You might have noticed Bridport Radio has it's own screensaver now The Bat has this to say about it "Sweet merciful holy c**p !!! What's with the Bridport Radio screensaver mode? You could have given me some warning, thought my bl**dy computer had a virus or my eyes had gone all wonky!! I nearly sniped myself in the foot for gawds sake!!" Haven't seen it yet? just leave this window alone for 5 minutes...

Now AHead has sent in a screensaver for Mac users to download. To make it work put it in: Macintosh HD/Library/Screensavers/then select via the system preferences window. Right click on the link and save as... teacup.qtz You can see it on YouTube here.

New and improved, the original movie posted here was too ginormous so we've made it smaller for faster downloading. Here's some great footage of Bridport stations very own boys and girls in blue, gettin' on down ina night fever stylee. This clip was filmed and edited by Bridport Radio member AHead especially for the local Policemans Ball. So get ready for some rib tickling, toe tappin' entertainment...

Last weeks comedy night at the Beech and Barnicott was a rare and welcome treat. Host and compere, Bentley, sporting a shirt with the iridescence of a fresh mackerel ran through the surreal humour on offer in the weeks Bridport News – including the hard hitting headline “Thieving Junkie C***s”, a response to someone helping themselves to the contents of his shed. Tsk, tsk, language Bentley! “Moffit” is the current acceptable term for junkie. 

This landmark building from the great age of popular entertainment, the 1920s, is getting ready to power back into life after several years 'in the dark'. Bridport's much-loved Electric Palace will switch on again for the 21st century, not just as a cinema but also as a laboratory & training ground for the arts & a beacon for film, theatre, dance, photography & music.

Firmly rooted in the community, the Electric Palace will respect its local links with a mix of accessible entertainment for all age groups & an open door policy to those wanting to work in the arts, providing them with both a platform & training opportunities.While encouraging West Dorset's dynamic local creativity, it will bring the world to Bridport through national & international links & exciting, varied programming.

Young people are the key to the future of the Electric Palace which will foster talent through initiating local projects & offering studio space, apprenticeship programmes & courses. Equally our doors will be open to schools, societies & receptions, while the brasserie & bars will be a welcome meeting place. Backed by overwhelming local support & interest, we're getting ready to generate an electrifying mix of local, international, young & old, classic & contemporary - transforming this building with its 80-year heritage of glamour, memories & entertainment into a true palace of the arts.

CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY
Dating from 1926, the Electric Palace's decor blends neo-classic with Art Nouveau, including the celebrated staircase mural panels by George 'Tricky' Biles. Together their design value is recognised & protected by Listed Building status.

Entering through a roofed atrium area, guests will find a Parisian-style brasserie extending back into the foyer which will also house the all-new kitchen. The lower auditorium will feature a large bar. Front rows of seating will be removable revealing a new 12m x 10m dancefloor. An arts bookshop & a cybercafe will be located in the upstairs foyer.A series of rooms behind the multi-purpose stage & screen area will be transformed into studio spaces, editing suites & a renovated Green room. A new photographers gallery will be created in the 'industrial' engine room with its glazed roof. 

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Constituted as a not-for-profit organisation, the objective of the Electric Palace is to reinvest trading profits in supporting communtiy initiatives & artistic development. Grant aid from a variety of funding bodies, corporate & individual sponsors is currently being sought for all aspects of our redevelopment & programming. Ticket pricing & studio hire charges will be affordable to attract a local audience & be accessible to those with special needs & most importantly to young people in the area. The programming mix will include national & international high-quality screenings, performance, exhibitions & bands, but will also offer low-cost daytime events, budget family & children's access & a loyalty programme.

As part of a wider national & international community of multi-arts venues, the Electric Palace is forging links with similar ventures in Europe & around the world. These links will translate into diversity of programming, cultural exchange & the flow of information & ideas, providing Bridport & West Dorset with both a window on the world & a showcase for local talent in film & photography, creative writing, art & performance.

Website www.electricpalace.org.uk
 

 summer in bridport...

We are growing excited by the increasin use of Bridport in TV and the media, why only the other day I was watching a Divvy Dee called Confetti (starring Tim from the office) and in it a couple of nerdy characters mentioned Bridders in a slightly derogatory fashion, we are all aware of West Bay as the setting for harbour lights and Huge Fearless Whitingsthorpe eating all of our road kill live on Channel 4, but can you recall any other incidences of Bridport in the movies or the TV? Was an episode of The Professionals filmed in Gundry Lane, are the rumours of Woody Allen scouring the area for locations true? Is Deal or No Deal recorded live at DaVinci's? Join in with your TV and Bridderwood memories and rumours and win a shiny new Bridport Radio MikkiMug (limited amount left)

The following is a true story: In the late 1800's Bridport had its own M.P. before it became the West Dorset constituency. In the election of 1875 the Liberal candidate easily defeated the Tory candidate and became the Town's Member of Parliament. However five years later, at the next General Election, the result was mysteriously reversed. This anomalous result went completely against the national trend, as Gladstone's Liberal Government wiped out Disraeli's Prime Ministership. So what had caused this sudden decline in the fortunes of the local Liberals?

We are working on a Bridport Radio Live event with music, video, food, drink, competitions and all sorts of malarkey and we need YOUR help. Firstly to find a suitable venue, it would be great to use the old library - has anyone got any leads on this? Free tickets will be given to all Bridport Radio members and guest tickets will also be available at a very reasonable rate - watch this space.  If you have something to offer or if you have any bright ideas on how to make this a great event please contact us or leave a comment.

Bridport Film Society - World Cinema on Your Doorstep

The Bridport Film Society is made up of film lovers resident in Bridport and across West Dorset.

The Bridport Film Society's aim is to introduce more specialised films to a broader audience, films that cannot be seen in local commercial cinemas.

Visit Bridport Film Society website for full listings.