Goodbye & Good Luck!

…to Vikki & Spike, now ex-landlords of Broadwindsor’s pub, The White Lion.

Vikki and Spike are off to pastures new, closer to family at The New Inn, Park Lane Off Church Street, Blagdon, Bristol, BS40 7SB. The venue appears very attractive situated by Blagdon lake and several locals have already declared promises to take a trip to visit them and of course, all will be welcomed.

Thank you so much Spike and Vikki for everything you have contributed to our village while you have been here. You have been an invaluable part of our community. You will be sorely missed but we all wish you both wealth, health and prosperity in your new venture.

What’s happening to the pub?

The Parish Council is waiting to hear back from Palmers Brewery re: negotiations of the building becoming a community run pub: initial village feedback would indicate the situation is fraught with problems as anyone taking over is subject to Palmers’ rules, ales and pricing. Click HERE to view the latest local  news at the time of publishing…. we wait.

#PALMERSBREWERY

Where will people go?

The nearest pubs out of the village are:

  • The Knapp in Beaminster.
  • The Royal Oak in Drimpton.
  • The Admiral Hood in Mosterton.
  • The New Inn in Stoke Abbott.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#Community,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#Covid19,#Somerset,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Wadworth,#NewInnBlagdon,#NewBeginnings,#GoodLuck,#WeWillMissYou,#TheKnappInn,#TheRoyalOakDrimpton,#TheAdmiralHood,#TheNewInnStokeAbbott,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Is The White Lion Viable As A Community Pub?

Almost forty attended Monday evening’s Group Parish Council meeting on Zoom to hear their discussion re: Palmer’s proposition of operating the White Lion as a Commuity run pub.  Cllr. David Leader, who chaired Monday’s meeting, stated that many discussions had already taken place including with The New Inn at Shipton Gorge – Palmers only other Community Pub.  No satisfactory solution had yet been reached and there are more difficult negotiations to be had.
Palmers had approached Broadwindsor Group Parish Council as a last resort as no one suitaable or interested had come forward to take over the licence at the White Lion.  Their initial proposal included a full repairing lease, which was refused.

Palmers would categorically not sell the pub. As the pub would be tied to Palmers, not allowing other brewery’s ales, they would have to be sympathetic with their price strategies.  Village resident, with landlord experience, Luke Pickering commented “The remaining options are not particularly good for the Community.” Cllr. Leader replied saying that once there were firm proposals put forward, a public meeting would be called.

Other items included:

  • Spending £8,953 for 2 SIDS (Speed Indicator Devices) for Broadwindsor and Drimpton came under much debate with a clear objection from Cllr. HardwillCllr. Leader confirmed this would be a one off payment and the rotation of the devices would be carried out by volunteers.  Residents John Newall and Sheila Hawkins, both members of the Speed Watch Group confirmed the SID’s effectiveness.  Sheila Hawkins would place an ad in the village shop for volunteers.  Payment was approved.
  • Margery Hookings requested £100 for printing costs for Windrose’s Rural Media Trust’s new community project ‘The Place I Love’, which she is leading in Broadwindsor later this year. This was granted. The project has already been awarded funding by Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Stepping Into Nature scheme and its Sustainable Development Fund. Cllr. Rowe’s request to double the amount to £200 was refused.
  • There were no new Covid-19 updates!
  • Cllr. Bob Harris reported for the Comrades Hall Planning application, P/FUL/2021/01358. He stated that no one was home for comment at The Lodge and that he believed the Old Schoolhouse to be a holiday home. [In April 2021, Broadwindsor.org published the fact that the Old Schoolhouse was being reoccupied by the family following repairs to the roof.]  He did not see the 6 metre climbing frame as obtrusive to nearby residents.  Although the solar panels were in contrast to the roof, the case for installation overides that. He recommended the application for approval.
  • Co-chair of Broadwindsor Allotment Group, Sheila Hawkins reported that for the first time in many years, the allotment plots were almost full with just one 1/4 and one 1/2 plot available.  Keeping beehives has been requested: the site would be at the top right (looking up from the gate) and fenced off.  The National Allotment Society’s guidelines would be followed.  Councillors are to take an informed decision at their next meeting in July.
    The verges on the main road were problematical for drivers leaving the site as vision was obscured.  Cllr. Andrew Frampton introduced Lloyd Curtis‘ son, Stuart who, when asked if he could continue his father’s work and cut the verge on the bottom bank of the allotments, responded “I can do that.” The Chairman thanked him and invited Stuart to consider taking over from his father as councillor for Burstock Ward stating it would be a wonderful decision.
  • The wildflower verges at Crosskeys in Broadwindsor came under criticism as shop manager Kevin Madder-Smith said customers had commented it is “the worst it’s looked in 5-6 years“. Cllr. dorothy Rowe, stated that there was slow progress this year due to the cold Spring weather, and the late verge cutting was delayed due to the wettest May on record. Kevn Madder Smith continued that the verges had not been cut enough making it difficult for dog walkers to pick up their dog’s mess.  Cllr. Rowe stated she would contact Senior Ranger, Russell Goff.
  • Hursey resident, James Brooke was granted permission to investigate and restore the Milestone Marker there.  He also commented on the broken finger post sign and was told that there is an ongoing repair programme and that the piece that had broken off had indeed been recovered and was awaiting repair.
  • James Brooke also voiced concern about the risk of a landslide on the B3164.  This is to be added to the agenda for the next meeting.
  • The next meeting will be on Monday 7th July – whether online or face to face has yet to be decided.

