News Archive

If the sea and the splendour of a magnificent tallship appeals to you, Weymouth is the place to be later this month. From Thursday 18 May until Sunday 21 May there will be a rare opportunity to see and explore on-board the full-size replica of a massive 17th-century Spanish Galleon, similar to those of the Spanish ...

Pressure to do well in exams can be overwhelming and affect young people’s mental health – but help is available. During this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), Dorset HealthCare’s Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) in schools service is advising children and young people how to cope with exam stress and signposting them to help ...

Officers investigating an incident where two people were assaulted in Weymouth town centre are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward. The incident occurred at the K1 bus shelter in The Esplanade around 7pm on Sunday 30 April 2023. It is reported that a man and a woman – aged in their 30s ...

Volunteers at KeeP 106 attended two events over the coronation weekend to provide the PA system in both cases. The first was at the Salisbury Fields Beacon Lighting event on the Saturday followed by the Dorchester Lions Summerfest on Sunday. Our reporter Andy Worth writes: “It was a damp evening on the day of the King’s Coronation ...

Bill Beaumont RFU County Championship. Pool 2, Division 2, at Cheltenham RFC. Gloucestershire 15  – Dorset & Wilts 47 The Twin Counties three times winners of this competition, kicked off their championship campaign with an impressive display against a much-fancied side. Dorset & Wilts started the much better of the two teams and raced into 19 points ...

Officers investigating an assault outside a pub in Dorchester are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Just after 1.45am on Saturday 6 May 2023 it is reported a fight broke out between a group of people outside of Hardy’s Pub in Trinity Street. During the incident a man aged in his 20s sustained injuries to his face. ...

Dorchester Town Council has issued an open invitation to attend their Informal Annual Town Meeting on Friday 19th May from 11am to 1pm. It is an opportunity to to see how your local democracy is working for you, and tell Councillors what you think should be priorities for the town over the coming year. Partners ...

A Dorchester school is to make a splash in Parliament through its fundraising for lifesaving loos overseas. Staff and students at St Osmund’s CE Middle School have just completed a challenge to ‘twin’ all 49 toilets in the school through the charity Toilet Twinning which helps provide safe toilets overseas. Now they have reached their fundraising goal, ...

Award winning Weymouth barbers, Barberista UK have teamed up with Dorset Mental Health Forum and local community organisations to offer men a safe space to get a free haircut whilst opening up about their mental health if they wish. The monthly sessions are run by Peer Specialists from the Forums’ Sports and Social team, alongside barber ...

KeeP 106 has received a joint statement from Dorset Council and Dorset Police which sets out their shared position on the Home Office’s plans to house asylum seekers on a barge in Portland Port later this year. The statement reads: “The organisations have questions about the proposal that remain unanswered and continue to seek clarity from ...

Officers are investigating a fatal road traffic collision in Weymouth and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Dorset Police was called to the incident, in which a white Mercedes Sprinter van collided with a pedestrian in Wooland Gardens at 12.49pm on Tuesday 2 May 2023. Officers attended, along with the ambulance ...

Officers investigating a robbery in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. The incident occurred between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday 23 April 2023 in the area of Asda in Newstead Road. It is reported that a woman was approached by a group of young people and had her bank card stolen. She ...

Officers investigating an alleged sexual assault in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. It was reported that between 12pm and 1pm on Thursday 27 April 2023 a man was travelling on the number 10 bus from Bridport Road in Dorchester to King’s Statue in Weymouth when he engaged a teenage ...

Queue up the theme tune to the film the Great Escape, Weymouth Football Club’s Senior men’s team travelled to Dover on Saturday knowing that only a win would do in their final game of the season if they were to avoid dropping into the Southern League and a win is what they got. Two first half ...

Officers investigating an incident where a man sustained serious injuries in Weymouth town centre are appealing for witnesses or anyone dashcam footage to come forward. Dorset Police received a report from the ambulance service at 7.37pm on Thursday 27 April 2023 of a man requiring medical assistance at Westham Bridge. The ambulance service had been alerted ...

