Swift in flight

FROM THE EDITOR

Thanks to all contributors and Dubber helpers who have helped keep the Dubber ticking over this year.

I hope everyone has a healthy and happy 2012.

Best wishes to you all.

Angela Bell

ed@thedubber.co.uk

Thanks to Owen Bryant ICIA, Bath University for this month’s cover design.

LETTER FROM THE RECTORY

January 2012

Dear Friends

With the deadline for the Dubber looming over me, I have to confess that as I write I am still very much in Christmas mode rather than New Year! I thought I might look at what others have said about New Year, so I searched on the internet and came across some interesting thoughts that I share with you! You may agree or disagree with what they say, but I hope you will find them interesting, and maybe of help if you choose to make New Year’s resolutions!

It seems to me that we are encouraged to look at the world, and our lives, through negative glasses. We look at what is wrong rather than celebrate what is right and good. The first quote I share looks to addressing our negativity! ‘We spend the first of January walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.’ ~Ellen Goodman

Imagine what the media would look like if our focus was on the potential rather than the flaw! I liked Hal Borland’s take on this... ‘Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us.’

We seem to be constantly encouraged to seek wisdom or direction for our daily living from outside influences. The example of celebrities, or the control of government! I think that we might all find greater balance in our lives if we choose to adopt John Burroughs’ take on things. ‘One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things.’

Maybe if we can learn to adopt his resolution we will understand and fully appreciate this first offering from George Carlin:- ‘Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.’ I will certainly be trying to grasp those breathtaking moments this year.

Once again I was struck by the following thoughts shared by George Carlin! ‘The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have... more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense... more experts, yet more problems...

We... spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values...

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.’ George Carlin.

Generalisation I know, but maybe worth pondering on as you decide what resolution you may or may not try to commit to.

Whatever you may resolve to do I wish you God’s peace and his richest blessings for 2012.

Gaynor Burrett

Priest-in-charge

Kingston, Langton Matravers & Worth Matravers

GENERAL NEWS

WHERE AM I IN PURBECK?

Now, these are new but they’re worth the wait. Where am I?

PURBECK FOLK FESTIVAL

The Purbeck folk festival opened its gates for the second year last August at Wilkswood Farm and its success has firmly established it as one of the most popular small festivals in the South, being voted by The Independent as one of the top ten small festivals.

Its success is due to a combination of factors; however, the beauty of the surrounding countryside has certainly hit a chord with festival goers who understand the harmony of the festival in the Purbeck Hills goes hand in hand with the harmony of the music on the two stages!

The festival has been set up by a small committee one of who hails from the area. Philip Watkins lived locally for eight years working as a sheep shearer; however, eighteen years ago Philip gave up his shears to set up the company Funnybone which runs a number of bars and clubs in the Dorset area in addition to organising numerous outside events.

“The folk festival was something we had been looking at staging for about three years before finally agreeing on the Wilkswood Farm site,” said Watkins. “We needed a venue that would complement the ethos and experience folk festival goers would enjoy. Although the Purbeck Folk Festival attracts a variety of young and up and coming artists, the clientele who attend the festival are not all hardened festival goers. They are here for the music and it is imperative that we give them a ‘soft’ festival experience!”

As a local, Philip was keen to ensure that the festival would have a positive impact on the community. Numbers attending the festival have been limited to ensure the landscape is not damaged. Eco toilets were installed for the last festival and a ‘friends of the festival’ group introduced a recycling strategy.

In addition to having a low impact on the environment, Philip and the organisers were keen for the festival to have a high impact on the local economy. Phil’s wife and family ran a tea and cake stall and raised £1400 for St Michael and All Angels’ Church in Steeple where, although now living in Poole, his family are still regular members of the congregation.

“We want the local community to benefit from the festival as it establishes itself and, to that end, we have arranged to be at the Kings Arms pub on Monday, 30 January from 8-10pm as to give local residents and interested groups a chance to meet us and discuss anything they wish about the Festival and how they too could possibly get involved with the festival. We want the festival to be the best small festival in the country and want to partner the local community to create something we can all be proud of.”

Purbeck Folk Festival

INTERESTED IN FILMS?

The idea of setting up a film society to show foreign, independent and less well known films at Langton Matravers’ Village Hall is being explored. At the moment, we are trying to gauge interest in this and would love to hear from you if it could be of interest. Contact Sue Spilling or Chris Kwantes.

FIGHT FOR CORFE CASTLE LIBRARY

The people of Corfe Castle are up in arms again. This time they are fighting for the survival of their Library. This fight has been going on for many years and their Library had been threatened many times with closure. But many times the villagers fought this threat off successfully.

