Dogs Or No Dogs In Comrades Hall?

There is a debate as to whether the Comrades Hall has any official ruling to ban dogs from entering inside the building. No dogs are allowed anywhere in the vicinity of the playground, which includes the footpath and that is not in question.

At the meeting in November 2021, it was thought that dogs had never been allowed in. Those present believed that it was no and that it should remain so.  These minutes were approved in April 2022 as the extract shows:

“There are metal objects i.e. bike rack just by the front door to tie leads to however this exclusion does not apply to assistance dogs of which there are several types nowadays so be mindful if you see a person with a dog before you ask them to leave it outside new signage will be needed to show this both for the hall and Bernards’s Place DC will investigate the Internet.” – these minutes were approved 26th April 2022.

However, it seems from the extract above that no actual vote was taken as nothing beyond a discussion has been recorded.

There are many people in the village who say they’ve always taken their dogs – on a lead – into the Hall.

Nonetheless, members of the Hall Committee put up a sign (as left).

The first sign put up was removed/stolen.

The 2nd sign put up to replace it now looks like this:

Those in favour state that, providing the dog is well-behaved, dogs should be allowed to visit public institutions, such as the Outreach Post Office, which uses the Comrades Hall every Tuesday & Friday morning since January 2010.

Furthermore, as yet, there is no mention to the exclusion of dogs in the old documents* which have recently been uncovered revealing the Comrades Hall will be celebrating it’s own Platinum Jubilee in November this year.
*There remains approximately 100 pages which the Chair is working her way through.

If no democratic vote was recorded, then it suggests that any Criminal Damage was done, not by the removal of the sign, but by the installing of the sign.  One village resident stated – “The installation and ban of dogs sign on the outside wall of the CH will be reported, as requested by the fitter, to Police.” Many residents feel very strongly and it has to be acknowledged that we do live in a village with many dogs. We all live in a democratic society and we all strive to abide by that principle.

In need of funds to complete their Playground Development plan, the Comrades Hall Management Committee additionally risk losing potential income from dog training classes, which are proving increasingly popular and are already offered in some neighbouring village halls.

The signs cost £5.28 to purchase on Amazon and cannot be repeatedly afforded.

The new Chair of the Comrades Hall Management Committee, Jacqui Sewell (who had left the November meeting prior to the discussion about dogs took place) commented that “…on matter of dogs – no form of approval was minuted for the signs to be put up & this will be raised at our 12th July meeting“.
It will appear in ‘Matters Arising‘ – to be discussed.

Do you have strong views on this issue? Do you own a dog? Are you affected by this decision ?

Let your voice be heard, please contact Jacqui Sewell before Tuesday, 12th July, directly by email at: jacquisewell@me.com.
Alternatively, you may make your comments to this post on Broadwindsor’s Facebook page, which is on view to all members of the public.


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#ComradesHall,#DogsAllowed,#NoDogsAllowed,#ShowOfPaws,#Vote,#WoofWoof,#BeHeard,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Refurbished Bench In Bernards’ Place

The bench, to the left as you enter Bernards’ Place through the gate, was donated by village resident, Megan Jones in memory of her late husband, Ian who died in 2001.

Megan has recently made good on an offer made some 18 months ago to the Comrades Hall committee and organised her brother in law, Keith Jones to replace the worn out wood. The wooden planks had been prepared (the correct type of wood for park benches being used) and were fitted last week.

All work was carried out at their expense. It is a lovely improvement to that area 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#ParkBench,#ComradesHall,#BernardsPlace,#InMemory,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

MCC Traffic Through Common Water Lane

Yesterday afternoon the rain held off while over 60 cars and motorcycles drove up Common Water Lane on Day 1 of the The Motor Cycling Club (MCC)’s 120th Anniversary 3 Day Trial.  Read more about the 3 day event HERE.

For those unable to attend, here is a slideshow of some of the vehicles and bikes that passed through…
(Clicking on the image will open it in a separate window allowing you to enlarge it further).

 

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#MCC,#3DayTrial,#120thAnniversary,#ClassicTrial,#Cars,#Bikes,#Watch,#Enjoy,#Vroom,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Celebrating Pride Month

With most of the final celebrations happening tomorrow, Saturday, 25th June, Monday, June 28th, is ‘Pride Day‘ when the International LGBTQIA+ community are celebrated. During the Pride, different marches and collective events are organised to make the fight for equality and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people visible.

LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer or Questioning.
More recently, I and A have been added to the acronym to represent Intersex and Asexual.
The + represents those not included in the original acronym, in terms of gender identity or sexual orientation e.g. Pan and Nonbinary.

