E-petition addresses threat to church architecture by proposed VAT reforms

The Cranborne Chase in which I live contains an unrivalled aggregation of churches of great historic importance. Of the 106 Listed Buildings graded as Grade II* that are found within the area, a large number of them are churches with Early Medieval and Saxon fabric.  The changes to VAT will have a detrimental impact on all historic churches in England.

The petition urges the Chancellor to reconsider the extension of the standard rate of VAT (currently zero rated) to alternations to listed places of worship. The recent budget made things more difficult. Please have a look at the e-petition that is before government at the moment. You can find it at: 

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32229

You can also  respond directly to the consultation, which is open until 18 May, 

  http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/vat-con-4801.pdf

New guide for Neighbourhood Planning choices released

The Localism Network has produced a new guide entitled ‘Planning and Localism: Choices and Choosing’. It is about how communities, authorities and others can make the most appropriate choice of approach rather than feeling they must commit to a formal Neighbourhood Plan because that is seen to be the only way to proceed.

To view the publication, please visit  the Localism Website 

http://www.localismnetwork.org.uk/Localismnetwork.org.uk/Localism_Network_files/CPRE%201hyperlinked.pdf

Presenting at The Priest’s House Museum, Archaeological Day School 2012 Sat 19th May

I will be giving a presentation on the Medieval Cranborne Chase at this day school which is entitled ‘A Celebration of Archaeological Work and Study in East Dorset’ and features presentations by Martin Green on the archaeology of Cranborne Chase, Verwood Potteries, and Saxon Wimborne.

http://www.priest-house.co.uk/

Medieval Cranborne Chase display showcased at Salisbury Jubilee Event

There are two weeks to go until communities from across Wiltshire showcase their areas at the fun-packed Diamond Jubilee celebration event on May 1. The medieval-themed event will take place at Salisbury's Cathedral Close from 10am to 5.30 pm because of the city's links to the Magna Carta. All Wiltshire's community areas will be represented with a tent packed with activities and artefacts.

I will be attending along with the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB team to answer questions on the Medieval Cranborne Chase and to showcase the exhibition boards i wrote and produced on the Medieval Chase.