'Dorset is beautiful' is the unofficial anthem of the county. It's true anthem, and the regimental song of the Dorset Regiment (before they became the Devon and Dorsets), is 'To be a farmers' boy'.

I've seen the Devon and Dorsets march down High West and High East Street, with bayonets fixed, to that tune, for the same reason... in common with most county towns, the county regiment has the right to march at certain times of the year, with bayonets fixed.

I can't remember why they were marching, I was about 3 or 4, but the Queen had visited earlier that day - I remember seeing the back of her head in a long black car. She was wearing a pink hat.

LTS