LACE UP YOUR BOOTS AND GET OUT AND ABOUT - 👟👟

A report by Duncan Williams

The Pulman's patch of East Devon, South Somerset & West Dorset offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country, with rolling hills, winding rivers, and charming villages. For those looking to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the benefits of walking this Bank Holiday, these areas offer an abundance of picturesque country walks.

Taking a walk is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your physical and mental health. Not only does walking get your blood flowing and your muscles working, but it can also reduce stress, improve mood, and increase creativity. With the added benefits of fresh air and scenic views, walking in the countryside is a perfect way to improve your overall wellbeing.

One of the best walks in East Devon is the Otter Valley Trail, a 12-mile route that takes you through the stunning East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The trail follows the River Otter, passing through woodland, meadows, and wetlands, and offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and countryside. The route is accessible to walkers of all abilities and is a great way to immerse yourself in nature.

Another popular walk is the Blackdown Hills Circular Walk, a 7 mile route that takes you through the heart of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This walk offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, as well as historic landmarks such as the Wellington Monument and the village of Hemyock.

In South Somerset, the Ham Hill Country Park Walk is a must-do. This circular route takes you around the beautiful Ham Hill, an Iron Age hill fort with stunning views of the Somerset Levels. The walk is relatively easy, and there are plenty of benches along the way to stop and take in the scenery.

For a longer walk, the South West Coast Path offers 630 miles of stunning coastline to explore, with sections passing through West Dorset. This world-renowned trail offers breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the British coast.

So, during these forthcoming Bank Holiday breaks let's all take advantage of our outstanding network of public footpaths and rights of way.

Taking a walk in the country is not only good for your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. With an abundance of interconnected walks across East Devon, South Somerset & West Dorset, there has never been a better time to lace up your walking boots and explore the great outdoors.

Respect the countryside and enjoy yourselves!

ELECTION TIME IS WHEN WE OUGHT TO VALUE LOCAL JOURNALISM ALL THE MORE - 📰🗞️

 Report from the Editor's Desk by Duncan Williams

The local elections are fast approaching and as someone who values the importance of a free and democratic society, I believe that regional journalism has a vital role to play in upholding local democracy now more than ever. In today's world, where social media and big tech companies dominate the news landscape, it is becoming increasingly difficult for local communities to stay informed about the issues that affect our daily lives. This is where regional journalism comes in, and I am proud to be a part of it.

On 4th May, 2023, British people across the country are invited to go to the polls to select our district councillors, unitary authorities, and directly-elected mayors. A lot of choices need to be made and sometimes we may require a little extra help sifting through the chaff and wheat.

Did you know, sometimes political candidates don't tell the truth?

Regional journalism serves as a watchdog for local communities, shining a light on the actions of local governments, businesses, and individuals. It is through the work of regional journalists that we are able to hold those in power accountable and ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their constituents. Without this type of journalism, it is all too easy for those in power to operate in the shadows, making decisions that benefit themselves rather than the communities they serve.

In addition to holding those in power accountable, regional journalism also plays a vital role in keeping communities informed about important issues. This is especially important in today's world, where misinformation and fake news are rampant.

The recent dirty tricks used by some political parties, who print and publish one-off, pseudo local newspapers, filled with bias coverage in favour of their own candidates, is unacceptable and deceptive. Be wary of these fake papers, if they are ever pushed through your letterbox, I suggest you bin them. They are particularly galling to those of us working in the genuine news industry, who know too well the struggles involved in keeping a real newspaper brand alive and kicking.

By providing accurate and trustworthy information, real journalists help to combat the spread of misinformation and ensure that local communities are making informed decisions.

Furthermore, regional journalism also helps to foster a sense of community and belonging. By reporting on local events, issues, and individuals, regional journalists help to create a shared sense of identity among local residents. This is especially important in today's world, where many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities.

Despite the vital role that local journalism plays in upholding democracy, it is facing unprecedented challenges. The decline of print media, the rise of digital media, and the dominance of big tech companies have all contributed to a decline in regional journalism. Many local newspapers have closed down, and those that remain are often struggling to stay afloat.

Pulman's is a heritage brand that has provided trusted news since 1857. As editor, I am fortunate to have a small but dedicated team that feels passionate about our work.

It is imperative that we recognise the importance of journalism and take steps to support it. This includes investing in local newspapers, whether electronic or print, supporting local journalists, and encouraging the development of new and innovative media outlets. By doing so, we can ensure that local communities have access to the information they need to make informed decisions, hold those in power accountable, and maintain a healthy and vibrant democracy.

