The River Char Project

Broadwindsor’s Group Parish Council have agreed ‘in principle’ and will provide a letter of support for the River Char Project. The source of the Char is said to be on the flanks of Lewesdon Hill and other tributaries run down from Bettiscombe and Marshwood. Its valley quickly broadens to become the Marshwood Vale which, as its name suggests, is characterised by clay soils and lies wet for much of the year.

The Char is approximately 16km long. The entire catchment is in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the coastal strip, known as the Jurassic coast, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Medium to large dairy units dominate much of the area with agricultural land use in the catchment being nearly all permanent and temporary grassland. The exception to this is maize cultivation, the extent of which varies from year to year. The river is not formally fished and, it is believed, has never been stocked resulting in an unusually ‘natural’ brown trout population of high conservation value.

To view the full map of the River Char sub–catchment – Click HERE to download the pdf file.

For more information and to keep up to date on the project itself – Click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#DAONB,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#SocialDistancing,#RiverChar,#RiverCharProject,#UNESCO,#ParishCouncil,#CllrSimonChristopher,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Broadwindsor Parish Group Council – Informal Online Meeting – Monday, 12 July 2021

The Broadwindsor Parish Group Council have published their agenda for their meeting on Monday evening. As the meeting is informal, any opinions expressed by the Council will seek approval through the Scheme of Delegation* after the meeting.

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

The meeting will be held using the Zoom platform and all are welcome to attend.

The meeting can be accessed HERE.
The Meeting ID: 897 5277 5290
Zoom is Free! – Sign Up and get it HERE.

*Local authority decisions are made by elected members but for the Council to be able to function on a day to day basis the law enables the various executive and non-executive functions to be delegated to Officers. It is called the Scheme of Delegation.

First to be addressed in their correspondances is a Notice of Application for a Definitive Map Modification Order, Dorset Council. The effect of the application, if successful, will be to alter Dorset Council’s record of public rights of way by adding a Byway Open to All Traffic along Common Water Lane from the end of the public road in Broadwindsor near Providence Farm to the public road, east of the tunnel in the Beaminster Parish.

The investigation into this application has not yet begun but in the meantime parishioners if they so wish, can submit any relevant evidence which will be included in the Council’s report. Evidence can be submitted to the Clerk or sent directly to Dorset Council.

Included this month are 2 Planning Applications have been Received and Circulated for Consultation:

P/HOU/2021/01969, 6 Netherhay Lane, Drimpton, DT8 3RL
P/HOU/2021/01463, Wood Farm Wood Lane, Kittwhistle, DT8 3LG

Broadwindsor’s Community Pub Proposal is item 10 on their agenda.

Item 12 addresses the BUS BACK BETTER scheme: A long-term strategy for buses in England.

The HIGHWAYS address the following:

a. Report from the Footpaths Officer
b. Verge Management in the Grouped Parish Area
c. Common Water Lane Update
d. Dog Fouling
e. B3164 RiskAssessment

Bees on the allotments?
A tenant’s request to put a beehive on his plot will be addressed at item 15.

After public participation and the date of the next council meeting is decided, the FMR Trust will convene:

a. To receive the Finance Report (Balance £4,357.27as of 5 July 2021)
b. To approve payment of £235.00 for Broadwindsor Group Parish Council (Trust Administration)
c. To consider grant of £750.00for Drimpton Hall & Recreational Ground (LED Floodlights)
d. To consider grant of £369.41for 1st Broadwindsor Rainbows/Guides & West Dorset Rangers (Outdoor Shelter)
e. To note payment of £711.75 for Broadwindsor Group Parish Council (MUGA Loan Repayment)

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 currently 14 Elected Councillors (Burstock Ward vacant) – Click HERE to identify them.

