VMCC Coffee Break In Broadwindsor

Just over 50 members of The Vintage Motor Cycle Club gathered earlier today at The Stableyard Restaurant at Redlands Yard.

The motorcyclists come from all over England and Wales and all are participating and are half way through the Weymouth Run which started on Sunday, 12th May. Organised by Rod Hann, the run ends on Friday, 17th after covering a total run of almost 450 miles, averaging approximately 75 miles/day. Each day takes in stops at local interesting places and of course… somewhere for refreshments 🙂

For the enthusiasts... below some of the bikes that parked up today.

Nationally, The Vintage Motor Cycle Club Limited was formed in 1946 by a band of 38 enthusiasts and membership today stands over 16,000 – but this has been achieved without losing any of the camaraderie or helpfulness which is usually associated with smaller clubs. You do not have to own a historic motorcycle or three-wheeler in order to join the VMCC, just an interest in these machines.

The Dorset Section is a local section of the national organisation, first set up in 10th March 1966 and now meet on the second Wednesday of the month, where they have guest speakers, quiz nights, social meets and a few outside events during the summer months. In the present day, the Dorset Section is an active group which runs a busy calendar of events throughout the year, comprising of short local rides and longer rides into the neighbouring counties.


If you would like to know more and perhaps be involved in next year’s Weymouth Run – please visit: https://dorsetvmcc.co.uk for more information or follow them on Facebook HERE.

Thank you to Run Leader Carol for her help and Safe Travel to you all!

 


#
Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #VMCC #WeymouthRun #SafeTravel #Motorbikes #SouthDorset #RedlandsYard #StableyardRestaurant #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Horticultural Society Cream Tea & Plant Sale – Saturday, May 18th

Our village Horticultural Society welcome you to join them for a Cream Tea at The Comrades Hall on Saturday, May 18th at 2.30pm, while you browse the lovely selection of homegrown plants for sale.
With lots of donated plants that have been cultivated by members of Broadwindsor Allotment Group, you are bound to find something- whether a garden staple or some more unusual species perhaps, to add to your garden or household plant collection.  Also have for sale this year is a selection of vintage and rustic terracotta pots.

Scones, cream, jam, coffee, tea and other refreshments.
£5 entry please which covers your cream tea cost.
Separate cake stall available 🙂
All are welcome.

 


#
Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #HorticulturalSociety #CreamTea #Plants #Cake #Flowers #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Celebrate With Alanicus – The Knapp Inn, Saturday, 11th May

From Neuchatel, Switzerland and now living locally, Alanicus Ward has been in the U.K. for 14 years and brings over 25 years experience to the decks at The Knapp Inn tomorrow, Saturday 11th, from 8pm ’til late.

Alanicus has worked at pubs, clubs, private functions, festivals and offers you an eclectic mix of genres from the 1960’s to the 2000’s. Saturday’s event also celebrates his friend’s birthday… Happy Birthday Em 🙂

The Knapp Inn is a Freehouse and all are welcome to come along and dance!

  • Follow/Contact Alanicus on Facebook HERE.
  • Follow/Contact Alanicus on Instagram HERE.

 

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Beaminster #TheKnappInn #Alanicus #AlanicusWard #Decks #DJ #Dancing #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

The White Lion – Village Survey, Spring 2024

At the time of publishing, most villagers will have received their questionnaire & accompanying letter through their letter boxes.  Please note any comments made on social media will be noted but only the questionnaires hand delivered and collected will be taken into account.
It reads:

Last month, The White Lion, Broadwindsor marked its second birthday since re-opening as a community-run pub. The managers, the committee and the volunteers work very hard to provide a comfortable and inviting venue for all the residents of Broadwindsor and beyond. But of course, there is always room for improvement.

The pub is run by the community, for the community, and so the aim of this survey is to find out what you like or don’t like about the pub, and what the team can do to make it even more attractive to more people.

The team would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete this survey to let them know your thoughts and opinions. Even if you don’t visit the pub very often, your views are really important. The survey is anonymous and there is no requirement to give any personal details.

The management team hope to analyse the responses to this survey and use the information to help formulate a plan for future improvements to the pub. If you would like to be informed of these conclusions, please email admin@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk.

