BRIDE VALLEY NEWS
The deadline for copy for any month’s issue is mid-day of the second Thursday of the preceding month. All material for
publication must be sent to the Village Correspondent. For Litton Cheney this is: John Firrell, Tel: 01308 482313
email: jfirrell20@gmail.com
VILLAGE INFORMATION
VILLAGE INFORMATION
NEWS
Village Newsletter May 2026
Bridport Local Area Bulletin 4
th
August 2026
Want to contribute to the well-being of Litton? Why not join the Premier Crew, a group of well-intentioned citizens of our
village who clean and tidy up areas when they need a little bit of care and attention. Your ability to help will undoubtedly
depend on your availability and you are not expected to turn up everytime there is a call to arms. Gender equality is alive
and well, as is the bonhomie or bonfemme on offer whenever we meet. With enough volunteers we could even become the
Grand Crew! If you would like to join us, please contact John Firrell on 01308 482313.
Premier Crew – Come & Join Us
The Puncknowle, Swyre and West Bexington History Group hold monthly meetings to discuss the local history of our area,
and during the spring and summer months also organise history walks. Recently there was a presentation by our own
historian-in-residence Paul Kingston on Litton.
If you would like to know more about the group, and learn more about your local surroundings please contact Paul Bullen
07527141560 paul.bullen@icloud.com
Local History Group
Litton Cheney Parish Council
The Parish/Village Annual Assembly was held on Tuesday 12
th
May, several days after the BVN deadline. More details on this
event will be included in July’s BVN, and in early June the draft minutes will be available on the village website.
Can you offer up a maximum of three hours a week for the benefit of your community? That’s pretty much what it takes when
you are a parish councilor. If you would like to contribute to the well-being of your community and fellow residents, we would
love to hear from you. Please contact our Clerk, Debbie, at clerk@littoncheney.org.uk
Parish Plan – This was never going to be dealt with in quick time, and neither should it. Our last plan was formulated in 2005,
over 20 years ago, and what was relevant then, may have shifted somewhat to this point. We have therefore decided to revisit,
revise and re-issue. If you consider yourself a forward thinker, and believe that you, in concert with others of a like-mind, could
come up with ideas as to how our village and the community might develop over the next ten/fifteen years, then, at your earliest
convenience, please contact John Firrell – john.firrell@littoncheney.org.uk
Litton Cheney Trust
There have been recent changes to the trustees of The Litton Cheney Trust.If you wish to apply for a grant from The Trust,
please could you make your application to Madeleine Hickling (secretary). Email mandghickling@btinternet.com
What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in June
REGULAR EVENTS
Tuesdays 4.45 – 5.45 Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661)
Wednesdays 4.45 – 5.45. Table Tennis (Paul Kingston 482162)
19.00 Yoga with Jane (Jane Hutchins 07882 527697)
Thursdays 9.15 – 11.15 First Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only)
OTHER EVENTS
Sunday 7
th
10.00 – 13.00 Restorative Yoga with Nadiya Wynn
Thursday 11
th
18.45 - W.I. Craft in meeting room
Monday 15
th
19.00 -Gardening Club meeting
Sunday 28
th
16.00 - Community Fellowship
Village Cafés: The hall is available for hire free of charge on Saturday mornings for a Café to raise funds for any group. It’s a
good social event for the community and always popular.
Hall Bookings/viewings: Wendy Firrell 01308 482532 wtlitton@gmail.com
At the recent LATCH AGM, Chairman Ron Davidson stood down after twenty years in the role of Chairman. Ron has been
involved from the very beginning when LATCH was just a drawing on the back of a beer mat. Thank you Ron for your
perseverance, patience and diligence – a true LATCH Original!. At the AGM Andrew King was voted in as the new Chairman,
and Sarah Matthews as Vice Chair.
The White Horse
We’ve run out of time this month to write more than this! All been a bit hectic with all the bank holidays. Had a great time
though. Still here, still going. Look forward to welcoming you when you can. Thank you. Liz and Andy xxx
Thorner’s School Report
Since returning after the Easter break the children have been getting stuck in to a huge range of activities.
The older pupils have been putting the finishing touches to their SAMBA and vocal performance - ready to share with parents
and to also perform at the start of the Abbotsbury Tree of Strings Festival next month in the Tithe Barn. Younger ones are also
strutting their stuff and will soon perform their dance routines to the school and their parents after their great sessions with Amy
our Dance Instructor.
Our Book Fair was a triumph - many thanks to Mrs Biggins for organising and for Governors and Staff for manning the stall to
enable children to select from a wide range of titles and authors. This also raised some most welcome funds for the school
which we then used to refresh our school library.
In the same week the TSA held a brilliant disco for the children and it was a fantastic evening for all to dress up and have great
fun together in the LATCH hall. Thank you to the TSA for all their hard work again in organising events like this for the school.
