swanageview: Good News

Monday, February 15, 2010

Good News

Can anybody please provide just one bit of news about Swanage which is encouraging? Which would cheer one up on a February afternoon? Which would inspire any young family to want to move here? Or stay?

The news is all so bleak, negative and backward thinking. There has to be something good going on in Swanage!

Let's hear about it!

Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:25 PM

63 comments:

The Postman said...: Just had a council meeting this morning..there's a score of events coming up this Spring and Summer to look forward to:
Blues Festival 5,6, 7 March; Walk of Witness Good Friday 2 April; Sunrise Service 4th April; Classic Car Display 25 April, Walking Festival 3-7 May; Victorian Week 17-23 May; Childrens Week 31 May- 4 June;Big Picnic 31 May; Rowing Club Regatta date tba; Veteran's Day 19-20 June; Purbeck Plod 27 June; Jazz Festival 16-18 July; Swanage Marathon 17 July; Lions Fair 29 July; Swanage Regatta 31 July - 7 Aug; Much Ado about Nothin show 5 August; Swanage Lifeboat Week 15-22 August; Switch on Swanage Music evening 28 August; Festival of Flowers 12-15 August; Rotary Fete 12 August; Swanage Triathlobn 15 August; Folk Festival 10-12 Sept; Wessex Transport Bus Rally date tba; Blues & Roots Festival 1,2,3 Oct, Christmas Lights .....so let's not hear anyone say nothing ever happens in Swanage.; 15/2/10 5:36 pm
Anonymous said...: Yes, but your list alone wouldn't make me want to move here, nor would it necessary interest me if I did (which I do). What a boring reply to a perfectly valid question! Maybe it exemplifies the problem beginning in Swanage Town Council - providing apathetic, off the cuff, quick replies to sincere questions. 'Dealt with that one....next one , please.........'. Yes, it really does happen.

We don't live in Swanage to follow a 'list of events'. We live in Swanage to live our lives, and to have a good quality of life. Let's talk about things that really matter.

What about the things that matter to everyday life - positive news about schools, medical care, transport matters; good governance by local officials, crime prevention initiatives, environmental initiatives, business growth, innovative ideas to harness the tourism industry....

......Recreation provision, indoor pools, sport events, half term children's events, parent associations, old peoples' associations, scouts, guides, the children's choir at St. Mary's....

......Church events, religious news, humanists' news, alternative lifestyle news; gay, lesbian and transgender news (I know there are more than a few in town - good for them!); charitable works; comedy clubs, theatre clubs, operatic clubs (these exist); what clubs do we need?, starting new clubs; movies at the Mowlem, plays at the Mowlem, anything worth seeing at the Mowlem.....

........Restaurant reviews, days out ideas, days in ideas; local gossip (of the good kind); mystery shopper column, money savings ideas; tax advice; town mayor's forum; Rotary news, business news.....

I am sure the list you provide is all valid, but come on: it is just a list of events, not about living here; a grocery list copied from the 'What's On' column from Swanage Tourism notes. Make this blog exciting and let's bring it to life. Let's talk about WHY we live here! I'm not trying to criticize you, The Postman, but I am criticizing all of us on this blog in one way or another.

Let's get people excited to talk about Swanage. Honestly, sometimes I think this town needs a shot of spiritual Viagra to get us out of being a load of complaining whingers....I know most of us aren't, but we fall into the trap too quickly sometimes...........let's find positive things to debate, discuss and get involved in. And, where change is needed, let's do it!

If some of our discussions here have to be critical, let's be fair and honest and respectful, and let's offer a solution whenever we criticize an issue.

Swanage is an amazing place, really. Perhaps we are so busy looking down at the problems that we miss the beauty of it. We can make our existence here as happy as we CHOOSE to make it.

We are better than this! Let's talk UP Swanage for a change!!; 15/2/10 7:21 pm
Anonymous said...: Why call it backward thinking..its all true.

Yes there are great things happening in Swanage and loads to do, but I have never know such a time of uncertainty. All these things are wonderful, but we need to encourage people to live here to keep it all going. Many of the same people are keeping these groups going, we need to encourage more young families. They will come if there are good facilities, such as affordable housing, schools, sports facilities, not if things keep being taken away.

What would you say to a family with young children, would you be honest and explain what is happening to the school system at the moment or would you say its all wonderful?

Everything happens in/to Swanage, the good and the bad.; 15/2/10 7:43 pm
Anonymous said...: '...........let's find positive things to debate, discuss and get involved in. And, where change is needed, let's do it! '

Here, here...right now, you go first, choose a positive thing to debate and lets discuss and get involved in it, and change what needs changing. LETS DO IT !!

