Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards launch on Monday 1st March.

This is the third year that the team of Paul, Tom and Michelle (and Rosie and Coco the Spaniels) from Surrey, UK have held the competition. The overall winner in 2020 was Mark Fitzpatrick with Terry the Turtle flipping the bird. The other images used were all finalists in last year’s competition.

To enter the competition, you must visit their website*, complete the online entry form and upload your entry(ies) before the deadline of 11.59pm, BST on 30th June 2021. They state: “We do not control the internet, and are not computer geeks, so we can’t take responsibility for any technical problems. It is up to you to ensure your entries reach us on time, no excuses.”
This is a wildlife photography competition and that means no domestic animals and no animals that live in zoos or other captive environments.

Please read all the Terms & Conditions before entering HERE.

Yaron Schmid
– The look on his face! That was brilliant!

Competition Categories:

You can enter a total of up to 10 images, 4 portfolio entries AND an additional 6 entries into the other categories, and 2 videos – that’s it, no more.
You can enter up to 3 images into each category, except the Amazing Internet (and they are…) Portfolio category where you have to enter 4 pictures. (More info on the categories below.)
The total number of images across all categories must not exceed 10.
There is only one category for video.

Muhammad Faishol Husni – I love you darlin’

Here are all the Categories with details of what they are asking for:

The Alex Walker’s Serian Creatures of the Land Category

Enter up to three of your funniest pictures of wildlife which lives on the land. Couldn’t be simpler. Don’t panic if the animal, like a squirrel, for example, looks like he is flying, it still lives on the land, so bung it in here. Another thing, remember if your pic is hilarious but in the wrong category, fret not they will put it into the right category, simple as that.

The Spectrum Creatures in the Air Category

You guessed it, birds, bats and any other creatures that fly. If you have a funny pterodactyl image, put it in, seriously, although that might mean the image is more than 99 years old, so wouldn’t be acceptable, but perhaps worth trying.

The ThinkTank Photo Junior Category

This is a category for kids with a talent for taking great and funny wildlife pictures. You have to be less than 16 years old by 11.59pm 30th June 2020 (BST). So, if you are 15 and turn 16 on July the 9th, bummer big time!! Enter your funny pics into the other categories! If you have a query, fret not ping us an email; PJ and Tom (who run the competition and write this drivel are desperate for emails, as they have no friends.)

The Amazing Internet Portfolio Category

This is a brilliant category and to be honest a hard one. They want a collection of 4 images which are a collection, or portfolio, (that clue is in the category title) of really funny wildlife images. You can put 4 unconnected images in, as your portfolio, but you will get more points if the 4 images are connected, say “4 African Mammal Funny pics” for example, or they can be 4 images which are really funny from a single scene, I think you get where they are going with this one.

The Underwater Category

Ok, you can put an underwater picture of an elephant swimming and farting at the same time, but they would move it into Creatures of the Land, so this category is for creatures (fish mainly to be honest) which live in water. There are a few marine mammals, amphibians and reptiles and so on which live in water so the spectrum is broad.

The Video Clip Category

Listen carefully; this is the category where you can enter up to 2 video clips and each one can be no more than 60 seconds. They should be a maximum resolution of 1080p HD at 30fps with a maximum file size of 150MB but any resolution below that is acceptable too. Videos will be uploaded to Vimeo which accepts most major and popular video types. Please check the Vimeo website if you have any questions.
Please do not add music, captions or anything like that to the video (don’t worry about peoples voices that’s ok), but do make sure you edit it as judiciously as possible. Much better you send them a 15 second clip which is short, sharp and brilliant, rather than them having to trawl through 45 seconds of dull video to find the funny 10 seconds at the end.

To view their Gallery of all previous finalists and winners – click HERE.

*Enter the Competition from 1st March 2021.

If you have any queries, please email info@comedywildlifephoto.com
Competition Director & Chair of the Judging Panel : tom@comedywildlifephoto.com

This year the Comedy Wildlife Awards are supporting a wonderful grass roots conservation project; the Gunung Palung Orang-utan Conservation Program in Borneo, which helps to protect the environment that the wild Orangutans inhabitat, so they can survive and hopefully flourish. You can go to their website HERE and have a look at the incredible work they do and spread that word as well.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#MartinFitzpatrick,#YaronSchmidt,#MuhammadFaisholHusni,#DanielFriend,#ComedyWildlifeAwards,#ComedyWildlifePhoto,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#Photography,#Competition,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Children’s Mental Health Week 1st – 7th February

We have all been through a lot over the past year and it’s important that we all talk about how we are feeling. Help is out there if you or your child needs to speak to someone.

The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is ‘Express Yourself‘.

In Dorset there are free and confidential mental health services that can help support your child:

Kooth is a free, confidential online service that helps young people aged 11 – 18 who want to talk about their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

ChatHealth is a free school nursing text service available to all young people aged 11-19. Young people can use this service to get advice about a range of subjects including mental health, relationships and drugs and alcohol.

