25 YEARS AGO

MARCH 24, 1995

BUSINESS BOOST: Brighter prospects are opening up for businesses in Bridport and Beaminster after a long period of gloom.

Traders have been handed an important weapon in their fight against massive rate increases. Local Government Minister David Curry has agreed that test appeal cases should be held as soon as possible so that businesses can try to get their rate demands reduced.

COURT REFURBISHED: A bequest by former Bridport netting boss, Joseph Gundry, looks likely to put Walditch on the circuit for international sport.

Mr Gundry, who died in January, has left the former Real Tennis Court near The Hyde nursing home to the Bridport and West Dorset Sports Trust. Plans are now being drawn up to refurbish the building, which has been used for many years as a cow shed.

CRUFTS SUCCESS: Australian terriers bred by Dorothy Snook, of Melplash, came home triumphant from Crufts dog show.

Her six-year-old Pitcombe Swagman, judged best dog, was one step away from competing for a place in the final line-up

50 YEARS AGO

MARCH 20, 1970

THOUSAND-MILE RIDE: Two young women are setting out from Chideock on a ride that would have daunted event the legendary Dick Turpin.

They plan to follow the old pack-horse trails through England, Wales and Scotland on a round trip that will cover 2,000.

BUILDING GRANT: Mapperton House, near Beaminster, is one of 99 buildings of outstanding historic and architectural interest to benefit from grants, approved by Mr Anthony Greenwood, Minister of Housing and Local Government.

The owner, Mr Victor Montagu, has been granted £6,555 towards the cost of repairs of the south stable block.

SINGER HONOUR: A Lyme Regis operatic enthusiast who ‘hasn’t stopped singing’ during the past 25 years has been honoured.

At the Lyme Regis Operatic Society’s golden jubilee dinner in the Woodroffe School hall, the president, Mr A. E. Lane, presented Mrs. Jessie Emmett with N.O.D.A.’s medallion for service. She is the first Lyme society member to receive it.