Sam Starts Charity Cycle This Monday, 17th July

Sam Cochrane sets out from Oslo, Norway Monday morning to start peddling on his journey of an estimated distance of 2,200 kilometres… Destination Poole, Dorset, U.K.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sam is unlikely to make it to Broadwindsor after his event but did send this message into the Editor earlier in the week:

With the start date closing in quickly for my cycle, I just wanted to reach out to yourself and the those in Broadwindsor and Beaminster who donated and say thank you for the donations.
I know the charity is very happy with the overwhelming support I have received in undertaking this fantastic opportunity for them. I also want to say a massive thank you to you also for publishing it on the local webpage, without gaining the reach I have so far with this, it would not have been as rewarding for the charity and a thank you goes to the White Lion and The Knapp Inn as well for placing my poster in their pubs for all to see.
Kind regards,
Sam Cochrane.

If you’d like to keep up with Sam and how he progresses, then follow his blog – visit https://oslotopoole.weebly.com

If you haven’t donated yet and would like to – you can scan the QR code on the poster above or click HERE to visit Sam’s Just Giving page and make your donation to support the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance,. Thank you!

We wish you safe travels and good luck with your journey Sam! 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#AONB,#Village,#Community,#DorsetAndSomersetAirAmbulance,#CharityCycleRide,#Oslo,#Poole,#GoodLuck,#InMemory,#MakeYouProud,#LoveYou,#WhiteLion,#TheKnappInn,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,

Please Support Sam Cochrane’s Charity Bike Ride

Local plasterer, Stewart Cochrane sadly lost his father in September last year. Stewart’s son Sam, 29 years old, who lives in Oslo, is preparing himself for what has to be acknowledged as an awesome cycle trip raising funds for the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, a charity dear to all of us residing in rural areas.

Sam’s Grandad is obviously his inspiration…
“After losing my Grandad in September, I realised I had to do something would make him proud and combine his ´get up and go´ attitude which took him on so many adventures of his own.
If it wasn’t for The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, I wouldn’t have had as many years with him as I did and to them I am extremely grateful. Which is why it makes sense to combine the opportunity and make it an opportunity to help those who helped him on multiple occasions….. I figured the best way to challenge myself was by completing something extreme and a lot harder than I am used to.”

Leaving on Monday, 17th July, Sam is intending to cycle from his home in Oslo to Poole, Dorset where other family members reside. His intended route is shown below.

An estimated distance of 2,200 kilometres (over 1,360 miles), Sam aims to complete the trip within 14 days, averaging 128km per day, stopping only for overnight stays.

As stated on the poster, Sam will be visiting Broadwindsor and in particular, The White Lion in the first week of August, to personally thank local supporters and share his experiences.

You can scan the QR code on the poster above or click HERE to visit Sam’s Just Giving page and make your donation to support the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

We wish you safe travels and good luck with your endeavour Sam! 🙂

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#AONB,#Village,#Community,#DorsetAndSomersetAirAmbulance,#CharityCycleRide,#Oslo,#Poole,#GoodLuck,#InMemory,#MakeYouProud,#LoveYou,#GoOnMySon,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe,

Farewell Colin Lawrence

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:

’Always there’

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

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Happy Mother’s Day – Sunday 14th March

Mothering Sunday is a day honouring mothers and mother churches everywhere. It is celebrated in the UK and elsewhere in the English-speaking world.

Mothers Day has fallen on the fourth Sunday in Lent since the Middle Ages. It is exactly 21 days before Easter Sunday. It is also known as Laetare Sunday, Refreshment Sunday and Rose Sunday.

The Romans also celebrated a Mother Goddess, Cybele, every March as far back as 250BC.

Mother’s Day has an association with the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand and the reprieve from fasting, therefore cakes and buns have long been made to celebrate.
Simnel cake is the most familiar and popular all the way through to Easter. Popular in Bristol and other places are Mothering Buns: plain yeast-leavened buns, iced, and sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. Also easy for children to decorate. Best eaten for breakfast on that day.

If you are able, treat your Mum, Step Mum, Granny, Nan, Pseudo Mum, Adoptive Mum, Single Mum – we are all amazing!

Mother’s Day for the next ten years will fall on the following dates:

2021 – 14 March
2022 – 27 March
2023 – 19 March
2024 – 10 March
2025 – 30 March
2026 – 15 March
2027 – 7 March
2028 – 26 March
2029 – 11 March
2030 – 31 March
2031 – 23 March

Why not plant a tree for your Mum? Find out more HERE.

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Plant A Tree For Mothers Day – Sunday, 14th March

With just a week until Mother’s Day, some may have consumed enough chocolate throughout Lockdown so why not consider something a bit different? The National Trust are giving you the opportunity to dedicate a single sapling or up to half a hectare of woodland to your Mum this Mother’s Day and you’ll be helping to support their aim to plant 20 million trees by 2030:

£5 will buy a tree sapling.
£50 will buy 10 tree saplings.
£250 will plant 50 square metres.
£500 will plant 100 sq.m.
£2,500 will plant one fottball pitch (half a hectare!).

You can choose your amount and choose if it is in memory of someone or a celebration. At the moment, you are unable to ‘tag’ a specific tree, or choose a location for a tree to be planted. However, they have the ambition to plant 20 million trees by 2030, and your donation today can directly help create a living memorial that benefits nature for everyone, for ever. 🙂

Donate & Dedicate Your Tree HERE.

With care, attention and natural progression, small saplings grow into happy, healthy woodlands full of wonder. A lot goes into nurturing new life – and Mum’s know it!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#MothersDay,#PlantATree,#NationalTrust,#InMemorium,#Celebrate,#LoveYou,#MissYou,#Mother,#Mummy,#Mum,#Ma,#Mammy,Mom,#Morm,#Respect,#Treat,#Surprise,#NationalLockdown,#2021,##SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

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’Always there’

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