Big Garden Birdwatch 29th – 31st January

The RSPB are running a Big Garden Birdwatch from Friday 29th January through to and including Sunday 31st January.

It uses the same straightforward principle as the Big Butterfly Count last summer in that you spend an hour counting the birds you see in your garden or from your balcony, then tell them what you saw. Everyone can take part for free, whether you’re a novice birdwatcher, or a seasoned pro.

Sign up HERE and receive your free guide, help with identifying what you see and expert advice on feeding the birds. Plus, you’ll also receive 20% off in their shop and free delivery.

They are also running a Fun Quiz which you can share on social media –
What kind of garden bird are you?
Find out HERE.

Family Membership of the RSPB starts at £6/month (for 2 adults and up to 5 children) – Find out more HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#2021,#RSPB,#BigGardenBirdwatch,#TweetTweet,#WatchTheBirdir,#NationalLockdown,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funding for Community Businesses – Deadline Tomorrow

Community businesses in England affected by the Covid-19 crisis can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 to adapt and evolve to the changing circumstances, and to remain financially viable.

There are no restrictions on the grants; and they can be used to cover core staffing costs, contribute to meeting capital costs of adapting community businesses and ensuring that they can continue to provide the vital support to local people.

The Community Business Renewal Fund welcomes applications from organisations across the community business sector. To be considered for the Community Business Renewal Fund, you will need to demonstrate how you meet each of the following 10 criteria:

1. Operating within England at a local / neighbourhood level.
2. Meet the four key features of a community business: locally rooted, accountable to the local community, trading for the benefit of the local community and has a broad community impact.
3. An established organisation with a track record of trading.
4. An incorporated organisation.
5. In a stable financial position with good prospects of viability for the future.
6. Charitable purpose.
7. For public benefit.
8. Your organisation would benefit from a grant of up to £20,000.
9. Able to spend the funds within 12 months.
10. Subsidy control.

However, applications will be prioritised from organisations that are:
• Operating in a community that has been hardest hit by Covid-19
• Increasing diversity in the community business sector
• Supporting the growth and impact of the community business sector as a whole

There is a very short applications window as high demand is anticipated. The fund will open for applications from 10am on the 12th January 2021 until 4pm on the 19th January 2021.

Read all the guidance notes and apply HERE.

The next round for applications will be opening at 10am on Tuesday 2 March – closing at 4pm on Tuesday 9 March.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#2021,#BusinessFunding,#Community,#Deadline,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Click & Collect At The Wobbly Cottage

Rich & Dani at The Wobbly Cottage at Redlands Yard can now offer you an online Click and Collect service.

You are able to order and pay securely for collection or delivery every day we are open! Click HERE to be taken straight to the shop on their website. Items will change every week due to seasons and what Rich fancies baking!

The cut off time for order is 6pm for local delivery or collection two days later. For example, place your order by 6pm on Sunday for delivery or collection on Tuesday. (Note: they are not open for delivery or collection on Sundays or Mondays.)

Delivery areas include:

Broadwindsor
Beaminster
Bridport
West Bay
Burton Bradstock
Evershot
Hooke
Dorchester (Tuesdays & Saturdays only)
Lyme Regis
Axminster
Crewkerne
Everywhere in between!

They hope you all like what they’ve come up with and look forward to receiving your orders!

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#LocalBusiness,#OnlineOrdering,#ArtisanBakery,#Sourdough,#WobblyCottage,#ClickAndCollect,#RedlandsYard,#SmallBusiness,#SocialDistancing,#WearYourMask,#NationalLockdown,#2021,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Vikki’s Takeaway Specials At The White Lion

This weekend Vikki’s Takeaway Specials are:

Sunday Roasts: Beef or Turkey @ £8.50

A vegetarian option is also available.

Telephone: 01308 867070 to pre-order the day before.

or email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#Specials,#SundayRoast,#Lockdown21,#Takeaway,#Homemade,#SocialDistancing,#YumYum,#SupportYourLocal,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Councillor Simon Christopher’s Report – Jan 2021

Here is our local Councillor Simon Christopher’s interim report submitted to the Parish Council’s meeting last evening.

“As I write this, the number of Covid patients in Dorset hospitals is 340 ( Source Sam Crowe, Public health Dorset. 8th January 2021). A great deal of my report will be devoted to Covid matters.

Common Water Lane
I am aware of the damage to Common Water Lane and the verges.
As Councillor David Leader is aware, I have sent considerable emails and had phone calls with Dorset Police and officers of Dorset Council in connection with Common Water Lane.