Other Awareness Days this month are:

  • June 26th |  LGBT Equality Day
  • June 26th |  Anniversary of the Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S
  • June 27th |  National HIV Testing Day
  • June 28th |  Stonewall Riots Anniversary

Next month:

  • July 14th |  International Non-Binary People’s Day

And in October 2022:

  • October 11th |  National Coming Out Day
  • October 19th |  Spirit Day; LGBT Center Awareness Day
  • October 26th |  Intersex Awareness Day
  • Last full week in October |  Asexual Awareness Week

In the UK, inspired by this movement and founded in 1989 to lobby for equal rights for LGBT people, Stonewall is now the biggest LGBTQ+ rights organisation in Europe. Describing themselves as “a team of bold, passionate people fighting for the freedom, equity and potential of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.”

They stand for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. They imagine a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves and can live their lives to the full.

Please view their list of organisations that can provide support and help HERE.
You can also ring the LGBT Switchboard every day 10am-10pm on 0300 330 0630 if you would like to talk to someone.
Contact them on FREEPHONE 0800 0502020, lines are open 9:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday (an answerphone is available outside these hours).
Email them at info@stonewall.org.uk.
Write to them at: Stonewall, 192 St. John Street, London, EC1V 4JY.


This is the 1st Pride Flag designed by Gilbert Baker, which appeared in 1977. Commissioned by a gay politician, he was inspired by Judy Garland’s ‘Over The Rainbow‘ and the colours symbolised the following: Hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit.
Click HERE to read an article published last year in Marie Claire showing the 30 Different Pride Flags and stating what each one represents.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#PrideMonth,#Pride,#RainbowFlag,#LGBTQIA+,#Support,#Understanding,#WeAreAllHuman,#MarieClaire,#GilbertBaker,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Shelter In Bernards’ Place To Be Dismantled Tomorrow – Saturday, 25th June

In preparation for the work on the play area in Bernards’ Place which is due to take place later in the summer, the old timber youth shelter will be dismantled on Saturday, 25th June by a small team of volunteers – village residents, Malcolm Heaver and Chris Edgerley. The working area will be cordoned off and appropriate notices will be in place. This is the final stage of the application made to Dorset Council last June.

With funding from the National Lottery and Low Carbon Dorset, the application made to Dorset Council has already seen solar panels fitted onto the Comrades Hall roof and the air source heating installed.

The next stage is the redevelopment of the play area in Bernards’ Place…

For more details on the playground and the proposed equipment, please click HERE, select the tab View Documents then select the one you’d like more info on.

Any queries, please contact Sheila Hawkins: 11esgh528@gmail.com or Chair of the Comrades Hall, Jacqui Sewell: jacquisewell@me.com.


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#BernardsPlace,#NationalLottery,#LowCarbonDorset,#ComradesHall,#Charity,#LetTheChildrenPlay,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

All Invited To School’s Summer Fête – Saturday, 16th July

Broadwindsor School are holding their Summer Fête on Saturday, 16th July starting at 1.30pm.  With so much on offer, there is something for everyone:

  • BBQ
  • Bar
  • Worldlife Exotic Animal Encounter
  • Jester
  • Lawn Games
  • Teas & Cakes
  • Treasure Hunt
  • Bouncy Castle
  • Ice Creams
  • …and More!

Adult entry is £1.00 and children go in FREE.  All funds raised by the PTA go directly back into the school providing much needed equipment.

Promising a fun afternoon, they look forward to welcoming you 🙂


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#BroadwindsorSchool,#Fundraising,#SummerFête,#FamilyFun,#KidsGoFree,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Horn Park Quarry Open Day – Sunday, 31st July

Horn Park Quarry is the UK’s smallest National Nature Reserve (NNR) and is recognised for its exceptional in-situ fossils, dating from the Jurassic of 170 million years ago, when this area was a warm tropical sea.  Horn Park Quarry Nature Reserve does not allow free public access and their last Open event was in 2019…

On Sunday, 31st July, from 10.00 – 15.45hrs you have the opportunity to visit this area.

Tickets are FREE but must be pre-booked on a 45-minute timeslot basis to help them manage the flow of people throughout the day. There is a 30-minute gap between booking slots to allow cars to enter and leave the limited on-site parking bays available.

The Open Day is a chance to explore the site, speak to on-hand experts and get involved with some of the activities happening on the day, pitched at a range of ages and levels of knowledge.
Children’s activities, magnifying glasses, displays of fossils and a portaloo are available, however no refreshments – so please bring your own!