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED OPENING UP A FARM SHOP? 🧺🥚 🍅 🍞 🍖 🍾

Farm shops have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more interested in buying fresh, organic, locally produced food. For some West Country farmers, a farm shop could be a great way to sell their products directly to consumers, while also supporting the local economy. In this article, Pulman's Weekly News explores how our farmers could launch their own farm shop and make it a success.

Step 1: Identify Your Products and Market

The first step in launching a successful farm shop is to identify the products you want to sell and the market you want to target. You may already have a good idea of what products you want to sell, but it's worth doing some market research to ensure that there is demand for your products in your local area.

In addition to the products you grow or raise on your farm, you may also want to consider selling other locally produced goods, such as cheese, bread, or honey. This can help you to offer a wider range of products and attract more customers.

Step 2: Choose a Location

The next step is to choose a location for your farm shop. Ideally, you want a location that is easily accessible for customers and has plenty of parking. You may also want to consider a location that is visible from the road, as this can help to attract passing trade.

If you have an existing farm building that you can convert into a shop, this can be a good option. Alternatively, you may want to consider seeking planning permission and building a new shop on your farm or renting a space in a nearby town or village.

Step 3: Develop a Business Plan

Before you launch your farm shop, it's important to develop a business plan. This should include details on your products, your target market, your pricing strategy, and your marketing plan.

We are very fortunate in East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset to have a ready supply of visitors during the holiday seasons. These tourists can make very good customers. But outside of these potential boom months, will the number of local shoppers be enough to keep the business afloat? Remember to bear this in mind when doing your business plan.

You'll also need to consider your other costs, such as rent, utilities, and staff wages, as well as your projected revenue. This will help you to determine whether your farm shop is financially viable and identify any potential challenges or risks.

Step 4: Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Once you have a business plan in place, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate your farm shop. This may include a food handler's permit, a retail license, insurance and necessary safety certificates.

You'll also need to ensure that your products comply with any relevant food safety regulations and labelling requirements.

Step 5: Set Up Your Shop

With your permits and licenses in place, you can start setting up your farm shop. This may include purchasing equipment, such as refrigerators and display cases, as well as shelving, signage, and other decor to make your shop attractive and welcoming to customers.

When setting up your shop, it's important to consider the layout and flow of the space. You want to make sure that customers can easily navigate the shop and find what they're looking for. You may also want to consider offering samples of your products to encourage customers to try them.

Step 6: Market Your Farm Shop

Finally, you'll need to market your farm shop to attract customers. This may include advertising in local newspapers, websites or on social media, hosting events or tastings, and reaching out to local businesses and organisations to offer your products.

You may also want to consider offering loyalty programmes or discounts to encourage repeat customers, as well as online ordering and delivery to reach customers who may not be able to visit your shop in person.

All in all, launching a farm shop could be a great way for West Country farmers to sell their products directly to consumers and support the local economy. By following these steps and developing a clear plan, farmers can start thinking about ways to create a successful and profitable farm shop that meets the needs of their target market and provides a unique and valuable rural shopping experience for customers.

WHY I AM WARY OF BECOMING TOO WOKE - 😳

As a former tabloid journalist and now editor of Pulman's Weekly News, I have always been mindful of the impact my words and actions might have on others. However, in today's "woke" culture, it sometimes feels like the goalposts are constantly shifting, and it can be hard to know what is considered acceptable.

One potential risk is the phenomenon of "cancel culture," where individuals are publicly shamed and ostracised for expressing views or engaging in behaviours deemed offensive or harmful by certain groups. While I believe it's important to call out genuine instances of harm or discrimination, cancel culture can also be a blunt instrument that shuts down debate and stifles free expression.

So how might I find myself on the wrong side of woke culture? It could be as simple as expressing a controversial opinion on social media, or using humour or irony that is misinterpreted by some as offensive. It could be participating in an event or organisation that others deem problematic, or even associating with individuals who have been "cancelled" themselves.

Of course, the tricky thing about cancel culture is that it often operates in a highly subjective and unpredictable way. What one person considers a harmless joke, another might see as deeply offensive. What one group deems a legitimate expression of free speech, another might label as hate speech.

All of this can be daunting, but I believe the key is to stay true to one's own values and principles, while also being receptive to feedback and willing to learn from others. It's important to engage in thoughtful dialogue and debate, rather than simply writing off anyone who disagrees with us.

At the end of the day, we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others, and to strive for a more inclusive and just society. But we also need to be careful not to let cancel culture become a form of censorship that shuts down important conversations and stifles the diversity of viewpoints that are essential to a healthy democracy.

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly