On February 14th, in the year 269 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed at the Flaminian Gate in People’s Square.
Under the rule of Claudiusthe Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The Emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius Gothicus believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
Claudius Gothicus
To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
Valentine’s actions were discovered and Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was under House Arrest at Judge Asterius’s home prior to being dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to ensure he was dead, had his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14th, 269 A.D. His body was hastily buried at a nearby cemetery and a few nights later his disciples retrieved his body and returned him home. One legend states that it was while under House Arrest, St. Valentine left a farewell note for Judge Asterius’s daughter, who he had allegedly cured of blindness and had become his friend, he signed it “From Your Valentine.”
St. Valentine’s Skull in Rome.
The flower-adorned skull of St. Valentine is on display in the side altar on the left side of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome. Other pieces of the Saint’s skeleton are on display in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, England and France.
There are many legends and many St. Valentine’s. The name was popular between the 2nd& 8th centuries A.D. The Catholic Encyclopedia lists three St. Valentine’s at that time and all of them were martyrs. There was even a Pope Valentine, though little is known about him except that he served a mere 40 days around A.D. 827.
St. Valentine is the patron Saint of Lovers, Epileptics & Bee Keepers.
So how did St. Valentine become associated with romance? The ancient pagan festival of Lupercalia was held each year in Rome on February 13th – 15th. Some historians believe the Valentine‘s holiday is actually an offshoot of Lupercalia. Unlike Valentine’s Day, however, Lupercalia was a bloody, violent and sexually-charged celebration awash with animal sacrifice, random matchmaking and coupling in the hopes of warding off evil spirits, purifying the city, releasing health and fertility. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day as the official celebration. Over time, nakedness during Lupercalia lost popularity. The festival gradually became more chaste up to today, when February 14th is a date for exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers and chocolates.#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#StValentine,#February14th,#ClaudiusII,#Lupercalia,#Catholic,#Pagan,#Christian,#Execution,#Love,#Romance,#BeMyValentine,#2021,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe
Congratulations to all those parents who have been coping with homeschooling their child/children. It’s the Half Term holiday next week and time to take a well deserved break. You’ve been indoors for months – here are some ideas to relieve the monotony of Lockdown and perhaps do something a little different this half term holiday.
You can celebrate Valentine’s Day on Sunday14th with little ones by baking some heart shaped biscuits or making cards for someone they love.
Sunday is also the Chinese New Year – Read more HERE.
Tuesday 16th is Shrove Tuesday – Luckily pancakes are very easy to make and children can get involved with the whisking, tossing, decorating and eating!
Tell your children about Shrove Tuesday:
Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. This was to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray. Lent is a period of around six weeks leading up to Easter. During Lent, Christians give up rich, tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat (some Christians continue to do so). Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them. Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). A bell would be rung to call people to confession. This came to be called the “Pancake Bell” and is still rung today.
The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year. But one thing stays the same — it’s always 47 days before Easter Sunday. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and Canada, Shrove Tuesday has another name – Pancake Day!
The ingredients for pancakes are seen to symbolise four points of significance at this time of year:
Eggs ~ Creation
Flour ~ The staff of life
Salt ~ Wholesomeness
Milk ~ Purity
The pancake has a very long history and featured in cookery books as far back as 1439. The tradition of tossing or flipping them is almost as old: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.” – Pasquil’s Palin, 1619. Pancake Races are a common and competitive activity: people racing each other whilst tossing a pancake in a pan.
Exercise:
Climb to the top of Lewesdon Hill 🙂
The MUGAnext to the school will be open for socially distanced personal exercise and playing outdoor games with those in your bubble. It is free to use.
To book your time slot please contact David Leader on: 01308 868275 Mobile: 07867 608652 Email: dleader@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk
Joe Wicks also known as The Body Coach, performs live PE classes online that can be done from your living room helping the nation’s children stay active during throughout Lockdown – not just for the holidays – Click HERE.
Baking:
There are innumerable sources of recipes available online. The National Trust offer a selection of simple and enjoyable cake, biscuit and savoury recipes for you to bake at home with your children – Click HERE.
Create a Bug Hotel for your garden:
The photograph shows you the wide range of simple things which can provide a home for smaller creatures. You probably won’t need to buy anything, as it will all be lying around the garden or in wooded areas. Think about the creature you’re making a home for – does it need to be warm, light, dry, dark, cold, or wet? Don’t despair if animals don’t move in straight away. Many will take time to get used to a new place. The Woodland Trust have a good page with more advice on building a Bug Hotel – Click HERE.
