Tag: #SocialDistancing

Bus Back Better

Dorset Council would like to know how they can improve local bus services and what would make you use local buses more. They would like to hear from both people who already use buses, and from those who currently do not and why. They also want to hear from public, private and voluntary organisations who have an interest in making our bus services work better.

Please complete the survey by clicking HERE to help to shape the future vision and priorities for the bus network in Dorset.

Comments, suggestions, and ideas can also be emailed to busbackbetter@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

The Bus Service Improvement Plan will be published by 31st October. It will be further developed and updated annually.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#Beaminster,#Dorset,#BusService,#Survey,#BusBackBetter,#Bridport,#Yeovil,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#StaySafe

Go For It With The White Lion!

Village resident and local parish councillor David Leader led the Public Meeting with the majority of his Steering Group in the Comrades Hall last night concerning the future of the White Lion Pub.

David began by introducing the Steering Group, all village residents, to those present…
From left to right in the photograph:

  • Luke Pickering – Over 10yrs experience of running pubs. Currently senior management at Screwfix.
  • Chris Edgerley – Very much involved with the village shop & the Comrades Hall. “We rely on him massively for lots of the good work that takes place in our community“. Chris recently rebuilt the wall in Bernards’ Place (read more about the wall HERE).
  • David Leader – Parish councillor, retired police officer, Chairman of the Comrades Hall Committee & runs a small holiday cottage with his wife in the village. (Does an immense amount of work for this community!).
  • Susannah Newall – A director of Specsavers, Bridport. Was up until recently Chairman at Bridport Leisure Centre.
  • Fraser Hughes – Parish councillor and a key figure in establishing the village shop. Retired from a career in marketing.
  • John Heys – Also very involved with the village shop. An engineer by profession in charge of multi-million pound projects,
  • Sandra Burrows – a lifetime of running customer based businesses, a key member of the shop committee and “well versed in all things to do with finance“

Four members of the group were absent:

  1. Susannah’s husband, Chris Newall.
  2. Charles Ouin – A lifetime’s experience in law as a solicitor, Charles is helping the group with legal matters.
  3. & 4. Andrew & Margery Hookings – who were not present nor acknowledged as being on the Steering Committee at the time.

David Leader explained how, approximately two months ago, he had been approached by Palmers, as a member of the Parish Council after they had failed to find tenants to replace Spike & Vikki, enquiring whether the venture of a Community Pub could be considered. The Steering Group was established to investigate all the aspects of taking this on.

Many meetings and conversations with Palmers have taken place over this time.  Their first priority was community feedback to find out what was wanted.  Fraser Hughes then delivered the statistics from the data analysis:

  • There had been a 58% return from the 356 questionnaires distributed.  This was thought a good representation for the village compared to general and local election poll turnouts and taking into account second home owners and those on holiday.
  • Broadwindsor.org‘s headline of 95% say Yes! Keep Our Pub said it all – it’s more attractive to property seekers, confirmed by estate agents.
  • Attendance… 41% stated they’d visit the pub once a week or more; 17% stated once a fortnight or more; 35% stated occasionally.
  • The main reason for visiting the pub – 27% stated for food and not drink. Palmers confirmed that this was the upward trend compared with 23% going to the pub for just a drink.
  • Opening hours: 33% were happy for Thursday – Saturday opening compared with 20% who would like it open every day. Food would be preferred on Friday & Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime.
  • Although not included in the questionnaire, a significant amount of people had commented about including a  Tuesday night to accommodate L&F’s catering (the chippy van) business – this would be included in their plan.
  • 87% wanted a traditional pub atmosphere, 85% wanted it to be family friendly & 65% wanted a garden or outside space. 54% wanted it to be pet friendly.  The other things on offer? Some were more popular than others but it certainly wasn’t the main reason people went to the pub.
  • It was felt that the Comrades Hall met most of the requirements for the other social occasions we have.
  • What needs to change? The decor was at the top of the list, described by Fraser as “a tired, dark and dismal pub in need of change”. Improvements in the food offered was second. 18% requested Guest ales but unfortunately, Palmers will not entertain this idea whatsoever.

Fraser stated that the situation with Palmers was, if the pub wasn’t taken on, planning permission would be applied for; it would eventually be converted into accommodation on Palmers’ portfolio and lost, like so many rural pubs, forever.  To go ahead with this project, the minimum that has to be raised is £30,000*.


