Thanks to Chris Chope OBE MP for his brave challenge to the CB scheme.  Hugh Robertson MP, whom I used to work closely for in the army, was just plain wrong in his response.  He said, "What local people want is not always the best traffic solution to achieve what people are trying to do on a national scale."  Given that the traffic stacks up at Ringwood before it gets to us, I'm not sure how all the money spent on roundabouts will make much difference in any case.  I use the route daily, and in summer, it can tkae three hours to get home.  Nothing is being done at Cadnam or Ringwood - thus how much difference will it all make.  Does the Minister for Sport show the real view of Government on Localism???

Went to the lovely Amberwood House Home on Ringwood Road this afternoon for the Garden Party.  As well as inviting the town mayor, I was delighted that they asked me to come by name, remembering me from last year and from ferndownin Bloom.  Lovely cream tea, and Cathy and I won a bottle of wine and a bottle of liquer.  Ker-ching!  Thanks to manager Stephen, to Sonia [your son-in-law is always in our thoughts] and to all the staff.  Judging of the sunflowers is next saturday - saw yours!!!

A group of us will be running a fmaily friendly Fright Nite on 31st October at the KGV Fields.  Why not get involved in this community venture for a safe family orientated get together!

Following on from my post on Wind Turbines, pleased to see the Solar Panel Farm at Slepe Farm open, more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-14717123.

I received a letter from Dorset CPRE recently, on the subject of objecting to Wind Turbines.  That led me to the following thoughts:

1.  I'm not on the planning committee.
2.  I'm not predetermined in this [or any other] matter. 

But I would put forward three observations.  One is whatever decisions we do make, the country does need a more balanced portfolio of energy sources, in which renewable energy should play a part.  The second is that I deeply dislike the hypocrisy of 'NIMBYs'.  The third is that in my view the green-belt should not be sacrosanct every time.  It was a piece of legislation that was made in a particular time, place and circumstance - things move on - the majority of the country does not have green belt.  and some green belt is very ugly.  I would prefer an emphasis on high grade environments whether they be urban, suburban or rural.  And long-term joined up planning on preserving our unique biodiversity, rather than the desperate clinging to 'the view from my back yard'. 

The new raft of planning legislation arriving with the Localism Bill is definitely not a charter for NIMBYs, but a structure to aid growth and building.  Anyone doubting this should listen to the relavent comments made in the budget speeches this year.

I remain fiercely proud of my own Dorset birth, upbringing and background.  My paternal grandmother was born in Bere Regis, and grandfather in Sherborne, as was I.  That doesn't mean we can preserve our almost completely manmade landscapes in aspic, across England.  I would welcome views from Ferndown Central residents to understand what is important to you.

You can find it  at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishguide.  The town council should be communicating its contents to residents.  The town plan group might be important in this work, if involved?

What do I think Localism means?  Short answer....................  Well, it's been around for ages.  It is about encouraging social relationships, devolving decisions and resources to the most local organisation or group of individuals possible, and about glueing society back together through empowering and enabling actions.  The intention is to re-engage with the socially, economically and politically estranged? 

What do you think?