Category: Latest News

Chris Loder MP Asks You To Sign His Petition

Chris Loder MP introduced his Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill in the House of Commons on 5th February 2020. On 29th April 2021, with the support of Lord Randall of Uxbridge, it became law: the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 (c. 21).
Click HERE to read the full legislation.

Working hard to keep Animal Welfare at the top of the Government’s agenda, he is promoting his new Animal Welfare Action Plan with the aim to:

✅ Recognise animals as sentient in law.
✅ Ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening.
✅ Bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling.
✅ Prohibit keeping primates as pets.

Banning live animal exports is his priority. He would like your help and support by adding your name and signing his petition.  Click HERE.#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#AnimalWelfareBill,#ChrisLoderMP,#BeKind,#AnimalsDeserveJustice,#ConservativeAnimalWelfareFoundation,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Ascension Day 2021

Today, Thursday 13th May, is Ascension Day.  It is not a Public Holiday in the UK, Canada, the USA or Australia – but it is a Public Holiday in France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Vanuatu* (in the South Pacific Ocean). In general, Ascension Day services are positive and uplifting.

*Although 90% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, Ascension Day is a major holiday, and Indonesians who are not Christian often use the holiday to relax. Ascension Day’s traditions are participated in by both Protestants and Catholics in Indonesia. The major Christian event is the 40th day of Easter.

As recorded in the Bible, this is a day when Christians celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.  The celebration of the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ always falls on a Thursday as it is celebrated exactly 39 days after Easter Sunday.
The next three Ascension Days shall occur on:

  • 26th May, 2022
  • 18th May, 2023
  • 9th May, 2024

Beaminster Team Churches:

The Beaminster Area team Ministry covers 50 square miles of West Dorset and shares borders with Devon in the Diocese of Exeter and Somerset in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. The Beaminster Team is made up of 14 individual parishes plus the chapel in the grounds of Mapperton House. Their worship demonstrates a wonderful variety of styles ranging from services from the Book of Common Prayer to the child-centred Messy Church, with music a vital part of their activities.
At the helm of this team is The Reverend Canon David Baldwin. With Pioneer Priest Revd Jo Neary, partner priests, licensed lay ministers, and our team administrator, they are supported by their lay pastoral assistants and lay officers. They would be delighted to welcome you to any of their churches.

To read more on Broadwindsor’s St. John the Baptist Church – Click HERE.

Very recently, Rev. Jo led the collective worship in Broadwindsor School’s new outdoor classroom.  Rev. Jo posted on social media:
“It was a joy to see staff and pupils again, to meet the reception class for the first time and to be connected with nature as we worshipped. And even better – we can potentially use the facility for Forest Church. My heart sings. Alleluia.
Lord God, you are awesome and we love you. Amen.”

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360 View From Pilsdon Pen

 

Included on the website’s earlier post on Mental Health Awareness Week is this 43 second video recorded by local photographer, James Dawson. If you turn your volume up – you’ll feel that wind! #ConnectWithNatureDorset

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#PilsdenPen,#360View,#Photography,#2021,#ConnectWithNatureDorset,#MIND,#ReThink,#Samaritains,#ConnectWithNature,#MHAW,#BeKind,SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Additional Restrictions Grant: Phase 3 – Apply Now

If you haven’t applied for this grant previously, you are eligible to apply for Phase 3 which covers the lockdown period of 16th February to 31st March 2021.

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is for businesses that are required to close under the imposed coronavirus restrictions that do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum and the Coronavirus Restart Grant for Business.

To qualify –

Your business must meet all these points:

  • must be in the Dorset Council area
  • have been open before January 2021 national restrictions were in place
  • must have been required to close due to national restrictions that came into force on 5 January 2021
  • must not have a liability to pay business rates

Or your business:

  • may be eligible if it has remained open during the January national restrictions but has been significantly impacted and suffered a severe loss of income directly as a result of the national restrictions (severe loss is defined as 50% or more, compared to your usual or forecasted income for this time of year)

Exclusions –

The following businesses are not eligible for this grant:

  • businesses in areas outside the scope of localised restrictions, as defined by government and not subject to a widespread national restriction
  • businesses that have chosen to close but not been required to
  • second homes
  • landlords of properties where they are not occupying them directly themselves for trading business purposes
  • businesses that have already received grant payments that equal the maximum levels of State Aid permitted under the de minimis and the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework
  • businesses that have received a Local Restrictions Support Grant in relation to the national restrictions commencing on 5th November 2020
  • businesses that were in administration, insolvent or where a striking-off notice had been made at the date of the national restriction, 5th January 2021

If you have more than one business at the same address or premises, you will only be eligible for one grant.

