We are no longer printing this list of local non-profit organisations in the magazine.
In each issue we will feature one or two organisations in more detail, so please contact the editor (editor@thebridgemagazine.org) if you would like to appear.
There is no charge for either an entry in our online list or an article in the magazine, although the latter is limited by space available and cannot be guaranteed. Online entries are for non-profit community groups and clubs and their events (not ticketed events such as concerts). It is each group’s responsibility to ensure that the information in their entry is up to date.
Organisations are of course welcome to buy advertising space in the print edition to publicise their activities and events.
Unless otherwise stated, all phone numbers are Bridport (01308).
THE ARTS
Bridport Art Society is a friendly, non-profit group of artists at all levels of experience that aims to encourage interest in and practice of the visual arts. Its annual summer exhibition celebrates members’ creativity. www.bridportart.com and on Facebook & Instagram.
Bridport Embroiderers meet in St Swithun’s Hall on the 3rd Friday, 10am–3.30pm. Programme includes visiting tutors and caters for beginners and those more experienced in machine and hand embroidery. Many other techniques covered. Monthly fee plus materials. Contact Bridget 07952 517764 / bmtrump@icloud.com
The New Arts Group meets at Bridport Town Hall for fascinating talks on a wide range of topics. £10 per person to cover costs (no membership fee). Tea/coffee from 1.30pm (£1), talk starts at 2pm. For details of the next meeting contact jenifer.morley@btinternet.com
Bridport Camera Club meets most Wednesdays September–May, 7–10pm, at Bridport Town Hall. Members follow all kinds of photographic interests on smartphone, digital camera or film. Non-members £5. Come along or visit www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.
DANCE & DRAMA
Friday Dance Group for women meets every Friday 11.30am–12.30pm at St Mary’s Church House Hall, South St. Come and enjoy dancing as you like to a range of music. First session free. Details from Sue 425037.
Bridport Youth Dance offers classes in tap, contemporary dance, street and hip-hop for children and young people aged 5–19 (street) and 7–19 (contemporary). Also Move & Groove for age 40+ – find your flow with creative dance/improvisation classes every Friday 10.15– 11.15am at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury. Limited space available. To enrol or for more details contact Nikki Northover on 07378 387806 or nikkinorthover43@gmail.com / www.bridportyouthdance.org.uk
Bridport Folk Dance Club meets every Monday 7.15–9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street. All welcome, including beginners. Phone 458165 or 459001.
Bridport Stage Company theatre group performs plays (sometimes musical) at The Bull Hotel, with proceeds to Samaritans. To get involved in future productions, email Valerie: tasterella@hotmail.co.uk. No experience is needed; all ages are welcome.
Bridport Scottish Dancers meet on Wednesdays mid-Sept to May at 7.15pm in St Mary’s Church House Hall, South St. All welcome, no partner required. £3 per session incl. refreshments. Basic tuition in first hour. Please wear soft shoes. Caroline 538141 / Tony 01297 560335 / www.bridportscottishdancers.org.uk
EMERGENCY SERVICES
The National Coastwatch Institution works with other emergency services to keep people safe along our coastline. Volunteer watchkeepers always needed for lookouts at Burton Bradstock and Charmouth. Contact Station Manager Judy Clarke: judy.clarke@nci.org.uk
Bridport St John Ambulance unit meets at TS Keppel, West Allington, on Mondays. Cadets (aged 10–18) 6–7.30pm, adults 7.30–9pm. Volunteers are always welcome to join the unit. For details contact the unit manager: caroline.rendell@sja.org.uk
ENVIRONMENT & ACTION
Bridport Tree Planting Group plants & gives away 1,000 trees a year in public and private spaces around Bridport. Three free saplings available per household. Help needed to water and weed young trees. Contact joe@thehacketts.uk for details and to receive newsletter. www.westdorsetfriendsoftheearth.org.uk/index.php/more-trees-please
MMMM! Monday Movie, Meal & Mingling from West Dorset Commons & Sustainable Bridport. Mondays 6–10pm in the White Room, Chapel in the Garden, East St (entry via Rax Lane). Inspiring documentaries and short films. Admission £3 to cover room hire (WDC members free). Food and drink available. www.westdorset.coop
Friends of Bridport Millennium Green: fundraising to support the open community garden, meadow and hill. Wildlife, birds and all things green. Fundraising talks, other events throughout the year. 423078 / bridportmillenniumgreen.co.uk/friends
GARDENING
Bridport & District Allotment Society (BADAS) is open to all. Membership is £5/year and gives discount at several gardening suppliers. Contact 250260 / email BADASHUB@outlook.com. More details online at www.bridportallotmentsociety.co.uk
Bridport & District Gardening Club will meet at the WI Hall, North Street, on Thursday 19 March at 7.30pm for the club’s AGM. For membership details and information visit www.bridportgardeningclub.co.uk
Walditch Garden Group All welcome to our monthly meeting on the last Thursday each month (not December) at 10am in Walditch Village Hall. Seasonal topics, ‘plant of the month’ and garden discussion with tea and coffee. Contact Jane Mowatt 07810 110461.
