Thursday, December 31, 2009
Visitors to this site
Council Tax rise?
COUNCIL tax for Dorset County Council residents could rise by nearly three per cent in April.
Band D householders in towns including Blandord, Christchurch, Swanage and Wimborne could each pay an extra £33.75 a year if proposals for a 2.97 per cent tax rise are approved at a meeting of all councillors in February.
Band D householders in towns including Blandord, Christchurch, Swanage and Wimborne could each pay an extra £33.75 a year if proposals for a 2.97 per cent tax rise are approved at a meeting of all councillors in February.
Climate Change: Questions and Answers
CLIMATE CHANGE - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/guide/quick/doubts.html
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:19 PM
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/guide/quick/doubts.html
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:19 PM
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Recycling?
The BBC's Radio Solent website reports Purbeck Council as exhorting residents to recycle christmas cards.
It quotes Councillor Martyn Colvey saying: "Cards can be recycled in January at WH Smith, Marks & Spencer and TK Maxx stores."
It seems to me to be somewhat daft as a "go green" message.
There are none of these national retail chains within the district.
The nearest are in the centre of Poole, some miles from the very easternmost part of Purbeck.
Perhaps the council is in some way trying to suggest that we do our shopping outside of the district.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:03 AM
It quotes Councillor Martyn Colvey saying: "Cards can be recycled in January at WH Smith, Marks & Spencer and TK Maxx stores."
It seems to me to be somewhat daft as a "go green" message.
There are none of these national retail chains within the district.
The nearest are in the centre of Poole, some miles from the very easternmost part of Purbeck.
Perhaps the council is in some way trying to suggest that we do our shopping outside of the district.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:03 AM
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Buying books?
Just a thought, if you are out shopping for Xmas. If you want to keep a good bookshop in Swanage (for new and secondhand books), do please support Blanchards in Station Road. While Oxfam may do many good things around the world, their books are donated, their staff are volunteers and I believe the shop pays no rates. Hardly a level playing field. It would be a shame if its book shop drove Blanchards out of business, and then if Oxfam pulled out, where would we be?
New Town Councillor
Welcome to new Swanage Town Councillor, Angelo Wiggins, co-opted by the Swanage Town Council yesterday to replace Constance Gainsborough who recently passed away.
While it's good to have a young person on the Council, I think it is appropriate to say a few words, as others may be interested in the 'democratic' process of selection.
When a vacancy like this occurs, unless ten or more electors call for an election, the elected Council members can co-opt a member of the community without election. The Lib Dems volunteered NOT to call an election (and so save the town the cost of more than £5000) on the understanding that the majority Conservative councillors (nine or perhaps ten out of eleven) would select someone who had previously either stood for election or had actually previously served on the Council.
The issue of co-option was tabled for a Policy and Planning meeting yesterday morning (Monday 21st).There were three candidates: Angelo Wiggins (Conservative), Philippa Keeling (Lib Dem) and Cherry Bartlett (Labour).
I initially called for this item to be postponed for the next full, evening, meeting of the Council, on the grounds that it would be more democratic for the debate to held at a forum that would have more of the public present (as well as perhaps all the other councillors). This was over-ruled. I then noted that the papers relating to the candidates had only been circulated at the beginning of the meeting. I observed my understanding that procedure required that briefing papers should be provided three working days before a meeting. This was also over-ruled.
I then proposed that it would be democratically proper for the Council to elect someone who had stood before the electorate previously and/or who had served the community. I initially proposed Philippa Keeling, who had gained around 500 votes at a previous election. I went on to propose that, if she were not elected, then Cherry Bartlett should be elected, as someone who has previously served with credit on the town council. Voting was held, and I voted for Philippa Keeling while all seven others there (Mike Pratt, Bill Trite, Lawrence Gloyn Cox, Mike Whitwam, Alison Patrick, Steve Poultney and Colin Bright) voted for Angelo Wiggins, who was duly selected. (Councillors absent were Gloria Marsh, Barry Audley and Gary Suttle)
While I wish Angelo well, I feel it is worth letting people know that this is how democracy works in Swanage. It may be legally acceptable but I personally think it is morally disgraceful and is another example of why and how the Council as a whole gets its reputation for doing as it wishes behind closed doors, exploiting its majority to its own ends.
Of course, the response I usually receive when I make such observations is that the councillors have been elected by the community to act on their behalf. Which, of course, is entirely true. So perhaps all of you out there who vote Conservative are perfectly happy. And yes, the town has after all voted for the council representatives it wants. Next town elections in 2011.
While it's good to have a young person on the Council, I think it is appropriate to say a few words, as others may be interested in the 'democratic' process of selection.
When a vacancy like this occurs, unless ten or more electors call for an election, the elected Council members can co-opt a member of the community without election. The Lib Dems volunteered NOT to call an election (and so save the town the cost of more than £5000) on the understanding that the majority Conservative councillors (nine or perhaps ten out of eleven) would select someone who had previously either stood for election or had actually previously served on the Council.
The issue of co-option was tabled for a Policy and Planning meeting yesterday morning (Monday 21st).There were three candidates: Angelo Wiggins (Conservative), Philippa Keeling (Lib Dem) and Cherry Bartlett (Labour).
I initially called for this item to be postponed for the next full, evening, meeting of the Council, on the grounds that it would be more democratic for the debate to held at a forum that would have more of the public present (as well as perhaps all the other councillors). This was over-ruled. I then noted that the papers relating to the candidates had only been circulated at the beginning of the meeting. I observed my understanding that procedure required that briefing papers should be provided three working days before a meeting. This was also over-ruled.
I then proposed that it would be democratically proper for the Council to elect someone who had stood before the electorate previously and/or who had served the community. I initially proposed Philippa Keeling, who had gained around 500 votes at a previous election. I went on to propose that, if she were not elected, then Cherry Bartlett should be elected, as someone who has previously served with credit on the town council. Voting was held, and I voted for Philippa Keeling while all seven others there (Mike Pratt, Bill Trite, Lawrence Gloyn Cox, Mike Whitwam, Alison Patrick, Steve Poultney and Colin Bright) voted for Angelo Wiggins, who was duly selected. (Councillors absent were Gloria Marsh, Barry Audley and Gary Suttle)
While I wish Angelo well, I feel it is worth letting people know that this is how democracy works in Swanage. It may be legally acceptable but I personally think it is morally disgraceful and is another example of why and how the Council as a whole gets its reputation for doing as it wishes behind closed doors, exploiting its majority to its own ends.
Of course, the response I usually receive when I make such observations is that the councillors have been elected by the community to act on their behalf. Which, of course, is entirely true. So perhaps all of you out there who vote Conservative are perfectly happy. And yes, the town has after all voted for the council representatives it wants. Next town elections in 2011.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Santa makeover
Overweight Santa 'needs a makeover'
Images of a fat, jolly and somewhat tipsy Father Christmas send out the wrong message and could damage millions of lives, they said. Instead of sitting back in his sleigh and breaking the speed limit, Santa should get off and walk or jog. Obese Santa also needs to swap the brandy and mince pies left out by hopeful children for carrots and celery sticks stolen from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Dr Nathan Grills and illustrator Brendan Halyday, from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said the current image of Santa promotes obesity, drink-driving, speeding and a general unhealthy lifestyle.
Santa's universal fame means he is used by companies around the globe to sell all kinds of products, including unhealthy foods, they went on. For example, there is very high awareness of Santa among young children - higher than the McDonald's fictional character, Ronald McDonald. Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the authors said Santa used to also sell cigarettes but that has now been banned.
They went on to provide a full list of Santa's unhealthy behaviours, including encouraging fathers to step in and eat leftover mince pies, thereby expanding their own waistlines. With billions of homes to visit, Santa is also soon over the drink-driving limit due to too many brandies and sherries.
The authors conclude there is a need for Santa to undergo an image overhaul - one that promotes healthy living.
"We need to be aware that Santa has an ability to influence people, and especially children, towards unhealthy behaviour," they said. "Given Santa's universal appeal, and reasoning from a population health perspective, Santa needs to affect health by only 0.1% to damage millions of lives. We propose a new image for Santa to ensure that his influence on public health is a positive one."
Santa is a public health hazard - promoting obesity and drink-driving, experts have claimed.
Dr Nathan Grills and illustrator Brendan Halyday, from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said the current image of Santa promotes obesity, drink-driving, speeding and a general unhealthy lifestyle.
Santa's universal fame means he is used by companies around the globe to sell all kinds of products, including unhealthy foods, they went on. For example, there is very high awareness of Santa among young children - higher than the McDonald's fictional character, Ronald McDonald. Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the authors said Santa used to also sell cigarettes but that has now been banned.
They went on to provide a full list of Santa's unhealthy behaviours, including encouraging fathers to step in and eat leftover mince pies, thereby expanding their own waistlines. With billions of homes to visit, Santa is also soon over the drink-driving limit due to too many brandies and sherries.
The authors conclude there is a need for Santa to undergo an image overhaul - one that promotes healthy living.
"We need to be aware that Santa has an ability to influence people, and especially children, towards unhealthy behaviour," they said. "Given Santa's universal appeal, and reasoning from a population health perspective, Santa needs to affect health by only 0.1% to damage millions of lives. We propose a new image for Santa to ensure that his influence on public health is a positive one."
(From The [London] Evening Standard 17.12.09
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Allotments
I've just had a very brief chat with an Allotment holder and he says that they've all received a letter saying that all options are being considered.
Can anyone expand please?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:36 PM
Can anyone expand please?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:36 PM
Add your name to 11 million-strong petition
With three days to go, the crucial Copenhagen summit is failing. Tomorrow, the world's leaders arrive for an unprecedented 60 hours of direct negotiations. Experts agree that without a tidal wave of public pressure for a deal, the summit will not stop catastrophic global warming of 2 degrees.
Click the link to sign the petition for a real deal in Copenhagen -- the campaign already has a staggering 11 million supporters.
Petition to world leaders:
We call on our leaders to go to Copenhagen and sign a global climate treaty that is:
AMBITIOUS: enough to leave a planet safe for us all.
FAIR: for the poorest countries that did not cause climate change but are suffering most from it.
BINDING: with real targets that can be legally monitored and enforced.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tcktcktck/
Click the link to sign the petition for a real deal in Copenhagen -- the campaign already has a staggering 11 million supporters.
Petition to world leaders:
We call on our leaders to go to Copenhagen and sign a global climate treaty that is:
AMBITIOUS: enough to leave a planet safe for us all.
FAIR: for the poorest countries that did not cause climate change but are suffering most from it.
BINDING: with real targets that can be legally monitored and enforced.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tcktcktck/
Monday, December 14, 2009
Meteor shower Monday 14th
Anyone see the meteor shower last night? The 'Geminids'. I gather they may be seen again tonight. By my calculations, towards the East (in the constellation of Gemini)..Post you photos up here..
Swanage Bayview Transition (Series 2)
The story continues...
Previous posts can be found below and/or at:
http://www.swanageview.blogspot.com/2009/10/swanage-bay-view-transition-news.html
Previous posts can be found below and/or at:
http://www.swanageview.blogspot.com/2009/10/swanage-bay-view-transition-news.html
Friday, December 11, 2009
Shell found on beach shock!
(not that kind of shell)
Shell blown up on Jurassic Coast
| |
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8408239.stm
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Better Broadband for Dorset
(I received this today from Dorset County Council's Dorset Coast Forum. I think the bottom line is, please take part in the survey if you want to help increase our chances of getting better broadband in Dorset)
BT is the Tier 1 Communications Sponsor for the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games. Part of their sponsorship contract involves the
installation of high capacity network connectivity to the Weymouth and
Portland National Sailing Academy for the Olympic games. This high
band-width fibre optic connection will support data, voice, media and
mobile communication during Games but could also provide a unique
opportunity to fast-track high quality broadband provision across Dorset.
