Rackmead, Broadwey - Demolition of Historic House?

So much of our history and heritage has already been mercilessly destroyed and before long if this keeps happening will we have little of it left. Rackmead in Watery Lane, Broadwey dates from the early 19th century according to the late Eric Ricketts in his 'The Buildings of Old Weymouth - Part Three - The Villages' and he goes on to say 'little altered with perhaps an earlier building incorporated'

Plans have been submitted to WPBC to demolish this historic house. Oakenstead Estates, the applicants, should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for even considering such wanton destruction, when they could surely convert it to their requirements and retain its character. I sincerely hope that the planning officers have some respect for our local history and reject such plans as have been put forward.

Too often the planning officers approve demolition of buildings in order to construct yet another block of flats. Why can't they save our historic buildings by conversion instead? The older buildings have stood the test of time and survived through two wars, showing their solidity and have a character that cannot be re-created. That's more than can be said for some of the more recent buildings.

Such a building as has recently been approved for demolition and the construction of 7 flats, is 114 Dorchester Road, one of the first villas to be built in this area in the second half of the 19th century and formerly known as Spring Villa. It first appears on the census of 1871.

Finally, well done to Mr Norman Petty for raising a campaign to save Rackmead in Broadway. Let's hope this one is successful in preventing the loss of yet another part of our heritage. Campaign to save Rackmead, Broadwey and a subsequent article in the Echo concerning its history: Family Joins Battle To Save Old Home

You can also help this campaign by writing a letter of objection to: Jan Farnam (Planning Officer), WPBC Planning Dept. Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth DT4 8TA. Please quote (08/00147/FUL) as reference. Objections MUST be submitted by 8TH APRIL 2008 at the LATEST.


This post updated Tuesday 1st April 2008

New Website for WESTHAM, Weymouth - 125 Years of its History

A new website has been launched for the Westham area of Weymouth to celebrate 125 years of its history. It was in 1882 that the name for this area was decided upon, and although some development had already taken place by this time, Westham rapidly expanded in the following years.

Initially, the site is about the celebrations to be held at an event on 26th April 2008, but will later include more history. You can be part of this by coming along to the event, enjoying all the attractions that will be there and also seeing a display of Westham's history. If you have ancestors who lived in Westham in its early years, help will be on hand to help you trace them.

The new website can be found at:

www.westham.weymouth-dorset.co.uk

Local businesses and organisations who donate towards the event, in whatever way, may have a link to their website placed on the homepage of the Westham site. Please contact:

Radipole Lane, Radipole Village Still Closed

Just a reminder that Radipole Lane through Radipole Village (from Causeway to Spa Road) is still closed to traffic and will be for some weeks yet. It could be longer, up to as much as 18 months, as that's how long the Order is in force for, depending on when the work is completed.

Spa Road had traffic lights due to roadworks taking place recently, but I'm not too sure if they are still there now. Best avoid that area too as you can't get into the village from there anyway.

If you used to use these routes as a shortcut, you have an alternative and much faster road to use (Weymouth Way) and with a speed limit of 50mph, you'll surely get to the same spot much quicker.

Dorset Online Parish Clerks project

Those familiar with the Dorset Online Parish Clerks project (Dorset OPC) may be wondering what has happened to the site as it appears to be down. The entire site has been moved and although the original webhosts were supposed to set up a redirection to the new site, they failed to do so. This is not the fault of the OPC project website operator.

The Dorset Online Parish Clerks project is run by volunteers who transcribe parish records of Dorset, e.g. parish registers, census returns, old directories and many other resources useful to the family historian. The OPC site makes the transcripts available to the public for free online.

The new website address is:

www.opcdorset.com

Flood Warning: Weymouth Harbour, Town; Preston Beach; Chiswell, Portland

The Met Office have issued a severe weather warning for the Southwest for Monday with gale force winds up to 80mph. The Environment Agency has issued Flood Warnings (still in force as of 5:38pm Monday) for the following:

Weymouth Harbour and Town (given the All Clear at 7:39pm Monday 10th)
Preston Beach [Road]
Chiswell, Portland

Environment Agency - Flood Warning - Weymouth area - use this link then click on the Southwest where there is now a long list including the above, which gives further details.

There are some news stories on the Echo online:

Storm Lashes County

Flooding in Town Centre

next High Tide at Weymouth: Monday 20:50

(This blog post updated 11.08am, 12.34pm and 5:38pm Monday) Further updates will appear as 'comments', please click the 'comments' link below this post to view. When there are new comments added, it will show the number beside the comments link. You may post your own comment too by using this link.

Westham 125 Years of Weymouth History

A great event coming up in April - Celebrate 125 Years of Westham

More details to follow soon, but in the meantime those involved with the project (including yours truly) would love to know of any memories you may have of Westham at any time. This could be of events, streets, shops, wartime, just anything that may be of interest to others and forms a part of Westham's history.

We'd also love to see any photos or old postcards and Sam and I, who are organising these for a display, are happy to come to you if you are local and would be grateful if we could borrow them to scan them. We would of course return them to you as soon as possible after we have done so.

Also on request is any old wedding dresses for a display.

All of the above can be of any decade and anything to do with Westham is of interest.

If you have any such things that you would be happy to have included in an exhibition for the 125 Years event, please email me at the website address at the bottom of the homepage of the site, or, my name at weymouth-dorset.co.uk.

Thank you for your help

(post updated 13th March)

Radipole Lane Closed Through Radipole Village

As from 10th March, Radipole Lane through the village of Radipole will be closed to traffic for 4 weeks. This is to allow improvements to be made to make the road safer at and near the junction with Causeway and around the bridge area.

I had thought it was from today and noticed this morning that there was hardly any traffic in Radipole Lane at Southill. Maybe, motorists on seeing the signs up and just quickly registering the closure of the road, also think it is from today.

So what are they doing? So I'm told, some kind of chicane is being put in to slow the traffic descending the hill into the village and ensure that those who think they own the road and can therefore drive in the middle of it, will now have to learn that they don't own the road and have to drive on their side. About time too!

Most local residents are very much aware of the inherent dangers at this point due to the narrowness of the road and bridge, as well as the bends and so they respect this and drive more slowly and carefully, ever aware of the pedestrians who take their lives in their hands each time they walk along or cross the road.

I hope those who live in the immediate vicinity will enjoy the peace while it lasts. Heaven knows, they deserve some.

For some pictures of this beautiful part of Dorset, please see the sister site at: www.radipole-dorset.co.uk