On Friday 18th October we are taking a wander around West Bay. The walk, which will be led by Museum volunteer Chris Prideaux, is part of a long term project called ‘Entwining Lines’ aiming to reconnect West Bay with Newfoundland in Canada.
Newfoundland has many historical links with the area through the fishing trade and migration of Dorset people in the Nineteenth Century. Local families from Bridport and the surrounding villages immigrated to Newfoundland during the 17th and 18th centuries. Traces of the Dorset accent still exist in certain areas of Newfoundland.
Birds leave the coast at West Bay in large numbers to winter in Newfoundland. There are several wildlife groups both at the bay and further afield which monitor and collect data on this shared wildlife. There are also links through the salmon fishing trade and Bridport net industry. Companies in Bridport produced hemp cod lines which were shipped to Newfoundland during the fishing season and returned with cargoes of salt cod. The area is famous for its fish cuisine, and reflects the strong Local Food culture of Bridport with its annual Food Festival, farmer’s markets and other such Local Food initiatives.
Last year Sam Scriven, Earth Sciences Manager for the Jurassic Coast Team led a group from Bridport Primary school on a walk to look at local geology. The children then produced some artwork and have made a link with a school in Newfoundland, with the aim of writing to children over there and sharing experiences. On another morning, Tom Brereton of MARINELife Conservation took us bird-watching at 7am!
This time we will be thinking about social history and memories instead. Chris will lead a walk for about an hour, telling us about how the harbour was formed, looking at some buildings and anecdotes from its interesting past.
After the walk we will come back to the Salt House and map memories and histories with Rob Colbourne, a professional artist. Rob will be collating everything together and creating artwork for postcards which will be sent to Newfoundland, and will form the basis of an exhibition next year.
The walk and workshop will begin at 10am, meeting at the Haddon House hotel car park. The walk will be non-strenuous but sensible shoes are recommended. The walk will last for about 1 hour, followed by coffee and the workshop in the Salt House. Places are free of charge.
For more information or to book a place, email Emily curator@bridportmuseum.co.uk or phone 01308 458703.
