Archive

  • Point-to-point: Littlewindsor double for Barber

    JACK Barber, whose stable is within sight of the course, reached the 37-winner mark for the season with a Littlewindsor double on Sunday. The trainer, grandson of Richard Barber, led off with Never Says Never, who returned from a 17-month absence

  • Woman arrested after car hits house in Lyme Regis

    A 46-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested after crashing a car into the wall of a property in Lyme Regis. The incident took place on Pound Road at approximately 6pm and police say the car caused minor damage to the wall. The car has been recovered

  • community news May 2015 onwards

    There are a few things happening at the Community Centre at Chelmsford Street, Weymouth that could do with a bit of extra support, so if you’re at a loose end, fancy making a few more friends, or just got nothing better to do perhaps, all as good a

  • Boxing: Pavilion packs a punch with successful dinner show

    THE action came thick and fast as Weymouth ABC held another successful dinner boxing show at Weymouth Pavilion. A packed crowd began the night by remembering the late Brian Copp, who no doubt would have loved some of the fights that then followed

  • Village hall lunch open to all

    A village lunch will be held in Milborne St Andrew on Saturday, April 25. It will be held at the village hall, and is open to everyone in the village with a vegetarian menu also available. It costs £6.50 per head for Josie Wright on 01305 839

  • Baby and children's clothes sale to be held in Southill

    A Cheeki Monkey Bib Baby and Children’s Market is being held at Southill Community Centre in Weymouth on April 25. The event will be held from 2pm until 4pm, and people can buy and sell babies’ and children’s toys, clothes and equipment. Entry

  • Artist's work on display at Town Mill

    A new exhibition called “Out of the Loft” will be held at the Town Mill in Lyme Regis. The event will showcase the work of artist Ronnie Creswell at the Courtyard gallery of the mill complex and will be held until April 28, from 11am until 4pm.

  • Purbeck walk to remember loved ones

    Tapper Funeral Service’s Outlook Bereavement Support is hosting its free monthly walking group on Sunday, April 28. The eight mile walk starts at the Scott Arms Pub in Kingston at 10am and will finish at the Corfe Castle tea rooms. The walk is

  • Police appeal after motorbike and bicycle stolen

    Police are appealing for witnesses after a red Trials Motorbike and a yellow Giant pedal cycle were stolen from a garage in Preston. The incident happened sometime between 6pm on Wednesday April 15 and 10am on Thursday April 16 when unknown offenders

  • Witness appeal launched after van vandalism

    Police are appealing for witnesses after a van was vandalised on Cromwell Road. The incident happened at approximately 3pm on Saturday April 18. Unknown offenders scratched the driver's side doors of a van and residue of sticky tape was also

  • Enjoy a science fair this weekend

    The Purbeck School in Wareham is hosting a science fair on Saturday, April 25 from 1pm until 4pm. Come and take part in an exciting range of free, inspiring, scientific activities, including making your own bath bomb with The Royal Society of Chemistry

  • Car boot sale hosted by Portland pre-school this weekend

    Little Dragons Pre-Schoo, Portland, is hosting a car boot sale on Saturday, April 25 from 9.30am until 12 noon. Entry for cars selling is £5 and there will be some hot drinks and snacks available as well as a raffle with some amazing prizes like

  • Take part in fun run this May

    Dorchester Lions is hosting a fun run on Sunday, May 10 to raise money and help the local Lions in their support for the development of a Gully's Place suite at the Children's ward in Dorset County Hospital. The event will be held at Dorchester

  • Learn ballroom dancing in Weymouth

    Get out of the house, fit and active with weekly ballroom dancing at the Pavilion held each Wednesday from 7.30pm. The sessions cost £4.50 per person and no dance partner is necessary. For more details contact Roger and Sandra on 01305 783484

  • Adult ballet dance classes in Dorchester

    Learn grace and poise and improve flexibility and coordination with adult ballet classes every Tuesday from 8pm at 23 Cambridge Road. Kathy Davies Dance classes cost £4.80 per session, with the first class free. For more information visit kathydaviesdance.co.uk

  • Climb to eight Lake District peaks in aid of Meningitis Now

    Outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to join an exhilarating adventure climb to eight Lake District peaks in aid of Meningitis Now. The trek takes place between June 4 and June 7 and those taking it on need to pay a registration fee of £75 and pledge

  • Exercise class at YMCA

    A fit plus exercise class is held every Wednesday from 11.30am at the YMCA. Led by Gail, an experienced instructor, the class features cardio and core muscle strengthening exercises with a 'hint of disco-ball'. The class is £3 per session.

