Hundreds attended the annual Christmas Pull-a-Pine festival at RSPB Arne on Saturday 29 November.
Several car parks in the town will be offering free parking on 6 and 13 December to enable people to enjoy events such as Carols in the Square.
Patients of the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals have a new way to manage appointments this December.
People with names such as Noel, Holly, Ivy or Carol can claim a free box of mince pies at stores on selected days.
The authority is set to spend £1.4 million to help bolster the stability of around 15.5 miles of sea cliffs.
Dorset Community Foundation and BCP Council are providing grants to 23 organisations across Dorset for projects running until the end of March.
Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck stops at 10 locations across the region and needs volunteers.
‘Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs – Babe in the Hood’ will be staged at Lytchett Matravers Village Hall in January.
The annual festive event saw the town turn into a festive theme park with funfair rides, games and music.
Douch Family Funeral Directors are the new shirt sponsor for an over-60s waking football team.
The Christmas lights switch on by Ferndown Mayor Lawrence Wilson took place in the town on Saturday, 29 November.
More people than ever crowded into Wimborne for the switching on of the town’s lights and a feast of entertainment.
Communities are being asked to help the police by reporting people they suspect of being over the limit or who have taken drugs.
In the run up to Christmas, Dorset Council is permitting free parking on certain dates in its car parks to help shoppers.
Dorset Police has identified four vehicles that were in the vicinity and hopes the drivers will come forward with more information.
James Hammett was the only Martyr buried in Dorset, and the anniversary of his death was recognised with a floral tribute.
The annual Original Music Awards Dorset will take place at The Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 17 January 2026.
‘A Match Made in Wimborne’ is a short film showcasing Wimborne businesses interwoven with a romantic story.
Choirs from local schools performed at the mayor of Wimborne Minster’s charity brunch held at the Olive Branch.
The victim, who received support from The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre, reported the attack by Alexandru Emilian Muresan.
Several towns and village will host Christmas events this weekend to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Retired teacher and musician Andrew Mark Duxbury’s poem was chosen out of around 246 other entries for the prize.
Ringwood and Poulner Toad Patrol has issued a call for new volunteers to help protect the area’s amphibians.
STARS Dorset has refreshed its outdoor space after receiving a £1,000 grant from British sweet maker Swizzels.
Two of Wimborne’s longest-running independent family-run businesses, Holmans and Dacombes, have announced a merger.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the government’s new budget yesterday, and Dorset Chamber has some thoughts.
The Investigation of the Year award followed the murder of Amie Gray and attempted murder of Leanne Miles in 2024.
Violinist Jack Maguire founded Boscombe Youth Fiddle Orchestra, originally the Coda Fiddle Orchestra in 2004.
Anyone with dashcam footage or who witnessed this collision on Monday 24 November is asked to contact police.
Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can take part in a survey to give their views on council spending.
It’s not too late to book your flu vaccine if you are eligible, as incidences of the virus are on the rise across the county.
Elderly people in towns across the county have been targeted by fraudsters claiming they are calling from the police.
Lloyds customers living in Ferndown can get support fortnightly by visiting their local library.
A festive story trail and a new art exhibition are amongst the attractions at this event which runs from 5 to 23 December.
Ferndown Community Support’s annual Christmas event raised funds to provide wrapped gifts and essentials to children in need this season.
Join the Great Christmas Pudding Stir at the Museum of East Dorset on Saturday 13 December, the day of the Christmas parade.
Local people are invited to a 1950s-themed party which is being held at Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road.
A Celebration of Landscape and Dorset Art is being held at Church House in Wimborne Minster until 4 December.
Saturday 29 November is the day when Christmas really comes to the town, with a wide range of entertainment and the lights switch-on event.
A total of 29 vehicles were seized in an operation carried out by officers from the Dorset Police Roads Policing Team.
Dorset Council has launched its ‘Give the Greatest Gift’ campaign to encourage people to become foster carers.
