the community news that matters
“Face the heat for hospice care” – Weldmar’s new Firewalk fundraiser
Weldmar Hospicecare is calling on thrill-seekers and fundraisers across the county to take part in its upcoming Firewalk, held at the charity’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester on Friday 13th November 2026.
This unique event offers participants the chance to put ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Works to reduce sewage overflows at Lulworth Cove will see a temporary construction compound set up in the village coach park over the winter.
Wessex Water will be using part of the Lulworth Castle Estate ...
More Dorset communities invited to shape new 20mph schemes
Dorset residents are seeing safer, calmer streets as the council rolls out its most ambitious programme of 20mph schemes to date with more communities now invited to have their say on the next phase.
Since 2022, Dorset Council has delivered ...
Local reactions to Starmer resignation
A compilation of news stories by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorchester Labour Party stalwart Barry Thompson said he has been surprised at the speed event events in the party have evolved.
The chair of the Dorchester, Sherborne and District Labour ...
Illegal parking warning from council leader
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
“Don’t park illegally – we’ll get you” – the stark warning from Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland.
Speaking on video after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting he said that one of the changes to parking services at ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Residents have been surprised by a pile of building rubble fly-tipped on a path in Dorchester town centre.
The path runs between Trinity Street and the former Dorset County Hospital site and is difficult to ...
Two free events are coming to Dorchester in July
July is set to be a fantastic month in Dorchester, with two exciting free family events taking place in the town. Residents and visitors can look forward to the return of the much-loved Love Parks Day and the highly ...
Recent news items
- Work begins on final stage of North Quay harbour improvements in Weymouth
- Stinsford hill masterplan (500homes)
- Dorset Council capital budget cut-back
- Chesil Bank Country Fayre to Celebrate Grand Opening of Refurbished Recreation Ground
- Council leader reacts to resignation of Keir Starmer
- Weekend Sports Report
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Below are the next 5 upcoming events. There’s much more in the Local Events Diary…
Thu 25 Jun
Evening Echoes: Bird and bat safari on Brownsea Island
7:20 pm to 10:30 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEA nocturnal safari looking at birds settling down for the evening there will also be bat detecting and we will be looking out for the mysterious nightjar. There will be plenty of moths on the wing too. There are 2 sailing times with the second boat leaving at 19.50 and returning at 22.50.
Contact: National Trust | 03442491895 | Email | Web | MapSat 27 Jun
Wild wetland bird walk
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEBrownsea Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our guided walks, led by an expert Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, take you through the island’s beautiful wetlands. Brownsea Lagoon is one of the best birdwatching sites in England. The lagoon’s shallow, nutrient-rich waters draw in thousands of birds annually, creating an ever-changing avian spectacle.
Contact: National Trust | 03442491895 | Email | Web | MapSat 27 Jun
Dorchester Choral Society accessible, open rehearsal
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Location: United Church, South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BYYou are warmly invited to drop in on Dorchester Choral Society’s open rehearsal featuring a wonderful collection of short, tuneful choral pieces with an American theme in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. This is a free, relaxed and casual event, designed to be accessible to all – stay as long as you wish.
Contact: Dorchester Choral Society | 07979350116 | Email | Web | MapSat 27 Jun
Choral Evensong for the feast of St Peter
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Location: St Peter’s Church, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XAYou are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong for the feast of St Peter on Saturday 27th June at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Duruflé’s ‘Tu es Petrus’, Ayleward’s ‘Preces & Responses’, Kelly’s ‘Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in C’ and Sumsion’s ‘They that go down to the sea in ships’. Admission is free with a glass of wine to follow.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapSat 27 Jun
Dorchester Choral Society Free Choral Concert
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: St Martins, Martinstown, Dorchester, DT2 9JRWe will be performing a collection of short, tuneful, choral pieces with an American theme in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. There will be works by living composers, a spiritual, a song from the movies: something for all tastes. The concert is free and not ticketed. Proceeds from drinks sales and a collection go equally to church and choir funds.
Contact: Dorchester Choral Society | 07979350116 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
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!…
Armed Forces Day ceremony held at County Hall – audio and pictures
Among several ceremonies organised annually by Dorset Council and held at the Memorial Area outside County Hall in Dorchester, is the the Armed Forces Day commemoration which was held on 22nd June 2026. Several speeches were given by, first, ...
Dorchester’s Community Garden project holds event to help shape its future
A community garden project in Dorchester held an event recently inviting ideas to help shape its future. Volunteer Centre Dorset has taken over the running of the project formerly known as The Garden & People (GAP) project. Our reporter ...
UPDATED: Reporting from the Armed Forces Day in Weymouth, with pictures
Weymouth proudly hosted a weekend celebration honouring our Armed Forces—past, present, and future from the 19th to the 22nd June 2026. This annual event recognises the dedication of serving personnel and veterans, highlights the work of veterans’ associations, and ...
Information about child vaccination
Today Alison Booth from Dorset HealthCare called in to the studio to talk about vaccination programmes across Dorset schools and the important role they play in protecting children’s health…
A hike with a difference to raise funds for MND
Today we heard from from Graeme Lloyd and John Kelly who will be taking part in a charity walk with a difference. On 18th June, they will be walking from Bovington to Portsmouth wearing specially created 3D-printed models of ...
