Tag: #DorsetCouncil

Headteacher Leaving Broadwindsor Primary School

The Governing Body at Broadwindsor Primary School have released the news that Mr. Philip Smith, Headteacher has made the personal decision to step back from headship at this time in order to pursue new projects and challenges.

All are sorry to see him go. The Governors commented: “His positive leadership and enabling approach has seen the school progress in many ways both in terms of the open and inclusive environment the school has become and in terms of the learning opportunities the school provides. He leaves the school in a very strong position. I am sure you join us in wishing Mr Smith well on the next phase of his career and future.”

Mr Smith wanted to thank the whole learning community, staff, pupils, parents and wider community for their amazing support they have given him during the time he has been here and especially the challenging times throughout the Covid pandemic. He also wanted to reassure everyone that he will continue to lead the school and support the leadership transition in a professional manner.

The Governing Body has already embarked on the task of recruiting a new Headteacher for the school. Governors are being supported by Dorset Council and the Salisbury Diocese in the recruitment process and it is anticipated that this will be completed in May for a new Headteacher to be in place for September.

Chairman of the P.T.A. Martin Burt commented: “Mr. Smith has had a fantastic influence on the whole school.  His hard work and dedication as head teacher has had a positive impact on the children, teaching staff and parents alike.  Mr. Smith leaves big shoes to fill and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”

 

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2022#BroadwindsorPrimarySchool,#Headteacher,#DorsetCouncil,#GoodLuck,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Covid Booster Clinic – Sunday, 10th April

Mike Hewiston of Beaminster Pharmacy has issued the following information regarding his over 75’s clinic on Sunday 10th April…

**COVID Booster availability**

We will be running a booster clinic for over 75s at Beaminster Town Hall on Sunday 10th April.

We have initially set up a morning clinic 0900 – 1300 but will add an afternoon if all of these appointments are booked.
To book you can call 119 or use nhs.uk. Please do not call the pharmacy.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Covid19,#BeaminsterPharmacy,#Booster,#Vaccinations,#Over75,#Beaminster,#DorsetCouncil,#PleaseBePatient,#NHS,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

Temporary Closure Of Seaborough Hill, Seaborough – Thursday, 7th April

Dorset Council have issued a notice under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 as amended. All vehicles will be prohibited from preceding along Seaborough Hill, Seaborough between West Swilletts Road and Henley Cross, a distance of approximately 2,550 metres.

This will enable Openreach safe access to inspect telegraph poles as part of a safety programme of works.

It will come into operation from 9.30am – 3.30pm on Thursday, 7th April. Although in force for five days, it is anticipated that the work will be completed by 7th April.

The alternative route will be signposted: West Swilletts Road – B3162 – B3165 – Higher Folly Road.

For more information on any Roadworks or Closures, please contact:
Dorset Highways Traffic Team – 01305 221020 or email: trafficteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
For more information on the Work being undertaken, please contact:
Openreach – 03700 500 792 

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#Roadworks,#DorsetCouncil,#Openreach,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#DriveSafe,#StaySafe

Temporary Closure Of Burstock Road – Wednesday, 6th April

Dorset Council have issued a notice under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 as amended. All vehicles will be prohibited from preceding along the B3164, Burstock between its junction with Grange Lane and the junction at Wall Lane, a distance of approximately 1160 metres.

This is to allow Openreach to safely access a telegraph pole.

Although in force for five days, it is anticipated that the work will be completed by 7th April.

The alternative route will be signposted: B3165 – B3162.

For more information on any Roadworks or Closures, please contact:
Dorset Highways Traffic Team – 01305 221020 or email: trafficteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
For more information on the Work being undertaken, please contact:
Openreach – 03700 500 792

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#Roadworks,#DorsetCouncil,#Openreach,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#DriveSafe,#StaySafe

COVID Vaccine Availability Update

An update from Mike Hewiston at Beaminster Pharmacy:
“It’s been a while since I posted one of these. You may have noticed that the NHS has started offering bookings for over 75 COVID boosters for patients who don’t have a weakened immune system.
We intend to run some clinics at the town hall – dates to be confirmed.
At the moment there is not a large volume of vaccine in the system which means that appointments everywhere may be scarce during this initial period. Eventually vaccine supply will catch up, but please do not panic, everyone who is entitled will get their vaccine. Current target is to vaccinate people around 6 months after their last dose.
Please be patient, there are patients who still need 1st, 2nd and 3rd doses as well. Our team will make sure that you get what you need, but we can’t vaccinate everyone in a few days.
Thanks,
Mike & Team
Beaminster Pharmacy/Town Hall“

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Covid19,#BeaminsterPharmacy,#Booster,#Vaccinations,#Over75,#Beaminster,#DorsetCouncil,#PleaseBePatient,#NHS,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The Place I Love – Now On Film

James Harrison has now released his 7 minute video production of The Place I Love project. He still has lots of footage that didn’t make the final film which will be available a bit further down the line.

