Letters

50 The West Dorset Magazine, September 23, 2022 Letters Electric and gas prices track each other

Regarding Chris Loder MP’s article ‘If energy is renewable, why hike price?’ he wrote: “I do not understand how they need to increase their price if it genuinely is renewable.” My understanding of this is that when the energy providers were taken out of public ownership and sold to private companies in the 1980s the government set it so that if one utility, for the sake of argument gas, rose in price then electricity would track it. I think this explains what is presently happening, despite there having been a huge increase in the generation of renewable electricity. If I have misunderstood this I hope someone more knowledgeable than me and the MP will explain. Deborah Batten Maiden Newton

SW Dorset Local Exchange Trading System (LETS), based in Bridport, is finally closing after more than 25 years Sadly, SW Dorset LETS – (Local Exchange Trading System) - a community of local people who have been sharing skills and services over more than 25 years, using their local currency (Nets) as payment to each other, has finally been brought to a close. It has been a wonderful era – many friends made, so much assistance given to each other, shared events and a lot of fun. However, time moves on and our community has found other ways to help each other –Bridport has boundless ways to work together, as we all know. However, all is not lost! Many ‘exmembers’ are still keen to carry on, and there has been an arrangement made with South Dorset LETS, based in Dorchester, which started at roughly the same time as the group in Bridport and which is still going strong. They have very kindly agreed to take on any Bridport people who would like to join their group. Many of our members have done just that. This means we still have members here in Bridport who wish to continue to ‘trade’ in this way – they will be local to each other and have an extended membership to enjoy. The Dorchester-based team will do all the administration electronically. If anyone is keen to be put in touch with South Dorset LETS, please contact them at www.dorchesterlets.co.uk Anne Rickard Bridport

My small tribute to a Lady of extraordinary measure who went above and beyond the demands of an almost impossible role. My humble respects and admiration Ma’am. John Seymour Gone.

The stood in disbelief at what they now could witness there, They knew but could not yet accept the fact so raw and bare, Since laid before them was the truth of all so recent seen, Now for the first time understood – this was their dearest Queen.

For much had been the showing of events which bore the shock, And years of presence long relied when she had been the rock Upon which this fair realm and wide had stood in steadfast place, And she the constant which throughout had known no other face.

And though the thronging multitudes filed by it was still wholly strange A surreal sight that there within she lay, which none can change, The thought that never more will she be here amongst us all, Was only slowly realised there in that silent hall.

Outside along the riverside the people came to voice, Their gratitude and last farewells for which they felt no choice But to attend this resting place to show respects and pause For just a brief and sombre chance to join this solemn cause.

From every corner and beyond they gathered queue on queue,

Long lines of those compelled to mark the love which she was due, And welling sadness tinged with pride of all for us she stood, Peerless example of her vow lived as she said she would.

Then so as days slipped by we came to closure of so much, The pageantry and grandeur hid the truth that follows such magnificence. A funeral is grief and loss here seen, As there we knew the passing of our most beloved … Queen.