Who is benefiting from the proposed restoration of Parnham House? (Jan26)
Those promoting the Parnham proposals often frame the issue very simply: do you want to save this historic house in West Dorset, near Beaminster – or leave it as a ruin? It is a compelling question, but a misleading one. Most people would like to see Parnham House restored. Few would argue otherwise. But restoration […]
Beaminster Rebellion over Parnham Planning (Dec25)
There was shouting.There were walkouts.There were calls for councillors to resign.Placards were waved reading “Represent Us – Reject Parnham.” Feelings were running high at Beaminster’s extraordinary planning meeting on Parnham – and understandably so. But this was not an angry mob lacking substance. The people who spoke were measured, articulate and deeply informed. Many had […]
All Pain, No Gain for Beaminster
All Pain, No Gain for Beaminster Parnham House – the striking Elizabethan mansion just outside Beaminster – is once again in the spotlight. In 2017 a catastrophic fire gutted the building, leaving behind a shell of what had been one of Dorset’s finest homes. The circumstances were unsettling – and are still mysterious – but […]
Stop Destroying Bembridge (Jul24)
Is all housing good housing? I think not. Look what’s happening in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Building has already started on 58 new homes on green field sites and another 130 are waiting for approval. Will the old oaks be chopped? Will the hedges be obliterated? It seems likely. But the issues relating […]
To burn or not to burn (Mar24)
Are fires the best way of getting rid of garden waste or clearing landscapes? I believe that the answer is generally ‘no’! But garden bonfires are ubiquitous and even conservation bodies are using burning as part of their land management plans – for example burning the brash from hedge-laying or trimming and site clearance of […]
Let’s hope Catholic bishops become extinct in Kenya (Feb19)
I can’t believe the latest nonsense from the Catholic Church in Kenya. Bishop Kariuki is asking Christians to have more children. I don’t really get the rationale because it seems to be linked to a shortage of priests. I think the idea is that if Catholics have more off-spring, there will be more support for the church. But, of course, […]
Haller raises £15k through The Funding Network evening (Jul12)
It started with bubbles and canapés and culminated with the London Gay Men’s Chorus, who were all dressed in black and looked a bit scary, until they opened their mouths! The 10th Anniversary celebration of The Funding Network was held at Mansion House. Haller was one of five charities selected to make a presentation – […]
Skydiving to raise money for Haller (Jun12)
Not me! My son is planning a sky dive to support Haller. He will be free falling at 130 miles per hour from 10,000 feet. I’m glad it’s not me. Haller is a charity that I co-founded – it supports sustainable communities in Africa, with programmes in water, farming, education, health, alternative energy […]
Project Dirt Judging (Jun12)
Timberland Earthkeepers Grant are providing grants to grassroots community projects. Set up by Project Dirt it’s the third year that I’ve been on the judging panel. Deadline for submissions is 1st July and winners will be announced on 9th July.
Setting up E For Good (Apr12)
Along with Melinda Watson from the Raw Foundation, I’ve set up E For Good. We’re the first consumer-facing organisation targeting e-waste from an environmental life-cycle perspective. Our aims are to reduce the amount of e-waste, promote repair and reuse and recycle the rest, as efficiently as possible. We’re working with Environcom, an e-waste company, who […]
Recycling is not enough – we need more reuse of e-waste (Feb12)
E For Good is campaigning to Clear Out and Clean up electrical and electronic waste – website will be launched by March 2012.. Refurbished washing machines waiting to be reused – at Environcom site Melinda Watson and Julia Hailes – co-founders of E For Good First I should explain that e-waste is waste electrical and […]
Project Dirt – Timberland Earthkeepers Competition (Jun11)
It’s the second year of the Timberland Earthkeepers competition for community projects – and I’ve been a judge both times. From bee-keeping to fruit growing, from river cleaning to local markets, the over-riding theme is that lots of people are involved on a voluntary basis. Project Dirt pull it all together but also work throughout the year […]