BT, and other communication providers, will require a strong business case
of the potential on-line demand and usage in order to further invest in
Dorset's digital infrastructure. Team Dorset therefore need to generate a
substantial demand for hi speed connectivity in order to influence BT and
others to install and roll out these broadband services across Dorset. Team
Dorset are asking for your support by completing an on-line Connectivity
Survey. Available at:
http://www.teamdorset.org.uk/Business/Broadband-Survey?pgid=153
BT is the Tier 1 Communications Sponsor for the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games. Part of their sponsorship contract involves the
installation of high capacity network connectivity to the Weymouth and
Portland National Sailing Academy for the Olympic games. This high
band-width fibre optic connection will support data, voice, media and
mobile communication during Games but could also provide a unique
opportunity to fast-track high quality broadband provision across Dorset.
BT, and other communication providers, will require a strong business case
of the potential on-line demand and usage in order to further invest in
Dorset's digital infrastructure. Team Dorset therefore need to generate a
substantial demand for hi speed connectivity in order to influence BT and
others to install and roll out these broadband services across Dorset. Team
Dorset are asking for your support by completing an on-line Connectivity
Survey. Available at:
http://www.teamdorset.org.uk/Business/Broadband-Survey?pgid=153
Monday, December 07, 2009
Richard Plunkett-Ernle-Erle Drax
Now Richard Drax is drawn into "Tory toff" row
10:00am Monday 7th December 2009
Comments (8) Have your say » SOUTH Dorset’s would-be MP Richard Drax has been drawn into the “Tory toff” row, courtesy of his blue-blooded background and quadruple-barrelled name.
Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle Drax was labelled the ultimate “Dave’s de-toff” by a national newspaper, who detailed his privileged background and Elizabethan stately home.
It follows allegations that Conservative leader David Cameron has been trying to “de-toff” some of the poshest Tory candidates ahead of next year’s general election.
Former BBC reporter Mr Drax lives in Charborough House near Almer, Dorset, which is set in 7,000 acres of private land.
He was formerly married to the sister of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was nanny to Princes William and Harry.
He was unavailable for comment yesterday but Labour’s Jim Knight, the current MP for South Dorset, said he wanted people to allocate their vote to whoever they felt would best represent them.
Are Newcomers To The Swanage Area Welcome To Settle Here?
Having bought a property here during the summer, for our permanent home in such beautiful surroundings, my wife and I are undecided over whether we are actually welcome or not. Is it the same for all newcomers?
Most neighbours are friendly enough, (we bought an ex-local authority house which, incidentally, has been in private hands over twenty years) but sadly we have those who want to show us we are not welcome by such things as all night television at an unacceptable volume. Sad ain't it? We are all the same in our book, doesn't matter if someone rents or owns a property, we should all make the best of what we have and accept each other as equals. Presumably, we are all only on this earth once?
What do readers think?
Paul.
Posted by Donkey to swanageview at 7:20 PM
Most neighbours are friendly enough, (we bought an ex-local authority house which, incidentally, has been in private hands over twenty years) but sadly we have those who want to show us we are not welcome by such things as all night television at an unacceptable volume. Sad ain't it? We are all the same in our book, doesn't matter if someone rents or owns a property, we should all make the best of what we have and accept each other as equals. Presumably, we are all only on this earth once?
What do readers think?
Paul.
Posted by Donkey to swanageview at 7:20 PM
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Funding for new Swanage
Jurassic coast gets climate fund
 Charmouth has been named as a vulnerable area to erosion |
Parts of Dorset's Jurassic Coast have been selected for a share of funding to help meet the challenges of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Dorset County Council has successfully bid for £365,500 from a government fund to adapt to climate change. It formed a partnership with Devon County Council under the banner of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Vulnerable areas include New Swanage, Charmouth, Seatown, Ringstead, Sidmouth and Preston Beach Road, Weymouth.
'Dynamic change'
The money has been offered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through its Coastal Change Pathfinder Fund.
Work is set to start on preparing outlined work, must be completed by spring 2011.
Ideas proposed include developing a network of coastal change champions to shape debate around coastal change.
The council is working as part of a partnership with authorities including the Environment Agency and National Trust.
Councillor Hilary Cox, from Dorset County Council, said: "We are delighted that our bid has been successful.
"The coastal communities of Dorset and East Devon have lived with dynamic change for generations but it is clear that the risks and impacts from erosion, storms and rising sea levels are going to increase in future.
"The pathfinder funding will help take the future discussions we are having with the communities most at risk from these changes to a new level, helping us to visualise what change may look like and develop options to adapt."
Thursday, December 03, 2009
New Marine Conservation Areas
Natural England is now consulting on its proposed new Marine Conservation Zones
Natural England, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Countryside Council for Wales are undertaking a formal consultation on 10 possible marine Special Areas of Conservation and 2 potential Special Protection Areas in English, Welsh and offshore waters around the UK.The closing date of the formal consultation is 26th February 2010.
More info at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/about_us/news/2009/271109.aspx
You can download documents about the Poole Bay to Lyme Bay zone at:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/sacconsultation/default.aspx
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Swanage Seen Art Trail
The new Art Trail is to be officially opened on Saturday 5th Dec. Panels already up include those at:
Prince Albert Gardens (small car park at top), Paul Nash (Heritage Centre), Shore Road (near Funworld), Denis Lowson (studio in Institute Road). Others, awaiting installation, can be seen on the day at Totally Local in Commercial Road. Congratulations to Carlotta Barrow for the inspiration of the concept, and the perspiration of getting it to happen. Also thanks to others: Cobalt Corporate Finance, Swanage Town Council, Keates Quarry, 4MattFramers, board sponsors, artists (and descendants) and writers involved in making this happen.
Prince Albert Gardens (small car park at top), Paul Nash (Heritage Centre), Shore Road (near Funworld), Denis Lowson (studio in Institute Road). Others, awaiting installation, can be seen on the day at Totally Local in Commercial Road. Congratulations to Carlotta Barrow for the inspiration of the concept, and the perspiration of getting it to happen. Also thanks to others: Cobalt Corporate Finance, Swanage Town Council, Keates Quarry, 4MattFramers, board sponsors, artists (and descendants) and writers involved in making this happen.
New Subject
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment here — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
Schools Review 2 Dec
Dorset County Council's Cabinet agreed this morning that :
a) the consultation on Primary schools should include only the option that retains both St George's and St Mark's (so St George's is officially safe)
b) that Officers should take further time (until the next Cabinet meeting on Jan 20th) to explore Secondary options in more detail and to consult with groups supporting both a twin-campus school and those supporting a single-site school.
a) the consultation on Primary schools should include only the option that retains both St George's and St Mark's (so St George's is officially safe)
b) that Officers should take further time (until the next Cabinet meeting on Jan 20th) to explore Secondary options in more detail and to consult with groups supporting both a twin-campus school and those supporting a single-site school.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Miscellany
Just thought all the EU lovers and socialist would like to comment on this!
http://captainranty.blogspot.com/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 2:20 PM
http://captainranty.blogspot.com/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 2:20 PM
Friday, November 27, 2009
Shoreline Management Plan: Consultation 2nd December
Wednesday 02 December
Wareham
and... http://www.twobays.net/draftsmp2.htm#Consultation_Response_Form_
(Seems Consultation lasts until 17 February 2010)
Shoreline Management Plans set out the policy for managing our coastline and our response to the threat of coastal flooding and the risks of erosion for a pre-determined length of coast. It is a high level non-statutory policy document that aims to balance those risks with natural processes and the consequences of climate change. It needs to take account of existing defences and the natural and built environments, and be compatible with adjacent coastal areas.The plan identifies one of four shoreline management policies:
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Schools update 24 November
The meeting of the County Council's Overview & Scrutiny Committee today altered recommendations to the cabinet over the proposed secondary school for Swanage & proposals to move St Georges First school in Langton Matravers to a new site.
If the cabinet agrees this decision St Georges school is saved - the option for consultation is to retain the school on its existing village site, rather than merging it with St Marks, which would be redeveloped on the existing Middle School site.
A hard fought victory was also won for the Education Swanage campaigners; councillors amending the recommendation proposed that Purbeck parents were to be offered the opportunity to be consulted on a proposed split site Purbeck school with a site in Swanage as well as the existing one in Wareham.
"This issue has seen members of all political parties working together," said Ros Kayes, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Dorset, who spoke in favour of both proposals today, " and it's a small victory for local democracy. But it is really a tribute to the tremendous hard work done by the communities in Langton & Swanage who have refused to be beaten by this consultation. They have rallied support round, conducted research that contradicts that of the officials & really challenged the imposition of these changes. They have fought every step of the way & I am overjoyed at the result for them."
If accepted by the Cabinet the new proposals will go out to public consultation in January. Only one councillor opposed the changes.
If the cabinet agrees this decision St Georges school is saved - the option for consultation is to retain the school on its existing village site, rather than merging it with St Marks, which would be redeveloped on the existing Middle School site.
A hard fought victory was also won for the Education Swanage campaigners; councillors amending the recommendation proposed that Purbeck parents were to be offered the opportunity to be consulted on a proposed split site Purbeck school with a site in Swanage as well as the existing one in Wareham.
"This issue has seen members of all political parties working together," said Ros Kayes, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Dorset, who spoke in favour of both proposals today, " and it's a small victory for local democracy. But it is really a tribute to the tremendous hard work done by the communities in Langton & Swanage who have refused to be beaten by this consultation. They have rallied support round, conducted research that contradicts that of the officials & really challenged the imposition of these changes. They have fought every step of the way & I am overjoyed at the result for them."
If accepted by the Cabinet the new proposals will go out to public consultation in January. Only one councillor opposed the changes.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Xmas parking
"Free Christmas parking at Wareham and Corfe Castle"
(Bournemouth Echo 23 November)
Meanwhile the spirit of Scrooge lives on in Swanage town hall. Last year the least used car parks were free for a few days.
Why not go the whole hog and have a Swanage Humbug festival, ban decorations, trees etc and have a big week long party for all the people who can't stand christmas. Strike a blow against the commercial infantalisation of our lives. Christians would rejoice as this would be the one place where it was a religious festival rather than the feast of shopping, as its know in the god trade. Humanists, sceptics etc would fill our guest accommodation to get away from the xmas horrors everywhere else and of course kids would get even more presents as the money was not going on useless rubbish quite as much as usual. Result everybody wins except the chinese manufacturers of baubles, flashing lights and plastic fir trees.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:07 AM
(Bournemouth Echo 23 November)
Meanwhile the spirit of Scrooge lives on in Swanage town hall. Last year the least used car parks were free for a few days.
Why not go the whole hog and have a Swanage Humbug festival, ban decorations, trees etc and have a big week long party for all the people who can't stand christmas. Strike a blow against the commercial infantalisation of our lives. Christians would rejoice as this would be the one place where it was a religious festival rather than the feast of shopping, as its know in the god trade. Humanists, sceptics etc would fill our guest accommodation to get away from the xmas horrors everywhere else and of course kids would get even more presents as the money was not going on useless rubbish quite as much as usual. Result everybody wins except the chinese manufacturers of baubles, flashing lights and plastic fir trees.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:07 AM
Saturday, November 21, 2009
BLUES ANNIVERSARY PARTY INVITATION (22 Nov)
The pleasure of your company is cordially requested this Sunday between the hours of 5pm and 8pm at Bar Se7en - formerly the Victoria Club, 1 High Street, Swanage - to celebrate one year of Live Music Sundays.
Music by Steve Darrington and his Band, featuring 'Harmonica' Hugh Budden. Dress: Casual or Fancy Dress with the theme of 'Speakeasy'. Nibbles will be provided.
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 6:49 PM
Music by Steve Darrington and his Band, featuring 'Harmonica' Hugh Budden. Dress: Casual or Fancy Dress with the theme of 'Speakeasy'. Nibbles will be provided.
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 6:49 PM
Swanage Lifeboat crew in Cumbria rescue
"Dorset RNLI crew race to the rescue in Cumbria flood zone
By James Morton »
LIFEBOAT crew from Dorset have been deployed to Cumbria to help with rescues during the devastating floods.
Two volunteer crew members from RNLI headquarters in Poole and two from Swanage lifeboat station arrived in Cockermouth at around 10pm last night (November 19).
Floodwaters have risen to more than eight feet in the town centre, with torrents gushing through the streets at speeds of up to 25 knots.
John Deas and Gavin Steeden, from the Swanage station, and Glen Mallen and Lee Firman, from Poole HQ, are Dorset's RNLI men in the flood zone".
