News in Dorchester

Volunteers are need to help at the Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Atrium Health Centre in Dorchester.

People are needed to help with the smooth running of the programme, starting on Saturday, January 16, to help on the day of clinics and for there to be a bank of helpers the team can call on as the vaccinations are rolled out.

Here are some of the job vacancies available in Dorchester this week.

Administration and clinic assistant

GPs and medical professionals have written an open letter to Dorset's residents to urg them to play their part and stay at home.

They are asking for the public's help to stop the spread of the virus.

A Dorchester businessman is using lockdown to help mental health charities after already raising £12,000.

Steve Chaldecott, manager of the Wessex Royale Hotel in Dorchester, wants to do something with his time while the hotel is closed during the current lockdown.

Relatives of those in care homes should contact the home directly before visiting, amidst rising cases of Covid-19.

Managers in care homes and supported living have been working hard to facilitate visiting wherever possible, but with situations changing on a daily basis, the safety of residents and staff must come first. In some cases, that may mean that visits in person can't currently go ahead.

Residents are being warned of a Covid-19 vaccination scam.

Some people are receiving suspicious calls and text messages offering the Covid-19 vaccine.

When Dodgson's of Dorchester Ltd was established in 1961, never was it thought that the shop's 60th year would be celebrated with PPE, masks and hand gel.

Glenn House owns the independent hardware store, which is classed as an essential business, with his wife - and you may have seen him on BBC's Spotlight on Tuesday evening - after he worked at the shop in South Street since 1981 and took over it from Mr Dodgson in 2005.

A fundraising campaign to return significant documents from 19th century literary giant Thomas Hardy back to his home county has reached its target.

The Dorset Archive Trust raised the final £5,000 needed to purchase the collection of manuscripts, described as "the most significant" yet when delving into the works of the Dorset author and poet.

Entries are open for the Dorchester and Poundbury Business Awards are now open.

Do you know businesses that deserve to be recognised or would you like to enter your own business?

Free parking arrangements for NHS and care workers will remain in place throughout the current six-week lockdown.

NHS and care workers can continue to use any Dorset Council-operated car park free of charge, provided they are on duty and displaying a relevant permit, or they have registered with Dorset Council.