REMEMBERING PIDDLETRENTHIDE – A Picture Book of Village Memories

10th Anniversary Exhibition

Last month saw a well-supported Anniversary Exhibition held in the Memorial Hall to which
villagers past & present were invited to see a display of photographs, videos & memorabilia.

Some pictures from the original book Remembering Piddletrenthide, written by Dave & Bridget Bowen with photographs collated by Ian Condon, were on display along with more recently discovered pictures from the past, together with photos of the now beautifully restored Brick House on the edge of the village.

Faces from the past enjoyed meeting up with old friends to discuss memories of the 6 years of
exhibitions held in the process of writing the book, to a background of videos and films of
Farming in the post-Second World War days. An excellent display on Ralph Wightman was set up
by Jan Burnett, a descendant of Ralph. He was born & raised in this village and went on to gain
fame both through his writing and also his regular broadcasting assignments with the BBC via the
Home Service. He became recognised as ‘The Voice of Rural Britain’ appearing on ‘Any Questions’
& Farming programmes. At the end of WWII he broadcast from outside the New Inn [now The
Poachers] and a photo of this event is displayed here with a newspaper report of the time.

David Burnett, eminent researcher & owner of the Dovecote Press, specialising in publications
about Dorset, spoke about the need for Ralph to be included in the Dorset Writers Gallery at the local Dorset Museum since he contributed so much of interest by recording his memories of
farming and rural life during the 20th Century.

Clive Groves, whose grandparents ran GROVES SEED MERCHANTS when they were established
in the village back in the 1850’s, and whose descendants now run Groves Nurseries in Bridport &
Beaminster, came along to meet a newly-found relative whose online researches lead her to the
discovery of 19th century family links to the family in Piddletrenthide!

Thanks to Bridget Bowen for the article .