Bridport Community Orchard & Allotment group is open to all for sociable monthly working parties in the two orchards in Bridport. The allotment group meets on Thursdays at 2pm to grow and harvest fruit and veg together. www.bridportcommunityorchard.org.uk
GENERAL INTEREST
Bridport & District u3a is for people no longer in full-time employment. Monthly meetings 2pm on the 4th Tuesday each month (except December) in the United Church Hall, East St. The talk is about an hour, plus Q&A and refreshments. Members free, visitors £3. More than 60 u3a groups meet regularly, covering a huge range of interests. On 24 March, Brian and Jacqueline Sutton present ‘Johnny remember me’ about the exciting days of the 50s and 60s. Contact Alastair Forbes 07962 099530 / chair@bridportu3a.uk
www.bridport.u3asite.uk
West Dorset Flower Club at the WI Hall, North St, 2.30pm on the 2nd Monday each month with speakers and demonstrations. On 9 March, Angie Blackwell will demonstrate ‘Springtime’. Phone 456339.
Bridport & District RNLI holds five or six events (including Seatown BBQ) each year to raise money. Volunteers always needed. Contact Sadie 07811 470127 or Annie 07790 713156.
Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) in support of the National Trust, holds illustrated talks in the United Church Hall, East St. No March meeting but on Mon 27 April at 2.30pm, Richard Wirdnam presents ‘Reminiscences of a dancing man’. Non-members £5. Sarah Nicks 459855 / www.goldencapnt.org.uk
Bridport History Society meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except July & August) at the United Church Hall, 2.15 for 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5pp. Membership £12 individual / £18 couple. www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk
Somerset & Dorset Family History Society (West Dorset Group) meets at Loders Village Hall. Members £1, visitors £3. Email Jane: jferentzi@aol.com
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Bridport Blind Club is a social club for the visually impaired. It meets twice a month for tea, entertainment & chat. Part of Dorset Blind Association, which provides personal and technical help. Ian Ibbotson 898484.
The Harmony Centre provides friendly, informal support for local adults of all ages (18+) who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Call in during opening hours (Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am–1pm) to find out how we can help you. Unit 1, The Tower Building, St Michael’s Estate (enter via courtyard off Foundry Lane DT6 3RR). 01308 801154.
Bridport Community Front Room offers face-to-face and phone support with mental health practitioners and peer specialists for people reaching a mental health crisis point or needing wellbeing support. Thursday to Sunday 2.15–9.45pm at The Harmony Centre, address above. Phone 07385 290804.
Bridport Access Wellbeing is a new drop-in service for advice on mental health and emotional wellbeing, or practical help on topics such as finances, work, housing or support for carers. No appointment or referral needed. Wednesdays 10am–3pm at The Harmony Centre as above.
ASCape offers social opportunities and support for autistic young people and those with social anxiety aged 4–25 and their families. Contact info@ascapegroup.org or visit www.ascapegroup.org
Life+line Bereavement Support is a Parish of Bridport initiative for people of all faiths or none, meeting in a supportive, confidential environment to listen to and encourage one another in our experience of grief. Fourth Monday of every month 2.30–4pm at Greenfields, Bridport Community Hospital. Contact Diana Wright 456967.
Bridport Stroke Club meets weekly Sept–Christmas and Feb–July at the Community Room, Vernon’s Court. Contact Chris Farmer: agricols@icloud.com
Age UK’s Forget-Me-Not dementia support group offers support and information to people living with dementia and their caregivers. Entertainment, speakers and refreshments. Bridport Youth & Community Centre, Gundry Lane, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 1.30–3pm. £2.50pp. Phone 01305 269444.
The Living Tree Cancer Support Group for anyone affected by cancer: patients, families, carers, friends. Counselling, complementary therapies, creative activities and friendship, all free of charge. Drop-in session every Friday 2.15–4pm at the Friends Meeting House, South St, to meet, relax and talk. All welcome. 07341 916976 / mail@thelivingtree.org.uk / www.thelivingtree.org.uk
Multiple sclerosis (MS) support group for those living with MS, their carers and partners. A chance to talk through your diagnosis, concerns and support, plus gentle exercise and Tai Chi with Françoise from Chi Zone Dorchester. 2nd Wednesday each month, 11am–1.30pm, at The Old Pizzeria, Bull Hotel, East St, Bridport DT6 3LF. Email dorset@mssociety.org.uk
MUSIC
West Dorset Singers meet for choral rehearsals in the United Church Hall on Tuesdays at 7.30pm from September to May. Contact membership secretary Jill Edwards membership@westdorsetsingers.org
Bridport Choral Society rehearses on Monday evenings at 7.30pm at the United Church Hall. Contact Fiona Kenward fekenward@gmail.com
West Dorset Music Community Orchestra meets on Wednesdays in term time 6.30–7.45pm at the Christian Fellowship Hall in East Street car park. Contact 456297 /www.westdorsetmusic.org.uk
Voices of Hope Singing Group is open to all ages and abilities. Easy, uplifting, joyful songs from around the world, some rounds and some in parts. Fridays at 11am in Borough Gardens (off South St) or in The Chapel in the Garden if wet. Suggested donation £5. janesilvercorren@gmail.com / 07887 675161.
