Category: Uncategorized
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The yellow-legged hornet threatens our native bees
March 2026 In late November a resident of Swyre noticed a strange-looking nest high up in a tree. The nest had the same look as a wasp nest but was much bigger and in a more exposed position than a wasp nest would usually be found. The resident reported the nest to the National Bee…
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Homes for Heroes: the development of Bridport’s ‘garden suburb’
February 2026 At the end of World War 1 there was a severe housing shortage. Prime Minister David Lloyd George launched the Homes for Heroes initiative to construct inexpensive council homes for returning service members, prompting Bridport Town Council (BTC) to launch a house-building programme financed by the 1919 Housing Act subsidies. BTC bought land…
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In the pod: illustrator Terry Whitworth
December 2025 / January 2026 This issue’s stunning cover is the work of illustrator Terry Whitworth, who is well known in Bridport for his images of the town’s buildings. We caught up with Terry to find out about his life, career and inspirations… The Bridge: Terry, thank you so much for letting us use your…
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From Dorset to Italy: local author Rosanna Ley’s latest book takes readers on an emotional journey
December 2025 / January 2026 Author and writing tutor Rosanna Ley lives in West Bay and writes wonderful novels full of compelling plots and relatable characters. Her most recent book, The Italian Flame, was published this year. We met her near her home to find out more… Words by Annette Shaw Photos courtesy of Rosanna…
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An attitude of gratitude
December 2025 / January 2026 As the turning point of the year approaches, many of us will reflect and wonder what 2026 has in store for family, friends and our community – and, indeed, globally. The Serenity Prayer* holds timeless wisdom and there’ll always be things we cannot change. However, nurturing a positive view on…
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A place to remember among the trees of the National Memorial Arboretum
November 2025 Regular contributor Robin Stapleton marks Remembrance Day with a visit to an inspiring place commemorating the lives lost in war… The 150-acre National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire honours those – military and civilian – who have served and continue to serve the nation. Planting began in 1997 and there are now around 30,000…
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In the pod: Martin Clunes
October 2025 Actor and author Martin Clunes is quite a familiar face in these parts, as he lives in the countryside near Beaminster with his family and pops into Bridport fairly regularly. He is appearing at this year’s Bridport Literary Festival talking to Jo Willett about his latest book, the delightful Meetings with Remarkable Animals.…
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In the pod: Margie Barbour
September 2025 It’s a thing. An interactive one. And it’s coming to Bridport. Currently showing in London’s West End, the play Every Brilliant Thing, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, stars a rotating cast of actors including Lenny Henry and Sue Perkins. As part of the Allington Arts Weekend, the Bridport production is directed…
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Pick up a book from the Walditch village library
September 2025 Walditch resident and local librarian David Brazier takes us on a tour of the village’s book-filled, repurposed phone box… A few weeks after I moved to Walditch, my lovely neighbour asked me to look after the book exchange, which is housed in a red telephone box on the main road of this chocolate-box-pretty…
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Remembering former editor Valerie Payne
September 2025 Valerie Payne, formerly the editor of this magazine, died on 30 May aged 91. Her funeral was on 16 June at St Mary’s Bridport, where she worshipped and was a lay minister for many years. Valerie worked tirelessly in the community of Bridport and in the parish of St Mary’s. She was extremely…