  • Professional beauty treatments available from Age UK

    A range of professional beauty treatments will be available from Age UK in Dorchester every Friday from April 24. Qualified beauty therapist Emma Lindsley will be offering treatments between 9.30am and 3pm. Call Emma for more details on 07910 882518

  • Help out with conservation tasks

     Dorset Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers to lend a hand with practical conservation work at the Sopley Common Reserve near Hurn on Sunday May 3 from 10-1pm. Tasks such as scrub clearance, pine and sycamore control and path clearance require

  • Learn to identify bird calls and songs at talk

    A Dorset Wildlife Trust workshop will teach members of the public about the art of identifying bird calls and songs with Edward Jackson. The workshop is from May 1-May 3. Booking is essential and there are limited spaces left. For more information

  • Quiz bus boss this Friday

    Customers and potential bus users of Wessex First are invited to a virtual ‘Meet the Manager’ event on April 24. Between 5pm and 7pm, questions can be directed to senior staff members about the services and its changes on May 3. You can send your

  • Big Little Market returns to Sherborne

    The ‘Big Little Market’ will be back on April 26 in Sherborne. The market plays host to a wide variety or artisan food and craft stalls which have all joined together from within a 50 mile radius to showcase and sell their local produce.

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust to hold a day dedicated to owls

    Dorset Wildlife Trust is holding an owl day on May 26 at Lorton Meadows from 2pm until 4pm. The day aims to raise awareness in the significant decrease in numbers. Families are welcome, with activities for children and information about how

  • Classic cars and birds of prey display at fun day

    A classic car and motorbike road run and display is being held in Alec's Field, Hazelbury Bryan, on Sunday May 31. There will be a Birds of Prey flying display, craft stalls and trade stands, all to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

  • Craft fair held at Fire Station

    A craft fair is being held at Weymouth Fire Station on Sunday May 31 from 1pm. Local crafters and businesses will be promoting and selling their products, with lots of unique gifts and products available, to raise money for charity. Free parking

  • Try out American Football

    Come and get involved in Dorset's newest American Football Team. Practising every Wednesday from 7.15pm with their BAFA qualified coaches at Dorchester Rugby Club.

  • Try out American Football

    Come and get involved in Dorset's newest American Football Team. Practising every Wednesday from 7.15pm with their BAFA qualified coaches at Dorchester Rugby Club.

  • Make your own superhero cape at Seashore Superheroes event

    Make your own seashore superhero cape and learn how to protect our local wildlife with Dorset Wildlife Trust's Seashore Superheroes event. The event is on Friday May 29 from 11am at Chesil Beach Centre and costs £2 per child. For more information

  • Make your own superhero cape at Seashore Superheroes event

    Make your own seashore superhero cape and learn how to protect our local wildlife with Dorset Wildlife Trust's Seashore Superheroes event. The event is on Friday May 29 from 11am at Chesil Beach Centre and costs £2 per child. For more information

  • Community choir needs more members

    Dorset for Singing Weymouth and Portland is urging the public to join. It is ones of Dorset's largest community choirs and offers fun, relaxed rehearsals, singing well known songs from musicals to chart toppers. The session is held at All Saints

  • Singing group for under fives launched

    A singing group for under fives has been launched in Wyke Regis. Sessions take place on Tuesdays during term-time between 9.30am and 10.15am at the Memorial Hall, All Saints Road. Admission is £3 per child or £5 for two. For more information

  • New groups are music to mummy's ears

    MUSIC classes especially designed for babies and toddlers are coming to the Dorchester area. Mother of four Laura Meakin is offering structured weekly music classes that encourage the development of children's sense of rhythm as well as listening

  • Advice surgery at doctors practice

    Patients registered at Wyke Regis Medical Practice can benefit from a Citizen Advice Bureau surgery held every Friday morning. For more information visit the practice.

