We were recently attacked in the 'View From Dorchester' newspaper by having our flag on sale and marketing it as 'official'. Of course, this is complete nonsense.
Our flag is on sale, but we market it as a contender. It has been on sale for quite some time now, other vendors now sell it. As far as I'm aware, none of them market it as official and if they do, I will certainly be having words with them. Also, people seem to be concerned that our flag is on sale - they fail to realise that the Dorset Cross predates this competition and has every right to be.
Chris and myself have complained to 'View From...' who have apologised and the editor, Philip Evans has promised to issue a full apology in next weeks edition.
Officialdom. Registering a flag at the Flag Institute does not make a flag official. The Flag Institute is a registry and not the College of Arms, which is the only body which can award officialdom to any symbol. They work at the request of the Queen and I'm fairly sure she's not going to order a flag for Dorset anytime soon.
What we will have in Dorset, is a publically elected flag(which the council will presumably endorse) that will serve as de facto flag. I understand this better than most, so would never be so arrogant as to market our flag as official.
Results of Competition
I'm reliably informed that the results of the vote will be known somewhen during the week after voting ends(12th Sept), thus superceding the terms and conditions stating it would be 24 hours later.
Friday, 22 August 2008
Saturday, 16 August 2008
From Poole or Bournemouth Borough? Read On....
It has come to our attention, that due to the two unitary authorities not being 'interested' at this time with regards to a Dorset flag - NONE of the libraries in those areas will be carrying voting forms or drop boxes.
It is hoped that the Daily Echo may run the story with voting slips printed in their pages.
The two unitary authorities seem to forget that we all live in the geographical county of Dorset - this is not a political thing, it is a symbol for all the county and they are within it. As are the people.
This separatist attitude is frankly ridiculous. Give the people the chance to make their views known!
If you are in these affected areas - the best thing you can do is email dorset@flaginstitute.org with you choice of design (A, B, C or D), name and full address with postcode.
You can also download the voting form and send it to county hall from here:
http://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/dorset_voting_form.pdf
Bournemouth and Poole - we need you votes!
It is hoped that the Daily Echo may run the story with voting slips printed in their pages.
The two unitary authorities seem to forget that we all live in the geographical county of Dorset - this is not a political thing, it is a symbol for all the county and they are within it. As are the people.
This separatist attitude is frankly ridiculous. Give the people the chance to make their views known!
If you are in these affected areas - the best thing you can do is email dorset@flaginstitute.org with you choice of design (A, B, C or D), name and full address with postcode.
You can also download the voting form and send it to county hall from here:
http://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/dorset_voting_form.pdf
Bournemouth and Poole - we need you votes!
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
At last, voting starts....
I've been monitoring the DorsetForYou website for weeks now looking for a PR release that says voting has started.....and this morning.....
"11/08/08: Have your say on the design for a Dorset flag
"11/08/08: Have your say on the design for a Dorset flag
People across Dorset can now vote for their preferred design for a flag to represent the county and its people.
Creative local people sent in a range of design ideas for a flag after an appeal through local newspapers by Dorset County Council chairman John Peake.
A panel chaired by Graham Bartram from the Flag Institute chose a shortlist of four designs from a total of 29 - now the choice is in the hands of local people.
Posters featuring the four designs are on show at the county's libraries and are also posted on the Flag Institute website.
You can also pick up a voting slip at your local Dorset library, download one from the website or just send your choice and contact details in on a postcard to Flag Institute.
Alternatively you can e-mail your choice of A, B, C or D to Dorset@flaginstitute.org, including your name, address and phone number.
Graham Bartram, Chief Vexillologist (flag expert), said: "We were impressed by the range of designs sent in and feel we now have a strong shortlist for the voters to choose from.
"It's important that as many people as possible send in their vote so that the flag which eventually represents Dorset is truly chosen by the people of the county."
Voting closes on Friday 12 September."
Well, I have to say I'm feeling a bit more relieved now that it's started. I've been madly advising everyone to vote. Seems to have taken a lifetime to get here(in fact, DCC announced the comp on the 23rd April - so near four months). Voting ends in precisely one month.This comes at a time when our flag has been sold in the hundreds, is being sold by several different traders on Ebay and Amazon and now appears in sticker, flag, badge, card and clock form. It is the most recognisable Dorset flag in the county, despite not being official. So if a vote swings against it - what does that then mean? It's not going to simply go away.....unlike the other designs that are just designs on paper!
Anyway - vote for design B, send an email to dorset@flaginstitute.org with your name, (Dorset) address and phone number.
Monday, 11 August 2008
EIID official programme....
The Endorse It In Dorset festival took place this weekend(8th-10th) with major acts from all over England and especially Dorset. I didn't quite manage to survive, having been completely and utterly washed out thanks to Devon rain on Saturday! I'm obviously far to used to creature comforts....
Chris Brown and Mell Gudger did various DJ sets and stayed for the whole weekend.