Payments –

Grants will be awarded for each 14-day period of lockdown based on the size of business determined by number of employees:

  • 0 to 9 employees will get £467
  • 10 to 49 employees will get £700
  • 50 to 249 employees will get £1,050

Start your Application HERE.

If you applied previously:

Businesses that applied for and received an ARG payment previously will receive a further automatic payment covering the 11 days from 1st April to 11th April 2021 inclusive.
You do not need to re-apply.  A confirmation email to qualifying businesses in the week beginning 19th April was sent.
Previous successful applicants were paid automatically for the period covering the 44 days from 16th February to 31st March 2021 inclusive.

Please address any enquiries by Email: additionalrestrictionsgrant@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

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Mental Health Awareness Week: 10th -16th May 2021

Throughout this pandemic, millions have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. The support required is not always adequate or sadly isn’t even out there. Mental health is not hidden anymore; it’s on the front pages; it’s on the political agenda; it’s spoken about by royalty. For millions of people, mental health is now something to be honest about – not ashamed of.

The week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. The Mental Health Foundation started the event 21 years ago. Each year the Foundation continues to set the theme, organise and host the Week. The theme this year is Nature. Download their Nature Journal HERE to document how you feel before and after connecting with nature, and jot down anything interesting you notice while doing so!

Mental Health Awareness Week is open to everyone. It is all about starting conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it. This year as many people as possible – individuals, communities and governments – are being asked to think about connecting with nature and how nature can improve our mental health.  We are extremely fortunate where we live surrounded by the fields and woodland with the sea shore less than 10 miles away.

Lewesdon is obviously our closest hill, but there is Pilsden Pen right next to it and the 45 second video below by local photographer, James Dawson captures the stunning 360 view from Pilsden Pen on a recent windy day:

What a wonderful place we live!

There are lots of ways that you can get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week.  Notice nature and try to make a habit of connecting to the nature every day. Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.

It has been stated –

  • Spending just 5 minutes in nature can boost your wellbeing.
  • Exercising in nature reduces blood pressure, heightens immunity and improves mood and self-esteem.
  • EnglishGardening.co.uk give 11 surprising health benefits from Gardening (see below).
  • Exeter University recommends spending 2 hours or more a week in nature to get the benefits for wellbeing – similar to the 5 a day of fruit and veg.
  • Open your curtains and let the sun shine in – you’ll get a boost of serotonin and Vitamin D which helps to improve mental health and wellbeing.

DorsetAONB.org invite you to Virtual Picnics in the parks! Click HERE.

The Mental Health Foundation invites people to share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek hashtags.

MIND (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders): Find out more about their new strategy and how they plan to lead the fight for mental health, including their focus on supporting the people disproportionately affected by mental health issues. Click HERE.
MIND are a registered charity in England (no. 219830).

IF YOU NEED HELP NOW:

  • The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence.
    Call 116 123 – it’s FREE
    Or email: jo@samaritans.org.uk
  • For support in a crisis, Text Shout to 85258.
  • You can contact ReThink HERE, Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm for practical advice on:
    • benefits, debt, money issues.
    • police, courts, prison.
    • your rights under the Mental Health Act.
    • different types of therapy and medication.

Call ReThink on 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).

  • Mind Infoline offer an information line to answer questions about:
    • types of mental health problem.
    • where to get help.
    • drug and alternative treatments.
    • advocacy.

    Call the Mind Infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary considerably).
    Or email: info@mind.org.uk.

  • Talk to someone you trust: you may find it helpful to talk to your partner, a relative or a friend about your problems. They may be concerned about you and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have to say. If this is not possible, you may prefer to talk to someone else you can trust, like a faith leader or a tutor.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Someone will listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#ConnectWithNature,#MHAW,#FightForMH,#Lewesdon,#WestDorset,#PilsdenPen,#JamesDawson,#ConnectWithNatureDorset,#MIND,#ReThink,#Samaritains,#Crisis,#Help,#Support,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

This Month’s Astronomy On Zoom

At 3pm on Wednesday afternoon the 2nd month’s presentation on Astronomy by Peter Davies, Broadwindsor will begin on Zoom.

It will start with a brief recap on magnetic fields. distances and a bit more on planets’ magnetic fields.

Focussing on gravity, the following will be explored:

  • Gravity… what is it/purpose?
  • Gravity on different planets.
  • Gravity in space/galaxies.

There will also be an introduction to Black Holes.  As requested, there will be time allocated to explore some of the star formations/Constellations.

The sessions are 90 minutes each and there will be a 5-10 min break for tea after 40 mins.  Peter does recommend having a notepad and pen to take any notes. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and/or discussion.

