Archive

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Fire service issues statement on huge fire on Canford Heath

THE FIRE service has issued a statement as it continues to tackle fire on Canford Heath tonight. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has told the Echo: "We were called at 7:39pm today with reports of a heath fire on the Canford Heath nature

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PICTURES: Huge fire rages on Canford Heath

A FIRE continues to rage on Canford Heath tonight. Poole Fire Station is advising local residents to keep doors and windows closed. Here are a selection of images we have been sent by members of the public. Huge fire rages on Canford Heath

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RECAP: Drone photos show aftermath of huge Canford Heath fire

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Rose tells Cherries fans to enjoy Prague 'but be ready for Sparta game'

MARCO Rose told the Cherries faithful to enjoy Prague, a city he knows well from growing up not too far away in Leipzig. Rose's hometown is a little more than two hours away from the Czech capital, and the boss said it is a 'beautiful' place to

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PICTURES - Cold Cherries training session ahead of Sparta Praha test

THE Cherries players were put through their paces in their final training session before meeting Sparta Praha in the Europa League tomorrow night. Bournemouth meet Sparta at their epet Arena home, as they look to extend their perfect record in

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ITV forced to scrap This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women's live shows today

ITV’s This Morning, Loose Women and Lorraine will not air today (November 4), Good Morning Britain’s (GMB) Susanna Reid and Ed Balls announced. A power cut at the Covent Garden studio means the morning talk shows are unable to go on air. ITV

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England opportunities, Prague and the Europa League - Hill and Rose

James Hill and Marco Rose discussed England ambitions, injuries and Sparta Prague before Bournemouth's Europa League game. The pair spoke to the media in Prague before the Cherries' next European fixture. James Hill Have you been to Prague

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Juanlu forced off in dev squad game with ankle ligament injury, Rose confirms

JUANLU Sánchez has an ankle ligament injury after he was forced off early on in the development squad's game against Cardiff on Monday night. The right-back started for Alan Connell's side after some limited game time with the first team, and he

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UK government to bring in facial recognition as part of major enforcement scheme

Facial recognition cameras could soon be used at transport hubs and public events as part of a major immigration enforcement scheme. Newly published Home Office policy documents reveal plans to use live facial recognition (LFR) technology to identify

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£7m approved to transform Ringwood Market Place and Market Square

New Forest District Council has approved £7.75 million towards delivering the transformation of Ringwood Market Place and Market Square. Ringwood Town Council says it welcome the decision by New Forest District Council to fund the delivery of the

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Rose and Hill speak to media to preview Sparta clash in Prague - As it happened

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BCP councillor says £32m shortfall needs leadership 'in the room'

A councillor has claimed BCP Council has not done enough to lobby the Government over its financial pressures, despite the authority publishing 18 letters and emails it says demonstrate its efforts. Councillor Toby Slade questioned the extent of

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Man left with broken nose in racially aggravated attack outside town centre pub

A MAN was left with a broken nose following a racially aggravated attack outside a town centre pub.  The assault happened outside O’Neill’s on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth at around 2am on Saturday September 26. Police stated that the

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The 8 Dorset areas that scooped prizes in the Postcode Lottery last month

Residents across several Dorset postcodes won thousands of pounds through the Postcode Lottery in October 2026. The subscription lottery raises money for charities while offering cash prizes to households across the UK. Each day of the week

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Man charged after bright green Cannondale bike stolen outside Dorset gym

A man has been arrested and charged following an image appeal in relation to a reported bike theft in Dorset. According to Dorset Police, it was reported that at around 3.35pm on Friday, September 11, a bright green Cannondale SuperSix Evo 105

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Woman who stabbed her dog to death with kitchen knife avoids jail

A woman who stabbed her "stupid" pet dog to death has avoided a jail sentence. Victoria Lodge could not cope with Celine, a Macedonian sheepdog she adopted after it had been rescued. After three months of owning the large dog Lodge posted on

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Date and time for Cherries' cup quarter-final v Liverpool confirmed

THE details have been confirmed for the Cherries' trip to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Marco Rose's side will head to Anfield on Wednesday, December 16, with an 8pm kick-off. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports. Bournemouth

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Many residents don’t know who BCP Council leader is - but those who do want her out

Bournemouth residents and business owners have voiced their opinion on BCP Council leader Millie Earl, calling on her to resign - at least those who know who she is. It comes after the Conservative group in BCP Council submitted a no-confidence

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Plans submitted to rebuild popular cafe destroyed in fire

Plans have been submitted to rebuild a popular Dorset coffee shop destroyed by fire earlier this year. The View Coffee Shop at Milton Abbas Sports Club, off Blandford Road, was destroyed by fire on June 27. Owner Hayley Bridge said she was

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Greggs opens new Bournemouth store creating 10 jobs

A popular bakery chain has opened its doors at a Bournemouth shopping centre. Greggs has launched a new store inside the Sainsbury's at Castlepoint, offering customers its well-known range of savoury bakes, sandwiches and sweet treats. The

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Every Poole secondary school graded in new national guide for 2025/26 school year

New data has graded every secondary school in Poole, showcasing its GCSE performance for the last academic year. The Department for Education (DfE) has released its provisional data for the 2025/26 academic year, analysing Key Stage 4 performance

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Poole Quay firework night returns with free display and travel warning

A FREE firework display will light up the skies above Poole Quay this bonfire night.  Poole Quay will host its Firework Night on Thursday, November 5, with entertainment starting from 5pm and a fireworks display scheduled for 8pm. Organised

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The little-known NHS help that could cut the cost of your glasses and eye tests

Millions of people could be missing out on financial help with glasses, contact lenses and eye tests, with support available even for some households where people are working. An eye care expert is urging people to check what they are entitled

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Rare Royal Mint 50p coin sells for more than 200 times face value on eBay

Brits are being urged to check their change after a rare Royal Mint coin sold for more than 200 times its face value. The 2009 Kew Gardens piece drew 17 bids on eBay before selling for £107.02 on November 2. The listing described the coin as

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Climate scheme reaches 28,000 people and helps 46 young people into work

A climate action scheme has empowered thousands of young people to take environmental action. The Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme, launched in October 2023, reached across areas including the New Forest and Southampton. The three-year

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Wetherspoon reveals plans for up to 25 new pubs after sales increase

PUB group JD Wetherspoon has said it plans to open up to 25 bars over the year ahead as it reported a jump in first-quarter sales. The chain is set to launch five to 10 managed pubs in the year to next August, adding to the 797 it already has,

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Are your headlights so bright that you could fail your MOT?

Headlights aimed outside the permitted limits can cause a car to fail its MOT. The MOT inspection manual also treats an obviously incorrect beam pattern as a major defect. The checks come amid guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT

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Thousands could unlock £2,600 savings after major government rule change

Thousands of young people who lack the mental capacity to manage their finances could find it easier to access money held in their Child Trust Funds under new Government plans. The proposed changes aim to remove a complicated legal hurdle that

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Drivers face fine of up to £1,000 if they don't do this 1 thing in winter

As temperatures drop throughout autumn and winter, you are likely to wake up to frost and possibly some snow on your car. If you have to drive to work in the morning, it can be incredibly annoying to wait for the ice to melt off your windscreen

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Rice Krispies and Coco Pops recipe change means some shoppers can no longer eat them

Rice Krispies and Coco Pops no longer contain whole rice grains following a recipe change. Kellogg’s, the company behind the popular breakfast cereals, said the change was due to “changing weather conditions” affecting the quality and availability

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Expert warns homeowners this Bonfire Night mistake could lead to £50,000 fine

Bonfire Night is almost here with many households preparing their fireworks and bonfires for the big day. While some people will be heading to public events to enjoy Bonfire Night, many will opt to light their own bonfire at home. Homeowners

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Serious welfare concerns for missing veteran in Bournemouth

A SEARCH is underway to locate a missing veteran in his 40s.  An appeal for information has been posted by Beacon Alert, following reports of a missing veteran in Bournemouth.  Scott Yates, 46, was last seen in the Winton area at around 5pm

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Major study of PFAS 'forever chemicals' in people's bodies launched in UK

Blood and urine samples will be tested for ‘forever chemicals’ in a health study. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is analysing the samples for PFAS and other substances to build a picture of exposure and inform research into potential health

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MasterChef India judge Chef Jolly opening New Forest restaurant today

Take a first look inside a contemporary Indian restaurant from celebrity chef Chef Jolly, opening in the New Forest today, November 4. Kasi is launching at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst, showcasing the vibrancy of Indian cooking

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 18-year planning battle over his luxury New Forest home

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's efforts to transform his New Forest home have been marked by years of planning disputes, rejected proposals and appeals before he secured permission for his luxury coastal property. The billionaire Ineos founder bought a two-bedroom

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Anger mounting as car park charges could shoot up again and free parking scrapped

DORSET drivers could be paying more for on-street parking, while some free car parks may see charges brought in from April 2027. Pricing specific to each car park is expected to replace the council’s three current charging tiers. Peak-season and

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Drivers face fine of up to £1,000 if they don't do this 1 thing in winter

