Tag: #DorsetCouncil

Pentecost 2021

Sunday, 23rd May marks the Christian holiday of Pentecost.  It is the Spring Bank Holiday Monday the day after. The Monday was a bank holiday in the United Kingdom until 1967. It was formally replaced by the fixed Spring Bank Holiday on the last Monday in May in 1971.
Countries that celebrate the Pentecost include: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, The British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montserrat, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Togo and Ukraine.

King Edward VI, son of Henry VIII.

Another moveable feast, Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day from Easter Sunday. Also called Whitsunday, which was White Sunday. White Sunday made reference to the special white garments worn by the newly baptized. Baptism was administered both at the beginning (Easter) and end (the day of Pentecost) of the Paschal season. Eventually, Pentecost became a more popular time for baptism than Easter in northern Europe.
In The First Prayer Book of Edward VI (1549), the feast was officially called Whitsunday, and this name has continued in Anglican churches since.

As recorded in the Bible, it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ (Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2), and this marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world. The Pentecostal Fire is the ancient fire that indicated the Presence of God or the Holy Spirit appearing to bless or to judge humans.

Priests often wear red vestments during Pentecost to symbolize the “tongues of fire” that descended on the disciples from the Holy Spirit; members of the congregation also wear red in some traditions, and the altar is commonly dressed in a red frontal cloth. Red banners are often hung from walls or ceilings to symbolize the blowing of the “mighty wind” and the free movement of the Spirit.

Red flowers at the altar/preaching area, and red flowering plants such as Geraniums around the church are also typical decorations for Pentecost services. These symbolize the renewal of life, the coming of the warmth of summer, and the growth of the church at and from the first Pentecost.

In the southern hemisphere, for example, in Australia, Pentecost comes at the start of a mild autumn, often after the great heat of summer, and the red leaves of the Poinsettia are often used to decorate churches there.

For Jews, it is called Shavuot, or the Festival of Weeks. It marks their all-important wheat harvest in the Land of Israel and  commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire nation of Israel assembled under the leadership of Moses at Mount Sinai.  This harvest festival is seven weeks and one day after the first fruits offerings of Passover. On Passover, the people of Israel were freed from their enslavement in Egypt; on Shavuot they were given the Torah and became a nation committed to serving God.

Holy Ghost Holes.

Holy Ghost hole, Saints Peter and Paul Church in Söll, Tyrol, Austria.

In the Middle Ages, cathedrals and great churches throughout Western Europe were fitted with a peculiar architectural feature known as a Holy Ghost hole: a small circular opening in the roof that symbolized the entrance of the Holy Spirit into the midst of the congregation. At Pentecost, these Holy Ghost holes would be decorated with flowers, and sometimes a dove figure lowered through into the church while the narrative of Pentecost was read. Holy Ghost holes can still be seen today in European churches including Canterbury Cathedral.

Make an Origami Dove

If that’s a bit too tricky for some – try this simpler version, particularly with young ones. 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Worship,#Pentecost,#HolyGhostHole,#Origami,#Dove,#Shavuot,#Passover,#Easter,#Peace,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

SEND Dorset Local Offer

Under Government instruction, Dorset Council have collated all their information, advice and support for children and young people from 0 to 25 years, who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) and their families.

The four broad areas of need are:
  • Communication and interaction.
  • Cognition and learning.
  • Social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
  • Sensory and/or physical needs.

They have overhauled their website and are presenting their content as a directory under the name SEND Dorset Local Offer with the following categories:

  • Education and learning
  • Health
  • Transport
  • Activities
  • Preparing for Adulthood
  • Money
  • Childcare
  • The XChange

The main thing is that the published Local Offer should be easy to understand, factual and jargon-free. It should be structured in a way that relates to young people’s and parents’ needs (for example by broad age group or type of special educational provision). It should be well signposted and well publicised.

Click HERE to find the advice and support you need.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#SEND,#Education,#SpecialNeeds,#Feedback,#UseYourVoice,#Disability,#GovernmentResearch,#DorsetCouncil,#DorsetLocalOffer,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Volunteers Needed To Paint The Telephone Box

Broadwindsor’s Group Parish Council now own the red telephone box by Bernards’ Place 🙂 With all the formalities complete, they are now in need of volunteers able to assist with getting it painted.

The telephone box continues to be used as a Book Exchange.