To listen/participate – you must first email: Lori.Lee@magna.org.uk to register your interest for Data Protection reasons. If you do not receive an invitation to join, please email Peter directly: pdavies1812@gmail.com.

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BWGPC Appointed Officers

At Thursday’s Annual General Meeting of our Group Parish Council, both Chairman, Rowland Hibbard and Vice Chairman, David Leader were re-elected unchallenged.  The councillors below adopted the following representative, liaison roles for the year 21/22:

  • Broadwindsor Primary School – David Leader.
  • Blackdown Village Hall – Peter Hardwill.
  • Drimpton Village Hall – Tim Bassett.
  • Comrades Hall – David Leader.
  • Hursey Sport Field – David Leader.
  • Broadwindsor Allotment Group: Kevin Madder-Smith.
  • Rights Of Way and Liaison Officer (Footpaths) – Dorothy Rowe.
  • Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC) Western Area Committee – Jacqui Sewell & Rowland Hibbard.
  • Broadwindsor Cricket Club – Andrew Frampton.
  • Beaminster & Villages local area partnership (BAVLAP) – Jacqui Sewell.

The Council’s next meeting will be held at Drimpton Village Hall on Monday, 21st June, 2021.

There are 15 Elected Councillors to Broadwindsor Group Parish Council – Click HERE to identify them and the options to contact them.

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Councillor Simon Christopher’s Report – May 2021

Cllr. Simon Christopher submitted the following report at this evening’s AGM of the Parish Council:

Dear Helen and Councillors,

Further to my previous report I comment as follows re school buses:
My understanding is that Service SB5 route operated by First Wessex running via Misterton Drimpton and Broadwindsor has been affected for a number of weeks by a road closure at Misterton associated with bridge strengthening.
I further understand that the work is for Somerset County Council and per the latest report I have, the work  is due to end on 21 May 2021.

I am informed by the Head of Travel at Dorset Council that First Group have been impacted by a number of other roadwork schemes happening before the tourist season proper commences and indeed the head of travel also points out that the service was further  affected by Somerset County Council roadworks south of Crewkerne for a couple of weeks during March.
The Head of Travel at Dorset Council has informed me that First Wessex did communicate with the headmaster at the school about the roadworks before hand and attempted to make appropriate adjustments to pick ups.
The head of Travel at Dorset Council has also passed on the additional comment from First Wessex:

‘’All drivers we use are familiar with the routes ,in fact we do not allow any driver to drive any routes they are unfamiliar with and they can only drive a route once fully trained and signed off’.’

Finally , the Head of Travel reported that First have agreed to look at the diversion route again to see if there are any alternative solutions to avoid the delay and promised to keep the portfolio holders, Councillor Ray Bryan and Councillor Andrew Parry and myself updated

I now turn to the support from HM Government for the bus sector. This involves the Covid 19 Bus Service Support Grant (CBSSG) Restart 

It is interesting to read in HM Governments communication Bus Back Better that there is a declared belief that and I quote ‘ Local collaboration is a key tenet of emergency funding”.  As a condition of receiving CBSSG, the Department of Transport can ask operators to demonstrate on request that consultations on service levels have taken place and that reasonable requests from Local Transport Authorities for service changes have been considered in good faith.
The Department for Transport can deny or recover CBSSG payments from operators who have not engaged adequately with Local Transport Authorities.
By the end of June 2021 Dorset Council, in order to have access to CBSSG is required to commit to entering into  Enhanced Partnerships.
By the end of October 2021 Dorset Council is required to have developed and agreed a Bus Services Improvement Fund.
Clearly there is a lot for Councillor Ray Bryan , the portfolio holder for Highways Travel and Environment to think about.

I continue to engage with interested parties about damage to the verge etc at Common Water Lane.

Turning to farming, which is at the core of economic activity  in so much of the Marshwood Vale Ward, farming has always been a dangerous industry. At this time of year many of us would have been thinking about attending the May agricultural shows including Devon County Show and Royal Bath and West Shows . These shows are both cancelled and as a consequence charities and other organisations and firms lose the opportunity to discuss with people in a true face to face way how farming can be made safer.
Close to one person a week dies in an accident on farms in this country despite countless campaigns to raise awareness of dangers whether to farmers and farm workers or walkers.
Farmers and farming organisations together with the Health & Safety Executive and charities have publicised the risks yet still people die on farms through accidents . No councillor should give up working towards farm safety. With respect to walkers there are risks associated with large livestock and large farm machinery.

