Briefly this was a proposal to find 12 sites around the village for a bench (including existing benches/seats).  The aim being to enhance the areas with landscaping etc. and involving the whole community in the design, planning and creation of the sites.

2.9.1    The following degrees of interest were expressed with aspects of the Benchmark project: 

Comments on the Benchmark project included: 

“Nature is art in its best form” 

“Not necessary. Unimaginative. I don’t see any artistic input in the project unless you are going to put some form of sculpture on each site. Maybe your headline should be COMMUNITY PROJECT” 

“What a good idea” 

“It all sounds very worthy and commendable but it would involve quite a commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm over a considerable period of time. Do people have the resources to make it really successful? Good leadership would be vital” 

“I think it is important not to create artificially pretty areas, but to set any art within the context and tradition of a working village, and ensure that it does not jar with the landscape. If an alternative or additional project was required, a possibility would be a wall of tiles – ceramic – designed and made by schoolchildren on local themes under the direction of a ceramic artist, perhaps in or outside the village hall” 

“Any flower beds would hopefully include plants to attract bees, butterflies etc. and not bedding plants which would make the area look like a city park. Traditional old fashioned varieties would suit the character of the village better as well as being beneficial to wildlife.” 

“The benchmark project as it is described above is certainly very attractive, particularly in my opinion, when I have…” 

“The benches that already exist are rarely used, often vandalised (in a small way) and usually under overgrown hedge that nobody wants to cut back.” 

“I would be happy to help with tidying up, weeding, and planting to improve the appearance of the village e.g. an occasional work party” 

“A bit of extra seating is okay but adding too many benches along with the landscaping may suburbanise and homogenise things a bit too much. Keep it discreet we don’t want a cloned village.” 

“I’m not sure about the bench idea, but anything that will enhance, tidy and encourage people to share their skills and time with the community spirit must get everyone’s vote I think by tackling the Hall problem that would make a vast difference And Parking.” 

“Only if done simply to keep rural nature of village.” 

“May offer my time and skills but depends on scope of project and the time commitment required.” 

“Where would funding come from? There are more important things needed in the village first” 

“What about a daffodil trail around the village with benches as markers. Dunsford is known for the wild daffodil.” 

“In theory it sounds a good idea, but I don’t think too much money should be spent on it, and rather than putting benches and landscaping I think there are more basic ways of tidying up the village (which isn’t too bad anyway)” 

“A waste of time and money” 

“Advanced age makes some of this irrelevant. 

A pity there is no intention of plans for future developments of our two churches.” 

“Good project in general but opposed to a bench on area which is currently used for car parking in the village.” 

“How do I enter/ take part in the design competition.” 

“I see this as a low priority, but if people want to do it, fine. It should not be a claim on public money.” 

“This village lying within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park has retained a largely unspoilt and authentic character. It would be unfortunate if this was marred by unsuitable and unnecessary prettification. The countryside and villages such as Dunsford need to be properly cared for. Over embellishment is not the way to do it.” 

“Perhaps this could include some sites in the Parish not just the village?” 

“Not in favour of the bench sites. Part two of the project (Bringing together community and skills) is commendable but will be difficult to implement.” 

“Very good idea to have more benches and tidy up shabby areas, but I do wish, and no names mentioned, that some people would tidy up their own gardens and outside areas. (I am thinking of at least two in prominent positions who don’t seem to bother) If everyone pulled their weight we may have a chance of winning Best Kept Village!” 

“As I am 66 and live on the very outskirts of the Parish I am very limited in the help I can give but anything that involves families in Dunsford and creates a sense of responsibility and therefore lessens the likelihood of vandalism must be good.” 

“Needs more activities to bring all groups together. Not enough people are contributing; it seems to be the same few people doing everything.” 

“Sounds Great!” 

“Nice idea. Possible problem- continued maintenance after completion.” 

“What does the reference to ‘A’ signify? I am in favour of the above if it is limited to tidying up, bringing the community together, and helping to win best kept village competition. As indicated earlier, however I would not favour the installation or erection of sculptures, murals etc. Please interpret any ‘yes’ accordingly. 

“Why the need for benches?”