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.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Somerset,#MagnaHousing,#2021,#DorsetCouncil,#BWGPC,#Astronomy,#LookUp,#Stars,#Planets,#Space,#Time,#Gravity,#BlackHoles,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BWGPC,#SimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#LeadOn,#NationalSheepAssociation,#NSA,#DEFRA,#Covid19,#2021,#Vote,#WearYourMask,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Last Week Of Vikki’s Specials At The White Lion

This weekend is your last opportunity to enjoy one of Vikki’s delicious homemade meals as the kitchen will be closed from Monday, 10th May. It is hoped to bring you news soon of their future plans as most now know that Vikki & Spike handed their notice into Palmers Brewery last month.

In addition to the regular menu (shown below), Vikki’s specials this week from Thursday are:

Homemade Lamb Rogan Josh with Basmati Rice (Gluten Free).
Homemade Cottage Pie topped with Cheese & Onion Mash and Fresh Vegetables.
Homemade Rabbit Pie with with Fresh Vegetables and Chips or Mash.

Apologies from Vikki but there is no special dessert this week.

Please pre-order by 5pm the day prior for collection
Please collect between 6pm – 7.30pm

Sunday Lunch

This week you can choose between Roast Beef or Roast Turkey served with their accompaniments – £8.50

Please pre-order by 5pm Saturday.
Please collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

Telephone: 01308 867070
Email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk;
Message through Facebook: HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Homemade,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#PreOrder,#RabbitPie,#FinalWeek,#KitchenClosed,#SocialDistancing,#PalmersBrewery,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Congratulations To The New Inn At Stoke Abbott & The Half Moon At Melplash

Announced earlier today, the New Inn at Stoke Abbott have won 1st place in the Pub category of Bridport Food Festival’s Local Food Group, Food & Drink Lockdown Hero Awards 2021. Kirsty & Kevin shared their joy on social media “We are feeling so happy with the news…. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us, it means so much that you all appreciate what we do.”
Runner up was the Half Moon at Melplash. Both pubs are very popular venues with locals.

All were congratulated for “the service that you have given to the community during lockdown has been exceptional and made life for many much more bearable“.

Other winners included:

Washingpool Farm – Food/Drink Retail.
Dark Bear – Takeaway & Home Delivery.
Taj Mahal – Restaurant/Cafe

A special award for Outstanding Service went to The George at Chideock.

To view the full announcement – click HERE.

This year’s Bridport Food Festival will be 13th – 19th June.

Congratulations to all!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#BridportFoodFestival,#NewInnStokeAbbott,#HalfMoonMelplash,#Awards,#WashingpoolFarm,#DarkBear,#TajMahalBridport,#Congratulations,#LockdownHero,#2021,#Eat,#Drink,#BeMerry,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Happy St. George’s Day

St. George’s Day is also known as the Feast of Saint George. As well as England, St. George is a Patron Saint of several countries: Portugal; Cyprus; Georgia; Serbia; Bulgaria; Bosnia & Herzegovin, and the Republic of Macedonia, all of who fly the red cross flag on the day.
St. George is also the patron saint of The Scout Movement, which has held St. George’s Day parades by Scouts (and now Girl Guides) since its first years.

Not much is known about Saint George’s early life, and what is known has been argued for centuries. It is believed that he was probably born around 280 AD in Lydda, Syria Palaestina, an area which is now in modern-day Israel and that he was probably born to noble birth.

The Legend:

The myth of St. George & the Dragon became popularised around the time of the Crusades who brought back tales of a dragon-slaying Christian who saved a princess and her village from the flesh eating monster. It is said that the local villagers had offered up sheep everyday to appease the monster, but when that failed they tried feeding it their children, chosen by lottery! Until, on one occasion, it happened that the lot fell on the king’s daughter. Distraught with grief, the King told the people they could have all his gold and silver and half of his kingdom if his daughter was spared. His people refused and the daughter was sent out to the lake, decked out as a bride, to be fed to the dragon…
By chance, George rode past the lake. Noticing him, the dragon charged for George, who fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross and charged on horseback delivering a grievous wound. With the dragon harnessed, George rode the princess back to the village, subsequently telling the villagers that he would only kill the dragon if they all became Christians. Unwilling to subject themselves back to the terror of the dragon, the king and his people agreed to convert to Christianity and George slew the dragon. On the site where the dragon died, the king built a church to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. George, and from its altar a spring arose whose waters cured all disease.

George became a solider, and ultimately an officer, in the Roman army under Emperor Diocletian. When the Emperor ordered the systematic persecution of Christians. George refused to take part, which resulted in his torture and subsequent death on 23rd April 303 AD. The Emperor’s wife was so inspired by George’s bravery and loyalty to his religion, that she too became a Christian and was subsequently executed for her faith.

