Happy New Year!

As the Editor is Scottish, there is an obligation to repeat this information published last Hogmonay 😉

We all sing it when the bells chime midnight but what does Auld Lang Syne mean? It literally translates as Old Long Since making reference to the “olden days”, particularly with friends.

Written as a poem by Rabbie (Robert) Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) in 1788, it was put to the music of an even older folk tune. The Scottish Bard used the Scottish dialect however here are the lyrics in an English, singable form:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Wishing Everybody A Happy & Healthy New Year!

Stay Safe & Stay Warm!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#AuldLangSyne,#RabbieBurns,#HappyNewYear,#2023,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#StayWarm

Elaine Leader Spearheads West Bay Wheelchair Scheme

Village resident Elaine Leader is at the helm of a new enterprise – A beach wheelchair scheme for West Bay, which is on course to launch in Spring 2023. The main photograph shows Elaine’s Mum, Audrey Bent on a Sandcruiser wheelchair at Studland.

This amazing project has been gathering momentum since beach matting was laid on West Beach by Bridport Town Council in August.
Elaine Leader, who is leading the project, said: ‘The matting already been well used by many people with disabilities and restricted mobility in wheelchairs and mobility scooters who have never been on the beach at West Bay before.’

The scheme has already gained a significant amount of recognition and support from the local community. The town council will be taking it a stage further by working in partnership with Dorset Council and Parkdean Resorts, which owns West Bay Holiday Park. The team from Parkdean, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, will play a vital role in facilitating free hire of the wheelchairs.

Elaine said: ‘I’m so excited the beach wheelchair scheme is coming to fruition. It’s going to make an incredible difference to so many people with disabilities and restricted mobility to enable them to access the beach at West Bay.
’’I would like to thank Will Austin at Bridport Town Council and Cllr Kelvin Clayton for their help and I’m really grateful to everyone who has donated and supported this project. The Crowdfunder appeal has so far raised more than £2,500 towards the £10,000 target.’

Local clergyman the Rev Philip Ringer, said: ‘I hope and pray that many people will want to make this a reality and soon. When you look out to sea from the beach then you realise all life’s problems are behind you. Those who are using wheelchairs deserve to have access to the beach like everyone else.’

More donations can be made via the Crowdfunder page HERE.

The Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark, described the beach wheelchair scheme as a wonderful addition to the facilities in West Bay, building on the success of the beach matting already provided, the fully accessible West Bay Play Area, and the two ‘Changing Places’ toilets that the town council expects to be installed in 2023.

There will be two changing facility toilets at West Bay – one at West Bay Road car park and a second at West Bay Holiday Park. Each will have a toilet, an adult changing bed, shower and a hoist and will offer a crucial but basic need for people with complex disabilities so they can enjoy a whole day at the beach instead of having to go home when they need to use the facilities.

Cllr Bark said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to Elaine Leader and other local volunteers for the drive and ambition they’ve brought to this initiative, as well as Parkdean Resorts and Dorset Council for their being the operational force behind this important and inclusive scheme, and to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to the fundraising effort.’

West Dorset Mencap Chairman Linda Simpson said that the charity was delighted to offer significant financial support to fund the manufacture of a special platform which will enable those, who need a specific wheelchair and cannot transfer, to enjoy the beach and the sea.

Bridport Round Table has also provided a significant donation which is funding another one of the beach wheelchairs.
There will also be a wheelchair that can float in the sea and can be used in conjunction with a qualified swimming coach so that the carers do not necessarily need to be in the water.

Said Elaine Leader: ‘West Bay Harbour Master James Radcliffe and his team have provided great support to help with the scheme and are managing the beach matting.
‘James has also supported the siting of a structure to provide storage for the wheelchairs and hoist.
‘This will enable The West Bay Holiday Park team, run by Craig Johnston, to safely facilitate the hire of the wheelchairs within close proximity to West Beach.’

The Hippocampe All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair

Shaun Caesar, General Manager at West Bay Holiday Park, said: ‘We want West Beach to be a welcoming destination for all, and we envisage that these wheelchairs will help local people, tourists, schools and care homes to access and enjoy the beach.
‘The scheme has gained amazing support and enthusiasm from everyone involved and we hope this continues to create a positive impact on the local community.’

