SIR ROGER GALE MP

ARISE SIR ROGER GALE MP;

OLD HARDYEANS CONGRATULATE NEW KNIGHT, EDUCATED AT HARDYE’S DORCHESTER

The Old Hardyeans have congratulated Sir Roger Gale MP on being knighted in the New Years honours list.

Roger Gale was educated at Hardye’s School, Dorchester, from 1955 and 1962, having been born in Poole. He became a pirate disc jockey on Radio Caroline, before being elected to Parliament as the MP for Thanet North 28 years ago.

In November, he hosted the Old Hardyeans’ annual London Dinner- “a splendid meal in the splendid surroundings of the Palace of Westminster,” said Old Hardyeans President Michel Hooper-Immins, addressing 53 Old Hardyeans and their wives in the palatial Dining Room of the House of Commons.

Observing that Roger Gale has posted many pictures on his website, the President of the Old Hardyeans noted that none included the club’s distinctive blue and gold tie. The President went on to present Roger Gale with an Old Hardyeans tie, as thanks for his hospitality at the House of Commons.

Writing to the new knight, President Michel Hooper-Immins says: “On behalf of Old Hardyeans everywhere, I congratulate you on being knighted in the New Year’s Honours List. Richly deserved for 28 years service to the House of Commons, I know you have achieved a great deal for the people of East Kent over almost three decades. However, your education in Dorchester, at Hardye’s School- three years ahead of me- will have been a fine foundation to life and we all have benefited from the superb teaching at Hardye’s. I believe you may be the first Old Hardyean to be knighted.

Thank you again for making Old Hardyeans and their wives so welcome on our recent visit to the House of Commons. Everyone in the party enjoyed the splendid dinner in splendid surroundings, then the visit to the crypt later. On our third visit to the House of Commons, your hospitality and kindness were much appreciated. I hope we will see you wearing the Old Hardyeans tie, with which you were presented, on future occasions!”

Sir Roger Gale MP is quoted as saying: “I feel that this is, first and foremost, not a political but a public service award. My wife Suzy and I have been engaged in community work since long before I became a Member of Parliament in 1983. When I was elected we decided together how we were going to work and we have just gone on doing it ever since. I regard this as an enormous honour, particularly granted as it is, at the start of Her Majesty`s Diamond Jubilee year. It is, though, an honour that belongs to my wife, Suzy, who has worked alongside me and supported me throughout every day that I have been a Member of Parliament and who, together with three long-suffering and wonderful children, continues to do so.” [www.kentnews.co.uk]

At the House of Commons Dinner, on 14 November, there was a special welcome for Michael Foley, newly appointed Headmaster of The Thomas Hardye School, to his first Old Hardyeans event. “He has made a splendid start and I am confident Michael Foley will lead the Thomas Hardye School to ever greater successes,” said the President. “I have reassured him that the Old Hardyeans have pledged their support to the school. I am delighted to hear Michael intends to create an archive of the new and the old schools. My old friend Peter Foster has already promised not only his help, but his considerable personal archive to start this excellent project.”

“I can now say I made my maiden speech in the House of Commons,” joked Michael Foley,” who went on to stress the importance of leadership and the high expectations of students in these modern times.

Michel Hooper-Immins acclaimed Tony and Julia Moore, recently retired from Thomas Hardye School and newly elected Honorary Members of the Hardyeans Club. “We thank them for their good and long service to the school and for their consistent support of the Old Hardyeans.”

The President then welcomed Jean Lang, Chairman of Thomas Hardye School Governors, to the House of Commons dinner. “I did say about five annual general meetings ago that I hoped more Old Hardyeans would become Governors,” Michel Hooper-Immins told diners. “Since then the governing body has acquired my illustrious predecessor Professor Hugh Griffiths and Tony Foot, but I should still like to see a few more Old Hardyeans as School Governors. Certainly some will have the interest, the commitment and the experience to fit that vital role in developing our school.”

“We meet in the House of Commons, the mother of Parliaments,” continued Michel Hooper-Immins. “Tradition is important here and so it is to the Old Hardyeans. The London Dinner is one of our most enduring traditions, so I’m delighted it is continuing. Our Secretary Tony Day has organised much of tonight’s landmark dinner. Thank you Tony for your good work for the Old Hardyeans. I am also grateful to Treasurer Alan Brown, who successfully collected all the money- not an easy job!”

Old Hardyeans Chairman Colin Lucas was unable to attend- “I bring apologies and good wishes from Colin, often described as the engine room of the Old Hardyeans,” concluded the President. “I can tell you his recent operation was completely successful and Colin is recovering, but misses this London Dinner for the first time in decades. Can I ask you to stand and raise your glasses to Colin Lucas and his continued recovery.” The company then stood to toast Colin Lucas.

Old Hardyeans attended from London, Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset, Devon and Dorset, as well as two visiting members from Recife in Brazil and Connecticut USA.