Recreate a Cinema Trip:
Let the children choose the film in advance and decide a specific time during the day to watch the film. The children can personalise tickets if they want to. Arrange cushions and comfort in the room. Draw the curtains and have the lights off. Have a selection and supply of popcorn, drinks, sweets and choc ices for movie snacks or any interval.
Look Up!
With dark evenings and later bedtimes, share some time together looking at the stars on a clear night. Orion is easily spotted in the Southern sky. You’ll need warm clothes and some patience but it is worth it.
You can see the path of our Milky Way easily once your eyes have become accustomed to the darkness.
The crescent of the New Moon will be in the dark sky, growing every night until it is Full on 27th February. Night Sky & Star Walk are two popular apps for iOS and Google Sky for Android.
Make A Time Capsule:
We are all agreed that we are living in unprecedented times – make a time capsule. In years to come, when Covid-19 is discussed the way the plague or smallpox is mentioned in history books now, you might want a unique way to remember the smaller details of living through it. Have your child locate items around the house that are unique to the Lockdown habits you’ve formed as a family and put them into a time capsule.
Put On A Performance!
With school pantos, plays and assemblies all cancelled this year, here’s an opportunity to scratch that performing itch. If you plan it over the whole week, putting on a show for your family and friends could become a real focal point. It could be a solo performance, or include parents, siblings, toys, even pets.
Monday: Formally invite your audience with a Zoom, Hangouts or Skype invitation to the Big Show on Friday. Decide what the story is. A retelling of their favourite film or nursery story? Or one they’ve made up on their own?
Tuesday: Casting and getting into character. Who’s going to play what role? Talk about what each character thinks and feels. ‘Workshop’ some or all of the story and be inventive. Trying things out makes all the possibilities of a performance come to the fore.
Wednesday: Think about costume and scenery. Dressing up or make something new. For kids, wearing adults clothes and accessories can be very entertaining. Don’t forget about the make-up. For scenery and props – get inventive with your furniture and decor.
Thursday: Practise, practise practise!!
Friday: Showtime! Remember, this is for fun, so don’t fret and it really doesn’t matter if it all goes a bit pear-shaped ‘on the night’. Your audience will appreciate being invited to some live (and utterly unique) entertainment.
Remember to press record on your phone or Zoom screen creating a memory you’ll cherish in years to come.
The Shakespeare Globe offer Telling Tales: a selection of online storytellings and workshops that you can connect with from home. With options for ages 3-16 years, meet their educational practitioners as they immerse you in the world of Shakespeare’s plays.
Join by Zoom to share in the joy of Shakespeare’s stories on until 21st February 2021. Click HERE.
Vegan foods are not just for vegans. With over 30 years of experimenting with vegan food and flavours Yumptious produce delicious plant based savoury and sweet baked goodies, lovingly handmade in North Allington, Bridport, Dorset, using mostly organic ingredients. Yumptious goods do not contain unsustainable palm oil 🙂
In the kitchen is Lynne & her team. Lynne set her business up just over 2 years ago; her mum passed away and she wanted a life change. Lynne took redundancy from her job working for a conservation charity and this gave her the funding she needed. Lynne has been vegan for 32 years and so has been experimenting with recipes for a long time. “I like to make food that is recognisable but a bit quirky. A good example of this is my Naan Bread Curry Pies, as the name suggests instead of a pastry case they have a naan bread on and they are HUGE! As I am a passion conservationist I wanted my food to be as ethical as possible, so I do not use any damaging unsustainable palm oil due to the devastation it causes to rainforests and I use organic ingredients where possible.“
Her Valentine’s Day Menu is below and her usual takeaway menu below that. With free delivery to Broadwindsor, the Bridport, Beaminster & Lyme Regis areas, please place your Valentine’s Day orders by noon on Friday.
Free delivery (until 31st April 2021) · Minimum order £10
Tony’s Upholstery Workshop has now moved out of Redlands Yard due to the developments due to take place there. However, Tony is still offering the same Upholstery service in the area.
Tony has been restoring & reupholstering furniture for more than 25 years.
He offers Upholstery and loose Cover making, Cushion fillings using a wide range of high quality fabrics.
In addition to those skills, Tony carries out frame repairs and repolishing; spring repair; cushion replacement and refilling.