  • Get online with a Portland computer club

    Portland Island Computer Klub (PICK) meets every Monday from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Jubilee Hall, South Portland Working Men's Conservative Club. Admission costs £3 and new members are always welcome.

  • Volunteers needed to help at Nothe Fort

    Volunteers are being sought to man the Nothe Fort. Applicants need to be enthusiastic and dedicated to spending a few hours at the fort. Anyone interested should call 01305 766626 extension 2 or visit nothefort.org.uk

  • Mother's Union set for coffee morning meeting

    The Mother’s Union will host a coffee morning on Wednesday, May 6. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month and the next meeting will take place from 10am and will be held at 8 Rectory Way.

  • Weymouth Seniors Forum meeting takes place next week

    The next meeting of the Weymouth Seniors Forum will take place on Tuesday, April 28. The group meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at the Angling Club on Commercial Road. At this month’s event, Andy Hutchings will deliver a presentation called

  • Join in with over 50s football group

    A football group for over 50s is seeking new players. Held at the 3G pitch at Redlands Sports Centre, the group is primarily open to men aged 50 or over who are looking to play football. The organisers are seeking new players to create a team

  • Fish and chip shop holds raffle for charity

    A raffle to raise money for prostate cancer research is being held at a Weymouth Fish and Chip Shop. Tickets cost £1 and books cost £5 for the raffle, which is being hosted by Alf’s Fish and Chip Shop. There is a grand prize of £1000, and the winning

  • Warning over council tax scam

    RESIDENTS are being advised to be vigilant after reports of a telephone scam. The South Dorset Revenues and Benefits Partnership is advising residents after a series of reports of a council tax scam. Residents have been asked for their bank

  • Coffee, cake and computers group launched

    A coffee, cake and computers group has been launched in Milborne St Andrew. It will be held every Friday from 8.45am until 11.45am at St Andrew’s Church and will cost £2 per person, including the coffee and cake. For more information contact

  • Discover the secrets of Chesil Bank and the Fleet Lagoon

     There will be a chance to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank and the Fleet Lagoon as the Dorset Wildlife Trust hosts an activity day on Saturday May 2. The guided tour will start from the Chesil Beach Centre at 11am. The Lorton Meadows Wilflife

  • Meet a Tiger Tank at event

    There will be a chance to see Tiger 131 in action as The Tank Museum at Bovington hosts a Tiger Day on Saturday, May 2 from 10am. The tank starred in the Hollywood blockbuster Fury. For more information visit tankmuseum.org

  • Antiques experts take a trip to Dorchester

    TERRY Wogan is not the only face off the television to visit Dorchester for a spot of filming recently. The much loved radio and television presenter got plenty of attention when he visited the county town last week. Another visit from a BBC

  • Football: Weymouth deliver on thrilling finals day

    WEYMOUTH FC Youth were among the winners on a pulsating Dorset County Youth Cup Finals Day at King George V Playing Field in Ferndown. The Under-13s took on rivals Dorchester Town Raiders in their age group final, and it was a game that went all

  • Cider festival comes to West Dorset this weekend

    The Powerstock Cider Festival is being held from 6pm to 11.30pm on Saturday, April 25. There will be around 20 cider producers attending the event at Powerstock Hut as well as local food suppliers. Tickets are available from Bridport Tourist

  • Football: Champions Kings reigning supreme

    IT was perhaps inevitable that Kings Arms would end their title-winning season the way they did last weekend. With the Weymouth Sunday League crown already sewn up, the champions went into their final game of the campaign against Market House at

  • Classic cars on display

    A display of around 100 classic cars is being held in Swanage on Sunday. The Swanage Charity Day and Classic Car Display is now in its 19th year and takes place in the Victoria. Avenue car park from 10am to 4pm.

  • Breaking the codes with Enigma

    Learn about the Enigma machine and code breaking at the Royal Signals Museum in Blandford. The exhibition will be on until May 29. Call 01258 482248.

  • School car boot sale

    A car boot sale is being hosted at Lytchett Minster School by its PTA on Saturday, April 25, between 10am and noon.

