The Jurassic Coast annual seminar was held on the 12th December at The Bull Hotel in Bridport. An audience of about 100 braved the cold damp weather to come along and be entertained by poetry and interactive voting, and to hear the news and views of local businesses and young people who live along the Jurassic Coast. The afternoon proved to be informative and fun. Attendees took part in a debate on the impact of World Heritage status through interactive voting handsets. The results painted a mostly positive picture and will be added to the details of the Impact Study as further evaluation of the results.
Pupils from Seaton Primary shared their views on what the Jurassic Coast means to them and demonstrated a real pride in their environment. They expressed their love of getting out on the coast and having fun – fossil hunting, walking and simply looking out to sea all featured high on the list of things they enjoy. The audience also heard from an A level student who described the difficulties of forging a career in rural counties such as Dorset and Devon. It seems the enthusiasm felt by the younger primary school generation disipates slightly by the time young people start thinking about university and careers – posing a challenge of how to overcome the lack of options for young people attempting to start their careers if they want to stay in rural areas.
The day ended with mince pies, mulled wine and the opportunity for people to chat and network.
Poems by Ralph Hoyte opened and closed the seminar:
Jurassic Coast annual seminar open poem
Jurassic Coast annual seminar end poem
Sally King, Jurassic Coast Visitor Manager.
