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Welcome to Roving Press
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Welcome to Roving Press
We are a small Dorset-based publisher producing local interest and travel books for those who like to get out and explore. Want more than just a good read? Something memorable and thought-provoking? Our books offer a distinctive angle, describing places and subjects in a down-to-earth way, giving you a real feel for what’s out there. We publish only a handful of new books each year which we enjoy and believe in, working very closely with authors to produce high-quality books that are practical and affordable for readers. New writers are welcome to contact us.

Roving Press Ltd, 4 Southover Cottages, Frampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9NQ
Tel: 01300 321531
E-mail:  info@rovingpress.co.uk

Our Books
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Latest News

13 January – Book Launch, 6–8 pm
Reading Room, The Street, Milton Abbas (opposite the church)

As we start the New Year, what better time to launch our new book looking at Dorset through the seasons. Come and meet well-known local retired farmer and countryman Andy Case.
   Andy says: “We are privileged to live and work in the beautiful Dorset countryside, out in the fresh air. It has always been a great help and comfort to be able to call on the wisdom and common-sense imparted to me as a boy by the old men who used to work for father and on our neighbours’ farms. Their knowledge was freely given and willingly received – they taught me the ways of the countryside, how to watch the weather and all the subtleties of nature. I feel it’s important to share this knowledge and hand it on.” Andy’s life-long love of the Dorset countryside inspired him to write the book based on his monthly columns in the local magazine The Bulletin.


Jan 2012 - Author video by Weymouth-based ZZIP

CLICK HERE to see a podcast video on You Tube of Julie talking about her book. The video was kindly produced by Weymouth-based ZZIPwho are the only Podcast service that supports artists/musicians and small local charities from the Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester areas of the UK ... and beyond.

December 2011 – Take a video tour of Portland with Gary Biltcliffe

The Light and Energy Channel (www.lightandenergycentre.co.uk) recently filmed Gary Biltcliffe on a tour of Portland, highlighting the history and special places of this ancient isle. It’s a great way to see and appreciate some of the discoveries Gary makes in his book The Spirit of Portland.




November 2011 – phenomenal book sales

Louise Hodgson has become something of a local celebrity after phenomenal sales of her book Secret Places of West Dorset. Over a hundred copies have sold in the first month from Bridport Waterstones alone and Manager Jan Jaggard is delighted: ‘We’ve never had such a positive response to a new book, let alone a local title. It’s really captured the imagination of local people and has become a Bridport phenomenon.’
It’s all the more exciting for Louise as this is her first book. She has lived in West Dorset for 10 years and, despite much travelling around the globe, has always been drawn back to the area: ‘West Dorset has such exquisite landscape and diversity. Many people seem to share this view and have a strong feeling for this part of England. It’s hugely gratifying that people have found the book so accessible and enjoyed exploring and making new discoveries with me.’

Pictured: Louise (Right) with Mayor & Mayoress of Bridport.


November 2011 – Carol chosen for the Bridport Big Read

Enchantment of the Black Dog has been chosen as the Bridport Big Read for 2011. Local children will be reading and discussing the story, with Carol giving talks and involved in activities as part of a week-long reading event.

21 Nov – Dorset's Big Cats

Fantastic to have over 400 people attend Merrily's presentation on Dorset big cats at the recent Richard Cain Community Lecture at Thomas Hardye School. Merrily's database of sightings has grown considerably since the launch of her book Roaring Dorset! There were a significant number in the audience who had seen a large cat in Dorset and contributed to the lively debate. The lecture raised over £300 for charity.
Merrily is the author of two books on this subject.

Sep 2011 - Best Sellers at Imagine Books

Four of our authors are among the six top-selling books in Imagine Bookshop, Weymouth, over their first six months. Top of the list is Carol Hunt with Books 1 and 2 of The Portland Chronicles series (The Portland Sea Dragon and Enchantment of the Black Dog). Gary Biltcliffe is No. 4 with The Spirit of Portland and David Macpherson is No. 5 with Defenders of Mai-dun. All are debut authors, which is really encouraging and inspiring.

www.imaginebookshops.com/Imagine-Books-Best-Sellers



Dorset Voices

The closing date for submissions for the Dorset Voices anthology was 30 Jul 2011. Having had a wonderful response we would like to thank all those who have supported this inaugural project with their prose, poetry and photography. The end result will be an anthology of local writing supported by local photography. It is a fantastic opportunity for writers and photographers to showcase their work and we have received a wide range of material.
     Please remember that this is NOT a competition and there is no prize money. Instead it offers local writers and photographers a unique opportunity to see their work in print in a quality anthology due to be published in early 2012. And, as promised, everyone who made a submission will receive a copy of the completed book, whether they are included in it or not.
     Poundbury Voices (the Editorial Team) is now selecting the final content from all the submissions received. We will contact successful contributors as early as possible.

CLICK HERE for more information from the editorial team, Poundbury Voices.

For an article/interview by the Dorset Echo, click on the following link - Give Dorset a Voice.


Click on the Events tab to see our previous News and Events.