The contents of this post are compiled by Wendy Shields, with information taken from the Broadwindsor Group Parish Council’s website.
Download the full agenda HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#FMRTrust,#SchemeOfDelegation,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#DorsetPolice,#Farmers,#PlanningApplication,#ParishCouncil,#BusBackBetter,#Coronavirus,#PalmersBrewery,#CommunityPub,#Bees,#ClimateChange,#Zoom,#AffordableHousing,#ComradesHall,#VillageHall,#Highways,#NationalLockdown,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Pilates On A Saturday Morning

A message from village resident, Leon Lord:

Lovely people of Broadwindsor.
I hold a Weekly Pilates class on Wednesdays, at Comrades Hall in Broadwindsor, which is full. I nearly have enough interest to start a Saturday 9am class in Comrades Hall….
Would you like to come?
Please get in contact if you are interested.

Fitness and Wellbeing with Leon
www.westdorsetfitnessandwellbeing.com
breathfulmind@gmail.com

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#FitnessAndWellbeingWithLeon,#GetFit,#SuperSaturday,##KeepFit,#Pilates,#ComradesHall,#SocialDistancing,#FaceToFace,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Congratulations to the English Football Team

Gareth Southgate’s squad have progressed to the semi-finals of the UEFA 2021 Championship after confidently beating the Ukraine by 4 goals to nil this evening 🙂

Captain Harry Kane, who scored England’s first goal in the 4th minute of the match and another in the 50th minute, can now look forward to their semi-final game against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday 7th July at 8pm.
Other goal scorers were Harry Maguire (46′) & Jordan Henderson (53′).

The Final, to be played at Wembley, is on Sunday, 11th July, 8pm.

Good Luck England!

Have you got football fever?
Like the idea of kicking the ball about?
There is 5-a-side free football for an hour on Thursday evenings.

No need to book, just show up at the MUGA next to Broadwindsor school at 6.30pm on Thursdays.
No boots please, trainers are adequate.

Any queries, please contact David on: 01308 868275 or 07867 608652.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#MUGA,#GoodLuckEngland,#ItsComingHome,#FiveASide,#Football,#England,#Goal,#Euro2020,#Championship,#UEFA,#Over16,#KeepFit,#OnTheHead,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Classic Cars Display at Broadwindsor’s Fun Day

There will be a display of Classic Cars in the Comrades Hall car park on the morning of Broadwindsor’s Fun Day, Saturday, 14th August. Again a scaled down version from what we’ve had in previous years but certainly more than we had last year! The cars will be on display from 10am until 12.30pm.
Anyone interested (specifically in the classic cars) is asked to contact: bwfundaycars@gmail.com.

Help is needed with setting up for the day’s events (setting out tables & chairs etc.) and with putting everything back as it was at the end of the day. If you can volunteer a couple of hours of your time that day – at your earliest convenience, please contact: bwfunday20@gmail.com.

Broadwindsor’s Fun Day, Saturday, 14th August.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BroadwindsorFunGroup,#BFG,#FunDay,#ClassicCars,#ClassicCarsDisplay,#Dorset,#TimeToParty,#OutOfLockdown,#Fun,#FunDay,#SocialDistancing,#Volunteer,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Have Your Say Re: The White Lion

Residents of Broadwindsor, Hursey and Littlewindsor can expect a hand delivered questionnaire through their letterboxes within the next week seeking their feedback on the future of Palmers’ White Lion pub in the village square. The questionnaire will not be available online. Residents are urged to complete the questionnaire – even if they only use the pub once a month for a meal – you can help shape the outcome.

The questionnaire is on a double sided sheet of A4 paper and consists mainly of tick box answers. You can remain anonymous if you want to. Questionnaires will also be hand collected by arrangement (from your doorstep if you don’t wish to be distrurbed) to ensure as many responses from local residents as possible. are gathered.

Negotiations with Palmers Brewery are ongoing and people are working hard in continued discussions re: the future of the White Lion in Broadwindsor. Cllr. Leader stated the situation is “not hopeless“. Although the pub will always remain tied to Palmers Brewery, they have offered some manoeuvrability on a sustainable rent and all involved are trying to reach a deal that will work.

Following collection of the questionnaire, there will be a Public Meeting at the Comrades Hall on Thursday, 29th July at 7.30pm (tbc).