As part of King Charles III Coronation celebrations, The Lugger Inn Chickerell have decided to join THE BIG HELP OUT initiative on 8th May, by launching their Life & Soul Community Trust.  The intention of the Trust is to provide support to those within the local community, whether monetary or otherwise, to bring happiness to ...

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, has made changes to his Cabinet. The following appointments come into effect from 1 May 2023. Cllr Flower will provide further commentary on these changes at the Annual Council meeting on 11 May. Cabinet members: Cllr Spencer Flower – Leader and Portfolio Holder – Governance, Performance & Communications Cllr Gary Suttle ...

Concerns about the loss of fundraising opportunities due to Covid led the Dorchester and District Christian Aid group to produce a recipe book, Cooking for Life. And the book, which includes more than 100 recipes from congregation members across Dorchester and further afield, has now raised £5,000 for the charity. Co-author Tony McDougal said the book was ...

It seems that some members of the public are ignoring the warning signs and barriers near the rockfalls at West Bay near Bridport. The clear advice on the signs is to ‘Keep away from rockfall area’ and ‘Stay away from cliffs’. But our KeeP 106 sports reporter, Idris Martin, who took the photos below says: “People ...

In the most recent Countryside e-newsletter from Dorset Council comes information about the current restoration project at Rushy Pond at Thorncombe Wood near Dorchester. Firstly, volunteers have been looking into writings of Thomas Hardy (1840- 1928) to explore the relationship between the pond and the writer, and the landscape he grew up in. Secondly, Rangers have ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after two people stole food from a shop in Dorchester. At approximately 6.30am on Saturday 22 April 2023, two male offenders entered Co-op in Trinity Street and took pizzas and sandwiches from the shelves. When challenged by staff, it is reported that they pretended they had a weapon, however ...

To celebrate five years since opening, Shire Hall Museum is offering a special entry offer to visitors on Monday 1st May. Based in Dorchester, Shire Hall Museum brings over 200 years of history to life. With interactive galleries, immersive cells and the impressive historic courtroom, there is something for everyone at the Museum. On Monday 1st May, ...

More than 75,000 people in Dorset are eligible for a COVID-19 booster jab this spring – and appointments are available to book now. Over-75s, people aged five and over who have a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents are all entitled to a free vaccination to protect themselves from the virus. Dorset’s vaccination teams ...

Tom Bearwish and Bradley Ash threw Weymouth Football Club’s senior men’s team a National League South lifeline both scoring a goal apiece at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday against visitors Slough. Before the game kicked off the Terras were rooted to the foot of the league table but scoring two goals and keeping a clean ...

A body sadly found in a river in Dorchester is believed to be that of a missing teenager from the Dorchester area. The report of the discovery at the river Frome in the area of Lubbecke Way was received by Dorset Police at around 3pm on Saturday 22 April 2023. Although formal identification has not yet taken ...

Councillors and officers from Dorset Council, MPs Richard Drax and Chris Loder and the managing directors for South Western Railway and Network Rail (Wessex) came together to officially open Weymouth’s recently improved railway station on Friday, 21 April. Other representatives from organisations which helped shape and fund the improvements were also in attendance. The multi-agency partnership-led improvement ...

Officers investigating a reported assault in Dorchester are appealing for information and trying to trace witnesses to assist their enquiries. At around 8.45pm on Wednesday 19 April 2023 a man and woman who were known to each other were driving in a white Ford Transit van between Herringston Road, between Herringston House and the Weldmar Hospice, ...

Today (Thursday 20 April 2023), Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement and Legal teams have successfully prosecuted another fly-tipper. David Barney, 37 of Wiltshire Road in Salisbury, was found guilty of fly-tipping soil, ground workings and green waste on land at the former Askers Hotel near Dorchester without an environmental permit, contrary to Section 33 (1)(a) of the ...

Officers investigating the theft of alcohol from a shop in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses to come forward. At approximately 8.15pm on Tuesday 18 April 2023 two people entered Tesco Express in Dorchester Road and went to the alcohol aisle. The young male offenders were asked to leave by a member of staff, before they stole a ...

The South West Dorset Talking Newspaper, a charity providing local news as well as a weekly magazine to visually impaired people, has announced that the service is to soon close after 36 years. A statement on the SWDTN website reads: “After 36 wonderful years, we’re calling it a day. Thanks to the wonder of technology, it’s ...