Good on you, guys.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/4750826.Dorset_RNLI_crew_race_to_the_rescue_in_Cumbria_flood_zone/
JIC
By James Morton »
LIFEBOAT crew from Dorset have been deployed to Cumbria to help with rescues during the devastating floods.
Two volunteer crew members from RNLI headquarters in Poole and two from Swanage lifeboat station arrived in Cockermouth at around 10pm last night (November 19).
Floodwaters have risen to more than eight feet in the town centre, with torrents gushing through the streets at speeds of up to 25 knots.
John Deas and Gavin Steeden, from the Swanage station, and Glen Mallen and Lee Firman, from Poole HQ, are Dorset's RNLI men in the flood zone".
Good on you, guys.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/4750826.Dorset_RNLI_crew_race_to_the_rescue_in_Cumbria_flood_zone/
JIC
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Don't miss out!
The things people want to give away! This from 'wastenot, wantnot'. Any other good examples?
RE-OFFERED - Bag of Bras - Oakdale
Hi
Due to non-collection i still have 5 size 38DD bras varies colours and style.
if anyone can make use of them there is nothing wrong with them and still in excellent condition.
please let me know when you could collect preferably today.
cheers trudi
Posted by: "murrayschicken2003" trudimurray1@hotmail.com murrayschicken2003
Back to top Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
RE-OFFERED - Bag of Bras - Oakdale
Hi
Due to non-collection i still have 5 size 38DD bras varies colours and style.
if anyone can make use of them there is nothing wrong with them and still in excellent condition.
please let me know when you could collect preferably today.
cheers trudi
Posted by: "murrayschicken2003" trudimurray1@hotmail.com murrayschicken2003
Back to top Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Monday, November 16, 2009
Drugs raid in Swanage
Nothing it seems on BBC Dorset or the Echo, but reports of a major drugs bust in Swanage on Saturday night. Two pubs raided, arrests made and further arrests continuing today. I'm sure the Police would be glad to learn of any information that might be considered useful.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Surf's Up in Swanage !!
About 20 surfing in Swanage today [Saturday 14 Nov]say that the waves are as good as Newquay. Free entertainment, watch tomorrow.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:40 PM
[sorry for delay in posting...out watching surfers etc..though no-one having a go at Kimmeridge]
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:40 PM
[sorry for delay in posting...out watching surfers etc..though no-one having a go at Kimmeridge]
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Middle School explosion
nonymous has left a new comment on your post "NEW TOPIC":
Any idea what happened at Swanage Middle School this afternoon? Virtual Swanage has reported an explosion. I hope nobody was hurt.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 6:23 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8356126.stm
Any idea what happened at Swanage Middle School this afternoon? Virtual Swanage has reported an explosion. I hope nobody was hurt.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 6:23 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8356126.stm
Girl hurt in explosion at school
A 10-year-old schoolgirl was airlifted to hospital suffering from burns to her hands after a small chemical explosion at her school's science block.
Emergency crews were called to Swanage Middle School, Dorset, at about 1630 GMT on Wednesday.
The pupil was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester where police said she was kept in overnight for observation.
Fire crews spent an hour at the scene where they put out a small fire.
Dorset Police said they were called to reports of a possible chemical explosion at the school.
A spokeswoman for Dorset Fire and Rescue said they received reports that an explosion had occurred in the science block and that the girl was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
10 YEARS OF SWANAGE BLUES FESTIVALS
I am looking at something special for 2010, being the tenth year of Swanage blues festivals.
Currently I’m in talks to have Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones) play in Swanage on Thursday 4 March 2010 as part of the ABCD of Boogie, with Axel Zwingenburger (German concert pianist); Ben Waters (boogie woogie pianist, Weymouth-born and Owermoigne resident); and Dave Green (Jools Holland’s double bass player). They’ve appeared on Jools Holland’s TV show several times.
If you are interested in tickets for the concert, please let me know approximately how many tickets you might require at around £15 each, to give me an idea of numbers.
Email to s.darrington@btopenworld.com, or drop a line to Steve Darrington, Swanage Blues, c/o T I C, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1LB. Thank you.
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 3:30 PM
Currently I’m in talks to have Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones) play in Swanage on Thursday 4 March 2010 as part of the ABCD of Boogie, with Axel Zwingenburger (German concert pianist); Ben Waters (boogie woogie pianist, Weymouth-born and Owermoigne resident); and Dave Green (Jools Holland’s double bass player). They’ve appeared on Jools Holland’s TV show several times.
If you are interested in tickets for the concert, please let me know approximately how many tickets you might require at around £15 each, to give me an idea of numbers.
Email to s.darrington@btopenworld.com, or drop a line to Steve Darrington, Swanage Blues, c/o T I C, Shore Road, Swanage BH19 1LB. Thank you.
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 3:30 PM
Ceilidh, Langton 5 Dec
You're invited to a 'ceilidh' at Langton Matravers Village Hall on 5th December, 7.30pm to 11pm.Adults £10, Under 16s £5, to include ploughman's supper.
Tickets available from John 01929 421433 or Trefor 01305 779936 or on the door (if there's still room, of course).
Friday, November 06, 2009
PDC Core strategy
Swanage Town Council response ??
Are we going to hear what the Swanage Town Councils response is to the Core Strategy.
Objective 2 Housing
Objective 4 Retail-supermarkets
obective 6 Sustainable design and renewable energy.
Objective 8 Employment
Objective 9 Transport
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:39 AM
Are we going to hear what the Swanage Town Councils response is to the Core Strategy.
Objective 2 Housing
Objective 4 Retail-supermarkets
obective 6 Sustainable design and renewable energy.
Objective 8 Employment
Objective 9 Transport
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:39 AM
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Pier Head
These are some illustrations of the plans for the Pier Head site which are in early stage discussion with PDC. Plans will not be submitted for formal scrutiny until the recommendation of planning officers has been obtained. The two Pavilion-style buildings sit on a stone podium to allow for sea level change.The architect's theme is a decaying headland similar to Old Harry's Rocks. I think if you click on the images you can take a closer look. It's flats/offices above commercial units.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
New Recycling Centre (see plans Fri, Sat 6/7 Nov)
You can see proposals for the proposed Household Recycling Centre at Prospect Business Park this Friday and Saturday morning (6th/7th Nov) at Swanage Town Hall.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Bayview investment?
Has there been any news about how Swanage Town Council has, or will, invest or spend the windfall of 7.25 million pounds from the sale of Swanage Bay View Holiday Park?
If not, do our bloggers think that the Council must be transparent about this, or is this privileged information (leaving us to trust the oversight carried out by the District Auditor)?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:23 AM
If not, do our bloggers think that the Council must be transparent about this, or is this privileged information (leaving us to trust the oversight carried out by the District Auditor)?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:23 AM
NEW TOPIC
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment in this section — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Vic Club
So our local night club is set to become three shops/flats. What a disaster for the Town. Swanage RIP. Can this not be stopped in planning?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 9:34 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 9:34 PM
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Second Home Owners Tax 200
At the Swanage Town Council meeting a little while ago, Gary Suttle raised the issue with Steve Dring (Core Strategy) that the second home council tax does not get reinvested back into Purbeck but disappears into the depths of Dorset. Could we not encourage Tax 200 and lobby to make sure that all of this tax supports either affordable local affordable housing or community sports facilities for Swanage and its villages.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:36 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:36 PM
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Local Economy and government
Can somebody from the 70's throw some light on the discussions that took place at this time re Purbeck this side of the bridge having its own local gov and economy ! Ive heard something about it but wasn't old enough to be engaged in the discussions at this time. It would be interesting to hear how far this got?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:02 AM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:02 AM
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Shore House
The De Moulham trust are asking for our opinions re: Shore House redevelopment.
Comments forms are available from the Town Hall, or on www.swanage.gov.uk - well, that's what it said in the announcement, but I couldn't find one.
According to:
http://www.charitiesdirect.com/charities/mowlem-land-trust-1049323.html
the De Moulham Trust has an income of £0.13m - which to me is £130,000 - and it's Aims & Objectives are:
OPEN SPACES, FOOTWAYS AND ROADWAYS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF SWANAGE GIFTED BY THE WILL OF THE LATE ARTHUR RAINSFORD MOWLEM FRCS TOGETHER WITH THE BENEFIT OF COVENANTS ATTACHING TO THE LAND.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 6:14 PM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
New giant supermarket?
I see that there is a poll on the PDC website specifically about where to have a large new supermarket (or whether one is needed at all).
http://www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk/land__premises/local_development_framework/supermarket_poll.aspx
http://www.purbeck-dc.gov.uk/land__premises/local_development_framework/supermarket_poll.aspx
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Core Strategy consultation Weds 21st 4-8pm
Let's build houses!
Sorry about the short notice.
Do you all know about the consultation exercise by Purbeck District Council taking place at The Mowlem * on the Purbeck Core Strategy (mainly where the options are for building new housing in Purbeck in general and Swanage in particular) on Wednesday the 21st of October - 4-8pm?
Transport issues as well.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:59 PM (* I changed the location you posted, from the TIC to the Mowlem, having checked with PDC)
Sorry about the short notice.
Do you all know about the consultation exercise by Purbeck District Council taking place at The Mowlem * on the Purbeck Core Strategy (mainly where the options are for building new housing in Purbeck in general and Swanage in particular) on Wednesday the 21st of October - 4-8pm?
Transport issues as well.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:59 PM (* I changed the location you posted, from the TIC to the Mowlem, having checked with PDC)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Swanage - Seaside Urban Decay
Many visitors to Swanage are amazed at how beautiful it is - can we really not do anything about the decrepit old restaurant near the pier?
The headline is not mine but can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theurbansnapper/4022175192/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:32 AM
The headline is not mine but can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theurbansnapper/4022175192/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:32 AM
Friday, October 16, 2009
The First/Primary School Debate
All comments encouraged.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:45 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:45 PM
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Railway link
Are you aware that Purbeck Rail Partnership requires between £2m and £3m for signalling at Wareham/Worgret so that daily passenger trains from the main line can access Swanage Branch? Without this money it will not happen!
Swanage Town council have just sold Swanage Bay view Caravan Park for £7.2million Do you think that some of this should be directed towards the signalling... We could get the train to anywhere in the country!
If you agree there will be petitions at the Red Lion, and Jurassic Outdoor, hopefully other places too, and I will be going round town asking for signatures.
Please sign as this could benefit the town so much, Both the businesses and their income and the locals who will be able to get elsewhere without having to use an unreliable and expensive bus service.
Thank you in advance!
Posted by Siobhan O'Neill to swanageview at 2:01 AM
Swanage Town council have just sold Swanage Bay view Caravan Park for £7.2million Do you think that some of this should be directed towards the signalling... We could get the train to anywhere in the country!
If you agree there will be petitions at the Red Lion, and Jurassic Outdoor, hopefully other places too, and I will be going round town asking for signatures.
Please sign as this could benefit the town so much, Both the businesses and their income and the locals who will be able to get elsewhere without having to use an unreliable and expensive bus service.
Thank you in advance!
Posted by Siobhan O'Neill to swanageview at 2:01 AM
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Common Purpose
Does our council operate under Common Purpose? ( Maybe the title to a new topic;) )
1. Decisions concerning policy and expenditure affecting councils are made at meetings of Common Purpose that bypass the democratic, executive and scrutiny functions of the council. This is what Common Purpose calls 'leading beyond authority'.
2. Members of Common Purpose, which includes senior council officers, are chosen by Common Purpose for their value to Common Purpose and trained at ratepayers' expense, in spite of the fact that these costs are of no tangible benefit to the taxpayer.
3. The so-called 'graduates' or members of Common Purpose use unaccounted council employee time and resources for the business of Common Purpose and, as with their so-called training, the activities of Common Purpose within councils often escaped the attention of the Full Council, Cabinet and Scrutiny Panel.
4. Meetings of Common Purpose are held using a corporate account, off-books, to pay for the hospitality at these meetings.
5. Citizens are not only lied-to when questions are asked about Common Purpose, but are not even allowed to know which council officers have received the so-called training at the taxpayers' expense, and legitimate requests are still being unlawfully withheld.
