The Restoration

The Osmington White Horse Restoration Project

An Osmington Society Community Project

This Community Project was born in May 2009. With the approaching Sailing Olympics in Weymouth Bay, when this National Monument will appear prominently in worldwide TV coverage, the Osmington Society joined with an existing working group to initiate a restoration Project. As well as community members and local Councillors it comprised experts from Dorset Rangers Service, the Council’s Historic Environment Service, Dorset AONB Partnership, English Heritage and Natural England. The objective was to restore the monument to its original form.

This project was a significant physical, financial and intellectual challenge due to the steepness of the site, the need to remove an exceptionally large amount of material and the paucity of records regarding the monument’s origins. The White Horse is also in the middle of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which placed significant restrictions on the movement of materials. There was also no obvious source of funding, with Lottery support being unavailable due to the monument being on private land.

After completion of the project we will have a National Monument to be proud of when its image is beamed around the world as a backcloth to the Sailing Olympics in 2012. Furthermore, that precise outline will be preserved for posterity on Ordnance Survey records and the English Heritage National Monuments Record.

#1 | Written by Hugh Hellicar about 3 years ago. Reply

I am very interested in the project, as I lived in Osmington Rectory during most of 1941, when aged 4, my father being the locum Rector, on account of movement of clergy from London. I remember the time well and the table talk about the custom of parishoners going up on the hill to clear the turf from the White Horse; it seemed an annual tradition for several days and picnics were held. This interested me, and I asked to go, but was told that those who went were not churchgoers. My grandmother was against my going on religious grounds. It seems the turfers were part of an alternative culture, and mostly women (but the men were mostly working) It was decided that for me to go would be unfair to the Rector when he returned. I think the expedition was cancelled because of War restrictions.
Would quite like to make up for that now, or pay a visit to the Horse as it was said. More to add if worthwhile, while my memory lasts.
#2 | Written by more here about 10 years ago. Reply

There are actually a lot of people who do love horses, but most of them do not even think about having one is due to the lack of the capital or the area to have one by their side. It is not so easy to have a horse like you have a dog at home.
#3 | Written by Geoff Codd about 14 years ago. Reply

Peter Reynolds’ comments above reminded me that the comprehensive consultation on this project, which had been planned for implementation prior to removal of the limestone scalpings in September, was overtaken by events; namely the abrupt cancellation of funding and the unexpectly rapid offer by the Army/Navy to help in our community project.

As Chairman of the Osmington White Horse Restoration Group I really do appreciate and support Mr Reynolds’ obvious enthusiasm for this restoration project. The Osmington Society initiated this project last year because we also felt a sense of pride in our local, but also important National monument, and we despaired at the way that it was steadily deteriorating.

Whilst writing I must also say that my personal experience of the Local Authority Officers, and those from National Agencies who have been involved in this project with us, is at total variance with Mr Reynolds’ unfortunate experiences. I have met professionalism, a sense of urgency when needed, and an emotional attachment to the objectives of this restoration that is commendable in any sphere. One can only speak as one finds.

I am quite sure that Mr Reynolds is not alone in his admirable concerns about the long term wellbeing of this ancient monument, which I certainly very much welcome and endorse. I think that it might be a good idea if we had somewhere on this website where we could encourage those with similar feelings to register as ‘Friends of the Osmington White Horse’, so that we could encourage the widest possible participation in our way forward on this.

I suspect that our friends in Sutton Poyntz may feel that the name ‘Osmington White Horse’ is unfair bearing in mind its geographical relationship with Sutton Poyntz. However, the monument is officially known nationally as described above, presumably because it falls within the Osmington Parish boundary, and therefore we are where we are. However, that is no reason for us all not to share the enjoyment that comes from being associated with this historic monument.

Geoff Codd. Chairman – The Osmington Society.
- #4 | Written by Peter Reynolds about 14 years ago. Reply
  
  Thanks for understanding my concerns Geoff. I don’t in any way seek to usurp Osmington’s naming of the White Horse (even if it is closer to Sutton Poyntz!). I congratulate all concerned on getting things moving, particularly the Army cadets who are doing the real work.
  
  It would be wrong to name names but but several individuals that are identified in your “Who Is Involved” section have been contacted by me and others repeatedly and then just ignored. I find this very difficult to understand and very frustrating.
  
  Personally I have some “in principle” concerns about just how much taxpayers’ money is spent by DCC on AONB and related projects. So many of these things could be done by volunteers who would be eager to contribute their time. It’s not surprising that those paid to do such work are enthusiastic about it. Who wouldn’t be – getting paid for something many would do for free, particularly in times of “austerity”?
  
  Excellent website. Work progressing this week much more quickly than I expected. Well done to all.
#5 | Written by Teresa Seall about 14 years ago. Reply

After considerable efforts of a team of individuals sponsored by the Osmington Society, who have volunteered their assistance in working up this project, today (26th July) phase one starts! Geoff Codd (Chairman of the Osmington Society) has led a group of us from various backgrounds to look at the archaeological history of the horse, the past works done since its creation and delineation changes in the outline over time.
This website will enable all to have their say and to make their personal comments.
#6 | Written by Peter Reynolds about 14 years ago. Reply

Delighted to see that work is underway but dismayed, yet again, at the lack of communication with local people. I live closer (in Sutton Poyntz) to the White Horse than anyone in Osmington yet I only find out about the work from watching BBC South television news.

Over the last two years I and others from Sutton Poyntz have contacted all the local authorities repeatedly to volunteer and ask to be involved in the restoration. We have been ignored. I think this is about the ludicrously top heavy weight of executives in DCC involved in our local countryside. They hold down highly paid jobs doing work that many iof us would be happy to do in ourspare time. this is exaxctly wht “The Big Society” is supposed tfo be about. It’s clear whereth3 cuts in DCC’s budget need to be made. Do you know how many websites funded by public money there are about this area? DCC has squeezed out any chance of private enterprise getting involved in this. All the publishing, web and other opportunities have been pinched by civil servants who won’t let anyone else get a look in.

I say again, I am delighted to see the work being done but it’s a stitch up by jobsworths and civil servants.

The Osmington White Horse Restoration

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