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 March 2026
Bridport Local Area Bulletin 31
st
March 2026
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
Bridport Museum Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Join us at Bridport Museum for a dinosaur egg hunt this Easter holiday from 28th March - 11th April. Find the letters inside the
hidden eggs and solve the puzzle in return for a reward. This is a free activity with adult museum entry (£5 for 12 months of
unlimited visits). Bridport Museum is located at South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am -
4pm.
West Bay Discovery Centre Easter Eggs-travaganza
Drop in to the West Bay Discovery Centre at Chapel on the Beach, West Bay DT6 4EN for an Easter chick hunt, new
exhibition quiz, colouring and Easter crafts from 28th March - 12th April, 11am - 4pm. All activities are drop-in, with no
booking required. An adult must accompany children, and everyone is welcome,. Admission is free, donations welcomed.
Open daily throughout the Easter holidays.
The Bridport Dress Project
Bridport School of Regenerative Fashion and Tamarisk Farm are holding a meeting for anyone interested in creating a linen
dress from locally grown flax.
If you are a spinner, knitter, would like to be, or just interested in what we are doing (maybe you grew some of this flax) please
join us for an introduction to the project on Tuesday 31st March, 7pm - 8pm at the Bridport Youth & Community Centre,
Gundry Lane, Bridport DT6 3RL.
Flax Forward has been made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and further information is available by
contacting: david.dixon@wessexca.co.uk
The Great Dorset Beach Clean
Hosted by the West Bay Discovery Centre and Clean Jurassic Coast, the Great Dorset Beach Clean will take place on
Thursday 2nd April at 10.30am. Meet outside the West Bay Discovery Centre and help make Dorset litter free.
The Oak Tree - Art in Nature Workshop
A FREE drop in session for adults and children (under 16's must be accompanied by an adult) at the Allsop Gallery, Bridport
Arts Centre on Thursday 2nd April, 2pm - 4pm.
It’s spring and the Oak Tree needs to make new leaves and acorns to wear for the summer. Can you help the Oak Tree?
This workshop has been organised by the Allington Hillbilly Volunteer Group as part of their Celebrate 2026 project,
sponsored by Bridport Town Council and LAG funding. Further information can be found here.
Museum - Historic Guided Walk of Bridport
Discover hidden Bridport – its buildings, people and stories. Organised by Bridport Museum, the walk commences at 11am
on Thursday 2nd April and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets cost £8 per adult which includes free entry to Bridport
Museum for a single visit on the day of your walk. Children under 16 can take part in a walk for £1 but must be accompanied
by an adult. Tickets are available from Bridport Museum or by booking online here.
Bridport Arts & Crafts Markets
Bridport Arts & Crafts Markets are back for 2026, returning to the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport with the first market taking
place on Saturday 4th April from 10am - 12pm.
St Catherine's Preschool - Easter Bunny Bounce
Join in the fun at the annual Easter Bunny Bounce taking place at Bridport Leisure Centre on Good Friday 3rd April. Two
sessions available: 11.30am - 1.00pm or 1.15pm - 2.45pm.
Supported by Bridport Leisure Centre, with all proceeds going to St Catherine's Preschool, the event costs £5 per child (adults
free) and provides bouncy castle and soft play fun for children from 0-7 years as well as a special appearance from the Easter
Bunny! There will also be an Easter egg tombola, snacks for sale and free squash. All children must be supervised by an adult
during this activity. To book your ticket, please click here.
Bridport Museum - Railway Walk & Talk
It's been over 50 years since the closure of Bridport Railway Station. Bridport station closed with the Branch Line as part of
the Beeching cuts, ending over a century of local railway history.
This guided Railway Walk and Talk will take place on Tuesday 7th April starting at 11am from the Co-op car park, DT6 4RR.
Participants will have the chance to explore what remains of the Branch Railway and station buildings, while hearing about
their fascinating history. Tickets are £8 per adult and under 16s can join for £1. A visit to Bridport Museum is included in the
ticket price which must be redeemed on the day of the walk. Tickets available from the Bridport Museum or online.
Bridport History Society - Talk
The next meeting of the Bridport History Society is on Thursday 9th April when the Society will be welcoming Col (Rtd) Mike
Pope who will give a talk called ‘The Falklands War - a Personal Story.'
The meeting will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street, Bridport. Doors open at 2.15pm for a prompt 2.30pm start.
All are welcome. Members £1pp and visitors £5pp. Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month
(except July and August). Membership is open to all (£12 individual/£18 couple). For more information visit:
https://www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk
Bridport Millennium Green - Talk
In support of Bridport Millennium Green, an illustrated talk by Bernard Paull entitled 'Askers Roadhouse 1929 to 1990 - From
Elegance and Glamour to a Raging Inferno.' The talk will take place on Thursday 16th April, 2.30pm at the WI Hall, North
Street, Bridport. £5 (£4 members), please pay cash on the door.
West Bay Car Boot Sale
The West Bay Car Boot Sale which takes place in West Bay Car Park will commence from Sunday 12th April, continuing
weekly until Sunday 25th October. The car park will open at 6.30am for traders to set up with the car boot opening to the
public from 7.30am, finishing at 11.30am. All traders must be clear of the car park by mid-day. The cost for traders is £7 for a
car and £15 for a large van. All profits will go to community projects to be applied for through a grant scheme allocated by
local councillors.
Wessex Water Environment Fund
The Wessex Water Environment Fund supports green initiatives that aim to improve the environment and build more
sustainable communities and opens for applications on 17th April.
To receive funding, projects must demonstrate one or more of the following outcomes:
•
involve communities in environmental activities that benefit their local area
•
restore, maintain or enhance the local natural environment
•
engage people in supporting the local natural environment.
Priority will be given to projects that:
•
reduce water usage
•
improve environmental sustainability*
•
improve local biodiversity.
This includes activities aimed at reducing waste, recycling, using reusable alternatives, and saving energy and water.
The main focus of this programme is to achieve positive outcomes for the environment through activities that have a direct
environmental impact. Apply here.
Local Government Boundary Commission for England - Dorset Electoral Review
A public consultation has been launched to help shape new council wards for Dorset Council. The Local Government
Boundary Commission for England wants to hear people’s views on where they live, to help make sure that the new wards
reflect the size and shape of local communities. An electoral review is being carried out to make sure that each local councillor
represents about the same number of electors, and that the wards they represent reflect community identities.
The consultation on this stage of the electoral review of Dorset closes on 1st June 2026. The Commission will use local views
to help draw up their proposals for new ward boundaries. There will be a further round of consultation once the Commission
has drawn up their proposals. This second stage of the public consultation is expected to start on 1st September 2026. Local
people can provide their views now via the Commission website here.
The Bridge Magazine
The April edition of the Bridge magazine includes updates from Bridport and surrounding parish churches, the passing of
former Mayor Cllr Dave Bolwell, the High Sheriff's award for Town Council Surveyor Daryl Chambers, From Page to Screen
Film Festival, Allington Hillybillies, National Year of Reading, local clubs and more.
The Bride Valley NewsThe April issue of the Bride Valley News is now available and includes updates and events from
Burton Bradstock, Litton Cheney, Shipton Gorge, Puncknowle and Swyre.
Chideock News
The April edition of the Chideock News including Seatown and North Chideock is now available.
Eggardon & Colmers View Magazine
The latest edition of the Eggardon and Colmers View magazine is now available. This includes updates from Askerswell,
Broadoak, Dottery, Eype, Loders, Powerstock and Symondsbury.
Pilsdon Community Easter Newsletter
The Easter edition of the Pilsdon Community newsletter is now available and includes Farmyard Tales, Notes from the
Garden, Member Recruitment, Pilsdon Pancake Panedemonium, Lent and Pilsdon Stories.
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 next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Tuesday 12th May. Beginning at 7.00pm with the Parish Assembly, it is a
time for local residents to catch up with their parish council, listen to the annual review, and seek answers to pressing local
issues.
The Assembly will be followed by the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. Please make the effort to attend – better still, get
involved and become a parish councillor!
Parish Plan
Slowly but surely the required elements need to be in place, before the Parish Plan steering group begins its work, are coming
together. More steering group members are required, but we hope to be in a position for the group to hold its inaugural meeting
in April/May.
If you would like to be part of deciding Litton’s future direction, then we would like to hear from you. Contact our Parish Clerk or
Parish Councillors – contact details on the village website littoncheney.org.uk There will shortly be a leaflet drop – please
respond positively.
What’s In a Name….
The name Litton means 'farmstead or settlement on the stream called Hlyde', 'the noisy one' (meaning loud stream, torrent)
from Old English, the Cheney part of the village name came in the 14th century when the Cheney family became part owners of
the manor.
So, it should not be a surprise that when there is a sustained spell of rainfall that this will then emerge through the many springs
that are dotted around the village. Water under pressure will find the path of least resistance and sometimes that means it may
be on the carriageway, most notably on Main Street over Christmas and New Year and more recently between the entrance to
Baglake and Hine’s Mead Lane. The blockage that caused the water to spill out on to the road on Main Street was an
accumulation of debris in the underground water course, this debris is now just further down “stream” and needs removing.
As for the water coming down from the spring at Baglake, that is an excess of surface water overloading the culvert, and
unfortunately this is causing damage to the road surface. Dorset Council have looked at the issue a few times and the
conclusion is that, until the water levels drop, they are unable to carry out repairs to the road surface. In the meantime, the
council has placed “Road Closed” signs to avoid damage to vehicles from the raised manhole. So, please be aware, that if you
chose to drive through the road closure and do damage your vehicle, then you do so at your own risk. Typically, the rainfall on
the hillside takes around 3 months to drain away so repairs are going to be a while coming.
Freddie & Diana Spicer
On Sunday 1st March, the many local friends of Freddie & Diana Spicer came together at a bring and share lunch at LATCH.
