It is with deep sadness and regret that, despite our great efforts and hard work over the past two years, we find ourselves with no option but to end our tenancy and call last orders at the Old Thatch. We have, without doubt, turned the business around and have hopefully provided you all with some good experiences and happy memories; we certainly have many fond memories to take with us.

We have approached our landlords, Enterprise Inns to ask for some help and assistance, despite us increasing their beer sales by 160% throughout a recession, but have met with a brick wall. To quote the Area Manager, Rob Lowe, “We don’t have to help you!” - A very great shame considering how we have helped Enterprise to profit from our hard work and your loyalty, without any assistance, promised or otherwise.

They had promised us that when we took over the pub, they would renew the well worn thatched roof and do other works but these obviously never happened and unfortunately, due to the impending threat of the traveller/gypsy site at Uddens Woods, we chose not to invest any further in the development of the pub and gardens, as this would have been money down the drain if the site went ahead. This truly hurt us as we took on the pub four months before this threat came to light.

Over the past two years, we have made some very good friends and have really enjoyed sharing the good times, and some bad times, with you. Your support and friendship have played a huge part in our journey and we value each and every one of you. Following Marks horrific car crash earlier this year, your caring and kindness was truly humbling and we cannot thank you enough.

Going forward, a new tenant has been found by Enterprise whom we know. We hope you will show the same support towards them as you so kindly did towards us. We will do our utmost to ensure that the transition is a smooth one, with very little disruption to the running and level of service that you have come to expect of the Old Thatch. 

Throughout all of these times, our staff have shone through like the true stars that they really are and we cannot begin to thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do - they are the heart of the pub and without them, there would be no Old Thatch – they will be sorely missed by us!.

We hope you will remember us with a smile and that you will continue to show your support for the Old Thatch – it’s a very special pub, filled with some very special and much loved people and we are truly honoured to have met you! We hope to return one day soon.

“Time Ladies & Gentleman please!!”

Mark, Helen, Rob and of course, Milo!!

Dorset Countryside contractors are working on the Stapehill old railway line this afternoon to lay the pile of scalpings in the muddiest parts.
It is only a another temporary fix (the scalpings were free of charge) until funding is made available to properly surface it and include it as an official section of the Castleman Trailway. 
It is hoped that the Dorset Urban Wild link project will include this work.

Apparently we have made the front page of this weeks Advertiser which is great!
Unfortunately the headline used, does not reflect the aims or ethos of the Friends.
Our "battle" is with ANYONE wanting to develop the woodland for ANY purpose that is to the detriment of the local community, wildlife and users of the Castleman Trailway.  It happens that the current threat is a proposed travellers transit site, but there is also the risk of gravel extraction and in the past it was a planned incinerator.
Come to the public meeting on the 28th for an update from the council and our group!

Have you seen the Daily Echo today?
Large feature on page 4.
Great stuff!

Read it here -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10485115.Residents_gear_up_for_fight_against_traveller_site/

After the success of the work parties as a means of getting to know each other as well as of course the practical results, the benefits of a public get together / meeting are evident.

We have been lucky enough to get 4 really key speakers to come along and update us on the proposed Gypsy & Traveller Site project, the possible gravel extraction plans and the wildlife in the woodlands. 

We have -
Councillor Janet Dover (County Councillor for Colehill & Stapehill) will give a councillor’s view on the Gypsy & Traveller Transit Site proposals and the possible gravel extraction plans.

Mr David Ayre (Head of Countryside and Business Development for Dorset County Council) will give a progress report on the Gypsy and Traveller Site Plan for Dorset

Mr Andrew Norris (Forestry Commission) will give a presentation on the wildlife in the woodland.

Plus static displays from Dorset Dogs, Urban Heaths Partnership and ourselves.

It also be a great opportunity to sign up as a "Friend" of the woodlands.

Have you got a good location you can display a poster for us?  Print here or get in touch and we can arrange A4 or A3 laminated ones.

The planned work party on Saturday 22nd June has been postponed until a later date as the late spring has meant that the Himalayan Balsam will not be big enough to pull out effectively.
We are monitoring the situation with the Forestry Commission and will set a new date soon.