Dorset Council’s senior archaeologist has objected to the first phase of the North Dorchester Garden Community, saying the authority cannot make an informed decision because the developer has not dug the site. The North Dorchester Consortium, a partnership between Grainger Plc and Wyatt Homes, wants to build up to 3,750 homes. The first planning application […]
The chair of Cattistock Lawn Tennis Club has been talking to the West Dorset Magazine about their “fabulous” club and the many benefits of playing tennis on grass. Rosie Barfoot, who has served as chair for the past year, originally joined the club when knee pain meant that playing on harder surfaces became untenable. Rosie […]
By Kim Berlin July marks the Council for British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology and our wonderful Portland Museum is joining in with their Nature Unearthed event on July 29 and 30, when the buildings and garden will become a ‘living archaeology’ experience from 10.30am-3.30pm. Weavers and dyers will give visitors the opportunity to handle and […]
Dorset’s renowned Victorian novelist and poet will be celebrated at the 27th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival 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 present their […]
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 […]
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.
