the community news that matters
DCH staff and governors encourage families to have a ‘heart-to-heart’ about organ donation

Staff and governors from Dorset County Hospital (DCH) are encouraging people to talk to their families about organ donation after experiencing first-hand the difference it can make.
Nationally, someone dies every day in the need of an organ, and there ...

by Rich Gabe, Press Officer, West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale.
Weymouth Octoberfest returns to Weymouth Pavilion on Friday October 16th & Saturday the 17th over 4 sessions. The event is organised by the members of West Dorset Campaign for ...

Dorchester host Oxford City at the Avenue Stadium in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Hoops are currently second in the National League North league table, with 9 games played: 6 won, 1 drawn and ...
Man who went missing in Weymouth has been located

Police officers are pleased to confirm that Carl, who went missing in Weymouth, has been located.
The 62-year-old was reported missing having last been seen on the afternoon of Thursday 17 September 2026.
Following searches and enquiries by officers, he has ...

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Tight controls will be put in place during repairs to Dorchester’s iconic Corn Exchange building.
The town centre complex, owned by the Town Council and managed by Dorchester Arts, needs repairs to the lead-covered spire, decaying ...

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A Weymouth tapas restaurant is asking for a drinks licence for evening alcohol sales.
Finna’s Ltd at 19 St Alban Street is requesting a Premises Licence from Dorset Council to sell alcohol from 6pm until ...

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A FUNERAL director is hoping for good odds in gaining planning approval to convert a Weymouth betting shop to a new base.
Dorchester-based Grassby’s has applied for a change of use to a vacant betting shop ...
Recent news items
- The Gardens Group announces first community causes to benefit from new loyalty club
- World famous triathlon makes 10th return to Dorset
- Dorset backs Recycle Week campaign to boost recycling and cut waste
- A Lorry Load of Love for Weldmar Hospicecare
- Weekend Sports Report
- Dorset Museum’s Thomas Hardy Collection Receives Prestigious Arts Council Designation
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…
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 | MapSun 20 Sep
Choral Eucharist
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XAYou are warmly invited to our cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist on Sunday 20th September at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Amy Beach’s ‘Peace I leave with you’, Byrd’s ‘Mass for Four Voices’ and Elgar’s ‘O salutaris hostia’. All are very welcome to this free service. More information via the web link below.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapTue 22 Sep
Coffee and Chat at King's Arms
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: The Kings Arms Hotel, 30 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HFCome and join us for a coffee and a chat at The Kings Arms where a warm welcome awaits you. The first two drinks are paid for by The Oddfellows. Refreshments are available to buy at the bar.
Contact: The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows | 07788436797 | Email | MapFri 25 Sep
Murder mystery night in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Jubilee Hotel, The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 7NN6:30 pm for 7:00 pm start. Murder mystery night, Murder at the BBQ. Price £35 per person (10% discount if purchased before end of August) group discount also available. Price to include BBQ supper. All proceeds to Weldmar Hospicecare. Contact John as per phone or email below.
Contact: Volunteer fund raising | 07824997757 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience

The world famous triathlon returns to Weymouth on 20th September. Our sports reporter Idris Martin spoke to one participant…
There’s more info about Ironman 70.3 here: World famous triathlon makes 10th return to Dorset
A conversation with musician Dominic Crane

Musician Dominic Crane once encountered George Harrison in a halo of light and famous music producer Mike Hurst offered to work with him. He has opened for Mike & The Mechanics, George Ezra, Nick Heyward, Sharon Corr and Roachford. ...
Portland Museum – reflecting the dramatic history of the isle

Featuring dinosaurs, fossils, shipwrecks, smugglers and much more, Portland Museum, located near Rufus Castle and Church Ope Cove, has a fascinating collection of artifacts reflecting the history of a distinctive island community. Rob Hughes and Andrea Frankham-Hughes, trustees of ...
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. The Hold your Horses event ...
Countryside Matters 67, 31.08.26

Jake Shaw-Sutton of small Cornish company Robotriks and his team are perfecting a robotic device designed to locate and pull up poisonous ragwort – a wild plant that’s excellent for insect life but not for livestock – particularly horses! ...
She Belongs Here – a free confidence community for women based in Dorset

After years of shrinking herself in corporate life and standing outside rooms she was always meant to be in, Amy Miller built ‘She Belongs Here’ from scratch. A growing community of women who are done waiting to feel ready ...






