  • First Bus customers invited to 'Meet the Manager' event

    Customers of First Bus are invited to an online ‘Meet the Manager’ event on April 24. Between 5pm and 7pm, questions can be directed to senior staff members about the services and its changes which come in to effect on May 3. You can send your

  • Explore Dorset's ancient woodland bluebell carpets

    The Woodland Trust is hosting a guided walk in Duncliffe Wood near Shaftesbury on April 26 from 10.30am-noon with the aim of introducing the public to the ancient woodland’s bluebell carpets and its importance to the Dorset environment. The walk

  • Egg causes damage to car

    An egg that was thrown at a passing car in Melplash caused £250 of damage, police said. Dorset Police said at around 2pm on April 12 a man was driving through Melplash on the A3066 towards Bridport when he met a dark coloured, small Peugeot car

  • Craft fair at the hall

    A Craft Fair is being held at Martinstown Village Hall from 10.30am to 3pm on Sunday, May 10. To book a table contact Ali on 07881 561599 or Lynne on 07724 894235.

  • Police hunt man after hotel thefts

    A foot-high bronze statue of Napoleon, a cobalt blue Lord Nelson Toby jug, a ceramic rabbit and towels are all items stolen by a Chideock hotel guest, Dorset Police said. They said the male guest also left on the morning of April 16 without paying

  • Bike wash fundraiser

    South Coast Motorcycles and Scooters are raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance on April 25 at the shop on Cambridge Road. Bikers are being invited to have their vehicles washed with in by there a suggested donation of £5 per bike.

  • Celebrate holiday

    St Peter’s Church in Portesham is holding a St George’s Day themed village cafe on Saturday April 25 from 10-12pm to celebrate the patron saint holiday.

  • Centre to be open

    The conservation centre at Lorton Meadows in Upwey is opening to visitors on May 2 from 10-4pm. Nature lovers are invited to walk around the reserve following the self guided trail. Refreshments are available and ‘pond dipping’ sessions will be

  • Centre to be open

    The conservation centre at Lorton Meadows in Upwey is opening to visitors on May 2 from 10-4pm. Nature lovers are invited to walk around the reserve following the self guided trail. Refreshments are available and ‘pond dipping’ sessions will be

  • Forum set for AGM

    The Waterside Weymouth Community Forum will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at 7pm at the Park Community Centre in Chelmsford Street. Those wishing to stand as officers and committee members should register interest before

  • Sign up for bike ride

    The Dorset Bike Ride supporting the British Heart Foundation takes place this Sunday, April 26. There is a choice of three rides, all starting and finishing at the Queen Elizabeth School in Wimborne. Call 0845 130 8663 or visit bhf.org.uk/Dorset

  • Benefice meeting

    The next meeting of the Watercombe Benefice Men’s Group is on April 25. The group meet at St Martin’s Church car park in Broadmayne for 9.15am where they will then travel to Dorchester and meet Blue Badge Guide Tim Loasby, before visiting the Old

  • Help out wildlife

    From April until September, urban wildlife volunteers will be meeting on the second Thursday of every month at the Urban Wildlife Centre on Beacon Hill. The next meet is on May 14 at 9am for the moth trap opening. For details contact Andy Fale

  • 'Remember your digital legacy', solicitor warns

    A DORCHESTER law firm is ‘virtually’ warning internet users to remember their digital legacy when making a will.Battens Solicitors, based in the county town, is urging people to consider how they want their online presence and assets to be managed as

  • Modern art collection fetches £15,000 at auction

    COTTEES Auctions of Wareham have proved that small auction rooms can achieve big results as they sold a modern art collection for £15,000.The auction house ventured into the modern art market this month with works by Paul Nash, Fred Yates and Lawrence

  • Spirit of St George at county town celebration

    DORCHESTER'S traditional St George's Day celebration will see all the fun of the fair coming to Fordington Green. The popular annual event is being held on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and regularly attracts big crowds come rain or shine. Mayor

  • Tourism partnership launched in Weymouth and Portland

    A NEW partnership has been launched in Weymouth and Portland to develop and improve tourism. The Weymouth and Portland Tourism Partnership  brings together representatives from attractions, accommodation, restaurants, business organisations, Weymouth

