Tai Chi classes for the over 50s make a successful start at Tolpuddle (From Dorset Echo)

Tai Chi classes for the over 50s make a successful start at Tolpuddle

9:09pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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Tolpuddle

• SEVENTEEN people came along to the village hall to sample Tai Chi led by Patrick Harries.

This class will be followed by a course of 12 weekly sessions focusing on improved mobility, agility and concentration for the over-50s in connection with Age Concern's Fit-as-a-Fiddle programme.

The classes are linked to TOSCA, and it is hoped to hold classes outdoors at Orchard Meadow as the weather improves.

Affpuddle

• RESIDENTS of Affpuddle and Briantspuddle gathered in Briantspuddle village hall for a public Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting.

Nigel Payne chaired the meeting, and PACT team PC Nikki Spencer, PCSO Dave Brown, Laurence Degoul - Forestry Commission, Kevin Moss - Dorset Fire and Rescue, Helen Barbato - housing officer for Purbeck Housing Trust and John Russell.

Topics of concern raised from the floor included the excessive speed of traffic through Briantspuddle particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Parked cars were also obscuring vision.

There was concern about the speed of traffic and volume of heavy vehicles on the B3390.

The condition of local roads was a further topic raised, with the mud at present on the road at Throop, and potholes that were a danger especially to cyclists being mentioned in particular.

Travellers in Sares Wood were causing continued concern to local residents.

Rubbish was being left by the travellers. They were keeping fierce dogs, causing intimidation to walkers.

PC Nikki Spencer said that if dogs were seen to be loose, it was very important to report this immediately to the police.

Forestry Commission representative Laurence Degoul asked residents how they felt about the boulders placed to restrict entry of vehicles, and also reminded everyone how important it was to make immediate complaints to the police where necessary, as, if no-one complains, it is harder to take action.

Dorset has no designated site for travellers, and this makes it more difficult for groups of travellers to be moved quickly.

To conclude the points raised by residents, it was felt that it would be nice to see police vehicles passing through the area, and it was felt to be very important to have a police presence.

There will be two PACT meetings each year.

The next one will be on Monday, September 6 at 7pm in Briantspuddle village hall.

• AT THE parish council meeting in March, members received a request from the district council to comment on an application for four wind turbines at East Stoke.

In previous months, the parish council has received a wide range of information about the proposals for this wind farm.

Various speakers, both for and against the proposals, have had their say during the public participation element of the meetings.

Having considered all the facts presented, the parish council voted to object to the proposals submitted.

Whilst not opposed to the principle of wind turbines, Members felt that such a proposal as submitted on the intended site would result in a loss of amenity to nearby residents due to noise.

Members were please to learn that the county council has set up a shared taxi service to run between Waddock Cross and Dorchester on Wednesdays.

Fares will be £1.50 each way, or £1.00 from Stinsford and Bockhampton.

Comments received from residents as part of the parish council’s recent bus shelter questionnaire demonstrated the need for this service. All these comments were put before council officers by our county councillor, Mrs Alex Brenton and they helped to demonstrate the need for this service.

For more information, please call Dorset passenger service on 01305 224535.

The parish council is looking for volunteers to help with a community spring clean of the village. As part of Pride in Purbeck 2010, this provides a great opportunity to restore those parts of the village that are prone to litter.

It will also be in advance of judging for the Dorset Village of the Year award. The spring clean will be held on the mornings of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 April.

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With the help of Purbeck District Council, volunteers will be provided with advice, litter picking equipment, plastic sacks and gloves.

The district council will collect all rubbish that is picked up. Volunteers will not be expected to pick up rubbish on the verges of busy roads. Anyone in the village, young or old are welcome to take part. This is a simple way to make a big difference.

To register your interest please call Anthony Braine, the parish clerk, on 07887 594072 or email anthony@abraine.wanadoo.co.uk.

The parish council received details from Anchor Staying Put, an organisation that provides home improvement services for older and disabled people.

They have been successful in their bid to provide these services in Dorset for a further three years.

If you want more information, please visit www.anchor.org.uk or call Lynn Kenchington on 01202 862765.