Anyone able to help, please contact Cllr. David Leader:

  • 01308 868275
  • 07867 608652
  • dleader@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BWGPC,#TelephoneBox,#BookExchange,#Volunteers,#ThankYou,#SimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Chris Loder MP Asks You To Sign His Petition

Chris Loder MP introduced his Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill in the House of Commons on 5th February 2020. On 29th April 2021, with the support of Lord Randall of Uxbridge, it became law: the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 (c. 21).
Click HERE to read the full legislation.

Working hard to keep Animal Welfare at the top of the Government’s agenda, he is promoting his new Animal Welfare Action Plan with the aim to:

✅ Recognise animals as sentient in law.
✅ Ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening.
✅ Bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling.
✅ Prohibit keeping primates as pets.

Banning live animal exports is his priority. He would like your help and support by adding your name and signing his petition.  Click HERE.#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#AnimalWelfareBill,#ChrisLoderMP,#BeKind,#AnimalsDeserveJustice,#ConservativeAnimalWelfareFoundation,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Ascension Day 2021

Today, Thursday 13th May, is Ascension Day.  It is not a Public Holiday in the UK, Canada, the USA or Australia – but it is a Public Holiday in France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Vanuatu* (in the South Pacific Ocean). In general, Ascension Day services are positive and uplifting.

*Although 90% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, Ascension Day is a major holiday, and Indonesians who are not Christian often use the holiday to relax. Ascension Day’s traditions are participated in by both Protestants and Catholics in Indonesia. The major Christian event is the 40th day of Easter.

As recorded in the Bible, this is a day when Christians celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.  The celebration of the Ascension Day of Jesus Christ always falls on a Thursday as it is celebrated exactly 39 days after Easter Sunday.
The next three Ascension Days shall occur on:

  • 26th May, 2022
  • 18th May, 2023
  • 9th May, 2024

Beaminster Team Churches:

The Beaminster Area team Ministry covers 50 square miles of West Dorset and shares borders with Devon in the Diocese of Exeter and Somerset in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. The Beaminster Team is made up of 14 individual parishes plus the chapel in the grounds of Mapperton House. Their worship demonstrates a wonderful variety of styles ranging from services from the Book of Common Prayer to the child-centred Messy Church, with music a vital part of their activities.
At the helm of this team is The Reverend Canon David Baldwin. With Pioneer Priest Revd Jo Neary, partner priests, licensed lay ministers, and our team administrator, they are supported by their lay pastoral assistants and lay officers. They would be delighted to welcome you to any of their churches.

To read more on Broadwindsor’s St. John the Baptist Church – Click HERE.

Very recently, Rev. Jo led the collective worship in Broadwindsor School’s new outdoor classroom.  Rev. Jo posted on social media:
“It was a joy to see staff and pupils again, to meet the reception class for the first time and to be connected with nature as we worshipped. And even better – we can potentially use the facility for Forest Church. My heart sings. Alleluia.
Lord God, you are awesome and we love you. Amen.”

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Worship,#AscensionDay,#Jesus,#Heaven,#BroadwindsorSchool,#ForestChurch,#Alleluia,#Celebrate,#Relax,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

360 View From Pilsdon Pen

 

Included on the website’s earlier post on Mental Health Awareness Week is this 43 second video recorded by local photographer, James Dawson. If you turn your volume up – you’ll feel that wind! #ConnectWithNatureDorset

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#PilsdenPen,#360View,#Photography,#2021,#ConnectWithNatureDorset,#MIND,#ReThink,#Samaritains,#ConnectWithNature,#MHAW,#BeKind,SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Additional Restrictions Grant: Phase 3 – Apply Now

If you haven’t applied for this grant previously, you are eligible to apply for Phase 3 which covers the lockdown period of 16th February to 31st March 2021.

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is for businesses that are required to close under the imposed coronavirus restrictions that do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum and the Coronavirus Restart Grant for Business.

To qualify –

Your business must meet all these points:

  • must be in the Dorset Council area
  • have been open before January 2021 national restrictions were in place
  • must have been required to close due to national restrictions that came into force on 5 January 2021
  • must not have a liability to pay business rates

Or your business:

  • may be eligible if it has remained open during the January national restrictions but has been significantly impacted and suffered a severe loss of income directly as a result of the national restrictions (severe loss is defined as 50% or more, compared to your usual or forecasted income for this time of year)

Exclusions –

The following businesses are not eligible for this grant:

  • businesses in areas outside the scope of localised restrictions, as defined by government and not subject to a widespread national restriction
  • businesses that have chosen to close but not been required to
  • second homes
  • landlords of properties where they are not occupying them directly themselves for trading business purposes
  • businesses that have already received grant payments that equal the maximum levels of State Aid permitted under the de minimis and the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework
  • businesses that have received a Local Restrictions Support Grant in relation to the national restrictions commencing on 5th November 2020
  • businesses that were in administration, insolvent or where a striking-off notice had been made at the date of the national restriction, 5th January 2021

If you have more than one business at the same address or premises, you will only be eligible for one grant.