Dorset Council’s Educational Psychology Service has a helpline to support those who are worried about their child or teenager during the lockdown.

Text SHOUT to 85258 if you’re any age, it is free on most networks even if you get a warning message about costs.

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading mental health charity for young people. If you’re a parent worried about your child please contact the Parents Helpline for advice on 0808 802 5544, open from Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 4pm.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#ChildrensMentalHealth,#Kooth,#ChatHealth,#DorsetCouncil,#TimeToTalk,#YouHaveAFriend,#Shout,#YoungMinds,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Property at Hollis Hill – £650,000

This detached property up Hollis Hill is on the market with Purple Bricks and a guide price of £650,000. The four bedroomed house has the following highlights:

Four double bedrooms
Finnish red pine
Sociable living area
Four ensuites
Stunning views
Outhouses
Sustainable living
Ample parking
Potential B & B

Featuring:

Finnish solid log – red pine; Triple glazed windows; Engineered oak flooring throughout the ground floor; Solid pine flooring throughout the first floor; Plant room housing the boiler and water pumps and filters, there is further potential for additional outhouses.
All the details, floor plan and many more photographs can be viewed HERE and of course the opportunity to purchase.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#HouseForSale#PurpleBricks,#PrimeLocation,#CountrysideLife,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Countryside Classroom

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, home schooling is set to continue for some time. Discover Farming is the education programme run and managed by the Melplash Agricultural Society. They have provided several activities and resources at their Countryside Classroom Home Education Hub.

All resources available in different Modules for 3-6 years, 7-11 years and 11-16 years.

Science: A selection of super science activities including videos, games, worksheets and a Big Worm Hunt Competition – a chance to win a wonderful wormery kit for your child to enjoy at home! Click HERE.
Maths: Support your child to develop their numeracy skills with their maths resources: activity booklets, worksheets and helpful guidance on how to look for examples of maths in everyday life. Click HERE.
English: Module includes quizzes, activity sheets, photo packs and a free virtual book that are all based around the theme of food, farming and the countryside. Click HERE.

The Melplash Agricultural Society is a registered charity (charity number 1130201) with the aim of promoting and improving agriculture and horticulture in West Dorset for the public benefit.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#DiscoverFarming,#HomeSchooling,#2021,#NationalLockdown,#Science,#Maths,#English,#DairyFarming,#Moo,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Ongoing Roadworks At North Allington From 8th February

Any unauthorised Person who uses or permits the use of the road(s) indicated in contravention of the Notice will be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

All vehicles will be prohibited from proceeding along NORTH ALLINGTON, BRIDPORT between its junction with West Street and its junction with Hospital Lane, a distance of approximately 650 metres.
Please note that the closures will be on a rolling programme and the whole extent shown will not all be closed at one time. The Order is needed in order to comply with health and safety regulations, which
require the provision of safe working areas and to minimise the likelihood of danger to highway users. It will come into operation on 8 February 2021 and will remain in force for 18 months, however it is anticipated that the works will be completed by 12 March 2021. Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

This Order will enable Wessex Water, safe access to carry out sewer rehabilitation works.

An alternative route will be signed using: B3162 – A3066 – B3163 – B3162

If you would like further information about the work being undertaken and access arrangements, please call Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600.
For more information on any Roadworks or Closures, please contact:
Dorset Highways Traffic Team – 01305 221020 or email: trafficteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Bridport#WestDorset,#DorsetCouncil,#Roadworks,#DorsetHighways,#WessexWater,#Diversion,#RoadClosed,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#BeSafe,#DriveSafe,#StaySafe

Congratulations To Chris Chapman & His Team

For the 5th year in a row, village resident Chris Chapman and his Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture business has been awarded the Best of HOUZZ Service award.

He delivered this comment on his website and on social media:

“Once again we have been given the Best of HOUZZ Service award for the 5th year running. This is so important to us, happy clients are what it’s all about for us, we love what we do and we really want our customers to be happy with what we make for them. We work really hard to deliver the best we can and to be acknowledged for this is great! So this is a really big thank you to all our past clients who took the time and energy to review us, reviews are so important to small businesses.
Thank you!“

Congratulations to Chris & his team!

You can contact Chris through the following ways:
Workshop : 01308 861121
Email: chris@chrischapmanltd.co.uk
Visit the website: www.chrischapmanltd.co.uk
View Chris’ previous projects at Houzz: Chris Chapman Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

Houzz is a place to browse and save beautiful home photos. A place to find the right design and construction professionals. They provide the best experience for home renovation and design, connecting homeowners and home professionals with the best tools, resources and vendors.#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#ChrisChapmanLtd,#BespokeKitchens,#Congratulations,#Houzz,#TheBest,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Heavers Are Hiring Again

Heavers of Bridport are specialists in the supply and installation of windows, doors and other glazing solutions throughout the Southwest.

They took on 3 new apprentices in November 2020. This time they are looking for an Experienced Installer to join their team.

