Chris Loder MP – Highest Expenses Of All Dorset MPs

When he was elected in December 2019, Mr Loder’s claims were the lowest of the five Dorset MPs.  It has been revealed that now Chris Loder MP’s expenses are the highest of the five.

Figures from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) reveal that West Dorset MP Chris Loder claimed higher business costs and expenses than any other new MP during the the 2019-20 financial year, costing the taxpayer around £71,000.

Mr Loder’s costs were the highest of all 156 new MPs elected in December 2019, and well above the average of £40,869 for the new intake of members.

The West Dorset MP cited the high cost of setting up a new office and buying equipment for staff, as well as having a one of the largest constituencies in the UK.

He spent £60,871.16 on office running costs, including £51,704.97 on staff wages and £9,166.19 on other office expenditures, plus £5,250.70 on accommodation, and a further £4,443.61 on travel and subsistence. His five most expensive types of costs were:

  • Payroll – costing £52,607.97
  • Hotels in London – £5,335.00
  • Buying equipment – £2,004.02
  • Rail travel – £1,769.35
  • Stationery and printing – £1,160.00

Talking to the Dorset Echo, Chris Loder MP said: “The costs of running an MP’s office are primarily for staff and office costs in running a base in the constituency and one in Westminster. I welcome the scrutiny of these costs, as it will show financial prudence with spending £15.5k less than the budget for this period, whilst setting up a completely new office from day one with a full staff team in place. West Dorset is not only the largest constituency in Dorset, it is one of the largest in the UK, and has ten per cent more electors than the average UK constituency.

To read the Dorset Echo’s full comparison of expenses – Click HERE.

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Local Employment: Fire Fighter, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

All their vacancies are managed through an e-recruitment portal.

During the coronavirus pandemic, they are still accepting applications for on-call firefighters but, due to social distancing, they are having to do some parts of the process differently. This will include online meetings rather than face-to-face and additional control measures for fitness testing. However, please don’t be put off by this, they will work with you to help your application progress as smoothly as possible.

Could you be an On-call Fire Fighter?

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are looking for On-call Firefighters who live or work close to their local station and can respond to an alerter and arrive on station within the required response time.

On-call Firefighters play a vital role in Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, responding to calls on a need-only basis. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including students; home makers and those who are self employed. Our Firefighters bring different skills, knowledge and qualities to the role and communities they serve.

What skills do I need?

To be a Firefighter you need to be:

• Sensitive to the needs of others
• Good at communicating
• Interested in working with the public
• Patient
• Have good attention to detail
• Fit

How physically fit do I need to be? 

You will need to pass a treadmill endurance test which is designed to assess your stamina and strength.
You will also undergo tests to assess if you can work in a confined space, on a ladder, lift heavy objects and carry and assemble equipment.

Which stations can I apply to?

You can submit an application for any of our on-call stations across our Service area. When submitting an application, you will be asked to choose one station to apply for (you cannot apply for more than one at this stage).

Please note, the following stations are currently not accepting new applications so you will not be able to apply for them:

  • Bridport
  • Christchurch
  • Chippenham
  • Dorchester
  • Hamworthy
  • Lyme Regis
  • Poole
  • Warminster
  • Weymouth
  • Wimborne

The position is permanent in their Operations department.

The Job number is: DWFRS – OC00119

Apply HERE.

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Quick fixes to speeding up your broadband during lockdown.

Dorset Community Action have published the following information: Quick fixes to speeding up your broadband during lockdown.

Trying to work or school from home can be a nightmare if you have slow broadband, however, help could be at hand. Digital Dorset is highlighting potential quick fixes to speed up your broadband.

In the first instance check if you can get an upgrade. Some areas in Dorset have received full fibre but the improvement in speed is not automatic – you have to sign up for an upgrade. To see if you can upgrade click HERE.

If your broadband speeds are less than 10 Mbps you could be entitled to help from BT/OFCOM’S Universal Service Obligation (USO). The USO either offers you a 4G Home Hub solution or subsidy towards full fibre if you live in a 4G blackspot. The 4G Home Hub is the quickest solution as fibre can take a while to be installed. For more information on the USO – Click HERE.

You can still get a 4G Home Hub even if your speeds are greater than 10 Mbps from a range of providers.

What is 4G home broadband?

This is a portable, and sometimes more affordable, alternative to regular broadband 4G broadband, is just like the regular broadband found in most homes – you receive a steady internet connection, you can connect all your devices and you pay a monthly fee. However, unlike regular internet which runs through cables and Wi-Fi signals, 4G broadband works in the same way as your phone, operating through a SIM card and mobile signals. This means you don’t need a phone line; you don’t need to pay set-up fees and you can take it on the go. You should also be able to receive it relatively quickly.

If you live in a poor mobile connectivity area the 4G solution may not work. However, don’t just go by your current mobile phone deal as some mobile providers have a better network than others. Find a list of 4G home broadband providers HERE.

Satellite broadband

If 4G is no good for your property, then satellite broadband could be another option. It uses a satellite dish to provide two-way access to broadband services but speeds which used to be lower, have improved with download speeds of up to 30 Mbps available.

The main advantage of satellite broadband is that it can be provided virtually anywhere in the world, so long as you have a clear line of sight to the south generally. There are satellite broadband providers in Dorset and several local companies who fit it.

Broadband too expensive?

