The War in Ukraine

I am sure that like me you have been stunned by events taking place in Ukraine. To see a sovereign democratic European country being subjected to a full-blown military invasion is something I am sure, like you, I had hoped I would never see happen again.
 
What is currently happening in Ukraine fills me with a range of emotions from outrage at the unprovoked attack to the horror at the consequences of the events taking place, and frustration and helplessness at not being able to do something concrete to help the people being subjected to military bombardment and as a consequence having to flee their country to seek a safe haven.

Bridport is proud to be the first Rights Respecting town in this country and as such we are particularly appalled by the removal of basic human rights by military force. The people of Ukraine, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, have moved steadily from being ruled by an oppressive totalitarian regime to becoming a sovereign democracy. To see all of that hard won freedom being brutally challenged is abhorrent.
 

I have seen some wonderful examples of local activity to collect desperately needed supplies to send to Ukraine, alongside the campaigns of national organisations who have the infrastructure in place to get aid to where it is most needed. I would encourage everyone to support these initiatives.

The New Highway Code

If, like me, it is many years since you passed your driving test and had a serious look at the Highway Code a refresher covering the latest changes would be valuable.

Dorset Police in partnership with the Older Drivers Forum are offering free webinars on safe driving tips and the new Highway Code. This webinar will start by giving an update on the findings from the Older Drivers Task Force report, then cover the new changes to the Highway Code. The webinar will also give advice on safe driving tips to help motorists carry on driving safely for longer. The session will last for 90 minutes with a 10 minute break in the middle. Sessions will be held on:

Sessions will be held on:

Thursday 10th March at 2pm Webinar Registration – Zoom
Monday 14th March at 7pm Webinar Registration – Zoom

Please note both sessions are identical.

But it is not just mature drivers who need to make sure they are up to date with their knowledge of the Highway Code, all road users need to ensure they fully understand it and that includes motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Do you know who now has priority at a road junctions? Go to Highway Code Changes to see if you are right.

Mayors Charity Concert CANCELLED

Sadly, the Bride Valley and Beyond fundraising concert has had to be cancelled. A combination of Covid and other factors mean that it is not possible to make it happen as planned.

Bridport Arts Centre will be contacting all those who have bought tickets to offer a refund or the option of donating the refund to the Mayor’s Charities.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in putting together the Bride Valley and Beyond concert for all their hard work and apologise to those who have bought tickets and were looking forward to a fine evenings entertainment.