What will be the first thing on the Agenda? What is a priority for Swanage?; 15/2/10 7:48 pm
Anonymous said...: OK, here goes:

1. Schools. The sooner this situation is resolved the better. We are playing with our children's future and no one, including the Councils involved, has any right to delay a decision longer than is necessary. They must resolve this issue as a matter of urgency and then allow the schools and parents to work through the mess to come up with something workable and perhaps even better than current provision. This endless dragging out of the process is wrong, it is cruel, its is divisive, particularly as the Council appears to have made up its mind.

DCC must:

-nail down the date two-tier comes into force, or abandon the whole idea.

-make it clear it has irrevocably decided, one way or another, about a secondary school for Swanage.

2. Provide Swanage with a Recreation/Sports centre. This is needed in Swanage more than any other new facility.

Given these two initiatives, I could provide prospective residents with children with two compelling reasons to move here. Let the schools issue be sorted first; and from it the (a) location and (b) funding of the recreation centre will emerge. Let PDC provide the recreation centre as compensation for imposing two-tier on a reluctant Swanage, as well as rejecting a new secondary school; let it fund the recreation centre through money saved through a more streamlined school structure two tiers will create; let the Councils compensate our children and our community over loss of local schooling from 11-14 by giving them a centre to 'recreate' in , associate in, and remain linked with, Swanage while they are educated in Wareham.

I would put it as bluntly as that to the mandarins in PDC/DCC; after all they are putting our town and villages through this painful period of protracted 'consultations'. We must organize all local businesses and organizations to lobby for these two causes as one voice. We would need one strong advocate to lead this through the chambers of the County Council; that advocate would have to be Bill Trite.

Are you up for a challenge that would either make or break your legacy, Bill??; 15/2/10 8:37 pm
Anonymous said...: It should read:

'Let PDC provide the recreation centre' and DCC in part fund it...'; 15/2/10 8:44 pm
Anonymous said...: ' Let PDC provide the recreation centre as compensation for imposing two-tier on a reluctant Swanage'

CAN WE MAKE IT CLEAR TO EVERYONE THAT PDC is nothing to do with the SCHOOL reorganisation...ITS THE DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL'S PURBECK REVIEW OFFICERS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE AND THE DORSET COUNTY COUNCIL CABINET. NONE OF WHICH LIVE OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH PURBECK- THE DCC COMMUNITY AND OVERVIEW COMMITTEE COUNCILLORS DID THEIR BEST, THESE COUNCILLORS LISTENED TO THE COMMUNITY, PARENTS,STAFF, GOVERNORS, WHEN THESE PEOPLE EXPRESSED CONCERNS OF LOSING ALL SECONDARY EDCUATION IN SWANAGE.

PERHAPS WE WILL ALL WAKE UP IN PURBECK SOON TO FIND THAT THIS HAS BEEN ONE LONG NIGHTMARE OF EVENTS. AND THAT HOPEFULLY NONE OF THIS WILL HAPPEN. THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY THIS HAS ALL BEEN !!

IF I HAVE READ YOUR POST CORRECTLY YOU ARE SAYING THAT YOU ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION, IF THIS IS THE CASE ARE YOU ADMITTING THAT SWANAGE WITHOUT ANY SECONDARY EDCUATION IS WRONG - AND THAT IT'S OK TO LOSE OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND FOR THERE TO BE NO SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR SWANAGE. COMPENSATION- ITS A BIT LIKE CARBON OFFSETTING - IT DOESN'T WORK! AND IT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT.

Sorry this is me, trying to be positive.; 15/2/10 9:38 pm
Anonymous said...: Oh dear!

Rattle thrown out of pram!!; 15/2/10 9:58 pm
Anonymous said...: 'If some of our discussions here have to be critical, let's be fair and honest and respectful, and let's offer a solution whenever we criticize an issue.'

Oh I wish it was that easy, I think that's what some of us have been trying to do.. trying to find a solution.

'Keep Calm and Carry on'

The Walk of Witness Good, the Sunrise Service, Festival of Flowers, and the Christmas Lights, they all sound pretty non threatening, lighhearted events..; 15/2/10 10:15 pm
Anonymous said...: I agree! Nice post! Thanks!; 15/2/10 10:44 pm
The Postman said...: If anyone wants to actually get involved in driving forward any initiatives (whether for a Sports Centre or anything else)one way would be to build on the work done by the Community Partnership, which was fed in to the Purbeck Core Strategy. You can find out more by contacting Martin Ayres or Alan Leeson at the Town Hall on 423636. Or I believe the Chairman is still Ann Faulkner: 424252 anncanton@tiscali.co.uk. Like all these things, it's hard to find anyone who's prepared to do it rather than just talk about it.; 16/2/10 9:34 am
swanage old timer said...: Les face some facts:

1. Swanage sits in an exceptionally beautifull and rich area of countryside. It is breathtaking....

2. The councils and local business people need to build a plan to exploit more fully the potential of the area to attract good quality tourism. This will take time. Longer term that would provide more employment for some and better facilities for everyone. The plan should include a leisure/sports hall so that rtesidents and visitors have the facility they deserve. If money is really that short there should be sponsorship and an appeal to part fund it.