Colin Shields broke into a house in Watcombe Road and stole cash and jewellery boxes containing sentimental pieces.
Residents have complained about missed bin collections, but it appears that things are improving each week.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is inviting people to come up with quirky names for their gritters.
The company has lots of good advice for people to protect their homes against burst pipes during this cold weather.
Anyone who witnessed this incident which took place in the early hours of Thursday 6 November on Ashley Road should contact the police.
Wimborne BID is hoping people will support the town by shopping locally on Small Business Saturday on 6 December.
The aim of the week from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 November was to help tackle retail crime across the county.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has a variety of ideas for the people who would prefer to give or receive an eco-friendly gift.
The council feels that, at present, Dorset doesn’t receive sufficient funding for such a rural county with a high population of older residents.
The Force has moved into the top quarter of all forces for a positive outcome rate. It wants people to do their bit to avoid being burgled.
Residents of Ferndown were surprised to find Tesco Christmas lights hung up along the pedestrianised shopping street of Pennys Walk.
There will be a huge amount of events in the town on Sunday 30 November, organised by Ringwood Town Council.
As part of the initiative by Hall & Woodhouse, more than £33,000 has been donated to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
As part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, events will take place in Ferndown, Blandford, Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport.
Dorset Police are hoping that the campaign will bring home to people the dangers of knife crime as well as persuading people to hand them in.
Ferndown Community Support has been given a prestigious award: The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The public survey for the Local Plan and Local Transport Plan have received more than 10,000 responses, a record number.
Jessica Toale, Labour MP for Bournemouth West, has welcomed plans to abolish the role of Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028.
Vikki Slade MP has backed the Liberal Democrats’ call for an emergency 17-month five per cent VAT cut to save the hospitality sector.
Bournemouth’s creative scene was celebrated in late October at the Raw Wall Collective’s latest exhibition.
The government has announced it is scrapping Police and Crime Commissioners. Dorset’s PCC David Sidwick has responded.
‘Know your rights, use your rights’ is the theme of this year’s Carers Rights Day, which takes place on Thursday 20 November.
Right across the conurbation, towns are offering a huge variety of Christmas events for people of all ages.
October and the beginning of November were mild, but forecasters say colder weather is heading our way next week.
Candelabra Coral, which resembles a candelabra, has been spotted in several areas for the first time ever.
West Moors Town Council has revealed the winners of its first seasonal photography competition.
Dr Helen Medical offers appointments seven days a week and free on-site parking.
The booking system will now be introduced in Wimborne, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Sherborne in 2026, instead of this year.
Little ones will be welcomed to the Museum of East Dorset to meet Father Christmas, with a special day planned for SEND children.
The New Forest National Park Authority achieved a ‘B’ rating in its first year of reporting under the United Nations Race to Zero initiative.
Diverse Abilities’ The Big Give Christmas Challenge will enable the charity to raise thousands of pounds in one week.
Police are keen to receive any dashcam footage and to speak to anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of the vehicle.
The office in Hanham Road will soon be able to offer three sessions a week, instead of two, because of rising demand.
The Forcer Protocol will enable police to help to locate the individual if they do subsequently go missing.
A newly refurbished space at Linwood School will equip students with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond school.
Several Dorset charities are offering a tree recycling service, including Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity.
The authority has introduced a new Prevention and Early Intervention team to help people to retain their independence for longer.
There is now double the number of Border Force passport control desks, and the outbound baggage system has been upgraded.
A joint operation targeting people traffickers saw three men arrested, two in Southbourne Grove in Bournemouth.
Dorset Police is keen to speak to any motorists who were in the area, particularly the driver of a silver Ford Focus.
Despite a grim weather forecast, there was a huge crowd for the annual Remembrance Parade in Wimborne Minster.
Communities across the area gathered on Sunday to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the country’s armed forces.
