Responses to TrustNews - TrustNews Dec 2002
Dear Editor,
Just a note of appreciation in response to your recent copy of TrustNews.
I was impressed by the range & detail of the coverage, the calibre and clarity of the content and the quality of its readability.
It was heartening to hear of so many effective interventions in matters vital to the protection of the city and the way future plans are being so rigorously monitored.
Challenges based on design, density and detriment to the character of the neighbourhood reflect the importance given to these qualities in the Govemment's guidance in PPG3 on housing.
The concern about the proliferation of 'phone masts needs to include both the city and its adjoining countryside. Some of the city's magnificent views are becoming blighted by ugly masts in prominent positions towering above the trees. Tenant farmers are especially vulnerable to having these imposed on them.I value the more frequent update on events and current issues and endorse the importance of displaying Roger Brown's model.
Finally, could the letter reminding members to renew subscriptions include the Gift Aid form? The Standing Order Mandate could include this too. I normally sign "in perpetuity" which reduces effort and increases income. Yours etc.
CHRIS SLATTERY
Dear Sir,
Having joined the WPT (as it was then) as a life member about 17 years ago, I am becoming increasingly concerned about its visibility both to the population of Winchester & tourists to our area. 0ver the last few years, CWT has become almost exclusively just a pressure group over planning issues, & I feel that the Trust should have a much broader appeal. It does not appear to be visible to the public at large, it does not advertise or promote itself to either the residents or visitors, & 1 have yet to see any leaflets about it either in the Tourist Office or at Mottisfont Court. We should not be complacent about the number of members we have but be constantly striving to increase people's awareness of CWT and its relevance to the city of Winchester & the surrounding areas.
Several years ago, a group of us went to Poundbury and Blandford Forum for the day. At Blandford, we were hosted by the Blandford & District Civic Society. They gave us copies of their Newsletter and leaflet with which I was very impressed.. To the best of my knowledge CWT produces nothing similar to their leaflet and our Newsletter is much more limited than theirs - actually our Newsletter is becoming less and less interesting & the latest one is really rather pathetic! Whilst the inclusion of the Trust's memorandum of Association & code of conduct help members to understand its role of pressure group over planning issues, I feel that people can make better informed decisions about Winchester's architectural & density future if they are encouraged to know more about its varied & splendid past.
On another subject, however, I have much enjoyed the Summer Walks since they began a few years ago, but I wonder if the starting time is as convenient as it could be.
Starting at 6.30 means that anyone who works has little chance of getting home, changing and having a meal before the walk. Would it be possible next year to change the starting time to 7.00 pm?
The walks are an excellent way of learning about different aspects of Winchester, and I feel the slightly later time might enable more people to join them.
Yours etc.
JULIA SANDISON
The Trust would like to hear from members interested in joining future walks if the later starting time would be more convenient for them. Please send your views to the Editor at the Heritage Centre.