3. Do we all think every town in the UK with the child population the size of Swanage can afford to have an excellent secondary school? It is very doubtful and the benefits of Secondary education in Swanage must be questionable. I attended the Secondary school at Herston in the 60s - you couldn't even take an 'O' level and had to go to Poole post school leaving age. That was not a good experience of schooling or good preparation for a career and I suspect with the post recession tax rises we are bound to see after the election, there wont be money for good schooling here now either.

4. The councils, residents and business people need to make the most of what we have got. Tidy up the town, get rid of the eye sores through a new spirit of co operation and determination. Make the visitors welcome and dont keep overcharging them in hotels, pubs and restaurants. Then they will return and spend even more money.; 16/2/10 9:59 am
Anonymous said...: Sorry to bring it back to schools but Old Timer is wrong in point 3. He is also mixing up a secondary modern with the concept of a new secondary.

Education Swanage spoke to the Office for National Statistics, the Census, the Department for Schools.
They couldn't find an example of a town with as many children as Swanage that has to send its children so far to school. Not every town has a secondary school, true, but those that don't will have a choice of several schools within five miles or still have a middle school. Three-tier is still prevalent in rural areas.

When they ranked towns by child population there were some places in Leicestershire that were quite badly served - but not as badly as us. The only place that has to go further is the Scilly Isles, and they have far fewer children.

The school should never have been put in Wareham. It may be central geographically but it is not if you take populations into account.

If you closed the Purbeck School today, sent everyone in Wool and Wareham to Lytchett and built a new school in Swanage for the Isle of Purbeck, you would save a million pupil bus miles per year.

Even better you would share the population of 3000 pupils three ways by building a school in Wool and Swanage, the two biggest population centres (Wool has more kids than Wareham but half as many as us). Instead they are creating two schools of 1500 both in the north of the district.; 16/2/10 11:01 am
Anonymous said...: And money grows on trees!; 16/2/10 11:52 am
Anonymous said...: These comments are interesting. One good thing about Swanage is this blog, just about the only forum in town where ideas - the good, the bad, some just preposterous - are freely expressed. You do not get anything like this during public participation time, where things can be raised but cannot be discussed.

So - blogs like this are one good thing about Swanage. Elsewhere in this blog, someone posted a question : do members of STC read this blog? If they did, then that would be another good thing!; 16/2/10 2:07 pm
Anonymous said...: "And money grows on trees!"

The weirdest thing about a lot of posters on this site is they seem to think that Swanage doesn't deserve any money. They behave as if they are going to have to personally fund any changes or that councillors will save that money, perhaps give it back, instead of spending it in another town.

Dorset spend millions, the Government spend billions. The figures you worry about are a drop in the ocean. DCC have spent millions on secondary schools elsewhere and some of that comes out of your council tax.

The money the Purbeck reorganisation is supposed to save would pay for a couple of John Nashes.; 16/2/10 8:26 pm
Anonymous said...: If anyone wants to actually get involved in driving forward any initiatives (whether for a Sports Centre or anything else)one way would be to build on the work done by the Community Partnership, which was fed in to the Purbeck Core Strategy.

Has the Community Partnership been involved in the school issue??
What has it got to say about this subject. Perhaps someone from the CP could respond.; 16/2/10 10:32 pm
Anonymous said...: 'I attended the Secondary school at Herston in the 60s - you couldn't even take an 'O' level and had to go to Poole post school leaving age. That was not a good experience of schooling or good preparation for a career..'

And I attended in the 70's, our year moved to Purbeck for a year, when Dorset County Council changed the system from 2 tier to 3 tier.

If Swanage had its own secondary it would not be the 11 plus system..locally we don't have that system. A child may fail 11 plus because of a slight weakness in maths or english but be amazing at everything else. The 'old' local 11 plus test, locally meant that a pass- led to the Swanage Grammar School and a fail to the Secondary Modern. The local comprehensive system, takes a more holistic approach, that offers each child an opportunity to succeed.

All we are asking is that if there is a change back to 2 tier, that the secondary school is returned to Swanage.....a Swanage sized secondary.

Swanage deserves funding, we're worth it! Fund Swanage or lose Swanage.; 16/2/10 10:55 pm
Anonymous said...: And I attended in the 70's, our year moved to Purbeck for a year, when Dorset County Council changed the system from 2 tier to 3 tier

Did travelling to wareham do you any harm? Most of your year seemed to enjoy it and do pretty well so whats the difference?

Go live in Oz my mates kids travel 40Km and they thrive and even excell at sports.

Does swnage warrant a secondary school? my kids all traveled, as do the grankids they seem ok.