If you can help with form distribution/collection – please contact David Leader: 01308 868275 or 07867 608652.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#BWGPC,#BGPCLT,#SocialDistancing,#Community,#PublicMeeting,#ParishCouncil,#CommunityPub,#PalmersBrewery,#Questionnaire,#HaveYourSay,#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. Hardwill. Cllr. 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

Full Moon – Thursday 24th June

June was traditionally the month for marriages – it is even named after the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno. Following marriage comes the “honeymoon,” which give may give some credence to this Full Moon’s name. The bees are indeed making honey at this time. It was traditional to gift mead or honey to a newlywed couple during their first moon of marriage.

June’s Full Moon on the 24th is also known as the Strawberry Moon by the UK and many other Eurpean countries, being the time of year for ripening strawberries. All other names have sweet or romantic connatations:

Full Rose Moon.
Mead Moon.
Lover’s Moon.
Hot Moon.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#FullMoon,#HoneyMoon,#StrawberryMoon,#Mead,#LookUp,#SkyAtNight,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Summer Solstice 2021

This year, the June solstice (Litha) occurs on Monday, 21st June, marking the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will rise at 4.52am and set at 9.26pm. From now on the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer.
At Litha bonfires represents a reflection of the Sun at the peak of its strength. The chosen wood is often Oak (the King of the Trees) and aromatic herbs were scattered into the fire. If the Oak is the King, then the Elder represents the Queen. Elderflowers are at their peak too. Pick them on a sunny day and try the simple recipe for Elderflower Champagne below. Bees are now making honey. the Midsummer Full Moon on the 24th is known as the ‘Honey Moon‘

At Stonehenge, it is the second summer solstice’s celebrations to be cancelled due to Covid-19 safety guidlines. The Sunset and Sunrise will be live-streamed from Stonehenge for free on English Heritage’s social media channels and will include exclusive interviews and music. Click HERE for more info.

Elderflower Champagne:

Do use screw top bottles – large plastic bottles used for squash etc. are perfect. This solution will fizz and if not bottled tightly it can explode! Because of this risk, perhaps keep it outside in the garden rather than in your kitchen or a cupboard.
Make sure the flower heads are clean and free from any wee beasties 🙂

8 litres water
1.25 kg sugar
8 large elderflower heads
4 lemons
4 tablespoons mild white wine vinegar

Method:

Boil the water and dissolve the sugar into it. When the water is cool, add the elderflowers, juice of two of the lemons and slices of the other two, plus the vinegar.
Cover with a clean cloth and leave for a day.
Strain through a fine sieve or piece of muslin, carefully squeezing the flowers to extract as much flavour as possible.
Store in clean screw top bottles.
Leave well alone for 10 days or so. Drink within a month. Enjoy!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#SummmerSolstice,#ElderflowerChampagne,#Stonehenge,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Father’s Day – Sunday 20th June

Honouring fathers and all things paternal, Father’s Day has been celebrated on the third Sunday in June since 1910.

The Stableyard Restaurant at Redlands Yard are offering all Dads:

A bottle of beer/lager/cider
Roast lunch
Pudding

All for £19.50

There are 1/2 price puddings for everyone else 🙂 Be quick and call them on 01308 868362 to check availabilty!

Founded by the daughter of a U.S. Civil War Army veteran in 1910, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Then in 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year. The U.K. follows this observation.

A customary day for the celebration of fatherhood in Catholic Europe is known to date back to at least 1508 and is usually celebrated on March 19th, recognised as the feast day of Saint Joseph.

Germany marks Father’s Day on Ascension Day in May or June, 40 days after Easter, while Australia and New Zealand commemorate it on the first Sunday in September.

In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on 5th December, the birthday of their late king who was considered the ‘Father of the Nation‘.

Russia continues a tradition from the Soviet Union of celebrating “Man’s Day” on ‘Defender of the Fatherland Day’ on 23rd February, which marks the first mass draft into the Red Army.

In addition to Father’s Day, International Men’s Day is celebrated in many countries on November 19th in honour of both men and boys.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#WestDorset,#StableyardBroadwindsor,#RedlandsYard,#SundayLunch,#HappyFathersDay,#HugDad,#Celebrate,#RememberDad,#SocialDistancing,#BeSafe,#StaySafe