If you have any questions about the New Blackmore Vale Magazine and its predecessor, hopefully we’ve covered them all here. If not, drop us a line, it’s always nice to chat and we’re happy to answer all your queries.
FAQ’s
Is the Blackmore Vale Magazine still being published?
Yes, but under a new name. The New Blackmore Vale Magazine is published, printed & distributed fortnightly and has taken over where the original Blackmore Vale Magazine left off. The old publication (the brand name of which is still owned by Reach PLC) was launched in 1976 by Alan and Ingrid Chalfont. In an interview with the New Blackmore Vale, Ingrid expressed her delight to see the ‘heart is back’ in the Vale. You can read more about the Chalfonts and original publication here…
Is the Blackmore Vale Magazine online?
Yes, the New Blackmore Vale Magazine is available online (as you can see!). It’s the only Blackmore Vale publication available both in print and online. It shouldn’t be confused (but often is) with the BV Magazine, which is only digital.
Who owns the Blackmore Vale Magazine?
The Blackmore Vale Magazine was created by Lloyd, Ruth and David Armishaw, as they felt there was a real need to bring back the ‘heart of the Vale’ to keep residents connected with local news and events and to give local people a voice. It is now part of Blackmore Vale Ltd and we also publish;
- The New Stour & Avon Magazine
- Purbeck Gazette
- Salisbury & Avon Gazette
What happened to the original Blackmore Vale Magazine?
The original Blackmore Vale Magazine was bought by Reach PLC (which owns publications including the Daily Mirror and Daily Star) decades ago. London-based Reach ceased publication in March 2020, but retain the name despite requests to pass it back to the local community. When the NEW Blackmore Vale Magazine was launched in September 2020, it added the ‘New’ to clearly distinguish that this is a new title, in no way connected to Reach’s now defunct publication.
Interestingly the original founders of the magazine, Alan and Ingrid Chalfont, who had been sad to see the old magazine close down, were delighted a new local magazine had emerged. We’re delighted to say we have been equally welcomed by local residents, organisations and businesses across the Vale.
How old is the Blackmore Vale Magazine?
The original publication with a similar name (The Blackmore Vale) began in 1976. The new local magazine, The New Blackmore Vale, was launched in 2020, during the Covid pandemic. An interesting time to launch anything, but a time that really signified the need to bring communities together and help people stay and feel connected.
Where is the Blackmore Vale Magazine located?
The magazine is principally written and produced from offices in Wincanton. It is printed in Shaftesbury using sustainably sourced paper. Indeed, keeping things as sustainable as possible has been a major consideration for the Armishaws, who are planting more than 2,000 trees in the area to help tackle climate change. This forms part of a program of planting, including hedgerows and a wide variety of trees, to create habitat for native flora and fauna. Once fully established (young saplings need some protection), the aim is to open the land up for the local community to enjoy.
What is the Blackmore Vale?
The Blackmore Vale is an area that covers predominantly North Dorset, but also includes parts of South Somerset and Wiltshire, including or bordering the likes of Wincanton, Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Mere – though exact borders are still debated. The Vale forms part of the wider Stour Valley and sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area was the backdrop for Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’urbervilles and has inspired the likes of the writer Douglas Adams and artists such as John Constable, who lived in and painted several pictures of Gillingham.
What area does the Blackmore Vale cover?
There are no official measurements or reference points for the Blackmore Vale, but broadly speaking east to west it stretches from Wincanton to Gillingham and Shaftesbury in the north, down to Dorchester. It touches the counties of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire in an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Is the Blackmore Vale Magazine free?
Yes, it is free to collect from shops and businesses across the area or view online. We can even send you a quick update to let you know when the latest issue has been published which you can then read (in magazine format) online. Learn more here…
How can I get a story in the New Blackmore Vale Magazine?
Simply tell us all about it! We’re locals too so are interested and fully invested in all local news, whether it’s the launch of a new community project or local business, covering upcoming events and sports teams, or maybe just something quirky/funny/downright odd that you think people should know about, we’d love to hear from you. You can email us at; newsdesk@blackmorevale.net
How can I advertise in the New BVM?
The New Blackmore Vale Magazine is the only publication to get your adverts in print exclusively within the Vale. There’s a wide range of options, from classified ads to full colour, magazine cover-wraps. You can also advertise online with us. To find out more, drop us a line at; adverts@blackmorevale.net or call 01963 400186.
We offer group advertising deals if you wish to be seen in our other publications in the area;
- The New Stour & Avon Magazine
- Purbeck Gazette
- Salisbury & Avon Gazette
Can the BV magazine put me in print?
No, the BV magazine is a website online and not a printed publication. This has caused some confusion and distress for locals. If you wish your story or advert to appear in print then The New Blackmore Vale Magazine is the only locally produced publication available both in print and online.
