Tag: #Dorset

End of Broadwindsor’s First Responders

Broadwindsor First Responders are no more.  The decision to close the group follows the retirement of their last Responder. Broadwindsor First Responders proudly came into force in the spring of 2003 with nearly 40 volunteers at that time.  All trained by Phil Lathey of Dorset Ambulance.   The idea had been started by the then landlord of The White Lion, John Beighton. The late Pat Clarke volunteered to take on the monumental task, accepted the collection bottle and started some serious fundraising.

First Responders 2012
Broadwindsor First Responders 2012 appealing for volunteers: Pat Armes, Jacqui Sewell, Heather Coley and Terry Clarke

By 2012, volunteer numbers had dwindled and the group were threatened with being forced to disband but an appeal through the Bridport News brought them some much needed publicity. The people of the village certainly appreciated and supported it.  Former Chairman and co-founder Terry Clarke had said “The problem we found was that people were desperate for it to continue but no-one seems to want to volunteer to keep it going.
Certainly I felt that the times we were called we did give the people a lot of help and support and they were very pleased to see us because inevitably we were the first to see them because they were desperately ill or had befallen some accident.”

In a Farewell notice in the Broadwindsor News, Jacqui Sewell, Margaret Jenkins, Terry Clarke & Val Johnson  thanked Rowland Hibbard from Kittwhistle Garage who maintained their vehicles.  They thanked all the previous & present First Responders who gave their time to provide a hands on emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for over 15 years.

The Responders assisted in the installation of defibrillators located at:

  • Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor
  • Kittwhistle Garage

Monies from the trade in value of their last vehicle was donated to Dorset Air Ambulance.

Parish Councillor Jacqui Sewell commented ” It does make me feel sad. It was a privilege to serve the village as a First Responder and I am very grateful to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for the training.”

Christmas Garland

“Thank you for all your support over the years. Stay safe and keep well”

Christmas Garland

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#SouthWesternAmbulanceServiceNHSFoundationTrust,#FirstResponders,#KittwhistleGarage,#EmergencyService,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Your Christmas Bubble

Dorset will remain in Tier 2 – High Alert.  The rules for Christmas Day 2020 are different.

It is vital that we each take personal responsibility this Christmas to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable.

One in three people with Coronavirus (COVID-19) have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. So the safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household or existing support bubble in your home. The more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread Coronavirus.

Living in Dorset, you may see a maximum of two other households (your ‘Christmas bubble’) on Christmas Day (25 December). You cannot see anyone from a Tier 4 area. You should think very carefully about the risks and only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to. Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person.

Christmas GarlandThe rules below are law for December 25th and taken from the Government’s website:

You can only form a Christmas bubble if you do not live in a Tier 4 area. If you are permitted to form a Christmas bubble and choose to do so:

  • keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
  • do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
  • stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
  • only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
  • only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
  • stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area
  • if you are meeting someone who is not in your Christmas or support bubble, you can only do so outside your home or garden and in accordance with the rules in your tier (either the tier you live in, or the tier you are meeting in – whichever is stricter)

When seeing your Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes:

  • meeting outdoors where possible
  • ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible
  • making space between members of different households wherever you can
  • washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
  • following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.

You should not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is self-isolating. You should get a free NHS test if you have symptoms, have been asked to by your local council or your hospital, or are taking part in a government pilot project.

Christmas Garland

Christmas GarlandFor more information on forming your Christmas Bubble under various circumstances – Please click HERE.

Christmas Garland

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Coronavirus,#Covid19,#Tier2,#Tier4,#NHS,#Test,#Christmas2020,#ChristmasBubble,#Law,#GovUK,#StayAtHome,#StaySafe

 

 

Lockdown Christmas

We all acknowledge that Christmas will be different this year. Here is a heartening poem by Sir Richard Stilgoe from Home-Start Wandsworth.