Led by Margery Hookings on behalf of Windrose Rural Media Trust, the project was funded by Dorset AONB, Dorset Council and Broadwindsor Group Parish Council.

Please enjoy it 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#2022,#WindroseRuralMediaTrust,#BGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#DAONB,#SteppingIntoNature,#ThePlaceILove,#VillageMap,#Poetry,#ChildrensPoems,#Artists,#BroadwindsorWI,#1stBroadwindsorGuides,#DorsetHistoryCentre,#ArtProject,#AmandaBoyd,#JamesHarrison,#PeterRoe,#MediaChap,#Film,#YouTube,#MandySelhurst,#ElizabethJukes,#MeganEdwards,#PeterCoates,#MaggiOuin,#CarolyneKardia,#MargeryHookings,#GurtDarzetHedge,#Event,#CountrysideCode,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

Covid Vaccines Available Locally

Beaminster pharmacist, Mike Hewitson has today published the latest availability of Covid vaccines –

  • We are offering 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th doses from Beaminster Pharmacy on most days of the week.
    (By all means ring ahead – 01308 862288 to confirm availability, or book an appointment via 119 or nhs.uk). We have good availability and will be happy to help.
  • We are holding a clinic for 12-15 year olds at the Town Hall on Sunday, 27th February 0900-1200hrs, which can be booked via 119 or nhs.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#AONB,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Covid19,#BeaminsterPharmacy,#Booster,#Vaccinations,#Beaminster,#DorsetCouncil,#BookNow,#NHS,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Cllr. Simon Christopher’s Report – Feb 2022

Cllr. Simon Christopher submitted the following report at this evening’s Informal Meeting of Broadwindsor’s Group Parish Council:

Dear Helen and Councillors

It is wonderful thing to note the positivity of people. It has been great to see the Save the White Lion appeal exceed the £30,000 target, Una and I were pleased to support the appeal for funds. There will be work ahead and the need for continued financial backing. I noted with interest elsewhere in the County that, since we last met Dorset Council has allowed an application for a grade 2 listed building to be converted from Pub to residential.

I would like to pay tribute to Kevin, with his all his efforts at Broadwindsor Comminity Stores as manager. Kevin has always conducted matters in such a cheery way and has clearly been hugely instrumental in the Stores being so successful and a crucial community asset.

I continue my work in connection with consistent , sensible speed limits and also pressing for improved pedestrian walkways.

Una and I were pleased to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Melplash Show, again  there was much enthusiasm to  hold a show one again after the difficulties. I know that  amongst the Parish Council there are active supporters of the Show who have enjoyed activities put on by the Melplash Agricultural Society but there is nothing quite like Show day and that is what people have missed so much.

One of my first memories of Melplash Show ( many years ago) was the highlight of seeing the farming toys stand of Frost and Co of Bridport. Maybe others, such as Andrew Frampton will share those memories. Speaking of Andrew I was pleased to hear from him of plans to commemorate the Spitfire Crash on the north side of Lewesdon Hill and the death of Belgian pilot Jean Verdun Marie Aime De Cloet . History matters to me and I am pleased to be a member of the Joint Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Archives Board.

On Tuesday Dorset Council will have the first face to face Full Council meeting, This will include a discussion and voting on the budget for 2022/2023. We will soon see a new face on Dorset Council  as Daryl Turner, Dorset Councillor for Lyme Regis has, I understand, moved to Wales.

It is good to see so many events at local village halls , I will pick out just one the recent coffee morning and talk on the growing of potatoes at Drimpton Village Hall that was so well attended.Now for some really important thoughts and that concerns mental health and community events. It is I believe, very important to reflect on, and act on, the impact of Covid on mental health.

Age Uk conducted a survey of what the Charity described as older people being people aged over 60. Some 27 per cent of people said they speak less to their family now. The Charity reports that millions have lost the confidence to go out and 41 per cent described feeling lonely. Memory loss disturbed sleep and anxiety are some of the symptoms being reported by older people in what Age UK has called an “alarming” mental health crisis  The Charity is urging friends and family of older people to what it describes as “reach out for a chat. Good mental health of  residents of Dorset  is good news for the NHS and Dorset Council. It is no wonder that I am a keen supporter of our local halls, community shops , faith groups, clubs and societies. My work also encompasses lobbying for better public transport, road and rail for the benefits that can be derived for the residents of the Marshwood Vale ward. My lobbying also continues for better pavement provision, reduced and indeed consistent speed limits .

