Tag: #DorsetLife

Lest We Forget…

There appeared to be a little confusion this year over Remembrance services in Broadwindsor.  At the service held earlier today (11.11.2025), Chairman of the Group Parish Council, Rick Dyke apologised and stated communications between the Church and the Council would be better next year.

Many attended Sunday’s service, led by Rev. Jo Neary at the Church and many then walked up to the war memorial at Cross Keys.  Rev. Neary did not accompany them, there was no representation from the parish council but one resident was there, bearing the Merchant Standard flag.  Local resident Peter Davies (pictured)  dipped the flag and all present observed a two minute silence.  Peter then spoke, “We shall remember them“. The attending public thanked Peter.  The White Lion opened half an hour earlier on Sunday.

This morning’s service was led graciously by Rick Dyke with no flag bearers or church representation present and no input from our primary school either. Although only half the number that were present on Sunday, Rick read out the name of the fallen, music was played via a mobile ‘phone and the 2 minute silence accurately observed.
Rick thanked those present and reiterated his apology for any confusion caused.
“What matters is that they HAVE been remembered!” said one attendee.

One doesn’t have to have served or be in service with any of our country’s forces to become a member of the Royal British Legion:


The Royal British Legion is open to membership from 13 years of age.
For 13-18 year old individuals – membership is FREE.
Over 18 years – membership is only £22/year.

Please contact their local Recruitment Officer, Chris Gardner at chrisgardner04@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

 

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #Village #Community #WestDorset #DorsetLife #Rural #Dorset #RBL #LestWeForget  #Remembrance #WeShallRememberThem #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Don’t Feed The Birds In Fullers!

Behind Enemy Lines – Friday, 7th November

Starting at the slightly later time of 8pm to accommodate the Cricket Club’s Firework display, the Comrades Hall will be showing Louise Jordan’s incredible story of the women who operated as spies in occupied France during the World War 2 – Behind Enemy Lines.

After the fall of France in 1940, SOE (Special Operations Executive) was established by Winston Churchill to ‘set Europe ablaze’. Transgressing gender expectations, these extraordinary women were trained in sabotage, subversion and silent killing. Thirty-nine women were infiltrated into Nazi occupied France and together their courage, daring, ingenuity and sacrifice helped defeat Nazi terror. Behind Enemy Lines will bring their stories to life through original songs, live music, storytelling, soundscape, acting and choreography 🙂

Whilst the SOE operated across the globe Louise realised that the project had to be more focused and so Louise selected the 41 female agents of ‘F Section’ who worked in France.

Described in the Sunday Express as “Haunting and unforgettable“, this production is recommended for ages 14+ (references to violence against women).

Louise Jordan

The thread that underpins all of Louise’s work is her desire to challenge existing narratives around gender and power.
Her research included a very moving visit to the former concentration camp and memorial at Natzweiler-Struthof in Alsace, France where four of the agents were gruesomely executed. Louise also received generous support from several academics.

This Friday, 8pm at the Comrades Hall.

Book now online at artsreach.co.uk or telephone 07740 949904/email catcymraes58@gmail.com
Please note both tickets at the door and bar are cash only – thank you.

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #Village #Community #WestDorset #DorsetLife #Rural #Dorset #TheComradesHall #2025 #Artsreach #LouiseJordan #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Two New Additions To Compost Corner

Two more long standing locals have been included in the White Lion’s Compost Corner gallery by local portrait artist Sasha Slater.

Mr. Hugo Burnham (left) & Mr. Robert Golding (right) appear in the photograph with Sasha in the middle 🙂

It was just before Christmas 2022 when the first three portraits were unveiled. Click below to read more about them & Sasha…

Compost Corner Memories At The White Lion

Fantastic work Sasha!

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#CompostCorner,#Sashafrostart,#Art,#Talent,#Skill,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

For The Attention Of Members Of Broadwindsor Community Pub Ltd.

From Chairman, Rick Dyke –

In last month’s White Lion newsletter, we gave notice that the Annual Members Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 27th June at 7pm in Comrades Hall. We hope that as many members as possible will attend.

We also advised that the deadline for receipt of nominations to stand for election to the Management Committee is Saturday 20th May. The deadline is set due to the time that is needed to prepare and issue election papers in advance of the Members’ Meeting.

Any members wishing to stand for election should submit their nomination either by email to rickdyke59@gmail.com or in writing and handed in at the White Lion.

Thank you.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#AnnualMembersMeeting,#Nominate,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Celebrate The White Lion’s First Birthday…

…as a Community Pub.

Already, a year has passed since The White Lion re-opened with much celebration…

This Saturday there will be no dinner service but, from 7pm, a finger buffet will be provided by Kerry & Clive who have been excelling all expectations since starting at Easter 🙂

A press release issued yesterday has Chairman Rick Dyke commenting “It’s certainly been an eventful twelve months.“. Thanking the Staff family and the many volunteers, Rick went on to say “We’re delighted that Kerry and Clive have joined us, and we’re excited about the next stage of the White Lion’s progress into a pub that is widely renowned for the quality of its food.”

Ending on a cautionary note, Rick continued “As with the hospitality trade generally, we have seen electricity costs skyrocket over the past year.  To make matters worse, the electricity companies view the trade as a bad risk with many reluctant to even quote, whereas those who do quote clearly see it as an opportunity to charge what they like.
Despite this, support from central government is negligible. Somehow, these spiralling costs need to be met and ultimately, this has to be by the paying customer.  This is where the warm welcome becomes even more vital because without it and the atmosphere it helps generate, what future does the British pub have?”

