A plaque dedicated to David Leader and the leading role he played in the establishment of the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) will be unveiled tomorrow, Friday 24th May, at 9.30am at the MUGA.
David’s family, the Parish Council and Broadwindsor School would like to extend an invitation to the community to join them. David was passionate about the MUGA and highly instrumental in the project, working tirelessly over many years and overcoming many obstacles along the way. He never gave up and today we have this wonderful community asset, used and enjoyed by so many 🙂
To mark the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings on Tuesday, 6th June 1944 – our Parish council invite all to attend a Service of Commemoration to be held at the new war memorial in Broadwindsor from 10.30am on Thursday, 6th June 2024.
At 6.30pm the Bells will ring along with the rest of the Nation. At the Allotments (opposite the Primary School) at 9.15pm, there will be a lighting of the beacon .
The largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare, the statistics of D-Day, codenamed Operation Overlord, are staggering. The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Junoand Sword.
By the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold along the coast and could begin their advance into France, marking the start of a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable.
D-Day required unprecedented cooperation between international armed forces. The Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) was an international coalition and although the Allies were united against Germany, the military leadership responsible for ‘Overlord’ had to overcome political, cultural and personal tensions.
By 1944, over 2 million troops from over 12 countries were in Britain in preparation for the invasion. On D-Day, Allied forces consisted primarily of American, British and Canadian troops but also included Australian, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, New Zealand, Norwegian, Rhodesian and Polish naval, air or ground support.
The invasion was conducted in two main phases – an airborne assault and amphibious landings. Shortly after midnight on 6th June, over 18,000 Allied paratroopers were dropped into the invasion area to provide tactical support for infantry divisions on the beaches. Allied air forces flew over 14,000 sorties in support of the landings and, having secured air supremacy prior to the invasion, many of these flights were unchallenged by the Luftwaffe.
Nearly 7,000 naval vessels, including battleships, destroyers, minesweepers, escorts and assault craft took part in Operation ‘Neptune’, the naval component of ‘Overlord’. Naval forces were responsible for escorting and landing over 132,000 ground troops on the beaches. They also carried out bombardments on German coastal defences before and during the landings and provided artillery support for the invading troops.
Germany tried to defend the northern coast of France with a series of fortifications known as the ‘Atlantic Wall’. However, German defences were often incomplete and insufficiently manned.
Members of the French Resistance and the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) provided intelligence and helped weaken defences through sabotage. The Allied deception campaigns succeeded in convincing the Germans as late as July 1944 that the main invasion force would still land elsewhere. The threat of this larger, second invasion kept German reinforcements tied down away from Normandy.
‘Overlord’ did not bring an end to the war in Europe, but it did begin the process through which victory was eventually achieved. By the end of August 1944, the German Army was in full retreat from France, but by September Allied momentum had slowed. The Germans were able to regroup and launched a failed but determined counter-offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944 – The Battle of the Bulge.
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council convened on Monday, 13th May and marked the start of a new five year term of office.
Many returning Councillors were welcomed and Councillor Rick Dyke was elected as Chairman, receiving unanimous support from all. Of the six vacancies there are currently 2 vacancies remaining: one for Broadwindsor Ward and the other for Drimpton Ward*.
Bringing fresh new perspectives and a wealth of skills and experience, a warm welcome goes to:
Councillor Garry Miller (Broadwindsor ward)
Councillor Tim Beer (Blackdown ward)
Councillor Philip Dixon (Drimpton ward)
Councillor Chris Beck (Drimpton ward).
We wish them all well and hope that they enjoy being part of the Parish Council.
During the meeting a number of representations were agreed as follows:
Broadwindsor School – Councillor Rebecca Burt
Comrades Hall – Councillor Rick Dyke
Blackdown Village Hall – Councillor Sonia Raymond
Drimpton Village Hall – Councillor Chris Beck
Broadwindsor Allotment Group – Stefan Nikolov
ROWLO/Footpaths Officer – Councillor Philip Dixon
DAPTC Western Area Committee – Councillor Rick Dyke & Councillor Nathalie Roberts
Dorset Council Climate & Ecological Emergency Support Group – Sheila Hawkins
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday, 3rd June, 7.30pm at Blackdown Village Hall. All are welcome.