Payments –

Grants will be awarded for each 14-day period of lockdown based on the size of business determined by number of employees:

  • 0 to 9 employees will get £467
  • 10 to 49 employees will get £700
  • 50 to 249 employees will get £1,050

Start your Application HERE.

If you applied previously:

Businesses that applied for and received an ARG payment previously will receive a further automatic payment covering the 11 days from 1st April to 11th April 2021 inclusive.
You do not need to re-apply.  A confirmation email to qualifying businesses in the week beginning 19th April was sent.
Previous successful applicants were paid automatically for the period covering the 44 days from 16th February to 31st March 2021 inclusive.

Please address any enquiries by Email: additionalrestrictionsgrant@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#GovernmentGrant,#Coronavirus,#Covid19,#ARG,#Business,#ApplyNow,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

This Month’s Astronomy On Zoom

At 3pm on Wednesday afternoon the 2nd month’s presentation on Astronomy by Peter Davies, Broadwindsor will begin on Zoom.

It will start with a brief recap on magnetic fields. distances and a bit more on planets’ magnetic fields.

Focussing on gravity, the following will be explored:

  • Gravity… what is it/purpose?
  • Gravity on different planets.
  • Gravity in space/galaxies.

There will also be an introduction to Black Holes.  As requested, there will be time allocated to explore some of the star formations/Constellations.

The sessions are 90 minutes each and there will be a 5-10 min break for tea after 40 mins.  Peter does recommend having a notepad and pen to take any notes. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions and/or discussion.

To listen/participate – you must first email: Lori.Lee@magna.org.uk to register your interest for Data Protection reasons. If you do not receive an invitation to join, please email Peter directly: pdavies1812@gmail.com.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Somerset,#MagnaHousing,#2021,#DorsetCouncil,#BWGPC,#Astronomy,#LookUp,#Stars,#Planets,#Space,#Time,#Gravity,#BlackHoles,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

BWGPC Appointed Officers

At Thursday’s Annual General Meeting of our Group Parish Council, both Chairman, Rowland Hibbard and Vice Chairman, David Leader were re-elected unchallenged.  The councillors below adopted the following representative, liaison roles for the year 21/22:

  • Broadwindsor Primary School – David Leader.
  • Blackdown Village Hall – Peter Hardwill.
  • Drimpton Village Hall – Tim Bassett.
  • Comrades Hall – David Leader.
  • Hursey Sport Field – David Leader.
  • Broadwindsor Allotment Group: Kevin Madder-Smith.
  • Rights Of Way and Liaison Officer (Footpaths) – Dorothy Rowe.
  • Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils (DAPTC) Western Area Committee – Jacqui Sewell & Rowland Hibbard.
  • Broadwindsor Cricket Club – Andrew Frampton.
  • Beaminster & Villages local area partnership (BAVLAP) – Jacqui Sewell.

The Council’s next meeting will be held at Drimpton Village Hall on Monday, 21st June, 2021.

There are 15 Elected Councillors to Broadwindsor Group Parish Council – Click HERE to identify them and the options to contact them.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#Community,#AGM,#BroadwindsorSchool,#BroadwindsorAllotmentGroup,#VillageHalls,#BWCC,#DAPTC,#DorsetCouncil,#DAPTC,#BAVLAP,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Councillor Simon Christopher’s Report – May 2021

Cllr. Simon Christopher submitted the following report at this evening’s AGM of the Parish Council:

Dear Helen and Councillors,

Further to my previous report I comment as follows re school buses:
My understanding is that Service SB5 route operated by First Wessex running via Misterton Drimpton and Broadwindsor has been affected for a number of weeks by a road closure at Misterton associated with bridge strengthening.
I further understand that the work is for Somerset County Council and per the latest report I have, the work  is due to end on 21 May 2021.

I am informed by the Head of Travel at Dorset Council that First Group have been impacted by a number of other roadwork schemes happening before the tourist season proper commences and indeed the head of travel also points out that the service was further  affected by Somerset County Council roadworks south of Crewkerne for a couple of weeks during March.
The Head of Travel at Dorset Council has informed me that First Wessex did communicate with the headmaster at the school about the roadworks before hand and attempted to make appropriate adjustments to pick ups.
The head of Travel at Dorset Council has also passed on the additional comment from First Wessex:

‘’All drivers we use are familiar with the routes ,in fact we do not allow any driver to drive any routes they are unfamiliar with and they can only drive a route once fully trained and signed off’.’

