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March 2022 March 2022
NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER
Ellie’s Stream
She looks from her window through the gnarled apple tree The flowers are pushing up through the frost this
to the stream that flows by on its way to the sea morning, and with the sunshine it feels like spring is on
and she thinks of its words, if it were to talk, its way. This month will mark two years since the first
as it tells of its birth from springs in the chalk lockdown, and it has been an incredibly difficult time
for all of us. None of us knew that it was going to be
and how it has journeyed through lush, grassy meadows, such a long haul, but there are now very optimistic
through early morn mists and soft dappled shadows. signs that life can go back to normal. With the
vaccination rollout, and a much better
understanding of how to treat covid-19, it’s brilliant
It speaks of the willows which grow at its edge, that fewer people are becoming seriously ill or
of banks and green borders of iris and sedge, needing to go to hospital. Whilst some people are still
of tumbling over shallows and a pebble strewn bed badly affected, for the majority it has become a mild illness with a quick
where spotted brown trout have spawned in their redd; recovery.
how its ripples and droplets dance, glisten and gleam As things continue to improve, travel is also becoming easier. There are a
as the sunlight adds sparkle to the flow of the stream. significant number of people involved in the travel industry in Mid Dorset and
North Poole, and I know that the last two years have been very challenging for
all tourism businesses. Fully vaccinated travellers from most countries will no
It tells how it slows where its waters run deep longer need to take any covid tests, and will only need to complete a simplified
as it passes the fields holding cattle and sheep passenger locator form. This is to confirm vaccination status, travel history and
and how it flows on at a quickening pace contact details. This will make it easier for people with family abroad to see their
relatives, and also will help to promote tourism to our area as we move into
to surge through the channel of an ancient mill race, spring and summer.
through old, iron hatches, all rusty and brown For families planning to travel abroad,
and under the bridges that lead to the town. children can now access their NHS digital
covid pass via the NHS app, making it easier
It tells how it widens as its journey proceeds, to prove their vaccination status for those
and of winding through marshes of rushes and reeds; countries which require this. Vaccination
clinics are still open for children aged 12-15
it tells of the boats that are moored at its side who have not yet had 2 doses, and also for
and how it grows brackish with salt on the tide; children aged 5-11 who are particularly at
how it passes the islands, each jetty and quay risk.
and out through the harbour and into the sea. I was delighted that Dorset is going to see
increased investment in our schools through
She looks from her window through the gnarled apple tree becoming an “Education Investment Area”.
This money will be targeted to support and
as the stream still flows by on its way to the sea help children from all backgrounds to
where its waters become vapour and clouds form and grow succeed at the very highest levels. For many years Dorset had a low level of
to replenish the chalk with their rain and their snow educational funding, and it is something that I have campaign to improve.
and she continues to listen, it feels like a dream Education is such an important priority, and it’s great that the Government
recognises the need, and is now delivering for our children and young
to live in a cottage right next to a stream. people.
Chris Nother

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