December 2, 2024
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News and Features

News

‘Quirky Bridport’ celebrated in book

A book celebrating the quirky, the amusing and tales of the downright odd in Bridport over the centuries has been published by the town’s museum. Quirky Bridport, penned by museum volunteer Tegwyn Jones, contains 80 illustrated stories about Bridport and nearby villages, with support from Bridport 24 – Town of Culture. Tegwyn collected the stories […]

News

Trailblazing Sylvia Townsend Warner will be immortalised in sculpture

There are so few statues of women in the UK. Only in 2022, Mary Anning became the first non-royal woman to be commemorated in this way in Dorset. Now plans are afoot to celebrate another of Dorset’s trailblazing dames, with a statue of writer and LGBTQ+ pioneer Sylvia Townsend Warner in Dorchester’s South Street. A […]

News

Misterton Garage has been keeping you on the road for more than 100 years

For more than 100 years, motorists have been stopping at Misterton’s garage to get their fuel. And Mark Hillier has been there for more than half a century, having arrived there aged just 18 months with dad Nick and mum Liz in 1971. “There are still customers who come in and call me Nick,” Mark […]

News

A commercial property company with passion for heritage and an eye for the future

There’s a very good reason why DJ Property doesn’t deal in the residential market – the emotional cost of inevitable evictions. The firm, which owns 200 or more commercial properties, all in South Dorset, was founded by a man who knew how devastating it is to lose your home. David Jones launched his commercial property […]

News

Spooky events for Halloween

There’s a frightening amount of spooky goings on for Halloween, with events over two weeks. From October 19 until November 4 at 10am Minterne Gardens’ Halloween Trails are back, and this year will be the best yet! Embark on a magical, spine-chilling adventure through 27 acres of the enchanting Himalayan gardens, where surprises lurk around […]

News

Prison boss speaks out at Bridport Library

As Britain’s failing prison system continues to make headlines, a talk by ex prison governor and Home Office official Ian Acheson at Bridport Literary Festival next month couldn’t be more timely. With expertise in security, safety, and reform, Mr Acheson leads the Counter Extremism Project’s research on Islamist extremism, risk management, de-radicalisation, and reintegration of […]

News

Nude the Obscure! Naturist club will be taking a trip to Dorset Museum

The Crown Jewels will be on display at a special evening opening at The Dorset Museum. No, not those Crown Jewels, but those of a horde of naked history…er… buffs. There’s a special deal for British Naturism members, at £16 for the event, on Tuesday, September 17 from 6.30pm till 10.30pm. It’s £20 for non-members. […]

News

Say hello to the West Dorset Magazine at Dorset County Show

Our illustrious cartoonist Lyndon Wall has created this Roald Dahl inspired front cover of September’s edition of the West Dorset Magazine, especially for the Dorset County Show. Miranda and I, depicted as The Twits, along with Lyndon and a medley of family members, will be at the show on both days, Saturday and Sunday, September […]

News

A Green Man found lurking in Thorncombe Woods

This is the gnarly face of the Green Man who was found lurking in Thorncombe Woods by 12-year-old Spencer, who spotted him when out walking with his grandparents. While most images of the Green Man are sculpted, particularly those in churches, or carved in trees, this character looks like he has grown naturally over time, […]

Welcome to The West Dorset Magazine

We are Bird Media – two experienced journalists who have decided to break free and launch
their own news publication The West Dorset Magazine.

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Miranda Robertson

Editor Miranda Robertson has worked for a number of local papers, including the Dorset Echo, Salisbury Journal and The New Blackmore Vale. She lives in Maiden Newton with her husband Peter, son Robert, jug PugsieMfanwy, pug Hugo and the ginger ninja Kitten Mitten.

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Karen Bate cartoon small

Karen Bate

Karen Bate has worked for the Salisbury Journal, Wiltshire Living Magazine, Bournemouth Echo and The New Blackmore Vale. She lives with husband Stuart, daughter Florence, dogs Jarvis and Buddy and cat Milton. There’s also a bonkers horse called Mars in her menagerie.
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