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Diary

Where did you live and work before you came to Damerham?

As a boy, I lived in Clapham, South London, and attended Dulwich College. After National Service, I joined the family business at Elephant and Castle, where we were tool makers.  In 1956 I left the firm, and worked for a large multi-national computer firm, called Burroughs, and later - on my return from three years in South Africa, - for a small international company which designed and sold special computer systems, based in Burgess Hill, Sussex. Next I was headhunted, and worked in the City on special accounts in the stock broking market. In 1992, I was made redundant, and we moved to Cornwall for 12 years, where we bought a Post Office and Village Store at St.Mawgan. Later, we retired to Padstow.. We moved to Damerham in 2006.

What do you do to relax?

I have done some classic car rallying, but now I just love to watch Formula 1 and Historic motor racing - I have a fascination for classic cars. I am interested in all kinds of sport except football, and we enjoy travelling, and walking in the countryside,. We appreciate the serenity, and the close access to the Forest.  Between us, we have four children and ten grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. They are scattered all over the World, from America to South Africa and Bournemouth. When they visit us we can be on the beach in 40 minutes! 

You have very quickly become involved in the Village and Village Life. How do you see your contribution to the Parish Council?

As well as serving on the Parish Council, I am the Village Traffic and Transport representative, this is very important to me. I hope to be able to do something about the speed and volume of traffic through the village. I have been told that big vehicles have to come through the Village because they have a job to do – but I feel that that their job is not always here and they are just using our roads as a short cut! In addition, I am concerned that we may lose the Car Service which takes people into Fordingbridge to link up with public transport. It really is a case of “Use it or lose it”.

Jan and I feel that the Village should not change just for change’s sake. It is important that it doesn’t lose its special character. It is nice that new people are drawn into the area- at least three new couples have come to live here in the High Street during the last 12 months, and have much to contribute.

Your views on the Parish Plan?

I am very much in favour of it – I am secretary to the Plan, and Editor of the document itself. It gives everyone in the Village a chance to have their say, and if the majority don’t want things to change, then this is how it will be. The Parish Plan will be a good team-building exercise – we already have the Children and Young People’s Group, and the Information Group. It is sad that so many people feel that they don’t know what is going on. The Parish Pump, the Village Diary, and - if it is decided to link the village websites - this should put things right. The biggest problem for the Plan and the County Council is that they are controlled by the finance made available to them by Central Government. Maintenance of our roads and verges, the building of affordable housing and the like, are dependent on finance – and not enough finance reaches local level!

Your main concerns for the Village?

I am concerned about the traffic, the provision for young people, housing, and the preservation of the environment. We just love to go walking round here, enjoying the spectacular views – although the footpaths are often in a bad state. Perhaps working parties could take over the maintenance of the paths?

Your dearest wish for the Village?

Peace and tranquillity, both in the atmosphere here, and between village members. The key factor is for people to get involved. You can only take out from your life here what you are prepared to put in.