Playful Singing – open circle singing and structured improvisation with fun exercises. Create raised vibes together. Tuesdays 1pm at BYCC, Gundry Lane. Led by Pen 07713 008290. All notes are the right notes. All abilities can join in. Donations welcome.
The u3a Singers Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at the WI Hall in North Street, 10am for a 10.30am start. All welcome (no audition). Contact Heather 425219 / www.bridport.u3asite.uk
Salway Ash Acoustic Sessions are on the first Tuesday every month at 8pm at the Anchor Inn. Sing, play, join in, listen, enjoy. Contact Harry Britton 421225.
Bellringers in the Parish of Bridport welcome new ringers and are happy to train you. St Mary’s Bridport: 7.30pm Thursdays. Contact Bob Hardwick 07977 989263. Holy Trinity Bradpole (where there is a ground-floor ringing chamber and training simulator): 7.30pm Tuesdays. htbrabells@parishofbridport.org
PASTIMES & GAMES
Bridport & District Model Railway Club meets Tuesdays at Askerswell Village Hall 7–9pm. Members can run their stock on the club ‘test track’ or operate a club layout. Chairman Geoff Purse 423220.
Bridport Community Carnival Committee enables both carnival processions to happen on the third weekend of August each year. Would you like to get involved with planning this sociable event for 2026? Contact joycedunford@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.bridportcarnival.co.uk
Burton Bradstock Duplicate Bridge Group meets at the village hall on Tuesdays 1.45–4.45pm. Contact Kathy 485626.
Bridport Bridge Club at St Swithun’s Hall Tuesday afternoons (beginners/rusty players; not 4th Tuesday), Wednesday evenings & Friday afternoons (relaxed; not 3rd Friday), plus online Thursday evenings. Martin Angold 861120 / www.bridgewebs.com/bridport
Whist Drive at St Swithun’s Hall, 2nd Friday each month. Beginners & improvers 7–7.15pm, experienced players from 7pm. Drive starts 7.30pm. Surplus proceeds go to the Living Tree charity. Entry £5 incl. raffle tickets. 07528 189815 / Bridport Whist Drive on Facebook.
PETS
Bridport Dog Training Society has been active for 60+ years and meets on Monday evenings at St Mary’s Church House Hall, South St. Contact club secretary Sue Palfrey 07787 289425. A trained dog is a happy dog!
RESOURCES
Bridport Food Bank provides support for anyone in the Bridport area in need of food, household supplies, advice and support, or just a cuppa and chat. St Mary’s Church, South St, on Monday evenings 5–6.30pm and Wednesdays 11am–1pm. www.bridportfoodbank.org / info@bridportfoodbank.org / 07443 596096
Bridport Clothes Bank collects good quality, clean clothing and redistributes it free of charge. St Swithun’s Church Hall Thursdays 9–10.15am; BYCC Hall, Gundry Lane, 1st Saturday each month 12–12.45pm; Prout Bridge Community Centre, Beaminster, 2nd & 4th Mondays each month 10am–noon. Clothing is also available in the St Swithun’s Hall entrance so the public can help themselves if the building is open. Contact 07596 077385 / BridportCB@outlook.com / Bridport ClothesBank on Facebook.
Bridport Community Fridge redistributes surplus food free or for a donation. Usually Tues and Sat 10–11.30am at The Chapel in the Garden, East St. Also at St Swithun’s Church with Bridport Food Surplus Stall on Thursdays 9.30–11.30am. See their Facebook page or email events@bridportunitarians.co.uk
Bridport & District Good Neighbour Scheme provides help for people in the community needing transport to medical appointments who cannot use public transport, do not qualify for the hospital car scheme, have no friends or family to help and cannot afford taxi fares. Donation to cover cost of the journey if possible. Contact 07778 211140.
SOCIAL
Friends at Greenfields is a social get-together for those on their own or simply needing a bit of company. Every Thursday 10am–3pm at Greenfields, Bridport Community Hospital. Contact Lyn Goward 488272.
