Tag: #SocialDistancing

Happy Beltane

Also referred to as the Fire Festival, Beltane represents the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. It celebrates the union of the Goddess and the Green Man – the coming together of male and female energies to create new life.

The word ‘Beltane’ originates from the Celtic God ‘Bel’, meaning ‘the bright one’ and the Gaelic word ‘teine’ meaning fire. Together they make ‘Bright Fire‘, or ‘Goodly Fire‘ and traditionally bonfires were lit to honour the Sun and encourage the support of Bel and the Sun’s light to nurture the emerging future harvest and protect the community. Bel had to be won over through human effort. A special fire was kindled for Beltane. This was the Tein-eigen, the need fire:

  • People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse and to bring fertility.
  • Couples jumped the fire together to pledge themselves to each other.
  • Cattle and other animals were driven through the smoke as a protection from disease and to bring fertility.

Mead and sweet cakes are often shared in communion as part of the ceremony. Mead is known as the Brew of the Divine, made from honey which seems appropriate for a love ceremony.  Mead is the oldest alcoholic drink known to humankind.

Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness.

The Colours of Beltane:

  • Green, representing growth, abundance and fertility.
  • Red, representing strength, vitality, passion and vibrancy.
  • White/Silver,  representing cleansing and clearing and the power to disperse negativity.

Trees of Beltane:

  • Hawthorn – Hawthorn is a deeply magical tree. Traditionally Beltane began when the Hawthorn, the May, blossomed. It is the tree of sexuality and fertility and is the classic flower to decorate a Maypole with. It was both worn and used to decorate the home at Beltane.
  • Birch – Birch is regarded as a feminine tree and Deities associated with Birch are mostly love and fertility goddesses. It is one of the first trees to show its leaf in Spring. Birch twigs were traditionally used to make besoms (a new broom sweeps clean). Maypoles were often made from birch and birch wreaths were given as lover’s gifts.
  • Rowan – Known as a tree of protection and healing. Branches of Rowan were placed as protection over the doors of houses and barns at Beltane to protect from increased Faery activity as they woke from their winter slumber. Sprigs were worn for protection also. Rowan berries have a tiny five-pointed star on the bottom reminiscent of the pentagram.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Beltane,#Spring,#Summer,#FireFestival,#HugATree,#JumpTheBroomstick,#Maypole,#Celebration,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

All UK Census Records Are Free This Weekend

All of FindMyPast’s British Census records (1841-1911) are completely free to access from 10:00 (BST) on Friday, 30th April until Monday, 3rd May. Snapshots of the past, census records can help you trace your family tree, generation by generation.

Censuses are just one resource for finding key pieces of your family story. The UK Census has changed over the years. The first was in 1801, the 1931 returns don’t survive and it didn’t happen in 1941.

The next England & Wales census is scheduled to take place in 2031, a decade on from the most recent one on 21 March 2021. Statisticians have predicted that the 2021 Census could be the last of its kind as cheaper alternatives for gathering data are explored. The 2021 Scotland census has been postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For Free access to the Census records – Click HERE.

To start your family tree – Click HERE.

As one would expect, further information comes at a cost – starting at £6.67/month (Billed as a single payment of £79.99).

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#findMyPast,#FamilyTree,#Census,#FreeAccess,#UKCensus,#History,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,StaySafe

Local Employment: All Positions At The Fox Inn, Corscombe

Mark Hix’s new venture at the Fox Inn in Corscombe is now ready to hire staff. Rather than asking for applicants, they are promoting their need through rewarding someone for their recommendation. If you introduce a member of staff to them between now and 17th May they will say a big thank you to you with a complimentary meal for two* at the pub.

They are currently hiring for all positions front and back of house, ready for reopening indoors.  Please tag someone you think would be interested on their Facebook post HERE or drop them a line with an introduction and CV. Email: Jo.Harris@coastalmarks.co.uk.