To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, Dorset Museum and Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester are offering a BSL tour on Saturday 29 April 2023. Deaf visitors are invited to join renowned deaf tour guide John Wilson to explore two of Dorset’s most fantastic museums. Dorset Museum allows you to explore 250 million years of Dorset’s history. Discover Roman mosaics, Jurassic ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward after a burglary where two vehicles were stolen near Dorchester. Between 6pm on Wednesday 12 April and 9.30am on Thursday 13 April 2023 a black Ford Focus and a white Vauxhall van were stolen from the Enterprise Park in Piddlehinton. The van was later recovered ...

Weymouth senior men’s football team have just 3 games remaining to retain their National League South status following their 2 goals to 1 defeat away at Hampton & Richmond. The Terras led by a Bradley Ash strike in the 23rd minute right until the 77th minute when their hosts drew level Weymouth held on to the point ...

Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society has announced it has appointed Claire Dixon as its new Executive Director. Claire is currently Director of Museums and Deputy Chief Executive at Bath Preservation Trust and will take up her new post in July. Claire brings with her a wealth of experience having spent over fifteen years in the ...

Weymouth football club’s senior men’s team who are currently in 22nd place out of 24 in the National League South and 4 points from league security travel to Hampton & Richmond on Saturday who are 16th in the table and have very little to play for other than pride itself. The Terras have just 4 games remaining to ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a reported road rage incident in Weymouth. The incident occurred at around 1.35pm on Wednesday 12 April 2023 on Swannery Bridge involving two vehicles. It is reported that one of the vehicles involved – a black Hyundai ix35 – pulled out in front of the victim’s vehicle. The driver ...

Litter Free Dorset is working with Southern Co-op and W&S Recycling to dismantle and recycle 8,000 disposable barbecues as a reminder of how destructive they can be to the environment. Weighing in at over seven tonnes, the disposable barbecues were taken off the shelves following the devastating heathland fires of 2022 and campaigns from Litter Free ...

Officers investigating an alleged affray in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Dorset Police received a report at 2.42am on Tuesday 11 April 2023 of a man in possession of a mallet in Maiden Street. It is reported that the man approached a male member of the public – who was ...

This summer, Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach continues to bring professional performances to village halls, pubs and other community spaces right across Dorset with the launch of its brand-new summer programme, featuring 13 artists and companies set to perform 17 live dates in 17 rural communities. With the support of the Arts Council England and ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward following an affray in Weymouth. It is reported that at around 3.35pm on Saturday 8 April 2023 an altercation occurred involving a cyclist and the occupants of a white Ford Transit van and a silver Ford C-Max on Preston Beach Road. Three people sustained injuries ...

Officers investigating a burglary in Weymouth are appealing for anyone with information to come forward – with an image of one of the stolen items being issued. Between 4.10pm and 9.45pm on Saturday 8 April 2023 entry was gained to a property in the area of Belfield Park Avenue. A number items of jewellery were stolen, including ...

Keelan O’Connell salvaged a crucial National League South point for Weymouth at Havent & Waterlooville with a 91st minute strike after the Terras had been trailing by 2 goals to 1. Weymouth’s opener came from the left boot of Bradley Ash who found the top corner of the goals from 20 yards out. Dorchester however failed to ...

Three people arrested in connection with the death of a man who sustained injuries during an incident in Dorchester have been released from custody on police bail. Dorset Police was called at 9.05pm on Saturday 18 March 2023 to reports of an assault at an address in Milford Road. A man aged in his 60s sustained ...

A motorcyclist has sustained serious injuries following a collision in Owermoigne and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward. At around 1.15pm on Saturday 8 April 2023 a collision occurred on the dual carriageway section of the A352 between Warmwell Cross and Owermoigne involving a silver Yamaha motorcycle that had left the carriageway. The rider, a ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses as they investigate an assault on a cyclist in Weymouth. At around 7.30am on Monday 27 March 2023 a woman aged in her 40s was cycling along the Rodwell Trail, near to the access point for Sandsfoot Castle, when she encountered a man who grabbed the handlebars of her bicycle, causing ...

