Below are the 30 latest news items
Poundbury Gardens named Local Garden Centre of the Year

Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester, has been named Local Garden Centre of the Year at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Summer 2026 Midlands, Wales & West regional awards.
Part of The Gardens Group, Poundbury Gardens was presented with the award on Thursday ...
Weymouth fire station charity car wash tomorrow!

Firefighters at Weymouth fire station are holding a charity car wash this Saturday (18 July) from 10am until 3pm, in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity and Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The event organiser, Firefighter Ryan Smith, said: “We’re raising money ...

This Sunday a full day of football celebrations organised by former Thomas Hardye students to raise money for local charities in our hometown.
Dorchester’s World Cup Party – Sunday 19th July
12:30pm – Gates open, Avenue Stadium, Dorchester.
1:30pm – Kick off ...
£20m caravan scheme at Preston deferred

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A decision on Haven’s £20million expansion of its Weymouth Bay site at Preston for 240 extra caravans had been dramatically deferred.
The change of tack came after a lengthy debate during which residents living next ...
Brave victim helps bring domestic abuser to justice

Police officers have praised the courage of a victim who helped bring her abuser to justice for a series of offences.
Joshua Luke Copperthwaite, aged 23 and of Portland, was jailed for a campaign of abuse against a woman who ...
328 homes in Chickerell agreed

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
The merging of Chickerell and Weymouth has come a step closer with agreement for 328 new homes on a site east of Chickerell and south of Coldharbour.
The proposal, more than five years in development, ...
FREE competition for your Children! Flags of the World Cup & Commonwealth

This year the Supersleuth competition, run by Dorchester BID, sees the welcome return of one of our flags to match to countries of the World Cup & Commonwealth!
Around the town centre of Dorchester, you will find a series of ...
Woman missing in Dorchester has been found

Police officers searching for a missing woman in Dorchester can update that she has been found.
Rachel, aged 48, had last been seen in Trinity Street on Monday 13 July 2026.
Following searches by officers, she has now been located.
The force ...
Witness appeal following alleged assault in Weymouth

Detectives are investigating an alleged assault in Weymouth and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
It was reported that at 2am on Sunday 12 July 2026 a man was assaulted at an address in Rodwell Road by two other ...

Our reporter Idris Martin has revisited the scene of the electricity substation fire next to Weymouth’s Front Skate Park and Sealife Centre, and was impressed with the speed at which the electricity company restored power. He sends this report:
All ...
Important medieval charter acquired by Dorset History Centre

Dorset History Centre (DHC) has announced that, thanks to charitable support, it has acquired a rare royal charter dating from 1313 which will now join the county’s archives held in Dorchester.
The charter, relating to Forde Abbey, was issued by Edward II ...

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Tapas and pilates will feature at a former Dorchester building society High West Street.
Dorset Council has approved the change for the building, adjacent to the County Museum, with Holy Trinity Church on the other ...
Weldmar announce incredible fundraising challenges for 2027

The Weldmar Hospicecare Fundraising team has been working hard to curate a line-up of brand new events that offer truly exceptional experiences for supporters. You could be climbing Mount Snowdon under the stars or hiking through Cambodian villages and ...
The Borough Gardens, Dorchester is awarded Green Flag status once again

Borough Gardens Dorchester awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks
Borough Gardens is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year. It ...
Large fire breaks out in Weymouth

Idris Martin reporting.
A large fire has broken out in Weymouth this afternoon (Sunday) in what is believed to be an electrical sub-station adjacent to the Front Skatepark on Preston Beach Road.
It is not yet clear if any electrical power ...
Missing woman last seen in Weymouth is found

Police officers searching for a missing woman in Weymouth are pleased to update she has been found.
Monika, aged 46, was last seen in the area of Juniper Way at around 1pm on Sunday 12 July 2026.
Following searches by officers, ...
UPDATED: Weekend Sports Report

SHEHORSES TAKE THE BEACH BY STORM!
Weymouth & Portland Ladies lit up the sands at the Weymouth Beach Rugby Festival this weekend, powering through two days of sun, grit and seriously good rugby.
After a flawless 5-for-5 wins on Saturday and ...
You’re invited to the Mayor’s Tea Party

The Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, is holding a Tea Party in the Corn Exchange on 16th August.
The event will raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charties – Prostate Cancer UK, People First and Dorchester Youth & Community ...

Dorchester Football Club Press Release:
Dorchester Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Jayden Nielsen ahead of the 2026/27 season.
A wide player comfortable on either wing, Jayden arrives at The Avenue following two seasons with Taunton Town, ...
Public loo charges in Weymouth

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Card payment charges are set to be introduced at another public loo in Weymouth town centre as part of a refurbishment scheme for the Grade II listed Maiden Street conveniences.
The payment decision has already ...
Dorchester Shopfront of the Season Awards Open on 10th July

Nominations for the Summer Shopfront of the Season Awards open on Friday 10th July and close on Monday 10th August 2026. The theme for this season is Clean, Bright and full of Summer! Public can nominate any Dorchester town‑centre ...
Renewed appeal following burglary in Weymouth

Police officers are renewing their appeal for information following a burglary where jewellery was stolen from an address in Weymouth.
Between 9pm on Saturday 4 July and 6am on Sunday 5 July 2026, entry was gained to an address in ...

Too hot for humans? Just think what it’s like for our equine friends. If you live near the sea what better way to cool off than a dip in Weymouth Bay.
Our reporter Idris Martin snapped these beauties (the horses ...
Coastal Combat Festival applies for drinks licence

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A combat festival planned for Weymouth Beach is asking for a drinks licence for the event.
The festival, which will feature cage fighting, boxing, wrestling and other combat sports, will also have live music on ...
Dorset One World Festival returns in August

Dorset One World Festival is back once again to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorset through world music, dance, food, and activities.
This free event will be held on Saturday 8th August from 11am-4pm at the Borough Gardens in ...
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery launches Community Access Ticket to remove financial barriers to culture

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is launching a new Community Access Ticket from Saturday 25 July, designed to make museum visits more affordable for families facing financial barriers.
The Community Access Ticket provides day access for £6.20 per person and ...
Young People Invited to Help Transform Dorchester Telephone Box into Climate Action Showcase

Young people across Dorset are being invited to unleash their creativity as part of a new community competition to transform a historic telephone kiosk in the heart of Dorchester into an inspiring display celebrating climate action, sustainability and nature. ...
Roadside advertising sign for Chickerell nursing home

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A large roadside advertising sign is being proposed for a Chickerell care home.
The sign, which would be lit at night, is for the listed Queen Charlotte care home at 432 Chickerell Road.
Documents with the ...
Local retailers urged to suspend disposable barbecue sales during extreme heat

Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset are calling on retailers across Dorset to temporarily halt the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat and heightened wildfire risk, helping to protect the county’s countryside, heathlands, coast and communities.
The ...

by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
An improved Family Hub is to be created at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre close to the town centre.
The Marsh Sports Complex in Knightsdale Road will be refurbished and partially altered to create a ...
























