Newsletter of the January 2020 Issue 126 Golden Cap Association (West )

© Photo R Dunford

President: Chris Walliker Hon. Life Vice-Presidents: Derek J Parsons TD; Roland Moss Chairman: Gordon Simmons Treasurer: Mike Nicks Secretary: Margaret McClellan Please A Voluntary Association of National Trust Members & note the Volunteers. AGM on Founded in 1978 to promote & prosper the work of the 30 March is at National Trust. 2:30pm www.goldencapnt.org.uk not 7:30pm - 1 - From the Chair . . . Your On New Year's Day, I took my dog Millie for a walk around Golden Cap Association Langdon Wood. Weather-wise it was not the best of days. Dull, grey, misty and very wet and muddy underfoot. I was surprised needs - and delighted - to find the car park nearly full. People milling around everywhere. From the very young to the not so young YOU - all kitted out to combat the weather. And dogs of course, by the dozen. There was an infectious enthusiasm abroad; an enthusiasm for the place where we had all gathered; an enthusiasm the National Trust needs to capture and nurture if we are to thrive in the years ahead. All in all, it cheered me up no end; just knowing that what Now! we do is so worthwhile and has that kind of impact on people's lives. We know we have your support as: This is my last 'From The Chair....' report as I intend stepping down at the AGM in ü you belong to this group; March. By then, I will have served on the committee for over twelve years in various ü you go on the outings in the summer which are organised for you capacities; Secretary, Vice Chair and, most recently, Chair as well as looking after by David Smith and his team; publicity. And I'm pleased to say we do have someone willing to take over from me ü you come to our winter talks programme organised for you by subject to the approval of the AGM. Stepping down does not mean my enthusiasm Sarah Nicks; and commitment to the NT is diminished in any way. Far from it. I simply believe that ü you also come to the social gatherings (meals and Quiz) committees need new blood to bring in new ideas and new ways of thinking. organised for you by Valerie Gierth and her team; For my part, it's been a most enjoyable ride. It's been a great privilege to be your ü you buy tickets for the raffles organised for you by Veronica Chair, working with the best bunch of people I've ever met on a committee totally Smith and Marjorie Aird. dedicated to doing their best for members. It also allowed me to get to know many In order for all this to continue we need a Committee to keep it of you a whole lot better - a big bonus for me. And it would be remiss of me not to running smoothly. mention the unstinting active support of our local NT team, Believe me, that is gold dust. ● Gordon Simmons, our Chair, will be stepping down at the AGM in As regards highlights, celebrating our 40th Anniversary on the Golden Cap estate March. He also handles Publicity; surely has to be one. Another has to be helping to preserve the identity of our region ● Margaret McClellan, our Secretary, has indicated that she will be by challenging a proposal to merge it with a neighbouring region. stepping down within twelve months. On the downside, recent years have seen the demise of several neighbouring Whilst we do have a willing volunteer to be Chair we will need a associations. So we need to guard against that happening here. Secretary in the not too distant future. So, if you use a computer and have taken minutes before – you have the necessary skills! Elsewhere in this newsletter you will read that our secretary is contemplating stepping down, possibly later this year. More immediately, Mick Holgate our technical In the past we have carried a vacancy for Vice-Chair for 3 years support 'guru' for the last twelve years is also standing down in March. I would and when Gordon leaves we shall again need a Vice-Chair also therefore urge you to consider what you may be able to do, either on the committee someone to organise Publicity. or as a helper, to make sure we remain a strong and vibrant association. We have a very good membership of around 400 – surely there is In closing, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your help, support and someone with the skills to take on the roles of Technical Support kindnesses over the years. Without you we are nothing. My best wishes to you all for or Publicity or Secretary for a couple of years. the best of good health and fortune in 2020. For further information please contact the Chair Here's hoping the goodwill I experienced at Langdon Wood will be sustained – Gordon Simmons – 01308 863577 throughout the new decade. Gordon Simmons - Chair The views expressed above are solely those of the author and should not be construed as those of the Golden Cap Association or the National Trust. - 2 - - 3 - Membership Golden Cap Association () I should like to remind you all that Subscriptions for 2020/21 are due on 1st Renewal of Annual Subscription 2020/2021 April 2020 and remain at the current rate of £6.00 for one person and £9.00 for two people living at the same address. (For three people living at the same Title(s) ______(Block Capitals Please) address the subscription is £12.00.) Name(s) ______Payments made by Standing Order save the Association time and money as well Address ______as being an easy option for our members – once set up, the Standing Order will continue to make an annual payment until such time as it is cancelled. I would ______be very grateful, therefore, if those of you who do not currently pay this way Postcode ______Tel No ______would consider doing so. The necessary form is on page 5 of this Newsletter. All you have to do is complete and return it to me and your subscription will Email address ______automatically be collected from your bank on 1st April 2020 and annually NT Membership No. ______thereafter. Please complete and send the form to me WELL BEFORE 1st April I enclose £ ______(subscription) so that I can forward it to your bank before the payment is due. I consent to the above data being used for communication purposes only If you wish to continue paying by cheque, could I please ask you to use the by the Golden Cap Association. [It is important that this box is ticked.] renewal form on page 5 and forward it to me, together with your payment, no later than 1st April. Cheques post-dated to 1st April can be sent now if you Subscriptions are due on 1st April. Subscriptions are £6.00 for one person and £9.00 wish. A separate receipt will not be sent - your membership card is your receipt for two at the same address (£12.00 for three). Please make your cheque payable and that will be available at the talk on 27th April or posted shortly after. to ‘Golden Cap Association’. Please hand it in at any Association meeting or send by post to Mrs D Coleridge, 115 Victoria Grove, DT6 3AE. If you already pay by Standing Order please do not complete the renewal form on the next page. You can see on the front of the 2019/20 membership If you wish to pay by Standing Order please complete both forms. card whether you pay by Standing Order or Cheque. If you're still not sure ring me to check - 01308 424431. Standing Order Form This form supersedes all previous Standing Orders in favour of Once your Membership fee has been received, your membership card giving The Golden Cap Association of the National Trust details of the illustrated talks and other events will be issued with the April To ______Bank plc ) Name and Newsletter. If you send your cheque after the April Newsletter has been issued then please enclose a SAE otherwise your card will be sent to you ______) address of with the September Newsletter. ______) your bank The 2020/21 card will be valid until 30th April 2021. Please pay the HSBC Bank, Sort Code 40-13-28 the sum of £ ______annually Continued Membership of the National Trust or being an active and current on 1st April, commencing 2020, to the credit of ‘The Golden Cap Association’ volunteer for the National Trust is an essential condition of Association Account Number 21428284 and debit my account accordingly membership. Anyone wishing to see our constitution can find it on the Membership page of our Website: www.goldencapnt.org.uk Account Number ______Sort Code: _ _ ─ _ _ ─ _ _

