the community news that matters
Public appeal to find woman missing in Dorchester
Police officers searching for a woman missing in Dorchester are appealing for help and information from the public to find her.
Rachel, aged 48, was last seen between 10.40am and 11am on Monday 13 July 2026 in Trinity Street.
She is ...
Witness appeal following alleged assault in Weymouth
Detectives are investigating an alleged assault in Weymouth and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
It was reported that at 2am on Sunday 12 July 2026 a man was assaulted at an address in Rodwell Road by two other ...
Our reporter Idris Martin has revisited the scene of the electricity substation fire next to Weymouth’s Front Skate Park and Sealife Centre, and was impressed with the speed at which the electricity company restored power. He sends this report:
All ...
Important medieval charter acquired by Dorset History Centre
Dorset History Centre (DHC) has announced that, thanks to charitable support, it has acquired a rare royal charter dating from 1313 which will now join the county’s archives held in Dorchester.
The charter, relating to Forde Abbey, was issued by Edward II ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Tapas and pilates will feature at a former Dorchester building society High West Street.
Dorset Council has approved the change for the building, adjacent to the County Museum, with Holy Trinity Church on the other ...
Weldmar announce incredible fundraising challenges for 2027
The Weldmar Hospicecare Fundraising team has been working hard to curate a line-up of brand new events that offer truly exceptional experiences for supporters. You could be climbing Mount Snowdon under the stars or hiking through Cambodian villages and ...
The Borough Gardens, Dorchester is awarded Green Flag status once again
Borough Gardens Dorchester awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks
Borough Gardens is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year. It ...
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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…
Tue 17 Mar to Tue 20 Oct
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEEmbark on a fascinating journey through Brownsea Island’s rich history as you explore the island and the castle’s picturesque grounds. A rare opportunity to enter the castle itself, view the paintings and artefacts of past owners. Afterwards, head to the Morning Room and help yourself to a warm drink and a delicious scone with cream and jam. Two walks per month except Mar/Aug & Dec.
Contact: National Trust | 01202 707744 | Email | Web | MapFri 3 Apr to Sun 1 Nov
Fire Flood Frost exhibition
Location: Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster, DT8 3NBA rare 18th century fire engine – once the town’s frontline defence against disaster – is the star of the show of Fire Flood Frost. New for 2026, the exhibition brings to life the extraordinary story of how Beaminster and surrounding communities battled flames, floods and freezing winters long before emergency services. Admission free.
Contact: Beaminster Museum | Web | MapWed 15 Jul to Sun 19 Jul
The Early Persecution of the Tolpuddle Martyrs
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Tolpuddle Old Chapel, 59A Main Road, Tolpuddle, DT2 7ETThis exhibition commemorates the vicious attack on the Chapel built by some of the men later known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Discover the history of anti-Methodist riots and the context in which the labourers worked and worshipped 16 years before they became famous. All welcome – no charge for entry, all donations gratefully received. Further details on the TOCT web and Facebook Page.
Contact: Tolpuddle Martyrs Chapel – History Group | 07941645303 | Email | Web | MapThu 16 Jul
Cream tea in aid of the Children's Society
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, DT1 1LBThe cream tea has become a popular event in our fundraising calendar. There will be fresh homemade scones, cream and jam, together with a good cup of tea, delivered to your table by waitress service. No need to buy tickets in advance as they are available on the door – £5 per ticket. Come with friends or meet some new ones, everyone welcome. We hope to see you there.
Contact: The Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society | 07747623139 | Email | MapSat 18 Jul
Lunchtime Concert
12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XAJoin us at St Peter’s Church Dorchester on Saturday 18th July between 12.30pm and 1.00pm for a lunchtime concert. Laura Jones (flute) & Rob Taylor (piano) perform Poulenc’s ‘Sonata for Flute and Piano’, Karg-Elert’s ‘Sinfonishe Kanzone’ and Robert Dick’s ‘Fish are Jumping’. Laura is finishing her first year as a scholar at the Royal College of Music, so please support this talented young musician!
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
The work of the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers celebrated at County Hall
On Friday the 3rd July a flag raising ceremony was held at the Memorial Area outside County Hall in Dorchester celebrating the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Worker’s Day. Several speeches were made by representatives of local services including ...
The William Barnes collection now online
The writings of the celebrated Dorset dialect poet William Barnes, previously available in the Dorset Museum which he co-founded in 1846, have now been made available online by the Dorset History Centre based in Dorchester. On 17th June 2026 ...
Countryside Matters 65, 22.06.26
In today’s programme:
The Isle of Wight is about to launch its third nine-day Biosphere Festival, which will take place all over the island, and involve many local communities. The island is one of seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Martha ...
Claire Skinner from the Dorset History Centre tells us about their Summer Gala
Today, Claire Skinner, Principal Archivist at the Dorset History Centre, called in to the studio to talk about the work of the Dorset Archives Trust and its upcoming Summer Gala, which takes place on Thursday 2nd July at Mapperton ...
Sam is taking part in the Special Olympics in Birmingham
Today we were visited by Annette and Sam Craddock who joined Andy Senior to share Sam’s exciting news that he has qualified to compete in the Special Olympics, taking place this August in Birmingham. Good Luck Sam!…
Armed Forces Day ceremony held at County Hall – audio and pictures
Among several ceremonies organised annually by Dorset Council and held at the Memorial Area outside County Hall in Dorchester, is the the Armed Forces Day commemoration which was held on 22nd June 2026. Several speeches were given by, first, ...
