𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

Cllr Slade has followed up her previous communication. She has had a series of meetings relating to the bus service in Bere Regis. More Bus have explained that it is not commercially viable to run a service between Poole or Wareham and Bere Regis and this is unlikely to change. The population is simply not large enough to ensure that a bus would be filled on each trip. Dorset Council funds a number of ‘Socially Necessary’ services for communities that would otherwise be cut off – the CR9 is one such service, running between Dorchester and Blandford via Bere Regis and currently running Monday to Friday. It is hoped that this service will be extended to include Saturdays in 2026.

The Parish Council will look at an additional service operating under S22 of the Transport Act 1985 which would allow for a planned, timetabled service to be provided by a community operator and commissioned by a Parish Council or Bus User Group and run by Dorset Community Transport (DCT). Should we wish to go down this route, it would be possible to apply for a grant from Dorset Council, alongside allocating parish funds. The S22 allows the operator to charge a fare and pay a driver with the required insurances and other regulations. The operator (probably DCT) would confirm a price for the service. Preparatory work would required to determine need before this course of action was considered.

Cllr Beddow informed the meeting the Wool Parish Council are looking into setting up a regular bus service visiting Wareham and Poole. We will be making contact with them to see if this is something Bere Regis can also assist with.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆

Thanks are extended to all those who helped on the day. There was a wonderful turnout and the weather was kind. The only downfall was that a car tried to go down the road as the parade was moving up it. We would ask drivers to be more mindful in future years.

𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Many residents still approach councillors saying they are not aware of what is happening in the parish. Not everyone is on Facebook or has the Parish Magazine. It was felt that a quarterly newsletter would go some way to alleviating this. This will be raised at the next meeting with a view to the first letter being issued in the first quarter of 2026.

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸

Discussion also took place regarding the use of Facebook for Parish Council information. At present, information is posted to the Parish Council Facebook page and also to the Village Facebook page. However, due to the quantity of information constantly being posted to the village page, any information the Parish Council is trying to get to residents is quickly lost. The Parish Council is now considering not putting anything on the Village Facebook page but encouraging residents to ‘follow’ the Parish Council Facebook page so any information will be more readily available. The pros and cons of this action will be discussed at the December meeting.

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀

The cost of the Christmas trees has now been confirmed as £15.60 for a 4’ tree. There are still a few trees left if you would like to reserve one. Please contact the Clerk and forward payment by bank transfer – details available by emailing the Clerk.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

Complaints are being received about non-electric vehicles parking in the EV bays. It is appreciated that parking is limited but we would ask residents to be considerate and not use the electric charging bays. The car park is the responsibility of the Parish Council and we have to pay business rates on it. The small amount of income taken from the EV bays is the only way some of this cost can be offset.

In addition, parking during school drop off and pick up times is also causing issues. Once again, could we please ask that you park considerately, making sure you are not blocking driveways or access points.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀

The Bere Regis 2026 calendar is now on sale from Nisa at £5. For anyone who would like to have a photograph included in the 2027 calendar, now is the time to start thinking about it. Please forward photographs of the up and coming events and seasons to the Clerk for consideration.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀

There are now three vacancies for councillors on the Parish Council. Bere Regis is a very active Council with a great deal going on. If you would like to be a part of this and represent the community in which you live, please contact the Clerk for further information.

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 11th December 2025 commencing 7pm at the Village Hall. Items for discussion will include: 2026/27 budget; Facebook; quarterly newsletter; bus service; as well as all the usual monthly items. If you wish to have an item added to the agenda for discussion, please contact the Clerk or a member of the Parish Council. A full copy of the minutes is available on the Parish Council website.