Month: January 2023

Imbolc – 1st February

Imbolc (or Imbolg) is also called St. Brigid’s Day and is celebrated on 1st February each year and is one of the four traditional Gaelic seasonal festivals, marking the beginning of Spring. It is approximately halfway between the Winter Solstice (21st December) and the Spring Equinox (21st March). Imbolc is also associated with the onset of the lambing season and the blossoming of blackthorn. Time to celebrate the lengthening days and the early signs of spring – the snowdrops are up 🙂

Saint Brigid, who died in 525 AD, was a Christianization of the goddess of fertility, Brigid.  Born Brigit, there is much debate over her birthparents, but it is widely believed her mother was Brocca, a Christian baptized by Saint Patrick, and her father was Dubthach, a Leinster chieftain. Brocca was a slave, therefore Brigid was born into slavery.
St. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock. The holiday was a festival of the hearth and home. It is time to ‘spring clean’.

To receive the blessings of St. Brigid:

  • people would make a bed for her
  • leave her food and drink.
  • Items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless.
  • The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.

Brigid of Ireland, also known as Saint Brigid of Kildare, is the patroness Saint of Ireland, and one of its three national Saints along with Patrick and Columba. For Christians, particularly in Ireland, it is a time to feast!  Although many of its customs died out in the 20th century, it is still observed and in some places it has been revived as a cultural event.

Photo credit: Annie Collins Photography

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#DAONB,#Imbolc,#Imbolg,#Spring.#2023,#SpringClean,#ProtectHome,#Feast,#EatDrinkBeMerry,#Celebrate,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Please! Keep Your Dog On A Lead & Under Control!

Lambing season will soon be upon us. Indeed there are already a few prancing by their mothers already!

Broadwindsor.Org has reported twice in this first month of 2023, cases of sheep worrying and death: first at Hursey and then at Common Water Lane.  It’s alarming having to reiterate to those who live within our community and yet take no heed.

Only yesterday, an elderly villager walking her two dogs down to Hursey encountered another dog walker with two dogs leaving Hursey Common. Although the individual leaving had put the leads on the two dogs, “the youngest of these must have either slipped or been released from its lead because it barrelled at speed straight past me up to her (dog) and started attacking her – tearing lumps of fur out of her. I walked as swiftly as possible moving toward the fighting pair with my stick raised which, along with the second individual shouting its name, eventually made the thing (dog) run back to her at the gate.”
“The woman shouted her apologies, explained he was still young and hadn’t yet learned ‘manners’, then added that’s why she had put him on the lead.”

This prompted our elderly villager to request it be highlighted that it’s not only sheep and lambs… “owners of any dog which had demonstrated unmistakably aggressive behaviour, should be more responsible and kinder to others by keeping their animal on a lead at all times or make it wear a muzzle when it was off lead.”.

Please be a responsible dog owner 🙂

Photo: Natalie Frampton

Dogs that attack people, livestock or assistance dogs must be reported to the Police by dialling 101. They are the investigating body for these incidents – Click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#DAONB,#SheepWorrying,#SheepKilled,#LambingSeason,#Dogs,#DorsetPolice,#BeKind,#BeResponsible,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Memorial Service for Harold Jenkins – Wednesday, 1st February

Village resident Harold Jenkins, who died earlier this month, will be remembered at a service on Wednesday, 1st February, at 12 noon in Burstock church.

There will be refreshments afterwards at The Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

❤ Harold Jenkins  16.01.1940 – 14.01.2023  ❤

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

Free Film Series: ‘The Chosen’ Starts 2pm Sunday, 5th February

The first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ and the highest crowd-funded media project of all time, this first series of 4 episodes will run through on the following Sunday afternoons at The Comrades Hall:
Feb 5th 2023 – Feb 12th 2023 – Feb 19th 2023 – Feb 26th 2023.