* If you are interested and would like to find out more about the role and responsibilities of a parish councillor, please contact the Parish Clerk at hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.
The motorcyclists come from all over England and Wales and all are participating and are half way through the Weymouth Run which started on Sunday, 12th May. Organised by Rod Hann, the run ends on Friday, 17th after covering a total run of almost 450 miles, averaging approximately 75 miles/day. Each day takes in stops at local interesting places and of course… somewhere for refreshments 🙂
For the enthusiasts... below some of the bikes that parked up today.
Nationally, The Vintage Motor Cycle Club Limited was formed in 1946 by a band of 38 enthusiasts and membership today stands over 16,000 – but this has been achieved without losing any of the camaraderie or helpfulness which is usually associated with smaller clubs. You do not have to own a historic motorcycle or three-wheeler in order to join the VMCC, just an interest in these machines.
The Dorset Section is a local section of the national organisation, first set up in 10th March 1966 and now meet on the second Wednesday of the month, where they have guest speakers, quiz nights, social meets and a few outside events during the summer months. In the present day, the Dorset Section is an active group which runs a busy calendar of events throughout the year, comprising of short local rides and longer rides into the neighbouring counties.
If you would like to know more and perhaps be involved in next year’s Weymouth Run – please visit: https://dorsetvmcc.co.uk for more information or follow them on Facebook HERE.
Thank you to Run Leader Carol for her help and Safe Travel to you all!
Our village Horticultural Society welcome you to join them for a Cream Tea at The Comrades Hall on Saturday, May 18th at 2.30pm, while you browse the lovely selection of homegrown plants for sale.
With lots of donated plants that have been cultivated by members of Broadwindsor Allotment Group, you are bound to find something- whether a garden staple or some more unusual species perhaps, to add to your garden or household plant collection. Also have for sale this year is a selection of vintage and rustic terracotta pots.
Scones, cream, jam, coffee, tea and other refreshments.
ÂŁ5 entry please which covers your cream tea cost.
From Neuchatel, Switzerland and now living locally, Alanicus Ward has been in the U.K. for 14 years and brings over 25 years experience to the decks at The Knapp Inn tomorrow, Saturday 11th, from 8pm ’til late.
Alanicus has worked at pubs, clubs, private functions, festivals and offers you an eclectic mix of genres from the 1960’s to the 2000’s. Saturday’s event also celebrates his friend’s birthday… Happy Birthday Em 🙂
The Knapp Inn is a Freehouse and all are welcome to come along and dance!
On Saturday, 15th June – we hope for sunshine and… You are invited to take a walk around Drimpton and venture into any garden which displays a sign outside and/or appears on the list which will be created nearer the time..
For any Drimpton residents wanting to take part –
You do not need a pristine garden but you must be happy to let people browse around and look at yours. They may get some ideas for their own garden! If you think that you would like to open your garden then please contact Diana and she will add you to the list 🙂
After so many enjoyed the music from the bells rung by a visiting team yesterday, villagers can look forward to a band of bellringers attempting a full peal on the bells of St. John the Baptisit church on Wednesday, 8th May beginning at 10am. These ringers from Devon, Somerset and Dorset come together as a band once or twice a month to attempt a peal in different churches in the South West.
A good question to ask is why? Bob Crighton explains…
To begin with, there is the physical challenge of ringing a bell for around 3 hours non-stop (the tenor bell (ie heaviest) at St John’s weighs almost 15 cwt), and then the mental challenge of concentrating for that length of time. To be a true peal on 6 bells there has to be 5,040 different combinations in the order the bells ring, and we shall be attempting 17 different methods – mathematical patterns – in the course of the peal.
A lot to think about – especially for the conductor who also has to remember the composition necessary to achieve the 5,040 different changes and put anyone right who goes wrong. Fortunately, we have one of the most experienced conductors in the country who has rung well over 5000 peals and conducted over 3000 of them.
As well as the personal challenge for the ringers, peals are rung to mark special occasions: local, national and international, and we are often asked to dedicate a successful peal to a recently deceased member of the local community, opening of the refurbished village hall etc., and of course many peals were rung last year for the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Intrigued? Well come and talk to us afterwards at around 1pm. We hope that you will appreciate the music of your bells and that we won’t disturb the peace too much!’
Social media had many comments including some who expressed interest in forming a new team of a campanologists in Broadwindsor!
“It’s a great skill to learn, good exercise and really makes you feel physically in touch with the past.” commented Margery Hookings who has offered to get some information together to possibly get a team together 🙂 Anyone interested – please email Margery at margery.hookings@gmail.com
Three tapas dishes this month, in the hope of some Mediterranean weather!
Garlic Prawns (Gambas al Ajillo) – serves 4
200 grams raw prawns (or more)
1 eggcup olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
Half teaspoon chilli flakes
Juice of half a lemon.
3 tablespoons chopped flatleaf parsley
Salt and sugar to taste.
Large pinch of saffron (optional), soaked in a little hot water
Method:
Gently poach the garlic in the oil for 5 minutes until softened but not browned. Add chilli flakes. Add prawns and gently fry until cooked and released their juices . Remove prawns from the oil mixture and cover.
To the pan add lemon juice plus saffron with its water (if using). Increase the heat and whisk to emulsify. Allow sauce to reduce and add parsley. Check for seasoning and add salt and sugar to taste. Add prawns back to the pan and heat through. Allow to rest and serve at room temperature. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tortilla española – serves 6-8
The traditional tortilla has only five ingredients. You can add cooked chorizo, peppers, prawns, slices of ham in the middle, etc.. I have seen Spanish cooks quite successfully use leftover chips/fries and even crisps instead of sliced potatoes! Tips for best flavour – 1) season the potato, onion and egg separately, and 2) cook the onion until caramelised. Leftovers are great for breakfast, or in a crusty baguette with mayo and roasted, sliced red peppers (from a jar). Amounts are for a frying pan 8 or 9 ins.
1 medium onion, chopped.
8 large eggs
Salt
Olive oil (approx.150ml)
2 large (waxy, not floury) potatoes, peeled, halved, thinly sliced, rinsed and dried
Method:
Gently fry onion in 2 tbsp olive oil until soft and caramelised. Tip into a bowl, season with salt and wipe pan. Over a medium heat, warm another 4 tbsp oil and add potatoes, turning to coat in the oil. Cover and cook gently until cooked but holding their shape. Season, then tip into the bowl of onions and gently fold to mix. Clean pan and add 3-4 tbsp oil to warm. In a large bowl, beat eggs and season. Add potato/onion mixture to the egg (and anything else you fancy). Tip into pan, ensuring that the mixture is evenly spread. Scrape bottom of pan, like when making scrambled eggs, then cover and leave for around 3 minutes on a medium heat. Tease the edges away from the sides and with a spatula ensure that the tortilla isn’t sticking. After 10 minutes, remove from heat and let sit for a couple more minutes. Place a plate upside down over the pan and using a tea towel, turn over the pan and plate, so the tortilla is cooked side up on the plate. Wipe out pan, swirl round a little oil and slide in tortilla to cook on underside for approx. 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold.
Chorizo in red wine (Chorizo con Vino Tinto) – serves 4
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion or 3 shallots, finely chopped.
1 horseshoe chorizo, skinned and sliced into roughly 5mm coins
1 scant teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh
Gently fry the onion/shallots in the oil until softened but not browned. Add the thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes. Remove onto a plate. Add chorizo pieces to pan (no more oil needed) and gently fry until they release their oils and are slightly browned and cooked through. Add the smoked paprika and cook for a further minute. Add the onion back to the pan, along with the wine. Bring to a simmer – add more wine if you think you need more liquid and simmer again. Season with salt and sugar to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Best served slightly warm.
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The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday, 3rd June, 7.30pm at Blackdown Village Hall. All are welcome.
Scones, cream, jam, coffee, tea and other refreshments.