How the pub is run

The White Lion premises are owned by Palmers Brewery who supply all the drinks and associated products to the pub. The day-to-day running of the pub is managed by Kerry and Clive who are employed by the management committee. This committee currently consists of eight elected volunteers, each of which are allocated a specific role, who take care of the behind-the-scenes business matters. There is also a dedicated team of volunteers and kitchen porters who help out behind the bar, in the kitchens and with table service, and are also responsible for general maintenance and decoration of the pub. The pub is run as a not-for-profit organisation. Any and all profit made is used to maintain and improve the pub and the services it provides. More details can be found on the website: www.whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

The Survey

Most questions are in the form of a statement to which you can agree or disagree on a scale of 1 – 5. Other questions ask for specific answers which can be ticked or circled. Mark all those that apply. No questions are compulsory.

You can view the full 7 page survey HERE.

Questions cover all aspects of the pub: food; drink selection; service; decor; entertainment; accessibility and you do have the opportunity to make your comments and suggestions 🙂

It is our community pub and proudly belongs to our community – please complete your copy and have it collected because your opinion counts! Thank you.

Would you like to get involved?

There are a number of ways you can contribute to the running of the pub…

Become a Volunteer.

There is a dedicated team of trained volunteers who help out behind the bar and with table service. Also, there is always work to do in upkeep and maintenance of the pub, inside and out. If you think you have something to offer as part of this team, please email admin@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk for more details. Appropriate training will be given.

Become a Donor

In 2021-22, a hugely successful fundraiser collected a significant amount of money to refurbish the pub and finance the reopening. Many people from the village and further afield gave generously towards that fundraiser. A proportion of that money is still in hand, but from time to time, repairs and improvements are needed to the fabric of the pub and investment is required for new or replacement hardware, especially for the kitchens, which can incur substantial costs. The committee endeavours to raise as much as possible through grants, but some of these require match-funding. If you generously donated in 2021-22, then thank you again. If you didn’t make a donation then, or would like to donate again, then please email admin@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk for more information.

Become a Pub Member

Many of those who donated also took the option to become a ‘pub member’. This membership entitles the person to attend and vote at the Annual Members Meeting (AMM) where committee members are elected and important decisions concerning the running of the pub are voted on by the membership. There are currently over 200 names on the members list. For more information on becoming a pub member, please email admin@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk.

Thank you!

For and on behalf of the team at The White Lion Broadwindsor and Broadwindsor Community Pub Ltd.


#Broadwindsor #Blackdown #Burstock #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #Dorset #WestDorset #Community #Village #Spring
#TheWhiteLion #Survey #PalmersBrewery #WestDorset #SupportLocalBusiness #CommunityPub #Enjoy #BeSafe #StaySafe

Drimpton Community Open Gardens – Saturday, 15th June

On Saturday, 15th June – we hope for sunshine and… You are invited to take a walk around Drimpton and venture into any garden which displays a sign outside and/or appears on the list which will be created nearer the time..

For any Drimpton residents wanting to take part –

You do not need a pristine garden but you must be happy to let people browse around and look at yours. They may get some ideas for their own garden! If you think that you would like to open your garden then please contact Diana and she will add you to the list 🙂

For more information and to contact Diana01308 867172 or email chestnutcottage217@gmail.com.

 

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Dorset #Village #Community #OpenGardens #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

 

 

Clive’s Ribs On The Braai Are Back!

Starting this Friday, on alternate Friday evenings, Clive Dammert at The White Lion will be tending his Braai and serving up some delicious ribs!

  • 350g £12.50
  • Half rack (+-500g) £17.45
  • Full rack (+-1kg) £31.00

Booking is essential to avoid any disappointment – Fridays, 3rd, 17th and 31st May.

Telephone: 01308 867070 or email: info@whitelionbroadwindsor.co.uk

ENJOY!

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #Dorset #WestDorset #AONB #Village #Community #TheWhiteLion #Braai #TrySomeRibs #Eat #Food #Share #Enjoy #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Can You Marshall Or Donate?