Comments of Dorset Police/Alex Bishop

My understanding from Dorset Police is that there are two points in regards to the action Police can take in these matters.

First is the reaction to reports made to police of specific incidents, such as investigations. Alex Bishop advises me that neither the moving of the bale, nor the damage to the finger sign have been reported. He stated that over the course of the last few months that Common Water Lane has had these issues, the police have had very few reports of any offences being committed. Any police response to a report that vehicles are on the lane, will be triggered via the threat, risk and harm protocols they have in deciding how to allocate resources. I understand that it is unlikely police officers will attend unless there is an urgent need to attend.
The second is proactive policing, such as area patrols. Dorset have advised me that some officers have attended Common Water Lane here and there whilst they have been on night duty, but it is difficult for them to spend much time there as there are other incidents to attend to.

2) Comments of Dorset Council Legal Team – Philip Crowther, Legal Business Partner.

My understanding from Philip Crowther is that Dorset Council is responsible for maintaining Common Water Lane, including the verges because it is a vehicular highway. My understanding is that Dorset Council has various powers which it could in theory use to stop irresponsible 4×4 drivers damaging the verges. I believe the Parish Council Chairman has been given the reasons via email why a number of those powers are very difficult to use in practice. My understanding of the action that is most likely to succeed is that Dorset council have the power to erect fences or bollards to prevent vehicles using the verges. However any fences or bollards must not interfere with any agricultural fence or gate or with an access to private properties. I understand that fencing was erected some years ago with some success albeit that it had to be left open at each end to allow access for the landowner to cut their hedges. This was done with the Friends of Common Water Lane (The Friends) and it allowed the verges to recover in a fairly short time. Mike Westwood (Dorset Highways) is happy to discuss working with the Parish Council and the Friends to look at erecting fencing or bollards again. It is my understanding that this is the solution which carries the most chance of resolving the problem. The need to consider the issues around maintaining any fencing and/or bollards would have to be discussed.

3) Comments of Senior Ranger (West & Coast) Russell Goff

I understand from Russell Goff that he is happy to be the liaison if the Friends would like to go down the fencing route as they use excellent contractors.
Russell also suggests that perhaps a joint press release from the parish highlighting this antisocial behaviour and damage may, in the short term prevent further damage.
My understanding is that a covert wildlife camera in order to catch those responsible in the act could be installed. The Council would need to know what the law is regarding using the footage gained from this.

Here is the the Government’s latest advice for parents and carers: Click HERE to access.

Long Description – Government information for Parents and Carers

Schools and colleges in Dorset remain open for critical workers and vulnerable children, details of who is included is HERE. Other children will move to remote learning.

Early years settings, special schools, alternative provision and learning centres in Dorset can remain open to all children. We are updating our Childcare directory, please contact your provider if you have specific enquiries.

Free school meals update – 5 Jan

Dorset Council is working with schools to make sure families who need it (including those who receive free school meals) can receive food vouchers if they are not in school. If your child gets free school meals their school will give you details. Find out more HERE.

School transport in Dorset update – 5 Jan

All school transport, including SEND transport, will continue to run. This may be reviewed in future if routes aren’t used.

Home learning resources for parents and carers

Schools are offering remote learning to families, HERE are some extra resources to help families, we are updating these at the moment too.

Dorset Council has worked closely with schools throughout the pandemic to support school leaders. Our schools have been open throughout for children of key workers and children with additional vulnerabilities.

Leader of Dorset Council Spencer Flower said: “We are proud of our schools, colleges and early years settings and our education leaders in Dorset and will continue to support them.”

Lockdown

You will perhaps have already seen that Dorset Council is calling for front line public sector workers to be prioritised for vaccines.

This is a particularly concerning time for our most vulnerable children and families and this continued period of restrictions will no doubt be having an increased impact. Right from the start of this pandemic all partners have been committed and continued to work incredibly hard to support the children and families. A reminder that the government guidance on safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care can be found HERE.

Children’s Centres update

Our Children’s Centre core sites will remain open for the services listed below:

health service appointments where required
family time
parenting assessments
where childcare is provided

Parenting groups will however have to move online.

