News Archive

Dorset Museum is proud to have hosted its first wedding for locals Mike and Rachel, after recently being granted their wedding license for Civil Marriages and Partnerships. The Museum is able to boast eight fantastic spaces available for varying sizes of weddings and budgets. At the heart of Dorset Museum is the stunning Victorian Hall with ...

Local homeless charities have had a lunchtime fish feast – thanks to award winning local chippy, Fish ‘n’ Fritz. Let down by a coach party at the last moment left award winning chippy owner, Paul Hay with 45 portions of hot fish and chips dinners on Wednesday lunchtime (9th November) and no diners! But quick thinking ...

Dorset health organisations are delighted to have opened the new temporary Outpatient Assessment Centre at South Walks House in Dorchester to patients this week. The centre for rapid access clinics is operating out of the ground floor of the former Dorset Council offices for six months as part of a county-wide effort to tackle NHS waiting ...

The Net Zero Strategy announced by the government recently commits £2 billion investment in active travel infrastructure to enable half of journeys in towns and cities to be cycled or walked by 2030. Owners Peter Claxton and Josephine Parker have been actively championing an active lifestyle, healthier eating and positive mental wellbeing through their venture EBIKE ...

Weymouth was alive on Saturday with the sound of samba as approximately 400 climate protesters took to the streets. With climate justice at its core, over 20 organisations and groups came together under the COP26 Dorset Coalition umbrella to highlight climate inaction and how it disproportionately affects those who are least responsible for it. The event ...

Case rates across both Dorset Council and BCP Council areas have decreased since last week, but we have seen a small increase in rates over the past couple of days. After a steep rise in cases during October, infection levels across the county remain high. Following this rise, the number of people in Dorset hospitals ...

As COP26 continues, Dorset Council has sent letters to key members of central government calling for further help in tackling the Climate and Ecological Emergency. The following summarises the key points within the correspondence. Among those with whom the letter has been shared are all local MPs whose constituencies are based within the Dorset Council area, and detailed letters ...

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind the public of the importance of carbon monoxide alarms following an incident this morning (3rd November). Two people staying in a beach hut raised the alarm when they were overcome by gas fumes. Two crews from Portland were mobilised to the scene and had to ...

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is delighted to announce the launch of its ‘Share the Gift of Life this Christmas’ campaign. ‘Share the Gift of Life this Christmas’ is the charity’s latest fundraising initiative, which asks members of the public to show their support and raise funds by either ‘buying a bauble’, ‘giving a gift’ or ...

This year’s Bonfire Night promises to be a lot busier than in 2020, due to the lifting of Covid restrictions. As such, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging local people to attend organised displays rather than holding their own at home. Ian Hopkins, Prevention Delivery Manager, said: “We fully understand that there may be ...

Officers investigating an incident involving men reportedly in possession of a knife at a nightclub in Weymouth are appealing for information. At around 2.40am on Monday 1 November 2021 Dorset Police received a report that three men were in possession of a knife at Actors nightclub in Maiden Street. It was further reported that a knife ...

The organisers of Dorchester Beerex, West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and charity partner Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary club are delighted to announce that the 33rd Dorchester Beerex held in the Corn Exchange will be taking place next February. The popular event which attracts beer connoisseurs from near and far along with local customers returns ...

Officers investigating an alleged burglary and criminal damage to shop windows in Dorchester are appealing for witnesses to come forward – with two people arrested. At around 1.10am on Sunday 31 October 2021 it is reported that a number of shops had their windows smashed in South Street and Hardy Arcade. The shops include JoJo Maman Bébé, ...

Officers investigating a fatal road traffic collision on the A35 in West Dorset are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Dorset Police received a report at 5.46am on Sunday 31 October 2021 of a single vehicle collision involving a silver Vauxhall Astra that had left the carriageway west of Charmouth ...

Locally, cases have risen again since last week and remain at very high levels. The South West region has recently seen very rapid growth in cases, however Dorset and BCP case rates are below both the South West and national average. There are some signs from the national data that regional and national cases are ...

Weymouth & Portland were scheduled to play hosts to visitors Sherborne second xv at Monmouth Avenue on Saturday, and would have started the game as clear favourites to emerge victors, however the north Dorset side have cancelled the fixture citing to few players to field a competitive side. The Seasiders head coach Rich Bament said: “To ...

National Highways and the British Deer Society are warning drivers to be extra vigilant for deer on or near roads after the clocks go back this weekend. There is a substantial increase in deer vehicle collisions from October to December. Poorer driving conditions and fewer hours of daylight, coupled with the annual breeding season (the rut) ...

Dorset Council is preparing to upgrade the existing painted cycle lane along Dorchester Road, Weymouth with some new features, making it safer for cyclists. The new intermittent ‘bolt-down’ kerbing and wands will be installed early in the new year and will enable more school children to travel safely by bicycle to Wey Valley Academy. The improvements ...

With COVID-19 cases increasing across Dorset, local NHS clinicians are urging people to get a booster jab if they are eligible. Getting vaccinated is the best way of protecting yourself and those around you, and the booster vaccination is vital in maintaining protection against severe COVID-19 this winter. The appeal comes as Dorset continues the roll out ...

Work to improve the Emergency Department (ED) at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) is underway. The Trust has received one-off funding from NHS England of £15million, as part of a drive to upgrade a number of Emergency Departments across the country. The scheme aims to enhance infection prevention and control measures and reduce the risk of ‘corridor care’ ...

A generous donation from Battens Charitable Trust will support the ongoing care of cancer patients at Dorset County Hospital. The recent donation of £1500 will go towards the DCH Chemotherapy Appeal which is funding the complete redevelopment of the Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit at the hospital. When the project is complete it will provide a more pleasing environment ...

KeeP 106 has been told by Extinction Rebellion that eco-campaigners have broken into ExxonMobil’s Fawley Oil terminal in Hampshire today (28 October), just three days before the COP26 Climate Summit, to demand that the Government listens to the people and stops all fossil fuel investments now. The protestors, who include British Olympians Laura Baldwin and Etienne ...

Teacher Carolyn Jenner develops a gift for fortune telling but wants to know the extent of her skills. Actors Wilf, George and Alice haunt the remains of a burnt out theatre now built over by a Price Low supermarket. The owner has plans for expansion, which could mean the destruction of their home. With the assistance ...

Doc Martin and Manhunt star Martin Clunes organised a special treat for patients at Weldmar Hospicecare in Dorset this week, with a visit to the charity’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester along with his horse, Bruce. Bruce, a Clydesdale, was introduced to patients staying at the hospice, and patients attending Day Services, on Tuesday. For any patients not ...

West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed the completion of drainage works at Monkeys Jump roundabout in Dorchester. With a new road surface now applied and road markings completed, it is hoped that the roundabout’s status as a notorious flooding hotspot will be over. Mr Loder told KeeP 106: “National Highways confirmed to me last week that ...

Dorset Council has secured £37.5m for the next five years to help deliver a bold and ambitious strategy to provide the best education for all of Dorset’s children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND). A spokesperson from the council told KeeP 106: “Our bold and ambitious SEND Capital Strategy focuses on creating ...

Dorset Council has launched a public consultation to inform how they develop and deliver their library service in the future. Library users and non-users are being asked to share their views. The consultation runs from 25 2021 October to 7 January 2022. Libraries are at the heart of Dorset’s communities and provide highly valued services, including ...

Dorset Police have recently received reports of drivers ignoring the NO LEFT TURN, at the junction of Great Western Road and Damers Road, Dorchester. This is potentially dangerous especially for pedestrians at the crossing on Cornwall Road. Vehicles seen contravening the NO LEFT TURN sign may be liable to a £50 fine. Due to ongoing concerns in the ...

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people to not let Halloween become scary for all the wrong reasons. Every year on 31 October, children and adults are injured in accidents where candles or fireworks have set fire to costumes and hair. Plastic capes and bin liners, often used as costumes, are also fire ...

Weymouth & Portland centre Ryan Lewendon crossed the Salisbury whitewash 3 times to bank a hat trick of tries for the visitors and he also added a total of 6 conversions to take his personal tally of points to 27 in this one sided Wiltshire v Dorset clash. Head coach Rich Bament said after the game, ...

Flags at fire stations and workplaces across Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are flying at half mast this weekend in memory of former Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter QFSM, who died yesterday (21 October) at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. Darran was the first CFO of Dorset & Wiltshire FRS, ...

The Dorset Local Access Forum are looking for people who want to improve Dorset’s paths and open spaces for local people and visitors. The Dorset Local Access Forum (DLAF) considers all the issues relating to the county’s Public Rights of Way and public green spaces. They find solutions to matters such as the coast path being ...

COVID-19 cases are rising in Dorset: Know the risk, act now and protect yourself and others. Public Health Dorset give the following advice. As COVID-19 cases rise across the county, Public Health Dorset is asking residents to be aware of the risks that the virus still poses. Case rates have risen sharply in the South West over ...

A new access ramp has been officially unveiled at Dorchester West station by Network Rail and Dorset Council to give passengers step-free access to platform one and Dorset County hospital. The £350,000 ramp will significantly improve access for people with buggies, disabled people and people of restricted mobility to and from Dorchester West station and improve ...

Patients have praised the level of care experienced at Dorset County Hospital. The latest inpatient survey, carried out by the Picker Institute on behalf of the Care Quality Commission, captured the views and experience of 592 patients admitted to DCH in November 2020. The results revealed that 86% of patients rated their experience as a 7/10 ...

Weymouth and Portland’s Argentine “Facundo” returns after a two week absence and quickly steps straight into the back row on Saturday. The team: 1, Tim Comben, 2, Billy Hayne, 3, Ben Davis, 4, Will Eckersley, 5, Dave Oaksford captain,6, Chris Norton, 7, Facundo, 8, Dan Bowditch, 9, Josh Cameron, 10, Rory Legg, 11, Todd Purcell, 12,Ryan ...

Detectives have launched an investigation into reports of a serious assault in Dorchester – with two people arrested. Dorset Police received a report relating to a fight that occurred outside the One Stop store in Kings Road at around 2am on Wednesday 20 October 2021 involving two groups of people who were believed to be known ...

Could you volunteer for the RNLI at Weymouth Lifeboat Station as lifeboat press officer? They are looking for a willing and available volunteer to build and maintain friendly relationships with local press, radio, television and online media. You’ll be involved in keeping the community informed of operational activity, promote newsworthy rescues and lifeboat station events, using ...

Thirty plus local food producers, farmers and makers will be taking part in the November  Weymouth Farmers and Makers Market on Sunday the 14th in New Bond Street. That’s three times the size it was when it started in over year ago. Best in Dorset, who run the monthly market and Dorset Food and Drink, have joined ...

Drivers were caught up on the A35 just east of Winterbourne Abbas this morning, after a single vehicle collision. Emergency services responded just after 8.30 this morning after reports that a vehicle had left the road and ended up in a field. It’s understood that the vehicle, a white van, lost control in the poor weather, rolled ...

Ingleside Residential Home, situated in Upwey, has been bringing smiles to their residents’ faces recently by attempting to grant as many of their wishes as possible. Wishes so far have included a trip to Bovington Tank Museum for a resident who has fond memories of his time in the army and a visit from a local ...

Green groups are to hold a “Climate Conversation” Global Day of Action and Justice event in Dorchester next month ahead of the vital Conference of the Parties (COP-26) negotiations taking place in Glasgow. The Climate Conversation will take place at 12 noon on 6 November around the Town Pump in South Street, Dorchester. Organised by the Dorchester ...

A Weymouth man has been jailed for more than 20 years for a series of sexual offences dating back around 30 years. Mark Paul Slater, aged 65 and of Beverley Road, Weymouth, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court to 23 years in prison on Monday 18 October 2021 after being found guilty following a trial of ...

Pupils from Bryanston School near Blandford have completed a challenging swim across The Solent and already raised nearly £5,000 for Level Water, a national children’s charity. Aged between 14 and 18, the ten pupils successfully completed the 6km crossing from Fort Gilkicker near Gosport to Ryde Sands on the Isle of Wight after many months ...