Two Drimpton residents, Paul Clements (Cleaner Chimneys) and Stuart Pearce, are and members of  Drimpton Cycling Club and are taking the Challenge below and cycling the 55.2 miles route to raise funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
Motivation is provided by Stuart’s desire payback for his trip in the helicopter following a cardiac arrest 5 yrs ago. It costs on average £3,500 for each helicopter deployment, so they are seeking to reach that figure as a target, both to repay Stuart’s debt and to cover the cost of a trip for somebody else.

Please click HERE to visit their fundraising page to donate.

The 55 mile route from Watchett to West Bay passes through Drimpton and Broadwindsor as it does annually, so a rest stop at the Royal Oak for local support will be in evidence!

Stuart’s story:

I had been water skiing on the Saturday & we were going back out again on Sunday. Chugged 3 miles round the coast to get to a more calm bay. I got up & promptly keeled over …. Thankfully my best man’s wife saved me going overboard but now had a 13.5 stone dead weight lying on top of her 🥴 Luckily my best man has a 150hp outboard on his rib so floored it back to Salcombe. The lifeboat had been launched but Justin was greeted by the harbour master on his launch for speeding. Once he realised the emergency he escorted Justin to the jetty. Peak holiday season – August 5th. Thankfully 2 families walking by included 2 nurses. They started cpr. 6 doctors were also attracted by the commotion- one got a defib. 2 ambulances turned up from nowhere so they took over & eventually got me to the rugby club where the air ambulance was waiting to take me down to Plymouth. I was in an induced coma for 4 days, ITC for another 8 days & finally released after 22 days with pacemaker & defibrillator fitted. Every day is a bonus, the grass is greener, the sky bluer. Best thing every day is the dog walk. Thoroughly enjoy all the smallest details in life’.

Stuart may not be here today but for the combined efforts of so many bystanders, but critically the speedy trip to hospital via the air ambulance.

From Samantha Smith, DSAA Fundraising Officer…
Dear Residents
On Saturday 18 May 2024 we shall be holding our thirteenth annual Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, starting at 10.30 am in Watchet and ending in West Bay.
Last year’s event saw 318 supporters take part to help raise funds to keep Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance flying. In doing so they collaboratively rode just over 17,000 miles and raised approx £49,000 – that’s enough to fund approximately 14 missions by the air ambulance.
We are aware that this event may cause you and your neighbours some slight disruption and would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
If you would be willing to help marshal this event in your neighbourhood and help us keep everyone safe, we would love to hear from you.
With best wishes and many thanks for your support.
Samantha Smith
Fundraising Officer
Tel: 01823 669604


We wish both Paul and Stuart a safe and enjoyable day on Saturday, 18th May 🙂

Please click HERE to
visit their fundraising page to donate.

There are also donation boxes in The Wobbly Cottage and The White Lion.

THANK YOU!

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Dorset #Village #AirAmbulance #Somerset #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe #CycleChallenge #CoastToCoastCycleChallenge

It’s Time To Enrol/Renew And Show Your Support

With thousands of visitors to the village website each month from all around the world, Broadwindsor.Org celebrates 4 years! 🙂

Local business’ support is invaluable as Broadwindsor.Org (affectionally referred to as ‘The Org‘ by many) is a not-for-profit organisation. £300 was donated to the Comrades Hall following a successful music promotion in September ’23.

The QR code above is for a £20 payment.

If you are a visitor and would like to donate a different amount, please use the QR code below.

SCAN TO DONATE.

 

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Dorset #Village #Community #Support #Celebrate #4Years #ThankYou #RegisterNow #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements For Paul Miller

The service for village resident Paul Miller will be held at Yeovil crematorium at 13.20 hrs. on Tuesday, 9th April.
Anyone who would like to come along and raise a glass in his memory, are welcome to join the family at The White Lion from 15.30 hrs. onwards.

“Thank you to everyone for all the kind thoughts, cards and flowers we have received, we are overwhelmed with kindness.”

– Chris and family x

Our Deepest Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris, Jo and all the family at this sad time.

❤ Paul Miller 04.09.1947 – 15.03.2024  ❤

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Dorset #Village #Community #SadLoss #Family #Love #Thoughts #Prayers #Funeral #Celebration #Farewell #MissYou #PayRespect #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

An Interview With Richard Wakely, AJ Wakely & Sons

Interviewed by Tracey Beardsley and first published for the online BV Magazine, Richard Wakely is the fourth generation of the family’s funeral director business.
(All images are by Courtenay Hitchcock.)

In 1897, in the small village of Broadwindsor, carpenters and gatemakers Arthur and Ernie Wakely turned their skills to making coffins.
Arthur’s son Jack helped his father and uncle in the family business and, with an entrepreneurial eye, he purchased a small funeral business in Bridport. Fast forward more than 120 years and that funeral business has burgeoned into 14 offices covering an area from Sidmouth to Wincanton.

Jack’s grandson, Richard Wakely, is the fourth-generation funeral director to join A. J. Wakely & Sons. Richard says: ‘It wasn’t my plan to come into the family business. My dad, Clive, a director in the firm, never pushed me or my three sisters. It wasn’t like TV’s Succession! Dad wanted it to be a natural progression. This is more of a vocation than an actual job. You’ve got to want to do it.’

David, Simon, Clive and Jack at Sherborne office in 1999.
After leaving school, Richard worked in the Philippines for the charity Mercy in Action. ‘That experience was life-changing for me,’ he says. ‘I grew up so much in three years.’
Working in the charity’s homes for vulnerable children in the Philippines, Richard ran a summer programme for street kids and a drop-in centre for orphans. ‘We’d feed them and give them a basic education.’
A keen sportsman, Richard spent time going into the community and playing basketball with the kids. This success led him to run an after-school programme as a full-time job. ‘A lot of the kids had no electricity in the evening and were doing their homework by candlelight. Opening the day centre at night gave them a safe space to study.’
We’ll find a way
Returning home, a casual chat while walking along the beach with his dad led to him joining the family business aged 21. Richard began learning the ropes as a general employee. He worked on the fixtures and fittings of coffins, having inherited his great grandfathers’ craft skills, and he shadowed experienced funeral director Matthew Paterson.
Richard juggled working with studying for his funeral director’s diploma. ‘Incredibly, you don’t legally need any qualifications to be a funeral director. It’s scary to think anyone can set up – without the right facilities, knowledge, or empathy that this work requires. Hopefully regulations will be coming in soon.’
After nine years, Richard now runs two of the Wakely offices. ‘Our motto is: “we will say yes and then work out how to do it”!
If a family wants it done and it’s legal, we’ll find a way.’
This includes unusual requests – Richard researched if a lady could keep her husband’s skeleton hanging in her office (she couldn’t).
He’s also been asked to dress down in shorts and a t-shirt rather than the usual funeral attire of tailcoated suit.
‘The taboo of talking about death has changed. People are keener to organise their own funeral and take the burden off loved ones. People want a personal touch. We now have a Land Rover Defender converted into a hearse for funerals on private land. Sometimes it’s just in a field with hay bales for the mourners.’
What is the reaction when Richard says what he does for a living? ‘I always say it’s either a conversation starter or finisher. Some people are surprised and hesitant, not wanting to know more. Others ask questions – lots of them!’
Tough days
Richard’s faith helps him handle the emotions of dealing with death every day. ‘Praying through things really helps. My wife Emily is also a fantastic support. And as soon as I walk through the door, I’m bowled over by two young children and a baby. Work goes to one side for family time and that helps a lot.’
Organising a funeral for a baby or child is the toughest part of his job. ‘You feel for the parents.
‘Also, I’m always struck by non-attended funerals, where the deceased has outlived all friends and relations so there are no mourners. You become the congregation, and when you hear about their incredible lives, it’s very moving. I remember one chap who had been a spy gathering intel during the Second World War. We’re coming to the end of that generation. Such heroic stories will be buried forever – I’m very privileged to hear some of them.’
Quick fire questions:
Top dinner party guests?
My rugby heroes, Jonny Wilkinson and Dan Carter. Jesus would be cool … and my great grandfather, so I could thank him for starting the business!
Book by your bedside?
Imagine Heaven by John Burke
It’s FREE to subscribe to the BV Magazine – Click  HERE and receive it direct to your inbox every month 🙂

 

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #Drimpton #Dorset #Village #WestDorset #BVMag #AJWakely #TracieBillbeard #History #FuneralDirectors #BeKind