Dorchester Town Council

09/09/2026

It's Wednesday and the forecast is.... fresh produce, delicious baked goods and cheeses, affordable home goods and wonderful, unique creations you won't find on the high street!

Pop down to Fairfield this morning and make your day that little more brighter with a bagful of market goods!

07/09/2026

A number of free Heritage Open Days walks and tours for this Sunday have already sold out, but there are still tickets available across a number of talks and tours, taking in everything from Dorchester during World War II, to the Tudor origins of Colliton House.

These guided walks and tours offer fantastic opportunities to see Dorchester through fresh eyes and celebrate the extraordinary stories hidden right on your doorstep.

Details and free tickets for the guided walks and tours listed can be found at the Dorchester Heritage Committee Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/70198804803

04/09/2026

A reminder that the public consultation on the proposed 20mph scheme closes at 23:59 on Monday 7 September.

If you haven't yet shared your views, you can complete our online survey or find more information on the proposed scheme at the link below.

https://www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk/The-Council/Planning

All responses received before the deadline will be considered as part of the consultation process.

03/09/2026

Don't miss your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - all for FREE!

Every September thousands of venues and volunteers across England organise special free events for Heritage Open Days to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. Once again, Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee has organised a fantastic line up of free events and experiences happening across the town on Sunday 13 September.*

See the full programme with links to book here: https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/heritage-open-day/

*As well as the tours, talks and walks scheduled on Sunday 13 September, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery have a free tour on Saturday 12 September, and the National Trust have a free guided walk on Saturday 19 September.

03/09/2026

Today the Red Ensign - or 'Red Duster' - is flying over the Town Hall to commemorate Merchant Navy Day and honour those who served and sacrificed so much to keep the country supplied in both war and peace.

Merchant Navy Day is marked across the country every year on the 3rd September, the anniversary of the start of the Second World War - a conflict in which the Merchant Navy played a crucial role.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

A successful litter pick by Casterbridge Rotary Club, Dorchester, Dorset, who managed 5 huge bags of litter! Thank you to these wonderful volunteers including Dorchester Mayor Les Fry.

Litter has an enormous impact on this beautiful area, every piece that gets picked up will make a difference. The Town Council can lend out litter pickers, gloves, and other equipment for volunteers to use around Dorchester - drop an email to [email protected] to enquire.

01/09/2026

Next Tuesday, 8th September at the Great Field, join a spontaneous singing event led by four of the local Colten Care homes.

This event is open to local residents and anyone passing by to join in and sing a few well-known songs with everyone there.

The organisers are hoping this will be a FUN-raising initiative to bring music and song into the community.

01/09/2026

Another one of our fantastic finalists for Shopfront of the Season, Mid Dorset Mencap, were awarded their certificate this week. During their visit to the shop in Trinity Street, the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry, Mayoress Julie Fry and BID Chair Neil Strudwick were given a full tour of the building, including their wonderful workshops and garden.

Sarah Reed, branch manager, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Shopfront of the Season award. Although we didn’t take home the overall award, being recognised as one of the finalists was a fantastic achievement for our volunteers and something we are incredibly proud of.

"Our shopfront is a real team effort, and our volunteers put so much creativity, enthusiasm and hard work into making our shop welcoming and eye-catching. It was wonderful to have that effort recognised, and receiving the finalist certificate was a lovely way to celebrate their contribution.”