Ben Kittow from Weymouth won Best Dish for his starter of scallop and clam chowder at the South West Chef of the Year competition.
Poole care home The Aldbury created an ice cream parlour to celebrate Win Clowery’s special day.
A spectacular fundraising river pageant that took place on Saturday 16 August raised nearly £3,000 for local charities.
Seasonal entertainment will include a range of performances by choirs plus speakers at St Peter’s Church.
Families are invited to follow a trail to find elves and enjoy crafts at the Museum of East Dorset during December.
A GP surgery based in Bournemouth and Christchurch is now offering a specialist self-harm support service to help those in crisis.
Dorset Council’s Cabinet is to consider the Highways Capital Programme Strategy at its meeting on 11 November.
An annual firework display organised by Broadstone First and Middle Schools and held on Saturday 25 October was the biggest one yet, with a reported 3,000 people attending.
Council-owned redundant buildings and sites would be sold, with the funds reinvested in essential infrastructure.
Ahead of the closure of the local Lloyds Bank branch, Ferndown Town Council applied for a banking hub to be set up in the town.
Dorset Community Foundation, together with Citizens Advice, is appealing for local people to help keep the elderly and vulnerable warm.
Disadvantaged and displaced children in Romania, Moldova, Montenegro, and Ukraine will be able to open some Christmas presents this year thanks to the efforts of members of Wimborne Rotary.
Craig Abbott from Liverpool was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and mobile phones linked to sale of drugs.
Services are taking place in towns across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with the parades requiring several road closures.
Home electronics store Dacombes of Wimborne received not one but two trophies at a recent awards ceremony.
For the first time, residents have the chance to access a new online simulator to discover the complexities of setting a budget.
The new facility, which replaces a previous one, will enable visitors to observe nature at the Queen’s Park pond.
The Santa-Stour River Fun Run returns to Wimborne on Sunday 14 December.
Children can have vaccinations against conditions such as flu, polio, meningitis measles, mumps and rubella.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw a grey Audi in the vicinity or who has any relevant CCTV footage.
The 24-year-old man died three days after the collision and police are still asking for more witnesses to come forward.
The event on Saturday 29 November will feature stalls in the High Street Car Park and parts of the main high street just off the Square.
The charity raised £5,068 during the Big Give Women and Girls Match Fund 2025, enabling it to continue our life-changing work.
More than 70 per cent of businesses voted in favour of renewing Wimborne Business Improvement District until 2030.
The flag has been awarded to the town in recognition of the night time economy’s standards of management and safety practices.
New life has been breathed into a WWII pillbox in Mudeford Wood to provide a home for bats in the area.
The Cardboard Campout Challenge 2025 has raised an impressive £10,095 for The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.
Forest Holme Hospice in Poole has been awarded one gold and two bronze awards at the Poole in Bloom ceremony.
The museum is re-opening with a ‘big bang’ on 5 November — but before that, people can visit to contribute their feedback.
Tony Haskey from Poole is giving half the profits from his commemorative Remembrance Day candles to a military charity.
A decommissioned pump house owned by Bournemouth Water now offers a warm and comfortable home for bats throughout the year.
Police are appealing for dashcam footage or witnesses to the collision which took place on Wednesday 29 October.
Anyone who saw a man in his 40s being assaulted by a group of men near to the owl mural in Ashley Road should contact Police.
Dorset Police is hoping that someone with dashcam footage or who witnessed the driving of the motorist will come forward.
Food & Fun Festival is a brand-new community event set to take place on Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne on Saturday 16 May 2026.
The Labour MP for Bournemouth East came onto the Your Voice | Dorset Podcast to discuss his first year in office.
The Bishop of Salisbury presented the Cross to six people in recognition of their service and commitment to their churches.
Dozens of runners took part in Run Bournemouth to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity.
Not everyone likes Halloween, so Dorset Police have come up with some guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.
Dean Mitchener stole several items after breaking into a property in Acland Road, causing the occupant to flee.