Lockdown Christmas

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#SirRichardStilgoe,#LockdownChristmas,#BeSafe,#BeKind,#StaySafe

 

 

 

Christmas Opening Hours At Broadwindsor Community Stores

Our wonderful village shop will be closed only on Christmas Day.  The staff and volunteers have been busy today preparing orders of fresh meat and veg to be collected tomorrow.  We are exceptionally lucky to have all the volunteers that do their 2 hour shift to keep our shop open – they are always looking for more – why not volunteer* in 2021?

Christmas GarlandPlease see the hours for the rest of the festive period below.

  • Christmas Eve: 7.30am – 4pm
  • Closed on Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day: 10am – 12 noon
  • Sunday 27th: 8am – 12 noon
  • Monday 28th: 7.30am – 6pm
  • Tuesday 29th: 7.30am – 6pm
  • Wednesday 30th:7.30am – 6pm
  • New Year’s Eve: 7.30pm – 4pm
  • New Year’s Day: 10am – 12 noon
  • Saturday 2nd: 7.30am – 6pm

The shop then resumes normal hours.

Christmas Garland

Thank you to all the staff and volunteers!

* Want to know more about volunteering?

You can be reassured that all the necessary measures are in place to keep you Covid-19 safe in the shop environment. There is also a panic alarm fitted to ensure your safety.

You can download an application form to volunteer HERE. Email your completed form to Volunteer Co-ordinator, Teri Small (her email address is on the form) or call into the shop and leave it there and speak to Kevin (Shop Manager) or if you prefer, phone him: 01308 867922.

Haven’t helped in the shop before?  Not confident in operating the till or debit card machines? This is NOT a problem. Full training is given and you will always have a trained co-worker alongside you.

What do you get out of it?  Working as part of the team, you can:

  • Get out your home for 2 hours and talk to people!
  • Participate in an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
  • Make new friends
  • Use your skills and share your experience, interests and knowledge.
  • Learn new skills
  • Increase your connection to the community.
  • Feel productive.

Please don’t assume that because it’s only two hours, that there will be someone else to fill it because often there isn’t! 

Christmas Garland#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#BroadwindsorCommunityStores,#Volunteers,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#VillageShop,#ThankYou,#Dec2020,#WearYourMask,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Happy Winter Solstice

The winter solstice or hibernal solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun.  This astronomically marks the beginning of lengthening days and shortening nights 🙂

The solstice is usually celebrated with festivals, spending time with loved ones, feasting, singing, dancing and fires – most of which is disallowed under current Government restrictions.  People were told not to travel to Stonehenge as they would not be allowed access.

There is the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn to observe which was in an earlier post:

A Christmas Star On The Solstice

And, of course we now look forward to lengthening days and shorter nights.

Happy Solstice.

#Broadwindsor,#Blackdown,#Burstock,#Drimpton#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#December2020,#Solstice,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

Your Pets & Vets at Christmas

Unfortunately, our closest furry, feathered or hairy companions can become ill over Christmas causing great distress to their owners.  If your pet has medication, make sure you have enough as Veterinary practices will be closed over the festive period.  Here is the latest information from 4 local vets for the remainder of 2020.

Christmas Garland

Girling & Bowditch, Tunnel Road, Beaminster: 01308 862312

Closed over Christmas. Don’t forget to order any food and medications you need for your pets before they close.

Monday 21st December: 8:30am – 7pm by appointment
Tuesday 22nd December: 8:30am-7pm by appointment
Wednesday 23rd December: 8:30am – 7pm by appointment
Thursday 24th December: 8:30am – 2pm by appointment
Friday 25th December: CLOSED
Saturday 26th December: CLOSED
Sunday 27th December: CLOSED
Monday 28th December: CLOSED
Tuesday 29th December: 8:30am – 7pm by appointment
Wednesday 30th December: 8:30am – 7pm by appointment
Thursday 31st December: 8:30am – 7pm by appointment
Friday 1st January: CLOSED
Saturday 2nd January: 9am – 12pm by appointment
Sunday 3rd January: CLOSED