Bridport Community Shed, between Mountfield and Bedford Place, has drop-in sessions Mon, Weds & Thurs 10am–12 noon and stitching on the 1st Tuesday each month 7–9pm. Also a weekly Arts for Wellbeing group, a monthly creative session for 11–18yr olds and a weekly peer group session for 18–25yr olds. Email bridportcommunityshed@gmail.com
Bridport Royal British Legion meets on the 3rd Saturday each month at 10am for a coffee morning. Come along to our hall in Victoria Grove for a chat about membership and activities. The hall is also available for private/group hire. Contact Linda 425664 (hall bookings) or Mike Thompson 07974 534945 / mickey_thompson56@hotmail.com (membership).
Bridport Inner Wheel meets monthly at Haddon House, West Bay, to enjoy friendship and listen to speakers as well as helping the community. Contact Pat Bowditch 07791 176632 / pat_bowditch@hotmail.com
The Rotary Club of Bridport meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6 for 6.30pm at Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club, Burton Rd DT6 4QT. Plus fundraising and social activities on other dates and elsewhere. We help good causes locally, nationally and internationally and support the local community. Mike Green 07909 990693 / mikegreen@greenmail.net
Bridport & Lyme Regis Royal Air Forces Assn meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6pm in various locations. Whether currently serving in the RAF, a veteran, a family member, or if you just want to do your bit to help, you are always welcome to join us. Bill Davies 281200 / buccbill@hotmail.com
Colmer WI meets 2nd Thursday each month at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, North St. Visitors welcome for a no-obligation evening. sarah.fletcher33@hotmail.co.uk
Bridport Lions Club meets 2nd Tuesday each month at 7pm at Haddon House Hotel, West Bay. Also social evenings on some 4th Tuesdays, plus fundraising events in aid of individuals and community groups. Sheila Greenaway 07930 636804 / bridportlionsclub@outlook.com / www.bridportlionsclub.org
Beaminster & Bridport Probus Club meets on the 2nd Monday each month at the Red Lion Hotel, Beaminster, 10.30 for 11am for a coffee morning and a talk by a club member on a subject of their choice. Also 4th Monday each month at the Haddon House Hotel, West Bay, 12 for 12.30pm, for lunch plus a talk by a guest speaker. probus.meakins@btinternet.com
Bridport Branch Royal Naval Association meets on the 3rd Thursday each month at 7 for 7.30pm in the Bridport & District Social Club, North St. Ex-matelots & all other ex-military welcome. Refreshments available. Contact elainestephenson2019@gmail.com
SPORT & FITNESS
Bridport St Mary’s Parkrun is a weekly, free, timed run or walk organised by volunteers. Saturdays 9am, St Mary’s Field. Great fun for all ages and abilities. Register online then bring your barcode on your phone or printed. www.parkrun.org.uk/stmarys and on Facebook.
Bridport Health Walks are free gentle walks around town: 30 minutes every Wednesday and about 60 mins on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Meet in front of the United Church on East St at 9.45am and return for hot refreshments. No need to book, just turn up. 01305 252222 / sarah.davies@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Stepping Out Bridport is an exercise and wellbeing programme, led by trained rehabilitation instructors, for people living with or beyond cancer. Monday & Thursday mornings at the Pavilion, Bridport Leisure Centre. All ages welcome. Contact j.perfect@bridportleisure.com / www.steppingoutbridport.co.uk
West Bay Harriers Bridport-based off-road running group. One-hour trail on footpaths, etc., Mondays 7pm from in front of The Woodman, South Street. Headtorches in winter. No charge. Pete Brown 07762 257212.
Jurassic Amateur Boxing Club trains at BYCC, Gundry Lane, on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.45–7.30pm and Sundays 9.45–11.30am. Under-18s £3 per session; over-18s £4. Minimum age 9/10. All coaches are England Boxing qualified and first aid trained with enhanced DBS checks. Friendly, inclusive club open to children and adults of both sexes. On TikTok @jurassic.abcon / email jurassicamateurboxingclub@gmail.com
YOUNG PEOPLE
Girlguiding West Dorset has Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger groups in the Bridport area. Open to girls aged 4+ and adults, we offer an inclusive space for fun and friendship and a wide range of activities within a progressive programme offering opportunities and awards. Contact girlguidingwestdorset@gmail.com / www.girlguiding.org.uk
The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares creative writing charity runs free workshops for children and young adults in local schools and elsewhere. Come and join our Marvellous Mentors supporting children to find their voice. No experience necessary. www.thebankofdreamsandnightmares.org/volunteering
Bridport Youth Club runs sessions in three age groups (7–11, 11–13, 13–17) on Wednesday and Friday evenings in term time. Activities range from art sessions, bike maintenance, crafts and various sports to a music room, recording studio, pool room and tuck shop. £2 a session at BYCC, Gundry Lane, DT6 3RL. bridport.youth@gmail.com / www.bridportycc.com