*Entry is FREE*

All are welcome. Please note it does contain some violence.
Suitable for age 8/9+
Starting at 2pm, tea, coffee and cakes will be available.
Come and see what they saw…
“A charismatic fisherman struggling with debt. A troubled woman wrestling with demons. A gifted accountant ostracized from his family and people.
In this ground-breaking first season of The Chosen see how Jesus reaches each of these and more as He works His first miracles and embarks on His ministry to change the world. See Him through the eyes of those who knew Him“.
IMDb RATING 9.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Review: “The Chosen is by far the best drama that is on right now. Season 1 and 2 are so heartwarming and touching. It is funny and poignant”.

For more information about this FREE film series please contact:
  • Camille Newall on 01308 867759 or
  • Stella Waterhouse on 01308 868802

Note: Parking available at the Comrades Hall or near the school.


#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#TheChosen,#LifeOfChrist,#FreeEntry,#AllWelcome,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#StayWarm

Farewell Colin Lawrence

Over 150 people from in and around the parish packed into Broadwindsor’s St. John the Baptist church yesterday afternoon to attend the funeral of Colin Lawrence who died on 23rd December 2022.

After the opening hymn ‘All things bright and beautiful‘, Colin’s granddaughter, Amy read a poem –

‘Goodbye Grandad’

Heaven has received another angel,
The night sky another star.
Your life has become a loving memory.
I know you will never be far.
I know you’re watching over me
As my life goes on.
I will treasure the memories I have of you.
I can’t believe you’re gone.
You were a loving, caring grandad
You were there for me a lot.
You will always hold a place in my heart,
A loving treasured spot.
You were really one in a million,
A cut above the rest.
All who knew you would agree.
You simply were the best.
So, Grandad, I will say goodbye.
I love and miss you with all my heart,
But as long as I have my loving memories,
We will never be too far apart.

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Rev. David Baldwin read the Eulogy prepared by his family:

Colin was born on the 2nd May 1937 and was the youngest son of Kathleen & Cyril, & lived at Seavington St Mary, near Ilminster. He had one brother, Keith. He attended schools in Ilminster. On leaving school he worked on a local farm and following this he did National Service in the Royal Air Force, his section being the Fire Brigade Crew. Some of this time was spent in Germany.

One winters night in 1956, Valerie & 3 of her friends were in Broadwindsor Square when they heard the sound of a motorbike approaching from Drimpton Road. On the bike was Colin riding pillion behind his brother!! After their first meeting, Colin continued to cycle from Seavington St Mary to Broadwindsor every weekend as due to work commitments that was the only spare time he had. This was the start of their romance & 64 years of marriage!

In 1958, on Boxing Day, they were married here in Broadwindsor Church whilst Colin was home on leave. There first marital home was in Burstock.

In 1961, Mandy was born. Unfortunately, Colin was away training in Finchley for the Fire Service so he missed this event.

Following his National Service he then worked for Newmans of Beaminster assisting with the digging of boreholes. After this he then drove for South Western Farmers in Crewkerne delivering animal feeds.

In 1966, Wayne was born and Colin was present this time!!

In the late 60s, Colin started driving for Ready Mixed Concrete until he retired, and still remained in contact with former workmates. The family recalls whenever they were on their travels in Dorset or Somerset, Colin would often comment, ‘I‘ve delivered concrete there‘, and would often remember what was being built at the time.

Sadly Colin lost his Brother, Keith, which left a huge hole in his life as they were so close, and used to visit one another on a weekly basis.

In 1971, the family moved to Broadwindsor, then in 2005 returned back to Burstock.

From 1972 – 1992 he served as a Special Constable working from Bridport Police Station. This was a job he enjoyed doing, giving back to the community.

In 1996, Amy arrived which made him the proudest Grandad ever. The family enjoyed many happy holidays together in Cornwall during Amy’s early years. He was so proud of her tennis achievements, which I’m sure you’re all aware of!! Amy can remember how he used to play tennis with her in the road at Burstock, and even in his 60s he could give her a run for her money. He also hit many balls in the neighbours gardens!