Membership details are held on computer for internal use only and will not be Name ______(Please print clearly) disclosed to any third party (see page 26 for our Privacy Statement). Diana Coleridge Signature ______Date ______- Membership Secretary Please do NOT send this form to your Bank. Send it to The Membership Secretary: Mrs D Coleridge, 115 Victoria Grove, Bridport DT6 3AE. It will then be recorded and passed to your Bank. - 4 - - 5 - Please note The Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) that the AGM is at 2:30pm of the National Trust not 7:30pm 2020 Annual General Meeting as in previous NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Forty-second Annual General Meeting of years. the Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) will be held on Monday 30th March 2020 at 2.30pm in the Bridport United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport. Welcome to new members: AGENDA Geraldine Hallett - Bridport (Please bring this Agenda with you to the meeting.) Raymond Hamilton - Janet Horner - Beaminster President’s welcome of members to the AGM. Peter Lucas - Bridport 1. Chairman’s Address Keith Pooke - Bridport 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Minutes of the 41st AGM held on 25th March 2019 4. Matters arising from the Minutes not on the Agenda Election of 2020/21 Committee 5. Treasurer’s Presentation of Accounts (to be tabled at the meeting) I nominate ______including: To serve as Chairman / Secretary / Treasurer / Committee Member* - Approval of the 2019 donation to the National Trust Nominated by ______Date ______- Approval of Committee’s recommendations for rate of subscriptions. Signed Seconded by ______Date ______6. Election of President Signed 7. Election of Hon. Officers: I confirm that I am willing to serve on the Committee as nominated above. (a) Chairman (b) Secretary (c) Treasurer (d) Vice-Chairman Signed ______Date ______Election of General Committee *Please delete as appropriate 8. Appointment of Independent Financial Examiner (Auditor) ______9. Any other business. I would like to see the activities of the Association continuing and improving and am happy to offer my services as a member of the Association’s Committee. N.B. Nominations for the election of Officers and Committee should be sent in writing to the Secretary to arrive not later than Monday 16th March 2020 and I am particularly interested in becoming involved with ______should be signed by the Proposer, Seconder and Nominee. ______Closure of AGM followed by Refreshments and Special Guest Speaker: Signed ______Tele: ______Hannah Jefferson Please send nominations to Miss M McClellan, 7 Manor Gdns, Beaminster DT8 3EE; - General Manager, to be received by Monday 16th March 2020. Photocopies or handwritten copies of this National Trust North & West Dorset form are acceptable.

