A dozen or so Swedish short haired bumble bees (Bombus subterraneous) were taken from their quarantine quarters and released on Dungeness today.
The bees, which were declared extinct in the UK in 1988, following a dramatic loss of natural wild flower meadows, had previously been mated and it is hoped a good percentage of these ‘queens’ will survive and establish colonies on the pre prepared area on Dungeness and surrounding farmland.
Dungeness – A Way of Life' is a short film made some time ago and posted up on Utube by Chris Searson.
It features Doreen Thomas reminiscing on her life here interspersed with footage of the local area. Once you select his on Utube you will find 2 or 3 more short clips.
The government have finally decided to support the expansion of Lydd airport (aka Ashford International) but this will not stop the anti brigade from further action. Off they trudge to the European Courts to state their case – this time the alleged safety issues. 18 months or so ago they had discovered a protected slug or some such creature but this fizzled out so this time it is the safety of the local area due to the close proximity of the nuclear power stations. Proof, if proof were needed that there is no genuine reason for not having an expansion simply the fact that 'they' do not want it to affect their lives.
'They' seem to overlook the fact that the nuclear power stations were conceived when the airport was one of the busiest in the country and they are worried a 747 might crash or at worst be hijacked and crashed into afore mentioned power stations. I personally fear more for those living under the flight paths of Heathrow and Gatwick. Further they fear the act of hi jacking and subsequent demolition of the 'A' or 'B' structures. Any right thinking terrorist would hire a little Cessna and take it 60 miles up the road and crash it into the patio on the Thames of the House of Commons – far more world wide publicity in that action and far easier to organise.
I have said before I do not think any airline will, in the long term, find operating out of Lydd a viable proposition but if someone is prepared to inject £40 odd million into the local area then they should be given every assistance – not stopped by a pack of outsiders who have openly admitted they moved to the area to retire to the peace and quiet!
There has always been an airport here and any jobs created through the expansion should be welcomed..
There was a shortlist of a dozen or so areas that could be considered for nuclear power expansion. Dungeness was on the list, at the behest of EDF Energy back in April 2009 but when the government released details of the further reduced shortlist Dungeness did not appear. No valid reasons given. We have two power stations one of which has ceased operation and is currently being dismantled and it seemed logical for a replacement be constructed which would coincide with the winding down of the current 'B' station. The petition, supported by local Shepway MP, Damian Collins, seeks to get the government to reverse their decision. Under government rules if an on-line petition attracts in excess of 100,000 signatories the House of Commons are obliged to debate the matter.
The petition can be found here. All signatories welcome!
For the second year running we have had snow at Dungeness. Must be to do with global warming. Upshot is the place is beautifully quiet (no traffic) and there is an eerie calm about the place. The grey sky merges with the greyness of the sea and the snow softens the already bleak landscape resulting in tranquil haven. It used to be like this in the fifties (19 not 18).
It has just been noticed that four previous articles have been languishing in the ‘draft’ box – dating back to February of last year, April November and December – all a little out of date now!
One article was a mention that a local resident, Jean Couperthwaite had passed away. 41 years on the beach Jean, whose husband died 6 months earlier, ran the local railway cafe for many years. She leaves behind six children.
unusual for Dungeness but we have had reports of a few house break-ins. Probably local persons involved as they clearly knew the properties were not permanently lived in. I have suggested using bear traps around the perimeter of houses but evidently that goes against the European human rights of burglars. Alright to castrate the morons if we can catch them at it though!
The recently reported sale of the ‘Pluto’ bed and breakfast establishment fell through at the last-minute – so anyone out there who fancies a small business on this wild and windy part of the UK – get in touch!!
A two-part drama on ITV starts next Monday, the 10th December. Entitled ‘The Poison Tree’ it stars two of the UK’s most beautiful females and was filmed extensively at Dungeness and surrounding Romney Marsh. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see them!!
The main characters are played by MyAnna Buring and Ophelia Lovibond with the allegedly handsome Rex Goode making up the trio involved in Erin Kelly’s ‘dark, bewitching psychological thriller’.
Definately one to watch – even with the sound off!
‘Castaways’bed and breakfast is now open for business. The accomodation is located a mile along Coast Drive.
We hope to have a few photographs and details of what is on offer shortly and when we do an article will be placed in the ‘Where to Stay’ section.
The body of an unidentified male was washed up on Wednesday, close to the lifeboat station. The life boat was not needed to retrieve the corpse as crew were able to wade in and bring it ashore. It is suggested the body may have been in the water for three weeks and all police can say is there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The tides and especially currents around Dungeness are quite strong and the origins of the body could be anywhere around the coast or indeed off a vessel further out to sea.
Well not actually in Dungeness but off the High Street in New Romney. German artist Elizabeth Wecks has a display of paintings entitled ’Flowers of Dungeness’ and on the opposite wall are scenes from the Romney Marsh, including a couple of atmospheric pieces depicting Dungeness by Ryan Kai Orme.