6. Common Purpose coaches its members on how to avoid answering Freedom of Information requests and how to break the Data Protection Act with unlawful disclosures.
7. Common Purpose encourages its members to identify 12-15 year olds for grooming before placement for so-called 'Your Turn' training without any evidence of having carried out the statutory criminal safety checks.
8. Those identified with Common Purpose, in any capacity or association, are among the same people determined as either corrupt or behind the worst and continuing abuses of citizens.
Just a thought.
Posted by David Furmage to swanageview at 9:57 PM
1. Decisions concerning policy and expenditure affecting councils are made at meetings of Common Purpose that bypass the democratic, executive and scrutiny functions of the council. This is what Common Purpose calls 'leading beyond authority'.
2. Members of Common Purpose, which includes senior council officers, are chosen by Common Purpose for their value to Common Purpose and trained at ratepayers' expense, in spite of the fact that these costs are of no tangible benefit to the taxpayer.
3. The so-called 'graduates' or members of Common Purpose use unaccounted council employee time and resources for the business of Common Purpose and, as with their so-called training, the activities of Common Purpose within councils often escaped the attention of the Full Council, Cabinet and Scrutiny Panel.
4. Meetings of Common Purpose are held using a corporate account, off-books, to pay for the hospitality at these meetings.
5. Citizens are not only lied-to when questions are asked about Common Purpose, but are not even allowed to know which council officers have received the so-called training at the taxpayers' expense, and legitimate requests are still being unlawfully withheld.
6. Common Purpose coaches its members on how to avoid answering Freedom of Information requests and how to break the Data Protection Act with unlawful disclosures.
7. Common Purpose encourages its members to identify 12-15 year olds for grooming before placement for so-called 'Your Turn' training without any evidence of having carried out the statutory criminal safety checks.
8. Those identified with Common Purpose, in any capacity or association, are among the same people determined as either corrupt or behind the worst and continuing abuses of citizens.
Just a thought.
Posted by David Furmage to swanageview at 9:57 PM
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
BIg Care Debate
Some of you may know that there is currently a government consultation going on about the future funding of care provision. I have been given the opportunity to attend a meeting with Jim Knight and Baroness Royall (the Leader of the House of Lords) to discuss care provision in South Dorset.
If anyone has any strong views/experiences, please let me know as soon as possible. The meeting is this Friday 16th. You can always email me directly on mail(at)mikehadley.net if you wish.
If anyone has any strong views/experiences, please let me know as soon as possible. The meeting is this Friday 16th. You can always email me directly on mail(at)mikehadley.net if you wish.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Quarr Farm fire?
Anyone know anything about the big fire at Quarr Farm on Thursday? I hear it burned for over five hours..
Swanage Bay View Transition News
On 15 October, Darwin takes over Swanage Bay View Holiday Park. The Council will receive 7.25 million pounds. There have been no official announcements about any changes that are due to take place after that date - some of which will impact us all.
We need a thread - call it SBV Transition News - so that owners at the Park, the residents of Swanage, and anyone else can post updates as and when they are announced. Otherwise rumours will spread unnecessarily (at least, within this forum rumours can be challenged and corrected). Let's aim to keep it factual and civilised!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:21 PM
We need a thread - call it SBV Transition News - so that owners at the Park, the residents of Swanage, and anyone else can post updates as and when they are announced. Otherwise rumours will spread unnecessarily (at least, within this forum rumours can be challenged and corrected). Let's aim to keep it factual and civilised!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:21 PM
Thursday, October 01, 2009
NEW SUBJECT
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment in this section — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL – 2, 3, 4 October 2009
The 3rd Swanage BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL – 2, 3, 4 October 2009
www.swanage-blues.org
www.swanage-blues.org
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Education Swanage
The discussions with DCC about options for a secondary school are ongoing. DCC are very negative in their language and approach, and essentially they don't want to spend any money (if they have any to spend, which they say they do) but there are interesting developments and the more negative they become the more it seems to be in desperation to prevent a momentum building around the town which might make them do something visionary. A broad curriculum is an issue which we need further expert advice on, but the experts we have spoken to already tell us it's all doable with a little imagination and some timetabling software. Maybe I'm just being overly positive, but why be anything else?
Anyway, at last Education Swanage has a public face and (maybe foolishly) we welcome comments and questions. Most people on here seem to value their anonymity, so post questions etc here if you do, otherwise we can be contacted through our website at http://www.educationswanage.co.uk
Lots of info on there to digest, and as we gather it in we'll be publishing more.
Posted by Paul Angel to swanageview at 9:26 PM
Anyway, at last Education Swanage has a public face and (maybe foolishly) we welcome comments and questions. Most people on here seem to value their anonymity, so post questions etc here if you do, otherwise we can be contacted through our website at http://www.educationswanage.co.uk
Lots of info on there to digest, and as we gather it in we'll be publishing more.
Posted by Paul Angel to swanageview at 9:26 PM
Monday, September 28, 2009
Council secrets and meeting minutes.
With reference to “Council Member has breached the embargo on all official communications about the sale of the Park, imposed by the Town Council and Clerk.” in the Swanage bay view topic. In many of the council meeting minutes entire sections are not added due to “confidential” discussions.Why do the council need to keep secrets from the rest of the town and all the people who pay their wages?Are there a lot of underhand or illegal dealings going on which involve the council or town clerk like signing things they shouldn’t or backhanders going on, or are they worried that if we all knew how they “manage” the town they would all be kicked out and replaced?
Posted by Swanage Resident to swanageview at 5:53 PM
Posted by Swanage Resident to swanageview at 5:53 PM
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Purbeck Society
What is The Purbeck Society? How do you join, what does it do, how many members does it have?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:28 AM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 11:28 AM
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
EU Referendum?
Interesting song.
Perhaps we euro sceptics here are not alone.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_Pv7McXVg
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:53 PM
Perhaps we euro sceptics here are not alone.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_Pv7McXVg
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:53 PM
Monday, September 07, 2009
Planning Purbeck’s Future
Planning Purbeck’s Future, the latest stage of the Core Strategy is being published for public consultation. This document includes policies for protection of the environment and sets out where new development, including housing, retail and employment, will be located over the next 20 years. It also includes policies to manage development. The consultation period will commence on Monday, 7 September 2009 and will run for a period of eight weeks closing on Friday, 30 October 2009. In addition to the main report, a leaflet and questionnaire will be delivered to every home or business during September.
All documents are available electronically on the Council’s website. There is also a web forum to encourage debate on the proposals. Paper copies are available in the District Council Offices and local Libraries.You can also respond using the response form that can be downloaded off the Council’s website.
All documents are available electronically on the Council’s website.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Swanage Bay View Holiday Park (Sale)
Swanage Town Council has announced the sale of its 300 unit luxury caravan park and holiday complex to the Darwin Leisure Property Fund for a capital receipt of £7.25m. The deal includes revenue income of an annual ground rent of £30,000 for the life of the 105 year lease term.
Town Mayor, Mike Pratt says “This disposal means that we can take a positive stance in now addressing the town’s need for the benefit of current and future generations” before going on to say “the Town Council’s small administration team have been placed under incredible pressure over the past few years initially caused by the challenge by the Audit Commission who believe the Council does not have the legal powers to derive a direct income from caravan sales which is an integral part of owning a caravan park.”
On behalf of Darwin Victoria Brannen CIO, commented that “Darwin look forward to expanding their existing holiday park portfolio with the purchase of Swanage Bay View and implementing their business strategy, which will continue to operate and develop the park as a desirable holiday home location on the Dorset coast, whilst improving facilities that benefit not just the park owners but also members of the local community and support the town’s economy”.
Alan Leeson, Town Clerk and Financial Officer explains “by eliminating caravan sales from the Council’s activities we shall now be able to forecast future income with greater certainty. In order to keep the council tax precept to a minimum, the Council will now be considering its investment strategy in order to ensure that alternative sources of income are maximised”.
Both parties are now moving towards completion and handover on 15th October 2009.
(Swanage Town Council, Press Release, 4 September 2009)
Town Mayor, Mike Pratt says “This disposal means that we can take a positive stance in now addressing the town’s need for the benefit of current and future generations” before going on to say “the Town Council’s small administration team have been placed under incredible pressure over the past few years initially caused by the challenge by the Audit Commission who believe the Council does not have the legal powers to derive a direct income from caravan sales which is an integral part of owning a caravan park.”
On behalf of Darwin Victoria Brannen CIO, commented that “Darwin look forward to expanding their existing holiday park portfolio with the purchase of Swanage Bay View and implementing their business strategy, which will continue to operate and develop the park as a desirable holiday home location on the Dorset coast, whilst improving facilities that benefit not just the park owners but also members of the local community and support the town’s economy”.
Alan Leeson, Town Clerk and Financial Officer explains “by eliminating caravan sales from the Council’s activities we shall now be able to forecast future income with greater certainty. In order to keep the council tax precept to a minimum, the Council will now be considering its investment strategy in order to ensure that alternative sources of income are maximised”.
Both parties are now moving towards completion and handover on 15th October 2009.
(Swanage Town Council, Press Release, 4 September 2009)
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Drug News.
I just wondered why neither the local advertiser or the local gazzete picked up on the recent story of a Swanage drug dealer going to prison. Was this due to them not wanting people to think Swanage has a drug scene? or was it for some other strange reason.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:28 AM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:28 AM
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
NEW TOPIC
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment in this section — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
UKIP SOUTH DORSET - TEA PARTY
South Dorset UKIP are holding a 'Mad hatters tea party' starting 2pm on Saturday the 29th of August at Albany house, Kingston Lane, Worth Matravers.
Do I detect a sense of irony?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:41 PM
Do I detect a sense of irony?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:41 PM
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Community Plan
A little light reading.
http://www.purbeck.gov.uk/people__organisations/purbeck_comm
unity_partnership/community_plan_for_purbeck.aspx
Just in case.
http://tinyurl.com/ks3bwd
Our Community Plan.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:51 PM
http://www.purbeck.gov.uk/people__organisations/purbeck_comm
unity_partnership/community_plan_for_purbeck.aspx
Just in case.
http://tinyurl.com/ks3bwd
Our Community Plan.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:51 PM
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Traffic
Traffic right of way in town centre
Does anyone else think there needs to be clearer give way signs and road markings from Rempstone Road into Station Road.
Yet again today someone pushing their way in from Rempstone road nearly hit a car which had right of way coming from Kings Road as they drove into Station road without bothering to slow down as they failed to give way!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:01 PM
Does anyone else think there needs to be clearer give way signs and road markings from Rempstone Road into Station Road.
Yet again today someone pushing their way in from Rempstone road nearly hit a car which had right of way coming from Kings Road as they drove into Station road without bothering to slow down as they failed to give way!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:01 PM
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Affordable housing
Affordable housing back on the agenda. Good luck to Worth.
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/purbeck/4548185.Trust_backs_homes_call/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:44 PM
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/purbeck/4548185.Trust_backs_homes_call/
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:44 PM
Monday, August 17, 2009
Bay View Caravan Park
Is the Council about to announce the sale of Swanage Bay View Holiday Park? There was an extraordinary meeting of the Town Council on Aug. 10th to discuss changes to the contract....has the deal reached its conclusion? What will it provide for the people of Swanage?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:59 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:59 PM
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Local Apprenticeships
Are local business people concerned that they are unable to share their
experience and knowledge with younger people? Is it the paper work
and/or Health and Safety that puts people off supporting young people
to sign up for apprenticeship schemes. There is a concern that
practical trades are dying out in the Purbeck area. It would be a great
shame if we lost these practical skills. Would anyone like to comment
about this?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:16 PM
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
NEW SUBJECT
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment in this section — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Weather report
The Echo says on July 31:
BOURNEMOUTH’S tourism chief has revealed plans to install new cameras
along the seafront in a bid to provide accurate online weather
information for the resort.
Mr Smith told the Daily Echo: “With a couple of local companies, we are
exploring the cost and weighing up the feasibility of providing our own
webcams, purely for promotional purposes.
“Then people would not have to rely on inaccurate Met Office forecasts
which have cost us so dearly in the past. They would simply have to go
online to get a correct guide for the weather and surfing conditions.”
