News in Dorchester

A Dorchester author will soon be launching his ghostly new novel.

Andrew Trim's debut novel, Acting Strangely, was inspired by his own experiences growing up in Dorchester, surrounded by its wealth of history and historical figures. With his lively imagination, these experiences manifest themselves in this comical cornucopia of ridiculous situations and characters.

More than 7,000 Covid vaccinations have been given to Dorchester residents at the Pharmacy2U centre in the town.

Since setting up in the former Argos store on the corner of High West Street and Trinity Street in May, the team have averaged around 260 vaccines a day, five days a week.

Schools across Dorchester have condemned the racist abuse received by footballers following the Euro 2020 championship final.

The Dorchester Area Schools Partnership (DASP), made up of 19 schools, has written an open letter stating it is determined to work in its schools to "ensure that the next generation is without the terrible racism we have seen".

Dorchester is lucky to have its very own resident record label - and soon a recording studio - so we caught up with Grace and Nick, owners of Grinning Dog Records, to find out more.

Nick explained: "I am a solo artist and have always used studios. We wanted to start a business together and work together, but it was what to do and what did we want to go into. I made a joke about us opening a recording studio."

Dorset farmers are thanking the local hospital that saved their son's life - with the launch of a fundraising sunflower trail.

A farming couple from Dorchester have come up with a colourful way to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit which helped their premature son, as he celebrates his 18th birthday.

There will continue to be overnight closures along the A35 around Dorchester for the next four weeks.

Drivers should be aware that this week - Monday, July 19 to Friday, July 23 - the A35 between Monkey Jump roundabout and Stinsford roundabout will be closed from 8pm to 6am.

Weldmar Hospicecare has launched a brand new service to provide care and support at home for patients and their loved ones.

Described by the director of nursing, Caroline Sweetland, as "one of the most exciting expansions to our service in some time", Weldmar at Home has been made possible thanks to a successful appeal earlier in the year.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat covering Dorchester.

So, we caught up with Tom at Joey's Doggie Day Care to see if he had any tips on helping to keep your dogs cool during the heatwave.

Oscar Wilde's classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest is reimagined at Dorchester Maumbury Rings next week.

Ripping up the recipe book and dishing out a hectic, two-actor production of Oscar Wilde's classic play, audiences are invited to tuck into a picnic and join in the silliness at Maumbury Rings on Thursday, July 29 at 7pm.

We have introduced a walk of the week for our newsletter subscribers to enjoy over the weekend.

Each Friday we will be sharing a circular walk in and around our local area with directions and photos. We use the OS Map app, which is very useful if you are out walking.