Electric bikes… could this be the best way to discover the hills and villages around Bridport? There's only one way to find out.. 

When I told my friend Luxury Liz I was going for a cycle ride, she choked on her Sauvignon Blanc. Our monthly 'Moules Frites for a tenner at the Bull' with the girls was taking an unexpected turn. "You? Cycling?" she laughed. Yes, Out Loud. She and her husband Frugal Frank are the sporty type and they've seen me in action on their yearly Spring Walk. 

I swallowed my pride, smiled (or maybe grimaced) and a high pitched voice came out of my mouth: "Yes… but it's electric bikes" which still didn't wipe the smile off her face. Did she know that I had visions of a moped type vehicle I wonder. In fact, I had no idea what to expect when Martin from Marshwood Trails invited me to join him and an eclectic group of guinea pigs on one of his first organised electric bike rides around West Dorset. 

We all met in Whitchurch Canonicorum. Whilst I was catching up with Chatty Pauline and Horsy Trish, Martin was making sure all the electric bikes were ready and safe; as well as having fully charged batteries. We put our safety helmets on (except Trish who refused, opting instead for her trusty riding hat), giggled at how attractive we all were and finally got to the serious business of hitting the road. 

First, a quick briefing on how to use the bikes: 'if you get tired you can get three levels of help from the battery' is pretty much all you need to know, so long as you know how to use gears. Does it make it easier when the lanes are up and down affairs? Yes. What's the point of a pretend bike some may say? Let's put is this way: discovering West Dorset's landscape by car is indeed possible, but you will miss much. Narrow lanes galore, concentration on the next bend is necessary and parking near tracks is seldom an option. 

Cycling around Bridport's and Beaminster's villages is the only way to take that bridle path that leads to the tiny stone farm you spotted in the distance. A bike ride is one of the very few chances to come across a roe deer close by. Cars and motorbikes are too noisy, horses are great but few of us own one (some of us can't even ride), walking of course is a fantastic way to take it all in but distances covered are never going to be as great for the same amount of time. 'Proper cycling' if you are fit and fancy a work-out is unbeatable.    

But I must say that electric bikes are, as far as I am concerned, the way forward. It is like a bike so you do get some exercise. My cycling mad friend Jolly Judy begs to differ as I'm sure most hardcore cyclists will. Reality for most of us though is: not that fit, a bit impatient, too many things to do and never enough time. Cycling around the vales is slow enough to appreciate the flowers in the field or the buds in the tree but fast enough that you will get to the pub by lunchtime and have covered some good distance, if you want to. 

I love the idea of being able to stop at that gap in the hedge I would normally drive past and start thinking "Please give me a lay-by" a wish seldom granted. I can peak in the field and spot details normally ignored, slowly. Is that a buzzard in the tree? I could only dream of bridle paths that lead to undiscovered territory with a normal bike but with a bit of help from my new friend "Sneaky Battery", a new chunk of West Dorset has just opened up. 

I have a feeling that Marshwood Trails' Electric Bike Rides will be a hit. It was all news to me that these things even existed but all the guinea pigs who discovered Marshwood, Pilsdon and Shave Cross at a new pace on a fresh February day came back with a big smile on their faces. I can't wait to tell Luxury Liz at our next girlie 'Moules Frites' at the Bull.     

Guests at the Bull Hotel in Bridport have been enjoying massages in their own room for the last year. This lucky blog writer had to have a hands on experience… How else could I tell you about total relaxation in Bel's hands at the Bull Hotel? 

Imagine a couple of days away from the worries of work, a hotel room with glamorous wallpaper, a seriously comfortable bed and Neal's Yard toiletries in the bathroom. That's great already but better still, how about a real treat, a massage in the comfort of your own room? 

At this point I must admit that deep-tissue or therapeutic massage does not normally come into my life. Tempting idea as it is, I never seem to fit it into my busy working mother schedule. So I wondered how this would all work. Is the massage on the bed, do I have to strip in front of a stranger, will I get cold, will my knotted shoulder scream with pain? 