In agriculture there are big changes in agriculture policy:

National membership organisations are hosting the Low Carbon Agriculture Show at Stoneleigh, once the home of the Royal Show. This is worthy of mention as the Marshwood Vale ward is rural and we live in a time where farmers prepare their businesses for a future without the Basic Payent Scheme ie a solely area based subsidy.

The first cuts to BPS have been made , by 2024 a typical farming enterprise will have lost 50 per cent of its BPS subsidy and by 2028 the BPS will be removed altogether.

The event is being marketed as an event for forward thinking farmers and landowners to consider practical guidance on issues such as:

  • Sustainable land use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Emission Control

Farmers will have read in the farming press of changes in farming policy to include:

  • Carbon storage
  • Soil health
  • Natural capital
  • Net zero renewable energy
  • Low emission vehicles
  • Sustainable rural architecture
  • Water health

All of this is very helpful given DEFRA has announced a number of schemes to help farmers move away from reliance on BPS.

Covid-19 update from Public Health Dorset

Following a rise in cases over the past couple of weeks, infection rates have started to fall again across Dorset. Case rates are above the national average for England but below the regional average for the South West. Infection rates remain highest amongst children and lowest amongst over 65s. The number of people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19 remains similar to last week at 92.

Whilst there are far fewer people needing hospital treatment as a result of COVID-19 compared to last year, our local health and care services are under significant pressure. Alongside exceptional demand and the usual pressures faced every winter, COVID-19 is adding to these. Please continue to play your part by getting your jabs to protect yourself from serious illness, and taking precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.

Exceptional pressures county wide leads to Dorset CCG call for public to use services wisely

NHS and local authority social workers across Dorset are working tirelessly to keep services running to support us all – keeping our loved ones, families, neighbours, and local communities safe and well.

We would like to ask for your support to help us. You can help in the following ways:

  • Support loved ones to leave hospital so that they can be more comfortable and recover more quickly at home. The support of relatives and friends can be important in enabling patients who are medically ready to leave hospital.
  • Use NHS services wisely to get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. Our hospital emergency departments are under extreme pressure.  If you’re unwell and are unsure about where to go, visit nhs.uk or call 111. We’ll do our very best to answer your call as quickly as possible though it may take a little longer due to the current demand. Please be patient and kind when you speak to our teams.
  • Contact your local pharmacist or GP practice for ongoing or minor health issues.
  • Only ever call 999 in a medical emergency – this is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
  • Get your jabs – protect yourself and support your local services by getting your first, second, and booster Covid-19 vaccine doses. For a full list of Covid-19 vaccine sites, visit dorsetccg.nhs.uk.

Adult Social Care recruitment

With huge pressures currently within the Adult Social Care directorate one of the ways members can help is to promote the recruitment adverts for roles which are currently vacant.

The pressures, which are being mirrored across the country, include higher demand, people with significant requirements, and a reduction in the number of staff in adult social care sector.

There is particular gap in the number of Social Workers and Occupational Therapists within the workforce for which there is a recruitment drive. However, there are also other roles within the service which residents can apply for.

Unitary council, costs are rising.

Residents often ask us ‘why don’t the savings made through creating Dorset Council in 2019 get put towards lowering our council tax?’.

We have made significant savings, but the rising demand and costs of services, particularly social care, have absorbed this. If a single unitary council hadn’t been set up, Dorset’s financial position would have been much worse.

I am struck by the cheerful nature of those who work in our local schools and those who run businesses.  The children of today may be the workers of tomorrow.

I thought I would mention that I was invited by one of our neighbouring Members  of Parliament to attend a question and answer session with local businesses . The main key difficulty that the emplyers quoted was that of difficulty in hiring skilled staff.

I have subsequently been invited it attend another event to be hosted by our own MP for those who run businesses and I also will be interested to hear his comments.

Chris Loder MP has written of his concern about the state of class rooms in Dorset , in particular classrooms which were installed decades ago on a temporary basis, which are still being used. This is an issue that I will continue to discuss with Andrew Parry the Dorset Councillor portfolio holder for education and children’s services.

Many of you  will recall that a couple of years ago Dorset Councillor Andrew Parry attended a Broadwindsor Group Parish Council meeting and is portfolio holder for children education and skills, vulnerable  families in Dorset are benefitting from a Government grant. Dorset Council will be receiving funds from the Governments Supporting Families Programme which will assist with this.
I would like to quote Andrew’s words:

“The Supporting Families funded work in Dorset has helped us transform the lives of some of our most vulnerable children , young people and their families.”

