the community news that matters
Poundbury Gardens named Local Garden Centre of the Year
Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester, has been named Local Garden Centre of the Year at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Summer 2026 Midlands, Wales & West regional awards.
Part of The Gardens Group, Poundbury Gardens was presented with the award on Thursday ...
Weymouth fire station charity car wash tomorrow!
Firefighters at Weymouth fire station are holding a charity car wash this Saturday (18 July) from 10am until 3pm, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity and Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The event organiser, Firefighter Ryan Smith, said: “We’re raising money ...
This Sunday a full day of football celebrations organised by former Thomas Hardye students to raise money for local charities in our hometown.
Dorchester’s World Cup Party – Sunday 19th July
12:30pm – Gates open, Avenue Stadium, Dorchester.
1:30pm – Kick off ...
£20m caravan scheme at Preston deferred
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A decision on Haven’s £20million expansion of its Weymouth Bay site at Preston for 240 extra caravans had been dramatically deferred.
The change of tack came after a lengthy debate during which residents living next ...
Brave victim helps bring domestic abuser to justice
Police officers have praised the courage of a victim who helped bring her abuser to justice for a series of offences.
Joshua Luke Copperthwaite, aged 23 and of Portland, was jailed for a campaign of abuse against a woman who ...
328 homes in Chickerell agreed
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
The merging of Chickerell and Weymouth has come a step closer with agreement for 328 new homes on a site east of Chickerell and south of Coldharbour.
The proposal, more than five years in development, ...
FREE competition for your Children! Flags of the World Cup & Commonwealth
This year the Supersleuth competition, run by Dorchester BID, sees the welcome return of one of our flags to match to countries of the World Cup & Commonwealth!
Around the town centre of Dorchester, you will find a series of ...
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 | 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 | 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 | MapSun 19 Jul
Church Service
Location: St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Bradford Peverell, DT2 9SB3:00 pm. The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows is holding it’s Chairman’s church service at St Mary’s Church Bradford Peverell.
Contact: The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows | 07788436797 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Another event to keep us amused – pulling a Boeing 737 aeroplane!
Home-Start Wessex is an organisation which offers friendship, practical and emotional support to families with young children living in Dorset who are having difficulties for a variety of different reasons such as poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic ...
Join in the Topless Swimming event for the Air Ambulance…women only though!
Andy Senior was joined in the studio by Tania Eveleigh from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to talk about the charity’s upcoming Topless Swim Event, how it supports the vital work of the Air Ambulance, and how people can ...
Dorchester’s Community Cycle Ride another success
On a very warm and dry 12th July 2026 another community cycle ride was held in Dorchester starting at the Great Field in Poundbury. Organised by the Dorchester Transport Action Group (DTAG) the aim was to have a bit ...
High Sheriff of Dorset visits Weymouth Skate Park
As many people will know the High Sheriff of Dorset, Helena Conibear DL, has been walking around the County Line in aid of her charity and others. Along the way Helerna stopped off at Weymouth’s Front Skatepark. KeeP 106’s ...
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 ...
