the community news that matters
The Environment Agency has declared that a large swathe of central, eastern, and southern England – including Dorset – is now experiencing a flash drought – which develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
FINANCIAL backing has been given to a £5million expansion of the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester – ensuring the second phase of a Lottery bid goes ahead.
Dorset Council will, effectively, act as guarantor to ...
Call for Burnham to visit Dorset
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being challenged to come to Dorset and see the good work – and the struggles of Dorset Council.
Finance portfolio holder Simon Clifford laid down the gauntlet while discussing the ...
by Rich Gabe, Press Officer and Social Secretary, West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Weymouth’s premier beer festival is set to return now in its 20 year, organised by volunteers from the west Dorset branch of the Campaign for ...
Body found in search for missing man who went missing from Dorchester
Dorset Police have reported that a body has very sadly been found in the search for Jack, who went missing from Dorchester.
The 33-year-old was reported missing having last been seen on the afternoon of Wednesday 22 July 2026.
On the morning ...
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A shed in a churchyard features among the planning decisions in and around the DT2 postcode area near Dorchester.
The ordinary garden shed was refused, Dorset Council planning officers claiming it would ‘harm’, the setting ...
Witness appeal following burglary at supermarket in Weymouth
Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward following a burglary at a supermarket in Weymouth.
Dorset Police received a report at around 12.55am on Monday 27 July 2026 of a burglary at Morrisons in ...
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 | MapSat 25 Jul to Sun 6 Sep
Summer of Play on Brownsea Island
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEAdventure awaits on Brownsea Island this summer, throughout August there are weekly bug hunting sessions and Pokémon crafts along with nature printing, wild Wednesdays, squirrel challenges and the spectacular Bee Circus. Take on the Summer of Play Activity Trail which runs daily and enjoy games, activities and nature-inspired challenges. Free events, normal admission fees apply.
Contact: National Trust | 03442491895 | Email | Web | MapWed 5 Aug
Midweek Music – 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 for our August ‘Midweek Music series’. Sarah Palfreman-Kay (soprano) and Ian Davis (piano) perform a programme of songs and arias including music by Britten, Purcell, Madeleine Dring and Benjamin Britten. Admission is free. More information via the web link below.
Contact: Music at St Peter’s | 01305250719 | Email | Web | MapThu 6 Aug to Sat 15 Aug
Weymouth Lifeboat Week
Location: All over Weymouth and Portland, Weymouth, A whole week of events for everyone from Music, Crabbing Event, Emergency Services Vehicles, Funday at Nothe Gardens, plus the highlights are the Weymouth Lifeboat Crew showing you what our lifeboats do in 2 separate displays, one in Newton’s Cove on Saturday 8th August at 16.00 and the second one at Bowleaze Cove on Wednesday 12th August at 18.45, RNLI Fest and Silent Disco at the Closet on the 15th.
Contact: Weymouth Lifeboat Fundraising Team | 07917163459 | Email | WebOn demand, at your convenience
A forthcoming fascinating podcast called ‘Beyond The Lines’ will feature the stories of older people
We welcomed to the studio Sarah Rampton from the charity In Jolly Good Company which runs activity days for older people, and local video producer Gary Jarman. They are embarking on a new podcast which will focus on aging ...
It’s almost time for the sunflower selfies!
The Dorset Sunflower Trail at Maiden Castle Farm returns for a sixth summer. The trail opens on Tuesday 28th July, and is open daily from 11am, with last entries at 4pm – look out for some evening sessions too! ...
New book celebrates Thomas Hardy’s pubs
Today we raised a glass to Thomas Hardy’s pubs! Hostelries, inns, bars and hotels feature throughout Hardy’s novels, short stories and poems, from the famous Peter’s Finger on Mixen Lane in The Mayor of Casterbridge to the Buck’s Head ...
Another event to keep us amused – pulling a Boeing 737 aeroplane!
Home-Start Wessex is an organisation which offers friendship, practical and emotional support to families with young children living in Dorset who are having difficulties for a variety of different reasons such as poor mental health, postnatal depression, disability, domestic ...
Join in the Topless Swimming event for the Air Ambulance…women only though!
Andy Senior was joined in the studio by Tania Eveleigh from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to talk about the charity’s upcoming Topless Swim Event, how it supports the vital work of the Air Ambulance, and how people can ...
Dorchester’s Community Cycle Ride another success
On a very warm and dry 12th July 2026 another community cycle ride was held in Dorchester starting at the Great Field in Poundbury. Organised by the Dorchester Transport Action Group (DTAG) the aim was to have a bit ...