Couldn't Swanage benefit from doing this? I understand that each camera
costs round about £200 and has to be replaced every couple of years.
One situated at each end of the bay could do a fantastic job of showing
potential visitors how good the weather is, when the forecast is lousy.
The amount of money, spread over two years, is very little compared to
the potential benefits, surely?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 6:02 PM
BOURNEMOUTH’S tourism chief has revealed plans to install new cameras
along the seafront in a bid to provide accurate online weather
information for the resort.
Mr Smith told the Daily Echo: “With a couple of local companies, we are
exploring the cost and weighing up the feasibility of providing our own
webcams, purely for promotional purposes.
“Then people would not have to rely on inaccurate Met Office forecasts
which have cost us so dearly in the past. They would simply have to go
online to get a correct guide for the weather and surfing conditions.”
Couldn't Swanage benefit from doing this? I understand that each camera
costs round about £200 and has to be replaced every couple of years.
One situated at each end of the bay could do a fantastic job of showing
potential visitors how good the weather is, when the forecast is lousy.
The amount of money, spread over two years, is very little compared to
the potential benefits, surely?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 6:02 PM
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Al fresco High Street?
Here is a suggestion for Swanage. Its not original, its something they do in a place called Tiburon in California which is a tourist town a little smaller than Swanage.
Quoting Wikipedia: "On Friday evenings in the spring and summer, the town's Main Street is closed to vehicles and transformed into a large alfresco dining area for "Friday Nights on Main". Local restaurants and bars provide outdoor dining and drinks, with music and lively crowds helping create a festive atmosphere."
This is something we could do in the High Street. I know we have the odd shower here but most summer evenings are dry. The oyster bar shows what can be done. Surely it is something that can be built on.
We already have lots of people sitting at the tables outside the fish plaice and on benches eating fish and chips and enjoying the alfresco experience so why not offer curry, chinese food, pizzas etc on the street as well.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:33 PM
Quoting Wikipedia: "On Friday evenings in the spring and summer, the town's Main Street is closed to vehicles and transformed into a large alfresco dining area for "Friday Nights on Main". Local restaurants and bars provide outdoor dining and drinks, with music and lively crowds helping create a festive atmosphere."
This is something we could do in the High Street. I know we have the odd shower here but most summer evenings are dry. The oyster bar shows what can be done. Surely it is something that can be built on.
We already have lots of people sitting at the tables outside the fish plaice and on benches eating fish and chips and enjoying the alfresco experience so why not offer curry, chinese food, pizzas etc on the street as well.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 10:33 PM
Charity to take mattress?
New topic - charity that will use a mattress
Does anyone know of a local charity that would use (and will take away)
a fairly new and good quality mattress?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:27 PM
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR SWANAGE
The schools and residents of Swanage have managed to get more consultation on how two-tier education will work in the town. But this does not have to be limited to primary schools.
Swanage should get a new secondary school rather than bussing over 700 children from the area to Wareham every day.
We are the ONLY town in Dorset not to have a secondary school (except for new town Verwood) but we have enough children to fill one.
The Purbeck School will soon take 1750 children - making it enormous - bigger than 97 per cent of secondary schools in the country - most are half that size. Do we want children to go from tiny village schools to a huge comp split over two sites in Wareham? Why can't one of the sites be here?
The town lost its two secondary schools by one vote in 1974. This is a chance to put it right.
We could get adult education and sports facilities at the same time, plus all the benefits of after-school activities and better parental involvement.
Jim Knight agrees, Bill Trite agrees, the main Conservative party agree and say that communities should have their own schools. Only Dorset CC want to deny us the right to have this choice.
Carl Styants
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:39 PM
Swanage should get a new secondary school rather than bussing over 700 children from the area to Wareham every day.
We are the ONLY town in Dorset not to have a secondary school (except for new town Verwood) but we have enough children to fill one.
The Purbeck School will soon take 1750 children - making it enormous - bigger than 97 per cent of secondary schools in the country - most are half that size. Do we want children to go from tiny village schools to a huge comp split over two sites in Wareham? Why can't one of the sites be here?
The town lost its two secondary schools by one vote in 1974. This is a chance to put it right.
We could get adult education and sports facilities at the same time, plus all the benefits of after-school activities and better parental involvement.
Jim Knight agrees, Bill Trite agrees, the main Conservative party agree and say that communities should have their own schools. Only Dorset CC want to deny us the right to have this choice.
Carl Styants
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 3:39 PM
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Downs path
Whose idea was it to have the path on the Downs resurfaced two days before the kids break up from school?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:17 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:17 PM
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Recycling Centre?
I heard yesteday (Monday 29th) that people are no longer allowed to take anything away from the dump (either for free or for token payment). Before getting agitated, I have tried to find out the facts from Purbeck District Council but the person I need to speak to is apparently away today. I shall do all I can to stop this, if it does turn out to be their latest policy.
Of course, we have been here before, when it was operated by W&S (now it's SITA), and PDC pretty quickly reinstated the practice. But it seems a no-brainer that by definition a recycling centre should allow, even encourage, recycling in its purest form: allowing people to use something that others no longer have a use for.
Please post here any of your own experiences about this.
Mike Hadley
Of course, we have been here before, when it was operated by W&S (now it's SITA), and PDC pretty quickly reinstated the practice. But it seems a no-brainer that by definition a recycling centre should allow, even encourage, recycling in its purest form: allowing people to use something that others no longer have a use for.
Please post here any of your own experiences about this.
Mike Hadley
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Live Music Sundays at Bar Se7en
Thanks to everybody who has helped to make Live Music Sundays so successful at Bar Se7en (formerly known as the Victoria Club), 1 High Street, Swanage opposite the stone quay.
Every Sunday from 5pm-8pm - admission free - we have Live Music ranging from Boogie Woogie, Blues and Soul to Country, Swing and Rock 'n' Roll. I play keyboards/bass, Bournemouth Fred's on drums and we have a variety of top guests (many professional) on guitar, harmonica and vocals.
All welcome! Spread the word if you can please. Live Music is good for the soul, and for Tourism too! For more information call me on 01929 422338, email s.darrington@btopenworld.com or just come along.
You'll be made welcome and you will enjoy it!
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 8:47 AM
Every Sunday from 5pm-8pm - admission free - we have Live Music ranging from Boogie Woogie, Blues and Soul to Country, Swing and Rock 'n' Roll. I play keyboards/bass, Bournemouth Fred's on drums and we have a variety of top guests (many professional) on guitar, harmonica and vocals.
All welcome! Spread the word if you can please. Live Music is good for the soul, and for Tourism too! For more information call me on 01929 422338, email s.darrington@btopenworld.com or just come along.
You'll be made welcome and you will enjoy it!
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 8:47 AM
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Housing
Not often we here anything good about Purbeck Housing Trust; but house bought under ´right to buy´ can only be sold to (sort of) locals.
http://tinyurl.com/l3k9f2
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:17 AM
http://tinyurl.com/l3k9f2
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:17 AM
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Drummond Road
The Drummond Rd project has been refused, the Westbury is going to be 9 - 2 bed and 1 - 3 bed flats, the garages behind Curiosity are going to become 2 flats, and for some light amusement, Wareham is going to get a Tattoo parlour, sorry, Design Studio.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:59 PM
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:59 PM
Sunday, June 14, 2009
New Subject
If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment in this section — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Swanage Bay View Holiday Park
Sale of Swanage's Family Silver -
Swanage Bay View Holiday Park - has been sold!
According to Fox Leisure, the firm handling the sale of SBV, the park is now listed as Sold. The identity of the new owner(s) is unknown at this time, as is the timetable for completion of the sale, but the betting is on Shorefields who own the park next door.
Let's hope the Town Council has done something that will benefit Swanage well into the future, as well as the caravan owners who comprise the largest portion of tourists visiting and contributing to the coffers of Swanage. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Vista's amenities remain available (albeit on a commercial basis) to the town's residents and visitors.
STC has conducted this process without any consultation with the Owners at the Park, or Residents of Swanage, both of whom are major stakeholders in SBV, so any successes or failures in this transaction must be credited to, or blamed on, them alone.
Watch this space!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:51 PM
Swanage Bay View Holiday Park - has been sold!
According to Fox Leisure, the firm handling the sale of SBV, the park is now listed as Sold. The identity of the new owner(s) is unknown at this time, as is the timetable for completion of the sale, but the betting is on Shorefields who own the park next door.
Let's hope the Town Council has done something that will benefit Swanage well into the future, as well as the caravan owners who comprise the largest portion of tourists visiting and contributing to the coffers of Swanage. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the Vista's amenities remain available (albeit on a commercial basis) to the town's residents and visitors.
STC has conducted this process without any consultation with the Owners at the Park, or Residents of Swanage, both of whom are major stakeholders in SBV, so any successes or failures in this transaction must be credited to, or blamed on, them alone.
Watch this space!
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:51 PM
Monday, June 08, 2009
Free Film! PEAT on the SCREEN
Is showing 11th Hour–on 11th June 2009
At the Rex, Wareham at 7pm
Guest Speaker, Mark Constantine, Co-Founder, Lush
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this captivating documentary explores the perilous state of our planet and the means by which we can change our course.
A first rate documentary on ecology and the environment, with excellent new footage and archive material shot around the world~Observer
Come to The 11 Hour and get 50% off the Monday 15th June showing of Age of Stupid!! 7pm
Age of Stupid just £3 on Monday if you come to the 11th Hour!
Age of Stupid ~ Watch the movie that everyone’s talking about!
Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?
I defy anyone to come out and not feel like they’ve got to make a difference. Caroline Lucas, Green Party
PEAT
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 4:19 PM
At the Rex, Wareham at 7pm
Guest Speaker, Mark Constantine, Co-Founder, Lush
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this captivating documentary explores the perilous state of our planet and the means by which we can change our course.
A first rate documentary on ecology and the environment, with excellent new footage and archive material shot around the world~Observer
Come to The 11 Hour and get 50% off the Monday 15th June showing of Age of Stupid!! 7pm
Age of Stupid just £3 on Monday if you come to the 11th Hour!
Age of Stupid ~ Watch the movie that everyone’s talking about!
Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?
I defy anyone to come out and not feel like they’ve got to make a difference. Caroline Lucas, Green Party
PEAT
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 4:19 PM
Friday, June 05, 2009
PEAT on the SCREEN - reminder
Saturday 6th June - Corfe Castle Village Hall 7pm - free admission - refreshments. Film - Power of Community and speaker Andy Mckee from Dorchester.
PEAT people (for Transition Purbeck) support local businesses, source local food,are reducing their fossil fuel consumption, and are generally trying to live more lighltly. Please join us on this journey. We can have fun on the way if we do this together!!
PEAT (Purbeck Environment Action Team) for Transition Purbeck.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:18 AM
PEAT people (for Transition Purbeck) support local businesses, source local food,are reducing their fossil fuel consumption, and are generally trying to live more lighltly. Please join us on this journey. We can have fun on the way if we do this together!!
PEAT (Purbeck Environment Action Team) for Transition Purbeck.
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:18 AM
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
HIt and run?
Wed 3-6 12ish.
Anyone heard anything about a ´hit and run´ in the area today?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 2:54 PM
Anyone heard anything about a ´hit and run´ in the area today?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 2:54 PM
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Old/broken wooden boat
Anyone got an old or damaged wooden boat they no longer need? Can collect. If so, please get in touch: mail(at)mikehadley.net
Thanks
Mike Hadley
Thanks
Mike Hadley
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Missing Advertiser?
Are you missing your Swanage Advertiser lately? It seems they've stopped delivering to parts of North Swanage and Durlston.
Anybody else not getting a copy?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:13 AM
Anybody else not getting a copy?
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:13 AM
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
For One Short Moment Forget The Expenses Debacle.
In the midst of all the justified furore of our once honourable members, I wish to pause to look at the mess 12 years of Labour lack of governance has brought us.
Education an utter shambles, hospitals no better than untold billions of wasted cash, police thuggish and politicised, a disgraced speaker still lauded as he is forced to quit. Our secret services and armed forces strapped for cash, a public transport like a "Carry On" film and our roads so badly maintained they kill untold thousands a year. We have a State Broadcaster who now makes The USSR Pravda look amateurs, we have laws forced upon us by a crowd of unelected EU Commissioners aided and abetted by an expenses culture Parliament, that puts our fraudsters in the bottom half of the Conference League.
