Here's what was making the News headlines 50 and 25 years ago

MISSION: British troops running the gauntlet in the former Yugoslavia are being given respite from danger in a ‘floating hotel’ captained by a Bridport man.

David Pursall (49) is captain of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship Sir Bedivere – a refuge in Split harbour for more than 450 soldiers serving with the UN peacekeeping force.

He is in regular contact with his family, who live in Bridport.

PAY CUT: West Dorset MP Sir James Spicer yesterday (Thursday) called for a cut in MPs’ pay, following the Autumn Statement by Chancellor Norman Lamont.

“If there is to be a tough pay round then it is right that MPs should be in the front line,” he told the News, advocating a cut of at least five per cent.

“I think it’s absolutely crucial. We have come out of the ERM and we are living in a dream world.”

REMEMBRANCE: The people of West Dorset joined forces on Sunday to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.

Organisations marched in traditional Remembrance Day parades at Bridport and Beaminster to services in their parish churches.

British soldiers in the firing line in Bosnia were in the thoughts of the congregation at Bridport's service.

50 YEARS AGO
Friday, November 17, 1967

CELEBRITY: Reigning World Motor Racing Champion, New Zealander Denny Hulme, will be among the cream of the big-time drivers who will come through Bridport tomorrow (Saturday) on the 2,500-mile RAC Rally of Great Britain.

Hulme, who clinched the championship by finishing third in the recent Mexican Grand Prix, is down to drive a Triumph 2000, entered by the "Sun" newspaper.

EVILS: The evils of today were spotlighted by the Rev. D.V. Galloway (Vicar of Beaminster and Rural Dean) in his address at the Remembrance Day service at St. Mary's Parish Church, Beaminster, on Sunday.

"There is so much to be done in England today," said the Vicar.

"The enemies may not be so obvious as they were in 1939, but there are still evil things in life - violence, hatred, selfishness, drugs and a forgotten faith."

FIRE: Bridport firemen attending the Remembrance Sunday service had to rush from St Mary's parish church to deal with a chimney fire in West Bay Road, Bridport.