Spend the little money we have on upgrading the poxxy doctors surgery and poor quality hospital.; 16/2/10 11:10 pm
Anonymous said...: The sun is out!

:-); 17/2/10 11:00 am
Paul. said...: Swanage is wonderful ... what a place to live ... but, can it be improved ... of course, with the will and desire to bring it into an inclusive society for a start.

For one thing, just cannot understand why the place has a 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' attitude towards the youth of the town?

Let's face it, they are abandoned, their education is an inconvenience to the town and the authorities, (elected representatives couldn't really give a hoot because the townsfolk will still not vote for an alternative administration) they apparently wash their hands of the over-elevens and ship them off to Wareham as if they do not exist. Some, on here, put up a valid argument, admitted, but Swanage is incomplete without the vibrancy of young adults actually being part of their hometown.

How sad that Swanage, on the whole, appears to want to dismiss anything which would encourage the next generations to thrive and prosper here. Employers need to be dragged into town kicking and screaming, and employmeny areas need prgressing, or there will be no future uplift of the current job prospects on the doorstep similarly to the submission over the education fiasco.

We have a Government who are not flush with cash just now, granted, but over the years this area has apparently talked political business in tens of thousands of pounds and not in millions when it comes down to projects, which elsewhere in the country seem to get huge grants to fund their progress. Some people, elected reps, are not and have not been fighting the corner for Swanage for many years it seems, or perhaps it is a plan to remain a quiet backwater for the elderly, on of which I suppose I am now? In Jim Knight, we have a fighter, but has anyone seriously told him just hoe neglected an area like Swanage is? The town needs investment, bigtime, to compete on a level playingfield. Politics is irrelevent when it comes down to getting what's our share of the pot ... plead a bit of poverty for the area, not everyone here has pots of cash and a second home, there is a huger element of social deprivation and the sooner it is realised the better!

Secondly, a priority move to build an all weather, indoor sports and leisure facility, perhaps, on part of the playing field adjacent to the Beach Car Park, Victoria Avenue, would bring a much needed added attraction (and useful asset to the local population and youth) to the tourist trade. Just imagine, a wet, in season, day of miserable weather, and we do have those, coachloads of visitors arrive here and promptly cannot wait to get back on the coach to go back to their hotel at Bournemouth, Weymouth or from whence their day excursion brought them to Swanage as part of their holiday. What kind of impression are they left with ... Swanage needs to be attractive whatever the weather throws up. It is beautiful on a day of warm, clear blue sky offerings, but on a dismal, wet afternoon ... where can the vistors go other than sit in a restaurant or cafe?

A sports and leisure centre with bathing pool, indoor sports hall, squash court and five or six rinks of indoor bowling, (throughout the year) and maybe ten-pin bowling, would attract visitors, young and old, in their droves and create 'a good little earner' for Swanage! Guess an ice rink is pure fantasy?

Where's the foresight, where's the actual fight for suitable investment from the elected, sit on their hands' and shut up brigade ... that's how it seems to me, until an initiative is taken Swanage will remain a 'partial' seaside resort, only visit on a fine dry day if you are coming!

Incidentally, this does not reflect detrimentally to the wonderful festivals in Swanage, which are 'world reknowned' we love 'em!

Paul. (Okay, newbie with too much to say!); 18/2/10 12:25 pm
Sargent said...: Paul - spot on - and on - and on!

We need a committee of sorts to look further at what sort of sports/leisure centre would be feasible. Would the Town Council like to do this? Would it like to invite interested parties to form an exploratory committee? Or would it wish this idea to go away?

I would be happy to get involved but, rather than be part of just another 'action group', I would prefer to see a group charged with this task - and therefore sanctioned - by STC from the start. If STC is not on board (as you loosely imply might be the case) with the concept of a leisure/sports venture for Swanage, then we are fighting an uphill battle before we even begin. Let's consider approaching STC at the get go, rather than wishing we had further down the line.

Great post, Paul!; 18/2/10 3:52 pm
Anonymous said...: Visiting the ice rink in Poole Park the other day, I thought how easy it would be to do the same thing in Kay's Cafe. A cafe with something extra to do.

Would make a nice temporary rink in the run-up to Christmas; 18/2/10 6:24 pm
Anonymous said...: A sports centre is good in itself - for the residents - but is not going to persuade day-trippers to stay.

Many of our attractions are natural and attract walkers, divers, climbers and so on. More of that would be good. There's not enough made of being the start/end of the Jurassic Coast or being on the Southwest Coast Path.

The arcades take up valuable tourist space that could be used for nicer things. A dinosaur exhibit? Smuggling? Quarrying?

There is an Enid Blyton exhibit in Corfe and Poole but she came HERE on holiday every year. Is she mentioned anywhere? That's a huge family market going begging.

Swanage Railway is building an underground mine experience in Norden, taking you on trips round a narrow gauge track. What is there here like that?
We have the boarded up Tilly Whim Caves.

The Pier could do some fantastic things if it secured funding. How about an diving experience, going down into a glass box? A submarine even!; 18/2/10 6:48 pm
Anonymous said...: It's not the day trippers - it's those who come for a weekend, a week, or longer. They are the best sort of tourist in terms of what they contribute to the local economy. Day trippers - not.

One of the laments of 'overnighters' is what to do with kids if the weather is poor. It is much harder to entertain them in a caravan, B&B or guest house.

But it is primarily for our use that I would like to see a leisure/sports centre. We so lack a hub to the community!; 18/2/10 7:27 pm
Anonymous said...: 6.48 You are right. Much more could be done to publicize our local amenities, attractions and events. It needs a joined up approach. Too bad the Tourism position was scrapped and not replaced several years ago.; 18/2/10 7:33 pm
Anonymous said...: I was assured by the Town Clerk and Town Mayor at PP time in an STC meeting back in September 2008 that the internet approach would improve tourism in Swanage.

As far as I can see, nothing has been done to enhance an internet presence beyond what was there before.

Just an honest observation, not a criticism meant to offend.; 18/2/10 10:16 pm
Anonymous said...: Don't knock "day trippers". There are about half a million people within an hours drive of Swanage. The town is evolving into a leisure extension of the Poole/Bournemouth conurbation. Most of Purbeck's attractions are not in Swanage in any case. Take a look at the tourist brochure and the leaflets at the TIC. The offer is very much come to Swanage to go to other places.; 19/2/10 10:15 am
Paul. said...: Ref: 7.27pm

It's surprizing that you discount the daily coachloads in such a way?

As I see it, hotel and B and B guests are here to use Swanage flexibly, as they so wish and as others write, as a base in many cases. The daily 'excursion trippers' and carloads of families would feel some vibrancy should a visible public ammenity like a sports complex be there for the good of all in Swanage and it's temporary inhabitants especially when the weather doesn't lend itself to outdoor pursuits. It would help keep many visitors within the town and boosting the economy.

Needless to say, out of season the residents would benefit from unhidered use of the indoor facilities, knowing they have been partly subsidised by an increase in holiday spending therein during the 'busy' periods.

Paul.; 19/2/10 10:28 am
Anonymous said...: Unlike the last two posters I understand what 7.27 means to say. 7.27 is not discounting or knocking day trippers, it is saying that overnight visitors generate more income for the local trade. It doesn't say anything bad about them.

I work in tourism and I can assure you that overnight visitors contribute more income per diem than do day trippers.; 19/2/10 12:31 pm
Paul ... Not Anon by any means! said...: 12.31 and ALL ... please use a name of some sort ... why is it that everyone seems to want to be known by an hour of the clock, it ain't difficult to create an identity is it? Anonymous could be only two contributors in theory???

Granted, hoteliers and so on will say that overnight visitors will create more income ... for a start, there's the accommodation fees, but then how does one gauge the fact in this argument that with certain meals all inclusive, and day visitors more often than not utilising the eating establishments, the boarder may not, in so many instances, put as much into the town economy as a day tripper?

How are these results gathered, it must be hit or miss stats?

Paul.; 19/2/10 2:13 pm
Anonymous said...: Granted, hoteliers and so on will say that overnight visitors will create more income ... for a start, there's the accommodation fees, but then how does one gauge the fact in this argument that with certain meals all inclusive, and day visitors more often than not utilising the eating establishments, the boarder may not, in so many instances, put as much into the town economy as a day tripper?

If you dont know what your on about why keep harping on, like many on here think they have good ideas but dont put their money where their mouth is just like to stir the pot and interfere; 19/2/10 5:53 pm
Paul. (Not my real name of course, but ... said...: 5.53 pm ... Never heard of the freedom of speech?

Sometimes it takes a newcomer to add fuel to the fire as the obvious and apparent are not so clear to many who have some rather odd defeatist attitudes and think they are beyond reproach.

Anyway, I ain't going to bother responding anymore to a mere 'time of the day' Anon. Frightened to give a clue as to an identity, or what ... don't be ... all opinions are worth reading even if you don't agree with what is written?

Paul.; 19/2/10 8:43 pm
Anonymous said...: Sometimes it takes a newcomer to add fuel to the fire as the obvious and apparent are not so clear to many who have some rather odd defeatist attitudes and think they are beyond reproach

You sum up my point. Yes there is freedom of speech but you dont know what your on about to be honest you come to swanage and think you know it all, ie about the countryside the old industries and now tourism. This area is unique it is its natural beauty that brings people here.

lots of people in the tourist industry want some change but we know its not allways possible due to various reasons, one being certain "incomers" having a NIMBY attitude. also bear in mind we pay bussiness rates yes thats right and we get bu$$er all for it. VAT on rooms and services and food could be 20% soon.