  • Rotarians get behind Dorchester Carnival

    ROTARIANS in Dorchester have thrown their support behind the town's carnival. All three of Dorchester's Rotary Clubs will be helping to run the annual celebrations on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, supporting the efforts of the dedicated

  • Dorchester pub bids to extend opening hours

    A DORCHESTER pub has lodged a bid to extend its licensing hours. The Junction Hotel in Great Western Road has made an application to West Dorset District Council to extend the sale of alcohol and all other licensable activities except live music

  • West Dorset top of holiday destinations

    According to a recent survey, 29 percent of people aged over 50 would choose West Bay in Dorset, where scenes of the ITV television series Broadchurch were filmed, as a holiday destination. The area came second only to Guadeloupe, where Death in

  • New sci-fi novel published

    A science fiction novel by Swanage author Alexander Ford has been published. Final Age: Conversations With a Spider is set in the near future in the wake of a devastating solar flare in which the whole world is ravaged by a terrifying virus, mutating

  • Exhibition extended at Weymouth Library

    A display that was previously at Weymouth Library has been extended until May 16. The collection of sea life hidden in small pieces of stone was created by Wyke Regis artist Vanessa Young.

  • Book in for a great view of Dorset town

    Book to see the view from the top of the 78-foot Holy Trinity Church Tower in Shaftesbury. There are 60 spiral steps to the Ringing Chamber which has displays giving the history of the church and the Trust, then a further 60 steps to a narrow door

  • Join in with Twinning association

    Weymouth and Portland Holzwickede Twinning Association holds various social activities in and around the area throughout the year. For more information call 01305 832694.

  • Meetings of Quakers in Weymouth

      Quakers meet at the Community Safety Centre on Radipole Lane on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10.30am. Admission is at the side door between 10.15am and 10.40am – all are welcome to join.

  • Get help with domestic abuse issues

    If you’re living in a violent or abusive relationship and you need help, ring one of the BCHA 24-hour helpline on 01202 547755. You can also ring the National Domestic Violence Helpline run by Women’s Aid, on 0808 2000 247.

  • Flower festival to feature floral carpet in church nave

    The power of flowers will be on display at a Dorset church. The first major flower festival to be held in the Minster Church of St. Cuthburga for five years will take place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Friday May 22 to Monday May 25.

  • Help out a foodbank

     A new collection point for Gillingham Foodbank has been installed in Sturminster Newton. The facility has been put in at The Southern Co-operative, which also donated £100 of food provisions to give support to local people in need. The foodbank

  • Find out more about sea bird colonies on walk

    Join a ranger from Durlston Country Park for a stroll along the clifftop to find out about life in Durlston’s seabird colonies. The event will take place on Sunday, May 3. The walk takes place from 2.30pm-4pm.

  • Flower power on display in Dorchester

    A DISPLAY of flower power people with a spring in their step at St George's Church Hall in Dorchester. The venue hosted the first Spring Flower Show put on by the Dorset County Show. The event proved a great spectacle with more than 1,000 blooms

  • Quiz night to raise money for project in Uganda

    A QUIZ night at the Sydney Arms on Bridport Road will raise funds for an innovative project in Uganda. Karen Lee Howes is heading out to the African country in May and is hoping to start up a sustainable chicken farm that will give women the chance

  • Quiz night to raise money for project in Uganda

    A QUIZ night at the Sydney Arms on Bridport Road will raise funds for an innovative project in Uganda. Karen Lee Howes is heading out to the African country in May and is hoping to start up a sustainable chicken farm that will give women the chance

  • Tai Chi day celebrations to be held at Dorchester gardens

    DORCHESTER'S Borough Gardens is hosting an event to mark the 16th World Tai Chi and Chi Kung Day this weekend. The free event is being held from 9am onwards on Saturday. The annual occasion sees thousands of people in more than 80 countries

  • Busy season of events at hall

    THERE IS a busy programme of events taking place at Acland Court Community Hall in April. Recent weeks have seen the venue host a Name that Tune event with music from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s and there was a visit from local councillors Molly