At the head of this unmitigated disaster sits a man who picks his nose in public, is as nasty to his own party non-believers as he is to the rest of us doubters of his sanity. You might care to add your own list of failure and incompetence.
So amongst this shambles and wreckage of out Country Jimmy Brown "carries on" regardless. The Speaker, Labours' own place man, is forced to leave in shame. His ministers more singly corrupt than the rest of The House put together, remain intact and rich beyond most peoples' dreams. What has the great man have to say?
"Mr Brown again resisted calls for an early general election saying the crisis was not about government but about the system and it was reforming the system that would solve the problem."
Translation, "Nothing to do with me Guv." So was the system created in America? Did he change the system over the last 12 years? You bet he did. Well if these revelations of collective greed, neglect and utter arrogance and incompetence fail to force an election what will it take? For sure the real economic tsunami has not yet reached beyond the beach. That will hit around October. We should take heed and vote Labour into oblivion, or else face further destruction.
Hat tip oldrighie
For One Short Moment Forget The Expenses Debacle.
In the midst of all the justified furore of our once honourable members, I wish to pause to look at the mess 12 years of Labour lack of governance has brought us.
Education an utter shambles, hospitals no better than untold billions of wasted cash, police thuggish and politicised, a disgraced speaker still lauded as he is forced to quit. Our secret services and armed forces strapped for cash, a public transport like a "Carry On" film and our roads so badly maintained they kill untold thousands a year. We have a State Broadcaster who now makes The USSR Pravda look amateurs, we have laws forced upon us by a crowd of unelected EU Commissioners aided and abetted by an expenses culture Parliament, that puts our fraudsters in the bottom half of the Conference League.
At the head of this unmitigated disaster sits a man who picks his nose in public, is as nasty to his own party non-believers as he is to the rest of us doubters of his sanity. You might care to add your own list of failure and incompetence.
So amongst this shambles and wreckage of out Country Jimmy Brown "carries on" regardless. The Speaker, Labours' own place man, is forced to leave in shame. His ministers more singly corrupt than the rest of The House put together, remain intact and rich beyond most peoples' dreams. What has the great man have to say?
"Mr Brown again resisted calls for an early general election saying the crisis was not about government but about the system and it was reforming the system that would solve the problem."
Translation, "Nothing to do with me Guv." So was the system created in America? Did he change the system over the last 12 years? You bet he did. Well if these revelations of collective greed, neglect and utter arrogance and incompetence fail to force an election what will it take? For sure the real economic tsunami has not yet reached beyond the beach. That will hit around October. We should take heed and vote Labour into oblivion, or else face further destruction.
Hat tip oldrighie
Saturday, May 16, 2009
PEAT on the SCREEN !
Please support this active local group that are making a positive change for Purbeck.
We are happy to offer our support to other groups too.
PEAT (Purbeck Environment Action Team) is hitting the screens and putting on the following series of FREE environmental film and documentary showings all across Purbeck in May and June..Please come along for a fun and interesting evening out.
**Thursday 21st May – 7pm – A Crude Awakening – At the Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
**Thursday 4th June – 7pm – A Message In The Waves, At Studland Study Centre, Knoll Beach. Guest Speaker Steve Trewhella
**Saturday 6th June – 7 pm – Power of Community – At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Guest speaker Andy McKee.
**Thursday 11th June – 7pm – The 11th Hour (Narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio) – At The Rex cinema, Wareham. Guest speaker Mark Constantine
PEAT is a local group of like-minded individuals working towards sustainability in Purbeck. The group formed in June 2006 to focus on how Purbeck can play its part to combat climate change. They encourage “living lightly” and sharing the Earth’s resources fairly and are supported by DA21 (formally Dorset Agenda 21).
PEAT has grown from strength to strength following the success of the “PEAT on the Street” day in September last year where the group took over the streets of Wareham to highlight ways of living sustainably and to celebrate the natural wonder of the local area. PEAT is now focusing on moving towards Transition Purbeck.
Transition Purbeck joins other Transition initiatives locally and worldwide. The main aim of the Transition initiative is for local communities to become sustainable and self-sufficient. The first step on this exciting and necessary journey is to raise awareness of peak oil and the cause and effect of climate change on a local and global level.
If you would like to find out more please contact us at
peatda21@googlemail.com or take a look on our website at
www.peat-da21.org
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:43 PM
We are happy to offer our support to other groups too.
PEAT (Purbeck Environment Action Team) is hitting the screens and putting on the following series of FREE environmental film and documentary showings all across Purbeck in May and June..Please come along for a fun and interesting evening out.
**Thursday 21st May – 7pm – A Crude Awakening – At the Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
**Thursday 4th June – 7pm – A Message In The Waves, At Studland Study Centre, Knoll Beach. Guest Speaker Steve Trewhella
**Saturday 6th June – 7 pm – Power of Community – At Corfe Castle Village Hall. Guest speaker Andy McKee.
**Thursday 11th June – 7pm – The 11th Hour (Narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio) – At The Rex cinema, Wareham. Guest speaker Mark Constantine
PEAT is a local group of like-minded individuals working towards sustainability in Purbeck. The group formed in June 2006 to focus on how Purbeck can play its part to combat climate change. They encourage “living lightly” and sharing the Earth’s resources fairly and are supported by DA21 (formally Dorset Agenda 21).
PEAT has grown from strength to strength following the success of the “PEAT on the Street” day in September last year where the group took over the streets of Wareham to highlight ways of living sustainably and to celebrate the natural wonder of the local area. PEAT is now focusing on moving towards Transition Purbeck.
Transition Purbeck joins other Transition initiatives locally and worldwide. The main aim of the Transition initiative is for local communities to become sustainable and self-sufficient. The first step on this exciting and necessary journey is to raise awareness of peak oil and the cause and effect of climate change on a local and global level.
If you would like to find out more please contact us at
peatda21@googlemail.com or take a look on our website at
www.peat-da21.org
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:43 PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Live Music In Swanage
A new poster is appearing in the shop windows of Swanage, dedicated to local Live Music. It shows who's playing where and when during May.
This first, trial issue is available from the Tourist Information Centre; participating venues and advertisers; and can be downloaded from http://www.swanagelife.com
If you wish to see your Live Music event listed in the June issue, or you wish to advertise, please contact me. Thank you.
Steve Darrington
EMAIL
s.darrington@btopenworld.com
PHONE
01929 422338 (during usual office hours)
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 6:04 PM
This first, trial issue is available from the Tourist Information Centre; participating venues and advertisers; and can be downloaded from http://www.swanagelife.com
If you wish to see your Live Music event listed in the June issue, or you wish to advertise, please contact me. Thank you.
Steve Darrington
s.darrington@btopenworld.com
PHONE
01929 422338 (during usual office hours)
Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 6:04 PM
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Parish Assembly Weds 6th May
The 2009 Parish Assembly will be held at the Bayview Caravan Park at 7.00pm on Weds 6th May.
These are the minutes of last year's meeting:
Minutes of the PARISH MEETING of the Parish of Swanage, held at the Town Hall, Swanage on
WEDNESDAY, 7th MAY 2008 at 7 o’clock p.m.
Councillor Gary Suttle, Town Mayor, was in the Chair, and, in addition to members of the Council and officials, 34 persons were present.
Chairman – Councillor G.M. Suttle (Town Mayor)
In attendance:-
Councillor Mrs. C. Gainsborough
Councillor M. Hadley
Councillor Mrs. G.A. Marsh
Councillor S. Poultney
Councillor Mrs. A. Turner
Councillor W.S. Trite
Councillor M. Whitwam
Before the commencement of the Meeting, the Clerk outlined the procedure that would be followed during the Meeting. All registered electors in attendance had been issued with blue cards, and other interested parties (not on the electoral register) were allowed to attend the Meeting at the Chairman’s discretion.
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies for their inability to attend the Meeting were received from Councillors Audley, Bright, Gloyn-Cox and Pratt, and Mr. J. Wootton.
2. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 21st May 2007 were approved as a correct record and signed. (Copies of the Minutes were circulated to those present at the Meeting).
Arising from the Minutes, the following matters were raised:-
MR. P. CLARK enquired when the Public Report on the Bay View Holiday Park would be published. He was informed that the Options Appraisal was almost completed and that a Report would be included in the next edition of “Swanage Matters” which would be published shortly.
MR. P. CLARK then referred to Page 3 of the Minutes and enquired whether the Council’s management accounts were being produced on a monthly basis, in keeping with “best practice” procedures adopted elsewhere. He also enquired whether it was the Town Council’s intention to appoint a CIPFA qualified accountant. The TOWN MAYOR confirmed that the management accounts were presented to the Council on a regular monthly basis. Consideration had been given to the appointment of a CIPFA qualified accountant, but having regard to the Council’s limited financial resources, negotiations were currently being undertaken with Poole Borough Council for the provision of accountancy services on a consultancy basis.
MR. FOOKS referred to the piece of land adjoining Day’s Park (approximately 1/3rd of an acre) and maintenance work that had recently been carried out in this area. He requested that this area be included within the Council’s regular maintenance programme, and enquired whether the land is designated as being within an area of outstanding natural beauty. He was assured that his request would be referred to the Council’s Operations Manager. The land was not specifically designated as being within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
3. GENERAL ISSUES
The Mayor then opened the Meeting for general discussion, and invited questions and comments from the audience.
COUNCILLOR M. HADLEY requested that the Minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly be made available as soon as possible after the Meeting.
MR. I. SAUNDERS referred to income received by the De Moulham Trust and expressed the opinion that monies should be made available from this source for the maintenance of the service roads within the De Moulham Estate, as a matter of priority.
COL. SQUIRREL drew attention to the termination of the lease of the Mowlem restaurant and bars with Badger Breweries. He was anxious that this tenancy should not affect the future of the theatre, which should be secured for the benefit of the residents of Swanage, and suggested that the Town Council considers sponsorship of the theatre if the Trust is unable to secure a suitable tenant.
The TOWN MAYOR welcomed representatives from Dorset Police and introduced Inspector Ashley Adams, the Section Commander for Purbeck.
MR. I. MACKENZIE expressed his concern regarding the stability of the wall on the western side of Shore Road in the vicinity of Battlegate toilets and enquired whether responsibility for the wall had been established. He also enquired when the pedestrian crossing would be re-instated as he was concerned for the safety of pedestrians with the approach of the busy summer season. He was informed that the ownership/responsibility for the wall was being researched by both Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council but no clear ownership had been established at the present time. COUNTY COUNCILLOR DONALD HIETT gave an assurance that he would pursue the re-instatement of the pedestrian crossing with Dorset County Council as a matter of urgency.
MR. P. CLARK reported that the proposed closure of the Swanage Household Recycling Centre was a matter of major concern to the residents of Swanage and the surrounding villages. He strongly criticised the way in which the matter had been dealt with by Dorset County Council, and PROPOSED:-
That the matter be put on the Agenda of the next full
evening meeting of the Swanage Town Council and that,
prior to the meeting, the Council seeks to obtain an up-to-date
report on the matter from Purbeck District Council.
This proposition was seconded by MR. I. MACKENZIE and RESOLVED.
MR. D. SPINDLER enquired as to the ownership of the former Grammar School building, which he understood had recently changed hands. He was informed that the Council was also aware of this rumour, but had no further information on the matter.
MRS. SPINDLER was concerned at the total disregard of the speed limits in Northbrook Road by some motorists and requested that action be taken to deter this practice. Her comments were endorsed by MS. P. KEELING who highlighted her concerns at “boy racers” in the High Street. They were advised by Police Officers in attendance at the Meeting, that in certain circumstances a Section 59 Notice could be served on persistent offenders, which may result in the confiscation of the vehicle and a fine of £125 being issued.
MR. I. ALLEN reported that the Swanage Town and Community Partnership had made recommendations to Dorset County Council regarding traffic improvements that could be introduced in Swanage, and COUNCILLOR M. HADLEY also reported on traffic issues that were being raised by the Town Council’s Transport Committee.
