the community news that matters
Glenn Howes appointed as Dorchester FC’s new manager
Glenn Howes has been named as Dorchester Football Club’s new manager.
The Magpies have released this press statement.
“Dorchester Town Football Club are delighted to announce the return of Glenn Howes as our new first team manager
The former Magpies midfielder has ...
Festivals concerns lead to hearing
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Two Dorset festivals will be making their case for having a drinks licence in the coming days.
The seperate organisers of the Skyglow Festival, planned for the Dorchester Showground and Don’t Panic Festival at Stalbridge ...
Brewery Square eatery licence review
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Complaints about late-night noise and rowdy behaviour until the early hours have led to a licence review for a Dorchester business.
Residents living nearby say the Meram Kitchen/XO Lounge in Brewery Square has, at times, ...
The Dorset Cricket Leagues get into full swing on Saturday with Dorchester hosting Poole at the Rec and Weymouth travelling to Blandford.
Other cricket fixtures:
Bere Regis vs Martinstown, Cerne Valley vs Beaminster, Portland Red Triangle vs Dorchester second team, Sherborne vs Charlton Down, ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Advanced technology – which Dorset Council hoped would make it more efficient – is having the opposite effect as residents use Artificial Intelligence to frame an increasing number of complaints.
Complaints against the authority, often ...
Winners of Shopfront of the Season Award – Wedding Time clinches it!
Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are pleased to announce that Wedding Time Bridal Salon and Men’s Formalwear on Dorchester’s High East Street are the Spring 2026 winners of the Shopfront of the Season Awards.
This spring’s ...
Major changes to renting to come into force under the Renters’ Rights Act
Renters and landlords across Dorset are being urged to familiarise themselves with major changes to renting as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on Friday (1 May 2026.)
The new legislation represents the biggest reform of the private rented ...
Recent news items
- Dorset Drafters cycle to the moon to raise £3,600 for Dorset County Hospital
- Claims that council officers lied
- Find out more about the work of Dorchester Town Council at its annual Town Meeting
- Council team recognised with national SEND award
- Renewed appeal in search for missing Portland man
- Weekend Sports 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…
Fri 1 May to Sun 3 May
'Life Class' a comedy for Dorchester Arts
Location: Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF7:00 pm. Two local writers have written a brand new comedy, ‘Life Class’ and it is being staged as a fund raiser for Dorchester Arts. A talented cast of local actors are bring to life the story of a London artist, who flees to Dorset and sets up an art class in a village hall. Lives are changed by the power of art.
Contact: Dorchester Arts | 01305 266926 | Email | Web | MapSat 2 May
Charity Pop Bingo
Location: Trinity Club, 38 Trinity Street, Dorchester, DT1 1TTDoors Open 1830, Eyes Down 1930. Event description: Bingo with a Beat in aid of SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity & Macmillan Cancer Support. Featuring music from different eras, something for everyone. Hear the song, cross it off. £10 a Book | 6 Games. FAB PRIZES. Bar| Raffle| Children’s Entertainment available. Email via link below for more information & to guarantee your bingo book. Pre-booking preferred. Limited availability on the door.
Contact: SSAFA & Macmillan Cancer Support | 07470934270 | Email | MapSat 2 May
Dorset Nines – South Western Ambulance vs Dorset Police
3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Bob Lucas Stadium, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9XJCharity football match and family fun day, in aid of Weldmar Hospice, the South Western Ambulance Charity, The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Police Care UK. Kick off is at 17:30, with a large number of local vendors, food, drink and information stands open from 15:00, alongside emergency services personnel and vehicles and explore. Tickets are £5, available at dorsetnines.com
Contact: South Western Ambulance Trust / Dorset Police | Email | Web | MapTue 5 May
Dorchester Bayeux Society film night: La Vie En Rose
Location: Corn Exchange, High East St, Dorchester, DT1 1HF7:30 pm. Starring the Oscar-winning Marion Cotillard, this is the wonderfully acclaimed biographical film depicting the life of the legendary French singer, Edith Piaf. Full of her songs and emotion, it is an unmissably beautiful epic tale of a life from humble beginnings to stardom. Musical/Drama—Cert 12. In French with subtitles. £6 cash or card on the door (members £5), students/under 18s free.
Contact: Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society | 01305854915 | Email | Web | MapWed 6 May
Day at The Lake House, Sculpture By The Lakes
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington, Tincleton, DT2 8QUThe Hand in Hand Lodge is renting The Lake House which is situated within 26 acres of glorious countryside. Home of renowned sculptor Simon Gudgen. Guests can arrive from 10am to walk around the beautiful lakes. We will take a picnic and afternoon tea to enjoy on the privacy of our own island. Tickets cost £40.00 with a discount of £15.00 for members of the Oddfellows.
Contact: The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows | 07788436797 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Into My Arms – a new book by Estelle Phillips
When Andy Senior asked Estelle Phillips to share some details about her new book, she replied: “A tree saved my dad’s life.” ‘Into My Arms’ tells the remarkable story behind her father’s miraculous escape. Estelle told us more when ...
The General Witchfinders – rediscovering overlooked British gems
The General Witchfinders is a horror podcast dedicated to rediscovering overlooked British gems, from iconic Hammer films to long-forgotten classics. Local witchfinder Ross Cleaver told us more when he called into the studio and spoke to Andy Senior…
see more and listen to this audio ►
ANZAC Day Service – audio and pictures
On Saturday 25th April, Weymouth’s Anzac Day service took place at 11am by the Anzac Memorial, which is opposite the Hotel Prince Regent. Members of the public were invited to attend the service of remembrance which commemorates the thousands ...
The memories of a radio plugger – Part 2
After leaving school and trying his hand at several jobs, Keep 106 presenter Geoff Atherton — “the host with the toast” — found his calling in music. Our breakfast presenter brings us the second instalment of his memories as ...
Countryside Matters 60, 13.04.26
It’s undoubtedly the busiest time of the year for gardeners, and maybe even busier this year with more people thinking of growing their own veg. Mike Burks of The Gardens Groups talks about some of the more unusual vegetable ...
A plan Dorset Wildlife Trust to release beavers into the Frome and Hooke rivers
Dorset Wildlife Trust recently held an event in Dorchester’s Town Hall to publicise their plan to release beavers into the wild on the Frome and Hooke rivers. The trust wanted as many members of the public to attend and ...
