Plan questionnaire is on the way (From Dorset Echo)

Plan questionnaire is on the way

12:24pm Tuesday 1st September 2009 in

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The Osmington Community Plan is being developed to improve the quality of life for our community, and of the environment in which we live. We now need to identify those areas in our lives where improvements are needed so that steps can be set in train to prepare as best we can for an uncertain future.

To that end, questionnaires have been developed (one for adults, one for youngsters) which will be distributed very shortly throughout Osmington, the Mills, Ringstead and Upton. Following analysis of the results and further discussions the community will then be consulted with a view to the adoption of a draft Action Plan.

The questionnaires are designed to cover a wide range of subjects, but inevitably they will not be exhaustive and everyone is encouraged to offer comment on any additional areas that are of concern to them.

Many ‘green’ issues are interwoven into the subject matter. Our climate is changing and our world is getting warmer - this is now generally accepted. We are also in a period of economic turmoil, credit crunching like mad and facing an uncertain future. A third factor is that we are at or near the point where demand for oil exceeds supply - the age of oil and cheap energy is coming to an end.

So where do we go from here? We could sit back and let things take their course, which would almost certainly mean a great deal of pain and suffering for many people. Or we could take action now to reduce our use of energy and adjust to new ways which do not damage our environment, exhaust our resources but which would still maintain a comfortable standard of living. How about accepting the challenge? Other communities are doing it, coming up with ideas and projects and putting them into operation. The 'Transition Initiative', for example, is an exciting grassroots process being implemented in large and small communities around the world, including Weymouth and Dorchester. The aim is to build resilient communities through local actions and decision making. (For more information, visit the website www.transitionculture.org).

Each one of us has ideas and skills that could contribute to the process. We may be a small community, but we already have an active group of people seeking to get allotments going, as well as an energy working group thinking about renewable energy, and energy conservation within the parish.

Whilst Osmington is unique and must come up with its own projects and priorities, others have clearly demonstrated that where there is a will there is a way. We are seeking the views of everyone living within our communities to contribute to an exciting, positive and hopeful process that will benefit us all, young and old! Don't leave it to 'them' - get involved. Let's do it now!

• THE Osmington Society’s September Soirée is on Friday, September 18 in the splendid setting of Athelhampton House and gardens, with dinner, music and dancing from 6.30 till 11pm. If you don’t already have your tickets, get them now from Michelle Holt (01305 837493) or from any Osmington Society committee member. The cost is £23.50 for Society members, £25 for non-members.