celebrating-poundbury-magazine

The PoundburyResidents’AssociationCelebrating 20 yearsSince the birth of thePoundbury Residents'Association, thecommunity has benefitedin many ways. A dedicatedteam of elected volunteersmeet regularly to discussways in which the committee can help thelocal community.The committee was founded in March1996 by residents, including Peter Bryant,who bought one of the very first houses inPoundbury in 1995. He said: “I wanted tohelp establish the community that has beensought as one of the main principles set outwhen planning Poundbury.“So I set up the committee and theNeighbourhood Watch and there’s no doubtthat it quickly became a focal point forthe community.“When I look how the community hasgrown in the 20 years I am pleased I was ableto contribute and people can benefit from mywork and that of the committee.”Since Peter’s chairmanship the committeehad lots of hard-working volunteers.Current chairman David Leaper said: “I putmy head above the parapet because I live inPoundbury and I think it’s important to pullin the community.“There is now a mixed and variedcommunity here in Poundbury and I’ve seenthis really grow in the 11 years we’velived here. “My motivation is to makePoundbury as good a place as we can.”David’s wife, Fran Leaper is the PRAsecretary and former chairman. As wellas organising many events she publishesa quarterly newsletter for residents andadministrates an email information bulletin.She said: “I’ve found that Poundbury isCold very welcoming comfort to new people and thePeter community Bryant and Fran Leaper, spirit luminaries is fantastic.both of theResidents’ Association, pose before the pretty fountain thatwas originally “I’ve watched destined for Victor it Jackson grow Square. and The you day this can see howpicture was taken it was too cold for the fountain to operate,the spirit of the pioneers of Poundbury hasbut it remains a favourite of Fran’s: a pleasant place to sitandbeendiscusstransmitted.the latest enthusiasms and anxieties of residents.“I’m particularly proud that as part ofthe PRA we have been able to fund theChildren’s Christmas party, the annualsquare dance and the Cheeky Monkeysplaygroup.”Committee members offer a welcomecoffee morning to new residents and arrangevisits to the royal gardens of Highgrove.DOC13 DE scaled.indd 13 25/04/2013 16:59An important part of the committee’s workis reflecting residents’ concern to both theDuchy and the local council.Committee member Kelvin Henwoodlooks in detail at planning proposals andapplications and highlights any potentialissues to residents at meetings and in thenewsletter.He said: “The PRA considers planningproposals and applications that mighthave an effect on residents’ amenitiesor environment as a whole, leading toobjections and campaigns against, forexample, the Household Waste RecyclingCentre at Middle Farm, telecom masts nearchildren’s play areas, low parking provision,high density housing, and against increasingthe speed limit on Middle Farm Way to 40miles per hour.”Over the years the committee hasrepresented residents at many boards,meetings and made representations to theSouth West Regional Assembly to change thedraft Regional Strategy.Committee members offer a friendly face tonew residents as well as hosting a number ofactivities and meetings throughout the year.There is also a committee member whospecifically liaises with families and youngpeople to represent their wishes.Over the 20 years the committee has responded to requestsfor litter bins, post boxes, park benches, notice boards, picnictables and flowers to be planted. Here are just a few of thecommunity initiatives the PRA has helped• Annual Summer Ceilidh/SquareDance• Queen’s Jubileecommemorative mugs toall children• Annual Gardens Open Day• Providing commemorative treesand stone seating• Christmas Tree Lights• Children’s Christmas Party• Carol Singing and refreshments• Mother and Toddler Play Group• Design and Provision of MapBoards• Jubilee Celebrations• Street Maps for Businesses• Brownsword Hall fitting out2001• Poundbury prize winning floatsfor Dorchester and WeymouthCarnivals 2007 - 2010• Community Apple Orchard2009• Great Field Play Equipmentfor children and seniors• Great Field cricket matches• Dorchester Town FC Great FieldAnnual Fun Day• Junior Rugby Club• Wessex Actors Guild annualsummer productionsPoundbury Dental Practice offershigh quality private dentistryFree consultations for Orthodontics, Implants and DenturesDirect access appointments for tooth whitening and hygienistChildren seen on NHSGeneral, Cosmetic and Specialist DentistryWindslade House, Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3WHwww.facebook.com/poundburydentalDENTAL PRACTICEa taste for design.From a complete rebrandfor a newly opened Bistro,to a nifty websitefor a small photographyoutfit, here at Chillifish wehave the skills to adaptto any business’s mediarequirements.Having moved to Poundbury alittle over a year ago, we havebeen doing our thing for over tenyears, and know the marketingneeds of both large and smallcompanies. If there’s anything wecan help you with, get in touch ordrop in for a coffee; we’d love toshow you what we can do.t: +44 (0)1305 250055e: info@chillifish.comchillifish.comProspect House, Peverell Avenue East, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3WEThe incredibly friendlycomputer peopleCall Darrell Hounsome or Lee Thompson for jargonfree, patient, friendly computer help for homeand business users01305 755668Email: info@jurassic-computers.co.ukWeb: www.jurassic-computers.co.uk24 25