The earliest documented mention of St. George in England comes from the Catholic monk the venerable Bede (c. 673–735). His feast day is also mentioned in the Durham Collectar, a ninth-century liturgical work. The will of Alfred the Great is said to refer to the saint, in a reference to the church of Fordington, Dorset. At Fordington a stone over the south door records the miraculous appearance of to lead crusaders into battle. Early (c. 10th century) dedications of churches to St. George are noted in England, for example as well as Fordingham, Dorset, at Thetford, Southwark and Doncaster.

St. George’s Chapel at Windsor castle was established by Edward III in 1348. The chapel, which is in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, had a big refurbishment started on it by Edward IV in 1475 that wasn’t finished until his grandson Henry VIII was on the throne in 1528.
It is both a Royal Peculiar, that is a Church of England parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the Diocese and the province in which it lies and subject to the direct jurisdiction of the monarch. It was where the recent televised funeral of H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh took place.

The chapel also serves as the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. The Garter Service takes place at St George’s chapel every year because St George is the patron saint of the Order of the Garter. It is the most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. It is granted by the Sovereign to people who have either served her well or contributed something special to the nation – such as Sir Winston Churchill. The annual ceremony takes place in June.
The motto in gold lettering ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’ translates as “Shame on him who thinks evil of it.

St. George’s Day was a major feast and national holiday in England on a par with Christmas from the early 15th century. The tradition of celebration St. George’s Day had waned by the end of the 18th century after the union of England and Scotland in 1707.

A traditional custom on St. George’s Day is to fly or adorn the St. George’s Cross flag in some way: Pubs in particular can be seen on 23rd April with garlands of St. George’s crosses adorning them inside and out.
It is customary for the hymn “Jerusalem” to be sung in cathedrals, churches and chapels on St. George’s Day, or on the Sunday closest to it. Traditional English food and drink is likely to be be consumed.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Village,#Fordington,#StGeorgesDay,#PatronSaint,#England,#GeorgeAndTheDragon,#FlyTheFlag,#OrderOfTheGarter,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The Prout Project Successfully Reach Their Target

Together we did it!

🚌🌈👏 TOGETHER WE DID IT!!! 👏🌈🚌

We are speechless with excitement and overwhelmed with thanks to all of our supporters!

We just now found out we’ve reached our target thanks to a contribution from the Power of Change Community Business Crowdmatch fund providing us with an additional £4,000 in funding pushing us over the line. We can now buy and kit out an outreach vehicle and make this happen at last!!

We wouldn’t have got here without all of you, our super crowd – you’ve showed compassion towards our community, dedication to sharing our message and an abundance of encouragement and heart – THANK YOU!

Our campaign remains open until next Friday and any additional donations will be used directly to fund additional staffing so that we can extend our reach and offer a wider programme to our community.

Thank you so many times. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon! 🙏👏🙏👏

#pbpreachingout #proutbridgeproject #PowerToChange #sportengland #Beaminster #crowdfunderuk #togetherwedidit #BuildBackBetter

Posted on Facebook by Prout Bridge Project on Thursday, 22 April 2021

Congratulations!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#PBPReachingout,#ProutBridgeProject,#Congratulations,#PowerToChange,#SportEngland,#Beaminster,#CrowdFunderUK,#TogetherWeDidIt,#BuildBackBetter,#2021,#BeSafe,BeKind,#StaySafe

Vikki’s Specials At The White Lion This Week

From Thursday evening through to Saturday evening, in addition to their usual menu (below), this week you can pre-order the following from Vikki’s kitchen:

Homemade Salmon and Broccoli Pie with Fresh Vegetables, Mash or Chips.
Homemade Turkey Curry with Basmati rice (Gluten Free).
Steak and Kidney Suet Pudding with Fresh Vegetables, Mash or Chips.

For dessert…

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake with cream @ £4.00 (Limited supply!)

For Sunday Lunch:

There is a choice of Roast Beef or Roast Turkey.
all served with their accompaniments @ £8.50.

Please pre-order by 5pm Saturday.
Please collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Homemade,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#PreOrder,#SocialDistancing,#PalmersBrewery,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: HGV/LGV Drivers At Pattemores

Pattemores is proud to be a family business. Established 80 years ago, they specialise in ex farm milk collection and the transportation of bulk liquids for the Dairy Sector, incorporating Pattemores Dairy Ingredients and Pattemores Transport (Crewkerne) Ltd.

They are currently looking for Class 1 HGV/LGV drivers on both a casual and permanent basis for tanker work.