Simply put, no on all counts. Bel brings her massage table, towels and blankets and before we get to the serious business of relaxing, she asks a few questions to make sure there are no allergies, injuries or anything she should know about. She explains how it works. Most clients like a deep tissue massage, some prefer an Indian Head Massage although this often also end up as a full body massage at the guest's request. She will hold a towel whilst I strip down to my pants, lie down with my face in the funny little hole that lets me breathe, my body will be covered by towels and the magic will start. 

And magic it was. Bel's hands were incredibly warm -wonderful in itself in a cold January spell- and she meticulously worked on all these muscles that don't do enough exercise, get knotted by too many hours in front of a computer and never seem to be allowed to relax. What a treat. My shoulders did not scream, they were thankful for the attention as was the rest of my body, uncovered bit by bit depending on where Bel was massaging, from the tip of my head to the sole of my feet. No I didn't have a towel on my head but I did have a mini Indian Head massage and apart from coming out with my hair looking like I'd struggled with northerly winds, I did forget I was there to write this. 

Bel uses an apricot base oil (alternative to almond, good if you have a nut allergy) to avoid friction so on top of a relaxed body, my winter skin was soft, nourished and happier than it's been in a long time. Bel suggests a hot bath with salt for the evening, plenty of water as soon as I get home. I just wish I could have had a lie down on that bed, a soak in that bath and stayed in that zone Bel had taken me to. Yes I know, consider myself lucky I had this massage in the first place. 

It does make me think though, many of us never manage to fit these 'me' time in and what best place than your own room whilst on holiday. I can see why Bel's massages have been popular at The Bull... just a little tempting thought for your next visit. 

Bel Silcox has Diplomas in Swedish Massage, Remedial Massage, Anatomy and Physiology as well as Complete Bodyworker. She is a member of the Association of Physical and Natural Therapists. 

The Stable on the Quay in Weymouth opened last night with a party to celebrate the new venue. As can be expected the cider was flowing and slices of pizza were being served around the room. As at The Stable in Bridport, we're talking thin crust, stone baked, proper pizzas with Dorset produce as toppings from smoked ham to marinated lamb, blue vinney to smoked mackerel. 

There's also Dorset pies and salads and of course the famous hazelnut chocolate and mascarpone pizza. Not so Dorset maybe but a favourite with the kids (and the chocoholics of all ages). 

But what about the party? It was great to see so many people there, from the ones who worked hard to make the new venue such a great space, to the Harbour Masters who are the downstairs neighbours (you can't miss the big "Harbour Master" sign on the red brick building), new friends and old friends from along the way. 

Where the original Stable in Bridport is very much a stable with chunky rustic tables and a really warm atmosphere, The Stable on the Quay is totally in keeping with its more industrial heritage. Big long oak tables are still a feature but there is mild steel for the legs reflecting the steel pillars that hold huge wooden beams. Rex Johnson, who studied at Parnham with renowned furniture maker John Makepeace, clearly enjoyed the challenge of designing something different from his last Stable project in Bridport. 

Martin Chaplin was in charge -along with co-owner Andy Briggs- of turning the warehouse into a cider bar and pizza place that people would enjoy visiting. It's not just about food and drink you know, it's very much about the details. Co-owner Nikki Cooper is into vintage furniture, look out for her quirky mirror by the back wall near the bar. The light fittings are vintage of an industrial recycling kind yet the modern light bulbs above the bar are worth a little peek. The walls are bare bricks that have seen some action but the brand new framed blackboards shouting their menu are modern and beautifully hand written by artist Jemma Thomson. Look out for the wifi sign too, it looks like it's been there longer than wifi has existed without looking out of place. 

Once you've spotted the big "Harber Master" sign on the large red building, you'll be welcomed by Jemma's sign on the ground floor, letting you choose between the lift or the apple and pears… (cockney slang for stairs). Up to you how you get to the second floor. It's worth checking out the third floor too. The view from the little round table by the bay window over the harbour is fantastic night and day. 

So if you love a good pizza, want to try a new cider or two and happen to be in Weymouth, go and visit The Stable on the Quay. Co-owner Richard Cooper probably won't be there with his microphone to welcome you as he was at last night's party but that's probably a good thing...  

We hope to see you soon in Weymouth at the Stable on the Quay.

