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.png "Bere Regis a small village in Dorset with charming cottages, historic church, and scenic countryside views.")
These wonderful Woods, covering much of the farmland south of Shitterton and running up to Black Hill, were the idea of Dr Brian May CBE.
Having purchased the land in 2012, he shared his 100,000 tree planting plans and then proceeded to turn his dreams into reality.
This page acts as a pictorial record following that journey and also showing you how the Woods are developing today and into the future.
Local Villager John England wrote a book in 2012 on the Wells, Pumps & Boreholes of Bere Regis, called 'Well Well Well'.
Over 250 Wells are recorded with over 100 photographs to illustrate.
The book is only £5 available at the village Post Office, with a copy to read at the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist.
You can read an extract from it, by clicking the link below or the photograph here of the well at Honeycombe Cottage, in Shitterton.
When we adopted a Scarecrow theme to the show and introduced scarecrows it was hoped to stimulate interest in the Village show. The Committee thought if we get 10, and more people came to the show, it would be good.
We did not expect to get ambushed with over 50 scarecrows popping up all over the village.
What a fantastic effort.
However, in recent times, the village gained unintended fame due to its name. Shitterton was repeatedly voted as having one of the most unfortunate place names in the United Kingdom, attracting media attention and eliciting a mixture of amusement and sympathy from both locals and outsiders.
Amidst this notoriety, the residents of Shitterton took a stand and decided to reclaim their village's name. In 2012, they erected a limestone sign, weighing over a ton, proudly displaying the name 'Shitterton' along with an explanation of its historical significance. The sign has become a symbol of the village's resilience and a testament to the sense of community that exists within its boundaries.
Today, Shitterton remains a peaceful and idyllic village, attracting visitors who are curious about its quirky name and intrigued by its fascinating history. Its picturesque cottages, thatched roofs, and charming countryside continue to enchant those who venture off the beaten path.
Shitterton serves as a reminder that names, however amusing or peculiar they may be, do not define a place entirely. Behind the surface lies a community with a deep-rooted history, resilience, and a story that deserves to be told. So the next time you come across the name 'Shitterton,' remember that it is more than just a name - it is an emblem of a village with a captivating past and a testament to the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
As part of the community Bere 14-18 Commemorations, a small team is researching the lives of the men of our three local parishes (Bere Regis, Winterborne Kingston & Affpuddle /Turnerspuddle) who served in the forces in the Great War.
If you think you are a descendent of any of the men listed and may have some family or service history or mementoes (Photos, medals, service papers, cuttings, etc ) about them, could you kindly contact Philip Ventham on 01929 471215, he would be very pleased to speak with you.
Any information, however insignificant, is of interest as very often, family recollections can fill gaps in the official records.
All contributions will be acknowledged and mementoes recorded and returned.
