Letters
Litter more pressing than bungalow The Disappointed Dog Walker writing in the February 16 edition of the New Blackmore Vale about the construction of a bungalow, mentioning Cools Farm and Toke’s Lane, should reflect that it is customary to allow new residences on farms for either the retiring generation or the newest and that Cools ORGANIC farm has long been in possession of a wellrespected local farming family. The rural landscape which we enjoy is in fact an industrial site, the industry being farming, and it looks the way it does because of the farmers. He or she might do better to seek to explain the presence of litter in idyllic Toke’s Lane – this has appeared over the past two years or so and in increasing quantities. This is a true crime against the environment and humanity – not only for the toxic element and danger to wildlife, but for microplastics which scientists have recently discovered, not just in carrots and fish but in the human digestive tract and most recently on both sides of the human placenta. ‘Disappointed’ would be well advised to address their campaigning zeal to this filth which mars any – indeed every – favourite walk. Anne Booth Shaftesbury n Re: Various letters in NBV. A letter I have just received from Gillingham Medical Practice list the names of six Partners and three salaried GPs in the heading - a total of nine doctors! Surely it is much easier (for the Patient) to phone for an appointment. Jill Trainor Gillingham n Looking at your latest 96page bumper issue I have to congratulate you on the incredible transformation you have achieved with the BVM. 34
profusely for anyone been upset is comical. Brian Welton Sturminster Newton
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk
Now we have a vibrant publication which is a genuine mirror of our spread of communities – well-written and crisply presented with judicious use of colour. It is a pleasure to read and with increased traffic throughout the issue this will greatly benefit your advertisers. Here’s wishing you great fortune Peter Jackson (former editor of both TVTimes and the Sunday Times Magazine and publisher of ELLE magazine)
imprecise that it is used, with intent to offend, with no regard for its meaning. That meaning is prejudicial conduct towards a person because of his/her distinctive racial characteristics. How can such an honourable man as Mr Woodhouse remotely be thought of as ‘racist’? It was most disappointing to see the editor bending the knee to Dr Robinson. Jeremy Nieboer
n I write to protest at the attempt to suppress a genuine opinion held by one of your most regular and longstanding correspondents, Bill Woodhouse (BVM page 32 edition 15). A journal such as the BVM has a duty to foster free expressions of opinions on matters of public interest. This does not require them to share such views. Freedom of expression is no freedom if confined to what others will not feel offended by. Feeling offended is an option, not a necessary consequence of reading opinions one does not share. Racism is a term so
n Dear NBVM, so Hazel Robinson and Michael Stone were shocked at Bill Woodhouse’s comments. Was it on the Dorset Council News 16 page documents, or was it about the road closure or even his observations on his travels to Sturminster? I am also trying to find where Mr Woodhouse has a swipe at Dorset Council’s support of the Gypsy community. Would someone please point out where Bill was a blatant racist? Some of us enjoy the world as seen through the eyes of Bill Woodhouse. And as for NBVM apologising
n On this sunny April afternoon, I find myself strongly urged to write to you in response to Bill Woodhouse’s letter, published 2nd of this month. After reading Mr Woodhouse’s words regarding his thoughts on the latest Dorset Council News, his confusion on an unmarked road closure, a general observation of his journeys surrounding, and because of the latter, a missed dental appointment; I honestly gave no other thought to what he freely had to write. So, to read in your latest publication a letter written by Dr Hazel Robinson and Michael Stone on their disgust at his racist rants, I felt I had no other choice than to write to you for answers. As a woman in her mid-20s, I’m perplexed at how a Dr could find something like this so offensive. I feel more than ever we’re being exposed to the horror of racism and the devastating effect it so clearly has on individuals and society. You only need to open a newspaper, turn on the television, flick onto social media to see the struggle so many people are still wrongly facing in 2021. I would highly appreciate if you could clearly point out where the racist comments are and why has NBMV mentioned the council supporting his allegations? I have been left feeling saddened and frustrated for Mr Woodhouse. What has happened to freedom of speech? After all of this, I do hope he has finally found out why the road was closed! I very much look forward to hearing your response, Hannah Louise Sturminster Newton