Dorset Council has today (6th April) issued a statement expressing their opposition to the Home Office announcement to house asylum seekers in floating accommodation at Portland Port. The statement reads as follows: “We are aware of the Home Secretary’s announcement this afternoon, confirming that the Home Office wishes to proceed with its plans to house asylum seekers ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward as they investigate a serious injury road traffic collision near Dorchester. Dorset Police received a report at 10.26am on Thursday 6 April 2023 of a single vehicle collision on the Old Sherborne Road near to Cerne Abbas, between Piddle Lane and Alton Lane. ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted in Weymouth. Dorset Police received a report at around 11.10pm on Wednesday 5 April 2023 that a man had been assaulted while walking along The Esplanade near to the Beach Control Office. It is reported that a man shouted at the victim before punching ...

The Keep Military Museum Young Historians group is set to launch a brand new history podcast, featuring local people connected to the Dorchester’s military history. Young Historians, a weekly after school club for 14-18 year olds based at The Keep Military Museum, have been working on their new podcast “Keeping It Real” for the past 6 ...

Drivers on the A31 are advised to plan ahead as the Bere Regis junction will be closed overnight for the next two weeks starting on Tuesday 11 April. The two weeks of night closures will allow work to replace the lighting columns at the junction to improve visibility and safety for all motorists. From Tuesday 11 April to Friday 21 ...

Charity funds from Dorchester Beerex 2023 organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) & Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary held in February in Dorchester Corn Exchange are in the process of being divided up and given to beneficiaries. The event raised a staggering £23K with this year’s primary charity being the Robert White Centre (RWC) ...

This April, Shire Hall Museum is hosting family-friendly events inspired by its current exhibition The Tiger Who Came to Tea. The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition, originated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, features facsimiles of original artwork, notes and sketches. The exhibition also offers children the opportunity to step into Sophie’s ...

Weldmar Hospicecare has been nominated in no less than four categories at a leading fundraising awards ceremony, focusing on legacy giving – gifts left to charities in wills. The Smee and Ford Legacy Giving Awards take place in London this April, recognising excellence in a growing and competitive area of fundraising. The four categories that Weldmar are ...

The wearing of masks will no longer be mandatory at Dorset County Hospital from 11 April 2023. Cases of COVID-19 are reducing in Dorset, and many healthcare settings in the community, such as GP surgeries, have already stepped back from making masks compulsory. From 11 April, staff, visitors and patients at Dorset County Hospital will no longer ...

Bon Voyage to 30 members of Dorchester Choral Society who are travelling, just after Easter, to join with choirs from France and Germany to sing in Bayeux Cathedral on 14th April. The choirs come from the towns that are twinned with Dorchester: L’Orphéon Choir, Bayeux, France and Andreaskirche Lübbecke, Germany.  This is the latest of a ...

The Weymouth Land Train took its first trip of the season on Saturday 1st April 2023.  The Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Ann Weaving and her escort Cllr Ken Whatley joined a band of local businesses and families for a tour around the esplanade, harbour, and Hope Square. Tony Poole, owner of the Land Train said: “The ...

It’s beginning to look very bleak for Weymouth Football Club to retain their National League South status the Terras hosted Eastbourne Borough at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday and our man at the game said that despite creating numerous chances particularly after the break they failed to convert any into goals and conceded once ...

Officers searching for missing Weymouth man Liam Butler have confirmed he has been located. Liam was reported missing having last been in contact with his family at around 7.30pm on Sunday 26 March 2023. Following enquiries, he has now been located safe and well. We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal.  

A woman has been arrested as officers investigate a report of a burglary at a hotel in Weymouth. Dorset Police received a report at around 9.45pm on Friday 24 March 2023 of a burglary at a room in The Crown Hotel in St Thomas Street. A laptop, iPad and purse containing a quantity of cash and credit ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a road traffic collision in Weymouth. Dorset Police received a report at 8.03am on Friday 31 March 2023 of a collision in Dorchester Road in Upwey involving a blue Volkswagen Golf and a black Nissan Qashqai. The Golf reportedly overturned as a result ...