  • Take your hat off to Marie Curie fundraiser

    HAT’S the way to do it! Ali Goff from the Dorchester and District Marie Curie Fundraising Groups donned her charity hat to get the local community to back the cause in the coming year. She is calling on shops, businesses, pubs, petrol stations

  • Discover a light side to Thomas Hardy at lecture

    THE LIGHTER side of Dorchester’s most famous literary son will be explored in a lecture at the Dorset County Museum tomorrow. Dr Alan Chedzoy, a biographer and authority on Dorset literature and dialect, will be giving a talk entitled Thomas Hardy

  • Former naval Captain in Great Field litter fight

    A FORMER navel officers has launched an assault on litter on Poundbury's Great Field. There have been a number of complaints about litter and dog mess on the field but little was done before Captain John Lock moved to Poundbury from Frampton last

  • Couple sought after trouser theft

    A COUPLE are being sought by police after the theft of trousers from a shop. Dorset Police want to speak to a couple in connection with the theft of trousers from a shop in Wimborne. Officers have released a CCTV picture to help find them.

  • Choirs celebrate cross-channel relationship this weekend

    A CROSS-CHANNEL relationship between two choirs will be celebrated in Weymouth this weekend.The town's Quangle Wangle Choir and the Ville Beau Choir of Normandy in France are holding a free concert on Sunday, April 26 to mark their 11-year association.Mayor

  • Bird table stolen from West Dorset garden

    Teenagers stole a bird table from outside a property in Bridport, police said. A group of teens entered a garden in New Zealand Farm Way at around 4.30am on Saturday, April 11, stealing a brand new bird table which had been purchased as a result

  • Windscreen wipers ripped off in night-time vandalism

    Car's windscreen wipers ripped off in overnight vandalism. Dorset Police say a black Volkswagen Golf GT TDI had both its front windscreen wipers stolen whilst left overnight in Coronation Road, Bridport between April 18 and the morning of April

  • Hotel cash box stolen

    A cash box has been stolen from Bridport's Bull Hotel. Police say a ‘well known’ man entered the hotel foyer at around 3.45pm on April 15 and sat down with a coffee. He is then alleged to have entered the reception area and removed a cash box

  • Funeral date announced for popular musician Tom Caulfield

    FUNERAL arrangements have been announced following the death of Weymouth musician Tom Caulfield. Tom, 32, was discovered at his Wyke Regis home on Easter Sunday, and his sudden and untimely death has shocked the community. His family, including

  • Dad's Army a smash hit!

    Congratulations to Derek Sawtell and the cast of Dad's Army on a fantastic "take" on this popular series. I laughed till the tears rolled down my cheeks. Absolutely BRILLIANT! At the risk of repeating myself again- How lucky we are to have

  • TRAILERS: Dorset set to stun in new Hardy film

    THE excitement is building with only a week to go until we get to see Dorset on the big screen again. The new Far From the Madding Crowd film is released on May 1 and features Beaminster’s Mapperton house as Everdene Farm, the home of heroine Bathsheba

  • Flaws of the NHS

    The electioneering process continues on apace - the NHS taking top billing. No surprise about that.But of course, none of the politicians have yet to mention that the NHS has become bureaucratic monster. Ridiculously expensive, wasteful and inefficient

  • Terras: Matthews still upbeat about play-off chances

    JASON Matthews still has the belief that the Terras can make the play-offs this season, even though he is fully aware his side will require snookers on the final day of the campaign. A spirited performance from his troops earned them a point against

  • Sailing: World bid for sailors in Hyeres

    BRITISH sailors will be out in force at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres, starting today. Some 34 British boats and 52 sailors will contest the French regatta, as the World Cup format moves from open entry to a smaller, more elite series of

  • Dog show a real success

    Thank you Echo Readers, you have done it again! You have helped us at the Rotary Club of Melcombe Regis make our recent Dog Show and Family Fun Day at Budmouth College the best ever and we will shortly be presenting a cheque for £1,500 to Guide

  • Football: Chickerell's Why and White stun sorry Sports

    DORCHESTER SPORTS 0 CHICKERELL UNITED 10 DEADLY Chickerell strike duo Josh Why and Warren White were on fire as Steve Coward’s men hit double figures against a stunned Dorchester Sports side. The Chickens’ 10-0 win worked wonders for their