- 6 - - 7 - Minutes of 41st Annual General Meeting Thank you. We'd be lost without you of the Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) 2. Apologies for absence – these were received from Terry & Sue Scott, Douglas & Lynda held on Monday 25th March 2019 at 7.30 pm. Beazer, Marian & Steve Warburton, Stewart & Vickie Owers, Pat Keogh, and Jackie O’Hara. The President, Christopher Walliker, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting and 3. Minutes of the last meeting – these were AGREED and signed as a true record. especially Rebecca Burton, National Trust Regional Director for the South West who was speaking 4. Matters arising –There were no matters arising. after the AGM. He then welcomed the indefatigable National Trust team of Hannah Jefferson, 5. Treasurer’s Report – Mike Nicks Sarah Kennedy, Nick Tarnier, Jon Sibthorp, Liz Penrose, Marie McLeish and Elizabeth Grant who is the House Steward at Hardy’s Cottage. He went to say how successful the 40th Anniversary 1. We ended 2018 with a balance of £6,826 to take forward to this year. He recommended party at had been and thanked everyone involved for their meticulous planning and that members approve a sum of £3,000.00 for the local West Dorset office of the National preparations. He welcomed Rob Dunford as a new recruit to the Committee to join the band of Trust to purchase several items to be used by their Ecology Group. those who had very long service. He also welcomed Janet Carey who had offered to help on the 2. He recommended that subscriptions remain the same for 2019, £6 for single and £9 for Outings Group. a couple. He reminded members that if they pay by Standing Order they do not have to complete a new payment form each year unless they change banks. 1. Chairman’s Address - Gordon Simmons 3. Thanks to Ray Chorley for auditing the accounts. The Chair welcomed everyone and echoing the President's comments said it was good to see so many members there and gave a special welcome to friends from the local NT team and 4. Thanks to Chris Senior and Veronica Smith for always being available to double sign the guest speaker Rebecca Burton. He said that last year was a truly momentous one as we not cheques. Thanks to Veronica and David Smith, and Marjorie Aird who organise and only celebrated our 40th Anniversary but also the acquisition of Golden Cap itself. run the various raffles, making a surplus of £493 last year. Thanks to Diana Coleridge, Membership Secretary, who has the onerous task of dealing with the subscriptions and He described two memorable events, the first being a splendid buffet lunch in June at Loders always keeping the Treasurer informed of the monies banked, whether cash or cheques. Village Hall with over 60 members coming along to enjoy first class food prepared and served as ever by our Social Committee. The second was a joint celebration in July with our 5. Thanks to the committee for their help in making the Treasurer’s job as easy as possible. friends from the West Dorset NT team and their volunteers at Stonebarrow on the Golden 6. Thanks to Members for being so pleasant and understanding particularly when money is Cap estate. The event exceeded all our expectations with around 100 gathered together. As collected at the door for the Illustrated Talks and when cheques are returned, and for being someone remarked, 'A truly golden day in a golden place'. The Chair said that for him, it also so prompt at paying for various events. highlighted the goodwill and generosity of spirit that characterise the relationship we enjoy 7. In summary we are financially stable, and hopefully we can persuade some more of you, with our local NT team. It also caused him to reflect how lucky we are to live here, how lucky our members, to join the committee as we look towards the next few years. we are to have the NT to look after the places that are so important to us, and how lucky we 6. Election of President – Christopher Walliker was nominated by Yvonne Welch and seconded are that, forty years ago, a group of NT members got together locally to to help safeguard those by Marjorie Aird and duly elected. The vote was unanimous. places through our association. 7. Election of Hon. Officers - Gordon Simmons was elected as Chairman; Mike Nicks as In all last year was a good one for the association with all our events – talks, outings and social Treasurer; Margaret McClellan as Secretary and Rob Dunford as Vice-Chairman events – well supported and our membership holding steady at around 430. As a result of our Election of the General Committee – Valerie Gierth, Diana Coleridge, Sarah Nicks, Chris activities we had been able to earmark £3,000 to be donated with your approval to National Senior, David Smith, and Veronica Smith- were nominated, seconded and elected unanimously. Trust projects in West Dorset and again more on that shortly from Mike Nicks our Treasurer. 8. Appointment of Independent Financial Examiner (Auditor) He was also pleased to report progress on the Stonebarrow project which we are funding. He said that we have donated £7,500 over the last couple of years for a shelter inside the It was AGREED that Ray Chorley be appointed as the Independent Financial Examiner for the compound at Stonebarrow and that this is due to go for planning soon. So fingers crossed on coming year. that one. 9. Any Other Business He reminded the members that all this can only be achieved because of the committee and 9.1 The Chair discussed the fact that the talk given by Paul Atterbury had been over subscribed their helpers - who put together your programme. Thanks went to: Mike Nicks Treasurer for leading to some disappointment. The committee had fully reviewed this matter, looking at his financial stewardship; Margaret McClellan our Secretary; Diana Coleridge Membership various options and concluded that we should continue to publicise and allow the public entry Secretary; Sarah Nicks who has again put together for us a really interesting programme of to all talks. It was also concluded, after extensive research, that Bridport United Church Hall talks, which have all shown a useful surplus when taken together with the raffles; David and was still the best place to hold our meetings as it took over 100 people, was easily accessible Veronica Smith for organising the latter; Valerie Gierth and the Social Committee for and had good IT facilities. Refreshments could also be prepared and served easily. continuing to nourish us with good wholesome food at Loders and Salway Ash; Chris Walliker, 9.2 The Treasurer proposed that entry to the talks should remain the same for members at £2 David Smith and Marjorie Aird on outings. Our outings are all well supported and we have but that the charge for visitors should increase to £5. This was AGREED. two new members on this team Wendy Francis and most recently Janet Carey. Last but by no means least Chris Senior, who produces and distributes our newsletter and maintains our web The meeting ended at 19.55 hours. site. Equally important is the army of helpers who provide hands on support at all our events. - 8 - - 9 - Spring Lunch Spring Lunch Friday 20th March 2020 - Haddon House Hotel Haddon House Hotel Please reserve me ______place(s) West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4EL Friday 20th March 2020 12:30pm for 1:00pm For (names of everyone for whom you are ordering and paying) £20.50 per person (excluding gratuities) (A) ______(B) ______(C) ______(D) ______

