the community news that matters
Survey reveals huge support for better bus services

Local Transport Action Groups in West Dorset have published the results of their survey to understand the need for more bus services between Bridport and Dorchester.
Almost 700 people responded to the survey – coordinated by WATAG (West Dorset Transport ...

Idris Martin reporting.
Polish born striker Olaf Koszela returns to The Avenue Stadium, having previously scored 49 goals in 128 appearances for the Magpies, signing on a permanent deal from Chippenham Town for an undisclosed fee.
After initially joining Dorchester on ...
Remembrance Service at County Hall to take place on Armistice Day

Residents across Dorset are invited to join the county’s annual Remembrance Service on Armistice Day as the community comes together to remember and honour those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and in conflicts ...
Appeal for witnesses following reported arson on Portland

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a reported arson on Portland.
It was reported that at around 1am on Thursday 29 October 2026 a caravan was destroyed by a fire in Yeats Road, ...

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Senior Dorset councillors have broadly welcomed the autumn budget – although would welcome more financial support for the county.
Said Dorset Council’s cabinet member for finance and resources Simon Clifford (Lib Dem): “ I welcome elements ...
Chancellor’s devolution statement welcomed

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Council leaders have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement to support devolution for the Wessex area.
But they say that it could be some time before the details are known and will now have to wait for further ...
Beerex in its 38th year returning to Corn Exchange in 2027

by Rich Gabe, Press Officer West Dorset CAMRA.
Dorchester Beerex is set to return in Dorchester’s fully refurbished Corn Exchange over the weekend of Friday & Saturday 5th & 6th of February 2027, with tickets set to go on sale ...
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…
Mon 26 Oct to Sun 1 Nov
Enid Blyton's Forest of Secrets Trail
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEDuring the October half term, families can combine wildlife spotting with adventure on Brownsea Island’s new Forest of Secrets trail. Inspired by Enid Blyton’s stories this hands-on event challenges young detectives to follow clues, uncover hidden secrets and crack the case. The trail is free and families can drop in anytime between 10am – 4pm, no booking required. Normal admission fees apply.
Contact: National Trust | 01202 707744 | Email | Web | MapFri 30 Oct
Coffee and Chat at The Bull Hotel
Location: The Bull Hotel, 34 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF10:00 am. Come and enjoy a coffee on The Oddfellows at The Bull Hotel, Bridport. The Oddfellows have been part of the Bridport community since 1860. Members and non-members both welcome.
Contact: The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows | 07788436797 | Email | MapSat 31 Oct
Come & Sing Workshop
10:30 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queens Ave, Dorchester, DT1 2ETCome & join Weymouth Choral Society’s workshop featuring Sir John Rutter’s ‘Requiem’, and ‘A Little Jazz Mass’ by Bob Chilcott led by Mark Burstow, current musical director of the Bournemouth Symphony Youth Chorus. Fees: Adult Singer £20.00 Under 18 £5.00 (under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult) Fee covers music hire, morning coffee and afternoon tea & cake. Please bring your own lunch.
Contact: Weymouth Choral Society | Email | Web | MapSat 31 Oct
Flights of Angels – A Musical Meditation for All Souls
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XAAll are welcome to the annual musical meditation for All Souls at St Peter’s Church Dorchester. This is an opportunity to remember friends and loved ones who have died. Three poignant musical works — John Tavener’s ‘Song for Athene’, Vaughan Williams’s ‘The Lark Ascending’ (performed on violin and organ) and Morten Lauridsen’s ‘Lux aeterna’ — are framed by words of scripture and poetry. Free
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapSat 31 Oct
Light Party
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: The Storehouse Church, 3 Cambridge Road, Dorchester, DT1 2LRMessy Curch Light Party! Let Your Light Shine! Offering an option for those who don’t want to celebrate Halloween. Come and join us for a fun-filled Light Party as we celebrate light, love and the joy of Jesus! Instead of focusing on darkness this Halloween, we’re going to celebrate the light!
Contact: The Storehouse Church | 01305267045 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Wessex Scenes – a radio play by the New Hardy Players

The New Hardy Players have embarked on a new radio play called Wessex Scenes, an adaptation of a former stage production in 2014. Based on real events the play tells the story from when the original Hardy Players staged ...
A new album for Halloween from local musician Nick Capaldi

Nick Capaldi dropped by the Keep 106 studios to chat about his exciting new album — and it sounds like the perfect soundtrack for Halloween! Packed with spooky-inspired songs, it could be just what you need to get your ...
‘Dressed For Duty’ at Dorset Museum explores how military uniform has changed since 1800

A new exhibition at Dorset Museum, ‘Dressed for Duty: Fashion, Function and the British Army, 1800-2026’, curated by the Keep Military Museum, and hosted by Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, looks at army uniform from 1800 to the present ...
A progress report on the Roman Corner build

Barry Thompson, a volunteer director of the Dorchester Area Community Land Trust called into the studio to give us an update on the new social housing complex being built at Roman Corner in Dorchester, on the site of the ...
At 89 years of age Sue Pratt is not slowing down and takes a ride in a glider!

At 89 years young, Sue Pratt from Poundbury decided she wanted to do something truly special for her birthday — so she took to the skies in a glider! Sue soared high above the beautiful Dorset countryside and joined ...
World champion nettle-eater donates prize money to SCBU at Dorset County Hospital!

Mike Hobbs is a world champion nettle-eater! He’s also won a Pokémon competition and is generously donating his £30,000 prize to the Special Care Baby Unit at Dorset County Hospital. Mike joined Andy Senior to share his story and ...






