COUNCILLOR HADLEY then referred to the increasing number of vehicles that were parking in the vicinity of the Stone Quay, and expressed his concern for the safety of pedestrians in the area.
MR. I. SAUNDERS enquired whether the Town Council had made provision for the overnight parking of camper vans in its car parks and was informed that the Council’s Off-Street Parking Order had been amended to allow for the parking of camper vans for one night only in Main Beach and North Beach Car Parks with effect from 1st April 2008.
Other traffic issues raised included the proximity of the town centre traffic lights, illegal parking and lack of enforcement, and a request for consideration to be given to the introduction of a ½ hourly parking charge at the Residents’ Car Park.
MR. SARGENT, a caravan owner at the Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, referred to the recent resignation of the Tourist Information Centre Manager. He was very appreciative of the services provided by the Tourist Information Centre and enquired whether this worthwhile post would be filled, bearing in mind the current economic climate. The changing requirements of the tourism industry were explained by the TOWN MAYOR and he reported that the future provision of these services were to be considered at a meeting with the Economic Development Officer/Tourism Officer at Purbeck District Council to be held the following day.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Parish Assembly was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 6th May 2009 at 7.00 p.m.
The meeting concluded at 8.20 p.m.
These are the minutes of last year's meeting:
Minutes of the PARISH MEETING of the Parish of Swanage, held at the Town Hall, Swanage on
WEDNESDAY, 7th MAY 2008 at 7 o’clock p.m.
Councillor Gary Suttle, Town Mayor, was in the Chair, and, in addition to members of the Council and officials, 34 persons were present.
Chairman – Councillor G.M. Suttle (Town Mayor)
In attendance:-
Councillor Mrs. C. Gainsborough
Councillor M. Hadley
Councillor Mrs. G.A. Marsh
Councillor S. Poultney
Councillor Mrs. A. Turner
Councillor W.S. Trite
Councillor M. Whitwam
Before the commencement of the Meeting, the Clerk outlined the procedure that would be followed during the Meeting. All registered electors in attendance had been issued with blue cards, and other interested parties (not on the electoral register) were allowed to attend the Meeting at the Chairman’s discretion.
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies for their inability to attend the Meeting were received from Councillors Audley, Bright, Gloyn-Cox and Pratt, and Mr. J. Wootton.
2. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on 21st May 2007 were approved as a correct record and signed. (Copies of the Minutes were circulated to those present at the Meeting).
Arising from the Minutes, the following matters were raised:-
MR. P. CLARK enquired when the Public Report on the Bay View Holiday Park would be published. He was informed that the Options Appraisal was almost completed and that a Report would be included in the next edition of “Swanage Matters” which would be published shortly.
MR. P. CLARK then referred to Page 3 of the Minutes and enquired whether the Council’s management accounts were being produced on a monthly basis, in keeping with “best practice” procedures adopted elsewhere. He also enquired whether it was the Town Council’s intention to appoint a CIPFA qualified accountant. The TOWN MAYOR confirmed that the management accounts were presented to the Council on a regular monthly basis. Consideration had been given to the appointment of a CIPFA qualified accountant, but having regard to the Council’s limited financial resources, negotiations were currently being undertaken with Poole Borough Council for the provision of accountancy services on a consultancy basis.
MR. FOOKS referred to the piece of land adjoining Day’s Park (approximately 1/3rd of an acre) and maintenance work that had recently been carried out in this area. He requested that this area be included within the Council’s regular maintenance programme, and enquired whether the land is designated as being within an area of outstanding natural beauty. He was assured that his request would be referred to the Council’s Operations Manager. The land was not specifically designated as being within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
3. GENERAL ISSUES
The Mayor then opened the Meeting for general discussion, and invited questions and comments from the audience.
COUNCILLOR M. HADLEY requested that the Minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly be made available as soon as possible after the Meeting.
MR. I. SAUNDERS referred to income received by the De Moulham Trust and expressed the opinion that monies should be made available from this source for the maintenance of the service roads within the De Moulham Estate, as a matter of priority.
COL. SQUIRREL drew attention to the termination of the lease of the Mowlem restaurant and bars with Badger Breweries. He was anxious that this tenancy should not affect the future of the theatre, which should be secured for the benefit of the residents of Swanage, and suggested that the Town Council considers sponsorship of the theatre if the Trust is unable to secure a suitable tenant.
The TOWN MAYOR welcomed representatives from Dorset Police and introduced Inspector Ashley Adams, the Section Commander for Purbeck.
MR. I. MACKENZIE expressed his concern regarding the stability of the wall on the western side of Shore Road in the vicinity of Battlegate toilets and enquired whether responsibility for the wall had been established. He also enquired when the pedestrian crossing would be re-instated as he was concerned for the safety of pedestrians with the approach of the busy summer season. He was informed that the ownership/responsibility for the wall was being researched by both Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council but no clear ownership had been established at the present time. COUNTY COUNCILLOR DONALD HIETT gave an assurance that he would pursue the re-instatement of the pedestrian crossing with Dorset County Council as a matter of urgency.
MR. P. CLARK reported that the proposed closure of the Swanage Household Recycling Centre was a matter of major concern to the residents of Swanage and the surrounding villages. He strongly criticised the way in which the matter had been dealt with by Dorset County Council, and PROPOSED:-
That the matter be put on the Agenda of the next full
evening meeting of the Swanage Town Council and that,
prior to the meeting, the Council seeks to obtain an up-to-date
report on the matter from Purbeck District Council.
This proposition was seconded by MR. I. MACKENZIE and RESOLVED.
MR. D. SPINDLER enquired as to the ownership of the former Grammar School building, which he understood had recently changed hands. He was informed that the Council was also aware of this rumour, but had no further information on the matter.
MRS. SPINDLER was concerned at the total disregard of the speed limits in Northbrook Road by some motorists and requested that action be taken to deter this practice. Her comments were endorsed by MS. P. KEELING who highlighted her concerns at “boy racers” in the High Street. They were advised by Police Officers in attendance at the Meeting, that in certain circumstances a Section 59 Notice could be served on persistent offenders, which may result in the confiscation of the vehicle and a fine of £125 being issued.
MR. I. ALLEN reported that the Swanage Town and Community Partnership had made recommendations to Dorset County Council regarding traffic improvements that could be introduced in Swanage, and COUNCILLOR M. HADLEY also reported on traffic issues that were being raised by the Town Council’s Transport Committee.
COUNCILLOR HADLEY then referred to the increasing number of vehicles that were parking in the vicinity of the Stone Quay, and expressed his concern for the safety of pedestrians in the area.
MR. I. SAUNDERS enquired whether the Town Council had made provision for the overnight parking of camper vans in its car parks and was informed that the Council’s Off-Street Parking Order had been amended to allow for the parking of camper vans for one night only in Main Beach and North Beach Car Parks with effect from 1st April 2008.
Other traffic issues raised included the proximity of the town centre traffic lights, illegal parking and lack of enforcement, and a request for consideration to be given to the introduction of a ½ hourly parking charge at the Residents’ Car Park.
MR. SARGENT, a caravan owner at the Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, referred to the recent resignation of the Tourist Information Centre Manager. He was very appreciative of the services provided by the Tourist Information Centre and enquired whether this worthwhile post would be filled, bearing in mind the current economic climate. The changing requirements of the tourism industry were explained by the TOWN MAYOR and he reported that the future provision of these services were to be considered at a meeting with the Economic Development Officer/Tourism Officer at Purbeck District Council to be held the following day.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Parish Assembly was scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 6th May 2009 at 7.00 p.m.
The meeting concluded at 8.20 p.m.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Review of Swanage Blues Festival - March 2009
The 9th Swanage Blues Festival –6-8/3/09by George & Julia Cairnsforth courtesy of Blues In Britain magazine – Volume 1 / Issue 89
Swanage Blues Festivals are multi-venue events with pubs, restaurants and hotel bars spilling over with fans throughout this friendly south coast Dorset town.As usual, organiser Steve Darrington had programmed a huge choice across the blues spectrum with 25 different Acts in 13 venues performing 40 gigs to over 2,000 people. Since starting these events in 2001 Steve has managed to keep an Admission Free policy by asking festival-goers to chip in towards expenses.“The first-ever Swanage Blues Festival grew out of a birthday party,” he explained, “and I like to keep this as a celebration!”
There is a 200 metre-long strip at the start of the High Street in which the nine venues that make up the central core of the event are located. Whenever we walked between pubs the strains of music faded in and out while crowds danced in the street. Gazing up we could even see New Orleans-style architecture to complete the scene! The other venues are not so central and include a huge Victorian hotel towering from the cliffs at one end of the picturesque bay, another hotel that is overshadowed by the incredible Corfe Castle at the end of a steam train ride, and world-famous country pub the Square & Compass, which has a museum and where they bring out the beer from the back room!
The whole weekend was definitely one great big party as old friendships were renewed and new ones created - both at Robin Bibi’s Electric Jams and the more acoustic Open Mic Sessions in the Red Lion. What a great job Martin Froud & Andrew Bazeley did every afternoon along with John & Johnny Sharp Jnr, all four making up the backbone of this year's house band. Dad's understated but consistently spine-tingling harmonica was often accompanied by Johnny Jnr's extraordinary electric guitar, both played sparingly and with huge feeling and subtlety. At one point Pete Harris stopped by on the way to his own gig to contribute a couple of quality blues and ragtime numbers. The enthusiasm of the real ale and real cider-fuelled crowds encouraged performers onto some great heights.OK, all the venues were indoors, but what of the weather anyway? Thankfully at 5.30pm on Friday when the Robin Bibi Band took to the stage at Bar 7, there was no trace of the heavy snow that had cut Swanage off from the outside world only the day before. The packed audience was left stunned by Robin’s incredibly powerful and tight band putting on a performance that would usually mark a festival finale, not the opening! Drifting out of the door at 8pm, festival-goers were wondering which of the ten further gigs that evening could follow what they had just experienced. But there was plenty of good stuff to choose from: Sonny Black, Rag Mama Rag, Will Killeen, John Crampton, The Jives, Pete Harris & Hugh Budden, Robert Hokum Blues Band, Jon Walsh Blues Band, Motel 6, and Chris Collins with Blues Etc. Quite an evening for us, hugely enjoyable and it all started to blur into one, so we decided to make notes from the next day on!Saturday afternoon started at Bar Seven with organiser Steve’s keyboard producing the most amazingly realistic left hand double bass sounds, while his right wandered between Memphis Slim piano and Jimmy Smith organ, accompanied by Bournemouth Fred on drums and the tasty strains of Chris Collins on guitar and vocals. Robin Bibi’s jam session next door was packed to the rafters, so we caught The Riotous Brothers at the Ship Inn playing some fiery rhythm & blues with original songs “Restless” and “Fever”, while covers “Mind Your Own Business” and “Deja Voodoo” drove the crowd wild.A few doors away at the White Swan we took in some of The Shakers’ set with ex-Boogie Band singer/bassist Paul Sharman ringing the changes from the rock ‘n’ roll of My Girl Josephine, rockabilly of “Everybody’s Tryin' To Be My Baby” and blues of “Jumpin' At Shadows”, to the bluegrass of “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms”. Hugely authentic played with great conviction and sincerity!Later on over at the Grand Hotel the largely instrumental band The Jawbreakers were delivering classic blues tracks, timeless jive numbers and a smattering of good old fashioned rock ‘n roll plus some incredible film theme tunes. “Jump, Jive and Wail”, “Help Me”, “Samba Pa Ti”, “Caravan” and the “James Bond” Theme all figured in an amazing set.Back in downtown Swanage we managed to catch a smattering of each act along the ‘Strip’: The Fabulous Fezheads’ own brand of merry mayhem in the Red Lion (Is it blues? Who cares? Pass another beer!); Robin Bibi’s funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz again at the Ship; the Coalhouse Walker Blues Band (boogie bass on the piano) in the White Swan; John Crampton’s one man express train on harmonica and guitar at the Purbeck; C Sharp Blues (lots of Ben Waters’ sidemen there); and finally The Mustangsat the White Horse, with Adam Norsworthy climbing onto tables for posterity during “Gloria”. The place was heaving, packed to the rafters and everyone was up for a great night. We were sorry we couldn’t get to see Will Killeen or Sonny Black, but that wasn’t the end of it all, because the Red Lion specially opened the kitchen again from 11.30pm to 1.30am for those musicians who weren’t still playing, and anybody else who fancied a meal too.Sunday afternoon started off at 1pm again in Bar Seven with organiser Steve Darrington and Friends that included guitarists Chris Collins and Pete Harris, plus Hugh Budden on harmonica. This venue is a lovely addition to the blues festivals, being the original cellars of an old hotel “and reminiscent of the old Liverpool Cavern” as Steve told us, being where he played as a young lad. Bar Seven is also where Swanage Blues Club holds its weekly events on a Sunday and occasional Saturday if you’re ever in the area.The extremely reliable Robert Hokum Blues Band followed using only the minimal amount of equipment. With stripped-down drum kit and small guitar amps, they hit the whole range of classic Chess blues grooves and didn't let up - with a rhythmic repertoire that embraced Bo Diddley’s beat, John Lee Hooker's boogie and some tough funk, there wasn't a still foot in the house.Along the road we managed to catch some of The Riverside Blues Band in the Anchor, and these guys deserve a special name check for their contribution: Syd on Drums, Helen’s solid bottom end on Bass, Paul on Harmonica, and Dominic on Sax, all led by Stan on lead guitar and vocals.Back up at the Grand Hotel, as Sonny Black was finishing his excellent laid-back set, musicians arrived for the closing party on Sunday evening. Organiser Steve Darrington joined in on keyboards with Chris Collins & Blues Etc featuring Hugh Budden. The lounge was filled to bursting point with satisfied Swanage fans and expectant music lovers who weren't disappointed. The band ripped into Albert Collins’ “If You love Me Like You Say” and “I Got A Mind To Travel”, and slowed things down with Slim Harpo's ballad “Raining In my Heart”. Hugh took the mic for “Help Me” and “Five Long Years”, in which Steve, Hugh and Chris each played spine tingling solos.Just when it seemed it was all over, Steve Darrington gained a burst of energy and finished off the evening and the festival with three great songs full of personality and bursting with boogie, including two songs made up on the spot about this year’s festival.If you haven’t been to a Swanage Blues Festival yet, give it a try. They are all really special! We’ve got our guest house booked already for the next one on 2, 3, 4 October 2009 –- see www.swanage-blues.org by George & Julia Cairnsforth
Swanage Blues Festivals are multi-venue events with pubs, restaurants and hotel bars spilling over with fans throughout this friendly south coast Dorset town.As usual, organiser Steve Darrington had programmed a huge choice across the blues spectrum with 25 different Acts in 13 venues performing 40 gigs to over 2,000 people. Since starting these events in 2001 Steve has managed to keep an Admission Free policy by asking festival-goers to chip in towards expenses.“The first-ever Swanage Blues Festival grew out of a birthday party,” he explained, “and I like to keep this as a celebration!”