It's always exciting and challenging to plan February Half term and 2012 is no exception. From beautiful flower displays to good old fashioned records (of the music kind), craft workshops to literary or fossil walks, there's plenty to choose from in and around Bridport. 

Traditionally February sees the end of winter with snowdrops showing their delicate faces. Forde Abbey offers snowdrop weekends for the whole of February but who knows what other flowers will have appeared by then? The grounds are stunning so whatever happens, it will be worth a stroll. 

Music lovers of a certain age will have fond memories of records. Vinyl Saturday Bridport on 18 February 2012 will be a chance to hunt for that elusive recording you've been meaning to get hold of. And yes, there are CD's too. Held in two venues in the town centre, Bridport also has a great independent music shop for new CD's, Bridport Music, music stalls on the weekly market as well as several second hand and Vintage shops. 

If you prefer art of the visual kind, there are plenty of possibilities too. Artist Veronica Hudson runs workshops in painting, drawing, African pottery for all abilities from her Higher Eype Studio with its stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Veronica has been inspiring our guests for several years now so we can highly recommend her. For a therapeutic day making felt inspired by our wonderful West Dorset landscape, you can join a course at Highway Farm on 11 February 2012. 

Bridport is home to a large number of established artists. Landscape painter Kit Glaisyer's St Michael's studio in Bridport's Art and Vintage Quarter will be open both Saturdays 11th and 18th. Bridport Arts Centre's Allsop Gallery has an great exhibition running until the 18th February: 'Drawing; the visual representation of thought'. Artist and curator David Brooke lets us not only admire an eclectic collection of drawings from 16 talented artists, he also enables us to have a glimpse into the artists' mind and process with several sketchbooks on display. A very worthwhile exhibition. 

Inspiration can also come in the form of John Fowles and his French Lieutenant's Woman or Jane Austen. Literary Lyme Guided walks can take you to the sites mentioned by the authors and bring it all to life. They also offer an undercliff walk along the Unesco World Heritage Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis to Seaton. 

The Jurassic Coast is of course famous for its fossils and pioneer fossil hunter Mary Anning. Lyme Regis museum offers walks of old Lyme as Mary knew them as well as family fun day on Wednesday 15 February: 'Meet the Ecosaurs' based on the eponymous book is a free art workshop for children 5 to 10 years to  create their own jurassic timeline with artist Alison Bowskill. 

The Jurassic Coast is filled with treasures but it also needs preservation and respect.  The best way to find real fossils is to join Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre's fossil hunting walk on the 14th of February (and many other dates during the year). 

So as they say, there really is something for everyone. Sporty types can walk, ramble or cycle. Paths abound and the air is clean. Talking of clean air, we'll leave you with a short video of Bridport by Night by a talented young man who has fallen in love… with Bridport. 

See you in February. 

Stephen Banks' Bridport by Night video on YouTube

One of the first things that Bull Manager Billy asked me to do for the Bull Blog was to talk to Leon. Thing is, it's easy for a boutique hotel to talk about great food. But what about 'behind the scenes'? Boring stuff like recycling… Come and meet Leon and his team of Bridport volunteers. They are anything but boring. 

Tucked away on the St Michael's trading estate, between the artists and the antique dealers is Bridport TLC. Oh yes, Tender Loving Care. Very apt for a Community Project that does so much more than collect recycling from the Bull Hotel and many Bridport businesses. The reality of recycling is that we all want to do it but for a business it can be difficult to get all the staff to understand the importance of sorting things. That's where Leon came in and explained to us all in his enthusiastic manner what Bridport TLC do. It's so much easier to be responsible when it's made easy for us. 

Bridport TLC started as a Community Biodiesel project set up by Leon Edwards and Tess Dickson. They collected local waste cooking oil and turned it into clean fuel, then went on to set up a Bicycle repair and recycling workshop and now collect waste from local businesses to help them meet the Government's 'Business Waste Directive"; among other things.  

The recycling hub is a hive of busy bees. I wouldn't call Leon the Queen bee, he'll never talk to me again, but he and Tess are very much the drivers that keep the project going; as with all similar ventures in times of financial cuts, it's not an easy task. I'm told the boss is in fact General, the ginger cat that makes sure rodents keep away from the vast amount of potential food. 