There will be a hat for donations at this evening’s New Year’s Eve free disco in the White Lion. Please support Elaine with this very worthy cause 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WestBayWheelchairScheme,#FunAtTheBeach,#Mencap,#Crowdfunder,#BridportRoundTable,#DorsetCouncil,#ParkDean,#BeKind,#BeSafe,StaySafe

Gregory Steward, Tenor – Sunday, 8th January At 3pm

What a marvellous and enjoyable way to chase away these ‘winter blues’ at The Comrades Hall on a January Sunday afternoon…

Gregory Steward, 22 yrs, graduated with 1st class honours this summer from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Art. Our congratulations to him!

Prior to this Gregory, from Taunton and with a passion for opera, was a specialist vocalist (studying with Tim Richards) and trumpet player when he was at Wells Cathedral School in Somerset. In 2016 he won the Taunton Young Singer Competition and in 2019, was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Somerset Song Prize. He has sung with acclaimed vocal ensemble Tenebrae and the Choir of St John’s College Oxford. He successfully auditioned for the BBC National Chorus of Wales and has performed in Britten’s War Requiem and Handel’s Messiah, both at St David’s Hall, Cardiff.

The concert will include songs from South Pacific, Les Miserables and popular romantic arias, including Nessun Dorma. It begins at 3pm and refreshments will be available.
Tickets are £12. For the opportunity to hear this young tenor at the start of his professional career, please contact Gregory directly on 01458 211197 or email gregorystewardtenor@gmail.com.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#GregorySteward,#Classical,#Tenor,#SundatAfternoon,#BeKind,#BeSafe,StaySafe

Merry Christmas!

Wishing one and all a peaceful and merry Christmas. Do you recall in 2020 when we were all locked down and couldn’t visit each other? That December, Rev. Jo inspired the village to create Advent windows… please enjoy it again.

Stay Warm & Stay Safe

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#Christmas,#Advent,#BeKind,#StayWarm,#StaySafe

Colin Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.22

It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Burstock resident, Colin Lawrence who died yesterday afternoon at Yeovil Hospital.

Colin was well known within our parish community for many things but particularly, his willingness to help and how fit he was for his age. Colin died after a relatively short illness with family by his side. He leaves behind his beloved wife Val, who would have celebrated 64 years of marriage with him on Boxing Day, and his two children, Mandy & Wayne.

Details of his funeral will be published in the New Year. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to them all at this particularly poignant time.

Colin Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#SadLoss, #Family,#Christmastime,#Love,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#MissYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Festive Open/Close Times

Wishing all the businesses below a Merry, very-well-derserved-break at Christmas and thank you all for your services!

Broadwindsor Community Stores, 01308 867922:

Christmas Eve – 7.30am – 4pm
Christmas Day – Closed
Boxing Day – 10am – 12 noon
Tuesday 27th, Bank Holiday – 7.30am – 3pm
Wed – Fri – 7.30am – 6pm
Saturday 31st – 7.30am – 4pm
New Year’s Day – 8am – 12 noon
Monday 2nd, Bank Holiday – 7.30am – 3pm

Wobbly Cottage, 07488 313857:

Until Fri. 23rd – 8.30am – 4pm
Christmas Eve – 9am – 12.30pm
Christmas Day – 3rd January – Closed
Wednesday 4th January – Open at 8.30am

Spar @ Hogshill, 01308 863353:

Christmas Eve – 7.30am – 9pm
Christmas Day – Closed
Boxing Day – 9am – 1pm
Tuesday 27th, Bank Holiday – 8am – 9pm
Saturday 31st – 8am – 9pm
New Year’s Day – 9am – 1pm
Monday 2nd, Bank Holiday – 8am – 5pm

Stableyard Restaurant, 01308 868362:

Closing @ 2pm Friday 23rd December.
Wednesday 28th – 10am–2pm (all day breakfast & light lunches)
New Year’s Day – Closed
Monday 2nd, Bank Holiday – Closed
Tuesday, 3rd – 10am–4pm

Redlands Yard:

All shops closing at 2pm Friday 23rd December.
Reopening on Tuesday, 3rd January 10am-4pm

The White Lion, 01308 867070:

Christmas Eve – 11am – 11pm
Christmas Day – 12 noon – 2pm
Boxing Day – Closed
Tuesday 27th, Bank Holiday – Closed
Wed – Fri – 6pm – 11pm
Saturday 31st – 11am – 1am
New Year’s Day – Closed
Monday 2nd, Bank Holiday – Closed

