Category: Uncategorized
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It’s good to talk: men’s support groups boost wellbeing and can even save lives
July/August 2025 What is it with men? Edmund Brand takes a look at the worrying issues around men’s mental health, and discovers what some local groups are doing to help… Although NHS data says that 12.5% of men have a mental health disorder, the true figure is likely to be higher – after all, men…
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Estonia piano is the key to music at St Swithun’s
July/August 2025 The Estonia grand piano in St Swithun’s Church has an unusual history. It was supplied new in 1982 by Morley’s of Lewisham, and its original owner, Richard Godfrey, enjoyed playing it and giving informal concerts at home. In 2010, when Richard and his wife decided to downsize, they considered living in France, and…
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A lifetime’s connection to farming: Melplash Agricultural Society President John Bugler
July/August 2025 Ahead of the Melplash Show in August, we meet this year’s president, John Bugler, and discover what the show – and the Melplash Agricultural Society’s wider activities – have to offer, whether you’re a farmer, a confirmed townie, or somewhere in between… Words by Annette Shaw Photo of John and his dog Arthur…
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In the pod: Simon Wakely
June 2025 Funeral Director Simon Wakely is a familiar figure in Bridport – so much so that shopping in the town with his wife is impossible because so many people stop him for a chat. And this year he looks set to become even more well known as he starts a two-year term as chairman…
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Bridport Bright & Beautiful: meet the women behind this month’s display of quilts and flowers
June 2025 From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June, St Mary’s Church in South Street will be transformed by displays of colourful quilts and fragrant flower arrangements. About 20 quilts will be on show, many of them rich in personal meaning as well as artistry. A team of about 15 florists will select flowers for…
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Bridport Local Area Partnership: working together to get results
May 2025 The Bridport Local Area Partnership (BLAP) is one of the most influential local organisations, but many people have no idea what it does. Because it’s made up of other existing groups and bodies, it beavers away in the background – yet in terms of local impact delivers more ‘bang for your buck’ than its member organisations could ever produce alone. BLAP dates back about…
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In the pod: artist Josie Holliday
April 2025 In the Pod this month is artist Josie Holliday, who delights everyone around her with her love of colour and joyful, uplifting themes. We met her to discover more about her work and her fascinating life… The Bridge: Josie, it’s so good to meet you – and we love your art! Tell us…
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Some thoughts on philosophy and faith
April 2025 Philosophy offers pathways through which we can explore the nature of faith, reality and our being. Open-ended enquiry is essential and through refinement in thinking can result in a mind that is free of judgement, free of the ‘mote in the eye’ that St Paul speaks of. We begin, then, by seeing the…
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The spring hare: nature’s power to heal and refresh
April 2025 March is already turning into April after the winter storms of both weather and world affairs. Turning our attention to the awakening of Nature around us can be a blessing. The poet William Wordsworth knew this when he greeted 1 March 1798 with: It is the first mild day of March: Each minute…
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In the pod: The Revd John Rees
March 2025 The Revd John Rees has been active in ministry in the Parish of Bridport for just over a year now, so we thought it was time we caught up with him to find out how things are going – and to learn a bit more about his life and career… The Bridge: A…