He also offers a Curtain and Blinds making service.
You can contact Tony by email: tonyoaks13@gmail.com which is preferable or by telephone: 01308 868949 or 07745 572196
The Parish Council are sorry to report that the February Parish Council meeting has now been cancelled.
The meeting due to take place on Monday, 15th February had already been postponed by one week due to unforeseen IT problems. The next online meeting (via Zoom) will now take place on Monday, 8th March 2021. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. Please do contact the Council if you require any further information – hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.
The Chinese New Year festival officially begins on February 12th, 2021, and ends on February 22nd. It will become the year of the Ox (牛). In China, it is known as the Spring Festival as the holiday marks the end of the coldest days. People welcome spring and what it brings along: planting and harvests, new beginnings and fresh starts. The Chinese New Year always occurs with the New Moon and it is called the Lunar New Year, because countries such as North and SouthKorea and Vietnam celebrate it as well.
Fireworks and firecrackers are normally set off at the stroke of midnight to bring in the new year and drive away any potential misfortune. Some families ignite firecrackers on Chinese New Year’s Day morning when they open the door or before they go out, to bring good luck through the year. There will not be the firework displays and the great noise of firecrackers this year.
The years of the Ox are 1937; 1949; 1961; 1973; 1985; 1997 and this year 2021. The Ox is the second of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal. Here are all the twelve animals in their cycle:
In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal. Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it. Oxen characteristics in humans are they are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.
Beyond the cycle of twelve animals, there are then sub divisions depending on what Elements are attributed to your year.
Elements & alleged fortunes for the Ox:
Element
Year
Fortune
Metal
1961, 2021
These Oxen face obstacles early on, although there are no financial worries. Friends and family aren’t much help, but they will be able to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Water
1973, 2033
These Oxen have a comfortable early life and are respected their entire life. They will have a loving family, but it’s recommended to marry late.
Wood
1925, 1985
These Oxen are multitalented and live like a breeze. There are some difficulties in the beginning, but everything smooths out.
Fire
1937, 1997
These Oxen are friendly and social. There are no financial worries their entire life.
Earth
1949, 2009
These Oxen are detailed and like being the leader. They’re usually are make a lot of money, but can’t seem to hold onto it. However, they are able to slow down and enjoy their later years.
Men born in the Ox year are said to be reliable and trustworthy. They put their entire heart into everything they do. They feel great responsibility towards their family as well. However, due to their confidence (almost arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules. They hold your children to high expectations, even though it might be unrealistic.
Women born in the Ox year are said to be calm and gentle. They will never surrender to fate and rarely think of choosing an alternative. This no doubt leads to a life of struggles. But no matter what, they will walk down the road they choose until the end. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly.
Compatibility
Most compatible with Ox: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Rat’s fixed Earthly Branch is water, while Ox is earth. They have complementing personalities and hold the same goals in life. Snake and Rooster fit Ox nicely as well. Not only will Snakes give warmth and romance, they offer help and support in work too. Honest and loyal, they can also be attracted to the Rooster’s soft and loving heart.
Least compatible with Ox: Goat, Horse, Dog
The Earthly Branches of Goat and Ox clash strongly. They can tolerate each other’s differences, but there will always be tension.
Horses have a free and wild spirit, and may not have a serious attitude toward life. This is the opposite of an Ox’s personality. With Dogs, it’s hard to find common ground.
Careers Fit for Oxen:
Oxen often group family and work together. They look for long-term and steady work. Because of this, they are studious in school and perform well in every subject. This helps build a strong support for any future career path.
Because of their low-key personality, a stable job is the best for Oxen. Their strong sense of responsibility also makes them the perfect candidate for professional and stressful jobs. These include doctors, lawyers, businessmen and teachers. With their technical skills and effort, they can receive society’s recognition and reach their own standards.
No matter what career they choose, it must something they are really interested in. Though they may be okay with any job that fits their skills, they should take the time to find something they love. Only in a stable environment that matches their passions, are they able to find their true calling.
Health and Lifestyle:
Like the wild oxen that run freely in the fields, people of the Ox year are healthy and fit. Hospital visits are rare, but this sometimes leads to overconfidence. Neglect during youth will result in problems in the later years.
As workaholics, Oxen will sometimes go days with minimal food and rest, then binge on both. Irregular diets will lead to indigestion and problems with the digestive system. Irregular exercise is what causes you to fall ill with “random” ailments.
