25 YEARS AGO:

May 21, 1993:

POLLY WANT A CRACKER: A dangerous bird warning was issued by police when a cranky parrot disappeared from a remote commune for down and outs.

Fred, a bad-tempered African grey, has a tendency to bite people.

The parrot, which went missing from the Pilsdon Manor Community, near Bridport, finally turned up 30 miles away at Weymouth Police station.

A spokesman said a man who had stayed overnight at the community claimed to have found Fred in his bag but only discovered the parrot when it began pecking its way out.

He promptly handed Fred over to the police, who remanded the bird in custody in a holding cell before it was reunited with its delighted owners.

JUMP: Young mum Nicky Morris is planning a charity parachute jump- despite her fear of heights.

Nicky, 19, of Alexandra Road, Bridport, who gave birth to a premature baby ten months ago, will jump in aid of Bliss- Baby Life Support Systems.

RIDERS: The worst weather in six years for Shipton Riding Club's annual show at Bridport failed to dampen the spirits of competitors.

50 YEARS AGO:

May 17, 1968:

POLLS: No actual declaration of the poll was made after last week's Town Council election in Bridport's South Ward.

When the returning officer (Alderman P.C. Norfolk) went to a Town Hall window to announce the result at 8:45 on Thursday evening there was just one person waiting in the street below- Councillor Alan Cummins.

WALK: Some 30 members of the Beaminster Youth Centre and Netherbury Youth Club, mostly girls, took part in a sponsored Youth Walk in aid of the Save the Children Fund on Sunday.

They all completed a 22-mile route from Yeovil to Wells. COMMUNICATION: In recent rescue missions, the Lyme Regis Lifeboat crew have been hampered because they have had no radio communication with the Wyke Regis Coastguards, who co-ordinate operations, or with their local station.

Thanks to the generosity of a few, however, the situation is soon to be altered.