dorset

Sophie CridlandSouth of EnglandBBCAbout 20 of John Inman's pantomime dame costumes are now owned by Weymouth pantomime dame Jamie RidingA larger than life wig, more make up than you feel comfortable in and a big frilly dress are what makes a traditional pantomime dame.The comedic character is traditionally a male in drag and the late actor, John Inman, played the dame many times.Some of the Are You Being Served? TV legend's costumes have been handed down to the…

Trevor BevinsLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLDRSKingston Maurward House has been described as "a fine example of a Georgian English country housePlans to use a synthetic covering to repair the roof of a Grade 1 listed manor house "would cause harm" to the building's historic status, experts have said. The agricultural college based at Kingston Maurward House, near Dorchester in Dorset, has applied to replace a flat roof to prevent leaks.But Historic England said the materials proposed would be "not…

Beach chalets and pedalos at a popular seaside resort will not be making a return in 2026, following an "emotional decision" by the family that runs them.The facilities at Weymouth, Dorset, have been run by the same family since the early 1960s but they say the seasonal businesses has become increasingly unsustainable.Weymouth Town Council said the lease had been due to run until 2029 but councillors had agreed a request to end it early and would consider future…

Work to fix the leaking roof of a seaside theatre is set to begin in January following a fundraising campaign.The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage, Dorset, started a six-week appeal in October to raise £10,000 to fix the flat roof.Executive director Kate McGregor said it had exceeded its target, with money donated from people all over the UK."It's galvanised the community and shown us how important the Mowlem is to residents and visitors," she said.The theatre said its programme…

When you think of orchestral performances, you might picture musicians dressed in tuxedos on a grand stage, before rows of people in the audience. But the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is stepping away from the stereotype to bring its music into the community.Members have taken to a slightly smaller stage than they are used to, performing for Christmas shoppers at Boscombe's Sovereign shopping centre in Dorset.It is part of a community outreach programme to share its music with…

Chiltern RailwaysTrain services will finish earlier than usual on Christmas EveTimetable changes will affect travel across the south during the festive period, with most services on land and sea reduced on and around Christmas Day.South Western RailwayTrain services across the network will end earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, and will not run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.Major engineering work to tracks, switches and crossings, signalling systems, and electrical supplies, will take place between London Waterloo and…

Pritti MistryBusiness reporterLushMost companies and bosses would squirm at the idea of being called "woke" and may even regard it as an insult. But not Mark Constantine. Lush's outspoken co-founder and chief executive wears it like a badge of honour and is not ashamed of turning it into a business philosophy.The firm is renowned for putting activism at the heart of its bright bath bombs business, tackling a range of issues from trans rights to police accountability.The 73-year-old…

An NHS trust has bought the land next to a hospital from a council to temporarily use as additional parking. University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has bought the land adjoining the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site, called Wessex Fields.Other plans for the land include a possible site for generating geothermal energy, homes for key workers, and an education and research centre.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council deputy leader and cabinet member for finance Mike Cox said the sale was a…

Curtis LancasterPoundbury, DorsetBBC"There are streets full of decorations," say the residentsAn experimental town in Dorset and a passion project of King Charles III has long been a lightning rod for criticism.Since construction began at Poundbury, on the outskirts of Dorchester, in 1993, architects and commentators have taken aim at its neo-Georgian façades and detailed design rules, dismissing it as "soulless" and a "toy town".Last month those debates resurfaced after it was widely reported that Grand Designs tv presenter…