Please click this link … HERE to book a timed slot.

Please note the following instructions:

  • All children must be supervised at all times.
  • The site has uneven and unstable ground in places and there are loose rocks and piles of rocks scattered. Take care especially not to trip on rocks or on uneven ground.
  • The edge of the quarry near the security fence has a sheer drop in places and rock layers near the fossil box have unstable edges. Be aware of this, stay well away from the edge of the quarry and take extra care when walking around the fossil box and uneven or ‘stepped’ rock layers.
  • There is a steep quarry face and grass bank at the back of the quarry – no-one is allowed to access this.
  • People should keep away from the security fence; it can have sharp edges and could trap little fingers.
  • No hammers please.
  • Please wear sturdy shoes; flip-flops or high heels are not suitable. The site can be slippery when the surface is wet; please bear this in mind at all times.

The reserve is managed by Natural England, in association with the Jurassic Coast Trust. A permanent exhibition of specimens from the site is at Beaminster Museum.


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#BeaminsterMuseum,#FreeEntry,#HornParkQuarry,#Fossils,#Explore,#OnYourDoorstep,#LongTimeAgo,#ChildrensActivities,#NaturalEngland,#JurassicCoastTrust,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Continue reading “Horn Park Quarry Open Day – Sunday, 31st July” →

Quiz At The White Lion – Sunday, 26th June, 6pm

An opportunity for you to support our village community pub this Sunday, 26th June at 6pm…

A Quiz night with a cash prize for the winning team!  Booking essential!

  • £3 per person (CASH ONLY)
  • Maximum of 4 persons per team.
  • CASH PRIZE!

Raising funds to pay for a cleaner! A fun way to end your weekend 🙂

Please speak to Kate when in the pub or telephone: 01308 867070.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#Rural,#Dorset,#TheWhiteLion,#Quiz,#TestYourKnowledge,#HaveFun,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Housebuilding Starts At Netherhay Lane

An update from the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust:

Work on the Netherhay Lane site is progressing well and on time. Elevations are now rising from the foundation blocks, brickwork and facings of Portland Stone are now visible. Large attenuation tanks to manage the surface water run off have been installed

BGP CLT and the Broadwindsor Group Parish Council have put forward the name ‘Northcombe Lea’ for this site to Dorset Council.

Our community project, Homemaking, has received grant funding from Dorset Council’s Community and Culture Fund. When waste timber from the site becomes available, community volunteers will creatively up-cycle the material to make bird and bat boxes etc, some of which we hope can be housed on the development site in due course. This project, which also includes photography, music, song and art work, is being coordinated on behalf of BGP CLT by Andrew Pastor.

Unfortunately, thefts of materials from site have recently taken place. 24/7 CCTV on site is now in place and CG Fry have also installed more secure storage areas. Any additional information anyone can provide about these thefts would be gratefully received by CG Fry’s Project Manager at the site.

The 2022 AGM took place in Drimpton Village Hall on Monday evening, 20th June.

  • Sheila Hawkins and Jacqui Sewell were re-elected to the Board for another 3 year term.
  • Francesca Hurrell and Rowland Hibbard, who had previously been co-opted on to the Board, were elected by Members, as was
  • Stefan Nikolov (Broadwindsor).
  • Steve Chubb, Brian Hesketh and Ken Banks are the remaining Board members.

If you have any questions about the development or the housing, please contact:
Sheila Hawkins – 11esgh528@gmail.com for a CLT membership.
Learn more at their website HERE.


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#BroadwindsorGroupParishCommunityLandTrust,#CGFry,#Netherhay,#AGM,#BGPCLT,#DorsetCouncil,#NewHomes,#AffordableHomes,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Happy Summer Solstice!

When Sarah Hunt and Dominic Withington first moved to Broadwindsor in 2021 , they were keen to make a little positive mark on the village.


At the side of North Cottage, the small patch adjacent to the allotment entrance was in need of a touch of TLC….

As Parish land but under the Allotment group. Sarah and Dominic cleared the scrub and planted 400 bulbs for the Spring 2023 season and seeded with poppies and of course the abundant oxeye daisy seed…


As you can see, the poppies are coming into glorious bloom now and the oxide daisies on the other side are looking smashing too.

Hopefully all who pass will take some joy from these beautiful plants and look forward to spring bloooms in 2023 before more poppies 🙂

Thank you Sarah & Dominic!
They do indeed look beautful.

Happy Summer Solstice!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2022,#SummerSolstice,#Flowers,#NorthCottage,#BGPC,#Poppies,#SmellTheFlowers,#ThankYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe