the community news that matters
Witness appeal following attempted robbery in Poundbury
Police officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following an attempted robbery in Poundbury.
It was reported that at around 9.30pm on Thursday 16 April 2026 a man aged in his 30s was approached by ...
Growing success at STARS Dorset
Poundbury Garden Centre is proud to be supporting a local charity in creating a welcoming and calming space for victims of abuse, and the professionals who support them, with the provision of high-quality houseplants for their new training centre ...
Victorian Street Fair returns to celebrate Hardy’s heritage
The Thomas Hardy Victorian Street Fair returns to Dorchester this year for another exciting day celebrating traditional crafts and the heritage of Dorset, as celebrated by Thomas Hardy in his works.
Based around commemorations to mark the famous novelist’s birthday, ...
Dorchester Reveals Finalists for ‘Shopfront of the Season – Spring 2026’
Dorchester Town Council and Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) are pleased to announce the five finalists for the Spring 2026 Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards. This spring’s competition drew an impressive 190 nominations, reflecting the enthusiasm residents have ...
No quarter was given nor expected at Coburg Road where Dorchester hosted Bridport.
The County Town overcame the challenge of the Daggers winning the game by 38 points to 19.
Weymouth’s five-one victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium against play off hopefuls Chertsey ...
Bowls Club celebrate centenary
Idris Martin reporting.
The members of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Bowls Club celebrate the club’s centenary year with their opening session of the 2026 season on Saturday morning at their Commercial Road bowling green.
Weymouth & Melcombe Regis Bowls Club is Weymouth’s only town centre bowls club, with six grass ...
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 ...
Recent news items
Delightfully Different, every time
Click this image to enlarge it
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 Apr
Nick Capaldi in Concert
Location: St. Nicholas Church, Dorchester Road, Broadwey, Weymouth, DT3 5DN7pm (doors open 6.30pm). Singer / songwriter Nick Capaldi was No.1 on the Amazon Hot New Release Chart for his debut single ‘ IN MY SHOES’ & singer David Essex described Nicks music as having “An early Genesis & Supertramp quality to it”. Tickets £15 p.p. There will be a CASH BAR with our usual friendly Bar Staff. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
Contact: St. Nicholas Church | 07944617553 | Email | MapSat 25 Apr
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 | MapThu 30 Apr
Transported for the Rest of Your Natural Life!
Location: Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RP7:00 pm. A Talk by Mike Randall. Learn about the sufferings of “unfortunate and melancholy souls” convicted at Dorchester Assizes in the late 18th and 19th centuries and what befell them and the families they left behind. Tickets are £8 for Dorset Archives Trust members, or £10 for non-members. Please book via ticketsource (web link below)
Contact: Dorset History Centre | 01305 250550 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
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 ...
World Heritage Day celebrated at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
On Saturday 18th April Dorset Museum & Art Gallery marked World Heritage Day and the 25th anniversary of the Jurrasic Coast becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site. Running just for one day the event brought together science, art, and ...
Commemorative Plaque unveiled at County Hall to honour those conscripted under National Service
On Monday 30th March a ceremony was held at the Memorial Area outside County Hall in Dorchester to honour the people of Dorset who were conscripted to serve under National Service. Their contribution and time in the armed forces ...
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 ...