I enclose a cheque to the value of £ ______(£20.50 pp) Directions: Menu From the Crown Roundabout on Block Capitals Please Hand-carved Roast Beef the A35 take the West Bay Road Name ______with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce towards West Bay Harbour. The Supreme of Chicken Hotel is on the right opposite the Address ______large car park. There is parking wrapped in bacon withsauce a creamy mushroom on site but if it is full use the ______Postcode ______public park opposite - £2.00 all Oven-baked Fillet of Cod day. Tel No. ______Golden Cap M’ship No. ______with a Mornay sauce To ensure ease of service please complete this form for each individual: Fillet of Pork Tenderloin Please Note: with apple and Calvados sauce To aid efficient service we (A) (B) (C) (D) need to decide in advance Mushroom, Cranberry and Brie Wellington (v) who will be sitting at which Main Beef table so if you’d like to sit with with a thyme cream sauce your friend(s) please give Course: Chicken their name(s) on the reverse All Served With ***Fresh Vegetables of the application form. Cod Raspberry crème Brûlée Chris Senior Pork with shortbread - 01308 427451 Steamed Syrup Sponge Pudding or Wellington (v) with creamy custard (for use on 20th March Trio of Ice-cream ONLY) Sweet: Brûlée 0738 800 2180 with a curl wafer Sponge Pud

© Photo Supplied by Haddon House Coffee or Tea Ice-cream

I need a lift I can offer a lift to ______people

Please return this form with a SAE and a cheque made payable to ‘Golden Cap Association’ for £20.50 per person as soon as possible but not later than Wednesday 4th March to Mrs Chris Senior, 8 Wych Ridge, Bridport DT6 4JH

- 10 - - 11 - If possible I would like to share a table with some (or all) of the following friends: Outings Procedure As a growing number of members have been applying to join the monthly ...... outings arranged in the summer and autumn months it may be helpful to set out the procedures that have been used, and proved sensible, in recent years...... ¤ For each advertised outing we ask for members to send in a cheque for that outing alone, plus a stamped addressed envelope...... ¤ If a member wishes to apply for more than one outing at the same time we ...... need separate cheques to be included with the application forms as well as a separate stamped addressed envelope. These requirements are very ...... important. ¤ Seating on the coach is placed strictly in order of applications received, i.e...... on a ‘first come first served’ basis. This has proved to be the fairest method of seating allocation...... ¤ Outings are very popular and waiting lists have had to be kept in some instances, so members should send in their application as soon as possible ...... after receiving the newsletter. Applications are not acknowledged until a minimum of 35 members have applied so as to warrant running the outing. Every effort will be made to ensure you sit on the same table as your friends but Marjorie Aird - Janet Carey - David Smith - Chris Walliker this cannot be guaranteed. Also, if you don’t give preferences it will be assumed you have none.

Please return this form with a cheque and stamped addressed envelope as soon Dates for your Diary as possible but by Wednesday 4th March. Full details and application forms for the outings in April and May are elsewhere in this Newsletter, but members may wish to make a note of Bookings with full payment are accepted on a first-come-first- those planned for the remainder of the year (bearing in mind that dates are served basis. subject to confirmation and may be changed). Tues 16 June Naval College Dartmouth - Chris Walliker Wed 15 July The Vine, Basingstoke - David Smith Please remember to enclose a Stamped Addressed Envelope for your tickets. Wed 16 Sept St Fagan's Museum, Cardiff - David Smith Wed 14th Oct Salisbury - Chris Walliker Nov/Dec Met Office, Exeter - David Smith

Mrs Chris Senior Portland House Openings 2020 (See pg 25) 8 Wych Ridge Portland House, Belle Vue Road, Weymouth, DT4 8RZ Bridport Fri 26 June Fri 2 Oct 14:00 - 17:00 DT6 4JH Sat 27 June Sat 3 Oct 11:00 - 17:00 Sun 28 June Sun 4 Oct 11:00 - 16:00 Please note that Friday afternoons are generally extremely busy.

- 12 - - 13 - Outing to Application Form Corfe Castle, Railway and Swanage Corfe Castle, Swanage Railway & Swanage Thursday, 23rd April - £24.00 per person Thursday 23rd April 2020

I hope that you will join Jenny and me on this lovely excursion. This is a short Please reserve me ______seat(s). I enclose a cheque value £ ______(£24.00 pp) journey, so we will not have a coffee stop but as much time as possible at our first stop, Corfe Castle. Block Capitals Please This beautiful village has everything: cafes; interesting shops; model village; etc Name ______as well as the castle with its steep hill! Please have your NT card with you, it may be useful. Address ______We will then join the steam train, in a booked carriage, for the pretty journey to ______Post Code ______the seaside town of Swanage. Another lovely place with its seafront walk on the esplanade; the pier; and a small but very interesting museum. Plenty of eating Tel No. ______Golden Cap 2019 M’ship No ______places - and shops. Your ticket includes a coach seat; a reserved carriage on the train both ways; Email ______and a tip for our coach driver. In the event of accident, sudden illness or other emergency contact: We will be in Swanage for about 2 hours. Name & Tel No ______I know that you will help me by keeping promptly to the times I will tell you on the day. Trains will not wait even for the Golden Cap Association! Please do not Please Tick your Boarding stop (Times are approximate, please be there early.) try to travel on a different return train. I have the only group rail ticket! Hunters Lodge 08:00 Opp. Bridport Co-Op 08:35 Our coach will be waiting for us at Norden car park. Church 08:10 Bradpole King's Head 08:40 Jenny Bennett is helping me with this 08:15 Melplash Half Moon 08:45 outing - thanks Jenny. If you are on your own do not worry, Chideock Bridge 08:20 Beaminster Square 08:55 Golden Cap people are born Bridport Bus Station 08:30 Beaminster Beeches 09:00 friendly.