I caught splendid performances from Dorset's own 'Kings of Cowpunk' Pronghorn and Who's Afear'd, both fierce supporters of the Dorset Cross.
The flag itself was on sale and it was great seeing people flaunting it around the site. My only gripe was the cheeky b*stard flag seller who had up the Armorial Banner of DCC and had the audacity to call it the 'REAL Dorset flag'. I set Chris on him Sunday....
I'm sure Chris will do a better report, but I thought I'd get this one up quickly and show the excellent official programme!
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Town Crier Travails!
16.7.08
We have some heartwarming support for our wonderful flag which is worth recounting for you readers of this site!
I was honored to be accompanied by my colleague Mellvin Gudger on a number of events recently which illustrate the support the Dorset Cross is gaining and confirming it as a recognisable symbol of the county.
Firstly we travelled to the infamous 100 CLUB in London’s Oxford Street (one of the birthing pools of punk) to DJ and entertain the crowd. I was very honoured to introduce “Swill” from the magnificent 80’s post punk band who stormed many a stage “The Men They Couldn't Hang” Swill immediately recognised the Dorset Cross badge I was wearing and told me he always thought Dorset was full of bright buggers so they need a "f*** off you sods bright flag". A magical moment!
Secondly Mr Gudger and I were on duty in Ringwood (yes, over the border) to assist the Mayor (a lovely chap which is why we travelled) at his Ringwood Festival. We chatted to many folk and did our town crying thing and were heartened to talk to the veterans at The Royal British Legion stall who all asked about the badge and were very pleased to hear of the direct acknowledgement of the Dorset Regiment in its predominant and founding colours. Many people commented on our badges and said they had heard all about it, a few people asking what is Hampshire's flag? And commenting that it cant be as memorable as Dorset’s flag! (Anyone interested : Flag of Hampshire)
Thirdly we visited the quintessential village Fete at Gussage All Saints and were honoured at being given a table to publicise the Dorset Cross. This is a fantastic fete with no commercial interference and all for the complete good of the village set in the gardens of a most lovely house. Our reception and the interest generated was fantastic and we sold many flags and garnered much support. We even sold some flags to the Countess of Shaftesbury who pledged her support of the non commercial and charitable aims of the sales of the flag.
I think for many, our flag represents something cheerful, something bright and warm that reminds us of our beloved Dorset and of course as above, it is fighting the power (despite their 'good' aims). It is simply 'the bright light that is Dorset'!
It's brilliant that now people know what it is from all places.
Chris Brown
We have some heartwarming support for our wonderful flag which is worth recounting for you readers of this site!
I was honored to be accompanied by my colleague Mellvin Gudger on a number of events recently which illustrate the support the Dorset Cross is gaining and confirming it as a recognisable symbol of the county.
Firstly we travelled to the infamous 100 CLUB in London’s Oxford Street (one of the birthing pools of punk) to DJ and entertain the crowd. I was very honoured to introduce “Swill” from the magnificent 80’s post punk band who stormed many a stage “The Men They Couldn't Hang” Swill immediately recognised the Dorset Cross badge I was wearing and told me he always thought Dorset was full of bright buggers so they need a "f*** off you sods bright flag". A magical moment!
Secondly Mr Gudger and I were on duty in Ringwood (yes, over the border) to assist the Mayor (a lovely chap which is why we travelled) at his Ringwood Festival. We chatted to many folk and did our town crying thing and were heartened to talk to the veterans at The Royal British Legion stall who all asked about the badge and were very pleased to hear of the direct acknowledgement of the Dorset Regiment in its predominant and founding colours. Many people commented on our badges and said they had heard all about it, a few people asking what is Hampshire's flag? And commenting that it cant be as memorable as Dorset’s flag! (Anyone interested : Flag of Hampshire)
Thirdly we visited the quintessential village Fete at Gussage All Saints and were honoured at being given a table to publicise the Dorset Cross. This is a fantastic fete with no commercial interference and all for the complete good of the village set in the gardens of a most lovely house. Our reception and the interest generated was fantastic and we sold many flags and garnered much support. We even sold some flags to the Countess of Shaftesbury who pledged her support of the non commercial and charitable aims of the sales of the flag.
I think for many, our flag represents something cheerful, something bright and warm that reminds us of our beloved Dorset and of course as above, it is fighting the power (despite their 'good' aims). It is simply 'the bright light that is Dorset'!
It's brilliant that now people know what it is from all places.
Chris Brown
Friday, 18 July 2008
Dorset Cross in the final running....!
John Newth, editor of 'Dorset Life', writes:
It was in October 2006 that I wrote an article in 'Dorset Life', pressing for a flag for Dorset. I intended to do something practical about it but the time-consuming routine of producing a monthly magazine meant that it stayed on the back burner. The County Council was also dragging its feet.
So I was delighted when Dave White produced and promoted a suggested design. It has been generally well received, which is both a tribute to Dave's design and evidence of the need for a county flag. The drawback is that it has not really gone through any sort of county-wide democratic process: obviously it is desirable for as many people as possible to express an opinion.