The job will involve working some weekends and include the collection of milk from farms around the area or delivery of bulk liquid dairy products to customers.

Experience of tanker work is not essential as training will be given.

For further information please telephone: 01460 72046 or email training@pattemores.com

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2021,#HGVDriver,#Pattemores,#Permenant,#Employment,#CasualWork,#Training,#Jobs,#Localemployment,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Village Resident Presents Monthly Astronomy on Zoom

At 3pm on Wednesday, 14th April, many will be back in their workplace but there will be many others still at home. For those not at work, at 3pm, village resident, Peter Davies will be launching the first of his Zoom presentations: ‘ An Introduction to the basic principles of our Earth, Sun and planets‘.

Presentations will occur each month and progress through all aspects of time, space, distance and gravity. Ideal for beginners who want to know more than just the names of stars and constellations. The first session will take a look at the basics of how our solar system works in general starting with magnetic forces. The project is being funded by Magna.org.uk and supported by Broadwindsor.org. It will continue on a monthly basis for as long as there is interest.

Peter’s interest in astronomy began over 20 years ago after studying & working in electronics. “I’d like people to understand what they see when they look at an object in the night sky rather than looking at a pinpoint of light. The sessions really are for beginners and I’d advise to keep notes for reference for future sessions.” The sessions are 90 minutes each and Peter does recommend having a notepad and pen to take any notes. There will be a ten minute break during the session for refreshments. 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.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Somerset,#MagnaHousing,#2021,#Astronomy,#LookUp,#Stars,#Planets,#Space,#Time,#Gravity,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Councillor Simon Christopher’s Report – April 2021

Cllr. Simon Christopher delivered the following report at this evening’s Parish Council meeting:

Councillors

During the last month I have had further discussions with Dorset Council Highways officers re speed limits signage and speeding generally. This is an ongoing matter and will hopefully involve actual face to face discussions with officers in some Marshwood Vale ward villages This is dependent on officer time and when Covid Restrictions allow I have continued to press for improvements in broadband and mobile in discussions with officers portfolio holders and our MP I have also corresponded with local farmers and other business owners.

Dorset Council is considering appropriate action as result of the expected greater influx of tourists this summer. As this is a major task for the Council I will talk about this further at the Parish council meeting. With the increased use of footpaths there is concern about adherence to the Countryside Code and most importantly avoid circumstances where dogs chase and attack livestock . Livestock worrying may lead to dogs being shot.

We are seeing some fundamental change in farming with a re assessment on occasions of future farming directions and structures. The full impact of brexit and the gradual movement from basic payments will take some time to assess. Clearly some farmers are aware of the Defra Agricultural Transition plan published at the end of last year . We will see the support Defra provides for farmers change over the next 7 years with cuts to the basic payment ie area based scheme and the introduction of schemes to at least partially replace it. These are envisaged to include productivity schemes and the sustainable farming incentive in the short term and eventually Environmental Land Management scheme implementation from 2024.

It was been helpful to see HM Government this week commit itself to the importance of rural public transport especially buses. With the influx of visitors expected, subject to the relaxation of Covid restrictions of course, I am even more conscious of the importance of public transport.

The period for initial consultation in respect of the draft Dorset Council Local Plan has ended and I understand that there is satisfaction with the amount of interest shown and the number of responses received. If we do not have an up to date plan then there is the risk of developments being passed merely under the sustainable development criteria of the National Planning Policy Framework Dorset Council has set a budget to spend £312.4 million in the year ended 31 March 2022 ie outside of the dedicated schools grant.

It is envisaged that of this £312.4 million the majority will be spent on 2 statutory services £124.9 million will be spent on Adult social care and £52.8 million on Chidren’s social care.The budget will be funded by increasing council tax by just under 5% that is just under 2% increase in general Council Tax and just under 3 per cent to help fund adult social care – known as the adult social care precept. This equates to the rate for a band D Property increasing by £84.60 for the year or £1.62 per week. To fund the £312.4 million the majority of the funding is intended to be received in the form of £263.9 million from Council tax and £44.3 from retained business rates.

A few other points as Dorset Council looks to deliver services often in rural areas.

The percentage of income coming from business rates is relatively low compared to other local authorities while the percentage of the population aged over 65 is higher than any other unitary authority.

You may recall that in March 2020 the government published The Electrical Safety standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 which came into force on 1 June2020.The regulations apply to existing tenancies from. 1 April 2021. Covid regulations have made life particularly difficult for landlords in compliance matters and of course in terms of regulation.

I remind you of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in May.

Councillor Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale

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Sunday Lunch

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The Legend:

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For dessert…

For Sunday Lunch:

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