The ground floor is filled with cardboard and plastic (among other things) waiting to be taken to a larger local recycling centre in one go. Volunteers collect, sort, bale and have a laugh. More importantly, they do a very worthwhile job. An important part of Bridport TLC is to help people with learning difficulties or who may have chosen the wrong path at some point in their life to integrate into society by volunteering to do a job the Community needs. What would we all do if nobody took that thankless task on board? 

Waste not want not comes to mind when you have a look around Bridport TLC's Scrapstore. What to do with all this stuff they collect? Tess is an Arts Project Worker whose work can be seen at the Carnival. Weekly meetings ensure that people with learning difficulties can come and create some wonderful recycled bags, decoupage boxes or covered picture frames. 

The Scrapstore is open to the public (you have to become a member) and is an Alladin's cave for crafts people who want to pick up some weird and wonderful bits of material, plastic tubes or cones, ribbons and of course rope and nets… What you'll find very much depends on what has been collected. Sure gets the imagination going. 

Bridport TLC recently opened the Scrapstore Outlet where items made by the volunteers are sold to help fund the project. Fancy a funky bag made from milk cartons for £5? A craft pack for 99p? A colourful lego bag that doubles up as a play mat for £10? What will be there when you next visit will very much depend on what has turned up on the van or has been donated. No doubt Tess and her team will think of something fun and worthwhile and sell it at a very reasonable price.   

I really enjoyed meeting Leon, Tess and their teams. I came out with a feeling of hope. In our days where teachers can't touch small kids, people who are different struggle to integrate and funds to help such projects are dwindling, I saw smiles and hugs, heard laughter and banter and witnessed something that seems far too scarce. Nurturing and empowering for the benefit of us all. I'm very glad Billy asked me to meet them all.

For more information on the Scrapstore opening times and Bridport TLC 

We all know about cider. It's the South West's gold nectar. Our cider house The Stable is famous for its selection of unique ciders, from single variety specials to organic local brews. But do you know about Apple Wassailing? If you do, you'll know it's a great excuse for a party. If you don't, let us tell you a little about this ancient tradition that has nothing to do with boats, the Olympics or 2012! 

West Dorset does not have as many orchards as it used to, which is a shame. Having said that, Bridport has an orchard right bang in the middle of town thanks to a Community Initiative that saved a field from development and raises awareness of Dorset's rich orchard heritage. 

This Sunday at 3pm, the Community Orchard in Bridport will have a Wassailing event which if nothing else, sounds like a very good excuse for a glass of delicious Dorset Nectar cider. (if you can't go, you can try it at The Stable next time you visit!). There is a lot more to it though. 

Banging on trees, making loud noises, singing, a glass of warm apple juice or cider by the fire is what it's all about. But there is reason to what may appear like a bit of madness and a good excuse for a party. 

Whilst the apple trees look sleepy, the codling moths are lurking behind the bark, ready to go up the tree and into the apples in the Summer. Suddenly, banging on the tree to frighten them away makes sense. Although imagining evil spirits makes for a better story. Traditionally, guns were shot to really make a point but the Community Orchard being in the middle of town, Wassailing in Bridport is all about children (and adults) making a racket with drums, tambourines or whistles and having lots of fun. 

Another important part of the Wassailing ceremony is an offering of cider to the good spirits. Take some bread, dip in cider -what else?- and throw up in the branches. That should keep the sparrows happy. Grateful of such a heady night, they may hang around a while and eat the bugs that we'd rather not have around the orchard.

It all sounds rather pagan and may be ritualistic but it makes sense that in the days when farm labourers were paid in cider and landowners depended on their crop for their income, such events were anchored in the calendar. We're glad they're coming back to Bridport, inspiring our artists (see Kate Lynch's Musicians at the Wassail above and on our previous post) and giving us an excuse for a get together.  

There is no Wassailing without Morris Dancers and the Monkton Wyld Morris Dancers will be performing. And finally, there has to be some merry singing. We thought you'd like to memorise the words of one of the Wassail so you can join in like a local. Here goes:    

Wassail the Silver Apple

Chorus:

Wassail, wassail, may the coming year

Peace and plenty bring to all who wassail here.

