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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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, […]
We have been overwhelmed with the response to our July competition for a £40 voucher courtesy of Dorchester BID. There can only be one winner, and from hundreds of entrants to The West Dorset Magazine’s competition it’s Michael Kent from Bothenhampton, who correctly stated that BID stands for Business Improvement District. And now he has […]
By Dan Goater One of the largest battery storage facilities in the world will be built just outside Weymouth after the controversial proposal got the go ahead. Dorset councillors approved Statera Energy’s plan to begin building the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at East Chickerell Court Farm, south of Coldharbour. The facility will include some […]