This anthology, ‘A Jurassic Omnibus’, is an interesting mix of short fiction and poetry which draws its inspiration from the route of the X53 bus. It has recently been published by Bridport writing group, Story Traders, who have very kindly offered to donate half of the proceeds from its sale to Fortuneswell Cancer Trust. Several members have had cancer and needed to travel some distance for treatment. Others are supporting partners through their cancer journeys and all appreciate that having the new treatment options in Bridport, which are funded mainly by Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, will be enormously helpful.
The book costs £7.50 and is available from The Book Shop and Wild and Homeless Books, both located in South Street, Bridport; the Heritage Centre at Charmouth and Wild Chesil Visitors Centre, Ferry Bridge, Portland.
‘STORY TRADERS’ are a Bridport-based writing group and have been meeting for the last 12 years. As well as encouraging their members to write short stories and poems for the next meeting, they also take on larger projects and put on performance events allowing them to interact with the community and raise money for local charities.
Their current anthology was put together as a lockdown project and inspired by the Jurassic coast and the wonderful scenery all around us. They have called it ‘A Jurassic Omnibus’. The collection of stories and poems vary in length, setting and historical context but are all set along the route of the X53 bus from Portland to Lyme Regis. In the anthology you will meet, amongst other things, smugglers, refugees, tomb stoners, wild swimmers, mermen, artists, holiday makers and little yellow ducks. And you will travel through the iconic and breathtaking landscape of West Dorset.
Previous projects include a performance of stories about J W Turner’s visit to the West Country to sketch the scenery in preparation for a book of his paintings. This was coordinated with the display of Turner’s painting of a ship at West Bay in Bridport Museum. Another project raised money for the local women’s refuge, featuring stories focused on women’s struggles. The money was raised by holding readings at various venues including for local WI groups. A performance piece, again in conjunction with Bridport Museum, reflected the history of the rope industry in Bridport over the centuries, raising money for the museum. At that time. they also published their first anthology, ‘Narrative Threads’, inspired by that rope industry. This anthology was chosen as runner up in a national competition and they were able to donate some of the profit from sales to local charities.