Category: Tales from the Vale

The Tales from the Vale section is best described as eclectic!

This is the archive of Andy Palmer’s popular ‘Tales from the Vale’ column for the BV magazine – meandering thoughts and amusing ruminations on life in the Blackmore Vale.

So when we describe this section as eclectic we mean it, it’s that and eccentric in all it’s glorious ways!

It seems as though Andy has been there and done that! And even if he hasn’t, he still sure to have a very big opinion on it anyway. So, you have been warned. Andy will take you there and back again, oh and did I mention the puns? Lord help us!

Dorset community news

The nation’s new diet | Tales from the Vale

It is September 1939 and a young girl, around 12 years old, is hushed while the family gathers in the kitchen: ‘there’s an important...

20 May 2022

Dorset community news

I am an artist – I must suffer for my art | Tales from the Vale

I live in Mappowder. And I’m a guitar teacher (I know, not two sentences that you’ll have read before in close proximity, I’d guess)....

18 April 2022

Dorset Charity

The broccoli war! Tales From The Vale

There are news headlines pointing out absurdities in our world that frequently make me laugh.A while ago I turned on the radio and heard...

12 March 2022

Dorset community news

Secrets and Lies | Tales from the Vale

Secrets and lies It is a universally acknowledged truth that excited young boys cannot keep a secret.When we first moved into the village, a delightful...

6 February 2022

Dorset community news

A sticky moment | Tales From The Vale

A sticky moment Right, the Editor’s asked me to put something funny in this issue. ‘Our 12,000 subscribers will be a bit down as we...

19 January 2022

Dorset community news

Stairway to Heaven | Tales From The Vale

A young girl grows Among the students to whom I teach the guitar is a 10 year old called Laura. She is an utter delight. Laura...

8 December 2021

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Feel the Heat: Great Dorset Chilli Festival Returns This August!

22 January 20250

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025 Mark your calendars and spice up your summer! The Great Dorset Chilli Festival returns for its 14th year...

Dorset Wildlife & Animals

A wetland revival

25 January 20250

How Dorset Wildlife Trust is restoring ponds, protecting species and tackling biodiversity loss with the help of the Species Survival Fund Dorset Wildlife Trust received...