Of course farming has changed with some farmers keeping their cattle indoors more than others . It is always helpful when farmers can have the chance to explain what they are doing to arrive at common sense solutions so that farming is safer.
One of the most famous farming commentators recently described the situation in a national magazine for those who work in or enter a farm environment,  your friends and family and I quote ‘may just have a concern about you because you are not young and nimble enough any more to climb a ladder or jump a gate if the bull turns nasty ‘ This may be seen by some as helpful advice!

After recent disturbing local events re attacks on sheep, I was interested and indeed saddened to read that more than two thirds of UK sheep farmers have experienced an increase in attacks on their flocks by dogs in the past  year according to a new survey.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) said the findings of its survey added further weight to evidence that an increase in dog ownership during the coronavirus lockdown may be driving the rise in attacks.
The NSA chief executive Phil Stocker noted that there was still much work  to do to educate the dog owning public about the need to keep their pets under control- and preferably on a lead  in the countryside ,especially near livestock.

Last Friday the National Sheep Association launched #LeadOn –  a two week campaign that aims to encourage dog owners to be responsible and act as an example to others by keeping their pets on leads in the presence of livestock.
Sheep farmers across the UK will be posting their experience on Facebook and Twitter about the devastating effect a dog attack on their flocks can have for all parties.

Finally in the Dorset Council area elections are taking place on 6 May 2021 for the Police and Crime Commissioner. Elsewhere in Dorset there will also be some town and parish council by elections.  I am advised that measures to ensure polling stations are safe include:

1 social distancing inside and outside venues.

2 limits on the number of people inside polling stations.

3 maximum ventilation of polling stations.

4 hand sanitiser.

5 regular cleaning.

Other points:

Voters will be required to follow the signage and any instructions at their polling station.
Voters are encouraged to bring their own pens/pencils.
Face Coverings are also required to be worn inside the polling station (Unless exempt).
Election staff will also be wearing face masks.

Please note that this not an exhaustive list of measures and advice from the Comms team  further info may be available in the first instance from the following – Dorset Council 01305 858233 or email: comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Best regards,

Simon.
Dorset Councillor Simon Christopher
Marshwood Vale
Tel: 07798 833 715

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Bridport Covid Vaccination Clinic – Saturday 8th May

Bridport Medical Centre – now under the new name of ‘Ammonite Bridport‘ have issued this statement for those due to attend their Covid Vaccination Clinic this Saturday, 8th May.
The weather on Saturday is predicted to be heavy rain all day.
The field behind the medical centre is not available on Saturday due to weather conditions and marshal availability.
Parking at the medical centre is extremely limited and will STRICTLY allocated to BLUE BADGE holders.
Please either park in and around Bridport and walk to the clinic or ask a member of your COVID “bubble” to drop you off/pick you up.
Whilst we do everything possible to minimise waits, queues do often spill outside.
Please come prepared for bad weather.
**THIS IS AN URGENT UPDATE – PLEASE SHARE WIDELY**
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#BartonHouseMedicalPractice,#Covid19,#Vaccinations,#BePrepared,#SaveTheNHS,#SaveLives,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Sales Contracts Engineer At Ackermans

Located at Gore Cross Business Park in Bridport, this is a permanent, full time position with Ackerman Engineering Ltd.

They are looking for an experienced Contract Engineer who will work within their customer contracts team and deal with incoming enquiries. The purpose of the role is to develop new customers and build a portfolio of repeat order business. Ensuring quotations and orders are allocated/ processed efficiently and professionally to achieve continued customer satisfaction.

Scope:

This role is suited to a Contracts Engineer who has experience building quotations. Ideally with a manufacturing background

Key Responsibilities:

  • Supporting the contracts team, dealing with incoming enquiries, providing accurate quotations.
  • To obtain a correct understanding of customer requirements.
  • To prepare quotation responses in accordance with the established procedures for investigation, design, costing and presentation.
  • To ensure that documentation received for orders/enquiries is sufficiently Informative and detailed to allow efficient processing.
  • Providing technical and commercial support to customers.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships, demonstrating continuous commitment to customers focus.
  • Communicating internally with purchasing, quality and production departments.

Knowledge, skills and personal qualities required:

Essential –

  • Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate clearly at all levels.
  • Computer literate.
  • Positive, motivated, can-do attitude.
  • Energy to increase the capability to deliver and improve business results.

Desirable –

  • Driving Licence, to be able to visit customers in the future.
  • Experience working in a sheet metal manufacturing environment.
  • Contract engineering experience.

You will report to Contracts Engineer Manager.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 17:00, Friday 08:00 – 13:00

Telephone: 01308 422185 or email: sales@ackerman-eng.com

Ackerman Engineering are a 5th generation family owned Dorset UK company. Established in Bridport in 1885, today they fabricate utilising the very latest in sheet metal working machinery and CadCam simulation techniques.

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