Letters
Who attacked our lovely Gilbert? What mindless idiot vandalised the antlers on Sir Gilbert (as I call our Ronal stag on the Peacemarsh roundabout)? A lovely, life-sized stag representing part of our coat of arms for Gillingham. I despair! BB Peacemarsh n Readers may be surprised and alarmed at the recent decision by Wiltshire planners to permit the construction of a bungalow on a highly visible site in the heart of the Cranborne Chase area of AONB. The application submitted by the owners of Cools Farm, Tisbury focused on the merits of a share farmers agreement and where to locate new accommodation for such an individual on the farm. Despite vehement opposition from councillors from the neighbouring parish councils of West Tisbury and East Knoyle, and their supplications to investigate several other sites closer to the existing farm buildings, the planning committee favoured the remotest and most intrusive location. By granting new access on to the most hazardous stretch of the C309 (Tokes Lane), the principle of a new dwelling here has been accepted and the value of an AONB been questioned. Discussion in committee relished an informative debate on the calving habits of a suckling herd while ignoring any review of alternative sites. Presumably respect for lockdown had prevented any committee members actually visiting the farm to consider these. A lucky day for the applicants and a sad one for rural England and those ramblers and riders who enjoy the 32
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk
unrivalled and unspoilt countryside from this part of the Wessex Ridgeway. Disappointed dog walker from East Knoyle n Now that Royal Mail has announced record profits may I suggest that they might like to invest in a bucket and sponge and clean their vans? There can be no scruffier or battered fleet of vehicles on the road. I remember the days when the vans were bright red, not dull pink and brown with mud. Come on, let’s get some pride back ‘Royal’ Mail. Nigel Hayter nThe NBVM’s MP’s Roundup (p64/65) provides a valuable outlet for our bevy of local MPs, but it’s a shame at Easter that not one of them mentions Yemen and the World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis, currently being driven by British weapons and logistics since
President Biden pulled the US out of arming Saudi. Yemen was already ravaged by mass starvation due to Western sanctions, as well as by a cholera epidemic and, of course, covid. Please pray for the men, women and children of Yemen. Mark Pennell Corton Denham Sherbone n I was pleased to read of your plans to expand into Stour and Avon – a much deserved success I think as the NBVM is very impressive. However, a little more coverage of the Wincanton area, where I am sure you have a wide readership, would be welcome. Roy Carne n Thank you for giving the sponsorship of the G & S show by Gritchie Brewing Co.
front page coverage in your April 2 edition. It is particularly significant and worthy of recognition that a local brewery shall be sponsoring the show in 2021 after such a very difficult period for the brewing and associated hospitality industries during lockdown restrictions. There are of course many synergies between farming and brewing not least because farmers provide a key ingredient to the brewers, and no doubt one or two of them might enjoy indulging in the finished product too! Isn’t it great when local businesses support local events like this and particularly in such testing times for all. May I add my thanks to Guy Ritchie and his team for their key support of this year’s show on 18th & 19th August and promise him I shall be doing my bit to reciprocate by quenching my thirst with a pint or two of Gritchie Ale throughout this summer and beyond! Matthew Price President Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show n After a period of seemingly lying fallow, we are all being increasingly treated once more to the world as seen through the eyes of Bill Woodhouse (Letters 2/4/21). Whilst he is of course entitled to his views, I do expect the NBVM to exercise some editorial judgement in what it deems fit for publication, and not provide him with the kind of platform he was afforded by the previous incarnation of this newspaper. If his letters are reprinted verbatim, it will only encourage him further. Michael Stone Pimperne We apologise unreservedly. Somehow his letter snuck
