the community news that matters
The Dorset & Wilts RFU County head coach, Don Parsons, has stepped down for family reasons following 13 years of success coaching the county squad.
During Don’s tenure, the Senior Men’s team has lifted the County Championship Trophy on four ...
Proactive drugs operation identifies pair dealing in Weymouth
Two drug dealers who were stopped in Weymouth as part of a proactive operation cracking down on the supply of illegal drugs have been sentenced at court.
Reece Terry Hill-Baden, aged 21, and Clara Amanda Jade Kerridge, aged 34, both ...
How to book a slot at Dorchester Household Recycling Centre (the ‘tip’)
From Monday 23 March 2026, people visiting Dorset Council’s household recycling centres (HRCs, or “the tip”) in Dorchester, Wimborne, Shaftesbury and Sherborne will need to book a slot before they travel – and Dorset Council is setting out what ...
Dorset Council welcomes Government support to help households with oil heating
Dorset Council has welcomed additional Government funding to support low‑income households across the county who rely on heating oil and are facing acute financial pressure.
Dorset Council will receive £494,167 as part of this additional Government support. The council is ...
Police & Crime Commissioner welcomes law changes to protect livestock
The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed new law changes designed to better protect livestock from dog attacks.
The changes, which come into effect today, make livestock worrying and attacking livestock separate offences, emphasising the violent nature of such ...
Martin Clunes & Buckham Fair Committee visit DCH in support of Appeal
Martin and Philippa Clunes and the Buckham Fair planning Committee have visited the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit currently under construction at Dorset County Hospital (DCH).
The renowned Buckham Fair community event is returning on 2nd August 2026 ...
Alcohol licence granted for Weymouth beach kiosk
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A seasonal Weymouth beach kiosk has been granted permission to sell alcohol after councillors agreed the operator’s safeguards were enough to address concerns about antisocial behaviour and litter.
Dorset Council’s Licensing Sub‑Committee approved the application ...
Recent news items
- Motorcyclist seriously injured following accident in Dorchester
- Roman Corner homes set to begin construction after major partnership effort
- Reduced crime rates in Dorchester following efforts by neighbourhood policing officers
- Dorchester street hub approved
- Town pump restoration
- Sport Xtra – Dorset & Wilts U20s v Gloucestershire U20s – Match Report
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…
Sat 14 Mar to Wed 1 Apr
"Heartfelt" Treasured keepsakes we just can't let go of
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UFSelected dates between 14/3/26 and 1/4/26. See website for details. Heartfelt at Nothe Fort showcases sentimental objects donated by Dorset residents, each paired with the personal story behind it, alongside artworks by Artwey members. Free with fort admission.
Contact: Artwey | Email | Web | MapTue 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 20 Mar
Afternoon Prize Bingo
Location: Crossways Youth & Community Centre, Old Farm Way, Crossways, DT2 8TUDoors open 2pm eyes down 2.30pm. 60p per book plus cash Flyer. Refreshments and raffle available. Raising funds for new chairs at the centre.
Contact: Crossways Youth | Email | MapSat 21 Mar
Mozart Requiem
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Location: St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester, DT1 2HLDorchester Choral Society will be performing a concert featuring Mozart’s majestic Requiem. The programme will also include Elgar’s Serenade for Strings as well as two short choral pieces: Stanford’s Te Deum Laudamus and Rachmaninov’s Bogoroditse Devo. Conducted by Duncan Emerson and with a professional orchestra and soloists: Amy Carson, Miro Treharne, Richard Rowntree and Andrew Kidd.
Contact: Dorchester Choral Society | 07979 350116 | Email | Web | MapSun 22 Mar
Choral Eucharist on Passion Sunday
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 to mark Passion Sunday on Sunday 22nd March at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Stopford’s ‘God so loved the world’, Caldara’s ‘Missa and Bruckner’s ‘Vexilla regis’. All are very welcome to this free service and for refreshments afterwards. See web link below for more information.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
The Great Dorset Beach Clean returns in April – a fun family activity
Emma Jackson, the Litter Free Dorset Support Officer for Dorset Council, called in to tell us about the Great Dorset Beach Clean, which returns from 1–12 April 2026. With clean-ups taking place across the Dorset coastline, this free event ...
Commonwealth Day Ceremony at County Hall, 9th March 2026
The annual Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony for Dorset was held at the Memorial area outside County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 9 March at 10:00am.
This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, highlights the importance of ...
Countryside Matters 57, 02.03.26
Jeannette Hampstead and her husband Graham have been running a much-needed and excellent rescue and rehabilitation centre for one of Britain’s most loved, and sadly most endangered mammals: the hedgehog. A visit to their home and the centre in ...
Cosplay event coming to Dorchester in aid of Epilepsy Action
On the 11th of April, a special cosplay event will be taking place at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange in aid of Epilepsy Action. There will be many different cosplay characters attending, including Captain America, Disney Princesses, Daleks and many more. ...
Countryside Matters 56, 16.02.26
In this programme:
Managing Director of the Gardens Group Mike Burks talks about the amazing and ancient tree species, the Wollemi Pine, from Australia, a specimen of which is growing in Sherborne’s Pageant Garden – and this particular one carries ...
Woke! The Opera – a new musical on the horizon by local folk
Woke! The Opera is a powerful new musical following a mixed-race family from the 1950s to today. Meet Eric, a cheeky Londoner, and Florence, who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean as part of the Windrush generation. Guided ...