As temperatures drop throughout autumn and winter, you are likely to wake up to frost and possibly some snow on your car. If you have to drive to work in the morning, it can be incredibly annoying to wait for the ice to melt off your windscreen

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Six people honoured for 'exceptional' commitment and service to Christianity

Six people have been honoured for their "exceptional" commitment to Christian service. They were presented with the Cross of St Aldhelm during a special ceremony at Salisbury Cathedral on Sunday, November 4, during choral evensong. The award

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Hat-trick from Bailey Rowe helps Hamworthy Rec beat Baffins Milton Rovers 4-0

October 31, 2026. Baffins Milton Rovers 0 Hamworthy Recreation 4 A hat-trick from top scorer, Bailey Rowe, put Rec on the road to another emphatic win at Baffins. It was an excellent all-round performance from Rec, with all players putting

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Wimborne RFC beat Weybridge 34-12 as George Draper celebrates 200th senior cap

Wimborne RFC 1st XV v Weybridge Vandals 200 caps for Wimborne prop Draper Wimborne prop, George Draper, celebrated his remarkable 200th senior cap on Saturday with a hard-fought victory over Weybridge Vandals in South London. Two hundred

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Love of music brings 30 residents from Dorset care homes together to form choir

Care home residents are finding joy and connection through the power of song. A newly formed choir of around 30 care home residents from Care South homes across Dorset has come together to sing familiar favourites and make new friends through music

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Lighthouse Poole team kayaks 9.2km around Brownsea Island to raise nearly £2,000

A team of kayakers from a Dorset arts centre have completed a 9.2km paddle around Brownsea Island. The crew, made up of nine Lighthouse Poole team members, took on the challenge as part of the Lighthouse Big Christmas Appeal, raising nearly £2,000

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Lush to mark 21 years of iconic fragrance with free experiences in all UK stores

A special birthday celebration is bringing a burst of pink and candyfloss-scented fun to the high street. Dorset-based Lush is marking 21 years of its iconic Snow Fairy fragrance with a nationwide weekend of events, including at its Bournemouth

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Veteran takes on 24-hour silence challenge for BBC Children in Need

A VETERAN from Bournemouth is taking part in a 24-hour silence challenge. Gary Stillman, 66, is staying silent for 24 hours in support of BBC Children in Need at Pokesdown & Southbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club. This fundraiser will take part

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Cobham Sports Women beat Ridgeway Ladies Black Pearls 6-0 at Merley Park

Cobham Sports Women maintained their 100% record on a dank and dismal Sunday afternoon at Merley Park. They entertained Ridgeway Ladies Black Pearls from Weymouth and consolidated their position at the top of the table with an accomplished 6-0

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'It’s not every day you meet a hero. But then again, perhaps it is…'

As Remembrance Day approaches, we will remember the extraordinary courage of others with two minutes of silence. A fitting tribute, I knew many of those we honour; they were humbled by it all, also remembering their fallen family and friends.

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Retired couple find their dream home at new housing development in Dorset

A retired couple have found their dream home at a new development in Dorset. Alex and Alison Aldrich, aged 62 and 58, moved to Barratt David Wilson Homes’ Niveus Walk in Shaftesbury, a market town offering easy access to local amenities and surrounding

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Operation marks five years of reducing animal collisions in the New Forest

A five-year campaign is being credited with saving the lives of animals on New Forest roads. Operation Mountie, a police-led scheme launched in 2021, was set up to tackle the high number of animal collisions in the area and has since helped drive

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Dorset library launches new scheme to improve access beyond unstaffed hours

A library in Dorset has launched a new scheme to improve access and modernise its services. Sherborne Library now offers Extended Access, allowing users to visit from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, including during unstaffed hours. Visitors

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More than 170 attend Dorset event supporting families of children with SEND

More than 170 people gathered for an event supporting families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) Big Event was held at Kingston Maurward House and brought together services

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Independent steakhouse in Bournemouth to host wine tasting evening event

A Bournemouth steakhouse is set to host a wine-pairing evening. Funki Griller, an independent steakhouse on Westover Road, is teaming up with Winederful Wines for the event, titled The Grill & The Grape – Edition I: Where Fire Meets Finesse

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Dorset businesses gather at the Dolphin in Poole for first AI training event

Dorset businesses gathered for the first AI training event in Poole to explore new digital skills and opportunities. Organised by Skills & Learning Adult Community Education, the session was held on Thursday, October 29, at the Poole Adult

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Blandford & Sturminster HC thrash Winchester 4s 5-0 to extend winning run

Blandford & Sturminster HC v Winchester 4s (5-0) Six months ago, Blandford suffered semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Winchester 4s. Would memory of this haunt the Blandford side? Or was there a treat instore for the home side?