Now Dorset County Council has made a final decision and pulled the rug from under our feet. If they have their way, the lights will be switched off next September at the latest.

However, a dedicated group of people in Corfe Castle are determined to do their best to keep the Library open.

We think every civilised town should have a Library, not only for the education of our children, but for everybody’s social wellbeing and health. Our Library is a very important focal point in our community and as such should be kept at all cost.

To set up our own Community Library requires the focused work of many people from the village and surrounding areas...Now is the time to come forward and be counted.

We need people with all kinds of talent, people with lots of time to spare or just the odd hour. And most of all, we need people with energy and enthusiasm of all ages. And we need you now.

If you are interested or are just a supporter, contact Tony Speed or Angelika Seik.

 

BENJAMIN’S BOOK

It’s quiet these days in Rose’s Alehouse, tucked away under Bulbarrow Hill; but when the fiddler begins to play, the faces and the places of his youth come back to life, and an extraordinary story is revealed. Based on a recently discovered manuscript book of fiddle tunes from the Blackmore Vale, this popular musical show from Tim Laycock and Colin Thompson invites the audience to join them in the Alehouse for a feast of storytelling, folk songs, puppetry and local history that will appeal to anyone with an interest in village life and traditional entertainments. Colin plays violin, viola and guitar, Tim plays concertina, melodeon, flute and guitar. This Artstreach production in on Sunday, 29 January at 7.30pm.  

Tickets when available from Langton Matravers Post Office, Keith Coombs and Judy Cook.

SWANAGE DEPRESSION SUPPORT

A group of nine Swanage Christians, all of whom have experienced depression, have decided to start a self help group called Swanage Depression Support.

This group will meet fortnightly at The Old Stable, Swanage Christian Centre at 7.30pm beginning on Wednesday, 18 January. All, who have suffered depression are suffering, or are supporting others who are suffering, will be most welcome.

The meetings will be informal but confidential. There will be a break for refreshments.

For further information please email nickviney@hotmail.com

PLAY FIVE!

Purbeck U3A is holding its January Members’ Meeting at Harmans Cross Village Hall on Thursday, 25 January from 10am - noon. You are very welcome to come and join Dave and Di Cook and listen to them play live music on a variety of instruments, and then – have a go yourselves! (No previous experience or musical ability required!)

Many of you will already know Dave and Di who have both been involved in musical education over many years, for they have run orchestras, choirs and bands in the Purbeck area. ‘PLAY FIVE!’ (the title will become obvious during the event) promises to be Fun, Inventive and Very Educational!

Harmans Cross Village Hall is not only a very welcoming venue, but now there is a Post Office facility in the foyer, available from 9.30am. You can use the Post Office on your way in to the U3A meeting, then enjoy a coffee and chat before a brief U3A business session, and then take part in ‘Play Five!’ See you there!

Juliet Greves

NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Or to knit? How about tapestry, weaving, felting or spinning? We teach all yarn based crafts at Wool Workshop in Corfe Castle. We don’t charge for our teaching, we just ask that you come, enjoy and pass it on. We are a very informal group of crafters, who enjoy what we do, have a good natter, create beautiful things and did I mention that cake would be involved?

We meet every Wednesday morning, term time and holidays, from 9.45am  to noon in Corfe Village Hall - no need to book, just come along, bring a project to do or just come to find out how to start one! For more information call Beverly Evans on 427067.

WHERE AM I ANSWER

These are the steps outside the new gallery at the bottom of Durlston Castle, which is now open. Have you been yet? Don’t miss the walk through time as you approach it. A very nice job has been done on the building but I was expecting a bit more in the way of displays. Maybe more will come. The good thing is that the parking is reasonable, you can pay for an hour if you just want a quick look and a cup of coffee.  

Chris Meadows

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NEWS FROM KINGSTON

     

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

The idea of a Christmas Tree Festival in St James’ Church, Kingston was put to the PCC with the expectation of 10 or 12 local groups joining in. No one could have foreseen what a ‘WOW’ it would be.

Twenty five groups signed to decorate a tree. Ray Harris did an incredible job wiring up lighting for every tree. Decorating started on 1 December and continued on the following morning.

