Tag: #BeSafe

New Rules & Free Rapid Home Testing for Employers

On the day when the Stay At Home rule ends and the Rule of 6 (outdoors) comes into force and when shielding is due to end in 2 days, from 6th April, the workplace testing programme will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site, due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.

Businesses across the country will be eligible to order the home test kits online to distribute to their employees. These self-test kits will be picked up by staff from their employer with clear instructions about how to take the test. Staff will then complete the home test in the normal way, before reporting their results to the NHS using the provided gov.uk address.

Businesses are encouraged to register before 12th April in order to access free tests until the end of June, even if they’re not yet open or are not able to start using the tests straight away. Start HERE.

CoronavirusTesting will form a crucial part of everyday life as parts of society reopen. Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, or needing to close due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

For many employers on-site testing has already become an essential part of its employee offer and a routine part of working life.

Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus in workplaces without knowing. The Government has also confirmed twice-weekly home testing using lateral flow tests for free to all adults in households with Primary, Secondary school and College aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles.

The Official of National Statistics (ONS), in response to the NHS Test and Trace, revealed that 86% of people testing positive for Coronavirus are fully complying with self-isolation guidance for their full isolation period. The majority of respondents (68%) also fully understood the self-isolation guidance. Of people who did not fully comply, the most common breaches were to buy food, get medicines or medical appointments.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2021,#NationalLockdown,#BWGPC,#RuleOf6,#Coronavirus,#Covid19,#Pandemic,#TestKits,#ONS,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Scout Groups Need Adult Helpers

Scout Groups welcome boys and girls from the ages of 5 ¾ to 14 years old.  Lockdown has made everyone realise how important fun, activities and being part of a community is to us and to children. Both the local Scout groups that serve our parish are in need of Adult Helpers ready for when the groups restart.  Active help.  Committee help.  General help. Assistant Leaders.  All offers of help are appreciated.

The 1st Beaminster Scout Group:

Beaminster’s Groups meet:

  • Beavers: Age 6-8 on Mondays 5.30pm to 6.30pm
  • Cubs: Age 8-10½ on Mondays 6.30pm to 8.00pm
  • Scouts: Age 10½ – 14 on Mondays 6.30pm to 8.00pm

Are you, or someone you know, over 18 and wanting to give something back to our local young people by becoming a helper at the weekly sessions? Perhaps you are ready to take on some new adventures yourself!
“Be prepared” to have some fun, they have several positions which need filled.  Read more HERE or send a message for further information to kirstyamoore@outlook.com.

The 1st Mosterton Scout Group:

Mosterton’s Groups meet:

  • Beavers: aged 5 ¾ to 8 years inclusive – normally meet 4.45pm to 6.00pm.
  • Cubs: aged 8 to 10 ½ years inclusive – normally meet 6.00pm to 7.30pm.
  • Scouts: aged 10 ½ to 14 years old inclusive – normally meet 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

The 1st Mosterton group are also looking for Adult helpers for their group, please email: Chris at emmerson1@googlemail.com

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#Mosterton,#Beaminster,#Dorset,#Beavers,#Cubs,#Scouts,#Fun,#Adventure,#Friends,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#Volunteer,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Work Party Needed At Bernards’ Place This Sunday

Outside brushes and shovels will be the order of the day. Help is needed this Sunday, 28th March at 9am at Bernards’ Place in Broadwindsor. The plan is to tidy up the area and make it all look good for Easter!

AmmoniteChris Edgerley has almost completed his feature wall.  Flowers are already appearing in the trough planted by Ruth Stevens at the end of October last year. This Sunday, there will be some wildflower planting alongside the Old George as well.  With preparation of the verges at Crosskeys now underway, Broadwindsor is set to look very pretty indeed.

Please telephone David Leader on: 01308 868275 or 07867 608652

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#BWGPC,#BernardsPlace,#Spring,#Flowers,#SocialDistancing,#Volunteer,#ComradesHall,#COVID19,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Full Moon – Saturday, 28th March

March’s Full Moon is known as the Worm Moon, which was originally thought to refer to the earthworms that appear as the soil thaws in Spring. This itself leads to the appearance of robins, chats and other worm eating birds.

An alternative explanation for this name comes from Captain Jonathan Carver, an 18th-century explorer, who wrote that this Moon name refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

There are other names for this particular Full Moon all of which herald the transition from Winter into Spring.  Such names include:

  • Crow Comes Back Moon.
  • Sugar Moon – marking the time of year when the sap of sugar maples trees starts to flow.
  • Wind Strong Moon – referring to the strong windy days that come at this time of year.
  • The Sore Eyes Moon – from North Dakota where the blinding rays of sunlight reflect off the melting snow of late winter.

March’s full Moon often plays a role in religion too. Specifically, in Christianity, this Moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it is the last Full Moon of the winter season (i.e.: if it occurs before the Spring equinox) or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first Full Moon of Spring (i.e.: if it occurs after the Spring equinox).  This year we have a Paschal Full Moon.