Full and Part time positions are available:
  • Waiting Staff
  • Runners
  • Bartender
  • Chef de Partie
  • Kitchen Porter
  • Supervisor
They are also recruiting at The Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis so please do recommend team members to them at the pub should they live closer to Lyme Regis and you will enjoy the same thank you at their sister restaurant!
🦊  * T&Cs apply. The recommended team member must stay with the company for 3 months minimum and pass their probation before a gift voucher for £150 will be issued to the introducer. 🦊
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#LocalEmployment,#FullTime,#PartTime,#KitchenStaff,#Recruitment,#Vacancies,#ChefJobs,#WaitingStaff,#Waiters,#Hospitality,#MarkHix,#FoxInnCorscombe,#OysterAndFishHouse,#ComplimentaryMeal,SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Background Extras Required For Dorset Film Director

Fabia Martin is a director from Dorset representing Lane. They are looking for Background Extras for a short film ‘The Rev’, which is being shot in Thorncombe.

They are looking for people of all ages for a few different scenes across the weekend Friday, 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May.

No acting experience necessary.

Interested? Please email Hannah or Grace at: street@lane-casting.co.uk.

Formed in 2014, LANE is a Casting Directors collective who work internationally with teams in London, Barcelona and Madrid. They state their team is formed of professionals from multi-disciplinary practices, from theatre and dance to fashion and art, bringing diverse perspectives which enrich our castings and help find the right talent for each production.

They work with the best acting and modelling agencies to book the best talent for each project, and street cast and scout to find the most expressive and striking faces for each of their services.

If you are an actor, model, artist, athlete, or you just simply want to showcase your talent on screen, you can also send an email to: street@lane-casting.co.uk.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Filming,#LaneCasting,#Lane,#FabiaMartin,#Extras,#BreakALeg,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Congratulations To The New Inn At Stoke Abbott & The Half Moon At Melplash

Announced earlier today, the New Inn at Stoke Abbott have won 1st place in the Pub category of Bridport Food Festival’s Local Food Group, Food & Drink Lockdown Hero Awards 2021. Kirsty & Kevin shared their joy on social media “We are feeling so happy with the news…. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us, it means so much that you all appreciate what we do.”
Runner up was the Half Moon at Melplash.  Both pubs are very popular venues with locals.

All were congratulated for “the service that you have given to the community during lockdown has been exceptional and made life for many much more bearable“.

Other winners included:

  • Washingpool Farm – Food/Drink Retail.
  • Dark Bear – Takeaway & Home Delivery.
  • Taj Mahal – Restaurant/Cafe

A special award for Outstanding Service went to The George at Chideock.

To view the full announcement – click HERE.

This year’s Bridport Food Festival will be 13th – 19th June.

Congratulations to all!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#BridportFoodFestival,#NewInnStokeAbbott,#HalfMoonMelplash,#Awards,#WashingpoolFarm,#DarkBear,#TajMahalBridport,#Congratulations,#LockdownHero,#2021,#Eat,#Drink,#BeMerry,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Update From Broadwindsor Fun Group

A letter from Adrian Gray, Chair of Broadwindsor Fun Group:

 Dear All,

The sun is shining and this has led me to reflect on how our plans for the event planned for Broadwindsor’s Fun Day on Saturday, 14th August are progressing.

I am very pleased to announce great progress and even more importantly that we now have a new treasurer appointed after David Taylor decided, after years of service, to stand down. I am grateful for his guidance and work to keep the finances healthy.  Similarly I am very pleased to welcome Michele Williams aboard. Michele’s association with the village dates back to 1968 when her family purchased the Old Schoolhouse. She will be moving into the village as soon as maintenance work is complete but Michele is already working hard to make sure a transfer of funds and authorisations with the bank are sorted.

As for the day itself,

  • Strawberry Jam the Children’s entertainer has confirmed that she will be there.
  • We can also confirm that Nina Garcia (originally booked for last year’s cancelled Fun Day) will be performing.
  • Sadly Shelby’s Elbows were unable to reconfirm their booking so after a lot of research and negotiation, we have booked Bill & Ben from the Leggomen to perform to close the day.
    Both performers have YouTube videos should you wish to listen to them before the day.
  • We are pleased to announce that not only will the local Girl Guides will be leading a Trail event open to all but also
  • That the Broadwindsor W.I. have agreed to do the refreshments on the day.
  • There will be some Classic Cars in attendance.
    Interested parties should address their enquiries to: bwfundaycars@gmail.com.
  • Molly reports that bookings for stalls are selling well so if you should want a stall, which is not restricted to art & craft, please do not delay in contacting her at: handcraftedbymolls@gmail.com.
  • We have arranged for those running the BBQ this year to undergo a Food Safety course, particularly important given the current environment, so we can be confident that everyone is safe.
  • Our pub, The White Lion too has confirmed their support. We sincerely hope that Vikki & Spike are still here with us to share the day.
  • There will be a small raffle on the day with Hampers as prizes.
    This has been intentionally kept small to not take too much time and more importantly, it was felt the one of the aims of the event was to support local businesses and thus they should not be asked for prize donations. They have all had a hard time lately and we wanted to show support and provide a platform for them to display their wares.