In the office we were pleased with the good results from our Health and Safety Inspection and can report that no major issues
were identified and we have a short to do list to remedy some small snagging items and we are also pleased to report that the
swimming pool was given a clean bill of health as we look to reopen that in the summer.
The eldest children are due to sit their SATs tests shortly and we wish them well with their assessments and then look forward
to their last long (and hopefully sunny) half term of being at primary school!
Mike Sitch
Headmaster
Bride Valley Book Club Review
The Escape Artist by Jonathan FreedlandThere was much to discuss about this extraordinary book. The Escape Artist is the
true story of how two young men escape Auschwitz to inform the wider world of the Nazi’s industrial process of mass
extermination. An introductory chapter takes the reader immediately into the danger and tension of the escape bid and the
confined hiding space under a woodpile of planks next to the rail tracks inside the camp. A key part of Walter and his friend
Alfred’s strategy was to hide inside the camp for three days and nights allowing the Nazi security guards to believe an escape
had already taken place. Once the high alert and subsequent search had taken place it became easier to then breach the
security fence under cover of darkness. Much of the first half of the book records in horrific detail what was happening in
Auschwitz, the cattle truck transport, the separation on arrival into those who will imminently perish in the gas chambers and
those who will labour as slaves, the systematic theft of Jewish property, the appalling conditions of the camp and the brutality of
the Nazi officials. All this was a very tough read and we found it distressing. Against all odds and with tremendous endurance
and plenty of luck, Walter and Alfred manage to make it over the border to occupied Slovakia. Here they are helped by the
underground resistance and given forged (Walter becomes Rudi) identities.
The second half of the book documents the long and complex journey Walter/Rudi and Alfred’s report - documented and
verified legally - makes to reach the international audience who can take action. Walter/Rudi knew that thousands of Hungarian
Jews were about to sent to Auschwitz and he believed they had a right to know what fate awaited them. His report does
circulate but initially it is met with disbelief, procrastination and excuses. Action is slow to materialise but eventually the Jews
from Budapest were mostly saved from the camp. Walter/Rudi’s story is continued post war, he becomes an organic chemist
and works in various universities before emigrating to Canada. However he is a traumatised man and cannot sustain his
marriage or responsibility for his two daughters. He is especially bitter about the allied failure to sabotage the camps earlier and
the extent of compliance and collaboration which saw some Jews survive and others murdered. Those of us who did read this
book through to the end could appreciate its worth as a testament to this unspeakably evil episode in 20th Century history. The
timing of our reading seems very prescient in the light of current world events. Some of us just did not want to read about the
abject misery of this period and we respected that choice. Our conversation was wide ranging with travel reminiscences and
personal stories - a really good discussion about a difficult book. Liz Pinfield
BRIDE VALLEY GARDENING CLUB
At long last it looks as if summer is on its way! I can’t believe we’re saying that, when I’m writing this at the beginning of May,
we need rain, but the ground is already so difficult to dig into!
We are very much looking forward this month (Monday 15
th
June) to welcoming David Hurrion as our Celebrity Speaker for
2026.
David is Associate Editor of BBC Gardeners World. Gardening Journalist, Tutor, Lecturer and RHS Judge. He is
knowledgeable, experienced and entertaining.
He will be talking about “Creating a Jungle Garden”. This should be an excellent evening.
Tickets in advance are £5 each from Liz at bridevalleygc@gmail.com. All welcome.
The meeting will be at LATCH (Litton and Thorners Community Hall) DT2 9AU. Doors open at 7pm for drinks, nibbles and chat
and the talk will start at 7.30 p.m.
In April we held our AGM with an excellent attendance followed by a very interesting talk by Bryan Madders on Dahlias. David
brought along tubers for sale which were quickly sold. Unfortunately no volunteers came forward to help on the Committee. We
are still looking for a Chairman and Programme Secretary (this latter position could be done by two people working together to
organise next year’s programme if that would be easier). Please come forward if you feel you could help out as without a
committee this long standing local club will have to fold in October.
In the meantime we have some excellent speakers lined up. Meetings are held on the third Monday evening of every month at
Litton and Thorners Community Hall, DT2 9AU. Doors open at 7pm for drinks and chat, and the talk / demonstrations begin at
7.30 pm. Guests always also welcome for £2.
We are looking forward to (and will have had by the time this drops through your letterbox) our May meeting, when we have
James Cross, Head Gardener at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells.
For more information please contact Liz, Secretary
bridevalleygc@gmail.com
The Bridport Local Area Partnership (BLAP) is here for the community. Current members of the partnership include
Bridport Town Council, 9 Parish Councils and more than 80 community organisations and individuals working to
improve the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of Bridport and surrounding areas.
