Beloved broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who lived in the New Forest, has said she felt "deprived of choice" in a posthumous note released by her family.

Judi Dench has thrown her support behind plans for a new woodland theatre in the New Forest, which organisers hope will welcome its first audiences next summer.

A bookshop visit once promised more than just a purchase.

FAMILIES of residents at a dementia care home say they have been left scrambling to find alternative accommodation after being given just weeks to move their loved ones out.

Dorset MP Vikki Slade urges an emergency cost-of-living package, including a hospitality VAT cut, as 865 businesses close and high streets struggle in 2026.

Rowan Atkinson discusses Mr Bean, Jacques Tati and Mr Hulot’s Holiday at Dorset’s Purbeck Film Festival, ahead of his return to the London stage next year.

A rare 2009 Blue Peter London 2012 Olympic Games 50p coin has fetched £160 on eBay after attracting 15 bids, selling for more than 300 times its face value.

A hotel is set to reopen after being evacuated due to structural damage in one of its guest rooms.

Vehicle cloning hits record high as more than 11,400 motorists contest fines for offences committed by fraudsters on cloned number plates.

Chios Airport on Chios, Greece’s fifth-biggest island, will be closing down for four months, with all flights suspended.

Anyone approaching the end of a fixed-rate mortgage should consider their options early, experts have said.

UK homeowners could face council fines and £5,000 fines over weeds, long grass and vermin.

Mortgage rejections are rising despite looser lending rules. Experts explain six reasons applications fail and what to do if your mortgage is declined.

Drivers will soon be given new rights so they can avoid "unfair" fines over £100 for making common mistakes in private car parks across the UK.

Martin Lewis has told homeowners whose mortgage deal ends within a year to act six months in advance. Find out how booking a fixed rate early could help.

Plans to build 49 homes on green belt land beside Hollybush Farm in Hordle have been submitted to New Forest District Council.

Strong winds are expected to cause disruption and potential damage across Dorset later this week after a weather warning was issued.

Heavy traffic along the A338 after reports of a crash - updates to follow.

Ringwood’s Janet Barton, 82, walked 25,000 steps from Sandbanks to Boscombe Pier on October 3, raising over £400 for Plants and Minds’ Chestnut Nursery.

The Tank Museum in Bovington secures a rare Swedish engine and gearbox loan, bringing King Tiger V2 closer to running again as restoration donations continue.

Canford School has officially opened its new College and Residences, marking a significant investment in the future of post-16 education in Dorset.

Dorset's Monkey World near Wareham named fifth-best UK 'zoo' in a visitor review ranking, with 4.68 stars from more than 13,000 Google reviews.

Spill the Beans, based in Wimborne, will mark its 50th anniversary in November with talks, tastings, and the release of an updated edition of its cookbook.

In Dorset, Aspire Adoption is using National Adoption Week to raise awareness and is encouraging more people to consider adoption.

Greendale Construction raised 4,685 for Elsie’s Rose, a Dorset charity supporting bereaved parents and families of children receiving end-of-life care.

The Horne Section: Six Absolute Helmets will be performed at Lighthouse Poole on Thursday, February 25, 2027, at 8pm.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest will host an illuminated trail through the woods alongside spooky family activities, crafts and themed food.

New Milton Town Council is inviting people to participate in their annual Plant a Tree Initiative

A care home has created a poppy wreath for the upcoming Remembrance service with the help of some special guests.

Kings Park Care Home in Ferndown has been named a finalist for the Care Home Team Award in the South West region at The Great British Care Awards 2026.

Nine days until the Budget on 28 October. Nine days to make sure hospitality’s voice reaches the people making the decisions. This week I’m up in London for the push with one clear message: VAT in line with Europe.

For 34-year-old James Toffali, every piano key marks another step towards rebuilding his life.

Pupils at a New Forest school helped bring a new wildflower meadow to life during a hands-on environmental project

Christchurch Town Council has backed plans for the Shakespeare Shout to return in 2027 and beyond, following the success of the first event earlier this year.

Bournemouth’s Diwali Mela takes place on November 14 at St Francis Church, Charminster, featuring Indian food, music, crafts and entertainment. Tickets £3.

Residents claim campervans parked on Bournemouth's overcliff are untaxed and unroadworthy, but a councillor says most vehicles are compliant.

Broadstone Players present Hoovering at the Edge in Dorset from November 18 to November 21, with comedy and drama at Broadstone War Memorial Hall. Tickets £10.

The Wiggles’ Sparkle! BIG SHOW will arrive at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on Thursday, March 25, 2027, as part of a UK and Ireland tour.

Fordingbridge’s award-winning community refill shop, The Green Gram, has awarded grants totalling £1,478 to seven organisations as part of its grant funding

Boscombe Salvation Army Band celebrates its 140th anniversary with Black Dyke Band at a special Bournemouth concert on November 7, supporting its Christian mission.

Christchurch Community Partnership receives £1,000 Care South grant to tackle loneliness among older people through lunch clubs, exercise and meet-ups.

Dorset’s Lewis-Manning Hospice Care receives £7,899 from NFU Mutual Bournemouth to transform wellbeing garden into peaceful sanctuary for patients and families.

Tony Bernard of the Steve Bernard Foundation Joins Agent Nouveau's Networking Breakfast in Westbourne, Tuesday 10th November, 8am–10am

Outage issues on the Lloyds Banking app began being reported on Tuesday, October 20, with reports rising on Downdetector

Officers are searching for a Mercedes GLA with front-end damage after a 66-year-old motorcyclist from Gosport died in a collision on the M27.

Jimmy Carr brings new Killing Jokes comedy show to Lighthouse Poole in Dorset on April 10, with 7pm and 9.30pm performances. Tickets on sale October 23.

King Charles III has stripped 15 people of honours so far in 2026 - check the full list here.

A man who was wanted on a warrant after failing to appear at court on three occasions has been arrested

Bournemouth’s Pier Approach Swimming Baths hosted Aqua Shows, high divers and Aquabelles from 1937 until the final performance in 1984.

Bournemouth’s Bobby’s department store opened in May 1915 and became Debenhams in 1972. Share your memories, stories and photos.