Colin loved the outdoors. He loved shooting, beating & gardening. He also played in a skittles team in the Cattistock Hunt League. Colin & Valerie also belonged to Broadwindsor Over 60s club which met monthly, and revelled in the outings. Through these interests he’s made many close friendships. Up until recently he was still gardening for Michelle & Mick at Broadwindsor, and Jackie & John at Clapton, despite having a large garden of his own. He liked helping other people out! He also loved animals. Over recent years has tamed many a stray cat, and they’ve all been given names.

Colin never lost his sense of humour whilst in hospital. On one occasion when Mandy & Amy visited him and the Nurse asked him who they were, he pointed at Amy and said, ‘That’s my Amy’, then pointed to Mandy and said, ‘She’s from Dorset’. It’s clear to say Mandy wasn’t expecting that!!

All of you that are here today will know that Colin was a positive, thoughtful, caring and loving family man, and would do anything to help anyone. However, his time keeping was not always the best, even in his final moments. Mandy and Amy having spent 32 hours by his bedside, the Nurses moved him into a side room, during this short distance with no one by his side he passed away much to the surprise of everyone. Particularly Amy, who uttered words that can not be repeated today!

Colin may be gone but will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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A lovely poignant poem followed:

’Always there’

When you remember me,

Please do not weep.

My body may not be there.

It has chosen to sleep.

 I’m not far away.

My soul lives on,

Looking down, watching over

You and everyone.

And when you feel sad

And life seems so blue,

Just remember

That my spirit has its arms around you.

And on those special days

Times that you wish I could see,

That cool breeze flowing past you…

Well, that will be me,

So don’t be sad.

Have no fear.

God has taken me under his wing,

But I’ll always be near.

I still watch you

Every minute, every day.

My love and soul are with you,

And that’s where they will stay.

Colin exited the church to the music ‘Always look on the bright side of life‘ performed by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commander in Chief Fleet. The Committal took place at Burstock Churchyard.
Afterwards, friends and family gathered together at the Comrades Hall to enjoy a lovely buffet and to share and celebrate their memories of Colin.

Any donations in Colin‘s name are requested to go to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.


❤ Colin Gerald Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022  ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#SadLoss,#Family,#Love,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#Funeral,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Wake,#Celebration,#Farewell,#MissYou,#LoveYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Fun Day To Be Held In June

Questionnaire update from Chairman of Broadwindsor Fun Group, Adrian Gray:

Earlier this month. the Fun Group hand delivered questionnaires to every house in Broadwindsor and Hursey plus a few to the wider community.

The purpose being to assess the community’s thoughts on holding events this year and to seek support in the administration of these. Indeed the group has had a great deal of success over the last few years bringing together various individuals and village groups to ensure that things are inclusive and community based.

I have now personally read every reply and would like to express my and the Fun Group’s gratitude to those who have taken the time to complete and return the forms. If anyone has not returned their form, you can drop it off at the shop so that their thoughts can be added to the mix. Whilst those received already are now undergoing further assessment, it is noted that several people have made great suggestions and a few offered to help at any event held. Indeed the positive nature of the replies is very appreciated. One person felt it appropriate use this platform to make a personal attack on me and the Fun Group. This individual also failed to make any constructive suggestions and lacked any moral courage by choosing to not say who they were.  I would appeal  to this person to make contact with me so that their grievances can be identified, discussed and hopefully a positive way forward be formulated. Their comments are at odds with other returns but should still be valued and considered.

We are still looking for more people to work with and possibly on, the planning team for events.  The current four people simply cannot bear the load alone.

Finally the headline finding is that people do not support an event in the village to celebrate the Coronation and favour an event in June. This is not to say that the Parish Council or another group may well run an event. We also need to consider some of the new suggestions made by some but again we need people to join the planning team.

