The full programme for this year’s Dorset Architectural Heritage Week has now been announced by the East Dorset Heritage Trust, and there are a number of items of interest in Blandford in addition to the two free Heritage Walks on September 10 and 17 at 11am, and the free Geology Walk on September 17 at 3pm.
This report is therefore being sent to all Museum members, to highlight the opportunity to see, free of charge, the Cemetery Chapel on Friday September 8th, 10am to 2pm, the Fashion Museum on Saturday September 9th (for which tickets need to be booked – call 01202 888992 or email dahw@edht.org.uk), the Town Hall and Corn Exchange on Saturday September 16th, 10am to 1pm, and, for the first time this year, the Masonic Hall in West Street, also on September 16th, 10am to 1pm.
For full details of all the properties in Dorset which can be visited between September 8th and 17th – and how to take part yourself next year if you live in a heritage property! – see www.dahw.org.uk
Our second Heritage Walk in July and first in August both attracted a better response, weather conditions being more attractive, with a total of eight people joining our guides. There is another August Perimeter Walk on August 20th and a final Perimeter Walk of the season on Sunday September 24th. A reminder that our guides are happy to organise bespoke walks for any group wishing to learn more about the town’s history.
In our last report, we said a contribution had been offered from Civic Group funds to the possibly 1831 Riots plaque, and we do have considerable funds which could be invested in other such activities. If anyone has any suggestions on how the Civic Group might use its resources, or interest in attending a meeting to discuss, please let me know. I currently find myself making decisions on my own, with very little feedback from group members!
Nothing too much to report on the planning front, with decisions still awaited on many applications, and the modifications to the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan Review still under consideration: see https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/blandford-neighbourhood-plan
Disappointing to see approval for the parking space at 35 Queens Road, but there is a balance to be struck between the original street scene and the vehicular demands of the 21st century. There is also a balance to be struck between the original street scene and the demands for renewable electricity in the new application now being considered by the planning authority.
Interesting to see the renewed attempt to build next to Wilchurch in Wimborne Road after trees were felled, an application for five homes refused and a subsequent application for three withdrawn. That and the scheme for the Larksmead House site in Salisbury Road, now subject to further revised plans, both attracted local objections.
With best wishes for the rest of what will hopefully be an enjoyable summer!