David Leader then spoke of how he was cynical and wary of Palmers initially, particularly as their initial offer was totally unaffordable with a full repairing lease.   It was fair to say that Palmers had moved their position considerably.  They are confident that they have “reached an agreement ‘ in principle’, that allows the pub to survive and provide a financial working model that means that we can make it work…as a community enterprise, we don’t need to make huge profits.”

David reiterated that although they had asked Palmers several times to sell the pub – this was not an option they were prepared to consider.  The Community Pub will be tied to Palmers’ beers, wines & spirits but their stocklist was far more extensive than they had realised, giving greater scope than they had been aware of. This had to be accepted for the project to move forward.

Luke Pickering then took the floor to discuss the models they had looked at. Information had been provided from Palmers and from previous landlords, Spike & Vikki.  “A hard way to make a living… but as a community model, it can work.” He proposed the pub being open Tuesday night, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
What would make us exclusive from other community pubs is that the community would be the tenant.  A salaried manager would be employed. He had completed a business plan which demonstrated that recent figures could generate enough profit to “keep it ticking over“.

David then returned stating that moving forward, there was a huge amount of work to do: there needs to be a government strategy and many legalities to be resolved before any work can take place. The village shop was a model that could be replicated in the pub with the combination of paid staff and volunteers. With the support of the community – a similar success story could take place. It would have to be used or else it would fail!  All opportunities and suggestions would be explored to try and make it the best possible place it can be.

*The £30,000 would cover essential refurbishment work, provide working capital to get it going, to do all the legal aspects and all that they are unable to do themselves.  All potential funding sources would be explored and considered, including Crowdfunder to get the project started.

The Steering Group then invited questions from the floor, responses included…

  • The Rent – involves a 3yr renewable lease. Substantial discounts have been offered by Palmers for the first two years with a lower rate than most for the third year.
  • Palmers’ take – If the project goes ahead, it starts with a very favourable deal from Palmers. Afterwards it would be approx. 8% of turnover.  Palmers began by requesting the Parish Council rent the building and take on a full repairing lease for this 300yr old listed building which was an impossible and unaffordable situation for the Parish Council to take on.
  • If the arrangement goes ahead, Palmers would be responsible for the entire building and all the services in it.  The community, as tenant would be liaible for all interior decoration. Palmers intend to decorate the exterior of the pub in September 2021.
  • Occupancy of the premises above the pub would depend on the employed manager.
  • There appeared to be a misunderstanding of the survey figures by some as the figures involved were representing households and not individuals.
  • Luke confirmed that there were not enough people in the village alone to keep the pub going…. unless we all become alcoholics! The pub has to be somewhere you want to go to.
  • Volunteers will be essential.
  • A chef would also be employed.
  • Drimpton‘s Royal Oak was given a plug and as an example of how good food can attract visitors by Drimpton resident Steve Chubb.
  • Although all want the project to succeed – what if the project should fail? – There is a 6 month Break clause in the agreement which operates both ways.
  • “We have to be viable – otherwise we walk away.” – David Leader.
  • There will be a governance process that has to be worked through but they are not at that stage yet.
  • If successful – the $64 million question… When will the pub be open? A good question but not one they are in a position to answer completely at this time.  Of course they want it open as soon as – but it will take some time: the legalities; the refurbisment; the staff; the produce and more.
  • There is no point in opening the pub in its current state.
  • The living accommodation could not be rented out in its current state. Access would also pose a problem to renting it out separately.
  • “History has shown that the wealthy benefactor type scenario doesn’t work in this community. What does work in this community is lots of people giving little bits of both financial help and time help – it’s certainly worked and will continue to work. ” –
  • Shareholding has been discussed and remains an option once it has been confirmed that they will proceed with the project.
  • It is estimated that the annual turnover has to reach £150,000 to make it work.

David stated that initially he was very cynical of Palmers for many reasons, their first offer being shocking. Over the past two months however, following several communications with Tenanted Trade Director of Palmers, Jim Jones, he was convinced that he was working very hard and pushing boundaries to make this project work and to get a deal for the village first and foremost.  If it can be made to work here, Palmers have many struggling rural pubs that may adopt this model.

Of note if successful – The White Lion, Broadwindsor will be the first Community Tenancy of a Pub. The White Lion was also Palmers first pub in Dorset – Definitely worth hanging on to!