With a church full of excited children and adults all lights were turned off ready for the grand ‘switch on’. At 4pm the switch was thrown and a blaze of light filled the Church. There were  excited voices and children running to their tree to show parents and grandparents which decorations they had made. It is impossible to mention all of the trees, they were all so different and imaginatively decorated. The Church was full of visitors for the three days who had come to admire everybody’s efforts, to hear the children singing and the organ playing, and to the enjoy the hot sausage rolls and mince pies and cakes and hot and cold drinks which were being served. Due to the incredible generosity of our visitors, after all of the expenses were deducted a total of £650 was made which was shared with Julia’s House. The rest will help to warm our church for the rest of the winter.

Greta Hardy

...AND MORE

On behalf of the PCC at St James Church, Kingston, I would like to thank all those who participated in the recent Christmas Tree Festival. The trees were intricately decorated, in many imaginative ways to promote each group and there was a lovely atmosphere of community. Thanks also to all those who visited the Festival and made generous donations. We were very grateful to Ray Harris for his time and efforts in setting up the lights, and also to all the willing helpers on the refreshments team. Our thanks also to The Spar at Harmans Cross, Swanage Co-op and Sainsbury’s in Wareham for donations of mince pies.

Already people are thinking about next year, so if you might be interested in decorating a tree, either as a business, a local interest group or charity and perhaps as a family, please send an email soon in order to be added to next year’s mailing list. (forganj20@tiscali.co.uk)

We were also very appreciative of all who contributed towards the singing, music and bell ringing, also to Colin Garner for the very effective Nativity Scene. It was a lovely start to the Christmas celebrations and great to have the new boiler in action too for the Christmas Services.

 Judy Forgan, Peter Buckle, George & Rosemary Pitman

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NEWS FROM HARMANS CROSS

HARMANS CROSS HALL STALWARTS RETIRE

About fifty people attended this year’s AGM in November to hear an update on the progress in the use of this community facility which is fast becoming the most sought after venue in the Purbeck Area. Chairman Hugh Salter paid tribute to the work of the committee in resolving so many teething troubles in the new Hall without the need to close the venue at all. He also thanked three retiring trustees, Roger Free, Alan Stephenson, and Ron Wright, for their valuable contributions over 30 years of combined experience

Nigel Edmonds reported on the good health of the Residents Club, and the successes of the monthly movie group, now emerging as a worthwhile new income stream generator.

Retiring stalwarts left to right:

Ron Wright, Alan Stephenson, Roger Free

After an interval for refreshments the audience was treated to an excellent photographic show by Tony Bates, the President of Dorset Wildlife Trust, featuring seasonal Dorset scenes in sequences, set to music.

Hugh Salter

HARMANS CROSS MOVIE NIGHTS

On a wet and windy December night, 48 people, some of them first-timers, braved the elements to watch the romantic drama Water for Elephants. The film was well received and its emotional feel-good ending brought a round of applause.

On Tuesday, 10 January we are showing the excellent 2011 thriller The Conspirator, directed by Robert Redford. Based on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and its aftermath, it tells the powerful story of a woman who would do anything to protect her family, and the man who risked everything to save her. Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer, played by James McAvoy, to uncover the truth and save her life. He realises his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her son John. ‘Handsomely crafted and well-cast’ said Metro; The Daily Telegraph described it as ‘gripping’, while the Daily Mail critic thought it was ‘a handsome costume drama graced with sensitive performances and a strong central idea reminding us how easy it is in times of fear, or political panic, to abandon the rule of law’.

Movie Nights are held at the village hall on the second Tuesday every month; tickets are only available at the door on the night and are £4 each. This month the hall and the bar will open at 6.45pm; the film will start at 7.30 (with a 15 minute interval around 8.30) and finish around 9.30. Movie Nights then continue on Tuesday, 14 February with the 2011 romantic sci-fi fantasy The Adjustment Bureau - more details next month.

Nigel Edmonds

FIELD DAY HELPERS’ PARTY

About 75 helpers gathered in Harmans Cross Hall in November to celebrate another outstanding result from this years Field Day and Gymkhana. The group enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by Sarah from ‘Little Miss Buffet’ and music and song by Robert Howes and Rachel Murry (vocalist).

David Hollister, event organiser, welcomed representatives from both the Horse Show and Gymkhana, and the Flower Competitions Tent, thanked all sections for their contributions, saying that at £8,600 the result was up about £300 on the previous year. More importantly, it was  a really fine day and everyone had the opportunity to enjoy themselves. Some lessons had been learned too, and more toilets would have to be provided in future years in view of the numbers now attending, what seems to be an increasingly popular and annual event.

Hugh Salter, Hall Chairman, thanked David on behalf of everyone for running such a successful event for 10 years or so, the results of which had heavily underpinned the successful project to rebuild the Hall. It is now time to find a successor for David who wants to stand aside soon, and anyone willing to join a small organising team is invited to get in touch.