Paul why dont you go into the hospitality trade thers a few pubs/rest/B&B going or as per normal full of it and wont put your money up? semi retired? full of ideas not solutions.
Thats my "freedom of speech"

another point I noted "jim knight is a fighter" ha ha ha not for long we hope.

From a person who's familly has been in the trade for over 60 years!; 19/2/10 11:17 pm
Anonymous said...: Ah, Paul, welcome to Swanage ... the locals are sooooo warm and inviting.; 20/2/10 12:14 am
Anonymous said...: Ah, Paul, welcome to Swanage ... the locals are sooooo warm and inviting.

And a lot of the incomers arogant self righteous and think they are superior!; 20/2/10 9:01 am
Anonymous said...: Morning Paul

welcome to Swanage, I enjoy reading your posts, but then I'm always open to others views and as none of us know everything, we can all learn from each other.

I live in Swanage and work 'over there'. There are a 1000ish employees and any number of them 'love' Swanage for it's quaint otherworldlyness - streuth, have I invented a new word!

Many of them just pop over for a day, wander around, have fish and chips and then disappear. There are a few who come over for the various music festivals and of course Carnival week, but hardly any of them stay the night. Too expensive, is the normal response, and that's not just the B&B, it's the cost of eating as well.

One thing that I find particularly interesting is that friends from London come down fairly often and one thing they love about Swanage is Geewhites; great food, at reasonable prices in a unique setting.

That should be our business model, just substitute 'product' for food.

PS

I'd love to be in a position to put up my money to back this opinion, but as with the vast majority, I don't have enough.

Yours Anon

(My real name is Algernon, but all my mates call me Anon.); 20/2/10 9:20 am
Anonymous said...: I'm an incomer (I have an income to spend with the local traders rather than starting up in competition) and I am amazed that any trader would be so rude rather than thanking potential customers for feedback.

Your complaint about rates and incomers stopping changes may be justified. If so talk about them on here and explain it to 'newbies'.

Many of us who have moved here want Swanage to be stronger and support local schools and businesses. I'd gladly help campaign to reduce rates and red tape but if you only want a local town for local people you can get stuffed - and you will be.; 20/2/10 10:30 am
Paul, The Innocent ... said...: Clearly, I have offended ... not on purpose, but the intentions are quite honourable, really.

I think what has happened is this, and I can see why so many posters are frightened of their own shadows and hide behind 'Anonymouse'! (supposed to be funny, 'ey?) Using a name creates a target.

Okay, to come clean, we are early retired/retired, we love the area, we are not even of the mind to go into business here. My wife is quite innocent in my ramblings. (nudge, nudge) Though, it is frustrating to read personal diatribes from a self-employed businessperson who clearly has sussed out my political, against-the-grain tendencies as it is all in good faith from this side. I will say that we are good patrons of the Swanage traders in many ways, though not every commodity is available it has to be said.

Incidentally, I am far from arrogant, self-righteous or superior ... I am probably a humble Socialist who accepts all. Where I came from, my home town, the population grew from 70K to 200K over a few decades ... you are right to want to keep Swanage for yourself and just make a few quid from boarders and trippers. Despise the 'newbies', see a growth in second homes, leave the town alone, leave it as it is ... I quite agree, but I really do fear for the future prosperity because as you kind of suggest, almost 25% of the businesses in the town are actually on the market ... why?

Just think of the reasons and then tell me I don't have a clue, once more ... I'll even go on believing that myself!

A chunk of the 2012 income could help Swanage a bit?

Paul.

Seriously, I don't want to offend anyone ... do accept that it is only a blog!; 20/2/10 11:02 am
Anonymous said...: I'd gladly help campaign to reduce rates and red tape but if you only want a local town for local people you can get stuffed - and you will be.
I never said that i or any others wanted the town for locals, what I was saying was that a lot on here make bold sweeping statements about how the hospitality is run in this town, but are unwilling to back up their bussines model with hard cash and "giving it a go" contructive critisicm is fine but some on here just put down the local and people who work bloody hard to make a living thank you from all the local busiineses for your support and money.
On a political note small bussines has been royally shafted by this govt: on many levels, yet the left wingers still witter on.

I am all for change but not just for changes sake.

P.S what ever you say 1000's come here for what it is a fantastic beautifull place. if ist so bloody bad why to people yearn to move and live here.; 20/2/10 7:55 pm
Anonymous said...: "One thing that I find particularly interesting is that friends from London come down fairly often and one thing they love about Swanage is Geewhites; great food, at reasonable prices in a unique setting."