We currently have 14 Elected Councillors – Click HERE to identify them.

Contact the Town Clerk: hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk

#PALMERSBREWERY – how Palmers are advertising the pub.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#Footpaths,#PalmersBrewery,#NAS,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Final Night At The White Lion – Friday 25th June

The White Lion will be open this evening from 6pm – 10pm.  It will then only be open for one final night next Friday, 25th June.  After months of rumours and uncertainty, Vikki announced their departure on social media last night stating: “Those of you who have supported us, day in and day out, we apologise for letting you down and cannot thank you enough for your support“.
The New Inn, Blagdon
Vikki and Spike are returning to Wadworth brewery and are moving to The New Inn, Blagdon, in North Somerset near Bristol.  They will be opening this country pub in a couple of weeks.
For those wishing to visit them in their future venture, The New Inn is a dog friendly pub with beautiful views of Blagdon Lake.
The New Inn, Park Lane Off Church Street Blagdon Bristol BS40 7SB.
Aristotle

With regards to the White Lion’s future . . .

and whether it would be viable as a Community Pub, this is to be discussed at Monday’s Group Parish Council meeting (item 11 on their agenda). Anyone can attend and the meeting will now be on Zoom for Covid-19 reasons but also enabling more to take part.

Starting at 7.30pm,
To access the meeting, please click HERE.
Meeting ID: 925 993 0185

❤ Spike & Vikki – We all wish you both happiness and prosperity in your new location ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#Covid19,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Wadworth,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Stop Press: Monday’s Council Meeting Now On Zoom

Monday’s Group Parish Council meeting, initially planned for Drimpton Village Hall will now take place online. This will enable more to take part to hear the Council’s discussions, particularly with regard to the future of the White Lion pub.
The Town Clerk issued the following this morning:

In light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths and the subsequent delay in the lifting of remaining social distancing requirements, the Chairman and Vice Chairman have today discussed the potential risks to Councillors, employees and members of the public in holding next week’s meeting in-person. Also taking into consideration the fact that Dorset Council is continuing to hold committee meetings remotely, a decision has been taken to hold Monday’s meeting on Zoom once again.”

Starting at 7.30pm
To access the meeting click HERE.
The Meeting ID: 925 993 0185
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

The Broadwindsor Community Pub Proposal is item 11 on their agenda.
The full agenda is available to download HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Parish Group Council Meeting – Monday 21st June

Not since March 2020, have the BWGPC met face to face, conducting all their meetings, including their A.G.M. on Zoom.  This month they shall meet at Drimpton Village Hall at 7.30pm.  All are welcome to attend but social distancing remains in force.

The full agenda is available to download HERE. Minutes of previous Group Parish Council meetings can be found online HERE

This month, councillors will make a tribute to their fellow councillor, Lloyd Curtis who was laid to rest yesterday at St. Andrew’s Church in Burstock.

This month’s accounts include approval of a payment of £8,953 for Dorset Council to fix and install 2 x Speed Indicator Devices for Broadwindsor and Drimpton.

There are two Planning Applications under consideration:

  • P/HOU/2021/01724, Forge Cottage, Chard Road, Drimpton, DT8 3RF.
  • P/FUL/2021/01358, Comrades Hall Management Committee, Broadwindsor.

The Broadwindsor Community Pub Proposal is item 11 on their agenda.

Item 13, Highways focuses on the following:

  • Report from the Footpaths Officer.
  • Verge Management in the Grouped Parish Area.
  • Common Water Lane Update.

Residents are invited to give their views and ask questions of the Parish Council on any outstanding issues on this Agenda or raise issues for future consideration.

The date of the next meeting will then be arranged. The meeting will then close.

The press and public are invited to attend.  Under the Openess of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014, members of the public may now film, photograph and make audio recordings of the proceedings of the formal Council meeting, though not, under current legislation, of the Public Participation session, as this is not part of the formal agenda of the meeting. Recording activity should be respectful to the conduct of the meeting and behavious that disrupts the meeting (such as oral commentary) will not be permitted.  Any member of the public shall not speak for more than five minutes.  A question asked by a member of the public during Public Participation shall not require a response or debate during the meeting though the Chairman may direct that a written response will be provided subsequent to the meeting.

There are 15 Elected Councillors – Click HERE to identify them.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SocialDistancing,#Tribute,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#BroadwindsorCC,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Coronavirus,#ClimateChange,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

A Community Pub In Broadwindsor?

Broadwindsor Group Parish Council has been approached by Palmers Brewery to see if the Community is interested in opening a Community Pub.

The issue is on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting on the 21st June. In the meantime a small group of residents, including Parish Councillors, are undertaking some initial investigative work to assess the feasibility of such a project.  At the appropriate time a public meeting will be held to report the findings and canvas the views of residents.

Initial responses to the Council’s announcement on Facebook think it is a good idea.  However, being restricted to Palmer‘s products has quickly been highlighted as a cause for concern.  So much so that a Community Pub could be sited at the Comrades Hall.  This happened previously when the pub was closed and worked very well.

The Council have yet to name anyone in their investigative group, therefore please address your comments to Helen Cudmore, The Town Clerk: hello@broadwindsorgroup.gov.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#DorsetLife,#PalmersBrewery,#BWGPC,#CommunityPub,#TheWhiteLion,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

The White Lion – Open At 6pm, Friday 21st May

Vikki and Spike at the White Lion will be welcoming customers into the pub for a drink next Friday evening 🙂 The kitchen remains closed.

Opening Times:

  • Fridays: 6pm -10.30pm
  • Saturdays: 6pm -10.30pm
  • Sundays: 12 noon – 5.00pm

Covid restrictions still apply:

  • you must wear your mask, unless seated.
  • you must sign in with Track and Trace.
  • you must be seated.

Booking your table is advised.

Tel: 01308 867070
Email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you again!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#PalmersBrewery,#Reopening,#Cheers,#HaveADrink,#SupportYourLocal,#DrinkBeer,#DrinkWine,#RealAle,#DrinkResponsibly,#NightOut,#Covid19,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Last Week Of Vikki’s Specials At The White Lion

This weekend is your last opportunity to enjoy one of Vikki’s delicious homemade meals as the kitchen will be closed from Monday, 10th May.  It is hoped to bring you news soon of their future plans as most now know that Vikki & Spike handed their notice into Palmers Brewery last month.

In addition to the regular menu (shown below), Vikki’s specials this week from Thursday are:

  • Homemade Lamb Rogan Josh with Basmati Rice (Gluten Free).
  • Homemade Cottage Pie topped with Cheese & Onion Mash and Fresh Vegetables.
  • Homemade Rabbit Pie with with Fresh Vegetables and Chips or Mash.

Apologies from Vikki but there is no special dessert this week.

Please pre-order by 5pm the day prior for collection
Please collect between 6pm – 7.30pm

Yorkshire PudsSunday Lunch

This week you can choose between Roast Beef or Roast Turkey served with their accompaniments – £8.50

Please pre-order by 5pm Saturday.
Please collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

Telephone: 01308 867070
Email:
info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk;
Message through Facebook: HERE.
White Lion Takeaway - Jan 2021

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Homemade,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#PreOrder,#RabbitPie,#FinalWeek,#KitchenClosed,#SocialDistancing,#PalmersBrewery,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Vikki’s Specials At The White Lion This Week

From Thursday evening through to Saturday evening, in addition to their usual menu (below), this week you can pre-order the following from Vikki’s kitchen:

  • Homemade Salmon and Broccoli Pie with Fresh Vegetables, Mash or Chips.
  • Homemade Turkey Curry with Basmati rice (Gluten Free).
  • Steak and Kidney Suet Pudding with Fresh Vegetables, Mash or Chips.

For dessert…

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake with cream  @ £4.00 (Limited supply!)

Yorkshire PudsFor Sunday Lunch:

There is a choice of Roast Beef or Roast Turkey.
all served with their accompaniments @ £8.50.

Please pre-order by 5pm Saturday.
Please collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

White Lion Takeaway - Jan 2021

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Homemade,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#PreOrder,#SocialDistancing,#PalmersBrewery,#2021,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Vikki’s Specials This Week – But Not For Much Longer

With great sadness, villagers are learning that Spike and Vikki at The White Lion pub have handed their notice in to Palmer’s Brewery.

Vikki posted the announcement on social media yesterday:

“It is with much sadness that we have to inform you that we have handed in our notice to the brewery and will be leaving the White Lion in the near future.  There are many reasons for this hard decision ( financial,  family , covid ). We would like to thank all of you who have supported us over the years,  including Palmers,  who have supported us 100% especially during covid. We will let you know more details as and when we have them.”

This will be a great loss to the community and although sad to be losing them, we wish them both every happiness for their future.

From Thursday evening through to Saturday evening, in addition to their usual menu (below), this week you can pre-order the following from Vikki’s kitchen:

  • Homemade Thai Red Prawn Curry with Basmati Rice.
  • Homemade Chicken Pie with Chips or Mash and Fresh Vegetables.#
  • Butcher’s Faggots with Onion Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Garden or Mushy Peas .

For dessert…

Cappuccino Meringue Roulade with cream @ £4.00

Yorkshire PudsFor Sunday Lunch:

There is a choice of Roast Beef, Roast Turkey or Roast Lamb
all served with their accompaniments @ £8.50.

Please pre-order by 5pm Saturday.
Please collect between 12 noon – 2.00pm.

White Lion Takeaway - Jan 2021

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Homemade,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#PreOrder,#PasturesNew,#SocialDistancing,#PalmersBrewery,#BeSafe,#StaySafe