Whilst there is still much work to be done to ensure that the day runs as well as possible, it is good to have a day to look forward to so please ensure that it is firmly in your diary. Saturday, 14th August 2021.

Adrian Gray,
Chair, Broadwindsor Fun Group
bwfunday20@gmail.com
#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BroadwindsorFunGroup,#BFG,#Chairman,#FunDay,#Dorset,#TimeToParty,#ThankYou,#OutOfLockdown,#Fun,#FunDay,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Full Moon on Tuesday, 27th April

April brings a Full Pink Moon. It is also the first of two Supermoons this year. A Supermoon is a Full Moon that will appear to be slightly larger than usual. The second Supermoon will occur next month.

This name is not because the Moon will be pink in colour. It comes from the pink moss, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the Spring in North America. Other names for this month’s Full Moon, all of which indicate the season, include:

  • Full Sprouting Grass Moon
  • Egg Moon
  • Full Fish Moon, among coastal tribes because this was the time that the fish swam upstream to spawn.

At the same time, April is a time when rivers and streams begin to fully thaw. Accordingly, April’s Full moon was:

  • Full Melting Moon, by the Shoshone tribe.
  • Moon Where Ice Breaks in the River, by the Arapaho tribe.
  • Sugar Maker Moon, by the Abenaki tribes
  • Sugarbush Moon, by the Ojibwe tribe. The Ojibwe tribe would journey north to their spring camps to tap maple syrup and engage in spear fishing. Maple syrup was integral to Ojibwe culture: not only was it a crucial method of seasoning all their foods (they did not have access to salt at that time), but it also symbolized harmony within the community and with the forces of nature around them.

In other religions:

Usually for Christians it is the Paschal Moon, and celebrate the first Sunday after April’s full moon as Easter Sunday. It’s possible that the reason why the Easter Bunny brings eggs is because April’s full moon is also known as the Egg Moon, given that animals such as geese begin mating and laying eggs in Spring. This year, the Paschal Full Moon fell on 28th March.

In Islamic communities around the world, April’s full moon is celebrated as Bara’at Night, also known as the Night of Innocence. Muslims offer up prayers, asking their God to absolve dead ancestors of their sins. They also prepare sweet desserts such as halva or zarda and give it out to children, the needy, and other members of their community.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#FullMoon,#Pink,#Spring,#Egg,#NewBeginnings,#LookUp,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Kitchen Assistant At Stableyard Restaurant

The Stableyard Restaurant at Redlands Yard in Broadwindsor are looking for someone to join their friendly team of hard working staff to work in their busy kitchen.

Duties to include:

  • Cooking
  • Cake making
  • Food preperation
  • Sandwich & Salad making
  • Cleaning
  • Washing up
  • Packing away deliveries.

There will be some weekend work as well as weekdays.

Straight shifts: hours to be discussed. Full or part time. The positions starts when they reopen in May.

Apprenticeship position is also available.

Apply through their Facebook page HERE
or email: hello@stableyardrestaurant.co.uk

Stableyard RestaurantThe Stableyard Restaurant plan to open outside and offer takeaways on Wednesday 5th May, 11am – 3pm. They will be open for hot and cold drinks, yummy cakes and slices, sandwiches and toasties.
The restaurant will fully open on Tuesday 18th May 9.30am (as long as the Government allows).

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Jobs,#Employment,#Permanent,#PartTime,#FullTime,#StableyardRestaurant,#RedlandsYard,#Kitchen,#Apprenticeship,#Cakes,#Skills,#ReLaunch,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Not All Is As It Seems . . .

At the beginning of the month, Broadwindsor published a Happy Easter post with this beautiful image crediting Ernesto Murguia with how in June 2020, an artist published on Twitter saying her parents are beekeepers and they sent her this image from a fellow French bee keeper.  Such a beautiful image understandably went ‘viral’ on the internet – but not for the first time.  It has now come to light that the image is not a hive created entirely by bees. The story of this image, of bees, an artist, the National Trust, a folklorist, in South Africa and more…  Many thanks to Steve Byrne for his research and the thread on Twitter.