The successful candidate will:

Be experienced in all aspects of glazing installations.
Be able to provide evidence and references of previous experience.
Be punctual.
Be able to work as a member of a team.
Have good communication skills
Be able to adapt to a multitude of new skills.
Be self motivated.

Please email ross@heavers.co.uk to apply.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Bridport,#HeaversOfBridport,#LocalEmployment,#Jobs,#Work,#SocialDistancing,#NationalLockdown,#2021#WearYourMask,#StaySafe

Be Aware Of Local Scams

Scams are increasing! There are many scams that we are constantly warned about. By our police; by our banks; by charities; by consumer sites and many more. They penetrate your personal life and catch you off guard. Some have the audacity to stand on your doorstep, ring your front doorbell and attempt to scam you face to face. Sadly, these latter types have been exploring locally in Broadwindsor and Drimpton. Particularly because of the “government grants [that] are available for energy saving”. Loft insulation, window conversions and other home improvements are frequently used in their approach. They will give you nothing. They want your money. That’s all they want.

Several villagers in Drimpton reported male callers at their door claiming to be from an energy saving company and giving a pitch claiming that they are about to start work in the village. Others reported a man wandering around in Drimpton and the Greenham area. Another villager commented: ” the young lad called on us…his opening gambit is one of the oldest and most standard in the door to door sales jargon: ” Hi ..how are you today? I’m not trying to sell you anything but my company is currently working in your local area……!” He continued, “….you need to be careful because retail law and comeback is completely different than retail and on line sales regulations….one of the principle points is that you must invite them into your home…as it were …across your door step…so invariably an appointment would be made and that’s when you’ll encounter the ‘hard sell’ team...”

In Broadwindsor, two young girls were observed knocking on doors in the Yarn Barton area. They may have been innocent of scamming behaviour but their behaviour raises questions under the Stay At Home order due to the current National Lockdown in place and social distancing restrictions.

Be it by telephone, text, email or on your doorstep – scammers use similar tactics:

They try to gain trust by claiming to be from a well-known business or impersonating a known contact.
They will suggest their own verification procedures, like going to websites they have created or calling numbers they provide to you.
They know how to appeal to your emotions and press your buttons to get what they want.
They create a sense of urgency to get you to make decisions without thinking.

If you are a victim, a business, a witness or reporting on behalf of a victim who has been subjected to any type of scam – please contact Action Fraud online HERE. Alternatively, you can talk to their Fraud and Cybercrime specialists by calling 0300 123 2040.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#DorsetPolice,#Scam,#Victim,#ActionFraud,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#StayAtHome,#StaySafe

Celebrate Imbolc On 1st February

Imbolc (or Imbolg) is also called St. Brigid’s Day and is celebrated on 1st February each year and is a Gaelic (Irish) traditional festival marking the beginning of Spring. It is approximately halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Time to celebrate the lengthening days and the early signs of spring.

Imbolc is one of the four traditional Gaelic seasonal festivals. The others being Beltane (1st May), Lughnasa (1st August) and Samhain (31 Oct). As well as signifying the beginning of Spring, Imbolc is also associated with the onset of the lambing season and the blossoming of blackthorn.

St. Brigid was a Christianization of the goddess of fertility, Brigid. St. Brigid was also invoked to protect homes and livestock. The holiday was a festival of the hearth and home. It is time to ‘spring clean’. To receive the blessings of St. Brigid, people would make a bed for her and leave her food and drink. Items of clothing would be left outside for her to bless. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. For Christians, particularly in Ireland, it is a time to feast! Although many of its customs died out in the 20th century, it is still observed and in some places it has been revived as a cultural event.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Imbolc,#Imbolg,#Spring.#2021,#NationalLockdown,#ProtectHome,#Feast,#EatDrinkBeMerry,#Celebrate,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Graph Compares Pressure On Hospitals

This is published in a desperate plea to silence the non-believers, those who think Covid-19 is a ridiculous conspiracy theory and to those who think the rules don’t apply to them. There have been 1,290 deaths from Covid-19 in the UK over the last 7 days. The average number of people dying in the UK over the last week is 1,218 and is still rising.

The graph below shows the total number of adult critical care beds occupied in London only over a typical winter. Beginning with the winter of 2013-2014, it is then compared with the total number of adult critical care beds occupied at this current time.

These figures are not just numbers or statistics – these are human lives: our family members, our friends, our neighbours.
Heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered loss.

Please stay at home and stay safe. If you must go out, wear your mask, practice social distancing and follow the Government guidelines. If you need support, it is out there. If you can’t find it – please contact this website and assistance of direction will be given.

In August 2020, Broadwindsor.org also published a comparison graph showing the global deaths due to various causes and Covid-19. You can view that graph HERE.

This is Covid-19 and not the flu! Please Stay Home Protect the NHS and Save Lives.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Covid19,#StayAtHome,#SaveLives,#SupportTheNHS,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#Vaccine,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Tag: #NationalLockdown