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Category: Local History

The tale of the runaway rector | Looking Back

There’s nothing like a naughty vicar story to set tongues a-wagging, and the Rev W M Anderson certainly did that, says Roger Guttridge. The rector...

Mittens across the ocean

A unique heritage project is reviving historic connections between North Dorset and Newfoundland - and has already led to a couple of a remarkable...

Cinema came to rural communities

Dorset Council supported films in certain village halls, and these remained popular into the early 1980’s, says local guide Paul Birbeck. Imagine a world with...

A tale of two pubs – and an intoxicated postmaster! | Looking Back

If you think our modern TV soaps are racy, you should have lived in north Dorset in the 19th century, says Roger Guttridge. An editing...

The Old School Tie | Then and Now

The Old School house in Sturminster Newton reflects fascinating local history, some of it personal, says Roger Guttridge. It’s a private house today, appropriately named...

What does it mean if you have one of these ‘marks’ on your house?

Walking around local towns you may see strange plaques high up on the external walls of larger historic buildings. Local expert Paul Birbeck explains...

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A therapeutic partnership

An equine therapy centre in Blandford is creating transformative connections for those most in need of healing – Sally Cooper reports It’s a return trip...

The fine art of botanical illustration

With meticulous patience and a deep love of nature, Pauleen Trim’s delicate work has twice won the RHS’s highest honour for botanical art Pauleen Trim...

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