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Bestselling author backs Dorset archive project

Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier is backing a Dorset archive project to help preserve stories for generations to come. Ms Chevalier, who lives in the Piddle Valley and is known for novels such as Girl with a Pearl Earring, has lent her voice

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Iron Maiden guitarist’s rare memorabilia collection set to go under the hammer

Rare rock and heavy metal memorabilia are set to go under the hammer in a new auction. Ringwood Auctions is hosting the sale on November 7 and it features a standout collection from guitarist and original touring member of Iron Maiden, Dennis Stratton

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Sea of Santas to take to Wimborne for Julia’s House charity run

A sea of Santas will soon take part in a festive charity fun run in Wimborne. The Santa-Stour River Fun Run, organised by Wimborne Rotary, returns on Sunday, December 13, starting at 10am from Wimborne Town Football Club on Ainsley Road. The

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Entrepreneur returns to property roots with new Sandbanks venture

AN entrepreneur with a career spanning both property and filmmaking has celebrated the launch of her new business in Sandbanks. Mattika Westgate officially launched her property consultancy with Keller Williams UK at Rick Stein, Sandbanks, on Saturday

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Farmer Palmer’s offers £5 family days out on select November weekdays

A farm park in Dorset is offering families a day out among the animals for just £5 per person this month. Farmer Palmer’s based in Poole has launched a £5 family day out for 'Naughty November', offering discounted admissions on Mondays, Tuesdays

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Sandbanks in Dorset named the second best place in the UK to buy a seaside home

Sandbanks has been named the second-best seaside location in the UK for property investment. The exclusive Dorset peninsula, often dubbed the UK’s Monte Carlo and nestled at the mouth of Poole Harbour, has seen its average property values soar

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AI monitoring system spots hidden sewage pipe burst in field next to alpacas

A burst sewage pipe was detected in the early hours of the morning by artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring equipment. The underground pipe, located at Boldre Bridge near Lymington, was identified by Southern Water’s SAM4 smart monitoring system

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Drivers banned from the road for offences - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court: JASMINE ASQUITH, 27, and of Morden Avenue in Ferndown, admitted to failing to stop after a road accident as a vehicle driver and driving a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or in

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Bournemouth MP joins Royal British Legion volunteers to support Poppy Appeal

A decade of dedication to the Poppy Appeal has been formally recognised by a Bournemouth MP during a visit to a Dorset shopping centre. Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East, joined Royal British Legion (RBL) volunteers at Castlepoint Shopping

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Christchurch Remembrance Sunday parade to honour those who served and sacrificed

A Remembrance Sunday parade will take place in Christchurch on November 8 to honour those who have served and sacrificed. The programme of events will include veterans, service organisations, civic representatives, and community groups from across

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Council pledges safe accommodation for every known rough sleeper by Christmas

Dorset Council has pledged to ensure that all known rough sleepers in Dorset has access to safe accommodation by Christmas. The commitment is part of a wider strategy to help people move off the streets and into longer-term housing. A newly

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Dorset MP hosts free community screening of The People's Emergency Briefing

A hard-hitting climate film has sparked urgent community conversations about the environment. The People’s Emergency Briefing, a 50-minute documentary about climate and nature risks, was shown at Broadstone Liberal Hall on Friday evening, at a

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National Care Leavers Month to be marked in Dorset with exhibition this month

National Care Leavers Month is being marked this November, celebrating the achievements, talents and experiences of care experienced people. Dorset Council is celebrating the achievements, talents and experiences of care experienced people this

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Three play areas in BCP area to be upgraded as part of wider £4.6 million scheme

Three more play areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) are set to be upgraded as part of a wider programme to improve play spaces. The parks in the BCP area; Anchor Close, Branksome Recreation Ground and Dawkins Road, will soon undergo

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Dorset Sunday Senior League round-up for Sunday, November 1

Dorset Sunday League Round-Up - Sunday, November 1, 2026 Reigning Dorset Sunday League champions New Forest Rangers are through to the quarter finals of the prestigious Hampshire FA John Ward Sunday Senior Cup following their 3-0 victory over unbeaten

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Dorset mum launches sewing platform with more than 1,290 businesses featured

A lifelong passion for sewing has inspired a Dorset mum to launch an online platform for fabric lovers across the UK. Cheryl Reeves created Haberdasheroo to bring together the sewing community and support independent businesses, with one of her

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Seafront restaurant extends 15 per cent weekday discount to BH residents