The excellent 2011 London Dinner at the House of Commons, began with lightly curried cauliflower veloute, with cauliflower pakora. The main course was grilled breast of Gressingham duck with creamed thyme potato, served with wood-smoked parsnips and pear sauce. Apple Tart Tatin, with honey and walnut ice cream was a superb dessert.

The Society of Dorset Men

THE SOCIETY OF DORSET MEN CELEBRATE THEIR NEW PRESIDENT AND A RECORD ATTENDANCE AT THE COUNTY DINNER

“Dorset grabs you by the soul- a beautiful place with a great history,” Councillor Angus Campbell, Leader of Dorset County Council, told the County Dinner of The Society of Dorset Men. “Some people come to Dorset to die, then forget what they came for,” he joked. “This county’s great character has been moulded by its long and distinguished history.”

Held for the first time at the George Albert Hotel on Wardon Hill, near Evershot, a record 280 members and their wives attended the annual County Dinner, the first to be presided over by Baron Fellowes of West Stafford DL, elected President of The Society of Dorset Men in April.

Following the loyal toast, the new President read the letter from Buckingham Palace- “The Queen was most pleased to receive your greetings and Her Majesty much appreciates your message to her. The Queen sends best wishes to all present for a most pleasant and memorable event.”

Sir Anthony Jolliffe GBE DL DSc DMus was President for an unparalleled 27 years, the longest serving President in the Society’s 107-year history. Chairman Stuart Adam paid fulsome tribute to Sir Anthony’s work for the Society. “It is widely thought that the fortunes and profile of the Society changed for the better when Sir Anthony became Lord Mayor of London in 1982 and we thank him most sincerely for all he has achieved for us.”

Lord Fellowes presented an inscribed Mont Blanc fountain pen and a framed citation to Sir Anthony to prolonged applause and cheering from the assembled members.

“I am proud to have been born a Dorset man, in Wyke Regis and now live half a mile from where I was born,” Sir Anthony Jolliffe told the County Dinner. “I will always support the county, our Society and the people of Dorset. I much enjoyed my 27 years as your President and delighted that Baron Fellowes of West Stafford agreed to take on this vital role.” Pat Russell then presented a bouquet to Lady Georgina Jolliffe.

Honoured guests of the new President included Alan Frost DL FIA [HM High Sheriff of Dorset,] Commander Mike Knott RN [Captain of HMS Portland,] Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson RN CVO OBE KStJ JP DL [Former Lord Lieutenant of Dorset] and Adrian Scott [Former High Sheriff of Dorset.]

Guest speaker and Deputy President James Weld said the Welds came to Dorset in 1641, three and as half centuries ago. He talked of the history of Lulworth and the Weld family. “Dorset has so much to commend it,” he declared.

Colonel David Hayes CBE, Colonel of the Gurkha Regiment, thanked Blandford Camp for being such a fantastic host to the Gurkha signalers. He outlined many links between the Gurkhas and Dorset. Finally, he congratulated screenwriter Lord Fellowes on the “triumph of his inspired ITV series Downton Abbey.”

The Bryan Challis Challenge Cup was presented to Chairman Stuart Adam, for recruiting the most new members in the past year. Ian Morton received the Hambro Golf Cup from the President, having won the Society’s summer golf tournament. Rev. Dr. John Travell FRSA said the Grace at the beginning of the dinner. David Read was Toastmaster.

As is the long custom of The Society of Dorset Men, members stood to welcome and acclaim the Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, which was carried through the Dining Room by chef John Newberry to Lord Fellowes, who pronounced it delicious and fit to eat! This venerable and annual tradition dates from the very early days of the Society, which was founded in 1904, when the Dorset Blue Vinny cheese would be honoured in the same way as Scots venerate the haggis. It is always served with Dorset watercress and Dorset Knobs as the final course.

Finally, Baron Fellowes of West Stafford praised Roy Adams, Chairman of the Society for many years, whose infectious enthusiasm for Dorset had been imparted to the new President. He thanked Sir Anthony Jolliffe for his leadership and warmth. “”I am proud to think of myself as a Dorset man,” he said in the closing minutes of the County Dinner.

The County Dinner has previously been held in Blandford and Sherborne. “Wardon Hill proved an ideal location for the 2011 County Dinner,” says The Society of Dorset Men spokesman Michel Hooper-Immins. “In past years we were close to our maximum of 200 and this year, in a bigger restaurant, we were able to seat 300. In the event, 280 attended, which is the biggest attendance for many decades. No doubt being closer to the centre of the county was helpful too.”

Digital Dorset

“The real challenge is to spread better broadband speeds across all of Dorset, from Lyme Regis to Christchurch,” says Digital Dorset Taskforce Chairman Dr. Monica Seeley. “We started by talking to BT, who are laying high-capacity fibre cable to the National Sailing Centre at Portland in their capacity as an Olympic sponsor. Now we are talking to other suppliers- wired, satellite and wireless. We are hoping the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK initiative will help us.”

