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The Chideock Society

ORIGINS OF THE CHIDEOCK SOCIETY

In 1987 a group of Chideock residents had concerns when it came to the future of Chideock and Seatown and a following a public meeting in Chideock Village Hal la decision was made, to set up what was called initially called THE CHIDEOCK & DISTRICT PROTECTION SOCIETY.

The first meeting was held on Thursday 16th April 1987 at Frying Pan in Mill Lane, Chideock and was attended by the following:

  • Elizabeth Lawrence
  • John and Tessa Wicks
  • Keith Baylis
  • Barbara Whitehead
  • Kate Geraghty
  • Hazel and Frank Richards
  • Margot and Ceri Fisher
  • Wendy Rankin, Helena & Reg Fielder.

The Aims and Objectives were to be

  1. To learn more about aspects of the local area, especially as they relate to the environment, ecology, wildlife and preservation of the landscape.
  2. To protect the natural heritage against pollution in all its forms.
  3. To monitor all planning applications and permissions granted, especially those involving Change of Use of agricultural land and Listed Buildings.
  4. To act as a pressure group where the Society considers such applications to be detrimental to the area.
  5. Whilst recognising the importance of tourism, to support and encourage the continuance of a thriving village with a well balanced permanent population.
  6. To circulate newsletter/broadsheet announcing formation of the Society.

At this time the main areas of concern were:

  1. The route and impact of the proposed Chideock and Morcombelake bypass.
  2. The erosion of the coastline.
  3. Pressure on Agricultural land.
  4. Caravans and tourism and the impact on the area.
  5. General environment – trees, hedgerows, wildlife, etc.,
  6. Lack of consultation by planning authorities.

The Action decided upon was as follows:

  • Advise the following of the formation of the Group: Parish, District and County Councils, Department of the Environment, National Trust, Heritage Coast, Nature Conservancy Council, Dorset Trust for Nature Conservancy.
  • Arrange Village Hall meetings inviting all local residents to hear Guest Speakers on conservation topics. A questionnaire was sent to all residents asking the following by a tick box exercise:
    • I would like to support the Chideock and District Protection Society [ ]
    • I would like to receive a regular Newsletter [ ]
    • I would be interested in attending evening talks on conservation [ ]
    • It was suggested there be a subscription of 50p per annum
    • Whilst there was an election of Officers and Ceri Fisher appointed as Treasurer there did not appear to be a Constitution at this time.

It appears from the Archive that in July 1989 the Group became known as THE CHIDEOCK SOCIETY.

(All the above information has been gathered from The Chideock Society Archive)