The simple, true tale of Toby the Toad’s Adventure was written by the late Joyce Williamson who lived in Burstock.
Thankfully, Joyce did enjoy the opportunity to see her tale in print a few days before she died on 23rd September.
Priced at £7.50 (Cash only please), they are exclusively on sale at Broadwindsor Community Stores or direct from Kathy on 07591 221370.
A lovely gift for a child with 100% of all sales going to the Weldmar Hospice 🙂 Thank you for your support.
The funeral of Joyce Williamson shall take place at St Andrew’s Church, Burstock DT8 3LJ* this Monday, 23rd September at 12 noon.
After a period of illness, Joyce died at home on Saturday, 7th September, less than 2 weeks before her 98th birthday.
Joyce leaves behind her daughter, Kathy, son, David, her Grandchildren: Tom, Edward and Joseph and her Great grandchildren: Harlow, Archie, James, Ava and Felix – Her sister Susan and nieces. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very sad time.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Joyce‘s life at Drimpton Village Hall afterwards.
Donations in lieu of flowers to A. J. Wakely for Weldmar Hospice and Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats.
*Parking is very limited – so please try to car share where possible – thank you.
Joyce Williamson 19.09.1926 – 07.09.2024
Today, Sunday 21st July would have been Julie Steele’s 59th birthday but sadly she left us, too soon, on 12th December 2022 following a long struggle with cancer and its treatments.
Julie loved living in Broadwindsor and said this was where she said she belonged. Julie was enthusiastically involved with many activities in the village, of note was her role as President of the local W.I. group who described her as “a real leading light at our WI.”
To read Julie’s full Eulogy presented by her friend, Cath Booth – click HERE.
Julie frequently rested at the old bench at Cross Keys, which is across the road from the war memorial, en route to our village shop or visiting friends.
One of Julie’s final arrangements was to choose, purchase from her estate and donate a new bench which is now situated there.
Thank you to Martin Burt for putting it in place 🙂
Soon to be added is a memorial plaque which reads:
In Memory Of Julie Steele
1965 – 2022
A Much Loved Friend & Broadwindsor Resident
Greatly Missed, Never Forgotten
The next stage of the ‘facelift’ will happen once the wild flowers have died back. The grass will then be cut and a rose bed will be put in which, once in place, the W.I. have kindly agreed to maintain
Julie was laid to rest in St. John the Baptist church graveyard
on 6th January 2023.
Happy Heavenly Birthday JulieThe service for village resident Paul Miller will be held at Yeovil crematorium at 13.20 hrs. on Tuesday, 9th April.
Anyone who would like to come along and raise a glass in his memory, are welcome to join the family at The White Lion from 15.30 hrs. onwards.
“Thank you to everyone for all the kind thoughts, cards and flowers we have received, we are overwhelmed with kindness.”
– Chris and family x
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris, Jo and all the family at this sad time.
Paul Miller 04.09.1947 – 15.03.2024
A fantastic memorial concert is being held for the exceptional musician, a village resident and friend to many, Simon Emmerson who peacefully passed away on Monday, 13th March this year after living with cancer for several years.
Taking place at The Roundhouse, in Camden, London, this is a special one-off concert, with very special guests, that will showcase music from all of Simon’s bands and projects. It will raise funds for palliative care at home and abroad, including the Weldmar Hospice who looked after Simon at the end of his life.
For those able to travel, it is on Friday, 15th December at 7pm. Tickets start are from £37.50 (standing) and from £45 (seated) – you can book online HERE. Under-16s to be accompanied by an adult, Under-14s to be accompanied by an adult and in seated areas only. The event is digitally ticketed. Read more HERE.
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Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 Honouring fathers, grandfathers and all things paternal, Father’s Day has been celebrated on the third Sunday in June since 1910.
Both the Stableyard Restaurant & The White Lionare offering a delicious dinner – please call to check availability!
Thank the Americans!
Founded by the daughter of a U.S. Civil War Army veteran in 1910, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Then in 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year. The U.K. follows this observation.
A customary day for the celebration of fatherhood in Catholic Europe is known to date back to at least 1508 and is usually celebrated on March 19th, recognised as the feast day of Saint Joseph.
In countries, including Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is observed on 8th August.