Ahead of Remembrance Day services in November, last weekend saw the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Over one million flu vaccinations have been administered in South West so far, helping people stay well this winter.
GoodOaks Homecare in Ferndown is rolling out free digital health monitoring for all its clients.
Prepare to be spooked by the trail which runs until 2 November and includes Dracula’s lair and a chilling graveyard.
The Woodpecker Play Area has been refurbished, and the launch event is taking place at 10am on Tuesday 28 October.
The Middle School has received two accolades for its music offering to pupils who receive a minimum of one hour a week music tuition.
Alfie Jones from Fordingbridge raised the money by running the 2.5k Junior Great South Run on Saturday 18 October.
The burglars stole from five units, taking cash and charity boxes, and attempted to get into four other premises.
The council says that it is deferring some road surfacing treatments to spring and summer next year because of seasonal constraints.
A canine Treasure Trail will be launched this Saturday at 9am in Wimborne Square by the Mayor of Wimborne in support of Guide Dogs.
Defra has launched the Burn Better campaign to encourage people to reduce the impact of their stoves and open fires.
Moors Valley and Wareham Forest are amongst 20 areas which have new trails launched by WWF and Forestry England.
Red diesel, which can only be used in authorised vehicles, has been stolen from three areas recently and police are urging prevention methods.
Police have a description of the man involved and are hoping someone can identify him or witnessed this incident.
Wessex Water has been told to improve after it was responsible for 215 pollution incidents in 2024 – 89 more than the previous year.
Businesses are being encouraged to join the New Forest Drive Safe campaign to help avoid animal deaths on the roads.
The annual conservation event on the heathland at RSPB Arne takes place on 29 and 30 November.
ElderFest will take place at Twynham Secondary School, Sopers Lane, on Monday 27 October and entry is free.
The college, which is based in North Road, Poole has stepped up to become a premier partner with Dorset Chamber.
David James Gwilliam targeted Boots stores in Christchurch and Boscombe, and the Co-op in Charminster Road.
Christopher Coll, 45, and Kayleigh Coll, 38, from Blandford Forum died in a parked campervan on Pound Lane, Burley last weekend.
Pizza Hut is set to close 68 locations across the UK, including the restaurants in Tower Park and Castle Lane West.
The Dorset Tourism Awards for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year ceremony took place at Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday 16 October.
Dotty had the chance to relive her days in sales by getting behind the counter of Wessex Cancer Support in Westbourne.
Dan Avery-Hebditch cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats raising £5,260 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.
Burglar David Michael Vye was caught on an elderly couple’s CCTV, and subsequently he faces 100 weeks in prison.
NHS trusts in the South West lost over £35.7 million between 2019 and 2024, according to new data.
Daut Lulzim Danaj was part of a group of dealers who supplied large quantities of class A and class B drugs across Dorset.
The investment comes from BCP Council, JPMorganChase, Bournemouth Airport and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
One in 10 people in the South West were stung by scams in the past year, according to Citizens Advice.
The Christchurch Magdalen Trust kindly donated the funds to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity.
The Museum of East Dorset has thrown out a challenge to visitors to design a dragon for the chance to win a prize.
The Ringwood Society’s annual Design and Conservation Awards saw three local businesses receive praise for their projects.
The Dorset Open showcases over 100 selected works aiming to capture the essence of the region’s landscape, people, history and culture.
Colten Care’s Ruth Wildman and Denise Marks conquered their fear of heights to raise funds for the restoration of All Saints Church.
Friends and colleagues at 4Com took part in a ‘Moveathon’ to raise funds for Forest Holme Hospice in memory of Ben Standish.
The county has joined a network which covers a population of more than 10.5 million people aged 50 and over.
The New Forest National Park Authority is urging people to dispose of their pumpkins sensibly and not dump them in the New Forest, as they are not good food for animals.