Hugh Salter

HARMANS CROSS VILLAGE CLUB

The Village Club’s annual Christmas shopping trip took us to Gunwharf Quays. The site has been extended relatively recently, offering many shopping outlets, bars and restaurants with a fine view of the harbour. Forty-four people joined us and all made full use of what was on offer, many enjoying the stunning views from the Spinnaker Tower. We were lucky with the weather, too, even though it was a little blustery. Some were even brave enough to sit outside for their coffee. The extra bags on the return trip were testament to a successful and enjoyable day’s shopping.

Our Christmas Party went with a swing, we were entertained by Bonny Sartin of The Yetties who was great fun and put us all in a party mood with a Christmas theme – giving us songs, readings, poems etc. He even managed to sing a song with Dorset names running through and even managed to fit in Harmans Cross. The Committee worked hard making sure everyone was looked after with mince pies and mulled wine.

A couple of forthcoming events not to be missed start on 4 February when we have a talk by Gordon Stevens entitled ‘Life in Books’. Gordon is an award-winning documentary maker and bestselling thriller writer. He is one of the few journalists invited to become a member of the Special Forces Club. Gordon’s latest publication is about the secret diaries of the SAS at War. He started writing books after he met a Guerrilla Leader in South America. The evening will include a supper. One not to be missed.

On 23 February, we have Viv Endecott giving a talk titled ‘Five cheers for Enid Blyton. For those of you brought up on the tales of The Famous Five and The Secret Seven it is a chance to relive your childhood.

Please come to our AGM on 26 January our speaker is John Slow ‘Humour in Court’. The subscription for this year has gone up to £10 which I am sure you will agree is very good value for money. Come along and renew your membership we have a full diary which is designed for you to enjoy. On behalf of Harmans Cross Village Club I wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Marie Evans

HARMANS CROSS ART GROUP

We end our year with great sadness at the death of one of our founder members, Mary Counsell. Mary, who lived in Worth Matravers for many years, was a wonderful lady who we all loved and admired. She had her own unique style and to watch her paint, even in the last few years with failing sight, was something else. She will live on in all the paintings she created and our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. We welcome three new members to our group, Monica, Ann and David. Our first meeting will be on 3 January when we will have a New Year’s Lunch.

Judy Robinson

MUSIC NIGHTS AT HARMANS CROSS

Following the success of our first Music Night in October, when the Riverside Jazzers filled the village hall, we are now able to announce details of our second live music event. On Saturday, 31 March we will be presenting our first Blues Night with talented Bournemouth-based band ‘Paint It Blue’ (which is also the title of their first album). They will play a selection of covers and their own original material, with a range of influences evident from soul, gospel and funk to rock and British blues.

Have a look at the Village Hall’s new Music Nights Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harmans-Cross-Village-Hall-Music-Nights/298417733522065

For more details and how to buy tickets, see next month’s Dubber and keep an eye on the Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information. In the meantime please make a note of that date!

Nigel Edmonds

HARMANS CROSS RESIDENTS’ CLUB

After a short break for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, from 6 January our licensed bar is back every Friday from 7.30-10.30pm. In the meantime, we have a special night for members and their guests in the main hall. On Friday, 20 January we will be entertained by The Andrew Cannon Trio when Andrew, who is a member of the Residents’ Club, will be handling the keyboards and vocals, and will be joined by fellow band members on bass and drums. It will be an evening of ‘Easy Listening and Swinging Music’ featuring the Great American Songbook (Porter, Berlin, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart/Hammerstein and others) in the style of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc. It will be an informal evening with tables arranged in café style.

There is no charge for entry. Please support this event if you can; also contact me (477134) if you are not a member and wish to attend.

Nigel Edmonds

SIR KEITH PARK

In November Nick Thompson of Southern Locomotives gave an illustrated talk in the village hall about Sir Keith Park – the Locomotive and the Man. The railway companies named their express locomotives and engines to the same design as Sir Keith Park were the only named engines to visit Swanage before the line closed in 1972. The locomotive was withdrawn in 1965 but is being restored. It is due to re-enter service on the Swanage Railway next year. Air Chief Marshall Sir Keith Park’s policy of not to lose rather than trying to win the Battle of Britain prevented the Germans from invading Britain. With Sir Douglas Bader he named the locomotive Sir Keith Park at Brighton.

Robin Brasher

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NEWS FROM LANGTON MATRAVERS

WINDMILL LANE FOOTPATH CLAIM

A Happy New Year to all the walkers of Langton! On 12 December I put in a new claim to the county rights of way on behalf of the Parish Council. This new claim is for a footpath with restricted byway sections from the road and up to the gates at each end. This is part of our new evidence.

