Renowned Victorian novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, pictured, will be celebrated at the 27th International Thomas Hardy Festival and Conference from July 25 – August 1 attracting literature buffs from across the globe. Lectures from keynote speakers followed by panel sessions at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester will give academics and scholars the opportunity to […]
There’s something wonderfully timeless about a summer agricultural show: the scent of fresh hay, the chorusing of livestock, the prize-winning produce. This August, the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show promises to pair that cherished tradition with a thrilling twist, as one of the world’s most exhilarating sports gallops into Dorset. Returning to Turnpike Showground, Motcombe on […]
A new book charts the military career of a Dorset Regiment soldier from Churchill’s secret Auxiliary Units to the liberation of Bergen-Belsen. SAS Rogue: The Clandestine Life of Peter Weaver by Major Peter Weaver and Dr Will Ward tells the story of a boy born in the Himalayas, whose father died while serving as an […]
Visitors and locals alike are being urged to learn about Weymouth’s fascinating history – and its many parallels with upmarket Bath, by going on a newly expanded heritage trail. We Are Weymouth – the town’s business improvement district (BID) says while hundreds of thousands of people visit for the beach, the harbour and all the […]
An accessible gaming café for adults with physical and learning disabilities has launched in Dorchester – turning a long-held dream into a reality for its creator. Louis Gale, 34, who has cerebral palsy, has wanted to open the café for some time, and held a few events at the Tank Museum in Bovington. But he […]
Here in West Dorset, people have been bringing their treasures to Duke’s of Dorchester for more than two centuries – and in that time the auction house has seen some staggering finds go for some truly eye-watering prices. For many who grew up in the 1980s, including myself, the Antiques Roadshow was Sunday nights, followed […]
More young adults with SEN are being recruited for retail internships at Asda Weymouth. Following the success of the first SEN supported internships programme with Asda Weymouth, a wider age group are being invited to apply. The internships start at the superstore in Newstead Road in September and offer real work experience and on-site tailored […]
A village swimming club has celebrated half a century of teaching kids. Bere Regis & District Swimming Club – The Orcas – was launched in June 1976, in the village school’s 10m pool. The first session attracted an incredible 120 people. As the years passed and more and more children’s clubs closed, the swimming club […]
An urgent crowdfunding appeal has been launched to secure the future of Bridport’s 250-year-old cultural landmark, The Lyric Theatre. Already, the Under This Roof appeal has raised more than £66,500 towards £100,000 needed for vital repairs before irreversible damage destroys the roof of the Grade II listed building. The Lyric’s roof has deteriorated badly over […]
We are Bird Media – two experienced journalists who have decided to break free and launch
their own news publication The West Dorset Magazine.
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.
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 Sir Alfred Sticks and Buddy and cat Milton. There’s also a bonkers horse called Mars in her menagerie.