Once they reach the middle ages, there is high risk of heart disease. Strokes are another risk. In addition, they commonly suffer from joint pain.
Most of these issues stem from irregular exercise. For a healthy life, they need to remember to take breaks from work, stretch and relax.
A delicious range of homemade curries are on offer from Vikki’s kitchen this weekend. Perfect for the current cold weather. Curries always means spices but it doesn’t always mean hot: there are tastes to suit all palettes – available Thursday – Saturday. The Full meal with accompaniments is £10.
Available for collection: Thursday – Saturday 6pm – 7.30pm.
There usual takeaway menu is also available and for Sunday there is the choice of Roast Beef, Turkey or Pork. Collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.
Don’t forget to add. . . .
Molly’s Triple Chocolate Brownies @ £3
Please telephone 01308 867070 to pre order or email info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk .#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#FreshFood,#2021,#Takeaway,#Homemade,#Curry,#TripleChocolateBrownies,#SocialDistancing,#Delicious,#SupportYourLocal,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#StaySafe
Broadwindsor Primary School seek a Clerk to the Governors. A permanent, part time position, the Clerk is responsible for convening an average of 9 Full Governing Body meetings per year. This is a rewarding position, providing essential assistance and guidance to the Governing Body of the school. Employed by Dorset Council –
Meetings take place in the evening or late afternoon or virtually using MS TEAMS during Covid restrictions. Administrative duties such as typing up minutes may be carried out more flexibly at home or in school to suit the successful candidate. Experience in a similar post would be advantageous but training can be given and support is provided by Dorset Governor Services and via the National Governance Association (NGA).
They are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to be Clerk to the Governors. You will play a vital role, supporting the Governors with the guidance they need. It will involve working closely with the Headteacher and Chair to ensure the smooth and effective running of the Governing Body.
You will have excellent administrative, organisational, ICT and literacy skills, working under your own initiative. You will oversee the organisation of meetings, record accurate minutes and advise on changes in legislation, policy and governance issues (ongoing training and support provided). The ability to remain impartial, comply with data protection legislation and maintain confidentiality is essential.
Visits to school during Covid restrictions cannot currently take place but please do contact the school office for further information. If you are interested in this role, please apply via the ‘Apply for this job’ link on their page. CV’s are not accepted.
(You have to log in to the Dorset Council website to apply)
They value the diversity of their workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
Broadwindsor Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; this is a commitment which they expect all staff and volunteers to share. The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines.
The pro rata salary shown is based on the number of hours and weeks worked and paid annual leave entitlement for an employee under 5 years’ service.
Running from 8th – 14th February, the theme for the 14th annual National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’.
The aim is to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. The week showcases the impact apprenticeships can have on communities, local businesses and regional economies and how they all benefit from the impact of apprenticeships.
To support National Apprenticeship Week 2021, individuals, employers, training providers and communities are being encouraged to get involved, to celebrate apprenticeship.
In November 2020, Broadwindsor.org published an article for local employment at Heavers of Bridport as they were offering three Apprentice positions at that time. Today, Ross Heaver responded with this update: “We hired three apprentices in the end. All are doing very well and are undergoing their training programme and down the line, they should be all be fully qualified installers. It is great to offer employment and opportunities for young people during these times.“
This is fantastic news & well done to both Heavers & their Apprentices!
There is a Twitter online programme for NAW2021: At the time of publishing, today’s event has already ended.
Tuesday 9 February from 12 noon – 2 pm, employers will be on hand to answer questions using #AskAnEmployer.
Wednesday 10 February from 12 noon – 2 pm, existing apprentices will be available to respond to questions using the #AskAnApprentice.
Thursday 11 February is Thank you Thursday.
Friday 12 February A virtual graduation ceremony takes place.
Saturday 13 February is Parents and Carers Day.
Valentine’s Day, Sunday 14 February, will bring an end to National Apprenticeship Week 2021.
You can also follow @Apprenticeships and @CareerMapNews on Twitter to keep an eye on launch day events.
To find out more about Apprenticeships online visit:
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Anthony commented: “This is a wonderful recession-proof and pandemic-proof business. I just want to move on because I am now drawing my pension……..”
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Crewkerne,#Pallets,#BusinessForSale,#Daewoo,#Machinery,#BusinessPotential,#Lockdown,#2021,#Retirement,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe
