Blog Archives

BIG RISE IN DORSET COVID CASES

29/12/2020

The latest figures from Dorset Council show a dramatic rise in covid cases in the Dorset Council Area. It shows almost a three fold increase in the last 7 days, and that means here, not in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, where there are even more cases. According to Dorset Council "Latest COVID-19 figures show a significant increase in cases and rates. Like most parts of the country, we have seen a significant increase in our case numbers and rates over the last couple of weeks and are also seeing a rise in hospital admissions.

Here are the latest figures released today (29 December) for the Dorset Council area:

7 day case rates per 100,000: 120.2 (compared to 46.0 in last update on 18 December)
Confirmed cases in last 7 days: 455 (compared to 174 in last update on 18 December)

Tiers to be reviewed again

We are currently under tier two restrictions, although a further review of tiers is expected in the next day or so.

To avoid the further spread of COVID-19, please limit your contact with people from outside your household and do not meet anyone you don't live with indoors.

If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate at home immediately with other members of your household and book yourself a test. You must all stay at home while you wait for the result to prevent possibly spreading the virus to others.

The information above comes from An e-newsletter issued by Dorset Council. If you would like to be kept informed or view the latest statistics and guidance then why not sign up for their e-newsletter by visiting the Dorset Council website

Happy Garden Christmas

23/12/2020

Stalbridge Chinese Takeaway will be closed for Christmas Day but a sign on their door states that they will be open on Boxing Day (Sat 26th) and Sunday 28th Dec and also Monday 29th December.

Dikes Christmas Hours

22/12/2020

Dike and Son superstore in Stalbridge announce their Christmas Opening Hours for the festive period...
Wed 23 Dec 8am - 8pm
Thu 24 Dec 7am - 6pm
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th Dec) CLOSED
Sun 27 Dec 10am - 4pm
Mon 28 Dec 8am - 4pm
Tue 29 Dec 8am - 6pm
Wed 30 Dec 8am - 6pm
Thu 31 Dec (New Year's Eve) 8am - 6pm
Fri 1 Jan (New Year's Day) CLOSED
Sat 2 Jan 2021 8am - 8pm

dikes website

From the Prime Minister

20/12/2020

"If you do not live in a Tier 4 area, 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." - HM Government

Please read this message from the Prime Minister and adhere to the new restrictions so we might all get to enjoy 2021 more than we were able to in 2020.

Good afternoon,

I am sorry to report that the situation has deteriorated since I last spoke to you three days ago.

Yesterday afternoon, I was briefed on the latest data showing the virus spreading more rapidly in London, the South East and the East of England than would be expected given the tough restrictions which are already in place.

I also received an explanation for why the virus is spreading more rapidly in these areas. It appears this spread is now being driven by the new variant of the virus, which we first learned about earlier this week.

Our advisory group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats – NERVTAG – has spent the last few days analysing the new variant.

There is no evidence the variant causes more severe illness or higher mortality, but it does appear to be passed on significantly more easily.

NERVTAG’s early analysis suggests the new variant could increase R by 0.4 or greater. Although there is considerable uncertainty, it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant.

This is early data. It is subject to review. It is the best we have at the moment, and we have to act on information as we have it because this is now spreading very fast.

The U.K. has by far the best genomic sequencing ability in the world, which means we are better able to identify new strains like this than any other country.

The Chief Medical Officer last night submitted our findings so far to the World Health Organisation and we will continue to be totally transparent with our global partners.

There is still much we don’t know. While we are fairly certain the variant is transmitted more quickly, there is no evidence to suggest that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness. Equally there is no evidence to suggest the vaccine will be any less effective against the new variant.

Our experts will continue their work to improve our understanding of the variant.

So we are learning more about this variant as we go.

But we know enough already to be sure that we must act now.

I met ministers on the Covid Operations Committee last night and again first thing this morning, and Cabinet met at lunchtime to agree the following actions.

First, we will introduce new restrictions in the most affected areas – specifically those parts of London, the South East and the East of England which are currently in tier 3.

These areas will enter a new tier 4, which will be broadly equivalent to the national restrictions which were in place in England in November.

That means:

Residents in those areas must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions set out in law. Non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities, and personal care services must close. People must work from home if they can, but may travel to work if this is not possible, for example in the construction and manufacturing sectors. People should not enter or leave tier 4 areas, and tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home. Individuals can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space.

Unlike the November national restrictions, communal worship can continue to take place in tier 4 areas.

These measures will take effect from tomorrow morning.

All tiers will continue to be regularly reviewed in line with the approach previously set out, with the next formal review point taking place on 30 December.

Second, we are issuing new advice on travel.

Although the new variant is concentrated in tier 4 areas, it is nonetheless present at lower levels around the country.

We are asking everyone, in all tiers, to stay local.

People should carefully consider whether they need to travel abroad and follow the rules in their tier.

Those in tier 4 areas will not be permitted to travel abroad apart from limited exceptions, such as for work purposes.

Third, we must, I am afraid, look again at Christmas.

As Prime Minister, it is my duty to take the difficult decisions, to do what is right to protect the people of this country.

Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned.

In England, those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.

Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days as previously set out.

As before, there will be no relaxation on 31 December, so people must not break the rules at New Year.

I know how much emotion people invest in this time of year, and how important it is for grandparents to see their grandchildren, and for families to be together.

So I know how disappointing this will be, but we have said throughout this pandemic that we must and we will be guided by the science.

When the science changes, we must change our response.

When the virus changes its method of attack, we must change our method of defence.

As your Prime Minister, I sincerely believe there is no alternative open to me. Without action, the evidence suggests infections would soar, hospitals would become overwhelmed and many thousands more would lose their lives.

I want to stress we are not alone in this fight – many of our European friends and neighbours are being forced to take similar action.

We are working closely with the devolved administrations to protect people in every part of the UK.

Of course there is now hope – real hope – that we will soon be rid of this virus.

That prospect is growing with every day that passes and every vaccine dose administered.

The UK was the first country in the western world to start using a clinically approve vaccine.

So please, if the NHS contacts you then get your vaccine – and join the 350,000 people across the UK who have already had their first dose.

Yes, Christmas this year will be very different, but we must be realistic.

We are sacrificing our chance to see loved ones this Christmas, so we have a better chance of protecting their lives so we can see them at future Christmases.

As sure as night follows day, we will beat back this virus.

We will defeat it.

And we will reclaim our lives.

Published 19 December 2020

We are all in different tiers now, so please do check what the rules are for this Christmas, depending on where you live and where you intend to spend Christmas. There are a few links here below that you should look at to keep informed and to help you stay within the law.

New coronavirus information

what tier am i in and what are the rules?

Crafty Christmas

11/12/2020

As The Crow Flies, the craft shop at The Guggleton is open and selling some lovely craft items in the run up to Christmas..."We have plenty of new stock, come and see us in the shop! Something for everyone"
We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm, Station Road, Stalbridge
Come and say hi!

guggleton farm arts

This week at the Gugg

9/12/2020

This weeks activities at The Guggleton Arts project in Station Road Stalbridge are presented by Dianne Tremlet...."This week @ #thegugg we are enjoying the reopening of the #wesca mixed show in the #milkingparlourgallery (open from 11-3 daily) and looking forward to our #christmasjumperday on Wednesday 16th from 3.30-5.30 with activities and Christmas jumper photo opps, with the wonderful Cara Wildeman, plus pressies from Santa! All in aid of #savethechildren. Pop along in your Crimbo sweater, grab a mince pie and take a swipe at our Christmas pud piñata... "

The Gugg on Facebook

Stalbridge Tai Chi

9/12/2020

Qigong and Tai Chi classes are tking place in Stalbridge every Monday afternoon. "Boost your Immune system with Qigong & Tai Chi". Classes are run by Geoffrey Bellinger- a Tai Chi of Great Britain Instructor at Stalbridge Congregational Church Hall in Station Road every Monday from 1.30pm to 2.15pm

Taiji and Qi Gong are highly adaptable and low impact. They can be an excellent adjunct to physiotherapy, gentle exercise, post-operative care, or rehabilitation programmes, and have also been shown to improve lung and cardiac function, so may be of benefit for people recovering from Covid-19.
Qigong is the fastest growing health System in the world
Book online
by clicking on the button below
Or
Contact Geoff
07941115352
geoffrey1145@gmail.com
Geoffrey Bellinger
Tai Chi Union of Great Britain Instructor 🇬🇧

fountainofzentaichi.com

Chips with everything

7/12/2020

Stalbridge Fish and Chips is now closed for the Christmas Period. They will re-open on Tuesday 5th January. Their current opening times (resuming on 5th Jan) are as follows: They are closed on Sundays and Mondays and then open at the following times on Tuesday to Saturday:
Tuesday from 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Wednesday from 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Thursday from 12 noon to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Friday from 12 noon to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8.00pm
Saturday from 12 noon to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8.00pm

A Call to Arms

6/12/2020

The Stalbridge Arms presents their new SteakHouse & Grill! From Prawn Cocktail for starter to Rump Steak and Beer battered chips for main course the new menu at The Stalbridge Arms seems set to cater for many tastes and at reasonable prices. You can even vary your own Burgers and sides with your own choice of toppings and sauces. They even have a 'Date Night' Deal of Two 8oz Rump Steaks and a bottle of house wine for £25.99 Have a look at their new menu below. Booking is essential so do give them a call to book your table!

01963 364322

Done there, Bin that...

6/12/2020

When are the Christmas bin and recycling pick up days in Stalbridge? Can we put out extra rubbish or recycled items? What kind of wrapping paper is recyclable? Is Sherborne dump open over Christmas? Find out below...
EXTRA RECYCLING?
You are allowed to give the bin men extra recycling in your own boxes (not in bags)
EXTRA RUBBISH?
On your first collection day after boxing day you can put 2 extra sacks of rubbish next to your bin
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING?
You cannot give us your Christmas tree to recycle. Real Christmas trees can be taken to your local Household Recycling Centre and placed in the garden waste container for composting, free of charge. Please note that local organisations may be running Christmas tree collections to raise money for charity. Check local press and online for details.
Residents are also being asked to consider more eco-friendly options such as home composting, or buying a rooted tree that can be kept in the garden until next year.
Artificial Christmas trees will also not be collected by Dorset Council. If you can't keep it to use again, please take your tree to your local Household Recycling Centre.
GARDEN WASTE COLLECTIONS?
The Garden Waste service is suspended over the Christmas and New Year period, from Friday 25 December until Friday 8 January.
CHRISTMAS WRAPPING AND CARDS...BIN OR RECYCLE?
Normal wrapping paper (not foil based) can be recycled, but shiny foil based paper for example needs to go in the rubbish bin. Basically if you can scrunch your wrapping paper and it stays scrunched it can be recycled. Foil wrapping unfurls after being scrunched.
Christmas cards are recyclable but not the ones that have glitter on them or foil coatings
SHERBORNE HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING CENTRE?
Sherborne recycling is open every day from 10am to 4pm except Christmas day when it is closed.

STALBRIDGE BUBBLES !

6/12/2020

So what is a Christmas Bubble and when can I make one? Basically, a Christmas Bubble is a group of people who can celebrate Christmas together from December 23rd to December 27th only, regardless of which tier you live under the restrictions of.
Everyone is allowed to form a Christmas bubble. There are four main rules:

you can only be in one Christmas bubble
you cannot change your Christmas bubble
your Christmas bubble should not include people from more than three households
you should not meet socially with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble

How do I make a Christmas Bubble and what can we do with it?
Between 23 and 27 December:

you can form an exclusive ‘Christmas bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households
you can travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting your Christmas bubble
you can only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
you can continue to meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier you are meeting in
if you form a Christmas bubble, you should not meet socially with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble

The rest of the guidance/rules on this are:

It is important that you keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible.
You must not form a Christmas bubble if you are self-isolating.
You should travel to meet those in your Christmas bubble and return home between the 23 and 27 December.

Remember that your household and the other 1 to 2 households in your Christmas Bubble can only spend time together in each others private homes and gardens or in a place of worship or a public outdoor space and not, for example, at a restaurant.
Any friends and family who are not in your Christmas Bubble cannot spend time with you in your home or garden during this period.
If you choose not to form a Christmas Bubble you should continue to follow the tier 2 rules we are currently under.

For more information on all of this please visit the gov.uk website by clicking on the button below

Christmas Bubbles rules

Else We Forget...

5/12/2020

Julian and Heidi Elf invite you to sample the delights of their wonderful range of top quality meat, poultry and deli items at their friendly, independent butchers and delicatessen in the run up to Christmas. Stalbridge based Else Family Butchers is an eclectic emporium of all that is good about independent local food businesses. In these uncertain times local food businesses supplying excellent quality local produce have been re-discovered as the perfect place to shop. There is something special about Else's. You only have to walk in the door to know this...well before you even get a chance to marvel at the range of delicious items on sale. The warmest of welcomes greets you at this Dorset-renowned establishment. So if you enjoy shopping then why not experience the best Dorset can offer. Drop in and enjoy Something Else!

Their Christmas opening times are as follows:
Monday 21st Dec- 6am – 5pm
Tuesday 22nd Dec- 6am – 6pm
Wednesday 23rd Dec- 6am - 8pm
Xmas Eve- 5am – 2pm
Christmas Day- CLOSED
Boxing Day- CLOSED
Sunday 27th December- CLOSED
Monday 28th Dec- CLOSED
Tuesday 29th Dec- CLOSED
Wednesday 30th Dec- 6am – 2pm
Thursday 31st Dec- 6am – 2pm
New Year’s Day- CLOSED
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR LOVELY CUSTOMERS
Saturday 2nd Jan 2021- 7am – 1pm
Sunday 3rd Jan- CLOSED
Monday 4th Jan- CLOSED
Tuesday 5th Jan- CLOSED
Wednesday 6th Jan- 7 – 1pm
Thursday 7th Jan- 7 – 5pm
Normal hours resume from Friday 8th January

"We pride ourselves on whole-heartedly supporting our local farmers and have established a great reputation for supplying locally sourced and ethically farmed meat and quality produce. As a small butcher, we are able to offer both a personable and knowledgeable service for our shop visitors, as well as for major clients, both locally and in the surrounding area." - Julian and Heidi Else

Have a look at the Else family butchers website or facebook page by clicking on the buttons below.

Else Family Butchers is located in High Street, Stalbridge, Dorset.

ELSE BUTCHERS WEBSITE

ELSE BUTCHERS ON FACEBOOK

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