Drink to the bud and the blossom

Drink to the root of the tree

Drink to the fruit of the summer

Wassail let cider run free.

Chorus

Wassail the silver shilling

Wassal the silver moon

Wassail the silver apple

Drink, hail the sign of the sun

Chorus

We'll drink to that! A Dorset Nectar cider or one of the many great ciders on offer at The Stable! 

Wassail at the Bridport Community Orchard, Sunday 15th January 2012, 3pm 

Happy New Year! 2012 promises to be such a great -and busy- year… on top of Bridport's established food, literary and quirky events, 'Spirit of Bridport' has been created to celebrate the 2012 Cultural Olympiad during the year, culminating with a three-week Festival of Culture in the Summer.

From 11 to 27 August 2012 'Spirit of Bridport' will bring together our heritage and our present. Bridport will be filled with art, theatre, music, sport and all manner of fun and entertainment for all.

Foodies will have their tastebuds and nostrils tickled with pop-up cafes and restaurants, Ready Steady Cook events and of course the local pubs and restaurants (including the Bull Hotel and The Stable cider house!) offering their fantastic menus with local produce.

Art lovers will have a chance to meet local artists and check-out their work at 'Bridport Open Studios' during August bank holiday. With more than 200 artists in the area, the art on display is very varied, from established painters to newcomers, pottery makers, textile artists, sculptors, photographers… All tastes and pockets.

The Melplash Agricultural Show and the Carnival are also a yearly event in Bridport's diary loved by locals. But 'Spirit of Bridport' has more in store for 2012. The  newly refurbished Town Hall and the Museum (free entry) will celebrate the town's rope and net making history. The Bridport Art Centre and the Electric Palace will offer a mini film festival, inspirational sports speakers, comedy nights and exhibitions by internationally recognised photographers.

Bridport is also home to a national theatrical puppet-making workshop at the Lyric Theatre, home of the Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company. They will offer a pupping making extravaganza for young children and families, great fun.

No festival is complete without music. Many pubs have live music during the year (including the monthly Hayloft Sessions above The Stable cider house) but during the festival there won't be an evening without a band, a singer, a musician or a DJ playing their sounds somewhere in town. There might be a bit of busking Sidmouth-style and a song-writing competition with Billy Bragg.

Since all this has originally been inspired by the 2012 Sailing Olympics in Weymouth, sport has not been forgotten. Bridport Gig Rowing Club -who are doing really well at national level we're proud to say- are organising gig boat regattas In West Bay and there will be fencing and bowling as well.

When we said busy for 2012, we meant it! Organisations and community groups all over town are getting together to give Bridport's people and their visiting friends a year to remember.

We very much look forward to welcoming you at The Bull Hotel and The Stable in Bridport and we wish you a very happy and fun 2012, wherever you are…

See you soon.

Images credit: Fra Newbury's Spirit of Bridport: Ensign IT Services. Gig Rowing: Bridport Gig Rowing Club  

For up to date information on the Spirit of Bridport 

It's hard to believe that it's ten years since the Dorset and East Devon coast around Bridport was designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The Jurassic Coast is celebrating its tenth birthday this month! Of course, the main reason it is a World Heritage Site is that it is way older than that… 185 million years of our Earth's history are recorded in its rocks. 

Bridport is a Gateway Town to the Jurassic Coast and is ideally situated. To the east lies the younger part of the coast - Cretaceous, only 100 million years old - with the famous Old Harry Rocks, striking white chalk stacks, carved by the sea. To the west, the Triassic period (250 million years old) can be seen between Orcombe Point in Exmouth and Lyme Regis where the Jurassic period starts. 

So here we are… perfectly positioned in the middle of a most amazing coastline! England's only Natural World Heritage Site might be bursting with fossils in its old rocks, it is also bursting with energy. "Creative Coast 2012" is a very exciting collaboration that brings together the arts with natural science to create eight ambitious projects along the Coast. 