There is a 200 metre-long strip at the start of the High Street in which the nine venues that make up the central core of the event are located. Whenever we walked between pubs the strains of music faded in and out while crowds danced in the street. Gazing up we could even see New Orleans-style architecture to complete the scene! The other venues are not so central and include a huge Victorian hotel towering from the cliffs at one end of the picturesque bay, another hotel that is overshadowed by the incredible Corfe Castle at the end of a steam train ride, and world-famous country pub the Square & Compass, which has a museum and where they bring out the beer from the back room!
The whole weekend was definitely one great big party as old friendships were renewed and new ones created - both at Robin Bibi’s Electric Jams and the more acoustic Open Mic Sessions in the Red Lion. What a great job Martin Froud & Andrew Bazeley did every afternoon along with John & Johnny Sharp Jnr, all four making up the backbone of this year's house band. Dad's understated but consistently spine-tingling harmonica was often accompanied by Johnny Jnr's extraordinary electric guitar, both played sparingly and with huge feeling and subtlety. At one point Pete Harris stopped by on the way to his own gig to contribute a couple of quality blues and ragtime numbers. The enthusiasm of the real ale and real cider-fuelled crowds encouraged performers onto some great heights.OK, all the venues were indoors, but what of the weather anyway? Thankfully at 5.30pm on Friday when the Robin Bibi Band took to the stage at Bar 7, there was no trace of the heavy snow that had cut Swanage off from the outside world only the day before. The packed audience was left stunned by Robin’s incredibly powerful and tight band putting on a performance that would usually mark a festival finale, not the opening! Drifting out of the door at 8pm, festival-goers were wondering which of the ten further gigs that evening could follow what they had just experienced. But there was plenty of good stuff to choose from: Sonny Black, Rag Mama Rag, Will Killeen, John Crampton, The Jives, Pete Harris & Hugh Budden, Robert Hokum Blues Band, Jon Walsh Blues Band, Motel 6, and Chris Collins with Blues Etc. Quite an evening for us, hugely enjoyable and it all started to blur into one, so we decided to make notes from the next day on!Saturday afternoon started at Bar Seven with organiser Steve’s keyboard producing the most amazingly realistic left hand double bass sounds, while his right wandered between Memphis Slim piano and Jimmy Smith organ, accompanied by Bournemouth Fred on drums and the tasty strains of Chris Collins on guitar and vocals. Robin Bibi’s jam session next door was packed to the rafters, so we caught The Riotous Brothers at the Ship Inn playing some fiery rhythm & blues with original songs “Restless” and “Fever”, while covers “Mind Your Own Business” and “Deja Voodoo” drove the crowd wild.A few doors away at the White Swan we took in some of The Shakers’ set with ex-Boogie Band singer/bassist Paul Sharman ringing the changes from the rock ‘n’ roll of My Girl Josephine, rockabilly of “Everybody’s Tryin' To Be My Baby” and blues of “Jumpin' At Shadows”, to the bluegrass of “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms”. Hugely authentic played with great conviction and sincerity!Later on over at the Grand Hotel the largely instrumental band The Jawbreakers were delivering classic blues tracks, timeless jive numbers and a smattering of good old fashioned rock ‘n roll plus some incredible film theme tunes. “Jump, Jive and Wail”, “Help Me”, “Samba Pa Ti”, “Caravan” and the “James Bond” Theme all figured in an amazing set.Back in downtown Swanage we managed to catch a smattering of each act along the ‘Strip’: The Fabulous Fezheads’ own brand of merry mayhem in the Red Lion (Is it blues? Who cares? Pass another beer!); Robin Bibi’s funk, soul, rock, reggae and jazz again at the Ship; the Coalhouse Walker Blues Band (boogie bass on the piano) in the White Swan; John Crampton’s one man express train on harmonica and guitar at the Purbeck; C Sharp Blues (lots of Ben Waters’ sidemen there); and finally The Mustangsat the White Horse, with Adam Norsworthy climbing onto tables for posterity during “Gloria”. The place was heaving, packed to the rafters and everyone was up for a great night. We were sorry we couldn’t get to see Will Killeen or Sonny Black, but that wasn’t the end of it all, because the Red Lion specially opened the kitchen again from 11.30pm to 1.30am for those musicians who weren’t still playing, and anybody else who fancied a meal too.Sunday afternoon started off at 1pm again in Bar Seven with organiser Steve Darrington and Friends that included guitarists Chris Collins and Pete Harris, plus Hugh Budden on harmonica. This venue is a lovely addition to the blues festivals, being the original cellars of an old hotel “and reminiscent of the old Liverpool Cavern” as Steve told us, being where he played as a young lad. Bar Seven is also where Swanage Blues Club holds its weekly events on a Sunday and occasional Saturday if you’re ever in the area.The extremely reliable Robert Hokum Blues Band followed using only the minimal amount of equipment. With stripped-down drum kit and small guitar amps, they hit the whole range of classic Chess blues grooves and didn't let up - with a rhythmic repertoire that embraced Bo Diddley’s beat, John Lee Hooker's boogie and some tough funk, there wasn't a still foot in the house.Along the road we managed to catch some of The Riverside Blues Band in the Anchor, and these guys deserve a special name check for their contribution: Syd on Drums, Helen’s solid bottom end on Bass, Paul on Harmonica, and Dominic on Sax, all led by Stan on lead guitar and vocals.Back up at the Grand Hotel, as Sonny Black was finishing his excellent laid-back set, musicians arrived for the closing party on Sunday evening. Organiser Steve Darrington joined in on keyboards with Chris Collins & Blues Etc featuring Hugh Budden. The lounge was filled to bursting point with satisfied Swanage fans and expectant music lovers who weren't disappointed. The band ripped into Albert Collins’ “If You love Me Like You Say” and “I Got A Mind To Travel”, and slowed things down with Slim Harpo's ballad “Raining In my Heart”. Hugh took the mic for “Help Me” and “Five Long Years”, in which Steve, Hugh and Chris each played spine tingling solos.Just when it seemed it was all over, Steve Darrington gained a burst of energy and finished off the evening and the festival with three great songs full of personality and bursting with boogie, including two songs made up on the spot about this year’s festival.If you haven’t been to a Swanage Blues Festival yet, give it a try. They are all really special! We’ve got our guest house booked already for the next one on 2, 3, 4 October 2009 –- see www.swanage-blues.org by George & Julia Cairnsforth
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Funding: Chalk and Cheese
Chalk and Cheese
Chalk and Cheese have funding that is available to support small businesses. The meetings are held at Athelhampton -the only Purbeck business to apply is the Keystone (Burngate) project. All the other businesses are from west Dorset. eg Jyoti from Fivepenny Farm a sustainable farming community...where are the applications from Purbeck. The funds are there and the support..where is the energy from Purbeck. Don't sit around blaming others get off your bums and apply for what others in Dorset are doing. If you have a small business that is benefitting the community...then contact CHALK & CHEESE
T: 01305 215227-We so want to talk to you so don't hesitate.. To talk
to us about your project call 01305 215228, for local products ring 01305 215229 if you're not sure then our main number is 01305 215226. To send us anything the fax is 01305 215001 but you need to clearly mark it Chalk and Cheese as the fax lives a long way from us,
e-mail is info@chalkandcheese.org and finally our address for a more traditional approach is:
Chalk and Cheese Stinsford Business Centre Stinsford Dorchester Dorset DT2 8PY
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:35 AM
Chalk and Cheese have funding that is available to support small businesses. The meetings are held at Athelhampton -the only Purbeck business to apply is the Keystone (Burngate) project. All the other businesses are from west Dorset. eg Jyoti from Fivepenny Farm a sustainable farming community...where are the applications from Purbeck. The funds are there and the support..where is the energy from Purbeck. Don't sit around blaming others get off your bums and apply for what others in Dorset are doing. If you have a small business that is benefitting the community...then contact CHALK & CHEESE
T: 01305 215227-We so want to talk to you so don't hesitate.. To talk
to us about your project call 01305 215228, for local products ring 01305 215229 if you're not sure then our main number is 01305 215226. To send us anything the fax is 01305 215001 but you need to clearly mark it Chalk and Cheese as the fax lives a long way from us,
e-mail is info@chalkandcheese.org and finally our address for a more traditional approach is:
Chalk and Cheese Stinsford Business Centre Stinsford Dorchester Dorset DT2 8PY
Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:35 AM
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Question Time!
Swanage Residents' Association is holding its AGM (open to all Swanage residents) on Monday 4th May, in the Mowlem committee room at 7.30 pm. The formal AGM will be preceded by:
QUESTION TIME
Put your questions to County Council candidates:
Peter Clark: Liberal Democrats
Mike Hobson: UKIP
Max Stanford: Labour
Bill Trite: Conservative
Send your questions in advance to Rowland Hughes at < rowland@showcad.com > and as many as possible will be put to the candidates.
QUESTION TIME
Put your questions to County Council candidates:
Peter Clark: Liberal Democrats
Mike Hobson: UKIP
Max Stanford: Labour
Bill Trite: Conservative
Send your questions in advance to Rowland Hughes at < rowland@showcad.com > and as many as possible will be put to the candidates.
Love in the air?
See (and buy?) local author Paul Angel's new book....
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/658997/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=140x240
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/658997/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=140x240
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