On King Charles III Coronation weekend, please book now to avoid any disappointment…

 

Please continue to support our lovely pub:)

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#Volunteer,#HappyFirstBirthday,#Welcome,#Food,#BunnyChow,#Eat,#KingCharlesIII,#Coronation,#CreamTeas,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The White Lion’s Phuza Thursday

There’s already only a couple of spaces remaining to book your place at The White Lion Community pub for dinner tonight!

Alongside their main menu we have Clive‘s first offering of a traditional South African dish: Bunny Chow. See the poster for details.

To book: 01308 867070 or email info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

Please continue to support our lovely pub:)

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#Volunteer,#NewManagement,#Welcome,#Food,#BunnyChow,#Eat,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Clive & Kerry Dammert Excited To Keep The White Lion Roaring

Last week Chairman of our Community pub, Rick Dyke announced that  Clive and Kerry Dammert had accepted the offer to form the new Management team at The White Lion.

Most recently, Clive and Kerry have worked in Devon and Cornwall as a Management couple and have experience of both the pub and the hotel businesses. Both are at home either in the kitchen or as Front of House. Clive and Kerry have worked together as a team for over 10 years and are looking forward to bringing their experience to the White Lion.

Kerry commented “Clive and I are excited to be returning to village life and meeting you all. For the past few months we have been working in a hotel environment and realised that we missed the pub life and the connection to the community that comes with running a pub and we are very much looking forward to getting involved in the community.“

Clive and Kerry previously owned and ran a successful business in South Africa.  Their plan is to offer good quality English pub food, using locally sourced ingredients where possible and then add some South African flair on the specials board, dishes like Bobotie, Bunny Chow (no rabbits involved!) and Vetkoek as well as a traditional South African Braai (BBQ) in the Summer. So much to look forward to – we very much look forward to welcoming Clive and Kerry into our community – Where Community Matters 🙂

Big thanks to the many volunteers who have worked front of house and in the kitchen.
They will continue to front The White Lion over the coming weeks until the transition over to Clive and Kerry at the end of this month.
Your efforts are appreciated!

David Leader, who’s untimely death on 13th March last year shocked the whole community, led the ‘Save The White Lion‘ campaign.  His widow Elaine commented: “Everyone who knew David will remember his passion for community, teamwork and pitching in. He would be so proud of the way this village has responded to the challenge to run the pub as a Community Pub in the true sense!”
‘I know he would be saying a massive thank you to all the volunteers who are giving up so much of their time, day after day, working for free, cleaning toilets, working in the kitchen, cooking meals, waiting on tables. Also all the huge amount of relentless work by the management committee and the planning and organising of all the events. He would also be thanking the bar staff for going out of their comfort zones and serving customers, giving up their afternoons and evenings.
‘And to the community in Broadwindsor and surrounding area for supporting the pub and making virtually every event a sell-out. It’s an amazing effort and it shows what an incredible community this is.
‘It would have made David so happy to see everyone pitching in and working together to keep our wonderful pub thriving.’
We couldn’t agree with you more Elaine and thank you too.

Please continue to support our lovely pub:)

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#Volunteer,#NewManagement,#Welcome,#Food,#Remember,#SaveTheWhiteLion,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Meet Ashleigh Smith Of Revilo Construction Dorset

This is Ashleigh Smith and he is the owner of Revilo Construction.

Ashleigh began his apprenticeship in 1998 for a small building company in Broadwindsor called ‘Broad Build‘.  He attended Weymouth College, completing his NVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 with advanced craft in brickwork trowel occupations.

After 10 years perfecting his trade skills, Ashleigh returned to Weymouth College as a lecturer in brickwork.  When Ashleigh left the college, he relocated to Spain, working for a British company for two years and it was then he decided to branch out, work for himself and so Revilo Construction was born.

After 13 years of living in Spain, Ashleigh and his family made the big move to relocate back to Dorset so they may bring their children up in an English culture.


Consequently, Revilo Construction has also relocated to Dorset.  Already at work on some great projects, Ashleigh has a reliable, hard working team contributing to his work with exceptional craftsmanship.

Contact: 07821 240754 or visit the website HERE.

We welcome Ashleigh and his family back to Broadwindsor and wish them all the best for their future 🙂


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Village,#Community,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#ReviloConstructionDorset,#Brickwork,#Craftsman,#Welcome,#Business,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Congratulations To Kate Staff

Ex-manager of the White Lion Community Pub Ltd., Kate Staff very recently collected the above award: West Dorset CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2023.

Judging had taken place during November and December 2022 when the pub was secretly visited by 9 individual judges on separate occasions.

As Kate, Chloe and Louise no longer work at the pub, the award is Kate‘s to keep and the White Lion‘s will have a copy to display display in the pub. Kate dedicated the award to the late David Leader. The Staff’s won’t be progressing to the next stage but the White Lion Community Pub Ltd. will and we hope Rick Dyke and the Management Committee succeed in employing a new manager of similar high standards 🙂

As the Management Committee and volunteers continue to keep the pub open whilst a new management team are appointed, we send our congratulations and best wishes to Kate, who soon begins her new employment in the kitchen at Broadwindsor House and to Chloe and Louise with their futures.
If you’d like to volunteer at The White Lion in any way, please get in touch with Andrew Hookings at: andrewhookings@yahoo.co.uk or Rick Dyke at: rickdyke59@gmail.com.

Please continue to support our community pub.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Village,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#2022,#2023,#DAONB,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#TheWhiteLion,#BGPC,#CommunityPub,#Volunteer,#Beerex,#BroadwindsorHouse,#Congratulations,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe