Vote For Our Group Parish Council

Broadwindsor Parish Group Council has been short listed with four others as Council of the Month. Organised by Public Sector Executive – give them your Vote on Twitter HERE. There’s still a few days left!

Nominated for their Outstanding Community Spirit, Helen Cudmore said “In the five years that I have been Clerk, the Parish Council has produced a comprehensive Neighbourhood Plan which was successfully adopted in 2019, initiated a Community Land Trust which has just received planning permission for fifteen much needed affordable homes for local people, completed an Emergency Plan which was successfully implemented during the recent pandemic and fundraiser for the installation of play equipment area for young people which was highlighted in its 2012 Parish Plan.”

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#BGPC,#Vote,#Twitter,#CommunitySpirit,#PSE,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Sloe Gin

Sloe gin is a British red liqueur made with gin, sloes and sugar.

There are many locations in and around our lovely village where one can gather sloes from the Blackthorn bushes which had beautiful white blossom in the Spring. The number of sloes you will find on a blackthorn bush or tree each year is very much linked to the weather during the previous spring and summer. Too dry and the sloes will be small and shrivelled. Too wet and cold and they will not develop at all. A good crop of plump, well-ripened sloes needs the perfect balance of warmth and water. This year – crops are good 🙂

There is a lot of debate about when to pick sloes. For the best flavour, wait until the berries are ripe. They should be a rich dark purple and should squash easily between your fingertips. It’s a good sign if they’ve already started to drop naturally to the ground.

If you’re picking them for sloe gin then traditionally you wait until after the first frost. These days, there’s no reason why you can’t pick them earlier, bag them up and pop them in your freezer to mimic that first frost. The theory behind this is that the frost splits the skins so the juices can flow into your gin without you having to go to the effort of pricking all the berries.

Ingredients

1 litre bottle of gin
500g sloes
250g caster sugar
1 large sterilised jar or 2 empty gin bottles

Method

Wash sloes and seal in an airtight bag. Freeze overnight or until you’re ready to make the gin.
Put frozen sloes into sterilised jar or empty gin bottles.
Add gin then the sugar directly onto frozen sloes. Their skins will split which means you avoid the laborious pricking of each individual sloe berry.
Seal jar tightly and shake well.
Store jar in a cool, dark place and shake every other day for a week. After the first week you only need to shake it once a week for 2 months.
Leave for a minimum of 12 weeks. The liquid should now be dark red and ready for drinking, although it does improve over time.

Serve sloe gin neat, over ice or drizzle over ice cream. You can also make the cocktail Sloe Royale by adding some to sparkling wine, prosecco or champagne.

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Harvest,#Madron,#SloeGin,#Drink,#BeMarry,#BeKind,#BeSafe

Madron – the Autumn Equinox

The Autumn equinox occurs on Tuesday, September 22nd*. Summer has come to an end.
Madron, sometimes called Mabon is the time of year when crops are harvested and a time where once again light and dark are in balance. The wheel of the year turns: the sun is rising later now, and nightfall comes sooner.
Themes of celebration include grain, balance, thanksgiving and gratitude for what you’ve “harvested” – and abundance 🙂 Prepare your chutneys, jams and preserves and store for winter. It is a time to throw out the old and take on the new although it is also the feast of the healer, bringing justice. This Sabbat is marked by the release of symbolic prisoners such as old arguments or regrets,
Madron is very much about healing and putting mistakes behind us so we can move on and learn from the lessons we have had and move on with lessons yet to be learned.

*By the meteorological calendar, the first day of Autumn is always 1 September; ending on 30 November.

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Autumn,#Equinox,#Madron,#Mabon,#Harvest,#Heal,#WinterIsComing,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Take Part In An Advent Window Trail This Christmas

Our lovely Rev. Jo has had the most lovely, community spirited idea and needs your participation for the project to be a success. Here are her words:

“Something I had been thinking about for Christmas was a community activity that wouldn’t be Covid 19 sensitive. It is unlikely, I think, that we will be singing carols in the pub this year for example and our community carol services in church would need to be different too. I wondered about an Advent Trail around the village with different window displays every evening in Advent.

If you have a little search around the internet you will find many different Advent calendar ideas from beach huts in Brighton to windows around villages in Nottinghamshire and everything in between. Perhaps if we choose a theme, maybe Christmas carols, make a list of 24 and then families volunteered to decorate a window according to the theme. Then every evening in Advent, perhaps as early as 4pm, the new window was lit up so we could come and look on our evening strolls.

You would need a window visible from the street, as we don’t want to encourage people to walk up drives, but I think we probably have lots of visible windows in Broadwindsor and Drimpton. The final window, 24, probably should be at the church. I’m happy to coordinate the idea but need a bit of local interest to make it succeed. If you think you would like to be part of an Advent Window Trail this December in either Broadwindsor or Drimpton then send me an email to revneary@gmail.com and we can get planning.”

Rev Jo Neary
Pioneer Priest
Beaminster Area Team
01308 867816

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Drimpton,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Advent,#Christmas,#Fun,#Community,#AdventWindowTrail,#TakePart,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Change of Hours at Beaminster Food Bank

The Food Bank in Beaminster is located in the Prout Bridge Building, 6 Prout Bridge, Beaminster DT8 3AY and is an invaluable source to many. They now open 10am – 12noon on Mondays and Fridays every week.

Those who need to use the Food Bank can get in contact via telephone: 07434 654 652 or email beaminsterfoodbank@gmail.com and arrange to collect a parcel. You do not need a referral – but it helps! If you have been referred, you’ll be given a voucher – which you should take to your nearest foodbank. There, your voucher will be redeemed for 3 days worth of nutritionally balanced food.

They are still taking donations which are always needed and very welcome. donation boxes can be found at:

Beaminster Pharmacy
Yarn Barton Centre
Co-op
Prout Bridge

Vouchers are accepted at Nick Tett‘s butchers and Fruit and Two Veg. Delivery can be arranged in emergencies.

They thank you so much for your support and do please encourage those who are in need to contact them. They provide fresh food and free groceries. They are fully stocked and ready to help. 🙂

Food Banks normally provide non perishable foods unless stated otherwise and will try to tailor if possible any special dietary requests e.g. vegetarian. Please note: Food Banks are not a long term solution. They are there to help in times of crisis.

#Broadwindsor,#WestDorset,#DiscoverBeaminster,#Dorset,#FoodBank,#Help,#Donations,#Hungry,#BeKind,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Part-time Cook at Symondsbury Kitchen

Symondsbury Kitchen is part of the Symondsbury Estate: a countryside cafe in the heart of Symondsbury. Open everyday for breakfast, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea and private bookings.

They are looking for a part-time cook looking to grow their skills in their busy kitchen. Responsibilities will include basic food preperation and cooking. Trained chef experience is not required but previous cook experience is preferred.

Hours will involve regular weekend work, weekdays and some requirement for evening work.

Please email your CV to sarah@symondsburyestate.co.uk to apply.

The Symondsbury Kitchen is now serving delicious seasonal dishes including their autumn salad and their braised pork, butter bean and chorizo stew. They also serve Hollis Mead organic milk as an option for their coffees! Dogs are welcome to bring their owners 🙂 Tel: 01308 424116 to book.

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Jobs,#Work,#Local,#Cook,#chef,#PartTime,#SymondsburyEstate,#HollisMead,#Food,#DogsWelcome,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Apologies! It’s Only 100 Days Until Christmas!

Today, Wednesday, September 16th 2020 marks just 100 days remaining until Christmas Day. No one is able to predict what restrictions we will be in place by then but Christmas 2020 will certainly be a bit different this year. This may disappoint many – but, it may at least help you spend less.

On *Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website – he offers 40 different things you can do prepare now to reduce the financial stress and avoid being skint in January 2021. His guide covers those listed in the photograph below (Click on the photograph to see larger print size) and much more. Read all 40 of them HERE.
*Martin Lewis OBE is a financial journalist and TV presenter of his own programme who founded MoneySavingExpert.com in February 2003. His website provides both British consumer finance information and a platform for discussion. All free. He was appointed OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June 2014 for services to consumer rights and charity. Well done Martin 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#MartinLewis,#Christmas,#MoneySavingExpert,#SaveMoney,#SpendLess,#100Days,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Dorset Hedgehog Survey

There were sightings of a Hedgehog at the top of Fullers last week. Have you seen one?

The Dorset Wildlife Trust report that Hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% in just over 10 years. Please help them understand more about Dorset’s hedgehogs by completing their two minute survey. Click HERE.

On submission of the survey they will email you a 16-page Guide to Helping Hedgehogs to say thank you, so that you can help hedgehogs in your garden and local community.

#Broadwindsor.#WestDorset,#DorsetWildlifeTrust,#Hedgehogs,#Garden,#Community,#Wildlife,#BeKind,#SocialDistancing,#StaySafe

Some Disabilities Are Hidden & Not Immediately Obvious

Hidden disabilities don’t have physical signs and include learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments. They can also include asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions as well as chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders when those diseases significantly impact day-to-day life.
Living with these conditions can make daily life more demanding for many people. They affect each person in different ways and can be painful, exhausting, and isolating. Without visible evidence of the hidden disability, it is frequently difficult for others to acknowledge the challenges faced and as a consequence, sympathy and understanding can often be in short supply.

There is no qualifying list of hidden disabilities. If you have a hidden disability and feel that you would benefit from wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product, please do and click the link further down the page. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not entitle you to anything other than that you have a hidden disability and that you may need some assistance, help or a little more time. It is NOT a pass to be fast-tracked nor for any other benefit.

The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme® launched at London Gatwick Airport in May 2016 in order to identify passengers with a hidden disability who may need additional help while travelling. Following its success, the scheme was rolled out across all major UK airports over the following two years. By the end of 2018 UK Rail providers had become members of the scheme and trials were in place at NHS trusts and independent GP surgeries and at major UK supermarkets. Cinemas and visitor attractions throughout the UK in launched the scheme in 2019. Also last year, M&S was the first UK supermarket to roll out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard in all their UK stores; Sainsbury’s and Argos launched throughout their UK stores; and Tesco launched in all of their stores in the UK and Ireland. Hospitals, insurance companies, shopping centres, sports venues, and arenas all joined across the UK and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower online store opened up to the general public.
So far this year, Nationwide is trialling the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower becoming the first financial institution to join the scheme and Chelsea Football Club have launched the scheme.

