Editor's View: Christmas is in full swing and I'm busier than ever!

I started this week with the exciting announcement that I have been appointed new editor of the Bridport and Dorchester Nub News websites. 

Alongside editing the LymeOnline newspaper and website in Lyme Regis, launched in 2018, I have been covering Axminster and Seaton for Nub News since May 2020. 

And now my patch is getting bigger, as I take on Bridport and Dorchester too, working closer with Nub News on plans to expand our coverage across Dorset. 

This larger area to cover means I now have five towns and countless surrounding villages under my belt, so I will be kept extra busy! 

But I will still be getting out and about and attending as many local events as possible – and there's definitely been no shortage of events to cover as we quickly approach Christmas. 

In fact, I'm feeling a little dazzled as there's been no less than seven Christmas fayres and switch-on events across the area in the past two weeks, including my first time covering Bridport Christmas Cheer and the switch-on of the charity lights display at White Close in Bradpole, with TV star Martin Clunes doing the honours.

There's also been Christmas celebrations in Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Axminster, Seaton and Colyton – luckily I've had some helping covering them from my Dad, Philip Evans, as I couldn't get round to them all!

Christmas parties are also in full swing and I enjoyed festive drinks at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis this week. 

Theatre director Gabby Rabbitts told supporters what a successful year it's been for the Marine as it made a comeback after Covid - we're so lucky to have this unique arts venue on our doorstep.

This weekend I also attended the Over 70s Christmas Lunch in Lyme Regis (not that I qualify for a dinner!) and it's always great to see so many familiar faces at this annual festive event.

At such a busy time of year, it was a treat to take some time out to visit the new Ria's Workshop at Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington last week.

Focussing on scent, this relaxing space aims to help people reconnect with what is truly important in their lives. 

I was able to spend an hour testing Ria's large selection of fragrances and making my own scented candle to take home. Perfect for a personalised Christmas gift or relaxing group activity with friends! 

Of course, the week ended on more of a disappointing note as England were knocked out of the World Cup in their quarter finals clash against France.

I've been cheering on the Three Lions with my fellow Seasiders at Lyme Regis Football Club, where I'm vice-chairman, and there's been a great atmosphere throughout the tournament, although Saturday night ended a little quieter than usual. 

It felt a little strange as World Cup fever swept the nation amid the run-up to Christmas and freezing cold temperatures. On to the Euros in 2024 and World Cup in 2026, which thankfully will be back to the usual summer format.

One day it will come home!

Next week I'm looking forward to spending some more time in my new patch of Bridport and Dorchester, as well as the Jurassic Business Awards, a murder mystery night at The Club House in West Bexington, and a few more Christmas events as the big day draws closer.

You can read all about it in my Editor's View column next Sunday.

Don't forget, you can always get in touch with your local news stories and events by emailing [email protected] or call 07810 221 420, or you can submit them via the Nub News websites by simply clicking the black 'Nub It' button on the homepage. 

You can also follow all the Nub News sites on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to our free weekly newsletters via the links below.

And you can follow me on Twitter @ChezzieEvans where I share news stories from across my entire patch and what I'm up to every week.

Dorchester Nub News - dorchester.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe

Bridport Nub News - bridport.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe

Axminster Nub News - axminster.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe

Seaton Nub News - seaton.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe