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The Ridge to Handfast Point New funding for struggling Dorset households
Vulnerable people in the Dorset Council area can apply for new support to help
To the south of heathlands, dunes and sweeping coast of sand, with rising costs.
the ridge runs eastwards, cut short at cliffs on Ballard Down, Applications are being taken from pensioners and working age people in receipt
where Old Harry’s chalk stacks pose erectly just off land of qualifying benefits or in fuel poverty. The council has been awarded the
north of the curving bay of a Purbeck seaside town. funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund to provide short-term
financial assistance. The support will be via supermarket vouchers. Vouchers will
And on its verdant slopes, that face the summer’s midday glare, be issued to residents in the Dorset Council area with savings of less than £10,000
where ant hill tussocks fringe the maze of sheep worn trails who are either: Pensioner in receipt of Pension Credit; Working age and in receipt
and blue butterflies flutter through the prickly thistles there, of a means tested benefit; or a pensioner or working age resident not in receipt of
amongst the stalks and striped spiralled shells of snails. a means tested benefit who is in fuel poverty. Means tested benefits are Universal
Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Rebate, Income-related ESA (Employment
Higher on the ridge, where grasses undulate in gently moving air, and Support Allowance), Income Support, Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
though wind shaped thorns betray the climate’s less peaceful bents, Fuel poverty is defined as spending 10% of household income on energy costs.
the thistle down drifts by to join with wool and cattle hair Vouchers will also be provided during
ensnared by barb and spider web upon a rusting fence. the school holidays to families in
receipt of free school meals.
The sediments that form this ridge and grassy downland walk, Residents will need their most recent
where sheep and cattle graze amongst the flowers in the turf, bank statements, proof of benefits (if
are naked where they meet the sea as crumbling walls of chalk applicable), energy bill (if
applicable) and identification. The
to confront the whims of flowing tides and swirling surf. website also explains how to
The chalk stacks stand here in witness to the power of the sea nominate a family member or friend
which has hewn the cliffs to sculpt their stark white forms, if assistance is needed, or if the
applicant does not have an email
yet now the gently lapping waves convey a false tranquillity address. Alternatively, applicants
that belies the awesome strength of raging storms. can get help to complete their form
Chris Nother from a volunteer Dorset Digital Champion at their local library. To book an
appointment, telephone 01305 221048 (Monday to Friday, 10am to midday)
Unusual Pets: Shuttlecock Grants available for community organisation
I came across a shuttlecock, The vet said "that's a shuttlecock", The third round of the Community and Culture Project Fund, which is managed by
Dorset Council, is now open and welcoming applications for projects and events
I thought it was a bird. I said I didn't care, for community, arts, accredited museums, heritage, sport, youth, play and
I crept up very quietly I'd find myself a shuttlehen physical activity.
without a single word. to have a breeding pair. The grants are designed to kick-start new activities that will benefit the local
community and offer support to marginalised and disadvantaged groups in the
I picked it up and took it home Dorset council area. Not for profit groups are welcome to apply for the grant,
to keep it as a pet which can fund up to £5,000 towards a project that will have a social impact and
support local communities and hard to reach groups.
and to see if it was healthy, Chris Nother
I checked it with the vet.
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