What is an 'official' county flag? There is no definition in law, but the Flag Institute (an independent body which advises the government - and countries throughout the world - on flags) is keeping a National Registry of County Flags.
No-one (including the County Council) wants the County Council to impose a flag on the people of Dorset, but it took the initiative of inviting designs from anyone in the county via the press. 29 were received.
The County Council then set up a panel to choose a shortlist of four. On the panel were the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the editors of the 'Dorset Echo' and 'Dorset Life' and two representatives from Dorset's youth parliament. It was chaired by the Chief Vexillologist (flag expert) from the Flag Institute. If you think that the composition of the panel was not perfect, remember that they were only making a shortlist and not a final decision. It is reasonable to assume that the County Council will endorse the chosen design and that it will be flown on all public buildings in the county, but no member or officer of the County Council had any influence whatsoever on the shortlist decision.
The panel chose four designs, one of which was Dave White's. Voting, which will start in early August and go on to mid-September, can be done via the 'Dorset Echo', 'Daily Echo', 'Dorset Life' or the County Council website (although the County Council will not be involved in counting votes) or by email to the Flag Institute. Voting slips will also be distributed widely via libraries, school, parish councils etc and at the County Show. There will be precautions against multiple voting.
The aim is to arrive at a single county flag on which as many people in the county as possible have had a chance to vote: a flag of which we can all be proud.
It was in October 2006 that I wrote an article in 'Dorset Life', pressing for a flag for Dorset. I intended to do something practical about it but the time-consuming routine of producing a monthly magazine meant that it stayed on the back burner. The County Council was also dragging its feet.
So I was delighted when Dave White produced and promoted a suggested design. It has been generally well received, which is both a tribute to Dave's design and evidence of the need for a county flag. The drawback is that it has not really gone through any sort of county-wide democratic process: obviously it is desirable for as many people as possible to express an opinion.
What is an 'official' county flag? There is no definition in law, but the Flag Institute (an independent body which advises the government - and countries throughout the world - on flags) is keeping a National Registry of County Flags.
No-one (including the County Council) wants the County Council to impose a flag on the people of Dorset, but it took the initiative of inviting designs from anyone in the county via the press. 29 were received.
The County Council then set up a panel to choose a shortlist of four. On the panel were the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the editors of the 'Dorset Echo' and 'Dorset Life' and two representatives from Dorset's youth parliament. It was chaired by the Chief Vexillologist (flag expert) from the Flag Institute. If you think that the composition of the panel was not perfect, remember that they were only making a shortlist and not a final decision. It is reasonable to assume that the County Council will endorse the chosen design and that it will be flown on all public buildings in the county, but no member or officer of the County Council had any influence whatsoever on the shortlist decision.
The panel chose four designs, one of which was Dave White's. Voting, which will start in early August and go on to mid-September, can be done via the 'Dorset Echo', 'Daily Echo', 'Dorset Life' or the County Council website (although the County Council will not be involved in counting votes) or by email to the Flag Institute. Voting slips will also be distributed widely via libraries, school, parish councils etc and at the County Show. There will be precautions against multiple voting.
The aim is to arrive at a single county flag on which as many people in the county as possible have had a chance to vote: a flag of which we can all be proud.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Over 5000 visits!, more news
Our site has now had over 5000 visits! (No, that's not me clicking 'refresh' every few seconds...!)
That's a fair bit of traffic for a site that's only been in existence for a few months! Thank you to all who've stopped by.
Word on the street is that the selection panel will be meeting next week to view the candidates and select the four for voting. I know nothing else at this stage. Mayor Robin Cook from Wimborne has asked to be informed when the panel has met.
A new batch of smaller flags should be with us next week and as we're nearing the end of the current batch of larger ones - that's near 320 flags sold in a few months. We have a close supply of larger ones, so there shouldn't be a delay if we run out locally.
We should soon have windows stickers - these are the ones that stick on the inside of cars facing out. These will replace the paper stickers we have been using.
You can now buy flags in Poole from :
"Setchfields"
21-25 High St
Poole BH15 1AB
Tel: 01202 673300
That's a fair bit of traffic for a site that's only been in existence for a few months! Thank you to all who've stopped by.
Word on the street is that the selection panel will be meeting next week to view the candidates and select the four for voting. I know nothing else at this stage. Mayor Robin Cook from Wimborne has asked to be informed when the panel has met.
A new batch of smaller flags should be with us next week and as we're nearing the end of the current batch of larger ones - that's near 320 flags sold in a few months. We have a close supply of larger ones, so there shouldn't be a delay if we run out locally.
We should soon have windows stickers - these are the ones that stick on the inside of cars facing out. These will replace the paper stickers we have been using.
You can now buy flags in Poole from :
"Setchfields"
21-25 High St
Poole BH15 1AB
Tel: 01202 673300
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