Germany marks Father’s Day on Ascension Day in May or June, 40 days after Easter, while Australiaand New Zealand commemorate it on the first Sunday in September.
In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on 5th December, the birthday of their late king who was considered the ‘Father of the Nation‘.
Russia continues a tradition from the Soviet Union of celebrating “Man’s Day” on ‘Defender of the Fatherland Day’ on 23rd February, which marks the first mass draft into the Red Army.
In addition to Father’s Day, International Men’s Day is celebrated in many countries on November 19th (also on a Sunday this year) in honour of both men and boys.
Enjoy a Happy Father’s Day 🙂
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#FathersDay,#Men,#Boys,#Dads,#Grandad,#Love,#Clebrate,#MissYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe
Broadwindsor’s Comrades Hall was full to capacity on Thursday afternoon as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Simon Emmerson who died peacefully on 13th March 2023.
The ceremony at Yeovil crematorium had been full to capacity also. Led by Celebrant Philip Carr-Gomm, the Order of Ceremony was full of beautiful words and music:
After an exceptional and moving ceremony, family and friends gathered at the Comrades Hall. Simon’s brother Paul invited those present to share their stories of their encounters with Simon… Without any hesitation, Simon’s mother, Marcia Last – now in her 90’s – was the first to speak and we thank Marcia and the family for their permission to share this amateur recording…
Paul also gave credit and thanks to Simon’s Obituary, published in The Guardian newspaper – Click HERE.
Throughout the afternoon celebrations continued and a video montage played on the big screen with much memorabilia, predominately shared by Karen, on tables around the Hall. This included an exclusive book of photographs taken by local resident and photographer, Jamie Dawson which he had published in time to gift Simon shortly before he died.
(Please note: all images below are copyrighted to James Dawson.)
Again with kind permission from Karen and the rest of Simon’s family, please enjoy this amateur recording by Peter Roe of the Imagined Village‘s encore! performance, joined by Billy Bragg, at the Electric Palace, Bridport last summer…
Yesterday, the Afro Celt Sound System stated on social media, “Thank you Simon for leaving us with the immense magic and wisdom of your music. The New Album OVA (short for Ovate) and the Afro Celt Symbol) will be a continuation of the gift you have left us. We will tour and gig with you and Jo guiding us all the way. We love you and we miss you dearly.”
Donations in Simon’s name for Weldmar Hospicecare may be given HERE.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, Josie, Ted and all the family at this very sad time
Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 Over 150 people from in and around the parish packed into Broadwindsor’s St. John the Baptist church yesterday afternoon to attend the funeral of Colin Lawrence who died on 23rd December 2022.
After the opening hymn ‘All things bright and beautiful‘, Colin’s granddaughter, Amy read a poem –
‘Goodbye Grandad’
Heaven has received another angel,
The night sky another star.
Your life has become a loving memory.
I know you will never be far.
I know you’re watching over me
As my life goes on.
I will treasure the memories I have of you.
I can’t believe you’re gone.
You were a loving, caring grandad
You were there for me a lot.
You will always hold a place in my heart,
A loving treasured spot.
You were really one in a million,
A cut above the rest.
All who knew you would agree.
You simply were the best.
So, Grandad, I will say goodbye.
I love and miss you with all my heart,
But as long as I have my loving memories,
We will never be too far apart.
Rev. David Baldwin read the Eulogy prepared by his family:
Colin was born on the 2nd May 1937 and was the youngest son of Kathleen & Cyril, & lived at Seavington St Mary, near Ilminster. He had one brother, Keith. He attended schools in Ilminster. On leaving school he worked on a local farm and following this he did National Service in the Royal Air Force, his section being the Fire Brigade Crew. Some of this time was spent in Germany.
One winters night in 1956, Valerie & 3 of her friends were in Broadwindsor Square when they heard the sound of a motorbike approaching from Drimpton Road. On the bike was Colin riding pillion behind his brother!! After their first meeting, Colin continued to cycle from Seavington St Mary to Broadwindsor every weekend as due to work commitments that was the only spare time he had. This was the start of their romance & 64 years of marriage!
In 1958, on Boxing Day, they were married here in Broadwindsor Church whilst Colin was home on leave. There first marital home was in Burstock.
In 1961, Mandy was born. Unfortunately, Colin was away training in Finchley for the Fire Service so he missed this event.
