A giant sea monster – possibly the most powerful ever discovered – is now on display after being painstakingly dug out of the Jurassic coast over three weeks. The pliosaur, which had 130 teeth and whose jaws were twice as powerful as a crocodile, was discovered by fossil enthusiast Phil Jacobs, 69, of West Bexington […]
A new drama which aired on national television last week exposing the Post Office scandal that ruined hundreds of lives has a particular significance for Tracey Merritt – once postmistress at Yetminster and Chetnole. Tracey, 56, had worked for the Post Office for six years when she was investigated for fraud – being locked in […]
A grandmother from Sherborne will be celebrating Christmas with a stunning six-foot tree after winning The West Dorset Magazine’s competition in association with Groves Nurseries. Lucky Daphne Langdon, who was born on Christmas Eve, was delighted to hear she had found the eight reindeer hidden in the pages of our November edition. And as such […]
Citizens Advice staff say they are now dealing with cases of destitution – not just poverty – in the Dorchester area. A recent open meeting of Dorchester Poverty Action heard from Caroline Buxton of Citizens Advice, who said some people are now having to make “really difficult decisions” about whether to eat, heat their homes […]
A 16th century pub which suffered a devastating fire but was rebuilt before being hit by covid has closed, after its owners were left with ‘no other option’. Chideock’s The Clock was rebuilt after the blaze, in April 2015, gutted the building. A chimney fire caught the thatched roof and despite the best efforts of […]
A charity tractor parade is being held this weekend – with a stream of festively-lit vehicles trundling through the villages. Anyone who would like to join the parade can do so for a £10 entry fee. Meet at 165-179 Roke Road, Milborne St. Andrew, BH20 7JF – What3Words surveyors.courier.canines from 2.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm). […]
Nature’s Calendar has recorded the biggest crop of Hawthorn berries since records began. Hedgerows and woodlands across Dorset are awash with haws, attracting a constant stream of birds who are feasting on this year’s bumper crop. Nature’s Calendar recorders have given this year’s crop a 4.2 on the fruit scale, a score deemed as ‘exceptional’ […]
Mary Kahn, the founder of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, has been honoured with the distinguished Points of Light Award by the Prime Minister’s Office for her exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the community. The award, launched by Queen Elizabeth II, is testament to Mary’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients […]
Five community groups and charities were presented with cheques totalling £3,000 at West Dorset Vintage Tractor & Stationary Engine Club’s (WDVTSEC) October meeting at Dorchester’s Colliton Club. The money was raised at this summer’s annual West Dorset Vintage Rally held at West Bay – a vintage vehicle buff’s chance to indulge in all sorts of […]
A Portland town councillor is ‘reluctantly’ taking Dorset Council to court after a judge ruled it was the authority’s responsibility to ensure the Bibby Stockholm barge had the correct planning permission. Island mayor Carralyn Parkes, who is bringing the action as a private citizen, tried to take the Home Office to court over its decision […]