The West Dorset Magazine, edition 5, April 8, 2022

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The West Dorset Magazine, April 8, 2022

Plant of the week...

Dandelion – Taraxacum officinale By botanist Dr Dave Aplin Disrespectfully described as lawn weeds, dandelions are amazing.

Although their ubiquity can make us blinkered to the beauty of their spring flowers. There’s a lot more to dandelions than you might first imagine. All parts are edible if prepared correctly, their flowers make a delicious wine but are also a vital food source for pollinating insects such as wild bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths. Curiously though, the actions of these pollinators are

seldom necessary because most dandelions develop seeds regardless of whether they have been fertilized or not. This process of asexual reproduction (apomixis) has given rise to over 250 distinct types in the UK alone, some of which are

UPHOLSTERY BEAMINSTER endangered on a worldwide UPHOLSTERY AND scale. So perhaps give the FURNITURE REPAIR humble dandelion a second Please ring Mike for a quote thought before weeding.

07470 007588 or email

beaminsterupholstery@gmail.com

Births, marriages and deaths

David did so much for community

By Dan Goater newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

Tributes have poured in following the sudden tragic death of community stalwart David Leader aged 65.

Former Metropolitan Police officer David Leader, who was a member of Broadwindsor Group Parish Council, leaves behind his wife Elaine and children Rosie and Ryan.

Mr Leader, who died suddenly in March, had lived in Broadwindsor with his family for ten years and was a pillar of the community.

In addition to serving on the parish council for eight years, Mr Leader worked part time at Broadwindsor Primary School and was chairman of the Parent Teacher Association for many years.

Mr Leader was also the chairman of the

INSPIRATIONAL: David Leader

Broadwindsor Community Sports Field, chairman of the Bridport Football Partnership, chairman of the Broadwindsor Group Parish Community Land Trust and a member of the Steering Committee of Beaminster Youth Club.

He also worked with the Beaminster Scouts group and was a qualified coach who worked for the Bridport Youth Football Club.

In a statement, Broadwindsor Group Parish Council said: “The parish council is so very saddened by the sudden passing of David Leader.

“An inspirational parish councillor, colleague and friend.

“The breadth of David’s active involvement in the local community including Comrades Hall, Hursey Common, the Community Shop, The White Lion, the Community Land Trust and School to name but a few is a true testament to his generous character and his passion for helping others.

“He will be greatly missed by so many across our communities. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Warm tributes have also been paid to Mr Learner online.

On Facebook, Jo Banner said: “Such sad news, a

truly, lovely genuine man.

“The village won’t be the same without him.

“Our love and thoughts to Elaine, Ryan and Rosie.”

Susanne Slater wrote: “This is such awful news.

Our thoughts are with Elaine, Rosie and Ryan.”

Adrian Gray posted: “Words do not describe the shock and sadness. David was a good friend and did so much for the village and others.

“He was especially helpful to the fun group and his help will be missed terribly. Love to his family.”

Dee Hayward said: “Thinking of you all at this sad time may he rest in peace. Sending our love to Elaine, Ryan and Rosie – you are in our prayers.”

Mr Learner’s family has asked that people make donations to charities supporting people in Ukraine in his memory.