Following his National Service he then worked for Newmans of Beaminster assisting with the digging of boreholes. After this he then drove for South Western Farmers in Crewkerne delivering animal feeds.
In 1966, Wayne was born and Colin was present this time!!
In the late 60s, Colin started driving for Ready Mixed Concrete until he retired, and still remained in contact with former workmates. The family recalls whenever they were on their travels in Dorset or Somerset, Colin would often comment, ‘I‘ve delivered concrete there‘, and would often remember what was being built at the time.
Sadly Colin lost his Brother, Keith, which left a huge hole in his life as they were so close, and used to visit one another on a weekly basis.
In 1971, the family moved to Broadwindsor, then in 2005 returned back to Burstock.
From 1972 – 1992 he served as a Special Constable working from Bridport Police Station. This was a job he enjoyed doing, giving back to the community.
In 1996, Amy arrived which made him the proudest Grandad ever. The family enjoyed many happy holidays together in Cornwall during Amy’s early years. He was so proud of her tennis achievements, which I’m sure you’re all aware of!! Amy can remember how he used to play tennis with her in the road at Burstock, and even in his 60s he could give her a run for her money. He also hit many balls in the neighbours gardens!
Colin loved the outdoors. He loved shooting, beating & gardening. He also played in a skittles team in the Cattistock Hunt League. Colin & Valerie also belonged to Broadwindsor Over 60s club which met monthly, and revelled in the outings. Through these interests he’s made many close friendships. Up until recently he was still gardening for Michelle & Mick at Broadwindsor, and Jackie & John at Clapton, despite having a large garden of his own. He liked helping other people out! He also loved animals. Over recent years has tamed many a stray cat, and they’ve all been given names.
Colin never lost his sense of humour whilst in hospital. On one occasion when Mandy & Amy visited him and the Nurse asked him who they were, he pointed at Amy and said, ‘That’s my Amy’, then pointed to Mandy and said, ‘She’s from Dorset’. It’s clear to say Mandy wasn’t expecting that!!
All of you that are here today will know that Colin was a positive, thoughtful, caring and loving family man, and would do anything to help anyone. However, his time keeping was not always the best, even in his final moments. Mandy and Amy having spent 32 hours by his bedside, the Nurses moved him into a side room, during this short distance with no one by his side he passed away much to the surprise of everyone. Particularly Amy, who uttered words that can not be repeated today!
Colin may be gone but will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A lovely poignant poem followed:
When you remember me,
Please do not weep.
My body may not be there.
It has chosen to sleep.
I’m not far away.
My soul lives on,
Looking down, watching over
You and everyone.
And when you feel sad
And life seems so blue,
Just remember
That my spirit has its arms around you.
And on those special days
Times that you wish I could see,
That cool breeze flowing past you…
Well, that will be me,
So don’t be sad.
Have no fear.
God has taken me under his wing,
But I’ll always be near.
I still watch you
Every minute, every day.
My love and soul are with you,
And that’s where they will stay.
Colin exited the church to the music ‘Always look on the bright side of life‘ performed by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commander in Chief Fleet. The Committal took place at Burstock Churchyard.
Afterwards, friends and family gathered together at the Comrades Hall to enjoy a lovely buffet and to share and celebrate their memories of Colin.
Any donations in Colin‘s name are requested to go to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Colin Gerald Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022
The funeral service for Colin Lawrence, who passed away on 23rd December 2022, will take place at St. John the Baptist Church in Broadwindsor on Wednesday, 25th January at 2pm. His burial will then take place at St. Andrew’s church in Burstock.
Colin’s wake will be at the Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor and all his friends are invited to attend. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Val, Mandy, Wayne & granddaughter, Amy
Family flowers only please. Any donations, please send to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance HERE or by mail to c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 7 North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DZ.
Colin Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022
It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Burstock resident, Colin Lawrence who died yesterday afternoon at Yeovil Hospital.
Colin was well known within our parish community for many things but particularly, his willingness to help and how fit he was for his age. Colin died after a relatively short illness with family by his side. He leaves behind his beloved wife Val, who would have celebrated 64 years of marriage with him on Boxing Day, and his two children, Mandy & Wayne.
Details of his funeral will be published in the New Year. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to them all at this particularly poignant time.
Colin Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022