I have asked for priority treatment of our case because of the age of some of our witnesses - two have died since March 2009! I will shortly be posting notices at each end of the lane. We are still open for more evidence. So if you have any further information e.g. maps or photos or memories of using this path please contact me (426926) or your Footpaths Liaison Officer, Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle (426956). Keep walking - it does us good!

Ian Mackenzie

VILLAGE HALL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

We would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Christmas Bazaar helping to raise £747.72 for the Hall funds. Thanks also for the generous donations of cakes. Your support and donations are greatly appreciated.

Valerie Collins

WILDLIFE TALKS AT LANGTON

The local group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust held an interesting programme of illustrated talks in the Village Hall this autumn. These finished on a local theme with ‘Rejuvenating the lost ponds of Langton’ by Rachel Janes of the DWT. Pond restoration and improvements have been carried out on key ponds throughout Purbeck to help maintain a variety of species and especially to protect the more vulnerable plants and animals which rely on them. Ponds in Langton Matravers (for example, those in the grounds of Leeson House) are particularly important as breeding sites for the Great Crested Newt.

It is the largest and least common of our three species of newt, and the breeding males are an arresting sight, looking like mini-dinosaurs! They have strict legal protection, and these local ponds are crucial for their survival in Purbeck. The 2012 season of talks starts on Monday, 9 January, at 2.30pm and other meetings follow at fortnightly intervals.

Colin Nunn

 

LANGTON MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL

December Meeting

Present: Cllr P. White, in the Chair, Cllr M. Turner (Vice-Chairman), and Cllrs J. Bradford, C. Drayson, M. Kirby, W. Knight, M Lovell, P. Loudoun and H. Tizard. There were ten members of the public present.

Public Discussion period

Re: Planning Application 6/2011/0721 for a memorial stone to the wartime Auxiliary Unit in the centre of the village. A statement was read and signed petition presented by a parishioner objecting to the application, and a member of the Corfe Castle branch of the Royal British Legion spoke in favour.

Planning

• 6/2011/0703. Planning permission. Mr and Mrs A.Hinsull. Erect single storey extension and installation of roof light at 1 the Lane, Acton. - The Parish Council has no objection to the plans.
• 6/2011/0706. Certificate of Lawful Use –Existing. Mr B.Young. Stationing at Nursery Bridge Farm, Valley Rd. Langton Matravers of mobile home for a period in excess of 10 years for canteen, rest room, on-site office, WC, basic kitchen as well as paperwork store and animal medicines. – The Parish Council has no comment.
• 6/2011/0721. Planning permission. Royal British Legion. Erect memorial stone on paved area at corner of High Street and St George’s Close, Langton Matravers. - The Parish Council has no objection.

Grit Bins

The new bins should be filled and in position at Lower Steppes, Gypshayes and Capstan Field before Christmas. Please use the salt responsibly to keep public areas safe during the icy weather.

Crack Lane Cemetery

A letter had been published in the local press deploring the length of the grass. Councillors expressed concern and agreed that the caretaker should to be requested to restore the cemetery to its usual tidy condition as a matter of urgency.

Old Cemetery Memorial Fund Appeal

In the past the Parish Council received donations for a fund to repair and reinstate damaged memorial stones in the Old Cemetery opposite the Post Office. Much work having been done, there is now only £90 left in this fund.

As there are still memorials in need of repair, it was proposed that the fund be re-activated, and an appeal be made for further donations. The Parish Council would therefore be very pleased to accept any contributions towards this valuable work. Please contact the Parish Office.

Footpaths

As the footpaths around the parish are considered to be a valuable asset, Dorset County Council has potentially offered financial assistance towards their improvement. Cllr Turner, the Council’s Footpath Liaison Officer Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle and Jon Kershaw of the National Trust have formed a working group to look at ideas for improving footpaths within the parish. If anyone has any suggestions in connection with this, please contact Ian V- A via the Parish Office.

Next Meetings

The next Parish Council meeting is at 7pm on Thursday, 12 January. The February meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 9 February.

Contact Details

In order to comment on any local issues, request information or contribute to our Old Cemetery Memorials Appeal, please write to: The Parish Office, 1A High Street, Langton Matravers.

Alternatively you can e mail the Clerk at langtonmatravers@dorsetparishes.gov.uk or phone 425100.

Mary Sparks, Parish Clerk

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NEWS FROM WORTH MATRAVERS

CAROLS ON THE GREEN

In spite of the inclement weather which meant a sprint up to the Village Hall midway through the Carols on the Green service, a very successful evening was had by all. The Salvation Army adjusted to the change in location and the Carollers gave a strongly voiced finale to the evening.

Thanks go to Tim and Liz for their delicious mulled wine and to all the volunteers who brought in a selection of sweet and savoury fare. The generosity of everyone present raised a grand total of over £120 towards The Salvation Army; a big thank you to you all.

WMVH Events Committee

WINTER WASSAIL

Start welcoming in the New Year with a buffet and mulled wine after our Winter Wassail on at 6pm on Friday, 30 December at St Nicholas’ Church. The Swanage Deli will provide the buffet (Diana and Dave will move into the Worth Tea Room later in the New Year) and the Winter Wassail will feature recorders, singers and readers and be a really festive and fun programme. For a donation of just £8 for the combined Wassail, buffet and wine this is great value – and you will be supporting the organ appeal.

Please get your tickets this week from Richard & Sandra Brown at randsbrown@btinternet.com so we can organise enough food and drink!

WMVH Events Committee

BULK OIL PURCHASE

I have had 12 people contact me about purchasing oil. Having looked into the feasibility of setting up a scheme, there are a number of drawbacks, one being that everyone required oil at a different time depending on the size of their oil tank. So I have suggested to these people that they contact their neighbours to form a small group, which makes it easier to co-ordinate delivery times. Even two people ordering together would get a discount of half a pence per litre. When ordering it is important to ring round several companies to get the best price and if you have a regular supplier they will usually match the lowest price in order to keep your custom. If anyone has any queries please phone me on 439245.

Joyce Meates

ORGAN APPEAL UPDATE

We are thrilled to have received further donations from residents for the organ appeal and coupled with a grant of £5,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation, we now have a grand total of £10,654. The thermometer charting our fundraising progress is shortly to be sited outside the Church.

The St Nicholas tea towels are now available for sale at £5 and they have already been enthusiastically received. If you wish to add one to your present list, please contact Liz Hoad on 439389 or myself on 422401.

As a reminder of forthcoming events the combined Harmans Cross and Worth Matravers Quiz night will take place on 17 February at Harmans Cross Village Hall. Details of which are advertised in this Dubber. Tickets are available from the following; Langton Post Office, Brian Engel in Harmans Cross or Liz Hoad in Worth.

Anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to donate to the Organ Appeal and wishes to do so, may obtain gift aid envelopes in St Nicholas Church or obtain details from me. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Marian Holloway, Chair Fundraising Committee

WORTH MATRAVERS PARISH COUNCIL

Representing Harmans Cross and Worth Matravers

December Council Meeting

Cllr Bugler was in the Chair, Cllrs Burden, Meates, Sandham, Field and with District/County Cllr Lovell were in attendance. Cllr Newman gave her apologies. There were three members of the public present.

Wind Farm

Dr Langley presented a panoramic set of photographs taken facing out towards the Isle of Wight which showed the current ENECO proposals for a major wind farm. His photo montage illustrated the impact of the current proposals for a large number of wind turbines on the Jurassic coastal views. He showed how these effects would be substantially mitigated if ENECO would agree to restrict their development to concentrate the same number of turbines into a smaller part of the area. The Parish Council thanked Dr Langley for presenting this helpful information.

Overhanging Vegetation

The pedestrian problems caused by overhanging hedges and vegetation blocking the footway on Haycrafts Lane by ‘Woodlands’ were raised. It was agreed to pursue initial advisory enforcement using leaflets provided by DCC Highways.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites

A consultancy study had been carried out for Dorset CC and Purbeck DC of a wide range of possible sites in Purbeck for Gypsy and Travellers. It was agreed to discuss the PC formal response at the next WMPC meeting in January.

Partners & Communities Together (PACT)

Cllr Meates reported back on the PACT Meeting 15 November. Attendance had been disappointing in spite of the advanced notice published in ‘The Dubber’. 11 members were present at a useful presentation from the Swanage Fire and Rescue Service and the Police. It was considered that this lack of attendance may be a positive indication that there were few current PACT issues in the WM & HX areas. The difficulty especially for slow moving pedestrians in crossing Valley road was acknowledged by PC Ashdown from the PACT. This highway issue was discussed and it was agreed to contact the local MP Mr Drax to seek his assistance with approaching Dorset CC for a comprehensive package of measures to deal with local pedestrian problems. The concerns of the community were the lack of a continuous footpath from Valley road to the HXVH and the absence of a facility to enable pedestrians cross the fast moving traffic on Valley road in two stages using a central island.

Worth Withy Bed Maintenance

A working party of local residents had been formed to maintain this important feature in the centre of Worth Village and aims to work on the Withy Bed on the ‘first’ Sunday of each month. The group met on 6 November and 4 December. The next planned visit will be on Sunday, 7 January at 10am and anyone wishing to come and help will be very welcome.

Other Correspondence

The Citizens Advice service and the Worth Church organ renewal fund had requested a donation as reported from the last meeting. The PC agreed that it would grant aid the Worth Organ replacement and the CAB with donations of £150 and £250 respectively.

Highway Matters

Cllr Burden raised the recent tarmac reinstatement work south of the Worth Green by Dorset Direct Works. This appeared to be an isolated repair. He would follow up with DCC Highways the outstanding manhole and overflow issue from the north of the Green which he had brought to DCC attention at the last on site meeting in November.

Planning Applications

• PA 6/2011/0694 Downs and Southdown Quarries Application to amend condition 18 of consent to reduce buffer zone to Downshay Field from 5m to 2m. The Parish Council considered the applicants proposal to reduce to 2 metres the environmental protection strip along their site boundary to the (Grey Rock) SNCI was unacceptable. The Parish Council considers priority should be given to the ongoing improvement and enhancement of the existing SNCI with added protection over the years for its important species and habitats. The Parish Council gave due consideration to the decades of extraction permitted under the existing consent and the potential additional extraction which could take place if the strip was reduced in width to 2 metres. If consent was given practical considerations make a 2 metre strip adjacent to the proposed deep excavation untenable over any period and the mechanical and environmentally intrusive operations on this applicants quarry sites would take place much closer to the SNCI boundary. The PC resolved to object to this application.
• PA 6/2011/0734 Continued extraction of Purbeck limestone with restoration to limestone grasslands at Eastington Farm. There were no objections. DCC was requested to seek reinstatement of the area as soon as practicable with removal of redundant buildings and equipment.
• PA 6/2011/0726 Certificate of lawfulness Mixed use agricultural caravanning and camping Primrose Hill Farm Haycrafts lane HX. The PC had no objection to the current use of the site. The PC agreed to inform PDC that the use of the field for tents and caravans applied for in this certificate had been restricted to limited numbers at certain peak weeks of the summer.
• PA6/2011/0726 Annes Field HX Two storey rear extension No objection

Potentially unauthorized Tree Works were reported at Worth Farm Cottage with pollarding of a Sycamore tree. This would be passed on to PDC Tree Works enforcement.

Affordable Housing Provision in Worth

Councillors discussed a Draft Affordable Housing Needs Study provided by PDC. This report was commissioned by Worth Matravers Parish Council. Councillors were generally disappointed with the survey and especially the grossly underestimated number of second homes shown as 26 in total in Worth. Councillors view was that a more reliable figure would be 70 – 75 houses making nearly 50 % of the houses in the Worth village second homes. Councillors also discussed the feedback they had received on local affordable housing needs was for homes to purchase rather than just to rent.

The PC was critical of the design of the new affordable units in Worth Village which were to be occupied shortly. The construction was not in a local style or with locally sourced stone and the PC considered there had been a serious lack of sustainability through the non use of local Purbeck companies and labour to carry out the wide range of building work. PDC was to be requested for the individual questionnaire data as it was unclear how the results took into account the future occupants of the new affordable units. The PC wished to defer any consideration of additional units in the Parish until information and practical experience from the allocation and residence in the five new affordable units at Roman Barn was available.

Worth Public Toilets

PDC officers had outlined their proposal that WMPC take over responsibility for management and maintenance of the Worth public toilets. Grant aid from PDC would be progressively reduced its 2013 contribution to maintenance cleaning and running costs by 25% a year over the following three years. The PC would then take over all financial responsibility from 2016. The PC agreed that it would in future have to accept a best case in terms of PDC financial contributions and would look to work with Langton Matravers PC in the future for local procurement of the cleansing contracts. The detailed cleansing specification under the current SITA cleansing contract was awaited from PDC officers.

Other Matters

Cllr Burden gave an update on the emergency work to repair the recently damaged height restriction on the HX car park. It was agree that the authorised repair work should extend to replacement of the damaged post. The current very limited revenue from donations from users of this car park collected by voluntary work by Councillors was noted. Many existing users do not make any contribution to the upkeep of the car park. The HX car park is costly to maintain and with all the other expenditure of rent and rates it is barely breaking even before repairs become necessary.