Marjorie Aird Please return this form with a Stamped Addressed Envelope and a cheque 01308 863898 made payable to ‘Golden Cap Assoc’ for £24.00 per person as soon as possible but not later than Monday 9th March 2020 to:

Mrs M Aird 7 Windy Ridge Beaminster DT8 3SP

- 14 - - 15 - Out and About with the National Trust Clouds Hill – closed for the winter to allow the team to carry out essential conservation work, and will re-open on 1 March 2020. Lytes Cary Manor World Book Day Sat/Sun 7/8 March 10:30 – 17:00 Calling all bookworms! Come and celebrate the joy of reading. There are quizzes, storytelling and you can swap your World Book Day token for one of the £1 World book Day books on sale in the shop. Brownsea Island Vacancy Be prepared this February half-term Sat 15 Feb – 23 Feb 10:00 – 16:00 Technical Support at Help us celebrate World Thinking Day and Founder's day with a week of scouting and guiding inspired activities suitable for kids of all ages. Where better to have a go at Meetings some of these fun themed activities but the birthplace of scouting, Brownsea! There will be opportunities for kids to book onto our popular ranger days with a scouting theme this week or simply come over and have a go at our free 'scouting' trail available We are looking for a replacement for Mick Holgate who daily throughout the week. There will be campfires and marshmallow toasting at the takes care of all the technical support for the speakers at our weekends so something for all the family this half term week. meetings. Mick will be vacating this role at the AGM in March Unfortunately dogs are not welcome at this event. 2020. Spring Ranger Days 19 Feb; 22 Feb; 8 April; 15 April; 27 May 11:00 – 16:00 Suitable for children ages 7-13 - £20.00 Do you have the skills that we could use? Join our Outdoor Centre team and get stuck in as you experience life as a ranger on Without your help we shall be hard-pushed to continue with Brownsea Island. Get to grips with the tools we use for the job with training given on these talks. the day. You'll help us with conservation tasks and learn about some of the wildlife that calls Brownsea home. Warm up round the camp fire at lunch time with marshmallows We are purchasing some new equipment to make things more provided, followed by an afternoon session of outdoor adventure activities and wild straightforward. skills. There are 6 talks each year in the afternoon on the last Monday Booking essential. Phone the Brownsea office to book 01202 707744 in September, October, November, January, February and April This event requires one accompanying adult per three children. The price includes per and also the AGM in March. child for the event and their entry. One accompanying adult may come in for free. Boat fares still apply. On arrival, please make yourself known to the visitor reception. Lunch The role involves helping the Speaker to link their equipment is not provided so please bring your own. Unfortunately dogs are not welcome at this with the hall's system, as necessary. event. Brownsea at War 3 April; 1 May; 8 May 11:00 – 12:00 Please do not underestimate the importance of In this 75th year since VE day, join one of these fascinating free guided walks that this role in the successful operation of looks into Brownsea’s rule during the World Wars. your Golden Cap Association. From decoy to campsite, Brownsea played a vital part during the World Wars. Meet some of the characters who left and never returned and see some of the places where For more information please contact war has left its mark. As part of the VE bank holiday, we will be offering an extra walk on the Friday and Saturday. Rob Dunford on 01308 422849. Please make yourself known to visitor reception and they will tell you where to meet your guide. Unfortunately dogs are not welcome at this event.

- 16 - - 17 - Outing to Application Form Stourhead House and Gardens Stourhead House & Gardens Thursday 14th May 2020 Thursday 14th May - £9.00 per person Please reserve me ______seat(s). I enclose a cheque value £ ______(£9.00 pp)