Easter is a different date every year and some remember the date as 3 weeks after Mother’s Day. Another way to remember when Easter falls is that Easter is always observed on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first Full Moon that occurs on or after the March equinox…. well almost…

Broadwindsor village churchThe ecclesiastical dates of the Full Moon and the March equinox are those used by the Christian Church. They were defined long ago in order to aid in the calculation of Easter’s date, which means that they may differ from the astronomical dates of these events.
In A.D. 325, a Full Moon calendar was created that did not take into account all the factors of lunar motion that we know about today. The Christian Church still follows this calendar, which means that the date of the ecclesiastical Full Moon may be one or two days off from the date of the astronomical Full Moon.
Additionally, the astronomical date of the equinox changes over time, but the Church has fixed the event in their calendar to March 21st. This means that the ecclesiastical date of the equinox will always be March 21st, even if the astronomical date is March 19th or 20th.

This year, the March equinox occurred on Saturday, 20th March. The first Full Moon to occur after that date is March’s Full Worm Moon, on Sunday, 28th March. This makes March’s Full Moon the Paschal Full Moon as well. Therefore, Easter will be observed on the first Sunday after March 28: Sunday, 4th April! 🙂

 It’s a period of new beginnings. Look for the spectacularly bright Moon as it rises above the horizon on Saturday evening!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#FullMoon,#Worm,#Spring,#Equinox,#PaschalFullMoon,#EcclesiasticalCalendar,#Easter,#NewBeginnings,#LookUp,#SocialDistancng,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

A Day of Reflection – 23rd March 2021

Today, the UK remembers those who have died with coronavirus, marking one year since the first lockdown began.  Prime minister, Boris Johnson will address the nation this evening.

At noon, a minute’s silence is being held in memory of those who have died and at 8pm people are being encouraged to stand on doorsteps with phones, candles and torches to signify a “Beacon of Remembrance“.  In Wales, more than 100 historic buildings, including the Senedd, Britannia Bridge, Principality Stadium and castles at Caerphilly, Conwy, Caernarfon and I’m A Celebrity’s Gwrych, will be lit in yellow in memory of all those who have lost their lives.

It is one year since the Prime Minister directed the nation to “Stay at home!“.  With over a quarter of a million people in the UK lost to the Coronavirus, the Prime Minister claims the past year has been one of the most difficult in the country’s history. The Prime Minister also praised the “absolutely astonishing achievement” of British scientists and businesses in developing a vaccine and delivering it to half the adult population within a year. Unfortunately, the anniversary coincides with Boris Johnson fighting a diplomatic offensive behind the scenes in a bid to prevent the European Union carrying out a threat to block exports of Coronavirus vaccines to the UK.

From next week – £5,000 fines are set to come in for people who try to holiday abroad.

CoronavirusVets are warning of a possible link between a new variant of coronavirus and heart problems in cats and dogs after a increase in pets presenting with myocarditis at a specialist veterinary hospital in Buckinghamshire during the pandemic’s second wave.  Read the Guardian‘s full report HERE.

Businesses, theatres and other amenities are cautiously planning their reopening in April and May but the threat of a new variant of the virus and another Lockdown is very real as France and Italy are experiencing a third wave of infection. Germany goes into another Lockdown over Easter.
Public Health England figures show that 11,622 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Monday (March 22) in Dorset – an increase from 11,560 the same time on Friday (March 19th).

Pablo Picasso's "Dove Of Peace"
Pablo Picasso’s “Dove Of Peace”

Many people have died the past year for reasons other than the Coronavirus but the restrictions in place have made the grieving process even more difficult than it would have been. It is a day of Reflection for us all.  Please, be safe and stay safe.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2021,#NationalLockdown,#DayOfReflection,#23March,#Coronavirus,#Covid19,#Vets,#Pandemic,#OneYearOn,#Grief,#Loss,#TheGuardian,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

World Autism Awareness Week 29 March to 4 April 2021

World Autism Awareness Week is from 29 March to 4 April 2021 with World Autism Awareness Day falling on Friday 2nd April.  Of course we should be aware all the time and not just the day or a week. The Coronavirus has brought ever-changing guidelines and restrictions which can be confusing to understand and extremely difficult to implement for autistic people with high support needs.

For 2021 they invite you to take on their Super 7 Challenge. From walking and swimming to creating music or gaming – choose your own 7-themed activity.

Please note: By signing up to this challenge, you are agreeing to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £12 to the National Autistic Society to secure your place in the Super 7 Challenge.

They’ve got lots of ideas to help you raise money in a safe and enjoyable way during these difficult times. In 2020 with World Autism Awareness Week during Lockdown, hundreds of new and creative ways to raise awareness and money. Fundraising suggestions include:

  • Facebook Fundraisers – more HERE.
  • Gaming – more HERE.
  • A Virtual Quiz – more HERE.
  • A Virtual Home Contest – more HERE.
  • Sponsored Haircuts & Colours – more HERE.
  • Sponsored Family fun – more HERE.

Autism AwarenessAutism Awareness is represented by the colour light blue and multicolour puzzle pieces. The light blue colour is the organisation’s primary colour, and is associated with a calm feeling and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people on the spectrum. The puzzle pattern reflects the complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colours and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope — hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through early intervention and access to appropriate services/supports, people with autism will lead full lives able to interact with the world on the own terms.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#2021,#NationalLockdown,#AutismAwareness,#NAS,#SuperSevenChallenge,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The Final Midweek Motivator Quiz – Wednesday 24th March

This week is the final online gathering for Margery’s Midweek Motivator Quiz.  It has been running every Wednesday for the last 10 weeks with Margery facing 15-18 squares on her screen each week, most containing two or more faces.  Margery is hoping that “…the next time we do a quiz together will be in the pub or Comrades Hall“.  We all hope so!

On Wednesday, Margery will present 3 rounds of 5 questions and one picture round of 10 questions. Time is limited as Margery is using the free version of Zoom.

Zoom is Free for everyone! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

To Join the Zoom Meeting (the Quiz) – Click HERE.
Meeting ID: 754 7100 3869
Passcode: u6y5qr

No prizes! it’s simply a bit of time out, seeing familiar faces and breaking the monotony of Lockdown. 🙂

  • Put it in your diary!
  • Set an alarm to remind yourself 15 mins beforehand!
  • Refreshments at the ready.
  • Wednesday, 24th at 8pm.
  • Have a laugh!

Thank you for the fun Margery!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#MidweekMotivatorQuiz,#Lockdown,#2021,#Zoom,#StayAtHome,#Fun,#Laugh,#Final,#SaveYourSanity,#TestYourBrain,#ThankYou,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Today’s The Day! Census 2021

The census is a survey about all the households in England and Wales.  It is much more than just a record for the Government’s National Statisticians – it is creating a snapshot of our lives at this time, on this day – our history.  Anyone who has carried out historical research, will appreciate the importance of such details being recorded.

Everyone must complete the census and provide accurate information. It helps decide how services are funded in your area. There is a £1,000 fine for not completing the census but although today is the day – for those who haven’t or can’t complete the census by March 21st, they should ensure they do so “as soon as possible after”.

For the first time, this year’s census asks about your gender and gender identity – these new questions are voluntary and do not need to be answered.

Complete the census 2021 HERE.

Advisors are available:

Telephone:

  • Call 0800 141 2021
  • Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
  • Saturday, 8am to 1pm
  • Census weekend (20 – 21 March), 8am to 8pm

Online Webchat:

  • Click HERE.
  • Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm
  • Saturday, 8am to 1pm
  • Census weekend (20 – 21 March), 4am to 8pm

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Census2021,#DoItNow,#GenderIdentity,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Who Visits & Who Follows Broadwindsor.org? The Year In Review

It has been just over a year since Broadwindsor.org launched in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The aim always has been to provide the ever changing rules and information for local people within our village, the parish and to support local commercial businesses throughout the ongoing pandemic.

After one year, Broadwindsor can reveal the following fun facts & statistics – all of which are correct at the time of publishing:

  • The website, Broadwindsor.org now has 6,500 visitors each month.
  • On Twitter, Broadwindsor.org currently has 730 followers.
  • The Shrewsbury Morris Dancers whose mantra is “Dance, Have Fun, Laugh, Repeat” are Broadwindsor.org’s biggest follower on Twitter this month with 1.3K followers.
  • On Facebook, Broadwindsor.org has 750 followers.
  • Although almost as many followers on Twitter, Facebook refers 75% of visitors to the Broadwindsor.org website!
  • 68% of visitors to Broadwindsor.org reside in the U.K.
  • 28% of visitors to Broadwindsor.org reside in the U.S. of A.
  • The remaining 4% reside in all the continents of our world as the diagram below shows.

World Visitors Mar 2020 - Mar 2021
The website also demonstrates a wide demographic –

How do you access the website?

  • Desktop 21%
  • Tablet 16%
  • Mobile 63%

After this last 12 months when everybody has suffered and struggled, Broadwindsor.org will now evolve into a new and  independent, not-for-profit local community organisation – purely to generate enough revenue to cover the essential operational overheads in order to keep it going.  The Editor’s labour continues to be voluntary.

Consequently, from April 6th 2021, all the commercial advertisers who are listed and have been promoted and supported on the website throughout this past year will be asked to pay £15 a year for their inclusion on the website’s local business listing page and with features throughout the year 2021 – 2022.  Businesses will be emailed directly in due course.

  • £15/year works out as £0.04 per day.
  • Where else will you get such personalised advertising reaching all corners of the globe?
  • Broadwindsor.org needs you to keep it going!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#LocalBusiness,#NotForProfit,#Community,#2021,#Village,#ShrewsburyMorrisDancers,#Twitter,#Facebook,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Happy Solstice – Vernal Equinox

Today celebrated the Vernal (Spring) Equinox – the first day of Spring which occurs when the sun passes the equator moving from the southern to the northern hemisphere.

The North Pole begins to lean toward the sun again. Day and night have approximately the same length and the days will become longer.

The clocks will go forward next weekend on March 28th signifying Summer is definitely on its way!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#VernalEquinox,#Sunshine,#Daylight,#SpringHasSprung,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe