News Archive

Dorchester Arts has today been awarded £52,710 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure a sustainable future. Dorchester Arts is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been ...

Dorset County Museum is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector ...

Officers investigating a spate of damage to vehicles and a property in Weymouth are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Dorset Police was called on the morning of Saturday 10 October 2020 to reports that seven vehicles and six front doors had been damaged along Great George Street. The offenders had slashed the tyres ...

Dorset’s amazing children in care and their wonderful foster families have been celebrated at the Dorset Star Awards. The awards, which are hosted by Dorset Council, celebrate our children’s achievements, as well as recognising the great work done by our foster families. This year the awards had to be virtual, but 87 certificates celebrating children’s successes were ...

Officers investigating a road traffic collision near Bridport are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Dorset Police received a report at 9.32am on Saturday 10 October 2020 of a collision involving a blue Peugeot 307 and a black Volvo V60 on the A35 at Charmouth near to the junction with ...

Patrols have been conducted this week along the alleyway running between Coburg Road and Cambridge Road in Dorchester. This was following reports of anti social behaviour. In a statement Dorchester Police said; “Targeted patrols will continue in this location.” These patrols are part of an ongoing campaign which uses the hashtag #DoYouKnowWhereYourChildrenAre on social media.

Shire Hall is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic. 445 organisations will share £103 million, including Shire Hall to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage ...

Luciano Pierre White proudly announces the launch of his first Italian restaurant, as the young chef opens his first venue at Dorchester’s Brewery Square. Luccio’s is Luciano Pierre White’s first business venture, promising classic Italian cuisine at affordable prices, together with a friendly service. The menu features dishes including ‘Maria Rosa Meatballs’ – the name of ...

The Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service (DiiS) has been shortlisted for the 2020 Institute of Collaborative Working (ICW) Collaborative Working Awards. Working across all healthcare partners in Dorset, the DiiS provides insights and analytics to help with planning and system resilience. The data can be used to identify trends at a community level as part of ...

Dorset Council in partnership with Weymouth Town Council, are carrying out works to Weymouth’s main town beach next week. This is partly due to the change in beach profile caused by Storm Alex, and as part of routine management to prepare the beach for the winter period. Heavy plant will be used to adjust profiles and crest ...

Officers investigating a series of thefts from vehicles near Dorchester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Overnight between Tuesday 6 October and Wednesday 7 October 2020 four vehicles were broken into in Puddletown. Power tools were stolen from all four vehicles. Police Sergeant Andy Napper, of Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “An investigation ...

Officers investigating a burglary at a home in Weymouth are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The burglary occurred at a home in Knightsdale Road between 10pm on Tuesday 22 September and 6.45am on Wednesday 23 September 2020. While the occupants were asleep upstairs, entry was gained and a black Acer laptop, a graphite HP ...

Covid-19 has meant a flagship road safety programme aimed at Year 11-13 students is being delivered differently this year. Safe Drive Stay Alive, which is coordinated by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) on behalf of Dorset Road Safe and Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership, has gone digital to ensure its hard-hitting messages ...

Officers investigating a road rage incident near Blandford are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. At around 4.50pm on Monday 28 September 2020 it is reported that a road rage incident occurred involving a white Ford Fiesta and a blue Tesla on the A350 at Stourpaine. At the traffic lights near ...

This October, Litter Free Dorset have collaborated with Litter Free Coast and Sea, Wimborne War on Waste and Litter Free Purbeck to launch the ‘Bin Your Butt’ campaign to tackle the issue of cigarette-related litter. Litter Free Dorset aims to increase awareness that: • Cigarette filters are the biggest plastic polluters – they do not readily biodegrade ...

It’s understood that the local branch has just 7 customers using it, regularly, each week. With more and more facilities now available electronically and the shift to these online services: 83% of their business customers at the branch have either used other forms of banking such as online, mobile or telephone banking or visited another branch. However ...

Are you worried about not being able to go back to your previous employment? Do you care about people and want to make a difference? The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on the economy globally, nationally and in Dorset. Relative to the UK, Dorset has a higher share of employment, output and businesses ...

In line with the national trend, Public Health Dorset data shows that cases have risen in the Dorset Council area. Although numbers are now higher, the increase does seem to be levelling off. Public Health Dorset continue to monitor all of the data to understand the current picture. In the period 22-28 Sept 2020 there were ...

A significant amount of rainfall and very strong winds, reaching up to 65mph along coastal areas, are expected from 3am Friday morning through to 8pm that evening. Then a further warning for more very heavy rain from 3am Saturday morning through to 6pm on Sunday evening. Dorset Council and the Environment Agency will monitor roads prone ...

One of the most distinctive prep schools in the South West has confirmed a series of new initiatives to broaden access to pupils from a wide range of backgrounds and further develop its long and successful relationship with its close neighbour, Bryanston. Marking 70 years since its formation, the new announcements from Knighton House School ...

