the community news that matters
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 ...
Dorset Drafters cycle to the moon to raise £3,600 for Dorset County Hospital
Local cycling group, the Dorset Drafters, collectively cycled the distance to the moon (over 230,000 miles) in one year, in an epic ‘Moonshot’ cycling challenge which also saw them raise £3,600 for the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.
The group, ...
Claims that council officers lied
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorset Council has declined to comment in public on whether senior council officers, accused of lying, are still working for the authority.
Cabinet portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Simon Clifford, made the claim over the ...
Find out more about the work of Dorchester Town Council at its annual Town Meeting
For a chance to meet your local Dorchester Town Councillors and hear more about the work of the Dorchester Town Council over the previous year, do pop along to their Informal Annual Town Meeting on Friday 8 May between ...
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 | MapFri 1 May
Age UK North South and West Dorset Maker's Market
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: The Age UK NSW Dorset Hub, Crown Square, Poundbury, DT1 3ENOur Maker’s markets are hosted by a team of our volunteers. These clever creative volunteers keep busy creating handcrafted, knitted, sewn, items to sell alongside and home-grown plants.
Our Maker’s market will be held on the 1st Friday of each month. Come along and join us for a cuppa and a home baked sweet treat.
Fri 1 May
May Day Kiddies' Keilidh
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: The Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2ETCome and celebrate May Day with the bright and colourful TatterBand accompanying dances especially chosen so younger families can enjoy some gentle folk dancing. Friendly caller Angela Laycock will teach the dances, so no experience is necessary. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per person from Dorchester Arts.
Contact: Tatterdemalion and Dorchester Arts | 01305 266926 | Web | MapFri 1 May
The Big Dorset May Day Ceilidh
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: The Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2ETCome and celebrate May Day with folk music, dancing for everyone, and good company at the Thomas Hardye Theatre.
Join us for another of their seasonal family ceilidhs, this time to celebrate the coming of summer. The TatterBand play tunes which were used for dancing in Dorset 200 years ago, and now you can enjoy communal dancing, with the moves taught by experienced caller Angela Laycock.
Sat 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 | 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 ...
