the community news that matters
Residents and Dorset Council officers praised for being top recyclers again

Dorset Council is pleased to announce it has retained its leading position as the number one unitary and disposal authority in England for recycling rates, according to the recently published national data set for 2023/24 by DEFRA.
The ...
Air Ambulance’s Iconic Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge Returns for 25th Anniversary Year

Cyclists from across the South West are gearing up for a spectacular ride in support of a vital charity. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge returns on Saturday, 10 May 2025. This year, the event ...
Tickets selling fast for the Dorchester Walking Festival

The countdown has started to the start of the Dorchester Walking Festival on 10th May. Nine days of guided walking is programmed to take place in and around Dorchester – appealing to all tastes and levels of ability.
The recent ...
Cycling & Hiking for MND in epic style!

Starting on Tuesday 22nd April a Weymouth man supported by his partner is embarking on an amazing journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
But, for Paul Whitehead, it’s not ...

On Good Friday, Weymouth led their National League South visitors, Salisbury City, by 2 goals to nil at halftime, but following the break, the Terras conceded twice without adding to their total, making the final score Weymouth 2, Salisbury ...
The Great Dorset Beach Clean Sweeps the Coast

Dorset Council’s Litter Free Dorset Support Officer, Emma Jackson, has told KeeP 106 that the 35th Great Dorset Beach Clean has concluded with remarkable success, showcasing the power of community spirit and dedication to protecting our beautiful coastline. Over ...
Dorset pupils get their first pick of primary school

Families in Dorset are finding out which schools their young children will join in September, with the majority getting their choice.
From Wednesday April 16th parents and carers will be able to check their application to see whether they have ...
Recent news items
- Sport Extra – West Dorset Indoor Cricket League report
- All welcome to attend the informal Annual Town Meeting
- Weekend Sports Report
- Lower end of Dorchester’s South Street now open for pedestrians
- Teenage cyclist airlifted to hospital with life-changing injuries after collision with van in Weymouth
- Protect yourself and your family this spring with COVID-19 vaccinations now available near you
Delightfully Different, every time

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Is your organisation running an event which the community needs to know about? You can promote a charitable or non-profit event on our popular What’s On page, FREE OF CHARGE, to boost interest.
Below are the next 5 upcoming events. There’s much more in the Local Events Diary…
Also see these PDFs:-
What’s On, April 2025 and Easter Events
Sat 26 Apr
All aboard the Mary Rose – Courtlye Musick
Location: St Nicolas Church, Dorchester Road, Broadwey, Weymouth, DT3 5LW3:00 pm. Free concert with refreshments available. Henry VIII’s favourite ship – the Mary Rose – sank 480 years ago this year. His reign and the life of the Mary Rose coincide almost exactly. Discover more and hear music of the time played in costume by Courtlye Musick on instruments including the types found on board this remarkable ship. Donations invited to support Dorset Rural Music School and St Nicholas & St Lawrence Primary School.
Contact: Courtlye Musick | 01305854915 | Email | Web | MapSat 26 Apr
Choral Evensong
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XAYou are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 26th April at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Purcell’s ‘I was glad’, the ‘Preces & Responses’ by Thomas Tomkins, Stanford’s ‘Evening Canticles in C’ by Vaughan Williams’s ‘Antiphon’. Admission is free and there is a glass of wine to follow. All are very welcome.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapThu 1 May
The Big Dorset May Day Family Ceilidh
Location: The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF5:30 pm & 7:30 pm till 10 pm. Come and celebrate May Day in traditional style with a modern twist in a new venture for this popular ceilidh band. Join Tatterdemalion, the band of the New Hardy Players, bringing to life traditional Dorset tunes enjoyed for over 200 years. With expert caller Angela Laycock to guide every move, it’s fun for all ages and no experience or partner is needed!
Contact: Dorchester Arts | 01305 266926 | Web | MapMon 5 May
Signature House VE Day Fete
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Signature House, 2 Maumbury Square, Dorchester, DT1 1GRJoin us for our VE Day Fete at Signature House Nursing Home. To be opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Dorchester. With special visits from: Original Army vehicles, Army Cadets, Live Music, The Animal Ranch Petting Zoo. Also BBQ, Tombola, and Cakes Stalls.
Contact: Signature House | Web | MapThu 8 May
Plant Sale in aid of the Children's Society
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
8 Grosvenor Road, Dorchester, DT1 2BBThis popular event in our fundraising calendar will be held at 8 Grosvenor Road, Dorchester. Any plant donations, in advance or on the day, will be gratefully received. Either deliver to Culliford Road or ring Annie Aldridge on 01305 269245 for collection. Thank you for your support.
Contact: Dorchester Branch of Children’s Society | 01305 269245 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Paul’s cycling and hiking challenge update

On Tuesday 22nd April a Weymouth man embarked on an amazing journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
But, for Paul Whitehead, it’s not just any old trek to the ...
Help needed for Family Matters, who in turn provide a helping hand for struggling families

We were pleased to welcome to the studio Debbie Sandels from Family Matters, Weymouth & Portland, a project within the Refresh charity which provides donated good quality clothes, toys and equipment for babies for Dorset families in need. In ...

Giles Watts of the Dorset Climate Action Network talks about the Loders Community Energy Project – which will, it’s hoped – help Loders residents to have a reliable and lower-cost energy supply • Underwater photographer, filmmaker and Teaching Fellow ...
Cycling & Hiking for MND in epic style!

Starting on Tuesday 22nd April a Weymouth man supported by his partner is embarking on an amazing journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
But, for Paul Whitehead, it’s not ...

A recent guest in the studio was Gavin Roberts who talked about epilepsy awareness. Over 600,000 people in the UK have epilepsy with 40 different ways that a seizure can be triggered. As well as describing his experiences with ...
Stronghold Of Happiness – a radio play by a local author

KeeP 106 is proud to present its first radio play by a local author and performed by local actors.
‘Stronghold of Happiness’ by Devina Symes is performed by the New Hardy Players and members of other drama groups in Dorchester. ...