Democracy is a frustrating form of governance. Something seems so obvious, so simple, so sensible, then you have a committee meeting, a Parochial Church Council, for example......

Should we now look back on this and say that Colonel Drew made a terrible blunder? Should we say do the hierarchy not realise the position of a small parish, did they not run such a parish themselves on their way up?
That each side misunderstood the position of the other is obvious. Why should Colonel Drew shoulder all the blame for a collective decision arrived at by a group of people?
That he was held responsible is apparent from the icey tone of Canon Dale's letter in reply - note it starts "Dear Sir" not "Dear Colonel Drew"

So is the Devil about to win? When all is lost and darkness abounds, when help from the Lord is needed the most, it is given

and believe it or not - that is it. End of story. The West Parley Parochial Church Council must have accepted that half was the best they were going to get, maybe Colonel Drew shouted at them, who knows,

OK, if you like go on to page 8. Over there you will find some correspondence dealing with the signing of transfers/conveyance and one saying it is in order to erect a fence, so something changed their minds regarding the fees.
Indeed, fencing the plot is a requirement, apart from being sensible, oh! I forgot, a fence in the middle of heathland? Anyway Christmas 2006 is nigh upon us and minds must bend to more seasonal matters.
The story is far from over but the land has now been secured. To see what happens next come back about February, as there is much delving and reading to be done before the story can appear on here.
Compliments of the season to you all

Go to Page 8

Go to Page 9

Go to : 6 : 5 : 4 : 3 : 2 : 1

Footnote : For those of you that are reading this far from West Parley and may not be aware of the area as it is today, perhaps the following may be of help
Bournemouth has grown as anticipated to become a conurbation consisting of Bournemouth-Poole-Christchurch along the coast and northwards to encompass Wimborne and Ferndown with a total population in excess of 300,000 people.
St Marks is surrounded by very attractive housing, in its immediate vicinity bungalows, built in the late 1930's, with a conservative market value of at least £200,000 (euros 300,000 US$380,000).
The West Parley area still has a 'local' feel to it and the congregation is very partisan in the support of the Parish of West Parley despite the fact you can't "see the join" between West Parley and Ferndown, the larger town to its north
The original parish church of All Saints still stands and is used every Sunday, and it has become a "listed building" meaning its historical importance is recognised and no alterations can be made to alter its form or character.
fortunately there has been very little development in the vicinity of All Saints (die hard locals may disagree) and it retains is atmosphere of "old England" in its churchyard and interior, but this you can see on our web site linkAll Saints