Finally , the Head of Travel reported that First have agreed to look at the diversion route again to see if there are any alternative solutions to avoid the delay and promised to keep the portfolio holders, Councillor Ray Bryan and Councillor Andrew Parry and myself updated

I now turn to the support from HM Government for the bus sector. This involves the Covid 19 Bus Service Support Grant (CBSSG) Restart 

It is interesting to read in HM Governments communication Bus Back Better that there is a declared belief that and I quote ‘ Local collaboration is a key tenet of emergency funding”.  As a condition of receiving CBSSG, the Department of Transport can ask operators to demonstrate on request that consultations on service levels have taken place and that reasonable requests from Local Transport Authorities for service changes have been considered in good faith.
The Department for Transport can deny or recover CBSSG payments from operators who have not engaged adequately with Local Transport Authorities.
By the end of June 2021 Dorset Council, in order to have access to CBSSG is required to commit to entering into  Enhanced Partnerships.
By the end of October 2021 Dorset Council is required to have developed and agreed a Bus Services Improvement Fund.
Clearly there is a lot for Councillor Ray Bryan , the portfolio holder for Highways Travel and Environment to think about.

I continue to engage with interested parties about damage to the verge etc at Common Water Lane.

Turning to farming, which is at the core of economic activity  in so much of the Marshwood Vale Ward, farming has always been a dangerous industry. At this time of year many of us would have been thinking about attending the May agricultural shows including Devon County Show and Royal Bath and West Shows . These shows are both cancelled and as a consequence charities and other organisations and firms lose the opportunity to discuss with people in a true face to face way how farming can be made safer.
Close to one person a week dies in an accident on farms in this country despite countless campaigns to raise awareness of dangers whether to farmers and farm workers or walkers.
Farmers and farming organisations together with the Health & Safety Executive and charities have publicised the risks yet still people die on farms through accidents . No councillor should give up working towards farm safety. With respect to walkers there are risks associated with large livestock and large farm machinery.

Of course farming has changed with some farmers keeping their cattle indoors more than others . It is always helpful when farmers can have the chance to explain what they are doing to arrive at common sense solutions so that farming is safer.
One of the most famous farming commentators recently described the situation in a national magazine for those who work in or enter a farm environment,  your friends and family and I quote ‘may just have a concern about you because you are not young and nimble enough any more to climb a ladder or jump a gate if the bull turns nasty ‘ This may be seen by some as helpful advice!

After recent disturbing local events re attacks on sheep, I was interested and indeed saddened to read that more than two thirds of UK sheep farmers have experienced an increase in attacks on their flocks by dogs in the past  year according to a new survey.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) said the findings of its survey added further weight to evidence that an increase in dog ownership during the coronavirus lockdown may be driving the rise in attacks.
The NSA chief executive Phil Stocker noted that there was still much work  to do to educate the dog owning public about the need to keep their pets under control- and preferably on a lead  in the countryside ,especially near livestock.

Last Friday the National Sheep Association launched #LeadOn –  a two week campaign that aims to encourage dog owners to be responsible and act as an example to others by keeping their pets on leads in the presence of livestock.
Sheep farmers across the UK will be posting their experience on Facebook and Twitter about the devastating effect a dog attack on their flocks can have for all parties.

Finally in the Dorset Council area elections are taking place on 6 May 2021 for the Police and Crime Commissioner. Elsewhere in Dorset there will also be some town and parish council by elections.  I am advised that measures to ensure polling stations are safe include:

1 social distancing inside and outside venues.

2 limits on the number of people inside polling stations.

3 maximum ventilation of polling stations.

4 hand sanitiser.

5 regular cleaning.

Other points:

Voters will be required to follow the signage and any instructions at their polling station.
Voters are encouraged to bring their own pens/pencils.
Face Coverings are also required to be worn inside the polling station (Unless exempt).
Election staff will also be wearing face masks.

Please note that this not an exhaustive list of measures and advice from the Comms team  further info may be available in the first instance from the following – Dorset Council 01305 858233 or email: comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Best regards,

Simon.
Dorset Councillor Simon Christopher
Marshwood Vale
Tel: 07798 833 715

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BWGPC,#SimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#LeadOn,#NationalSheepAssociation,#NSA,#DEFRA,#Covid19,#2021,#Vote,#WearYourMask,#BeSafe,#StaySafe