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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 15:11
What unshakeable confidence he showed in the ability of the regional development agency to come up with the money to get something done. And, indeed, what extraordinary naivety.
Thousands used to visit The Willows cafe at the complex because it provided the best cup of tea and slice of home-made cake for miles around, as well as employed 14 people in an area where there aren't many jobs, and sold much local produce.
Not surprisingly there was a considerable outcry exactly two years ago when Somerset county council, for reasons best known to itself, refused to renew the lease and forced the place to shut.
However, there was a pledge from County Hall when the site was handed over to Natural England that it would have "a new and important future". The environmentalists in turn voiced determination that the centre would stay as "a very important and highly-valued part of the community."
So important and highly-valued, it seems, that very little has happened since then except that the empty premises are now coned – and taped-off and looking very sad. Indeed, the whole site seems in need of a great deal of TLC, although the nearby replica Iron Age huts are in far better nick than the latest generation of buildings.
But don't despair. Plans are in the pipeline, we are promised, to develop a swish new visitor centre and farm shop – "a new gateway to the Avalon Marshes" – and consultants, no doubt at very great expense, have been appointed to look at the options.
Now it's all down to the regional development agency to get work kick-started, but judging by the speed with which that same wonderful organisation has moved on that dreadful eyesore between Glastonbury and Street, none of us should hold our breath.
So back to Natural England: "We still have aspirations on the site and it's not been forgotten about but sadly things don't always move as quickly as we would want them to," says their spokesman.
Sound like a lot of wind in the willows to me!
My first festive card came through the letterbox some days ago, as I imagine yours did as well since it was a mass-produced greeting from Royal Mail. There on the front, doing extraordinary gymnastics in the sky, a posse of posties spelling out the message: "We're all about this Christmas."
Except what on earth is that "w" one doing? The "u" , "c", "o" and "s" don't look much more comfortable, although the "h" cartwheels are impressive.
Inside, together with best wishes from Royal Mail, the promise that sending out my season's greetings will be made easier thanks to the fact that in the run-up to the big day, all those contorted post people will be making an extra effort with evening deliveries and Sunday redeliveries, whatever they are.
A word of warning, though: the last posting date for second-class mail is Thursday, December 18, although with a first-class stamp, you can leave it until Saturday, 20.
That is, as long as those supple staff members don't suffer any back injuries...
Ian Tabrett
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