Making headlines throughout 2017 - September to December

In this article we take a look back on the end of the year, from September to December.

September

* A controversial decision by the NHS Dorset CCG saw the biggest shake-up of Dorset’s healthcare services in a generation. Following the Clinic Services Review public consultation, health bosses decided that west Dorset won’t lose its paediatric and maternity units to the east of the county but a Weymouth mental health unit will close and beds will be lost from Portland Hospital. In the east of the county, Royal Bournemouth Hospital will become the major emergency hub leaving Poole Hospital for planned care with a 24/7 urgent care centre without A&E.

* Fourteen people, including an 11-month old baby, were airlifted to safety after the Jurassic Skyline Tower in Weymouth broke down. People were trapped for around six hours after the tower stalled on its ascent, and the coastguard helicopter had to winch trapped people to safety. The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation following the incident.

* Several dead birds were found in Radipole Lake in Weymouth, with tests finding evidence of harmful blue-green algae. Children and dogs were warned to stay away from the water due to the algae which produces harmful toxins. The borough council said it planned to undertake a lake clean-up and is considering a longer-term solution. 

* Tributes poured in for inspiring Weymouth LGBT campaigner Dean Eastmond, who lost his battle with cancer. Dean’s work was catapulted into the spotlight when an emotional video was broadcast in front of a 10,000-strong crowd in London. X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger and DJ Zoe Ball paid tribute to him on Twitter.

October

* A man who almost got swept out to sea at the mercy of Storm Brian thanked the couple who saved his life. Grahame Howard from Littlemoor was walking his dog on Overcombe Beach when it ran out into the surf. After chasing his dog into the sea, Grahame became overcome by the waves. He said he owes his life to a man and women, unknown to him, who helped them out the water.

* A group of young climbers were put in serious danger when a fridge was thrown over a cliff on Portland. The fridge’s door became loose while plummeting down the cliff and narrowly missed the group. A spokesman for Dorset Bolt Fund said: “Fly tipping is becoming an ever-increasing problem on Portland. “There is no excuse for the damage to our beautiful coastline.”

* Anglers captured the incredible moment they caught six huge sharks off Portland’s coast. Paul Burridge and Peter Targett, of Big Buoy Charters based in Weymouth and Portland, were out with three customers on a charter fishing trip when they made the amazing catch. During nine hours at sea, the group managed to capture six porbeagle sharks which are from the same family as the Great White.

* Bomb disposal experts helped to avert a potential disaster after an oil tanker’s anchor ruptured an old torpedo in the sea off Portland. The crew of the ship, carrying 1,000 tonnes of fuel, got a shock when the anchor dragged up a test missile. Royal Navy divers used their expertise to remove it safely.

November

* The nation was shocked by the disappearance and death of Langton Matravers teenager Gaia Pope. After an extensive 11-day long search for the missing 19-year-old, involving police, coastguards and members of the public, her body was found on land near Swanage. Police said no evidence suggests there was “anyone else involved” in her death. Clara Pope said her sister was “so beautiful, so emotionally wise and intelligent.”

* A pregnant sheepdog had a miracle escape after she was run over by a 15-tonne tractor. Border Collie Winnie chased a rabbit under the forager harvester, surviving only because she was squashed into soft mud. Shepherd Josh Sibley said: “We couldn’t believe it, it was like a second miracle.” Winnie gave birth to her pups in December.

* Plans to divide Dorset between two unitary councils and dissolve existing were given the nod by Secretary of State Sajid Javid who said he is ‘minded to’ approve the proposal. Borough councillors discussed the idea of a future town council for Weymouth.

* Sadness and fond memories were shared after “Mr Dorchester” Les Philips died at the age of 84. Mr Phillips had lived in Dorchester since 1936, and supported many different organisations. His family said: “He was a born organiser, an excellent motivator and totally unselfish.” 

* Further tributes poured in for inspirational and much-loved former Echo correspondent, Hilda Swinney, who died at the age of 90. Hilda was the Echo’s Portland correspondent from 1978 until 2002. Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said: “I will miss her straight-talking, her laughter, her innate goodness.”

* Lulworth Estate was left red faced following an embarrassing Hindi translation error which meant signs were telling visitors to leave their ‘nonsense’ behind instead of their rubbish.

December

* Dorset Police may be forced to give up investigating low-level offences due to a lack of finances. It followed a report that the number of traffic officers in the county has been slashed by more than a quarter since 2009. Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “We could be forced to look at what other forces have been forced to do.”

* Dorset CCG announced it will work to maintain maternity and overnight children’s services at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, a decision which was met with joy from campaigners. The U-turn decision came after health bosses agreed in September that maternity and paediatric services would be shared between DCH and Yeovil District Hospital, as part of a major healthcare shake-up in Dorset.

* Weymouth and Portland Borough Council confirmed that the beloved ‘fairy lights’ would not make a return to Weymouth seafront, despite pleas from residents. Plans to create a new seafront lighting scheme for the promenade have moved a step closer. A report says the new scheme is likely to involve lightweight’ technology.

* A Dorchester jeweller could play a part in next year’s royal wedding. Goldcrest Jewellers has confirmed it is in talks with Kensington Palace as one of the firms which could design the wedding rings of the newlyengaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

* A mother was left ‘in awe’ at the generosity of the public after a year-long battle ended in success. Bella Busby, born to Lauren Hughes from Portland, celebrated her first birthday this month, but her father Chris isn’t registered on her birth certificate because he died unexpectedly three months before she was born. Following an appeal in the Dorset Echo in February, and donations which helped raise the £1,500 fee, DNA tests have been secured and a court hearing is set for January.