If the cost of broadband is out of your reach, help could be available. People receiving means tested benefits can apply for the BT Basic service, which provides a phone line and broadband for around £10 per month. More information available on BT Basic HERE.
Virgin Media also offers a £15 month deal for those on Universal Credit register for essential broadband – Click HERE for more information.
Virgin Media Mobile phone operators have also been launching unlimited data SIM card deals via schools for children in receipt of free school meals. The applications are generally done via the schools. If you think you could be entitled to help contact your school office and ask them about unlimited SIM-card deals. Find out more on How to Get Free Data for Home Schooling During Lockdown – Click HERE.

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Show The Love 1st – 21st February 2021

Show the Love is an annual celebration of everything we care about and want to protect from the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Every February, since 2015, people from across the UK use the power of green hearts to join together and ask politicians to put aside their differences and tackle the climate crisis.

Our local Eco group hope that everyone will take part until 21st February: Put a green heart in your garden or front window or anywhere to show you care about our precious planet.

You can download the Green Love Action Pack HERE.

The Climate Coalition are the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. Along with their sister organisations Stop Climate Chaos Cymru and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, they are a group of over 140 organisations — including the National Trust, Women’s Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB — and 22 million voices strong. They are reaching across the UK to show their love for all the things they want to protect from climate change, and to ask politicians to put aside their differences and commit to doing whatever is necessary to protect them.

Visit their website HERE where you can sign up and join them, get a preprinted card to send to your MP and much more information.

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Dancing From Musical Films

Here is a 6 minute compilation of some of the best ever dancing from films – many of them in black and white, all to the tune of ‘Footloose‘. It was posted on Facebook very recently by Kevin Bacon.  It should bring back memories for some and get your toes tapping! Enjoy!


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#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Footloose,#KevinBacon,#Dance,#Musicals,#FredAstaire,#GetYourDancingShoesOn,#Memories,#StayHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Net Maker/Fitter at Coastal Nets

Coastal Nets are a family run business based in Bridport at the North Mills Trading Estate.

They have a small hard working and friendly team who specialize in manufacture of nets for fishing, sports and industrial applications. They are looking for someone to join their team as a Net Maker and Fitter.
This is a Full-time position.
Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience. Minimum £9.00 per hour. Site work paid extra.
The majority of work will be net making at their Bridport premises with occasional work away on site installing nets.

  • This is nationwide and involves overnight stays.
  • All travel, accommodation and food is paid for.
  • Full training will be given on the job but previous experience either in net making or site work will be an advantage.
  • Candidate must have a very responsible attitude to work, and be prepared to work in a variety of condition indoors and outdoors.
  • Responsibilities and Duties Manufacture of fishing and sports nets.
  • Installation of nets on sports pitches, golf courses and sports halls.
  • Driving company vehicles Qualifications and Skills Clean UK Driving Licence
  • Site work experience IPAF (beneficial)
  • CSCS Card (beneficial)
  • First Aid (beneficial)
  • Forklift (beneficial)

All applications must be made by email: admin@coastalnets.co.uk

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#CoastalNets,#NetMaker,#NetFitter,#Jobs,#Permanent,#Fulltime#LocalEmployment,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Dog Blood Donors Wanted

Could your dog help save another dog’s life?

Bredy Veterinary Centre in Bridport are looking for more local dogs as blood donors for emergency situations where they have a sick dog that needs a blood transfusion. They do already have several dogs on their donor list but ideally need some more.

There are quite strict criteria for donor dogs as follows…
🐶 Large dog 25kg or above
🐶 1-8 years old
🐶 Vaccinated & up to date with annual boosters
🐶 Ideally up to date with flea, tick & worm treatments
🐶 Not on medication
🐶 Have never travelled abroad
🐶 Have a good nature
They offer a free booster or consultation for any donor dogs! They are also blood typed free of charge!
They do have a dog blood bank in the UK, but it’s often quicker for them to call in a local donor.
If you think your dog might be able to help, please telephone: 01308 456771
or email: bredyvets@bredyvets.co.uk to discuss.  Thank you!Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Pets,#BloodDonor,#Vets,#Dogs,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

6pm Clap for Captain Tom

At the Prime Minister’s suggestion – at 6pm, clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore and all those in the front line combatting the Coronavirus.

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This Week’s Specials & Curry Weekend At The White Lion

For this weekend, Vikki’s Specials are:

  • Homemade Sweet and Sour Pork with Rice
  • Homemade Turkey and Ham Pie with fresh Vegetables and Chips or Mash
  • Homemade Cod Florentine topped with a cheesy mash (Cod fillet and Spinach)

There are more of Molly’s squidgy Triple Chocolate Brownies available @ £3.00

For Sunday, there is the choice of Roast Beef, Roast Turkey or Roast Lamb @ £8.50. Collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

The White Lion, BroadwindsorPlease pre order by 5pm the day prior.
Telephone 01308 867070 or
email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

 

For Valentine’s weekend this year,  you can spice up your plate with some delicious curries and accompaniments. There are four homemade curries to choose from:

  • Lamb Rogan Josh
  • Beef Madras
  • Chicken Korma
  • Vegetable Balti

All are served with Rice or Chips and the following sides:

  • Naan bread
  • Homemade Onion Bhaji
  • Homemade Saag Aloo (Potato & Spinach)
  • Poppadom
  • Pickle & Chutney

All dishes are gluten free except Naan bread.
All for £10.00

Again, please pre order by 5 pm the day prior to avoid disappointment: 01308 867070 or email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#Curry,#TripleChocolateBrownies,#FreshFood,#2021,#Takeaway,#Homemade,#SocialDistancing,#YumYum,#SupportYourLocal,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#StaySafe

 

February’s Marshwood Vale Magazine

Not appearing in print this month, here is February’s Marshwood Vale magazine:

 

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