Dorset health organisations are working with Dorset Council to create a space for rapid access clinics in South Walks House, Dorchester, as part of a county-wide effort to tackle NHS waiting lists. The ‘Outpatient Assessment Centre @ Dorset Health Village’ will operate out of the ground floor of the former council offices for six months, opening ...

Dorset health organisations are working with Dorset Council to create a space for rapid access clinics in South Walks House, Dorchester, as part of a county-wide effort to tackle NHS waiting lists. The ‘Outpatient Assessment Centre @ Dorset Health Village’ will operate out of the ground floor of the former council offices for six months, opening ...

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following an assault in Weymouth. The incident occurred at around 2.05am on Saturday 2 October 2021 on The Esplanade near to Astrid Way. It is reported that the victim – a man aged in his 20s – was walking with a woman when he was ...

A protest march organised by Olympic sailor Laura Baldwin, through the community group she co-founded, Portland 4 the Planet, went ahead on Saturday 16th October with more than twice as many people than last year’s event making a stand against the proposal for a waste incinerator at Portland Port. Hundreds gathered in Victoria Square to listen ...

Resurfacing works will close the A35 Poole Hill Roundabout, Bere Regis, for four nights and one day in early November. Dorset Highways is carrying out structural repairs as well as applying a new road surface as part of its ongoing maintenance work across the county. Due to the treatment being used – where the foundation layers will ...

We have continued to see an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 this week, in line with the national picture. Dorset Council’s rate is above the regional average but below the national average, whereas Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s case rate remains lower than the South West and England averages. Cases remain highest amongst younger ...

As reported and by KeeP 106, Dorset Climate Action Network has just hosted the first Dorset-wide Open Greener Homes event. Held on the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October, fifty homes were open to the general public to showcase what changes they had made to their homes to make them more ...

In a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award, as the scheme marks its Silver Jubilee, Dorset Council has six countryside sites celebrating success today – the best ever results for Dorset – including Thorncombe Wood near Thomas Hardy’s birthplace. Today, Dorset Council is raising a Green Flag Award at six of its parks. The award ...

Become a Maternity Voices volunteer and make a difference to maternity services in Dorset People in Dorset who have used maternity services in the past five years, or who have supported a family to do so, are being invited to apply to become a Service User Representative or Maternity Partnership Chair for the new Maternity Voices ...

Following enquiries into an alleged racially aggravated abuse of a football player at a match in Bridport a man has attended a voluntary interview. The incident occurred during the second half of a match between the reserve teams for Bridport FC and Gillingham Town FC at St Mary’s Field in Skilling Road on Saturday 9 October ...

Transition Town has been awarded the 400 free trees and hedgerow shrubs by The Conservation Volunteers via their ‘I Dig Trees’ programme sponsored by OVO Energy. The trees and shrubs will be used to supplement the new hedgerows recently planted over the last few years at Castlefield (the informal open space between Maiden Castle Road and ...

A local community has taken a significant step closer to having greater influence over planning decisions in their area. A final version of the Stinsford Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the council for examination. The plan has been drawn up by local people, and agreed by the parish council, who feel confident that the plan reflects ...

A Dorset police officer has won the South West regional police bravery award at the National Police Bravery Awards that were held in London last night. PC Roz Fricker, who was a probationary officer at the time, was badly injured as she tackled an aggressive man who was wielding a hammer and threatening members of the ...

Dorset Council has been awarded £2.13m to unlock land for homes. The grant funding will be used to help build almost 200 homes in Dorset on underused brownfield land, helping local people and families get on the property ladder. Dorset Council submitted an ambitious bid earlier in the year to the Brownfield Land Release Fund, administered through ...

From Monday the 25th to Saturday the 30th October Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester will become home to spooky family-friendly fun for the ultimate Halloween themed visit. Based in Dorchester, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. With interactive galleries, immersive cells and the impressive courtroom, ...

Dorset Council is proposing to keep the current safety railings on Custom House Quay, Weymouth, in place for the foreseeable future. The railings were installed in April earlier this year following advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that edge protection was required to ensure that people were adequately protected from falling in the harbour. These ...