After thirty-five years of being an integral part of life in Litton Cheney, the Spicers are shortly due to depart to be near family in
Wiltshire. It was a joyous occasion, albeit tinged with sadness, in celebration of their incredible contributions over the years that
has benefitted the Parish Council, St Mary’s church, LATCH, BV Car Service, Litton Cheney Trust,
Premier Crew, Bridport CAB, BVN distribution et al. Farewell gifts included Bride Valley Wines, two albums of memories,
artwork from local artists, and a mystery gift yet to be determined. Thank you, Freddie & Diana, – you will be greatly missed!
For those who missed the occasion, the three speeches that were given can be found on the village website –
littoncheney.org.uk
What’s on at Litton and Thorner’s Community Hall (LATCH) in April
REGULAR EVENTS
Tuesdays 4.45 – 5.45pm Short Mat Bowls (Ron Davidson 482661)
Wednesdays 4.45 – 5.45pm Table Tennis (Paul Kingston 482162)
7.00pm Yoga with Jane (Jane Hutchins 07882 527697)
Thursdays 9.15 – 11.15am First Steps Toddlers (fortnightly, term time only)
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday 9th 6.45 - 9.00pm BV W.I. Craft evening in Meeting Room
Sunday 26th 10.00am Yoga with Nadiya
Sunday 26th 4.00pm Community Church
Thursday 30th Film Night “The Choral” Doors open 7.00, Film starts 7.30pm
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
The Great Litton Cheney Annual Duck Race – Sunday 5
th
April 12 Noon in aid of Julia’s House
Hi Everyone, Just to let you all know that the Annual Easter Sunday Charity Duck Race will take place on Sunday April 5th. We
will be selling ducks from 10.30am at the start line opposite Fry’s Yard, ready for the off at 12.00noon. If you would like to be
super organised, Andy and Liz at the White Horse will be selling ducks during the week before the big day, Saturday 28th
March - Thursday 2nd April. There will be a BBQ at the pub with live music for post-race refreshments, weather dependent,
11.30am-2.00pm.
Really hope to see you all there! Ralph, Sam, Liz and Andy
Bride Valley Films at Litton Cheney Village Hall.
Due to a delay in the release date for the DVD, the date for The Choral screening has been delayed. It will now be shown on...
THURSDAY 30th APRIL:
THE CHORAL ‘poignant and funny with excellent music’
As WW1 rages on, the Choral Society in a small English town has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral’s committee is
determined to press ahead with new recruits. They engage a driven new chorus master, Dr. Henry Guthrie – recently returned
from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the community discovers that the best response to the war is
to make music together.
Starring Ralph Fiennes and Roger Allam. Written by Alan Bennett. 1hr. 40” Cert.TBA. Doors Open: 7.00pm. Film start 7.30pm.
TICKETS: £6.00 (to include a glass of wine) Tickets in advance from: Sally Dyke 482752, Elizabeth Kingston 482162, Bella
Spurrier 482367 or on the door. (All nos. 01308)
The White Horse
With the appearance of lovely crocuses and daffodils in the tubs and the odd sunny day here and there, the White Horse is
gearing up for Spring and welcoming customers to the garden! Our regular Sunday afternoon music is well underway and will
continue every week at 4.00pm, so what better way to chill out for a couple of hours after a busy weekend?
We have some great music coming up! Easter is quite early this year and the Duck Race is going ahead as usual on Sunday,
5th April at 12.00noon. ‘Ducks’ will be on sale in the pub from Saturday, 28th March until Thursday, 2nd April then from Fry’s
Yard on the day. There will be a BBQ (indoor or out weather depending) and, on that day only, a band at 1.00pm! Open Easter
Monday 12.00noon-7.00pm with a simple menu from 12-30pm and live music at 4.00pm.
Don’t forget St George’s Day on 23rd April with evening Full English Breakfasts and English Rock with the very talented Mark
Davis (booking would be appreciated). Normal service continues as we go along with fortnightly Snowball Quizzes alternate
Tuesdays until the end of June and Friday Night Fish ‘n Chips, Happy Hour and Meat Draw. We hope to see you at some or all
of the above. Our continued thanks for your valued custom. Andy and Liz
Artsreach Shows
For the time being at least, Artsreach are restricting their productions in the village to children’s events, the next one being in
September. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Patricia Charlton, ably assisted by Sue Overton, husband David and a valiant
band of helpers who have over the years brought some wonderful acts to the hall, finishing with a flourish with Canadian pianist
Sarah Hagen in March. At that event Patricia was presented with not one, but two floral gifts in recognition of her enormous
efforts to bring culture to Litton and the Bride Valley.
Be Aware!
Changes to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act are being put in place from Wednesday 18th March 2026. These changes
will include:
•
An introduction of unlimited fines for owners whose dogs attack or "worry" (chase, panic, or injure) sheep and other
livestock.
•
Police will gain stronger powers to seize dogs, take DNA samples, and enter premises.
•
The law now includes alpacas, llamas, along with incidents that take place on roads and paths.
We hope this new update will prevent attacks on livestock in the future,
Remember when walking around livestock, always keep your dog on a lead.
Hines Mead Lane Closure
