Anti-racism group invades barge demo

A ‘community picnic’ demo against the barge housing 500 migrants off Portland, featuring placards such as ‘No to the invasion’ was itself invaded – with a second demo against racism.

Dozens of people gathered, along with their children, to voice their protest against 500 men claiming asylum arriving at Portland Port this month, in The Bibby Stockholm barge. Lynne Hubbard, joint chair of Stand Up to Racism Dorset, which covers the west of the county, said: “They made the mistake of having an open mic so we made speeches, too. “Some of their speeches weren’t very nice – one woman talked about the perceived dangers of having Muslim men around when you have women in bikinis on the beach, and children. Really nasty stuff.

“They are trying to gather up people who have legitimate concerns about the barge, who feel they haven’t been consulted, and get them involved in what is essentially a Far Right group called Patriotic Alternative.

“They are trying to sow the seeds of hatred. But generally, people’s attitudes are very good. People aren’t well off in Weymouth and Portland and they are concerned that resources will be stretched. We haven’t heard much from our democratic representatives about the barge. However it shouldn’t be a competition, and we feel that this could be an opportunity to get better healthcare for Portland. They could reopen the hospital’s minor injuries unit, and the Xray facilities, for example. “We have organised a solidarity protest – no to the barge, yes to refugees and we would welcome people to come along to our next event on Tuesday, June 13 at the C2000 Community Hall (behind the library) DT5 1HG.”

Alex Bailey, who launched a petition against the barge which was signed by more than 3,000 people and organised Saturday's community picnic, said: “The family-friendly, static protest, picnic this Saturday gone was an opportunity for the people of Portland to reclaim a voice stolen by the privately-owned port and the Home Office. “They took up this event and voiced their many unanswered concerns about the barge, and know that this is only the beginning. The people of Dorset say no to the barge!” The Bibby Stockholm has been used to house homeless people and asylum seekers in Germany and the Netherlands before being earmarked for Portland.

Portland Port has been holding a series of meetings with councils and community groups to reassure them about security.

Best bib and tucker for fair

Throngs of people stepped back in time in Dorchester on Saturday to celebrate the birthday of Thomas Hardy.

The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair attracted thousands of literary lovers and history buffs, many wearing Victorian attire, for its third year celebrating the life and times of the novelist and poet, who was born in 1840 in Higher Bockhampton. With Penny Farthing displays, live history from ‘The Ragged Victorians’, a Punch and Judy Show, craft demonstrations and Morris Dancing plus a Victorian pop-up market and age-old traction engines, all things Victorian, (except the smallpox), was celebrated.

Unsung heroes thanked

Three unsung Weymouth heroes have been honoured with community awards by the town’s mayor.

Outgoing mayor Ann Weaving presented the award winners with certificates at this year’s community expo event.

Natalie Lawrence was honoured for supporting parents in the Park District and surrounding areas. A town council spokesperson said Natalie “has helped children in poverty with events where families could get free coats and books for their children”. Natalie is also the first woman to win the Ironman.

The Help for Homeless group also won an award for supporting homeless people in the community.

Gillian Paterson, who has been part of the Littlemoor

Community Action Group for 35 years, also won an award.

Gillian is involved in various groups and organisations as chairman of the Littlemoor Community Action Group and has been described by her colleagues as a “loyal and reliable person to the community”.

Derek Davey was also recognised for rescuing sea and water birds for years. He nurses them back to health, paying for food and medicine himself, before releasing them back into the wild.

The other award winner was James Irvine, who delivers free lifesaving courses in the community on how to save babies, children, adults and defibrillator training.

Cllr Weaving congratulated the winners for all their hard work.