For information or if you have a piece you would like included in the BLAP Bulletin, please contact Jo Hughes by email
at jo.hughes@bridport-tc.gov.uk
West Bay Discovery Centre - Seagull Scavenger Hunt
Summer Holiday Fun at West Bay Discovery Centre - running until the end of August from 11am - 4pm, take part in the
Summer Holiday Seagull Scavenger Hunt. A flock of seagulls has landed at the West Bay Discovery Centre, and we need your
help to find them! Pick up a scavenger guide from the Discovery Centre and let the gull adventure begin!
Admission to West Bay Discovery Centre is free, donations welcome. No booking required, everyone is welcome, children must
be accompanied by an adult.
Allington Hillbillies Nature Club
Allington Hillbillies in partnership with Culture Quest are running the following free Nature Clubs:
Wednesday 5th August, 10am - 12pm - foraging for materials to create art, bug hunt and whittling for beginners. Please book
via email: allingtonhill@gmail.com
Tuesday 11th August, 10am - 12pm - Jurassic Pantastic Steel Band. This is an open session no need to book. Adults must stay
with children. Please bring a musical instrument to play along with the band.
Meet at the Main Gate, Cooper's Field, Allington Hill, Hospital Lane, Bridport.
No age limits, maximum of four children per adult and adults are welcome without children.
The Harmony Centre - LiveWell Van
The Harmony Centre is partnering with The Livewell Van on Wednesday 5th August from 10.30am - 4.30pm. They’ll be offering
blood pressure checks, CO₂ lung checks, vape kits and general health advice. So whether it’s managing your weight, stopping
smoking, getting more active or drinking less, LiveWell is there to support you at The Harmony Centre, Foundry Lane, Bridport
DT6 3FN.
St Mary's Burton Bradstock Summer Fete
St Mary's Burton Bradstock Summer Fete will take place this Thursday 6th August from 2pm - 4pm in the Rectory Gardens,
Church Street, Burton Bradstock DT6 4QS. Activities will include:
•
Games, magic shows, craft and book stalls
•
Adopt a Teddy
•
Burgers, cream teas and refreshments
•
White Elephant stall
•
Entry: £1.00 Under 12s free.
West Bay Discovery Centre - Children's Art Workshops
Thursday 6th August - Jurassic Sea Creatures Art Workshop, 10am - 4pm - Did you know this year marks the 25th anniversary
of the Jurassic Coast becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Celebrate this special milestone by bringing fossils to life as
you create your own Jurassic creature using air-drying clay. Explore different textures, add personality to your creation, and
take your masterpiece home with you.
Monday 10th August - Ammonite Workshop, 11am - 3pm - Create your own impressive 3D ammonite with local artist Darrell
Wakelam. Inspired by the Jurassic Coast, this fun workshop lets children take home a unique piece of artwork.
Both workshops are free and take place at The Salt House, West Bay DT6 4HD. No booking required, everyone is welcome
and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bridport Pantomime Players - Showtime Performance
A Variety Show evening of toe tapping entertainment on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th August at Salway Ash Village Hall, doors
open from 7pm. Come tap your toes and sing along! Tickets cost £7.50, £5 for children and are available from Carpet World,
West Street, Bridport or they can be purchased on the door.
Bridport Arts & Crafts Market
The next Bridport Arts & Crafts Market will be taking place on Saturday 8th August, 10am - 2pm at the WI Hall, North Street,
Bridport DT6 3JQ. Future arts & crafts markets will be held on 12th September, 10th October, 14th November and 19th
December.
If you are a trader interested in having a stall, the cost is £15 and you can download an application form from this link. For more
information contact: helen.goldman@bridport-tc.gov.uk.
Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club
The next Armed Forces Veterans breakfast club meet-up will be held on Sunday 9th August from 9am - 10.30am at The
Greyhound Hotel, East Street, Bridport. For Serving Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, their partners and relatives - all
welcome, no subs or joining fees, just breakfast and banter.
Parish of Bridport Womble Walk
Come and join us on Tuesday 11th August for a short, friendly walk around part of Bridport collecting litter as we go. All
equipment supplied with coffee afterwards. Meet at Mountfield grounds at 10.30am.
RNLI Seatown BBQ
This year's RNLI Seatown BBQ will take place on Wednesday 12th August outside the Anchor Inn, Seatown from 4.30pm.
Activities will include RNLI souvenirs, cake stall, tombola, skittles, crockery smash, hoopa la, bric a brac, barbeque, live music
and sea rescue by Lyme Regis Lifeboats.
