the community news that matters
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Fees charged by Dorset Council to taxi drivers are to increase – by around seven per cent.
Several drivers had objected to the increase arguing that, with other costs rising, the extra fee would cut ...
Three cases of Meningitis B have been confirmed in young people in the county.
The UK Health Security Agency says youngsters are being offered antibiotics and vaccines in the Weymouth area.
They say the cases were confirmed between the 20th March ...
Ryan Hope stands down from Dorset Council Cabinet role
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Weymouth councillor Ryan Hope has ‘stepped back’ from his Dorset Council Cabinet role.
The Westham councillor will remain on the authority as a ‘back-bench’ councillor.
Council leader, Nick Ireland, said Cllr Hope had been a valued ...
The permutations are many, but if both Weymouth and Dorchester football clubs are to retain their Southern Premier League status and with only 2 matches remaining then both clubs cannot afford to drop any more league points.
The Terras host play off hopefuls Chertsey at the ...
Concerns raised about proposed bandstand for Weymouth seafront
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Concerns have been raised over proposals for a new bandstand on Weymouth seafront.
The town’s Civic Society, say while welcoming the idea, they fear it could attract anti-social behaviour and say the structure would not ...
Advice and support for residents caught out by fraud and scams
Dorset Council has recently signed the national Fraud and Scams Victim Charter which sets out clear standards for how organisations should support anyone affected.
Anyone can be caught out by a scam, and the council is reminding residents support is ...
Survey on Live Facial Recognition launched
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a survey, asking residents for their views on Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology.
The survey is asking members of the public who live in Dorset what they think about the technology ahead of ...
Recent news items
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…
Tue 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 3 Apr to Sun 1 Nov
Fire Flood Frost exhibition
Location: Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster, DT8 3NBA rare 18th century fire engine – once the town’s frontline defence against disaster – is the star of the show of Fire Flood Frost. New for 2026, the exhibition brings to life the extraordinary story of how Beaminster and surrounding communities battled flames, floods and freezing winters long before emergency services. Admission free.
Contact: Beaminster Museum | Web | MapThu 16 Apr to Tue 21 Apr
Scene Together- a joint art exhibition
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: The Gallery – Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJUpstairs in the gallery at Upton county park 4 local artists will be exhibiting a range of their work, with a unique opportunity to meet with the artists themselves. It’s going to be a colourful, joyous and passionate display. Come and see Dorset through the eyes of four artists who know and love the local landscape. For more info check out “scene together” on social media.
Contact: Caroline Tucker | Web | MapFri 17 Apr to Sat 18 Apr
Dorchester Drama's Some Canterbury Tales
Location: Broadmayne village hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW7:30 pm. For a rollicking night out, come and see Dorchester Drama perform six of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in a fast and funny, hugely entertaining show.
Performances are at Broadmayne village hall, near Dorchester, on Friday and Saturday, April 17 (7.30pm) and 18 (2pm and 7.30pm).
Tickets are £10 via web link below.
Sat 18 Apr
Dr Jazz and Georgy Broad
Location: St Andrew’s Church Rooms, Preston, DT3 6BU7:30 pm. Join Dr Jazz and Georgy Broad next Saturday for an evening of “Medicine for your Ears” featuring classic jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and more. Bar on the night. Tickets £10. Proceeds are shared equally between the church and “The Bus Shelter Dorset”, a Weymouth based charity supporting the homeless.
Contact: Dr Jazz | 01305 837147 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Moonfleet: Crimson Tide – a new take on a classic story
Making a welcome return to Keep 106 today was local musician and storyteller Will Adams. He’s joined by the very talented guitarist Paul Sundt, along with 13-year-old local performer Toby, who plays the lead role in Will’s new audiobook ...
Countryside Matters 59, 30.03.26
Food resilience and the Feeding Dorset Partnership: Jon Sloper, CEO of Dorset charity Help and Kindness talks about what the Partnership is and does, and about the importance of growing and distributing more food locally – and how Dorset ...
UPDATED: An appeal by Dorset Wildlife Trust
UPDATE: Dorset Wildlife Trust has now secured the funding required to purchase the land featured in this interview. See here for more info: Upton Heath saved by successful fundraising campaign
This is an interview with Brian Bleese, the Chief ...
Andy’s guest in this show is rock & roll legend Marty Wilde. Marty’s career began in the 1950’s and he has received special recognition from The British Phonographic Industry for being in the music business as a performer and ...
Countryside Matters 58, 16.03.26
In this edition:
One of the hot topics these days is water pollution from sewage, both treated and untreated, and the deluges of the last few months have made this an acute problem. Matt Wheeldon of Wessex Water talks about ...
Pastor Mark Topp makes a welcome visit to the studio
Mark Topp is the Pastor at the Storehouse Church in Cambridge Road, Dorchester, which also doubles as Dorchester Community Kitchen. Mark’s work includes speaking to community groups such as school children and today he updated us on that…
