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July 2021 July 2021
THE SERPENTINE LIDO Waterloo. We are sympathetic to this as a temporary measure whilst the rail
industry recovers after what has been a period of turbulence in unprecedented
times, however we do not consider it to be appropriate or acceptable in the
It was with a wonderful feeling longer term. This summer we are anticipating higher than usual levels of tourism in
of boyish excitement that I Dorset as the government promotes and encourages holidaying in the UK this
parked our car in West year. We are concerned that the reduced rail service will mean that more tourists
Carriage Road and we took will resort to travelling to Dorset by car, something that does not match with the
the short walk through the car national commitment to reducing traffic in both the Dorset Council area and
park and the path beside the across the country. As a matter of urgency, we would ask you to reconsider the
Princess Diana Memorial current plans and to reinstate the two trains per hour as soon as possible
Fountain to the Lido.

The early morning sun was just Boundary Review
beginning to peep through a
grey overcast sky as we caught T h e B o u n d a r y
our first glimpse of the lido. Commission for England
Hyde Park was beginning to has recently published its
wake from its slumber as we initial proposals for new
were met by a number of joggers out for their early morning exercise. “Morning, c o n s t i t u e n c y
looks like being a nice day” one lady passed giving a friendly wave. b o u n d a r i e s . T h e
proposals and maps for
As we approached, the lido cafe staff was beginning to put out the tables and the nine English regions
chairs for its patrons to dine al fresco during the day and there were a number of have been published on
people stood chatting near the swimming pontoons. Around half a dozen their website today. The
swimmers were already in the water ploughing up and down. ei gh t-we ek publi c
I had been invited by Brian Thomas, secretary to the Serpentine Swimming Club to consultation period has
come along to its Saturday morning handicap race and to meet the club commenced. This will be
members. Founded in 1864, it is open all year round with the Royal Parks allowing the first time the public
members exclusive access from 6am. until 9.30am.each morning. Though will get a chance to see what their new constituencies might look like and give
Brighton Swimming Club was formed in 1860, the Serpentine claims to be the the Commission their views on the proposals.
oldest continuous swimming club in existence as it ran through both world wars. It For the 2023 Review, the Commission is promoting use of a specifically-designed
has also been long time affiliated to the ASA which Brian tells me was originally consultation website as the primary tool for displaying our proposals, and
brought about to satisfy the club’s amateur status in a time when there were a lot receiving comments on them. This is available at www.bcereviews.org.uk. If you
of professional swimmers. have any queries please contact the Commission team on 020 7276 1102, or
I had visited the lido in 2007 with Dave Pratten in our quest to swim a mile in every information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk
UK lido. We both loved this place with its tranquil setting within a bustling city.
What most country dwellers like us do not realise is that London has so many Surgery
wonderful green open spaces where people can come, chill out and enjoy.
Hyde Park and the Serpentine are just fantastic places to while away a few hours We are not holding face to face meetings for the moment. However, we would
of idle pleasure! be more than delighted to talk to you on the telephone or via Zoom. Please ring
or email us with the subject matter so that we can prepare ourselves. Peter’s
The last time I was here was a year ago during the Olympics where I had a email address is peterwharf@hotmail.com telephone 07986 600799 and Laura’s is
grandstand seat to watch a fantastic men’s 10 kilometre open water race. The cllrlaura.miller@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk telephone 07814 569563.
organisation then was amazing and of course, our athletes were at their brilliant
best. We seemed to have shrugged off the mantle of gallant loser and become a Peter Wharf & Laura Miller, Dorset Councillors for West Purbeck
nation of winners! Most of all, we showed that we were able to put on a huge

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