Quite. Its such a shame that Mr Storer does not think the outlook for his business is good enough to merit the investment needed to bring the design up to scratch. Thats what his justification for his current planning application says.; 20/2/10 8:50 pm
Anonymous said...: Business rates are set centrally. A reduction is not in the gift of district or county councils. At one time they were determined locally but the dear lady's government in the 80s ran a misinformation campaign through the usual sympathetic organs of the press about left wing councils fleecing businesses and centralised it. As a result they shot up in labour held areas where they had in fact been kept low to protect jobs. How are you going to campaign for their reduction? Stop posturing please.; 20/2/10 8:59 pm
Anonymous said...: "From a person who's familly has been in the trade for over 60 years!"

Are you by any chance the guy whose thoughts vanished from these discourses a few months ago - though some slight indiscretion as I recall.; 20/2/10 9:06 pm
Anonymous said...: Are you by any chance the guy whose thoughts vanished from these discourses a few months ago - though some slight indiscretion as I recall.
What are you on about?

Actually to be honest I dont live in town anymore had to move further afield familly reasons old chap.; 21/2/10 9:22 am
Anonymous said...: Can someone please explain what rates are payable for local businesses, for those who daydream about running a business here?; 21/2/10 12:01 pm
Anonymous said...: I agree that most people come for the natural beauty. It doesn't mean some of the local traders can't adapt to changes in local population or tourism and offer some much needed services.

I have small children. It is hard to find anywhere to have an evening meal with them here - places being either not yet open or closed early. Great that the pizza place has started offering family deals; 21/2/10 12:15 pm
Anonymous said...: Can someone please explain what rates are payable for local businesses, for those who daydream about running a business here

A business turning over £500k might have a rateable value of £48000 paying say 40% of that.
and what do you get? Nowt!; 21/2/10 1:04 pm
Anonymous said...: Looking at the details of Viviennes in Institute Road which is for sale with Corbens we learn that the rateable value is £7600. The multiplier for a small business is 48.1p, not 40p but there is also small business relief which reduces this on a sliding scale which comes up with 25% approx on this RV and is applicable if the business has only one property. The amount payable works out at £2741 or 52 quid a week. Most of this goes to DCC so if you want to see what you get for it look at www.dorsetforyou.com.

Corbens also give a figure of £4600 payable on Purbeck Press. The small business relief would be rather less than 25% here but brings it down to less than £4k. That hardly sounds like a disabling amount to pay on a prime position.

Can anyone post real figures for other types of business please.; 21/2/10 8:10 pm
Anonymous said...: Can anyone post real figures for other types of business please.

They are real figures!

Those bussiness only turn over peanuts hence why they are for sale have you noticed lack of stock in purbeck press.

You are sent a form to fill out where you declare your T/O
the small business releif is only given to small bussines hence the name,

Unless you own a bussines plz be quiet. I know local builders who make more money thean those 2 named busineses.

It also depends on profit margins, if you have a card shop the profit margins are higher than that of a newsagent the turn over may be the same so ergo the rates would be equal but at the end of the day not so good for the owner.

And what do you get for your money pray tell us you sage of all knowledge, typically you have taken a small example and apllied to every situation.

P.S if the rates are that low go put an offer in for one of those two.; 21/2/10 10:08 pm
Anonymous said...: According to http://www.businessraterelief.co.uk
"If you own a small Business which has a rateable value of below £15,000 a year (or less than £21,500 in Greater London) you could claim up to half of your business rates back with the money being paid by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Alistair Darling."

Thats the definition of small business for this purpose.

Oddly enough only 41% of eligible businesses bother to claim according to the website I have cited. They must like paying tax I suppose. Lets hope any small business owners reading this who qualify apply.; 21/2/10 11:49 pm
Anonymous said...: Oddly enough only 41% of eligible businesses bother to claim according to the website I have cited. They must like paying tax I suppose. Lets hope any small business owners reading this who qualify apply.

Ahh again we see some on here WHO think they they know all some dont claim because their accountant may be not so good others dont because it can mean a reassesment ergo could go up. You prattle on about this and that so what if there is releif unlike releif from your ignornace. its about bigger T/O

I would imagine those buss: T/O about150k pa not a huge amount.

Its obvious you donot like small bussines saying that they should be able to do this that and the other you must be a govt: minister as this lot has done its utmost to destroy all theese people.; 22/2/10 8:40 am
Anonymous said...: "I would imagine those buss: T/O about150k pa not a huge amount."

"Those bussiness only turn over peanuts"

You are very sniffy about small businesses while posturing as their defender. They don't turnover a huge amount, thats very observant of you. I cited two chosen because their rateable value can be seen by anyone who looks at Corben's website and there are no privacy issues.