Best regards to you all

Simon
Councillor Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor Marshwood Vale
077988 33715

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BGPC,#CllrSimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#MarshwoodVale,#Covid,#Buses,#CouncilTax,#ChrisLoderMP,#LocalPlan,#Health,#Covid19,#Farming,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor’s Map Revealed

A wonderfully successful afternoon was had at Broadwindsor’s Comrades Hall on Saturday, 12th February celebrating the local landscape and rural heritage of our village. The illustrated map “The Place We Love” by Broadwindsor’s Megan Edwards was unveiled by Broadwindsor residents, Barry & Denise Dennett (see below). Malcolm Heaver has been commissioned to make an enclosed frame for it to be displayed in the village square.

Another map had been created of local field names. The present-day field names were gathered by contacting local landowners and working with the online mapping resource, Dorset Explorer, volunteer Kenzie Bicher created a map which shows the field names currently in use.

The field map will be lodged with Dorset History Centre as a local resource for the future.

Village poet, Peter Roe, was “delighted with the work of the children” from Broadwindsor Primary school had their Nonesense Poems on display (Clicking on an image will open it in a separate window)…

The 1st Broadwindsor Girl Guides photographed what they loved about the community as part of a badge they are doing.

Local folk songs were performed with Amanda Boyd, Rev. Jo Neary, Margery Hookings and Donna Heyes singing the final song composed by pianist Andrea Monk, ‘As I Walked Forth One May Morning‘…

 

Village residents, Barry & Denise Dennett unveiled the map with a few words from Barry…

 

Afterwards Margery commented: “I was really pleased with how the afternoon went. There was a lot of work that went into the whole project and input from willing volunteers. A real celebration of where we live and the place we love. Broadwindsor is a place where good things happen.”

Well done & Congratulations to all involved!

Stay up to date on all the information at the Windrose Rural Media Trust’s website – HERE.
The Place I Love on Film will be uploaded to their page in March 2022.

The project is funded by Dorset Council’s Community and Culture Project Fund, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s (AONB), Sustainable Development Fund, the National Community Lottery through the AONB’S Stepping Into Nature Project and Broadwindsor Group Parish Council.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#2022,#WindroseRuralMediaTrust,#BGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#DAONB,#SteppingIntoNature,#ThePlaceILove,#VillageMap,#Poetry,#ChildrensPoems,#WindroseRuralMedia,#Artists,#DorsetHistoryCentre,#ArtProject,#AmandaBoyd,#AndreaMonk,#JamesHarrison,#MandySelhurst,#ElizabethJukes,#MeganEdwards,#PeterCoates,#MaggiOuin,#CarolyneKardia,#PeterRoe,#MargeryHookings,#KenzieBicher,#Event,#CountrysideCode,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The Place I Love – This Saturday, 12th February 2-4pm

Broadwindsor’s The Place I Love project culminates in the unveiling of the village map at an event in Comrades Hall this Saturday from 2-4pm.

Local folk songs and field names have been collected as part of the project, which celebrates the local landscape and rural heritage.

A map showing field names around the village will be on display, along with photographs taken by Broadwindsor Girl Guides and a stand run by the village’s eco group, which has recently planted trees as part of the ‘Gurt Darzet Hedge’ project.

The programme for the afternoon will include a short introduction by villager Margery Hookings, who is leading the project on behalf of Windrose Rural Media Trust,  poetry by Broadwindsor resident Peter Roe and folk songs sung by Amanda Boyd, a member of the Windrose team.

The highlight will be the unveiling of the interpretative map of the village designed by artist Megan Edwards, whose family home looks out to Lewesdon Hill. The large, detailed map is a work of art in itself and will be installed in a central location in the village at a later date.

Tea, coffee and cakes are being supplied by and in aid of Broadwindsor WI. There will also be a raffle to help pay for the hall hire.

The afternoon’s events will be filmed by Windrose cameraman James Harrison and included in a short video about the project, the community and the local area.

The Place I Love project was launched on 16 October 2021 with an art exhibition and display of the 1840 parish tithe map. It is funded by Dorset AONB, Dorset Council and Broadwindsor Group Parish Council.

Megan’s lovely map will continue to be a lynch pin of The Place I Love, with a version made available online and planned seasonal updates.

– Margery Hookings

Feature photo: James Harrison
Photo below: Margery Hookings

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#2022,#WindroseRuralMediaTrust,#BGPC,#DorsetCouncil,#DAONB,#SteppingIntoNature,#ThePlaceILove,#VillageMap,#Poetry,#ChildrensPoems,#Artists,#BroadwindsorWI,#1stBroadwindsorGuides,#DorsetHistoryCentre,#ArtProject,#AmandaBoyd,#JamesHarrison,#PeterRoe,#MediaChap,#MandySelhurst,#ElizabethJukes,#MeganEdwards,#PeterCoates,#MaggiOuin,#CarolyneKardia,#MargeryHookings,#GurtDarzetHedge,#Event,#CountrysideCode,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe