Author: Andrew

Jurassica’s plans for Portland and Weymouth

On By AndrewIn Event review, OpinionLeave a comment

Did you know that a real Jurassic World is coming to Portland? That’s the ambitious plan driving the Jurassica initiative, an innovative project to convert a disused quarry into a world-class dinosaur-themed experience.

There won’t be any real dinosaurs, of course. And I don’t think T-rex is invited because he wasn’t a Dorset local. Along with ammonites (very Dorset) there will be plenty of sea dwelling dinos including pliosaurs and ichthyosaurs, the massive marine reptiles with scarily large and sharp teeth.

Jurassica, if it happens, promises to be a very exciting place to visit. But there’s no guarantee that it will ever be more than a good idea.

Continue reading “Jurassica’s plans for Portland and Weymouth” →

Where Weymouth meets Portland: Ferry Bridge

On By AndrewIn Local landmarksLeave a comment

Or is that Ferrybridge? The name seems to be used both with and without a space. And you could argue that it’s where Wyke Regis meets Chesil Beach, not a boundary between Weymouth and Portland.

Leaving these minor details aside, Ferry Bridge is a landmark, albeit a minor landmark, that deserves a mention. And despite the name, Ferry Bridge is neither a ferry or a bridge. It’s bigger than that.

Continue reading “Where Weymouth meets Portland: Ferry Bridge” →

Weymouth and the 2012 Olympic Games

On By AndrewIn OpinionLeave a comment

When we house hunting with a view to moving to Weymouth, in 2009, many of the properties boasted their proximity to the Olympic sailing venue. A year later, in 2010, those references to the Games had gone.

This change sums up Weymouth’s relationship with the Games – initial enthusiasm and excitement following by frustration and, for many, a desire to distance themselves for the Olympic circus. Continue reading “Weymouth and the 2012 Olympic Games” →

Discover the incredible Chesil Beach

On By AndrewIn Attractions, Local landmarksLeave a comment

Chesil Beach features in my earliest memory of Weymouth. Some time in the early 1980s my parents brought us here and I recall scrambling up and and down the pebbles of this massive stony bank.

The beach popped up a few years later in my geography classes at school. It’s a unique curiosity and a wonderful feature on a coastline that’s already packed with variety and interest.

So what’s so special about Chesil Beach? Or Chesil Bank, as it’s also known.

Continue reading “Discover the incredible Chesil Beach” →

Where to park your car in Weymouth

On By AndrewIn OpinionLeave a comment

In his book ‘Wings over Weymouth‘, published in 2005, author Colin Pomeroy makes a reference to the town having a reputation for over-priced car parking charges.

A decade later that reputation has not diminished. Visitors and locals enjoyed a brief respite in 2014, when the borough council decided to dramatically reduce parking charges. But after twelve months they declared the experiment a failure and hiked the prices back up.

So, if you’re coming to Weymouth, where is a good place to park your car?

Continue reading “Where to park your car in Weymouth” →

Weymouth Town Bridge

On By AndrewIn Local landmarksLeave a comment

I visited Weymouth a few times before finally moving here and watching the lift of Town Bridge was always a stop on the tourist trail.

Living here, effectively on the southern side of the harbour, switches the lift from a feature to a potential inconvenience. As I walk into town I realise it’s five minutes before the hour and a brief jog is required if I want to get across before the barriers come down.

Continue reading “Weymouth Town Bridge” →