I like the idea that some businesses do not claim because they think they are getting away with paying less rates than they should be. Tax avoidance as a reason for not claiming a rebate. You clearly have more inside knowledge of the mentality of these people than the rest of us.; 22/2/10 10:24 am
Anonymous said...: Mmmm.this original post was headed good news! It seems to have spiralled into a pit of eternal doom.; 28/2/10 10:51 pm
Anonymous said...: The planners sticking to their guns over the thatched shanty at the bottom of the High Street is good news for Swanage. Lets hope the replacement is now going to be good enough for the site and position.; 1/3/10 10:24 am
Anonymous said...: "Mmmm.this original post was headed good news! It seems to have spiralled into a pit of eternal doom."

It was I who suggested this thread because I felt then as this poster does now.

I have placed over 100 posts in various threads of Swanageview since the New Year, and every one has been either positive, or contains constructive criticism, or where I have had to be strongly critical, I have explained my views and I have avoided rants or personal attacks, and have attempted to provide an alternative solution.

I have been surprised how even my light-hearted comments, aimed at providing a smile after some heated posts, are pounced upon! An example - in another thread I commented that it is a shame that we don't have Spitting Image any more - that politics has become too cynical. This provoked a lengthy response that seemed disproportionate to the quip. Oh well, that's the thing about blogs! I rarely respond to ranters; why feed their egos? And bloggers do have the right, after all. Free speech and all that.

What I (and the person I quote above) am concerned about is the negative image this blog may be producing about Swanage to the outside world; one gent asked whether Swanage is a good place to move to; what followed would certainly make me reconsider a move here; we may appear to be on the whole a grumpy and inward looking bunch of old farts. Maybe some of us are, but not all of us; perhaps this blog is a reflection of part of our community soul. I don't think so, but I may be wrong.

I ask: does posting our little petty secrets, fears, arguments and foibles online, for all of posterity to read, really help the image of Swanage?

If not, then, should this blog be moderated according to some sort of agreed standards, so that there is some control? The Echo does this, as do all newspapers. If readers feel this would inhibit some very useful free debate over town issues, I might suggest that a closed blog, for members who sign up via email address, would be the forum for this sort of vigorous debate, rather than this 'open to the world' forum, which is 'out there' for all and sundry to read - forever, by the way! The Owners Association at SBV have such a closed forum, and I can assure you it is a lively and provocative - and democratic - forum indeed - and therefore more productive!

Perhaps these questions could become a new thread.

Discuss....; 1/3/10 2:44 pm
Anonymous said...: I ask: does posting our little petty secrets, fears, arguments and foibles online, for all of posterity to read, really help the image of Swanage?

I am the person that said this was supposed to be a positive thread.

But I am also the same person that has posted concerned comments about changes to our local edcucation system, affordable housing, our second homes, lack of sports facilities, concerns about supermarkets etc etc.

There is not much opportunity for debate, by saying that Swanage is a beautiful place to live. Yes it is we cannot deny this, but the realy issues that affect local people are those mentioned above, and we cannot sit back and pretend that everything is pefect when it most certainly isn't.; 2/3/10 12:24 am
The Postman said...: 10th annual Blues Festival weekend of 10th March
http://www.swanage-blues.org; 3/3/10 8:59 am
Anonymous said...: Spring is sprung,
De grass is riz,
I wonder where dem birdies is?
De little birds is on de wing,
Ain’t dat absurd?
De little wing is on de bird!

Perhaps someone could render this little gem of good news into Darset from its original demotic Bronx.; 8/3/10 9:58 pm
Anonymous said...: If indeed from The Bronx, the local vernacular is 'boidies' for 'birdies'; 'boid' for bird.

Neither by Ogden Nash nor e.e. cummings. More likely playground doggerel or folk nursery rhyme. It means exactly what it says - translation not required. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it originated from doggerel transported from the British Isles and phonetically adapted to the Bronx manner of speaking.

Here's my attempt at "darsetising' it:

'Ahrrr, spring 'as sprung!!
The grass it roise,
Oi wunderr wherr them birdies is?
The li'ull birdies on their wing
Oi! That's roit absurrd!
The li'lle wing it's on the bird!

(The Dorset long 'i' vowel takes on a similar 'oi' sound as the Bronx short 'i'. Interesting!); 10/3/10 7:48 pm
Anonymous said...: Thank you. Its always nice to see erudition although I do suspect Prof. Google played a part in it.; 10/3/10 9:21 pm
Anonymous said...: No, but I have a MA in English from a certain university in the south midlands....; 10/3/10 10:12 pm
Anonymous said...: I read Robert Pirsig's Lila, many years ago - not a patch on 'Zen and ..', but he was pondering on the use of language.

'Plain spoken' - I seem to remember that he took it back to the original English speaking settlers, suggesting that there is still much of the original left in basic American English.

Purbeck Comprehensive!

PS

"darsetisin", you must be using the West Dorset dialect, as over in the East, it would be 'dossetisin'!; 11/3/10 7:11 am
Anonymous said...: Evidently it continues with the poet forgiving the boid for dropping a toid on him.; 11/3/10 10:25 am

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