IT equipment for families who are homeschooling

We are working in partnership with our school colleagues to ensure that children can access learning wherever possible through mobile devices in Dorset. The DfE have significantly increased the number of devices available for secondary schools to order for vulnerable children. We’re assisting school colleagues in getting these orders processed and out to families. A similar approach is expected for our primary school colleagues, we are awaiting information on this. Meanwhile we have been made aware of some issues in Dorset of children not being able to access IT equipment and are dealing with these on a case by case basis. Currently we’re looking at whether we can repurpose some of our old machines and issuing wireless routers to enable children to get on line. I am once again incredibly impressed by the strength and resilience shown across our Early Years, Schools and Colleges.

Finally, on a financial note.

Dorset Councillors were advised that despite an overspend during the year , the delivery of more than £10 million of savings from the reorganisation had been achieved. The executive director of corporate development has highlighted a general point about collecting council tax, in that at present we are in exceptional times and officers were tracking but not actively pursuing collections given the economic frailty. The needed to wait until a more normal time to actively pursue. Officers are forecasting around £13million worth of Council Tax and business rates could be at risk but would continue to be monitored.

Stay Safe.”

Councillor Simon Christopher
Dorset Councillor for The Marshwood Vale.
https://www.simonchristopher.info/

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#BWGPC,#SimonChristopher,#DorsetCouncil,#NationalLockdown,#Covid19,#2021,#WearYourMask,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Local Employment: Symonds & Sampson Are Recruiting

A New Year – a new career?

Local property agents Symonds & Sampson have five positions available.
All applications must be in by 31st January 2021. However, be aware that if they receive a high volume of applications, the closing date may be brought forward. To avoid disappointment therefore they suggest submitting your application promptly.

Based in Beaminster-Bridport-Axminster area.

Full time, Home based Property Manager to join their Property Management Department.
Immediate start.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintaining good relations with Landlords, Tenants and Contractors
Handling Telephone enquiries
Diary and Database management
Responding to emails
Raising works orders and processing invoices
Managing, booking and attending property visits
Processing rent payments
Deposit dispersal

KEY SKILLS:

Good level of customer service skills – verbal and written
Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload
Self-motivation and the ability to work within a team
High level of computer proficiency including Microsoft Office
Full driving license and use of own vehicle required

EXPERIENCE:

Property management experience
High level of computer literacy including experience of software packages (training will be provided)

REWARDS:

Salary – Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Holiday – starting at 28 days per annum including bank holidays and increasing with long service
Hours – Full Time to include some Saturdays
Pension – A work based pension scheme

Please e-mail your CV and covering letter to Rachael James rjames@symondsandsampson.co.uk

The other 4 positions are:

Based in Burraton Square, Poundbury:

Full time Trainee Accounts Assistant to support their busy accounts team. An enthusiastic and conscientious individual with knowledge of Sage and other accounting software. Experience is not required but some relevant skills are preferred. For more information, click HERE. Please e-mail your CV with a covering statement to Andrew Carless acarless@symondsandsampson.co.uk

Based in Burraton Square, Poundbury:

Rural Graduate Trainee/Newly Qualified Surveyor. Suited to a a graduate trainee or newly qualified surveyor The role offers a wide range of experience across many aspects of rural surveying and farm agency. It will also provide the opportunity for the right candidate to progress through APC and/or CAAV to further develop their career. For more information, click HERE. For a confidential discussion please contact Will Wallis on 07833 453482.

Based out of Wimborne:

RICS Registered Valuer to be able to cover the whole of Wessex Region. It is essential that the candidate is RICS qualified; a Registered Valuer; holds a Full UK Driving license and has 2-4 years PQE. For more information, click HERE.

Based in Ilminster, Somerset:

Estate Agency Manager to join their award-winning Residential Sales team. his opportunity would suit a highly motivated, entrepreneurial person with a proven track record of at least five years in residential agency, preferably within the Somerset area. For more information, click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#SymSam,#Employment,#Jobs,#Training,#Opportunities,#Career,#Covid19,#WearYourMask,#2021,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Collecting From Broadwindsor Community Stores

A message from the three wonderful ladies who organise our village shop’s Click and Collect service:

“As we go into lockdown again, we want to reassure you that we are continuing to do our best to ensure our customers, staff and volunteers are safe, as we have done at Broadwindsor Community Stores since March 2020.

We will continue to offer our Wednesday Click & Collect service via broadwindsorcommunitystores.co.uk.

However, all collections will now be from Comrades Hall, except a 4pm collection from the shop reserved for working customers who cannot get to the hall before 1pm.

We anticipate that more people will want to use the service, so to provide a safer environment and to maintain a steady flow of customers, collection slots will be at fifteen minute intervals starting at 11:30am and finishing at 1pm.

Please pick up from the side door where we will hand over your order at the entrance. Some customers’ orders are quite large and they will need to take several bags to their car, so can we please ask all customers to wait until the previous customer has finished their collection before entering the porch by the side entrance. May we also ask you to wait in the doorway rather than come into the hall while we get your order ready?

As the Click & Collect service is as safe as can be and meets the needs of the vast majority of people we are not offering a full delivery service as we did in the Spring. However, if you are clinically vulnerable and have been advised to stay in your home, please get in touch with us so we can arrange a delivery. The easiest way to do this is simply email: bwshop.orders@gmail.com

Let’s get through this together best we can. Stay safe.”

– Nat, Sandra & Teri

#Broadwindsor,#Drimpton,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Covid19,#BroadwindsorCommunityStores,#WearYourMask,#ClickAndCollect,#2021,#StayAtHome,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Vikki’s Specials at The White Lion

This weekend, in addition to their usual takeaway menu, Vikki is offering three homemade meals:

Homemade Steak and Kidney Pie with Mash or Chips and fresh Vegetables.
Homemade Broccoli and Salmon Pie (pastry) with Mash or Chips and fresh Vegetables.
Homemade Cottage Pie topped with Cheese and Onion Mash with fresh Vegetables.

On Sunday, there is a choice of Beef or Turkey for your roast dinner.

Call 01308 867070 to order.

Pre order the day before collection.

Collection between 6pm & 7.30pm.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TheWhiteLion,#SundayRoast,#Lockdown21,#Tier3,#Takeaway,#Homemade,#SocialDistancing,#YumYum,#SupportYourLocal,#StayAtHome,#BeKind,#StaySafe

Tell Dorset Council Your Thoughts On Their Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy

Originally published on 17th November, Dorset Council are still looking for people to give them feedback on their plans to tackle climate change. Responses must be in by Wednesday, 20th January 2021.

Climate and ecological change is the greatest existential threat we have ever faced. The great majority of scientific evidence, built up over many years, shows that the planet is getting warmer and that human activity is the main contributor to this warming.

Their work to help tackle the problem in Dorset is incredibly important. Just sitting by and letting others address this crisis is not an option. We need to work together to overcome this monumental challenge. What we all do – or don’t do – to address this climate and ecological emergency will impact our children, grandchildren and every other generation for centuries to come.

If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to read their strategy and action plan, HERE and then let them know what you think HERE. You don’t have to answer every question and you can save your progress so you can come back later to complete.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Drimpton,#Dorset,#DorsetCouncil,#WestDorset,#ClimateChange,#EmergencyStrategy,#SocialDistancing,#StayAtHome,#StaySafe

Your Christmas Bubble

Dorset will remain in Tier 2 – High Alert. The rules for Christmas Day 2020 are different.

It is vital that we each take personal responsibility this Christmas to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable.

One in three people with Coronavirus (COVID-19) have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. So the safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household or existing support bubble in your home. The more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread Coronavirus.

Living in Dorset, you may see a maximum of two other households (your ‘Christmas bubble’) on Christmas Day (25 December). You cannot see anyone from a Tier 4 area. You should think very carefully about the risks and only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to. Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person.

The rules below are law for December 25th and taken from the Government’s website:

You can only form a Christmas bubble if you do not live in a Tier 4 area. If you are permitted to form a Christmas bubble and choose to do so:

keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area
if you are meeting someone who is not in your Christmas or support bubble, you can only do so outside your home or garden and in accordance with the rules in your tier (either the tier you live in, or the tier you are meeting in – whichever is stricter)

When seeing your Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes:

meeting outdoors where possible
ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible
making space between members of different households wherever you can
washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.

You should not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is self-isolating. You should get a free NHS test if you have symptoms, have been asked to by your local council or your hospital, or are taking part in a government pilot project.

For more information on forming your Christmas Bubble under various circumstances – Please click HERE.

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Coronavirus,#Covid19,#Tier2,#Tier4,#NHS,#Test,#Christmas2020,#ChristmasBubble,#Law,#GovUK,#StayAtHome,#StaySafe

Tag: #StayAtHome

Big Garden Birdwatch 29th – 31st January

Funding for Community Businesses – Deadline Tomorrow

Read all the guidance notes and apply HERE.

Click & Collect At The Wobbly Cottage