They provide 24 hour emergency cover; if you have an emergency please call them on 01308 862312 and a Vet will answer your call.Christmas Garland

Bredy Veterinary Centre, Bridport: 01308 4567771

The latest update on their website from 16/10/20 reads:

“During this lockdown, we are still here for you – open 8.30am-5pm Mon-Fri & 9-1 on Sat. We also have an emergency service 24/7. Please ring us if your pet is sick. If you’re not sure if you need to see a vet, please ring us for advice. We are not allowing clients into the building. We do have an outdoor wooden shelter at the back of the practice for clients to use. Please ring us 01308 456771 to make an appointment or order medicines, flea/tick/worm treatments and food. You can also order online on our website.“Christmas Garland

Haydon Vets, Gore Cross, Bridport:013088 456808

Closed over Christmas.

Please note that any order placed after 5pm on Wednesday 23rd December will not be delivered to the practice until Tuesday 29th December. If you are aware that your products or medication arrive via special delivery, please allow extra time for these to arrive and do not hesitate to order these now by calling 01308 456808.
Haydon Vets Christmas 20
Christmas Garland

Kingfisher Veterinary Practice, Tower Hill Road, Crewkerne: Tel – 01460 72443

The latest update on their website reads:
“Since the Covid 19 outbreak we been operating reduced working hours of 8.30-5pm weekdays, due to the significant increase in staffing required to deliver veterinary services. From August 3rd we are pleased to say that our opening hours will extend to 6pm. Routine consultations will be until 5.30pm. Outside of these hours we will of course be available 24/7 for urgent treatments.
We would ask all of our clients to bear with us during this difficult time, and especially to be patient and civil when attending our surgeries. Delivering our services during this time has been very challenging, and this can sometimes mean slightly longer waiting times.
Drug and food collections continue to be delivered via a no-contact approach. Please remember to phone us at least 24 hours in advance of visiting the surgery to collect these.
Many thanks,
Kingfisher Vets“Christmas Garland

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#Pets,#ChristmasHours,#Vets,#Animals,#Christmas2020,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Boris Changes The Rules For Christmas

Announced a short while ago, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said we cannot continue as planned. He has introduced a Tier 4 for London and issued a new ‘stay at home’ order covering London and much of the south and east of England.

Here is the full transcript of his statement:

“Good afternoon,

I am sorry to report that the situation has deteriorated since I last spoke to you three days ago.

Yesterday afternoon, I was briefed on the latest data showing the virus spreading more rapidly in London, the South East and the East of England than would be expected given the tough restrictions which are already in place.

I also received an explanation for why the virus is spreading more rapidly in these areas. It appears this spread is now being driven by the new variant of the virus, which we first learned about earlier this week.

Our advisory group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats – NERVTAG – has spent the last few days analysing the new variant.

There is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness or higher mortality, but it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily.

NERVTAG’s early analysis suggests the new variant could increase R by 0.4 or greater. Although there is considerable uncertainty, it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant.

This is early data. It is subject to review. It is the best we have at the moment, and we have to act on information as we have it because this is now spreading very fast.

The U.K. has by far the best genomic sequencing ability in the world, which means we are better able to identify new strains like this than any other country.

The Chief Medical Officer last night submitted our findings so far to the World Health Organisation and we will continue to be totally transparent with our global partners.

There is still much we don’t know. While we are fairly certain the variant is transmitted more quickly, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness. Equally there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant.

Our experts will continue their work to improve our understanding of the variant.

So we are learning more about this variant as we go.

But we know enough already to be sure that we must act now.

I met ministers on the Covid Operations Committee last night and again first thing this morning, and Cabinet met at lunchtime to agree the following actions.

First, we will introduce new restrictions in the most affected areas – specifically those parts of London, the South East and the East of England which are currently in tier 3.

These areas will enter a new tier 4, which will be broadly equivalent to the national restrictions which were in place in England in November.

