the community news that matters
Large fire breaks out in Weymouth

Idris Martin reporting.
A large fire has broken out in Weymouth this afternoon (Sunday) in what is believed to be an electrical sub-station adjacent to the Front Skatepark on Preston Beach Road.
It is not yet clear if any electrical power ...
Public appeal in search for missing woman in Weymouth

Police officers are appealing for information from the public as they search for a missing woman last seen in Weymouth.
Monika, aged 46, was last seen in the area of Juniper Way at around 1pm on Sunday 12 July 2026
She ...

Pre-season Football Results:
Dorchester 5 vs Downton 1.
Goals: Dorchester, Matt Burrows 2, Matt Buse, Freddie Beale, Corby Moore.
Gosport Borough 2 vs Weymouth 2.
Goals: Weymouth, Tom Bearwish, Tor Swann.
Saltash 1 vs Portland United 2.
Dorset League Cricket Results:
Broadstone beat Bere Regis by ...
You’re invited to the Mayor’s Tea Party

The Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, is holding a Tea Party in the Corn Exchange on 16th August.
The event will raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charties – Prostate Cancer UK, People First and Dorchester Youth & Community ...

Dorchester Football Club Press Release:
Dorchester Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Jayden Nielsen ahead of the 2026/27 season.
A wide player comfortable on either wing, Jayden arrives at The Avenue following two seasons with Taunton Town, ...
Public loo charges in Weymouth

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Card payment charges are set to be introduced at another public loo in Weymouth town centre as part of a refurbishment scheme for the Grade II listed Maiden Street conveniences.
The payment decision has already ...
Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards Open on 10th July

Nominations for the Summer Shopfront of the Season Awards open on Friday 10th July and close on Monday 10th August 2026. The theme for this season is Clean, Bright and full of Summer! Public can nominate any Dorchester town‑centre ...
Recent news items
- Renewed appeal following burglary in Weymouth
- Say Neigh to the heat!
- Coastal Combat Festival applies for drinks licence
- Dorset One World Festival returns in August
- Dorset Museum & Art Gallery launches Community Access Ticket to remove financial barriers to culture
- Young People Invited to Help Transform Dorchester Telephone Box into Climate Action Showcase
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…
Wed 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 | MapThu 16 Jul
Cream tea in aid of the Children's Society
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: St George’s Church Hall, High Street, Fordington, DT1 1LBThe cream tea has become a popular event in our fundraising calendar. There will be fresh homemade scones, cream and jam, together with a good cup of tea, delivered to your table by waitress service. No need to buy tickets in advance as they are available on the door – £5 per ticket. Come with friends or meet some new ones, everyone welcome. We hope to see you there.
Contact: The Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society | 07747623139 | Email | 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 | MapSun 19 Jul
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 19th July at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Dubra’s ‘Ave Maria’, Mozart’s ‘Spatzenmesse K.220’ and Mozart’s ‘Laudate Dominum’. All are very welcome to this free service.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Join the community cycle ride this Sunday

Dorset Streets Alive are holding another Community Cycle Ride on Sunday 12th July. There will be a route for younger children around The Great Field at Poundbury and a route for older children and adults through Dorchester. Giles Watts ...
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 ...
Countryside Matters 65, 22.06.26

In today’s programme:
The Isle of Wight is about to launch its third nine-day Biosphere Festival, which will take place all over the island, and involve many local communities. The island is one of seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Martha ...
Claire Skinner from the Dorset History Centre tells us about their Summer Gala

Today, Claire Skinner, Principal Archivist at the Dorset History Centre, called in to the studio to talk about the work of the Dorset Archives Trust and its upcoming Summer Gala, which takes place on Thursday 2nd July at Mapperton ...
Sam is taking part in the Special Olympics in Birmingham

Today we were visited by Annette and Sam Craddock who joined Andy Senior to share Sam’s exciting news that he has qualified to compete in the Special Olympics, taking place this August in Birmingham. Good Luck Sam!…


























