It's been a busy year in Dorchester, and another very successful one.

In this article we take a look back on the most memorable moments and events of 2017.

* In February plans were unveiled for a new purpose-built arts facility for Dorchester. The Dorchester Maltings at Brewery Square to include a 450-seat theatre and arts centre would bring new jobs and an annual £4.6m boost to the local economy.

* A fond farewell was said to Damers First School after it relocated to Poundbury in March after 60 years in Dorchester town centre.
A special open day was held allowing members of the community and pupils, past and present, to share their experiences and memories of the school.

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* After a length battle to keep the town's Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk, the service was relocated to the town's library in March. 
Almost all of the offerings provided in Antelope Walk are now provided in the library.

* The year also saw some fantastic events held by the previous Mayor and Mayoress, Tim and Anita Harries. Most memorable moments include an egg race where a cascade of decorated eggs were raced down Friary Hill for charity at Easter.

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* Another memorable moment was when the Mayoress put her ‘backside in the beans’ to raise money for a good cause.
Anita gathered a hoard of attention as she braved the wet weather to dress as a hot dog and sit in a paddling pool of baked beans to raise money for Home-Start West Dorset.

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* Hundreds of runners made their way through Dorchester in May as the town hosted its first marathon and half marathon.
White Star Running organised the event with the Rotary Club of Dorchester Casterbridge and plans are already underway to see the return of the event in 2018.

* In May the town welcomed a new Mayor. Cllr Susie Hosford said she will work hard to make the historic county town a "vibrant and developing" place. Cllr Hosford took up the role of first citizen for a second time, having previously been mayor eight years ago.

* The town's popular carnival was saved at the last minute this year. The event almost didn't go ahead in June due to lack of volunteers but thankfully the town pulled together to make it happen. This year's theme was 'A Night at the Movies' and saw an array of characters coming to support one of the town's biggest events.

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* Dorchester BID had a very busy year as they worked to introduce a number of new initiatives. One scheme was the launch of the 'Tourist Information Points' (TIPs).
The idea is for businesses to be able to provide basic tourist information such as town maps and shoppers guides.
Another scheme was the launch of the 'town tour app' in conjunction with town crier, Alistair Chisholm, showing off Dorchester's vast amount of history.
The BID are also working to introduce free public wifi-fi in the town.

* Dorchester residents are enjoying an extra 66 hours a week of Post Office services as the The Victoria Park Post Office finally moved to a new home in September. 
Following numerous public consultations throughout the year, the Post Office is now located at Central Convenience Stores on Maud Road.

* Book lovers from far and wide descended on the town to enjoy the return of the Dorchester Literary Festival. 
Thousands of tickets were sold for people to listen to inspiring talks from authors from across the globe. Hundreds of pounds were also raised for the festival's chosen charity, The Dorset Community Foundation.

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* Members of the community were invited to have their say on the future of Poundbury's greenspace. An exhibition and workshop were held in October and November with hundreds of people attending to give their input. 
Proposals included walking, running and cycling routes, a children’s play area, sports equipment, flower meadows, a grass amphitheatre, a poppy field to mark the centenary and facilities for young people such as a skate park or BMX track.

* A sea of red suits and bushy white beards took over Dorchester in November for Weldmar's seventh annual Santa Fun Run.
In the seven years it's been running, the Santa Fun Run has contributed £26,000 to help Weldmar support patients and their families across Dorset.

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* And it wouldn't officially be Christmas in Dorchester without the annual Christmas Cracker event.
This year proved another success as hundreds of people flocked to the town to enjoy the light switch-on, as well as a chance to visit Father Christmas himself.