Get your Sunflower Lanyard and other products HERE. These include a Face Covering Exempt Card.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is part of Tabbers Limited, a private company based in the UK.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Products are strictly not for resale by individuals, businesses or organisations – they are intended to be donated to your customers free of charge. If you are a registered charity, please contact them by emailing join@hiddendisabilitiesstore.com to discuss reselling the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower products so that any revenue you make from doing this benefits your charity.

Official products are only available from their website as well as from charities who are members of the scheme and who have been authorised to sell the product. These charities will display an official badge and will be selling official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower products. They do not sell any Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product on eBay or Amazon. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower products being sold on these platforms are being resold at inflated prices or are counterfeit or copycat versions which can be misleading, cause confusion by not being recognised quickly by members of the scheme and may mean wearers are not helped as intended.

#Broadwindsor,#WeatDorset,#Dorset,#HiddenDisabilities,#SunflowerLanyardScheme,#ChelseaFC,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Units At Redlands Yard

There will be news on the restaurant at Redlands Yard very soon – but here’s a look at the other units at Redlands Yard with what they’ve got and when they’re open.

THE WOBBLY COTTAGE
Open 🙂 Tuesday – Friday 10am – 2.30pm and Saturday 10am – 1.30pm.
Rich & Dani: “Having been open all the way through Lockdown and adjusting accordingly we are getting back to normal a bit more and generally have stock to sell from the counter with an ever changing selection of bread and baked goodies. Beewraps are back in stock and we are also back to making small batches of preserves. We can take orders to secure loaves etc.. and are still offering a delivery service to those that can’t get to us although we are asking that anyone that can come up to the bakery please do so.”
On Fridays – they are also taking delivery of fresh flowers from Beaminster’s Lovette Farm.
Contact Rich and Dani: 01308 867 748
Message them through their Facebook page HERE.
email: richanddan@thewobblycottage.co.uk

EARTH DESIGN
Open 🙂 Tuesday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4pm (Updated).
Lisa and Paula will update their Facebook page when they get back to normal hours, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
“We have sanitizer at the door for everyone to use. Masks must be worn. We have a One way system and social distancing markings on the floor. A limit of how many customers are in the shop at the same time. A safety screen around the till area. All safety measures are working well and it’s been lovely seeing our customers again.”
Contact 01308 868911
Message Lisa & Paula through their Facebook page HERE.
email: earthdesign1@outlook.com

DIMENSIONS HAIR STUDIO
Open 🙂 APPOINTMENT ONLY
Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm & Late night – 7pm on Thursdays.
Saturday, 9am – 2pm.
Steph and her team have been exceptionally busy since lockdown restrictions have been lifted. They continue to cheerfully transform heads and share the ‘befores’ and ‘afters’ on their Facebook page HERE.
Contact: 01308 867711
Message Steph through Facebook, click HERE.

THE PAINTED NAIL
Open 🙂 APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm & Late nights – 9pm on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Toni and her team are merrily flattering the fingertips and fluttering the eyelashes of many ladies since Lockdown restrictions have been eased.
Contact: Book an appointment through their website HERE.
Message Toni through their Facebook page HERE.
Telephone: 07378 818 676

BECCA’S FABRIC LARDER
Open 🙂 Wednesday & Thursdays 11am -4pm
Saturdays 11am – 3pm
Offering an incredible array of fabrics under one roof. Other days closed or reduced hours.
Contact: 07486 062 343

THE PAINTED POOCH
Open 🙂 APPOINTMENT ONLY
Geri is bathing and blow drying a variety of your beloved four legged friends.
As well as bathing, cutting nails and general pampering, they also offer a microchipping and scanning service.
Contact: 07539 551993
Message through their Facebook page HERE.
Book an appointment for your dog HERE.

GALLERY OF MAKERS
Open 🙂 Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Selling a range of original works handmade by a group of 20 or so dedicated local artists.
A relieved Clare Colby commented “...nearly six weeks now of re-opened doors … good to see so many peeps visiting and returning ..“.
Explore their new online shop HERE.
Contact: In the first instance, please email: gallbcc@galleryofmakers.co.uk
Their website and Facebook page are being developed by a marketing company and we can expect lots more news and photographs next month.

We wish you all well!

#Broadwindsor #RedlandsYard #SocialDistancing #TheWobblyCottage #ThePaintedNail #EarthDesign #DimensionsHairStudio #BeccasFabricLarder #ThePaintedPooch #GalleryOfMakers #Creative #Beauty #Bread #Sourdough #Gifts #Art #SurvivingLockdown #WearAMask #BeKind #StaySafe

Tag: #BeKind

Vote For Our Group Parish Council

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