The Bridge

Features & interviews from the magazine

  • Bridport Stage Company: a diverse, inclusive group preparing for their next production

    May 2026 It is 10 years since the indomitable Valerie Goodwin started the Bridport Stage Company. This year, the dynamic director, playwright and force of nature returns to her Shakespearean roots with a new production, Juliet & Her Romeo, which the group will perform at the end of May at Bridport Town Hall, with all…

  • In the Pod: Matt Kingston’s unusual route to the top of the musical tree

    May 2026 Musician Matt Kingston – also known by his professional name, Matthew Coleridge – was involved with Bridport choirs long before he became a leading light in the world of contemporary choral composition. His new album, The Breath of Life, was released a few weeks ago and two local choirs will be performing its…

  • Exciting times for music at the Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport

      May 2026 After Ali Davies’s interview last year for the position of head of music at the Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport, the head teacher took her into the main lobby to show her one of the school’s greatest treasures. And when Ali saw the Steinway concert grand piano tucked away under the…

  • Bridport Clothes Bank: an idea born amid war, now helping the whole community

      April 2026 Back in April 2022, during the early weeks of the war in Ukraine, an enterprising Bridport group started to collect clothing to send out to people in need in the newly occupied country. As the war progressed, some of the refugees accepted into the UK came to West Dorset, so emphasis was…

  • Mark the book! A round-up of tips for the National Year of Reading

    April 2026 An early-age foray into literature has the potential to last a lifetime. Yet reading appears to be on the decline, and a campaign launched recently to reverse – or least stall – the trend is timely. The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide initiative led by the National Literacy Trust and…

  • The Allington Hillbillies have nature in mind

    April 2026 Rising above the rooftops of North Allington, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, Allington Hill is a place where people come to enjoy fresh air and nature. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of local volunteers, led by Cathy Harvey and Steve Todd, work hard to keep the hill thriving. This group…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…