All those present voted unanimously with a show of hands for the Steering Group to proceed with their negotiations with Palmers and keep the White Lion in Broadwindsor.
Broadwindsor.org will keep you informed of further negotiations and public meetings.

Fingers Crossed

Broadwindsor.org will keep you informed of further negotiations and public meetings. Not everyone has or uses the internet and/or social media – please discuss and/or share this information with your neighbour 🙂

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

95% Say YES – Keep Our Pub!

All the Pub Questionnaires have now been analysed and 95% of those returned want the White Lion pub to remain open and active in our community.

In account of the local Covid-19 status, Thursday’s meeting will start at 7.30pm outside the Comrades Hall building by the side entrance.  (If raining, there will be no other option but to move inside.)

The full results of the survey will be announced and there will be an open discussion with the opportunity for Q&As. Even if you have completed a questionnaire, you are encouraged to come along, listen and have your voice and your opinions discussed.

  • No decisions have been made yet.
  • Negotiations are still ongoing.
  • If you have any interest in the future of the White Lion pub in Broadwindsor – please attend!
  • Please let others know who may not use the internet or social media.

Thank you.

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

Becca’s Mondays in Broadwindsor

In the Comrades Hall – Monday sessions… Come & Sew!

There is plenty of space to yourself, refreshments provided and help / tuition from Becca.

Finish a project or start something new. Becca will have some small patterns & projects to do each week.

  • A 2½  hour session £10
  • All Day £15 (9:30am- 2:30pm)

“It is really lovely to meet & see you all sewing!” – Becca

4 Monday dates available:

  • July 25th
  • August 9th
  • August 16th
  • August 23rd

Get in touch by email HERE of call Becca on 07486 062 343

Follow Becca‘s daily updates on Instagram HERE.
Becca and Florry (her lorry) are at Bridport market every Wednesday and Saturday.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#BeccasFabricLarder,#Stitch,#Sew,#Quilt,#MobileShop,#Workshops,#ImproveSkills,#HaveFun,#TakePart,#BookNow,#SocialDistancing,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

 

Post Office 10 -12.30 Tuesdays & Fridays

Broadwindsor’s Post Office is open every Tuesday and Friday morning at the Comrades Hall. The clerks, John & Peter travel from Crewkerne’s Post Office to provide this invaluable service each week.  Please be sure to use the Post Office so we don’t lose it.
At this time, you are requested to continue to record your name and postcode upon entering for tracking purposes and to wear your mask.

The Post Office Users Group are holding a Coffee Morning, Plant & Craft sale this Saturday, 24th from 10.30am.  If you take your own coffee cup along – they’ll provide FREE REFILLS 🙂

Scroll#Broadwindsor,#Blackdown,#Burstock,#Drimpton#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#RealCoffee,#Plants,#Craft,#Outreach,#PostOffice,#Post,#Parcels,#Stationary,#Stamps,#SocialDistancing,#2021,#BeKind,#BeSafe

Full Moon – Saturday 24th July

The Moon will reach its full phase at 03:38am on Saturday, July 24th. The July Full Moon, commonly called the Buck Moon, is also known as the Thunder Moon, or Hay Moon.
The indigenous Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region call this Moon the Halfway Summer Moon, or the Raspberry Moon. The Cherokees call it the Corn in Tassel Moon. The Cree Nation of central Canada calls the June Full Moon the Feather Moulting Moon  and the Mohawks call it the Fruits are Ripened Moon.

Because the Moon is full when it is opposite the sun in the sky, Full Moons always rise in the east as the sun is setting, and set in the west at sunrise. Since sunlight is striking the Moon vertically at that time, no shadows are cast; all of the variations in brightness you see arise from differences in the reflectivity of the lunar surface rocks.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#FullMoon,#ThunderMoon,#HayMoon,#BuckMoon,#RaspberryMoon,#LookUp,#SkyAtNight,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Invasive Plants Cleared At Hursey

The weather was glorious and a lot was accomplished on Saturday when volunteers helped clear invasive plants from the wildflower meadow at Hursey…

Sheila Hawkins.

Many thanks to volunteers from Dorset Wildlife Trust.


Read the original post from Nick Gray, West Dorset Conservation Officer HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#DAONB,#Village,#BWGPC,#WestDorset,#Conservation,#HurseyCommon,#DorsetCouncil,#Mow,#Rake,#Scythe,#Volunteer,#Outdoors,#ThankYou,#Sunshine,#SocialDistancing,#BeSensible,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Have You Seen Any Hedgehogs?

This chap was photographed in a back garden at Fullers, Broadwindsor last week and another Fullers resident reported observing a family of hedgehogs walking across his garden 🙂 This is marvellous news as hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% in just over 10 years.

HedgehogThe Dorset Wildlife Trust are conducting another survey  (Previous survey was Nov 2020). On submission of your answers they will email you a 16-page Guide to Helping Hedgehogs to say thank you.
*If you completed their hedgehog survey in 2020, they’d love to hear from you again with your 2021 sightings.

Click HERE to take the survey.

#Broadwindsor.#WestDorset,#DorsetWildlifeTrust,#Hedgehogs,#Garden,#Community,#DorsetWildlifeTrust,#Wildlife,#BeKind,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Last Call For Pub Questionnaires – 6pm Saturday 17th July

By now, most of the Community Pub Questionnaires distributed have been collected.  However, some haven’t due to illness, weather or a change of circumstances for the volunteers collecting.

It is clear at this early stage that the White Lion pub is both an asset and very much wanted by the community so don’t let your voice go unheard.

Anyone who hasn’t had their form collected is kindly asked to leave it at Broadwindsor Community Stores no later than 6pm tomorrow (Saturday, 17th July) for it to be included.

The results of the survey will be announced at the Public Meeting on 29th July at 7.30pm at the Comrades Hall when the proposal will be discussed further.

Any other queries, please contact info@broadwindsor.org

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

 

Conservation Volunteers Meet At Hursey Common – Thursday, 15th July

Very recently confirmed, Nick Gray, Conservation Officer for West Dorset’s Wildlife Trust will be at Hursey Common tomorrow (St. Swithin’s Day), July 15th and is calling out for local volunteers to join in…

“Dear All,
I hope this finds you well and relishing sunny prospects. We meet this week on St Swithin’s Day, July 15th, a day steeped in folklore and hay-making tradition… appropriately enough, as it turns out, because we’ll be swinging scythes and raking up arisings from a couple of species-rich patches at Hursey Common, near Broadwindsor.
You might think it’s a bit early to be cutting wildflowers off at the knees but I don’t have to tell you guys there’s always a balance with the more boisterous species, and cutting some areas slightly earlier will prevent weed species seeding and, as our aim is only to cut between a third and half of the target areas, begin a rotational cutting pattern that will tempt the flowering season to continue well into the autumn. Justification enough, I hope, and I’ll look forward to seeing you for a bit of mowing or raking or both.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you can make it so I can keep an eye on numbers as there may be a few local volunteers along to join us too. And, with apologies for another truncated day, we’ll be finishing around lunchtime again this week. But, in the sunshine’s honour, some of us can start a bit earlier too…

Please meet at Hursey Common – as on the map, or grid ref ST434026. There is a parking area on Hursey Common where there’s plenty of room. There are two patches to tackle, one next to the car park and one down the road, so if anyone who’s keen to do some mowing can arrive a bit earlier than usual at 9am, we can get a head start before rakers arrive at normal time of 10am… When you reply, if you could let me know your preference, I can manage tools too. If anyone has a rake or pitchfork they can bring along, that would be brilliant. And don’t forget gloves for the attendant nettles and thistles.

Also below is the Coronavirus Consent form that you may know about by now. Anyone who hasn’t already done so, please fill it in and email back to me, or if that’s tricky, I’ll bring along some paper copies. But please do have a look at it before the day. (Anyone who HAS already filled one in, I’ll bring your form along so you can just sign and date for this week…)

Don’t forget your drinks and snacks as I fear we still can’t share just yet.

Very many thanks as always, I’ll look forward to seeing you there.

Best wishes,
Nick”

Nick Gray
West Dorset Conservation Officer

The Kingcombe Centre
Toller Porcorum
Dorchester
DT2 0EQ

Tel: 07824 438974

*If you would like to be involved with the limited volunteer activities going ahead – please download and complete the Coronavirus Consent form HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#DAONB,#Village,#BWGPC,#WestDorset,#Conservation,#HurseyCommon,#DorsetCouncil,#Mow,#Rake,#Scythe,#Volunteer,#Outdoors,#Sunshine,#SocialDistancing,#BeSensible,#BeSafe,#StaySafe