A post from the UK’s National Trust back in 2015 claimed to be the original source of the photograph.

After the image had been shared thousands and thousands of times, someone on Twitter challenged the National Trust, but they confirmed it was real:

National Trust Challenged

Then, as it begins to circulate again, a bee keeper named Brian Fanner replies to the National Trust:

Brian Fanner - "I made this"

Brian then proves this by sending his post from 2013:

Bee Heart - Brian Fanner

The inquisitive Steve Byrne then addresses both the National Trust and Brian Fanner on Twitter – the National Trust did not respond but Brian Fanner did!  He sent Steve this image –


with the following words:
“The things that come up are really funny from how bees have “artistic sensibilities” to bees creating that shape “to increase airflow”. I’ve seen companies using it in their websites and so many claiming it came out of their hive somewhere in the world. 
I used this board, routed in the slots… a rush job I’ll admit… waxed in some foundation strips into the slots and screwed inside a deep langstroth hive lid and stuck it on the hive. The bees made do best they could…”
Brian continued, “The lines are slots into which a foundation wax with the comb pattern on it can be placed…secured with melted beeswax. Normally…a sheet…to guide the bees as to where to build. So they just come across this weird pattern of foundation strip and start building onto it.  After that they just fill it out best they can. It’s a simple manipulation.
The bees are Capensis. The honey was most likely early season succulent type plant called a ‘vygie‘. [mesembryanthemums]. Even @Pinterest use this as the cover image for ‘bee art’“.
“I called the image ‘a sweet heart‘ dedicated to my wife…per the very first post of it on my Facebook page in 2013. We scraped all the comb off the board, strained out the wax and consumed…not a very practical artwork to keep.”

So it is possible that the National Trust‘s social media person got it wrong in 2015 – the image would appear to have been around since 2013.

Steve commented: “It seems to have travelled to many countries & the story has been told and retold. As a folklorist, the giveaway was in the “beekeeper forgot the frame” wording. It kept coming up again & again. That is classic folklore, where a memorable snippet repeats and is passed on. And that, folks, is what we call Internet Folklore, where stories spread and change quicker than ever, and involve communities of people experiencing a simple yet heartwarming tale.”

He concluded: “The thing to take away? On the internet, search behind what you see. Don’t take things at face value. Don’t let your “aww” gene get in the way of thinking, hmm, is this for real? Because there are people out there who seek to use such kindly human instincts in unkind ways.“

It’s still a delightful story. The artwork was made for his wife and they ate it together 🙂

You can download Steve’s full thread in a readable format HERE.

AristotleIn 2011, Brian Fanner was profiled on social media as keeping bees and was “a smallholder in the Hopefield district of the Renosterveld” in the Western Cape province of South Africa.  He was also mentioned in publications as a bee keeper.

In 2014, Brian, with his brother Mark started making their own electric Ukulele’s, based on the southern tip of Africa, and out in the countryside to boot, they became expert in-sources. They pretty much make everything themselves. They also have an office in Cape Town. To learn more about them and their rocking Ukuleles – Click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,,#Community,#Bees,#Honey,#NationalTrust,#ByMeSong,#SteveByrne,#BrianFanner,#FannerElectricUkulele,#MyModernMet,#ErnestoMurguía,#BeeKind,#BeKind,#Art,#Viral,#WhatIsReal,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

 

Break In At Outreach Post Office

Outreach Postmaster, Peter Blakie arrived at the Comrades Hall this morning and discovered that the Post Office locked cupboard had been broken into and the locked cash box was emptied of £30-40 cash, which will no longer be left at the Comrades Hall.

Entry to the Hall can only be accessed by a key code which allows access to the key to open the front door.  The key was in the box this morning and the Comrades Hall Management Committee have taken the precaution of removing the key and the box is now covered should forensic evidence be required by the Police.

Nothing of value remains in the Post Office. The CH Management Committee meet next week. It is proposed that a new lock be put on the door as so many individuals and groups now have a copy of the key.  Anyone holding a key to the Comrades Hall is asked to return it to Jacqui Sewell at Krumbs, in Broadwindsor’s High Street.

Peter, who is celebrating his 64th birthday today was both surprised and saddened.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Village,#PostOfficeOutReach,#BreakIn,#Crime,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe