Alwyn Ladell's photostream  

I'm a fourth generation Bournemouth resident writing a history of Westbourne and Bournemouth West. As well as local history, my interests include ecclesiastical, esoteric, botanical, and rural pursuits, especially in and around the Dorset in which my family has lived for over 800 years. My life memberships (which give a clue to my interests) include the Bournemouth and District Civic Society, National Trust, English Heritage, Folly Fellowship, Victorian Society, Ancient Monuments Society, Friends of Friendless Churches, Friends of Winchester Cathedral, Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey, Friends of Glastonbury Abbey, Friends of Christchurch Priory, Friends of Brixworth Church, Friends of the Landmark Trust, Friends of the Bodleian Library, Royal Horticultural Society, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Royal Society of St George, Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, and Dorset County Cricket Club. I am also a member of Bournemouth & District Horticultural Society, Bournemouth Natural Science Society, the Hardy Plant Society, and several other similar organisations.

To assist myself, I decided to use Flickr as an index of local hotels and other buildings because many have undergone confusing name changes over the years. So I am slowly scanning my collection of local postcards, billheads, brochures, guidebooks and ephemera. I am no great photographer and, in snapping the streets in my locality, I am only providing First Aid - in case those better skilled than I don't get there in time to record them. I suspect that most of my photostream will be very dull unless you have an interest in the subject matter so, if you're kind enough to browse, I'd recommend you start from my Collections then click through to a Set that might interest you.

As well as being a conservationist (with a small "c") I am a member of Westbourne Conservative Club (with a big "C"), and support the reduction of state deficit (and of state-intervention in general). However, the zero-rating of tax on materials for new build, whilst it is charged on repair and maintenance, works against restoration with a bias towards demolition. In my books conservation and conservatism are natural partners so I would prefer to see that bias reduced and not exacerbated. I therefore support Wakefield Cathedral's petition:
Save our heritage: say no to VAT on work on listed buildings
In the 2012 budget, the Chancellor proposed removing the zero rating of VAT on alterations to listed buildings. This will add up to 20% extra cost on every listed building that wants to upgrade, and so will threaten the future of our nation's heritage. For Wakefield Cathedral, for example, at an early stage of work in a restoration project of national significance, it is a disaster. It imposes a cost they cannot meet and work will have to end. This is a small-minded change from a Big Society Government and must be stopped. Please help preserve our heritage and sign this HM Government e-petition now.