Bridport Carnival Week 16th - 23rd August
Events taking place:
•
Tuesday 18th August - Carnival Quiz at the Ropemakers from 7.30pm
•
Wednesday 19th August - Carnival Bingo at the Beehive Football Club, doors open at 6.30pm, eyes down at 7.30pm
•
Friday 21st August:
Darts Competition at the Beehive Football Club, 7.30pm
Fair at West Street Car Park
•
Saturday 22nd August:
The Bridport Golf Competition at the Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club
Broadsides Shanty Crew in Bucky Doo Square from 5.30pm-6.30pm
Carnival procession line up Foundry Lea from 5.30pm - moves off from 7.00pm
Winners presentation at 9.00pm in Bucky Doo Square followed by dancing in the street to Static Flight
Fair at West Street Car Park
•
Sunday 23rd August:
Crabbing Competition at West Bay, 12.45pm
Torches on sale in Bucky Doo Square from 6.30pm
Torchlight Procession moves off at 9pm sharp
East Beach from 6.30pm - late - food stalls, bars, bonfire and dancing to Vanity Project
Fireworks after 10pm (weather permitting)
Bus to return to Bridport from 10.15pm - midnight, £1.00 per person, under 10's free.
Bridport Museum Exhibitions & Children's Trail
Lost Properties - this interesting display shows works from Bridport Museum’s Fine Art Collection depicting local buildings and
structures that have been lost to us over time. As well as the paintings, you will be able to read about the history of the buildings
and what stands there today. The display also includes a selection of photographs.
Bridport at Arms - is the latest temporary exhibition from The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, in partnership with Bridport
Museum. The exhibition tells the story of the local volunteer movement, from the late 1700’s, and onto the modern battlefield.
Discover how the people of Bridport stepped forward in time of crisis, taking up arms to defend the town, county and country
over the last 230 years.
Both exhibitions are included in the museum entry fee - £5 for 12 months of unlimited visits and children and Under 21s are
free.
If you are looking for a fun and affordable summer holiday activity for children, young recruits are invited to take in a FREE trail
at Bridport Museum, created to accompany our Bridport at Arms exhibition. Join the Bridport Artillery Volunteers and complete
three secret missions as you hunt for clues hidden around the museum. It’s a fun, interactive adventure that brings local history
to life for children and families. Pick up your free trail booklet from reception and see if you have what it takes to complete your
mission this summer!
The Melplash Show
This year's Melplash Show will be held on Thursday 27th August from 8.30am - 6.00pm at the West Bay Showground, Bridport,
DT6 4EG. Tickets are on sale at Bridport Tourist Information Centre, £23.50 or £26 on the gate. Children aged 16 and under
enter free (no ticket required), free onsite parking and dogs are welcome but must be on a retractable lead. Full show
information is available here.
Bridport Town Council Community Grants Scheme
Bridport Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme is now open. Grants are awarded each year to local charitable, voluntary or
other similar bodies that benefit Bridport's residents but are not for private organisations or individuals. Further information, the
application form and guidance is available here. If you would like a paper copy please call the Town Council on 01308 456722.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 20th August at 5.00pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Bridport Town Council Green Lane and Slades Green Public Consultation
Bridport Town Council is working with residents in Bothenhampton to develop a management plan for land at Green Lane and
Slades Green. Extending from the junction of Crock Lane through to Green Lane and Slades Green, the site comprises several
grassed verges, some on sloping ground and some bordered by trees. It also includes a public Right of Way accessible from
Crock Lane. The project will review how the land is currently used and consider opportunities to enhance it for both wildlife and
community benefit. The Town Council is currently inviting residents and the wider community to take part in the consultation
available here which is open until 30th August 2026.
Dorset Council - Proposed Dog Related Public Spaces Protection Order Survey
Dorset Council is seeking your views on renewing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dog control in public
spaces. The current PSPO will expire on 31st December 2026, and Dorset Council is seeking the views of the public on the
contents of the next PSPO which will run from 1st January 2027 until 31st December 2029. Our intention is to renew the PSPO
with only minimal changes. The current requirements are generally working well, helping to ensure that our public spaces
remain clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Please complete this short survey, it should take about 15 minutes or less. The consultation will finish at 11:59pm on 7th
August 2026.
Dorset Council - Dorset Rights of Way Improvement Plan Consultation
This is the formal 3-month consultation for the draft Dorset’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2026 to 2036. The
ROWIP sets out how Dorset Council will develop a modern, accessible and better-connected network of public rights of way
that supports everyday walking, cycling and access to natural green and blue spaces. Read the full Draft Dorset’s Rights of
Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) 2026 to 2036 and share you views here. The consultation closes 12th October 2026.
The Bride Valley News
The August edition of the Bride Valley News is now available and includes updates and events from Burton Bradstock, Litton
Cheney, Shipton Gorge, Puncknowle and Swyre.
The Chideock News
The August edition of the Chideock News is now available and includes updates and events from Chideock including Seatown
and North Chideock.
The Eggardon & Colmers News
The August edition of the Eggardon and Colmers View magazine is now available and includes updates and events from
Askerswell, Broadoak, Dottery, Eype, Loders, Powerstock and Symondsbury.
Copyright © 2026 Bridport Town Council, All rights reserved.