That means:

Residents in those areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close. People must work from home if they can, but may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors. People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas, and tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

Unlike the November national restrictions, communal worship can continue to take place in tier 4 areas.

These measures will take effect from tomorrow morning.

All tiers will continue to be regularly reviewed in line with the approach previously set out, with the next formal review point taking place on 30 December.

Second, we are issuing new advice on travel.

Although the new variant is concentrated in tier 4 areas, it is nonetheless present at lower levels around the country.

We are asking everyone, in all tiers, to stay local.

People should carefully consider whether they need to travel abroad and follow the rules in their tier.

Those in tier 4 areas will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as for work purposes.

Third, we must, I am afraid, look again at Christmas.

As Prime Minister, it is my duty to take the difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country.

Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.

In England, those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.

Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days as previously set out.

As before, there will be no relaxation on 31 December, so people must not break the rules at New Year.

I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is for grandparents to see their grandchildren, and for families to be together.

So I know how disappointing this will be, but we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.

When the science changes, we must change our response.

When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence.

As your Prime Minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me. Without action, the evidence suggests infections would soar, hospitals would become overwhelmed and many thousands more would lose their lives.

I want to stress we are not alone in this fight – many of our European friends and neighbours are being forced to take similar action.

We are working closely with the devolved administrations to protect people in every part of the UK.

Of course there is now hope – real hope – that we will soon be rid of this virus.

That prospect is growing with every day that passes and every vaccine dose administered.

The UK was the first country in the western world to start using a clinically approve vaccine.

So please, if the NHS contacts you then get your vaccine – and join the 350,000 people across the UK who have already had their first dose.

Yes, Christmas this year will be very different, but we must be realistic.

We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas, so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases.

As sure as night follows day, we will beat back this virus.

We will defeat it.

And we will reclaim our lives.”

Published 19 December 2020
#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#DorsetCouncil,#GovernmentGuidlelines,#Covid19,#CancelChristmas,#FamilySacrifice,#Tier4,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#Christmas2020,#StaySafe,#BeKind

Dorset Remains in Tier 2

The Government has announced that Dorset remains in Tier 2 after they re-examined the tier system.

Several factors are considered when looking at the tier system. Along with headline infection rates, the Government also looks at the infection rate in older people, the impact on the care sector and pressure on local hospitals – all of which continue to be a concern in the area.

The Director of Public Health for Dorset and BCP Councils commented: “Although people may feel frustrated and disappointed by this decision…Tier one restrictions would not be enough to continue to bring our rates down, and we would risk having to go back into tougher measures.”

Dorset is the 6th lowest in England, according to the latest rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area in England. However, over the last week the rate has increased to 45.4 per 100,000 people compared to 39.6 a week ago.  Recent figures also show four more coronavirus patients have died in Dorset hospitals.  We’re simply not ready to move to Tier 1 yet.

Your G.P. will contact you re: being vaccinated.

Please follow the Government guidelines and stay safe!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#SameRules,#Covid19,#Coronavirus,#Christmas,#Vaccine,#SouthSomerset,#SomersetWest,#Taunton,#Devon,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

No Dragons For Tea

We no longer see Public Information Films on the television of young children playing with a box of matches and causing a house fire.  This gave parents the opportunity to discuss with their children what would happen if a fire started in the home.

Children and young people start to play with fire for various reasons, ranging from natural curiosity in toddlers to older children using firesetting to express feelings of anger or emotional distress. Without help and guidance, this ‘firesetting behaviour’ can increase and lead to more serious consequences – serious personal injury and damage to homes, schools and property.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and RescueDorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue recommend that if you have young children, why not get them to make an escape plan? Their education pages have lots of useful information to help children understand the importance of fire safety in the home.  

No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (& Dragons) is a fun and easy way to remember what to do in case of fire.  It shows children that learning about fire safety doesn’t have to be scary.  The story ends with “The Dragon’s Fire Safety Rhyme” – a fun and easy way to remember what to do in case of fire.