A POPULAR seafront restaurant marking its 35th birthday has extended a community discount to residents in BH postcodes. The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock is offering 15 per cent off the whole bill during weekday lunchtimes. Jack Pompa

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Bournemouth firm partners with Finnish manufacturer to supply marine kit worldwide

A new international partnership is setting sail in the marine sector. Bournemouth-based Southern Contracts has teamed up with Finnish manufacturer Metos to distribute professional galley and laundry equipment for vessels worldwide. Southern

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The forgotten wilderness of Canford Cliffs before the millionaires moved in

Canford Cliffs was once a wilderness of pine trees, sand dunes and unstable chines before redevelopment transformed its coastline. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was far removed from the glass-fronted apartments and large homes

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Most successful Czech side to host Cherries - Everything to know on Sparta Praha

THE Cherries head out to Prague to continue their Europa League campaign in November, their second away trip in the competition. Sparta Praha are the most successful team in Czech football history, and have been a dominant force since they were

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Bournemouth frustrated by missed chances in defeat to Wimbledon

BOURNEMOUTH were left frustrated by missed chances as they fell to a narrow 24-29 defeat to Wimbledon in Regional 1 South Central. Director of rugby Will Croker called Bournemouth's display their 'least connected' in years and he felt Bournemouth

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Campaign launched to help paralysed 21-year-old access the outdoors again

A WEST Moors resident is fundraising for a specialist all-terrain wheelchair they say would transform their independence and open up parts of the world that have become inaccessible. Bodie, 21, currently uses a manual wheelchair full-time and has

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Kluivert backs Evanilson to keep scoring for Cherries

THE Cherries team will continue to support Evanilson to score more goals after the Brazilian scored his fourth in four Premier League games against Leeds on Saturday, assister Justin Kluivert said. The Dutchman read a pass out from the back from

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Dangerous E. coli spikes spark calls for action as Christchurch Harbour fears grow

Dangerous E. coli spikes have hit local waters, prompting calls for water companies to face action and accountability after people fell ill following contact with the water. After a dangerous E. coli spike in Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth East

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Road closed for up to 21 days for emergency gas works

A section of Church Road in Ferndown has been temporarily closed to northbound traffic. The closure, between Ringwood Road and Cherry Grove, was enforced by Dorset Council on November 3, to allow for emergency works on a gas main. The closure

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Cherries aim to preserve perfect European record v Sparta Praha - Preview

THE Cherries put their perfect Europa League record on the line when they travel to Sparta Praha on Thursday night. Bournemouth have all but done enough to guarantee a top-24 place in the league phase, with nine or ten points good enough in the

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'Our lives turned upside down' - Boarding staff without heating after shock closure

BOARDING staff at a private school which announced it would be closing suddenly have been left without hot water and heating. Teachers, staff, pupils and parents were told the school would not reopen after the half-term holidays, less than a week

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Wimborne mum sends 3,500 confidence-building boxes to girls each month

A Wimborne mum has created subscription boxes to build girls’ confidence. Natalie Handyside, 51, launched GirlBE, a monthly subscription box for girls aged seven to 12. Natalie created the boxes after realising the outside world was influencing

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Swanage earn narrow victory over neighbours Dorchester

SWANAGE & Wareham had a home fixture against near neighbours Dorchester in their recent Southern Counties league game. At the beginning of the game, Swans were dominant, but towards the end of the match, Dorchester nearly snatched victory from

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Bournemouth man sexually assaulted woman in Winchester - In the Dock

The following case was heard at Poole Magistrates' Court: PATRICIA REECE, 53, and of Crecy Way in Bournemouth, admitted to speeding by exceeding 30mph on restricted road in England, namely 36mph, in Wimborne Road in Bournemouth on September 19,

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Inquest opens into death of 39-year-old teacher and musician

AN inquest has opened following the death of a teacher and musician in her 30s. On Tuesday November 3, assistant coroner Richard Middleton formally opened the inquest into the death of 39-year-old Lucy Jane Martin at Bournemouth town hall.

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Dental hygienist died at Bournemouth hospital, inquest hears

AN inquest has opened following the death of a woman at Bournemouth hospital. On Tuesday November 3, Richard Middleton, assistant coroner for Dorset, formally opened the inquest into the death of 53-year-old Brigitta Marianna Zomborka at Bournemouth

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Residents worried after fireworks set off repeatedly at Bournemouth car park

RESIDENTS are worried after fireworks have been let off in car park near their home. A group of men have been letting off fireworks in Berry Court car park in Bournemouth. A man who lives next to the car park in Saint Peter's Road said: "It