West Lulworth

a Registered One-Place Study and part of the Dorset OPC network

News - 2002

Bournemouth Daily Echo - Thursday 5 December 2002

Theft puts coastguards out of action

A COASTGUARD team has been put out of action after thieves stole vital life-saving equipment. Radios, flares and rock-climbing equipment were stolen from the West Lulworth station.

The store - which is near the heritage centre and the main Lulworth Cove car park - was entered sometime between 4.30pm on Tuesday and 8.40am yesterday, when burglars gained entry by forcing a front door.

Weymouth Coastguard section manager, Dick Egan, said: "The Lulworth team is temporarily out of action because of the theft of this vital equipment.

"We are taking steps to replace the stolen items. Until then other emergency teams will be covering the Lulworth area from further along the coast.

"We have had serious incidents this year where the Lulworth team were vital in the rescue of seriously injured casualties. It is possible that were we to have similar incidents, lives might be lost because of delays in our response," Mr Egan added.

Police Constable Ray Cooke of Wareham police said: "Around 3am suspicious noises were heard near the station and a dark saloon car was also seen near the coastguard station.

"A lot of equipment was stolen, leaving the local coastguards unable to respond to any life-threatening emergency. I am appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to contact me urgently," the officer added.

Property stolen during the raid included:

Witnesses and anyone with information should ring Wareham police on (01929) 552222 and leave a message for PC Ray Cooke, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.


Bournemouth Daily Echo - Friday 4 October 2002

Crowds flock to see Prince Charles

A CROWD of over 400 people gathered at Lulworth Cove to watch Prince Charles unveil a plaque celebrating the area's World Heritage Site status.

The Prince of Wales arrived by helicopter after an aerial tour of the Jurassic coastline with Professor Denys Brunsden, chairman of Dorset Coast Forum.

Children from West Lulworth First School greeted the Prince and pupils Jake Monier-Williams and Rebecca James, both aged seven, helped unveil a plaque commemorating 185 million years of history.

Headteacher Estelle Smith said: "This is exciting for us - I live here and I think we should make the best of this beautiful place."

The Prince was welcomed by Wilfrid and Sally Weld, owners of Lulworth estate, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Fulford-Dobson, chairman of Dorset County Council John Peake, MP Jim Knight and other VIPs.He chatted with the crowds before attending an official reception at Lulworth Castle where over 200 experts involved in the bid had gathered, including geologists and fossil collectors.

During a short speech Professor Brunsden described the seven-year project as the end of his lifetime's work, and said: "This coast is judged by the highest authority to be of universal value - it could not be more highly designated."

The Prince of Wales said: "Flying by helicopter with Professor Brunsden was very special for me. It reminded me of how beautiful this coast is, and also of how many hours I spent in the '70s when I was in the Royal Navy trying not to run into it in a variety of different vessels." He also said: "I want to congratulate everyone who had both the vision and the energy to make a convincing case for listing this coastline.

"It now sits alongside other natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon, that our generation has a special duty to look after."

A framed certificate commemorating the World Heritage Site status was presented by David Stanton of UNESCO to Tim Render, from the Government Office for the South West.

Prince Charles was dubbed Prince Charming yesterday by a family who invited him to browse round their Cerne Abbas home.

Paula and Geoff Smith were full of praise for their Royal visitor after he toured their home and chatted with their children, six-year-old Amy and four-year-old Hannah. The couple said they would have had to move out of the village if they had not been able to rent one of six new Hastoe homes built especially for local people, a scheme admired by Prince Charles.

Paula, of Simsay Fields, said: "He was so charming and easy to talk to - a really lovely man. He made us feel very relaxed and I wasn't nervous at all talking to him."

After unveiling a commemorative plaque outside the homes, Prince Charles then had a chance to examine the architecture of Cerne Abbas' more historic buildings as he walked through the village and into the Abbey. He was cheered every step of the way by the 56 pupils of Cerne Abbas first school, who chanted "We want Prince Charles" and waved Union Jack flags.


Bournemouth Daily Echo - Friday 4 October 2002

Royal waves on our heritage coastline

"THIS is the day that we come down off cloud nine and realise the fantastic opportunities there are for the Dorset coast," announced chairman of Dorset County Council John Peake as he invited Prince Charles to unveil the special world heritage plaque at Lulworth Cove.

Mr Peake added: "It's going to start so many things off and I can't tell you how excited I am."

Just minutes before, the Prince of Wales' helicopter landed on the field next to the world-famous cove.

He was met by dignitaries including Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson and hosts for the afternoon, Wilfrid and Sally Weld of the Lulworth Estates.

The Prince arrived a few minutes late as he had been enjoying a bird's eye view of the Jurassic Coast from his helicopter with a running commentary provided by Professor Denys Brunsden, chairman of the Dorset Coast Forum and a key figure in preparing the World Heritage bid.

The Prince unveiled the plaque on the hill overlooking the cove with the help of Rebecca James and Jake Monier-Williams, both seven, of West Lulworth First School.

"I've never met a prince before, it was exciting," beamed Rebecca.

The plaque celebrates Dorset's achievement as a World Heritage site and describes how the coast offers a fascinating glimpse into the planet's ancient past, with a complete record through almost 200 million years of earth history.

The Prince looked relaxed and happy in the afternoon sunshine and he strolled down the hill chatting to crowds before being driven to Lulworth Castle.

Onlookers included West Lulworth resident Roberta Ward, 33, and her children Harriet, two and Ellie, three.

Mrs Ward said: "He's a good representative for the country and I admire what he does for good causes."

The Prince chatted with pupils from West Lulworth First School and to the headteacher, Estelle Smith. She said: "I told him about the school and village life and then he told me: 'Make sure they don't shut you down.'"

About 200 guests gathered at Lulworth Castle where Tim Render from the Government Office of the South West representing the British Government received a World Heritage site award for Dorset from David Stanton representing the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Professor Denys Brunsden told the Prince: "I wish to thank you for being with us. It's a great thrill for me because it represents the end of a lifetime's work."

He later paid tribute to the late Michael House who died recently and had contributed a great deal to the bid.


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