17-year-old Charlotte Bedford from Wimborne beat thousands of cadets to take home the 2025 Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award.
Anyone who was on the forecourt of the garage in the early hours of 2 October and has dashcam footage is asked to contact the police.
The Dorset village of Tarrant Keyneston has a new wildlife habitat, The Ferals, to help meet the county’s environmental and housing needs.
The council has prevented 1,290 households from becoming homeless since April 2024.
Wimborne’s Museum of East Dorset is holding a book fair to help clear out its shelves of donated pre-loved books.
Tom Hayes learned about the challenges facing the charity and said he would amplify its voice in Parliament.
Military personnel and veterans will be able to travel free of charge to Remembrance Day services on 9 November.
Dorset Coding Week attracted 5,000 children from 49 schools across the county with its theme of internet safety.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has given £2 million to help people in the region.
A problem with the online consultation platform and the huge response from local people has persuaded the council to extend the deadlines.
University Hospitals Dorset’s Resuscitation Team has taught members of AFC Bournemouth how to give CPR and to use a defibrillator.
Cllr Duane Farr and Cllr Cameron Adams say “the Conservative Party is no longer our home.”
The over-60s and over-50s teams from the Poole based Dexter Sports Football Club competed in the Regional Finals at Exeter University.
Daniel Simon Bolton was found guilty of two counts of burglary thanks to DNA evidence found at the scene.
The Planet Wimborne Green Festival began with an eco fair on the Minster Green on Saturday 11 October.
Manor Farm at Hilfield Dorchester has been fined £6,000 and will have to pay costs totalling £10,158.50 after being found guilty.
One award went to officers and staff whose work resulted in an offender being sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempted murder.
Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday 18 October, gives people the opportunity to find out how to report incidences.
Alderney Hospital, Westminster Memorial Hospital and The Yeatman Hospital have received the Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award.
Two members of local charity STARS Dorset raised £1,145 by completing a thrilling 10,000ft tandem skydive.
The animals, which were designed for children to play on, were made in 1969 and haven’t been on display since 1997.
A prehistoric skeleton found on the Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new and rare species of ichthyosaur.
The week-long Planet Wimborne Green Festival begins on Saturday 11 October.
The organised crime group stole more than £2m-worth of vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire in 2023.
A case of mistaken identity led to Dorset Police to deploy a helicopter and armed police to a forest in Burley.
A shopping centre in Boscombe has been recognised worldwide for its outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability.
Dorset-based conservation charity Birds of Poole Harbour and the Cameron Bespolka Trust are set to continue their free education work.
Celebrated on the first Friday of October every year, World Smile Day produced giggles and good cheer at care homes in Dorset and Hampshire.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal visited the Boat Building Academy (BBA) in Lyme Regis and met students past and present.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance will invest £30 million into a second helicopter and a modernised base to enhance its life-saving service.
Students from Health Sciences University will be on hand to provide support and advice to the community until 11 October.
More than £27,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK following a mammoth 12-mile sponsored walk along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
As Wimborne gets ready for a Puppy Treasure Trail, it’s not ‘How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?’ rather ‘Where is that doggie in the window?’
Tina Peacock solo exhibition ‘Beyond The Edge’ will be on display at Sturminster Marshall Golf Club this November.
The popular Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, which raises money for charity, expects to cross the £100,000 milestone this December.
Vikki Slade MP helped secure four new driving examiners for Poole but is calling for more action to improve transport for young people in Dorset.
Hailed a huge success by the organisers, the first ever BIFF was officially opened by acclaimed actor and festival patron, Christopher Eccleston.
Care home provider Care South has kindly donated £2,195 to The CRUMBS Project, a Bournemouth-based disability charity.
New Forest District Council has announced it will provide four days of free parking to support its local businesses and communities.
The three-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a collision with a blue Vauxhall Vivaro van.
Charlie Forbes from Holt set up his charity, Run2Renew, to help give sports equipment to young runners in Africa.
