After what has been a challenging year, a local group is looking forward to a new year with some fascinating events planned.

Members of Bridport History Society are continuing to meet online until further notice due to the pandemic - they used to meet at the United Church Hall.

The society said it had lost some members over the past year due to the fact it was now meeting on Zoom, but new faces were continuing to join - including some from Scotland.

Writing in the January Newsletter, Ann Riley, Acting Chairman and Secretary, said: “Looking to the future we have a fascinating and varied programme of talks lined up so far this year, including how holidays have changed, Torquay pottery and the myth of the Green Man.

"I am heartened to say we are gaining new members month by month so there clearly is interest in what this society is doing."

Forthcoming meetings

Tuesday January 11 – ‘I do like to be beside the seaside: how holidays have changed over the years’. Hosted by Sheila Meaney

Tuesday February 8 – ‘A Century of Ceramics’ The story of the Torquay Pottery. Hosted by Andy Violet. Bring along your Torquay Pottery for a ‘show and tell’ session after the talk.

Tuesday March 8 – ‘The Myth of the Green Man and other Fertility Fantasies’. Mischievous faces peering through foliage in British churches (including in Bridport) have been seen as images of a mythical Green Man. Hosted by Dr Lucy Goodison

All talks and meetings will be taking place over Zoom until further notice.

For more information or to attend any meetings email jferentzi@aol.com or phone Celia Martin on 01308 425015.