Cllr Hobson raised issues of the Transport Infrastructure Levy (Bedroom Tax) previously collected in Worth on extensions. PDC Cllr Lovell stated whilst the levy was no longer being collected on extensions past payments were not being repaid by PDC. The next meeting will be held at Harmans Cross Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 4 January.

Roger Khanna, Parish Clerk

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THE ROUND

JONATHAN PEARSE

Thank you to everyone who so kindly sent messages, cards and flowers following the sad and sudden loss of Jonathan. We would like to celebrate his life in the local community with some sort of musical memorial, probably next July. Further details in the spring.

Mary Sparks

NEWTON

South of Goathorn Point in Studland is Newton Heath. A nearby inlet in Poole Harbour is named Newton Bay. Early maps of Dorset (Bird’s Eye View 1539 and Christopher Saxon’s 1575 map) show a settlement (town with a church) just south-west of Newton Bay. The town was never built. In 1286 Edward I ordered a new town be laid out here with streets, a church, houses, market place and a harbour. Privileges for merchants were given and markets and a fair granted. Nothing happened. Nothing was built, no charter ever issued. The likely reason is the proximity of successful Poole so Newton was never settled and the heathland remained empty. Only the name on the map remains. For further information: Dorset by Christopher Taylor published in 1970 and Ilay Cooper’s excellent book Purbeck Revealed.

Richard Martin

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NEWS FROM NOWHERE

If you haven’t yet been to the newly renovated Durlston Castle, you should. It has always been an amazing place, but up to now it never seemed to find a proper purpose. I remember it many years ago, when it was little more than a motor way caff and a rather depressing pub.

The tenant who had a full repairing lease left when he was faced with an enormous bill for dealing with all the impending constructional disasters including wet and dry and wet rot and failure of the iron girders, for amazingly its massive stone walls were supported by an iron frame which had rusted away.

Burt had been impressed by the ultra modern construction techniques that he saw on building sites in late Victorian London and had persuaded his architect to replicate them at Durlston. Unfortunately, Purbeck stone and iron work do not coexist happily.

They set up a chemical reaction and the iron bursts out of the stone, so the castle was in urgent need of repair, which eventually soaked up over five million pounds of grants. I have to say that the result is spectacular, both outside and in.

The additional building work includes an exhibition area with spectacular views over the sea. When I was there, a visitor remarked that the art on show was superior to an exhibition they had recently seen in the new Turner Contemporary at Margate. Outside the quirkiness of Burt’s ideas has been preserved by a time line which flags up the sequence of the history of the world from its original creation 4.5 billion years ago to the advent of man.

Every step one takes is another million years along the line, which suggests that an advance into the castle itself might project one another million years into the future. I thought of poking my nose a millimetre over the line, just to find out how we had managed (or not managed) to get over the credit crunch, the euro crises and global warming but Durlston wasn’t telling.

Nevertheless most newspapers agree that we are in a crisis and some are eagerly looking forward to the collapse of the European Union. I think it would be a disaster which will affect us all, not only the bankers but people everywhere, in the supermarkets, in the post offices, the pubs, in fact anywhere where people congregate to air their grievances and agree that they have been hoodwinked and ruthlessly done down by superior forces well beyond their control.

What will replace the EU as the resting place for all our complaints? It can’t be the Government because if we remember we elected them, not natural forces for although the climate is set to turn nasty, it hasn’t happened yet and certainly not a higher deity because the one thing that the archbishop of Canterbury, the Pope and Richard Dawkins all agree about is that God is not responsible for the evils of the world which are mainly due to man.

As far as the Brits are concerned this means not every man but only the ones across the water who so enjoy devising laws we don’t like, food we don’t trust, wrong shaped bananas and the counter intuitive colour coding on electricity cables, which few of us can quite remember when we fit on a new plug and of course all those health and safety directives including until just recently the unrealistic sell by dates on tins.

Time was when I used to think that someone should start a special home for out of date tins of soup, like there are homes for unwanted dogs, where people would be able to befriend an out of date Heinz tomato and take it away to give it a good home. So I am pleased that the Government has at last acknowledged what some of us have always known, that food which is out of date is generally safe to eat.

They say that £170 million worth of perfectly good food is thrown away every year. Not that my daughter will believe them. Most of the contents of my food cupboard disappear the day after she arrives to stay, because it has the misfortune to carry the wrong date.

I used to wait until she returned to London and then redeem the orphaned items out of the dustbin and replace them on the shelves but she soon rumbled that one and now secretly takes them down to the dump where I can’t find them.

Tony Viney

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