Block Capitals Please

Name ______

Address ______

______Post Code ______

Tel No. ______Golden Cap 2019 M’ship No ______We have been to Stourhead before but it has always been later in the year. We Email ______believe that spring time at Stourhead is worth another visit so why not join us on 14th May? In the event of accident, sudden illness or other emergency contact: In Spring the rhododendrons and azaleas come into full and magnificent bloom around the lake paths, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate spring. The Name & Tel No ______glories of spring remain the garden’s best kept secret, its tranquillity left relatively undisturbed. When it comes to colour, the bright, fresh hues of spring give autumn a run for its money. The sight of a magnolia tree in full flower is a sure Please Tick your Boarding stop (Times are approximate, please be there early.) sign of Flora’s return to the garden. Make sure you leave enough time to visit the house with its splendid Regency Hunters Lodge 09:00 Opp. Bridport Co-Op 09:35 library, Chippendale furniture, and many interesting paintings. Generations of the Charmouth Church 09:10 Bradpole King's Head 09:40 Hoare family have lived at, and loved, Stourhead. The house in the country as an escape from London truly became their family home. Morcombelake 09:15 Melplash Half Moon 09:45 Hot food is available at the old Spread Eagle Inn and in the Restaurant next to Chideock Bridge 09:20 Beaminster Square 09:55 the main car park. Also don’t forget to visit the gift shop. Bridport Bus Station 09:30 Beaminster Beeches 10:00 Remember to bring your National Trust membership card. Please return this form with a Stamped Addressed Envelope and a cheque made payable to ‘Golden Cap Assoc’ for £9.00 per person as soon as possible Our estimated return home is but not later than Friday 10th April 2020 to: 6.30pm. Janet Carey Janet Carey 01297 489782 2 Pettycrate Lane [email protected] Chideock DT6 6LB

- 18 - - 19 - Out and About in Dorset News from West Dorset National Trust National Trust and Cadbury Easter Egg Trail - Stonebarrow Hill ► During two weeks in Aug and Sept we Fri 10 – Mon 13 April 2020 11:00 - 15:00 re-chalked the Cerne Abbas Giant. Join us for a fun-packed Easter egg trail at Stonebarrow Hill on the Golden Cap Estate. This was a huge feat of organisation Trail starts from Stonebarrow shop. Grid Reference SY383934 Nearest postcode DT6 with over 329 individuals helping 6RA during the course of 9 days, giving £2.50 per trail. Chocolate prize for all participants. National Trust Pay and Display car over 1,800 hours of time, equivalent to park. a financial contribution of nearly £17k. Dogs on leads are welcome. Trail starts from Stonebarrow shop which sells hot and We delivered 3 radio interviews; 7 cold drinks, crisps, chocolate bars and ice creams. national/regional TV interviews; an interview for Countryfile; and spoke National Trust and Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt - Hive Beach, Bunny has gone to the seaside. to over 5 printed media outlets generating in excess of 12 printed and online Sat 04 – Sun 19 Apr 2020 11:00 - 15:00 stories. This has been one of the best covered NT stories in 2019. Join us for a self-led Easter egg hunt at Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock. Lots of fun for The Countryside Team have been nominated for a National Trust Playing all the family plus incredible views along the famous . Chocolate prize My Part Award for the work undertaken, the volunteer and community for all participants. involvement and the fantastic media coverage generated. £2.50 per trail. All children must be supervised. Dogs on leads are welcome. Unfortunately the heavy and persistent rain has since damaged some of the Trail starts from the National Trust hut in the NT Pay and Display car park. Grid giant re-chalking work. The long vertical lines of his outline have seen severe Reference SY491888. Nearest postcode DT6 4RF. gullying. The team went to clear up the chalk which had washed out of his feet but further repair work will now be required in Spring. We are planning a 100 Spring Tide Food Festival 2020 - Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock year celebration for the Giant in 2020 (100 years in NT ownership). Sat/Sun 16/17 May 10:00 - 16:00 ► Area Ranger (West) - Jon Sibthorp - worked hard to get a felling licence Come and celebrate this great foodie festival. Spring Tide pulls together some of the in place for Lambert’s Castle to enable felling work to be carried out in best local food, drink, art and entertainment available on this outstanding coastline. September as part of the Wessex Hillforts and Habitats Project. The project is Child under 12 free All £2.50 including NT members. Dogs on leads are welcome. seeing areas of scrub and trees removed from this hillfort and others, in order Only a few producers can accept card payment and phone signal can be intermittent to protect the archaeology of the site and get the hillfort removed from Historic here. All exhibitors take cash. England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Tree felling is now complete although we may want to remove a few more trees once our Historic England advisor has Portland House, Belle Vue Road, Weymouth, DT4 8RZ Fri 26 June 14:00-17:00 Sat 27 June 11:00-17:00 Sun 28 June 11:00-16:00 been able to get out to site. Fri 2 Oct 14:00-17:00 Sat 3 Oct 11:00-17:00 Sun 4 Oct 11:00-16:00 We are mid-way through improving the car park. Grant funding deadlines Booking not needed. Free to NT members Adult £6.00 Child £3.00 and a delay in planning consent only allowed us to complete phase 1 before Christmas and unfortunately the surface has deteriorated over the Christmas Come to Portland House in Weymouth for a special peek inside this stunning 1930s art deco holiday villa, not usually open to the public. Perching on the hillside overlooking period with all the heavy rain. By mid-February we hope the contractors will , Portland House is a stunning reminder of a glamorous bygone age. complete Phase 2 - a tarmac entrance at the highway . For three days twice a year, visitors are invited to walk up the palm-lined path and ► The barn at Shedbush on the Golden Cap Estate was rethatched in October explore the house with its original art deco features. and now looks lovely. Dogs on leads welcome in the garden only. ► In October we celebrated - with tea and cake - the 15 years Sarah Kennedy, There are steps in the property and uneven paths in the grounds. NT Senior Visitor Experience Officer has worked with the NT. ► Fencing work was completed on Lamberts in October as part of our tenant’s Countryside Stewardship scheme and will now see the site confidently secure for grazing livestock.

