25 YEARS AGO:

August, 27 1993

RECORD BREAKER: Carnival organisers at Bridport are delighted by the success of the parade that raised a record £4,003 in collections.

That was £530 up on last year and beat the record 1991 result of £3,868.

Carnival committee treasurer, Alan Davies, said it took 13 committee members over seven hours to count the cash at Bridport's TSB branch.

MAGIC: Crowds of locals and holidaymakers flocked to yesterday's Melplash Show causing half-hour traffic hold-ups and the showfield car parking field to brim over.

Champion beef beast was family pet, seven-year-old Hereford bull North Clifton 1 Flyer, owned by Trott and Son of Kiddles farm, Piddletrenthide, repeating his success of last year.

WINNER: Organiser of Loders and Uploders flower and produce show Hazel Crabb had plenty to celebrate after scooping nine first prizes in vegetable, flower, flower arranging and produce classes.

Entries to the annual event at the village hall topped 200, 22 more than last year.

50 YEARS AGO:

August, 23 1968

IT'S ON FIRE, OR IS IT? Burton Bradstock Parish Church of St Mary's seemed to be on fire at times over the weekend.

The sun's rays, shining through the colourful windows and into the magnificent arrangements of flowers, created a 'burning bush' effect.

The annual Festival of Flowers, prepared and arranged by the West Dorset branch of the Dorset Floral Decoration Society, under the direction of Mrs N. Wratislaw, was held to raise money for the Commonwealth Blind.

SUCCESS: Lady Diana Tiarks, wife of the president of Melplash Garden Club gained the highest number of points at the club's third Summer Show on Saturday.

By recording 39 marks, she secured the Victor Montagu Cup.

Her nearest rivals were Mr and Mrs J Davis, who chalked up 34 points.

WOOF: The Bridport bulldogs of Mr and Mrs Harold Hayball are now being sought all over the world.

In recent weeks breeders from America, Australia, Sweden and Japan have visited the Hayball's kennels at Easter Piece, Eype Road.