Tolpuddle

  • TOLPUDDLE’S Open Space Community Association (TOSCA) reports that the village’s new open space is to be known as Orchard Meadow, in line with votes at the October consultation when over 80 people came along to give their views and talk to landscape architect Caroline Sharp.

In general the feedback we received was very positive about the proposals.

The following amendments have been made:

- Orchard Meadow was voted most popular name

- Staggered ‘chicane’ barriers at the entrances

- Sport wall and hard surfacing to match paths

- Relocated and redesigned seat near entrance

- Altered the entrance to toddler play area

- Dog tie posts moved away from path and toddler play area entrance

- The updated plan is displayed on the site-board.

We have split the project into two stages.

The first is the establishment of the site. We hope to commence this by April at the latest.

This involves clearance, grading the site, creating paths, timber platforms, fencing, seating, entrances and grass seeding.

Only then will we have a safe and usable site to do the second stage.

Assuming we have the funding, the second stage is the installation of the play equipment. We hope to start this in summer 2009.

In the autumn we will be planting many new trees and shrubs.

Finally we will replace the bus shelter and we’ve already got a grant to help with this.

The good news is that we have received a first-stage pass for a grant of £27,300 from a programme called Community Spaces (part of National Lottery funding).

We hope to receive confirmation of this funding in March.

In addition, we have received a grant of £100 from the Puddletown Carnival Committee.

We have also submitted grant applications to Viridor Credits, WDDC, Dorset County Council, Wessex Watermark and the Chalk and Cheese programme.

We are also in discussion with the TUC to gain its support.

We have also received private donations so far of £600.

We need more donations to the project, in particular for the play equipment.

This will also show community support and help get other funding.

Significant donations will be recognized on-site.

If you want to help out please contact John Bacon at 2 Streamside, 01305 848083.

There is to be another volunteer scrub bash day to clear the site.

Contact Rob Brunt on 01305 848383 if you can help.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something really special for Tolpuddle.

We have a great site with loads of potential and believe we can create a site of value for current and future generations.

The Parish Council will be responsible for the management of Orchard Meadow with TOSCA, providing assistance through advice, practical assistance, events and fundraising.

Following TOSCA’s recommendation, the Parish Council have appointed Caroline Sharp, landscape architect and .Mark Palphreyman, CMD co-ordinator to help with the project.