Flying the flag for Dorset

A well known landmark on the Dorset border received a makeover on 2 May, thanks to the outgoing Mayor of Wimborne Minster, Cllr Robin Cook.

The snack van in the lay-by at Woodyates on the A354 Blandford to Salisbury Road has been the salvation for many travellers for twenty years. For the past twelve months it had been flying the cheerful yellow, white and red flag - long before it was formally adopted as the Dorset flag, and Cllr Cook during his regular trips from Wimborne to Salisbury noticed that it was becoming tatty.

As someone who had promoted the adoption of the flag throughout the county during his mayoral year, and due to the fact that Wimborne Town Council was one of the first local councils to recognise the flag, Cllr Cook had long appreciated the van proprietor’s loyalty to the county.  In recognition, he decided to present Dave Court with a new flag.

Dave, who together with wife Stephanie, took over the business five years ago, said he had been thinking about replacing the flag and was surprised and delighted to receive the gift from the mayor and would fly it with pride.

Mayor, Cllr Robin Cook will be succeeded today (12 May) by the mayor elect, Cllr John Burden.