the community news that matters

The FA Cup final may not take place until the 22nd of May next year, but the road to Wembley has already begun for Portland United, who beat Sturminster Newton at Grove Corner a couple of weeks ago, placing ...
Dorset marks Ukraine Independence Day

The Ukrainian flag will be flown over County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 24 August to mark 35 years since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The annual occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage while recognising the resilience ...
Lack of high ladder for fighting fires in Dorset Council area questioned

Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Questions are being asked about why there is no high ladder for the fire and rescue use in the whole Dorset Council area.
It follows a recent fire at a house in Queen’s Avenue, Dorchester when ...
Hold Your Horses! Piddletrenthide Gets Ready for its Panto Race Night

In the current, changing economic climate, where village amenities are disappearing all the time, the residents of Piddletrenthide are making their own fun and raising much-needed funds for the village church in the process.
Host James Boughey is passionate about ...
Free money coaching course to help people with finances

A local church is offering free money coaching to help people manage their finances.
Dorchester Baptist Church is holding a three-hour Christians Against Poverty (CAP) course on Saturday 19 September at the Dorford Centre, running from 9.30am-12.30pm.
Course participants will learn ...
Witness appeal following reported assault in Weymouth

Police officers investigating a report of an assault outside a shop in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
It was reported that at around 7.40pm on Saturday 15 August 2026 a female member of ...
Wessex Water announce hosepipe ban for first time in 50 years

Wessex Water have announced today (17th August) that a hosepipe ban is to come into force from Tuesday 18th August.
The company says it has been 50 years since water restrictions were last introduced in the Wessex Water region and ...


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 | MapSun 23 Aug
The Great Field junior parkrun
Location: The Great Field, St John Way, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 2FD8:50 am for a 9:00 am run start. A free, weekly, timed 2k run/jog/walk for 4-14 year olds. A free, fun activity for families to take part in each Sunday morning. Briefing & warm up takes place at 8:50 for a 9:00 start to run, jog or walk, volunteer or spectate. The course is fully marshalled by volunteers. If you haven’t been to a parkrun before, register at parkrun UK first for your unique barcode number. (via web link below)
Contact: The Great Field junior parkrun | Email | Web | MapThu 27 Aug to Sat 29 Aug
Macbeth by The Handlebards
6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEJoin the HandleBards on Brownsea Island for a high-energy performance of Macbeth like you’ve never seen it before. Packed with laughter, mishaps and outdoor theatre magic, it’s a fantastic family-friendly evening in a beautiful setting. Bring a picnic and something comfortable to sit on and enjoy an evening of wonderful open-air theatre.
Contact: National Trust | 01202 707744 | Email | Web | MapOn demand, at your convenience
The Mayor’s Tea Party goes with a swing

On Sunday 16th August the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, held a tea party in the Corn Exchange to raise funds for his Mayoral charities. Food was provided by The Posh Partridge and the event was sponsored by ...
Pastor Mark Topp with his regular update from the Storehouse Church

Mark Topp is the Pastor at The Storehouse Church in Cambridge Road, Dorchester and he regularly calls into the studio with news of the latest goings-on at the church and elsewhere, Messy Church being one topic. Once again Mark ...
Fundraising for refurbishment of The Keep

Sadly the museum had to close its doors well over a year ago due to structural repairs being required. Tiffany Carrington, fundraising officer, from The Keep Military Museum called into the studios at Little Keep to bring us an ...
Countryside Matters 66, 03.08.26

This programme concerns mostly birds. A visit to Castle Gardens to hear from staff member and bird expert Jacob Daley, and from Managing Director Mike Burks about the birds of the Garden Centre, which are very much part of the ...

Bridport Arts Centre has launched Come Together, a £400,000 campaign to buy its historic home and bring the building back into community ownership. Claire Tudge joined Andy Senior to tell us more about the campaign and what it means ...
Local musician William Frampton performs live in the studio

Today local musician William Frampton joined Andy Senior in the Keep 106 studio to perform a selection of his original songs live…
























