. If I had been there, I think I would have voted differently for I feel a little daylight falling on the murky shadows of official diplomacy is no bad thing. I am not in a position to reach any conclusions about possible threats to national security, but I nevertheless suspect that a lot of the rage against Mr Assange and his revelations comes less from the danger they put us all in than the embarrassed flutter they cause in the dovecotes of power. Assange is now in prison on a charge that will remove him to Sweden and thence, if the Americans get their way, to the States. I hope he gets a fair hearing for it is not unlikely that the charges against him are partially motivated by corporate rage and a desire for revenge.
Before the leaks were made public we were told that they contained crucial information which would aid our enemies and endanger our friends. Now we can read them for ourselves and question why so many were given a top secret classification; governments have begun to change their tune. They are no longer insisting that they are a major threat to life and liberty, but talk more about the diplomatic upset they will cause. It is apparently less a case of reds under the bed than red faces under the bed clothes. Every email addict knows the horror which comes after pressing ‘send’ and remembering just that second too late that the person one thought one was being rude about in private is included on the send list. Sometimes I think the mistake is psychological, due to a subconscious desire to let a bit of reality to seep through the stifling front of politeness and correctitude convention sometimes required of us.
I had a friend who had two girl friends, (always a difficult situation to handle), and the strain of assuring each of them that they were the only one he really loved was clearly getting him down. He unintentionally solved the dilemma by writing to both, but putting the letters into the wrong envelopes. Once the dust had cleared there was only one girl friend, whom he married and settled down with happily ever after. The Government is in much the same situation. The wrong girls are reading the wrong letters and I wonder if that is necessarily such a bad thing. They must know already that foreign diplomats report critical things behind their backs, for that is what diplomats are paid to do. After all the diplomatic service, like the intelligence service, is something of a misnomer. Intelligence experts are often unintelligent and a quick read through the leaked papers shows us that diplomats are at their best and most interesting when they are being undiplomatic. It is an essential part of the job.
One of the reasons I enjoyed, if that is the right word, being on the Council is that discussions always ended in a vote, at which point the people who had been endlessly polite had to reveal what they really thought. It would have come as no surprise to be told that critical discussions to friends about the opposition were mirrored by equally critical discussions about oneself. In short I suspect only a tiny proportion of the top secret files the Government are so desperate to keep from prying eyes comes as a surprise to anyone, nor that Hilary Clinton needed to sit up all night apologising to the embassies of the world. Career politicians and diplomats are a hard boiled lot and once the dust has settled we may find that the only lasting damage has been suffered by the unprofessional – those who are ultra sensitive or with enormously inflated egos or under the influence of some all embracing religious dogma.
Of course no one likes hearing unpleasant criticisms of themselves or the people they admire and they can get very tedious and pompous about it. A dinner party next to a fanatic promises hours of boredom, assuming that you don’t get blown up before the coffee and after eights, by which time the prospect of a huge explosion followed by lots of silence can be quite appealing. So home truths that cut people down to size are not necessarily a bad thing.
“Does my bum look big in this?” is not a question for a friend because it invites the polite but wrong answer and not one for an enemy either because you then you risk getting the right answer. Mr Assange is on the side of unvarnished truth which surely in our heart of hearts most of us know already.
Tony Viney
Saturday 1 January
Benefice Walk
Banjo Pier 2pm
Tuesday 4 January
WMPC Meeting
WMVH 7.30pm
Computer Club
HXVH 7pm
Friday 7 January
HX Residents’ Club
HXVH 7.30pm
Saturday 8 January
Light Lunch
LMVH Noon
Tuesday 11 January
Film: Robin Hood
HXVH 7.30pm
Wednesday 12 January
Worth Afternoon Club
WMVH 2.30pm
Friday 14 January
Messy Church... for children of all ages
St George’s Church 3.15-
Pizza & prayers for 8-
St George’s Church 4.30pm
HX Residents’ Club
HXVH 7.30pm
Saturday 15 January
Men’s Breakfast
Putlake Farm 8.30am
Lilian Ladle talk: Worth Archaeological Dig
WMVH 3pm
Sunday 16 January
Newcomers’ Lunch
HXVH 12.30-
Monday 17 January
Computer Club
HXVH 7pm
Wednesday 19 January
LMPC Meeting
LMVH 7pm
Thursday 20 January
LMLH&PS
Reg Saville: The Leeson Estate
LMVH 7.30pm
Friday 21 January
HX Residents’ Club
HXVH 7.30pm
Saturday 22 January
Light Lunch
LMVH Noon
Tuesday 25 January
Magic Memories Evening
HXVH 7pm
Thursday 27 January
HX Village Club AGM
HXVH 2pm
Friday 28 January
HX Residents’ Club
HXVH 7.30pm
Wednesday 2 February
Langton Village Hall AGM
LMVH 7.30pm
Friday 4 February
MP’s Surgery
Swanage Sure Start 2-