- 20 - - 21 - ► Area Ranger (Central) – Michael Clarke – had his National Trust land rover supporters; at properties for members and visitors; and, off properties, for people stolen in early November and used in a ram raid incident at a Co-Op on that don’t know us so well yet. Portland. This has been inconvenient to say the least but the police have Growing evidence shows that people’s connection with nature is essential released the vehicle and it went to the approved repairers to look at the to their wellbeing. And we know that a strong connection with nature is an damage and cost. important factor in whether or not people take action to protect and help the ► Some of the tenants at Golden Cap are suffering with bovine TB in their natural environment. We feel it’s important we take action now as nature is in herds. One tenant is now clear but another tenant is still shut down, restricting need and our supporters are ideally placed to help. the ability to move animals around and sell on the open market. We are doing what we can to support them. There are many ways in which we’d love Supporter Groups to get involved. We see 2020 as an opportunity to inspire people to take notice and connect with ► We are waiting for advice from our curator about fixing anchor points directly nature in their everyday life. Connecting with the natural world affects our spirit, into the concrete at Stonebarrow compound before we proceed with a final wellbeing and relationships. site visit from contractors for the new shelter and apply for full planning consent. Throughout 2020 we’ll be running a public campaign encouraging people to On a more personal note - I will sadly be saying goodbye to the team in connect with nature. A year of stories, actions and content to help people notice February. My partner and I have had a really tough year in 2019 and for health nature in everyday life, wherever they are, including a series of ‘big moments’ to reasons we have made the decision to move further west to be nearer to friends involve the nation. This will be a mix of caring for and enjoying nature. and family. I have been offered a role as Site Manager at the RSPB Exe Estuary Leap for Nature reserves. The role will see me covering a similar, if smaller, operation with seven nature reserves spread along the coast between Torquay and Exeter, 2020 is a key year for the environment and nature at the National Trust. We and a couple of sites in North . I will also be managing a visitor and retail have been inspired by successful activity at the Trust on previous leap days to operation based at Exminster Marshes and Darts Farm. use the opportunity to ask people to do something for the planet on the ‘extra’ day, 29 February. We are planning media moments and public participation Thank you for all your help and support whilst I have been in this role, and for activity on 29 February 2020 to get audiences including members, supporters, the fantastic work you do to help support the National Trust in this area. Please celebrities and the public to make a difference to nature and the environment. keep up the good work! Natalie Holt 125 Picnics - Countryside Manager To celebrate our anniversary, we’re inviting our properties, places, hubs and offices to host a 125 Picnic Get-Together. 2020 A Travelling Picnic Hamper will tour countries and regions and once it’s arrived is the it’s a signal for our places to host their own 125 Picnic Get-Together – whether it’s a simple gathering of staff and volunteers over a cup of tea or a picnic for the 125th Anniversary community and key supporters. Do get in touch with the place you support to of the see if you can get involved with a picnic. Local opportunities National Trust Please keep an eye on the National Trust website and app for local activities We are a charity that cares for over 500 places, for everyone, for ever. Our that you could support. There’s lots happening throughout 2020 and many ways founders Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley recognised you could join in; including the 125 Challenge which is a fundraising campaign. the importance of places for people. As Octavia put it, the need everyone has for We’re very excited for 2020 and we hope you are, too. “quiet, air, exercise . . . the sight of sky and of things growing”. Danielle Albracht A major programme of nature connection is planned across the organisation Supporter Group Development Manager for 2020. This will include moments for all its staff, volunteers and closest National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA 0796 641 7463 [email protected] - 22 - - 23 - South West Outdoor Festival Portland House saved for the nation 18-20 September 2020 Portland House has been declared ‘inalienable’ and SWOF is a celebration of outdoor activities, adventures, pursuits and pastimes saved for the nation. – plus fine food, great music and inspirational speakers. Such events take place The National Trust is able to look every year at a different wild site around the South West. Festival goers can after special places because in 1907 camp for the whole weekend or visit for the day, taking part in as many events Parliament gave it a power which no as they want. Activities range from trail-running and cycling challenges through other organisation in England, Wales to small-group guided adventures such as kayaking and climbing. There’s also or Northern Ireland has: the power to plenty of action happening on site, where people can experience everything from declare parts of its land ‘inalienable’. In axe throwing to yoga, campfire cooking, barefoot walking, wild food foraging and other words that the NT will never part star gazing. There will be live music, inspirational speakers and lots of local food with those areas of land. This is probably the most important power which the and drink. National Trust has. Once declared the Trust cannot sell, give away or mortgage This year the festival will take place on Golden Cap, based in and around the land, nor can the land be compulsorily acquired against the Trust's will Filcombe Farm. It begins at 4pm on the evening of Friday 18 September and without special procedure involving both Houses of Parliament. comes to an end on the evening of Sunday 20 September, at 6pm. To declare land or a building inalienable is a very rigorous process; the asset Prior to the event we’ll be running Schools Days, inviting local schools to an needs to have significance to warrant the declaration, but equally important as outdoor activity day. There will be a mix of activities including climbing, archery, a charity, is our ability to financially care for the places that we commit to and 50 Things, barefoot walking, slacklining and more. We know the amount time therefore the financial test (ensuring it can generate sufficient income to care for children are spending outdoors has been declining for over the last 30 years and itself into perpetuity) is a significant part of this declaration. this is an opportunity to give children opportunities to enjoy an active day outside Amy Middleton, Estate Manager said “To all the staff and volunteers, and our in their local countryside, and hopefully to inspire some of the next generation external contractors, who have all played their part in transforming and restoring with the outdoors and what Golden Cap has to offer. Portland House, and who help today to maintain it as one of the highest We are planning to involve our friends in the Jurassic Coast Trust, the Dorset performing holiday cottages nationally, we would like to say thank you. So many AONB, Dorset Wildlife Trust and others as well as involving many local small people have been involved, it’s impossible to credit everyone, but we would businesses to help feed, entertain and tire out the festival attendees. like to say a special thank you to: Dorothy Bushby, who left the house to the National Trust in 1985; Helen Mann, (previous General Manager); the South We’re funding the event with thanks to a grant from the National Trust Active Dorset Association and the team who spearheaded the fundraising to make the Outdoors Programme whose mission is to inspire more people to get active half a million pounds restoration project a reality in 2010; Richard Marsden and in nature, through a varied, innovative and enriching programme of outdoor his team who deliver a fantastic visitor experience and the main financial return activities. We will also be seeking local sponsorship and support wherever we to keep the house financially secure long term; Caps Browning Smith; Michael can. Clarke and the Portland House garden volunteers who continue to develop the Email [email protected] whether you garden and keep it looking great; the team who open Portland House to the would like to volunteer some time right now and be wider public welcoming and feeding over 3000 people, with a special mention involved from the beginning or specifically during for Jennifer Kennedy and family who donate time and cake in volume to make the festival weekend when we need help to this possible, donating all the profits to Portland House. welcome and support When you start to look at all the people involved, over such a huge period of our guests. time, it’s a great reminder of what’s at the heart of the National Trust – people Scott Welland coming together to do the extra-ordinary to care for the extra-ordinary. Thank Visitor Experience you. Manager ** See page 13 for details of 2020 Open Days.**

