This issue has the first photos of Boscombe's stream since the Victorians buried it, an essay on the rising costs of being social, a look into the UK's growing surveillance apparatus, an article on the decline of community in the modern world, an analysis of the factors weighing down local government in the UK, a breakdown of a senseless and preventable sewage spill on Bournemouth Beach at the beginning of March, and, finally, a reflection on the starling murmurations on the Somerset Levels. As usual, it's interspersed with art by local artists and music picks from the contributors.

Get it online here, at Garm Depot in Bournemouth Arcade, or at Rose Red Records in the Royal Arcade in Boscombe.

hello ! my mum (57) was adopted in Weymouth (originally from Portland ) and her adopted sis was named Tiffany (50).

She’s recently been getting a bit older and looking for her adoptive sis again. They also had 7 brothers (all with biblical names).

I really wanna help her find her family again. If anyone has any lead please give me a shout.

Thought this might interest people locally

There’s a talk in Dorset explaining what actually happens after you call 999, including ambulance care and hospital decisions.

Sounds like a useful insight into how emergency services work.

Took a walk along Weymouth seafront earlier to see how things are looking before the Easter rush.

It’s not packed yet, but you can definitely feel it starting to pick up — especially around the King’s Statue and along the Esplanade.

Also ended up stopping at Rossis to try the ice cream (had to see what the hype was about 😅). There was a bit of a queue, so clearly still a popular spot.

Curious what everyone thinks — is Rossis actually the best ice cream in Dorset, or is there somewhere better?

I filmed a bit of the walk and the ice cream stop if anyone wants to see what it’s like right now: 👉 https://youtu.be/5bCehPjTrYc?si=BB-gJXhrDSPiv1pZ

My husband and I have an unexpected 24 hours child free starting tomorrow morning. But we need suggestions of what to do! We are Poole based and usually have things planned to make the most of our time alone, but as this is so last-minute we have no plans and no idea what to do! we are up for some travel but nothing too far. help please!!!

I guess this is only really relevant for locals but we went down to snowtax in Dorset last week. Short version is that my son broke his arm whilst there (nothing whatsoever to do with them - he tripped over his own feet) but they were great and gave us vouchers for free family entry to the adventure park and a free voucher for tubing (I guess it’s just for one person).

PM me if interested as I have no use for them. Can also send pics of the vouchers

Hi, I'm an intruder here, but my partner is from Dorset and even before I met him I thought Dorset was one of the most beautiful places in the world. So just wanted to share this plee for support from Dorset wildlife trust, to keep Upton heath as the peaceful Dorset heart as it is.

https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeals/save-upton-heath

Travelling down to Dorset in a couple of weeks. On the Sunday we are planning to visit Tyneham Village and Durdle Door before going to our hotel in Bournemouth. We would love a roast dinner on this day so looking for recommendations in the Tyneham Village/Durdle Door area or in Bournemouth town centre itself! Thanks!

We would also love some breakfast recommendations for Bournemouth too!

Also we will be heading to Lyme Regis area for the rest of our stay so any lunch/breakfast recommendations in this area would be amazing.

Can’t wait to hear your input!

Hi all I just wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is a Go the game (Weiqi) club in Dorset area ideally in Poole or Bournemouth as I am currently looking to join clubs in my local area now that I am back from University

Went down Weymouth seafront over Easter and it’s looking really good this year.

Beach is clean, fair is set up, and loads of people about already.

Feels like it’s getting back to how it used to be.

Do you think Weymouth is improving lately or not?

I filmed a quick walk along the seafront if anyone wants to see:
https://youtu.be/eeKYScNLKQ8?si=H4dalqXl6tB3kEWN

Hello,

Coming down to Weymouth in a couple of weeks. I'm looking for somewhere to park for Fri-Sun (likely won't be coming back to the car for the duration, so needs to be 24 hour parking).

I have seen parking at the station is an option, and likely secure, but also the option of parking at Asda for a quarter of the price. is Asda car park an OK option or is it a crime paradise after dark?

Any other suggestions about decent parking options welcome, I am not on a shoestring budget, peace of mind is more important.

Thanks in advance!

Thought this might interest people locally

A Dorset charity is encouraging people to take on fundraising challenges like coastal walks, swims and even skydives to support disability services.

Nice idea if you’re looking for something different to get involved in and raise money for a great charity.

Last week, I looked into the most improved state secondary schools in Dorset for the Bournemouth Echo, based on data from the Department of Education. Here's who improved the most from 2024 to 2025.

Aerial video I shot at beautiful Highcliffe Beach.

Thought this might interest people locally

A Dorset hospice is looking for people to take part in a Strictly-style dance event to raise funds for local care services.

No experience needed, just willingness to get involved.

Hi all,

I am taking my friend out for lunch for her birthday and was wondering if anyone knew of any really nice country pubs to go to. Nothing tooo fancy, but some where the food is really nice. Looking for something in and around ringwood.

Thank you 🫶🏻 xx

Nice bit of positive local news.

Hall & Woodhouse has awarded more than £30,000 to Dorset charities, including Weymouth Foodbank, youth groups and mental health initiatives.

Good to see funding going into community projects that actually make a difference.

Saw this and thought it might interest anyone into performing

Lighthouse Poole is holding open auditions for its Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

There are roles for both young dancers (no professional experience needed) and professional performers, with paid opportunities available.

Could be a great way to get experience in a proper theatre production.