Dorset Police has unveiled its new police boat – ‘Buccaneer’ at a small launch event attended by the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner. The new 11m rigid inflatable boat is used by the Force Support Group – a small team of specially trained marine police officers to patrol Dorset’s 98 miles of coastline. Weighing in ...

After cancelled exams and months of remote learning students have returned to education, many starting new courses at college and university. However, for some the new term has brought unexpected costs with a need to buy text books, resources and equipment. The Ashley, Churchill & Thorner Educational Trust (ACTET) is appealing to the young people of Dorchester ...

Officers from Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement team are looking for those responsible for fly-tipping large amounts of meat in and around Wareham. In recent weeks, there have been several incidents of large white dumpy bags of both raw and cooked meat being fly-tipped in East Stoke and Bere Regis. Members of the public reported the dumped waste ...

The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the Tes Schools Awards 2020. It’s been revealed that Edd Moore from Damers First School has been shortlisted for the Environment Champion of the Year award. Tes editor Ann Mroz said: “It is always a highlight of ...

Drivers visiting Weymouth town centre this Autumn are being asked to think more carefully about how to access the town centre as track removal work gets underway. The first phase of work will start on Monday 5 October to remove the tracks along Commercial Road, from King Street to Lower St. Alban Street, which will take ...

Officers investigating an incident where a man was bitten by a dog in North Dorset are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. At around 6.45pm on Thursday 10 September 2020 a man aged in his 40s was walking his elderly Golden Retriever near the airfield at Compton Abbas when his dog was ...

Teachers dressed as farmers, livestock on site and a giant tractor greeted children at The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester as they arrived at school on Monday 28th September 2020. Deputy Headteacher, Miss Ann Johnson explains, ‘It was all in aid of launching our ‘Food and Farming Fortnight’, an annual event here at The ...

One of the most respected figures from the world of education in Dorset has received a top national award in recognition of his dedication and invaluable contribution to the personal and academic development of thousands of pupils over the past four decades. Peter Hardy, former Second Master of Bryanston School near Blandford, has been presented ...

Robots growing fields of wheat, the tiger who came to tea and virtual yoga: these are just some of the exciting sessions on offer for free at the upcoming Festival of the Future from 13 October. This brand-new virtual event combines fun and learning and helps us share the great things that are happening in Dorset. ...

Dorset residents are being urged to step forward and volunteer to be part of the community response to COVID-19 as cases start to rise nationally again. Volunteer Centre Dorset is looking for new volunteers to come forward and register to help support people who are struggling because of the coronavirus outbreak. Cases are low in Dorset compared ...

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has launched a new fundraising event, in line with the current government guidelines; Come Dine With Us encourages everyone to host an intimate black tie dinner within their own homes on Saturday 28 November. Groups of up to six can book from two ticket types; £50 for a three-course meal and ...

People at risk of flu in Dorset are being called onto protect themselves, their families and those they care for against it this Winter. The local NHS and Public Health Dorset have joined forces to make the appeal that the flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you. It’s available for free ...

Stand Up to Racism Dorset has been informed of a decision made by the Parochial Church Council at its meeting on 23 September. This decision, as we understand it, is that the plaque, at St Peters, will be covered up in a matter of days. It will later be removed: the formal process for removal has ...

Dorset Reclaim, a charity which provides low income families with access to affordable furniture and white goods, successfully applied for a £20,000 grant from the Talbot Village Trust COVID-19 Support Fund. As families were being rehomed into unfurnished accommodation in order to self-isolate during lockdown, the demand for basic household goods has increased throughout the pandemic. Since ...

It is with extreme sadness that organisers of the 33rd Dorchester Beerex; West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary must announce the cancelation of the 2021 event due to the current Covid 19 pandemic. The Beerex committee discussed the possibility and avenues of an event later next year but felt with things ...

Officers investigating a series of break-ins at an industrial estate in Weymouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Between 9pm on Sunday 20 September and 3am on Monday 21 September 2020 five commercial premises on the Granby Industrial Estate were broken into and various items taken. The stolen items include a quantity ...

Following the formation of the unitary authority of Dorset Council in 2019, the Harbours Committee are looking ahead as to how Weymouth, Bridport (West Bay) and Lyme Regis Harbours will develop over the next 10 years. The Dorset Coast Forum are leading this work on behalf of Dorset Council and want your views and ideas ...

Sherborne Town Ladies played against Bournemouth Sports in the Preliminary Round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup on Sunday 20th September. A big game for both teams, Bournemouth Sports have played Sherborne in previous pre-season friendlies but have yet to win or score against Sherborne so this game would be tough opposition despite winning 21-0 ...

Children and staff at The Prince of Wales School in Dorchester held a Non-School Uniform Day in aid of Dorset County Hospital’s ‘COVID-19 Appeal’ on Friday 18th September 2020. Children and staff came to school dressed as “Key Workers” with examples including doctors, nurses, supermarket workers, teachers, cleaners and refuse collectors to name just a few. Headteacher, ...

Officers who were trying locate a man following a concern for welfare due to a fire near Bere Regis are pleased to be able to update that he has been identified and found. At 11.30pm on Friday 18 September 2020, Dorset Police received a report from the fire service about a barn fire in Throop and ...

Holy Trinity Church on the town bridge, Weymouth, welcomes their new Director of Music James Lloyd Thomas. His role will be to develop and enhance the music with the choir, public events and concerts in this special place. Holy Trinity is well established and widely regarded as the town’s church, being the main focus for ...

Officers searching for a missing Dorchester man are pleased to update that he has been found. Dorset Police received a report on Friday 18 September 2020 raising concern for the welfare of Jamie Rogers after he failed to turn up for work. Following searches, Jamie has been located in North Dorset safe and well. We would like to ...

Maisie Sheridan from Weymouth is one very talented girl! On this day four years ago, she was involved in a serious road traffic incident when she was hit by a camper van on her way to a dance class; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were called to her aid. After being treated at the scene and ...

Young people will be asked to wear face coverings, unless they are exempt. Young people exempt from wearing face coverings include anyone who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability. Anyone speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear ...

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for the upcoming Prince’s Trust Team programme. This 12-week personal development course is for young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training. It involves a mixture of group activity sessions as well as distance learning video activities to enable the participants to gain the ...

A man has been jailed for more than five years for drug dealing offences in Weymouth. Jebb James Green, aged 29 and of Lewisham, London, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 14 September 2020 after admitting two charges of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. He was sentenced to five years and three ...

Officers investigating an incident where a cat was killed in Weymouth are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Dorset Police received a report that a cat had been found dead in Wyke Oliver Road in Preston at around 6.20am on Saturday 5 September 2020. It was reported that the cat had been beheaded. The cat’s ...

With the coronavirus pandemic having a huge effect on employment, it is expected that more families will be eligible to claim for free school meals. The scheme is a vital lifeline for many families across the county and as more people are claiming Universal Credit. Free school meals are available to children whose parents or carers ...

Dorset residents are being urged to play their part and prevent the spread of coronavirus after new regulations have come into effect making it illegal for groups of more than six people to gather socially. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the so-called rule of six means that anyone gathering in a group of ...

After a summer of exciting tennis, the Jurassic Tennis Ladder came to thrilling end. On Sunday 13th September the top 4 finishing players battled it out, playing semi finals and then a final. The first Semi saw young Matthew Barrett go up against John Samuelson. Samuelson made strong start breaking Barrett in the first game. Barrett ...

West Dorset MP Chris Loder made a visit on Saturday 12th September to Dorset Carers Hub at its new Trinity Street centre in Dorchester. The visit, hosted by Mark and Sue Watson, was shared online with carers who talked with the MP about the challenges they face. Chris Loder says: “I first met Mark and his ...

That’s the message from GPs in Dorset to local people as they are being reminded that primary care services are still there for them – although how they are accessed may have changed. Despite the threat of COVID-19 decreasing in many areas it is still present in local communities so measures introduced earlier this year are ...

Dorset Police were called just after 5pm on Thursday last week (10 Sept) by the ambulance service to a report of man requiring medical assistance following a suspected drugs overdose at an address in St Georges Road in Dorchester. The man, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition. His family has ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a serious injury collision at Lytchett Minster. Dorset Police was called at 5.23am on Monday 14 September 2020 to reports of a collision on the A35 near the Axim Centre involving a white Mitsubishi Outlander and a white Keeway Logik motorcycle. The rider of the motorcycle – a ...

A multi-agency response was underway at 11:23 today (13 Sept) after receiving reports of a paraglider stuck on the cliff at Ringstead. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue sent 2 technical rope rescue teams from Weymouth, a pump and land rover from Poole station along with the aerial ladder from Westborne responded. They worked alongside crews ...

The latest Dorset Council Residents’ Newsletter has much useful information on current Covid regulations: Public Health update on COVID-19 cases in Dorset Cases of COVID-19 remain low in Dorset but are showing an increase. Between 2 and 9 September, there were 37 confirmed positive cases in the Dorset Council area. It’s more important than ever to keep washing ...

Dorchester’ Heritage and Tourism Community consultation on new tourism strategy closes at end of September. Dorchester has over 6000 years of history and is seeing significant investment in heritage assets in the north of the town. The Town Council and the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee are working with businesses in the town encourage visitors to come ...

Age UK North, South & West Dorset wants you to send in pictures of your little furry, scaly or feathered friends, in a celebration of all things animal in their ‘Pet Idol’ 2020 competition. Everyone who owns a pet of any kind always believes their best friend is the best in town. There is no doubt, ...

MP appeals to farmers to get in touch if supermarkets are abusing their power Government to protect small dairy farmers from predatory supermarkets. Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has spoken in Parliament to support small dairy farmers who are at risk from predatory supermarkets. In the House of Commons today, during questions to the Secretary of ...

On Saturday, health workers and their supporters will be rallying in Dorchester to demand a pay rise for nurses and many other NHS staff – part of a day of national action for pay justice. Most health workers were left out of the recent public-sector pay deal while MPs were given £10,000 of additional expenses to ...