- 24 - - 25 - Estimated pick-up times Corfe & Illustrated for outings - please be Stourhead Held in the United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport Swanage Talks early: 23 April 14 May Storms, Flood and Fires by Bruce Upton Pg 14 Pg 18 Since 2010 Bruce has been the “Community Officer” for the 24th Bridport Museum. He has been giving talks to schools and Hunters Lodge 08:00 09:00 February local organisations to give awareness of the history of our 2.30 p.m. local area, retiring from this post in 2018. This talk uses Charmouth Church 08:10 09:10 dramatic shots of the bad weather from the most recent in Morcombelake 08:15 09:15 2012 back to the early 1900's.

Chideock Bridge 08:20 09:20 30th Annual General Meeting March Bridport Bus Station 08:30 09:30 >2.30 p.m.< Special Guest Speaker: Hannah Jefferson Bridport Co-op 08:35 09:35 Note change of - General Manager Bradpole King’s Head 08:40 09:40 time National Trust North & West Dorset Melplash Half Moon 08:45 09:45 The Fire Service During World War 2 by Alan House Beaminster Square 08:55 09:55 27th Alan is a retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer in the Hampshire April Fire and Rescue Service. He is a Fire Service historian, has Beaminster Beeches 09:00 10:00 7.30 p.m. written many books and he is a Trustee of the Firefighters Memorial Trust. Marjorie Aird Janet Carey 01308 863898 01297 489782 Insurance Please note that the insurance carried by this Association through the National Out and about with the National Trust Contd . . . Trust does not provide Personal Accident cover for members aged 90 years and Corfe Castle older. The Association is not allowed by Government statute to offer any advice Keeper of the Castle 29 Feb; 14/15 March; 12/22 March; 28/29 March 10:00 – 17:00 about insurance but, of course, members in this category may wish to make Meet the 'Keeper of the Castle' who will take you on a journey of discovery through their own arrangements. 1000 years. Get ready for lots of fascinating facts, humour and fun. Artisan's weekend 7/8 March 10:00 – 17:30 Privacy Statement Join in with Corfe Castle artisan volunteers who will be demonstrating medieval Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) keeps names, addresses and other contact data techniques in stone masonry, carpentry and crafts including wattle and daub and cow exclusively for the purposes of maintaining membership records and contacting members horn. Suitable for older children. via newsletter and individual correspondence to advise on events and activities. Walk and talk bat ecology 19 March 18:00 – 19:00 Adult £5.00 This information is never divulged to any other individual or organisation, nor is additional information on any member obtained from any other source. On cessation of a Learn about bats and their ecology from Purbecks Bat ecologist Michelle Brown, membership, all personal data is removed from our records. followed by the rare chance to access the castle grounds at dusk in pursuit of these Any member has the legal right to see, alter or remove personal data kept by Golden Cap fascinating night-time aerobatic artists. Bookable event - Call 0344 800 1895; Adults Association (West Dorset) by submitting a formal request (including his/her name and only. Meet at Castle View Car Park. Walk will last approx. 1 hour and cover uneven address) to the Chairman. A response must be provided within one month of the request ground. being received.

- 26 - - 27 - Officers & Committee Members

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