Given the positive nature of the questionnaire returns, together with the lovely comments made personally to me and others I would suggest that the village is far from fractured as some may suggest. I optimistically look forward to more people coming on board.

Adrian Gray
Chair BFG

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#AONB,#WestDorset,#BFG,#Fun,#Coronation,#FunDay,#Summertime,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#StayWarm

Over 60’s Meeting – Thursday, 26th January At 2.15pm

Tomorrow, Thursday 26th the Over 60’s Group are having their first meeting of the year at 2.15pm in The Comrades Hall.

Always with a tea or coffee, the group frequently invite a speaker of interest and in the summer, enjoy coach trips out.

Chair, Annette Nunn commented “Look forward to seeing you all. New members are always welcome.“.

“It’s not about age, it’s about attitude” – Twiggy


#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#Over60,#Speaker,#DaysOut,#JoinIn,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#StayWarm

Snowman Drive – Saturday, 11th February, 6pm

Blackdown Village Hall are hosting a Snowman Drive – just like a beetle drive except you’re drawing a snowman like the one shown! Great family fun.

Get there for 6pm ready for a 6.30pm kick off 🙂

Tickets, which includes a delicious pudding :

  • £6 Adult
  • £4 Child
  • £18 Family

Tickets & further information from:

Philip: 01460 30661/30517 or 07980 864169
Evelyn: 01460 30964 or 07531 080100

All Welcome!


#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#SnowmanDrive,#FamilyFun,#Puddings,#GetTogether,#Enjoy,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Take Time For Your Body & Wellbeing This Year

Make your Self the priority and take time for you this year!

Pilates: A series of exercises designed to strengthen, condition and mobilize (increase flexibility) the whole body, with emphasis given to the core and back muscles. Pilates has been proven to have a positive effect on specific back ailments.

Yin Yoga: Using active stretching to lengthen and improve muscular elasticity, Yin Yoga consists of a series of passive floor postures that you will hold for up to 5 minutes and sometimes longer with the use of breath and mindful connection.

All classes take place in the Lewesdon room, upstairs in the Comrades Hall.

Pilates:

  • Wednesdays at 6pm
  • Saturdays at 9am

Yin Yoga:

  • Saturdays at 10.30am

Although you can just turn up for any session, instructor & village resident Leon Lord does prefer it if everyone books using his booking system which can be found HERE.

For many years, Leon has instructed Pilates, Qigong, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Personal Fitness & Women’s Self Defence classes in the village and surrounding areas. To learn more, please visit his website – https://westdorsetfitnessandwellbeing.com.


To make further enquiries or contact Leon:


#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#Pilates,#TaoistYoga,#YinYoga,#Wellbeing,#FitnessAndWellbeingWithLeon,#BookNow,#Health,#NewYearNewYou,#BeFit,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,#StayWarm

Souper Friday Warm Space Continues Into February

Broadwindsor Fun Group have been operating a Warm Space offering free homemade soup, teas and coffees at the Comrades Hall on Friday afternoons from midday throughout January.  This has been so appreciated by those who have come along, the Fun Group have decided to extend their commitment and continue into February 🙂

  • Souper Friday Warm Space will continue this Friday and on Friday, 3rd, 10th & 17th February.
  • Thursday Lent Lunches begin at the Comrades Hall on 23rd February.

Broadwindsor Fun Group
BFG cover the cost of the hire of the hall & 4 members voluntarily commit their time.  All bread, soup,  jam and butter is donated by lovely village residents & local businesses.
Any donations made go directly to the Post Office Users Group.

Meet people, have a chat, get some delicious warm soup in your belly this Friday, 27th at midday when one of our village residents is celebrating his 91st birthday!  🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Community,#Village,#WestDorset,#WarmSpace,#FreeSoup,#BroadwindsorFunGroup,#YeoValley,#SpecialBirthday,#StayWarm,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe