the community news that matters
Dorset marks Ukraine Independence Day
The Ukrainian flag will be flown over County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 24 August to mark 35 years since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The annual occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage while recognising the resilience ...
Lack of high ladder for fighting fires in Dorset Council area questioned
Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Questions are being asked about why there is no high ladder for the fire and rescue use in the whole Dorset Council area.
It follows a recent fire at a house in Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester when ...
Hold Your Horses! Piddletrenthide Gets Ready for its Panto Race Night
In the current, changing economic climate, where village amenities are disappearing all the time, the residents of Piddletrenthide are making their own fun and raising much-needed funds for the village church in the process.
Host James Boughey is passionate about ...
Free money coaching course to help people with finances
A local church is offering free money coaching to help people manage their finances.
Dorchester Baptist Church is holding a three-hour Christians Against Poverty (CAP) course on Saturday 19 September at the Dorford Centre, running from 9.30am-12.30pm.
Course participants will learn ...
Witness appeal following reported assault in Weymouth
Police officers investigating a report of an assault outside a shop in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
It was reported that at around 7.40pm on Saturday 15 August 2026 a female member of ...
Wessex Water announce hosepipe ban for first time in 50 years
Wessex Water have announced today (17th August) that a hosepipe ban is to come into force from Tuesday 18th August.
The company says it has been 50 years since water restrictions were last introduced in the Wessex Water region and ...
Local Non-League Football Report.
Dorchester travelled to Willand Rovers and returned to the Avenue Stadium with a 3 goals to 2 Southern League Division 1 result. The Magpies’ goals came from Matt Buse, Matt Burrows and Kyran Samadi.
In the same ...
Recent news items
- Appeal for information following barn fire in East Lulworth
- West Dorset CAMRA Pub Garden Of The Year 2026 announced
- Dancing shoes on and head down to the Anonymous Festival
- Buckham Fair raises £138,000 for DCH Charity Appeal
- Cerne Abbas burial extension withdrawn
- Go behind the scenes at Dorset History Centre as major heritage project moves forward
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…
Sun 23 Aug
The Great Field junior parkrun
Location: The Great Field, St John Way, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 2FD8:50 am for a 9:00 am run start. A free, weekly, timed 2k run/jog/walk for 4-14 year olds. A free, fun activity for families to take part in each Sunday morning. Briefing & warm up takes place at 8:50 for a 9:00 start to run, jog or walk, volunteer or spectate. The course is fully marshalled by volunteers. If you haven’t been to a parkrun before, register at parkrun UK first for your unique barcode number. (via web link below)
Contact: The Great Field junior parkrun | Email | Web | MapSun 23 Aug
The Keep Military Museum Book Fair
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HFDiscover your next great read while keeping history alive at our Charity Book Fair. The event celebrates a shared love of books, storytelling, and history — while also offering something for every reader, with a variety of genres available throughout the day. Browse stalls filled with books and enjoy a programme of engaging talks and panel discussions covering history, literature, and storytelling.
Contact: The Dorchester Keep Military Museum | 07586161872 | Email | Web | MapSun 23 Aug
Bark in the Park
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: The Great Field, Peverell Avenue, Poundbury, DT1 3RHA family Fun Dog Show supporting The Lexi May Trust. 6 fun dog show classes, refreshments, doggy trade stalls, Raffles and much more.
Contact: Art at the Duchess & The Lexi May Trust | 07956020165 | Email | Web | MapThu 27 Aug to Sat 29 Aug
Macbeth by The Handlebards
6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEJoin the HandleBards on Brownsea Island for a high-energy performance of Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before. Packed with laughter, mishaps and outdoor theatre magic, it’s a fantastic family-friendly evening in a beautiful setting. Bring a picnic and something comfortable to sit on and enjoy an evening of wonderful open-air theatre.
Contact: National Trust | 01202 707744 | Email | Web | MapMon 31 Aug
Symondsbury Summer Dog Fete
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Symondsbury Estate, Manor Yard, Symondsbury, Bridport, DT6 6HGJoin us for the Symondsbury Summer Dog Fête – a fun-filled day for dogs, their owners and the whole family, while also supporting the Ferne Animal Sanctuary. There’s a packed programme of activities , including agility & obstacle courses, fun dog show, family games, Puppy Zone & Pup-Up Market, delicious food for humans and treats for dogs. Great fun whether you’re bringing a dog or just yourself.
Contact: Symondsbury Estate | 01308 424 116 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
The Mayor’s Tea Party goes with a swing
On Sunday 16th August the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, held a tea party in the Corn Exchange to raise funds for his Mayoral charities. Food was provided by The Posh Partridge and the event was sponsored by ...
Pastor Mark Topp with his regular update from the Storehouse Church
Mark Topp is the Pastor at The Storehouse Church in Cambridge Road, Dorchester and he regularly calls into the studio with news of the latest goings-on at the church and elsewhere, Messy Church being one topic. Once again Mark ...
Fundraising for refurbishment of The Keep
Sadly the museum had to close its doors well over a year ago due to structural repairs being required. Tiffany Carrington, fundraising officer, from The Keep Military Museum called into the studios at Little Keep to bring us an ...
Countryside Matters 66, 03.08.26
This programme concerns mostly birds. A visit to Castle Gardens to hear from staff member and bird expert Jacob Daley, and from Managing Director Mike Burks about the birds of the Garden Centre, which are very much part of the ...
Bridport Arts Centre has launched Come Together, a £400,000 campaign to buy its historic home and bring the building back into community ownership. Claire Tudge joined Andy Senior to tell us more about the campaign and what it means ...
Local musician William Frampton performs live in the studio
Today local musician William Frampton joined Andy Senior in the Keep 106 studio to perform a selection of his original songs live…