Listen to the story read by author, Jean E. Pendziwol

The hardback book is available for approx. £6 from Amazon and other book stores as are Jean E. Pendziwol’s other books:

  • “A Treasure at Sea for Dragon and Me”
  • “The Tale of Sir Dragon Dealing with Bullies for Kids”
  • “Once Upon a Dragon Stranger Safety for Kids”

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#DWFireRescue,#NoDragonsForTea,#FireSafety,#KeepChildrenSafe,#Educate,#Books,#JeanEPendziwol,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#BeKind,#BeSafe

 

New Year’s Day Prout Bridge Project Sea Swim

Our Rev Jo, Dani from The Wobbly Cottage and Jo Robins are doing a New Year’s Day Sea Swim raising funds for the Prout Bridge Project. The time is still tbc but they are swimming at Lyme Regis off the town beach.

They have just launched a GoFundMe page and at the time of publishing, they have just

Jo Robins created the page stating: Dani, Jo R and Rev Jo will be putting on their bobble hats and braving the New Year’s Day sea for a sponsored swim to raise money for the Prout Bridge Project. Please support us in this slightly mad endeavour if you can – every donation will make a real difference to the work of the Prout Bridge Project in Beaminster, West Dorset. Supporting mental health and wellbeing in young people and adults and providing youth clubs, youth work support and activities for children and young people, if you’re not familiar with the charity – please read more below.

Photographic evidence will be provided. If the conditions are dangerous on 1st January, they will do the swim as soon as is safe after that date.

Please support them & donate HERE!

Prout Bridge ProjrctThe Prout Bridge Project. “The charity provides youth work and clubs for children and young people and mental health and wellbeing support and affordable activities for people of all ages in rural West Dorset, operating from the small town of Beaminster.
Our area is beautiful and lots of  people come here for their holidays. But it can be a tough place to live for many households with low wages, high housing costs, limited public transport and rural isolation leading to relatively high levels of poverty and social deprivation and poor mental health. Our team of qualified and highly-experienced staff and volunteers are trusted in our community, having built strong relationships over many years. We have an excellent reputation for the positive impact we have, empowering young people, improving mental health for people of all ages and providing affordable activities and opportunities. In the past year we have worked with over 500 young people and adults and provided support around issues including anxiety and depression, abuse, addiction, bullying, relationship, family breakdown and sexual health.”

Why are they fundraising?
“Like so many organisations Covid-19 has hit us hard and 2020 has been tough. We’ve lost our income from room hire, activities and our cafe. Understandably some of our supporters have had to cancel or reduce donations. And, most challenging, we lost our base in March when the Prout Bridge building in Beaminster was requisitioned by the County Council as part of their emergency coronavirus planning. At the same time the need for our services is greater than ever. The impact of Covid and lockdown measures on  people’s lives and mental health has been devastating. 
We’re determined to keep supporting young people and adults in our community at this challenging time. We’ve been  adapting our services throughout the lockdown. At the moment we offer:

  • Youth worker team outreach in the town on Tuesday and Friday nights talking with young people, listening to their fears and providing information and advice.
  • Targeted one-to-one youth work sessions with young people in need.
  • A free to use counselling service for people of all ages staffed by 4 counsellors.
  • A weekly resilience course for one secure bubble of young people not currently in school run by two youth workers.
  • A youth band for one secure bubble of young people one night a week supported by two youth workers.
  • Support to the food bank and co-working with other services including the police, local schools, Dorset Family Partnership Zone, and specialist local charities like the Space and the Shores.

We know there is a need for so much more. And we can continue to provide these services and more if we can keep raising enough money to cover our running costs.”

Please support them & donate HERE!

THANK YOU!!

#Broadwindsor,#Dorset,#NewYearsDaySwim,#ProutBridgeProject,#Donate,#Teenagers,#SplishSplash,#Youth,#GoFundMe,#YouMustBeMad,#SocialDistancing,#SwimSafe,#StaySafe