MEMORIES of a 94-year-old Portland man are being stirred ahead of a new play and community project about controversial campaigner Marie Stopes.

As reported in the Echo, Dorset theatre company AsOne has been awarded an Arts Council grant to bring the story of women's rights campaigner and birth control pioneer Marie Stopes to the stage.

The funding has helped members research, write and produce an original play, ‘Escaping the Storm’, about her life on Portland which she fled to as a retreat.

The scientist bought the Old Higher Lighthouse in 1923 and she later founded the Portland Museum. She continued to visit the island up until 1957, the year before she died.

The play is interwoven with film and as part of the project podcasts are also being made.

During AsOne’s search for living islanders with a connection to Marie Stopes, producers said they "struck gold with the very lively, and informative Doug Smith" – the scientist’s dedicated driver.

He took over driving Marie Stopes all over the country between 1950 and 1957 from his father, Richard Smith.

Doug Smith said: “One day my father suggested I took over the wheel. I was already driving my own taxi for the family firm, Smith’s Family Coaches.

"Dr Stopes was always very pleasant to me. She was down to earth in all ways. When I went to collect her – from her home in Surrey her cook would always make me a full breakfast."

He added: “She had two suitcases, and told me never to open, or lose one in-particular. She never actually said it was full of money. But I often wondered.

"I always respected her saying, only have as many children as you can afford. My wife and I did just that, we had two boys. Sadly, one died of cancer.”

Podcasts of Mr Smith talking with AsOne’s Artistic Director Jane McKell have been made by videographer Andy Worth on behalf of the theatre company as a permanent legacy at the Dorset History Centre.

Frances Lockyer, the owner of the Higher Lighthouse since the 1980s, has also contributed her memories as part of the project.

There is the chance to meet and chat to Doug Smith this Sunday at 3pm in the Portland Museum Garden.

Visitors can enjoy a glass of Pimm's or squash, meet the people behind the play as well as hear and discuss some script excerpts.

Some Atlantic Academy students will also be popping up to entertain. Tickets £3.50 are available at the museum, call 01305 821804.

Escaping the Storm (Marie Stopes on Portland) is touring nationally after The Royal Manor Theatre’s premiere of this play on Tuesday, October 16 at 7.30 pm. Tickets available on 03336 663 366.