THE death of war poet Rupert Brooke – who wrote his most famous lines while training at Blandford – is among the anniversaries commemorated in the 2015 Dorset Year Book.

The book, published each year by The Society of Dorset Men, contains a selection of interesting articles on the life and times of Dorset people, events and communities with photographs and illustrations.

Among the highlights is a piece on Rupert Brooke, who wrote his most famous poem The Soldier while training at Blandford Camp with the Royal Naval Division in 1914.

He died in Greece a year later from a mosquito bite.

This will be the 108th Dorset Year Book and in the editorial chair for the second year is former estate agent and pub landlord Trevor Vacher-Dean of Weymouth.

He said: “I never realised how completely the Dorset Year Book would take over my life.

“I feel like the keeper of a treasure house, with each valued offering being carefully nurtured and cared for.

“I gratefully acknowledge that without the shared vision and masterly wizardry of Chris Smith at Print Team, the result would be very much poorer than it is.

“I hope our readers enjoy this Year Book and also appreciate what a ‘labour of love’ it has been for all who have made a contribution.”

Other articles include Portlander Peter Pitman’s train journey to London in 1951 where he visited the Festival of Britain, the story of Bridport brewers Palmers, the life of Cerne Valley countryman Frank Palmer, the links between Poole and Canadian territory Newfoundland, and a piece on Nick Carter, who became policy advisor to UK forces in Afghanistan.

Another important anniversary is marked in the book by local transport expert Brain Jackson– 50 years since the closure of the Portland railway.

The 2015 Dorset Year Book is sent free to all society members, but can also be purchased for £6 from various other outlets including Dorchester TIC, Waterstones at Bridport, Books Afloat in Weymouth, and Cards & Celebrations on Portland.

They can also be ordered by post from Andy Hutchings, 23 Hereford Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0QB for £8.20. Make cheques payable to The Society of Dorset Men.