The Knapp Inn, Beaminster, 01308 862408:

Christmas Eve – 12 noon – 11pm
Christmas Day – 12noon – 2.30pm
Boxing Day – 12 noon – 11pm
Tuesday 27th, Bank Holiday 12 noon – 11pm
Saturday 31st – 12 noon – late
New Year’s Day – 12 noon – 11pm
Monday 2nd, Bank Holiday – 12 noon – 11pm

Beaminster Pharmacy, 01308 862288

Beaminster Upholstery, 07470 007588:

Closed from Friday 23rd December
Tuesday 3rd January – Reopen at 10am

Little Groves, 01308 862030:

Christmas Eve – Open until 3pm
Closed throughout January 2023

Vet, Girling & Bowditch, 01308 862030:

Provide 24 hour emergency cover; please call them on 01308 862312 and a Vet will answer your call.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2022,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#MerryChristmas,#LocalBusiness,#Open,#Close,#FestiveTimes,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Compost Corner Memories At The White Lion

Before the White Lion was refurbished… the far left corner used to be known as ‘Compost Corner’ and this was where the regular, local customers would congregate on bar stools and stand.

Three of those regular customers, (from left to right) John Eggleton, Tony Hawkins and Chris Sewell have been drawn by local student, Sasha Slater and their portraits now adorn the wall in what was known as ‘Compost Corner‘.
On April 29th, the opening night of the White Lion as a Community pub, Sasha couldn’t help notice the large blank wall in the corner… she enthusiastically approached Chairman Rick Dyke on that same evening with her idea. With their portraits now on the wall, John, Tony & Chris were exceptionally pleased to be each given the original drawing by Sasha.

20 year old Sasha is currently in her 2nd year at Exeter University studying Biochemistry. Art however, and in particular portrait art has been Sasha‘s hobby since she was four years old. Self taught, she has lifelong practice and experience! Sasha does most of her drawings from a photograph – be it a human or a pet – and is happy to take commissions from people 🙂

Please contact Sasha directly & view more of marvellous art on Instagram HERE.

Meanwhile… with Compost Corner no more, the afore mentioned gentlemen now sit at the round table!

Excellent work Sasha!

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2022,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#MerryChristmas,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#CompostCorner,#Sashafrostart,#Art,#Talent,#Skill,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Santa Is Coming To Broadwindsor Tonight

With thanks to Rotary Club of Brit Valley, Father Christmas will be riding his sleigh through Salway Ash from 5pm this evening and arriving at Broadwindsor school for 7.15pm – 8pm!

This is the first time since the Covid outbreak that Santa has been able to organise this journey. Please take your little ones out to see Santa and give him your support and then he’ll be able to plan the same for next year 🙂

Merry Christmas!

#Broadwindsor,#Blackdown,#Burstock,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Community,#Village,#Santa,#SleighBells,#IHaveBeenGood,#RotaryClubBritValley,#Fun,#Happiness,#Joy,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Live Music At The White Lion This Friday, 23rd December

Songs from the 1950’s, 1960’s Rock ‘n’ Roll era can be expected from the boys this Friday night with a few festive rockers too!

Starting at 7pm, the village welcomes back the Silver Lining Band. They played at the Comrades Hall as part of our village’s Jubilee celebrations and packed out the White Lion when they played there for the pub’s first music night at the end of September.

Entry is free but you might want to get there early to secure a seat! The kitchen will be providing bar meals.

Click HERE to follow the Silver Lining Band on Facebook.

Have fun!

#Broadwindsor,#Blackdown,#Burstock,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Community,#Village,#TheWhiteLion,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#TheSilverLiningBand,#RockNRoll,#NightOut,#Fun,#Christmas,#Party,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements for Julie Steele

Julie Steele‘s funeral service will take place on Friday, 6th January at 2pm in St. John the Baptist church in Broadwindsor. Julie requested that everyone please dress with colour 🙂

Julie, who died on Monday, 12th, always had a huge smile for everyone throughout her long struggle with cancer and will be sorely missed in her role as President of the village’s W.I.

Julie‘s service will be followed by her wake at the Comrades Hall.

Julie Steele 21.07.1965– 12.12.2022

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WI,#Funeral,#StJohnTheBaptistChurch,#Respect,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Farewell,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Month: December 2022