The Blissford Voice is the weekly news sheet for the vale of Blissford, and published by Charles M Cochand from his home in Blissford, Hampshire. The Blissford Voice covers the news of the small, and previously insignificant New Forest village. Over the years, as the readership has increased, so has its remit to entertain, educate and inform the surrounding area (and indeed with its growing international audience) and the global population.

The first issue was issued in September 1998 with a circulation of just one, delivered by hand to Boonoo Boonoo. However, once it became known about the circulation soon grew to encompass the whole of the village, and surrounding areas.

Publication history

By 2002, the circulation had grown c. 30 houses not just in the village of Blissford but also the other Hyde Link Villages of Frogham, Stuckton, Abbotswell, Hyde and Godshill. Through its irreverent editorial style it has become a rival to the official parish magazines for conveying true local news and interest.

It also has a dedicated national and international following, with notable mentions on BBC Radio Solent concerning the death of Lord Darnley.

Publication Highlights

• B&H Count – and the fight against littering by the ‘Benson & Hedges Man’
• Minkwatch – tallying the sightings of mink after several were released by activists in Ringwood
• Faery Shrimp – and how to barbeque them

Availability

The newspaper, now in tabloid form is also available by email. An online version originally at bvtoday.com ceased to be updated sometime in in 2004. This is the relaunched site.