Closest to Bridport, the Jurassic Coast Earth Festival (4 May - 9 September 2012) will provide Lyme Regis with its own international airport of a kind… Onboard will enable us to travel the Jurassic Coast through space and time in a totally carbon neutral way. Augmented reality and multi-media will be used to take us back in time and across the globe to other World Heritage Sites. The experience promises to be technologically pioneering, multi-sensory and entertaining. Its aim is to also help us reflect on global environmental issues and what better place to do this than a World Heritage Site? It certainly sounds like something West Dorset has never seen and we can't wait to have a go!

We'll have to tell you about the others projects another time because there are just too many for one post. But we've heard of a life size dinosaur roaming along the coast, dance, photography, music, stone carving… oh, and in case you've forgotten, we've got the Olympics and Paralympics for sailing in Weymouth as well! We're just a little bit excited! We hope you join us for some fun in 2012. See you next year. 

The Bridport Christmas Light Festival this week kicked off the festive season to a great start. It was wonderful to see our town busy and lit up, shops open late and everybody out having a nice time. The Bull's mulled cider went down a treat with our guests and friends (I loved the aniseed after taste!). 

Christmas spirit was all over Bridport from the Electric Palace to the WI and even the Museum was open with the local National Trust van out in force to help celebrate the Jurassic Coast's tenth anniversary of being a World Heritage Site. But we'll tell you about that later. 

Today it's all about Christmas! Joy Reeves has decked our halls with earthy decorations; we love her clever use of vintage milk bottles, rosehips and pine cones, they blend in beautifully with the Bull hotel's decor. 

Now… if you missed our mulled cider last night, fear not, it's served all day over the festive season. Come and try it! And if you fancy a change from Christmas at home this year, why not come and spend time with us? 

Sing along to carols in the Hayloft above the Stable Cider House on Christmas eve, have your breakfast and an amazing lunch cooked for you whilst you concentrate on opening presents, going off for a wonder along the Jurassic Coast and enjoying a glass of champagne (or two)… 

Christmas time at the Bull Hotel in Bridport is very relaxed… log fires, great food and Bridport's unique atmosphere. We wish a very merry Christmas and hope to welcome you over the festive season. See you soon… 

We can't wait for this year's Bridport Christmas Festival on the 7th December from 6pm… there's plenty to keep kids and grown ups in high spirits! The Bull Hotel (you know us, we're a bit soft on the arts and we love kids!) is sponsoring the children's Christmas Card Competition. 

There will be lots of stalls around town but also inside the Art Centre, the Electric Palace and new for this year the WI Hall in North Street; that's plenty of Christmas gift ideas indoors if the weather is not on our side. Fingers crossed though as Bucky Doo square promises to be very lively and fun. Shops will open late and The Bull Hotel will sell mulled cider and wine on East Street, in front of the hotel. 

The Bridport Pantomime Players will give us a tiny taster of their Robinson Crusoe, Santa will be dropped off from his sleigh and go into his grotto where children will get a free gift. The lights will be switched on at 6pm by Deputy Major Maggie Ray and singers from all ages will entertain us. 

Guitarist Mitchy Norman, Lauren Glover and the Pickwicks as well as the 'Buckydon'ts Yukelele Players' and the tiny 'sing-a-me-jings' will all be singing for us. There's no Christmas celebrations without little ones singing Christmas Carols! 

The Bull Hotel is sponsoring the Christmas Card Competition this year. Last year we sponsored a Poster Competition with the theme of the Rights of Children. We were amazed at the quality of the 100 entries and Father Christmas dropping Christmas Presents into refugee camps really was inspiring. 

This year the theme is 'A Christmas card for Bridport'. The competition is open to all Bridport Schools. The winning entry will receive £50 for the student and the school. The winning cards will be on sale for the first time at the Festival. Look out for it! 

There is also a Christmas Tree Festival in the United Church in East Street from the 7th to the 14th of December. Over 60 trees decorated by Bridport community groups will not only make a stunning display but are proof that the community spirit in Bridport and the surrounding area is alive and well. For the 13th year, charities and good causes will benefit so if you can, do go and visit. Have a fabulous festive season! 

Please note South Street will be closed from 2.30 until 9.30pm.