Category: Opinion Column

Here you’ll find The BV’s regular anonymous opinion columns: The Dorset Insider – written by a long-serving parish councillor, offering an informed look at local politics and community affairs — and The Grumbler, a monthly open column where guest writers air their frustrations, amusements and strong opinions. Together they bring Dorset’s voices to life, with sharp insights, wry humour and plenty to agree (or disagree) with.

Opinion Column

The list of unwanted gifts

It’s that time of year when we’re packing up the last of the festive detritus and looking forward to the first spring flowers …...

29 January 2026

Opinion Column

The county Visit Dorset forgot

The new big-budget Visit Dorset promotional video has recently been released (see it on the next page), and no doubt sent far and wide...

28 January 2026

Dorset community news

A Dorset Christmas Lament, 1874

I daresay the season of goodwill has arrived, though you would hardly know it from the state of affairs in our parish. The roads,...

20 December 2025

Dorset community news

The rise of the suspicious wax jacket man

Hello BV – long-time reader, first-time Grumbler here. I’m actually an avid fan of the excellent Dorset Insider, being a long-time parish councillor myself:...

14 November 2025

Dorset community news

Devolution of power … or dumping unwanted tasks?

A recent council get-together to discuss devolution tempted me out the house – it’s a hot topic just now. But what exactly is the...

13 November 2025

Dorset community news

A digital ID? More like a digital dog lead

They say it won’t be compulsory. Then they say you can’t work without one. Well, where I come from, if you can’t earn a...

9 October 2025

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Rodney’s rough ride

20 May 20240

This month, Sally Cooper shares Rodney’s recent medical saga, with a stunningly swift, unexpected diagnosis and treatment This month I was contemplating what to write...

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