Last year, Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry surveyed members and received the clear message from Dorset businesses that they wanted faster broadband, wanted it soon, but many didn’t want to pay much more to achieve it! The DCCI survey revealed that 38.9 per cent of members who responded, currently receive only 1 to 4Mbps [megabits per second] on their broadband connection, while 30.5 per cent have from 5 to 8Mbps. However, 64 per cent sought a connection speed of over 10Mbps- and 86 per cent wanted to achieve that in 2011.

Sara Moseley and Darren Roberts of the Dorset Public Sector Network Procurement project outlined some of their plans at the March meeting of the Digital Dorset Taskforce at Poole. They have been commissioned by all the local authorities and public services in Dorset to pick an internet services provider to serve them all. There was an expectation that the new provider would connect businesses on the back of the local authority coverage. Two companies had been shortlisted, although their identity is not yet being revealed by the DPSN team. Miss Moseley told the Taskforce meeting that the Government was about to distribute £530 million, to support broadband and stimulate further private sector investment, as part of the Broadband Delivery UK initiative. Dorset would bid for some of this “pot.”

A digital hub is being established by Bournemouth University at their Executive Centre in Old Holdenhurst Road, Dr. Philip Alford, told the Taskforce. A number of new applications will be introduced by the new digital hub.

“It is important that we look at improving broadband coverage and speed in South and West Dorset,” comments Michel Hooper-Immins, a member of the Dorset Business Council and until recently Secretary of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce. “Many in Weymouth and Portland are still pinning their hopes on BT and the new fibre cables being laid from Salisbury and Exeter to Portland, but there are other possible options. For example, satellite may be a better solution than wireless- which can be tricky in the hills and valleys of South and West Dorset.”

DCCI members in Bournemouth & Poole will shortly be offered wireless broadband as a trial offer by C4L, a firm based in Westbourne at County Gates. Their idea of wireless broadband, carried between masts in line of sight and placed on customers’ roofs, is a relatively new concept. C4L claims to be able to provide download and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps. The faster the service, the more the customer pays.

Peter Scott, Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry comments: “Despite threats of super high-speed broadband as part of Government’s thinking, we have no alternative than to work on the basis of believing that when we see it. Hence we will be pleased to roll-out this new Chamber initiative with our partner C4L.”

The Dorset Business Council, part of Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry, created the Digital Dorset Taskforce in late 2009 to pursue faster broadband speeds with BT and other suppliers. Led by Dr. Monica Seeley of the Mesmo Consultancy in Bournemouth, the Taskforce includes Mike Wright [Chairman of BHLive Trading subsidiary and a DCCI Director,] Michel Hooper-Immins [Weymouth-based member of the Dorset Business Council,] DCCI Director Ray Bulpit and Bournemouth internet consultant Luke Williams. James Selby Bennett TD of the Country Landowners & Business Association and David Ramsden of the Federation of Small Businesses have recently joined the Taskforce. Louise Harper has been appointed Secretary to the Taskforce.

WD CAMRA Cheque

Two Dorchester good causes- Damers Road First School and the Dorset ME Support Group- have each benefited from West Dorset CAMRA’s share of the profits of the very successful Beer Festival held at the Corn Exchange in February.

Rich Gabe, Bar Manager for the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale [CAMRA,] made the presentations at the Blue Raddle pub in Dorchester. “I think it’s heartening that West Dorset CAMRA have not only raised awareness of good real ale with this super festival, but in the process have raised money for two heartwarming local good causes.”

Debbie Watson received a cheque for £750 for Damers Road First School. They educate children from age 4 to 9. “This money will help us finance the music and dance project we have been planning,” says Debbie Watson.

Dick Patterson, President of the Dorset ME Support Group, received a cheque for £750. “It will go towards paying for a child support worker in the ME clinic at Dorset County Hospital,” says Dick, “for which we have long campaigned.”

Dorchester Round Table will distribute their share of the profits at a later date. Tabler Chris Harris attended the CAMRA presentation at the Blue Raddle and Katie Slade- whose Ladies’ Circle- called Ellipse- organise the varied food at Beerex every year.

The Dorchester Beer Festival is jointly organised by the Round Table and West Dorset CAMRA. Next year’s Dorchester Beerex will be held on Friday and Saturday 4 and 5 February, as usual at the Corn Exchange.

Moreton Tearooms

Moreton Tearooms is a very good place to visit, you can tell that when you drive the half a mile road aproach to the Old School House in Moreton underneath a canopy of trees that eventually opens out onto a very quaint and extrmely Dorset styled 3-way crossroads. The pretty and very inviting building on the left is the Old School House and it’s a joy to enter.

Once inside you can see old pictures of past school classes and read about Lawrene of Arabia in a room that they have dedicated to him.

The menu is also full of information but the food is worth the trip from Dorchester too, make sure that you keep an eye on the Specials Board, you don’t want to miss out on anything!

The tastefully decorated interior gives off  a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and on fine days there is the old school yard, now a well laid out garden to sit in too.

Tables are waited on and the food is of a very high standard, if you want to learn more about them you can visit their website here.