THE ICE rink and Christmas bar in Bournemouth will be shut today after warnings of heavy rain across Dorset.

Madness arrived at Bournemouth on their Hits Parade Tour celebrating the recent album release of the same name and featuring 45 songs from the last 45 years.

Tributes have been paid to a former Hampshire MP who has died aged 96

Police are searching for a woman after a toolset and keys were reportedly stolen from a property in Bournemouth during an alleged burglary.

A WEATHER warning has been issued for heavy rain across Dorset today.

As long as music is being played over the airwaves you will hear Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade announcing the start of the festive season.

A scaffolder from Dorchester described the moment he captured strange lights over skies in the county

Bournemouth Recycle receives £500 from Morebus to fund food and care parcels for NHS hospital wards, supporting local charities and reducing landfill waste.

Teddy 20 was created in memory of a ten-year-old Blandford boy, Ted Newton, following a battle with bone cancer.

The fayre raised funds for Lewis Manning Hospice Charity and was supported by a range of stallholders and visitors.

"These arrangements may be amended/extended should works overrun or weather conditions delay operations.

HMRC warns UK taxpayers of over 4,800 self-assessment tax scams since February. Stay vigilant for phishing emails, texts and calls ahead of 31 January deadline.

The scheme aims to address loneliness and isolation during the festive season by inviting guests to enjoy a warm meal and company on Christmas Day.

Former Bournemouth Echo reporter Ben Williets discusses the PC Timothy Brehmer and Claire Parry murder case in Inside The Arrest, airing 19 December on Really.

Bournemouth Pavilion seeks public memorabilia for its centenary archive. Help preserve the iconic Grade II listed theatre’s history and cultural legacy.

Oak Academy sees 1.5% rise in pupil attendance, credited to reward schemes with Vision for Education. Dorset school celebrates student commitment and prizes.

The museum promises dynamic digital experiences, games and activities for older children, making it a day for the whole family.

Drivers warned of A303 delays and diversions near Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice 2024. Parking sold out; use public transport from Salisbury advised.

Merley First School in Wimborne receives new playground road track from Cala Homes, boosting cycling safety skills for pupils and saving over £1,000.

Dinah’s Hollow on Dorset’s C13 will close for 12 months from January 2026 for major landslip prevention works by Dorset Council. Diversions via A350.

Poole Road southbound in Upton will close from January to April 2026 for Dorset Council highway improvements. Diversions and restrictions in place.

The largest single investment will be at the Sandringham Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, which will receive £250,000 to upgrade 90 bedrooms and public areas.

Lovell Homes donates over 50 gifts to children on Kingfisher Ward, Dorset County Hospital, spreading Christmas cheer to young patients and their families.

Aldi expands Too Good To Go scheme in Dorset, allowing shoppers to reserve discounted Christmas food bags up to 5 days early via the app. Reduce food waste.

The coastguard was called to Boscombe pier following reports that someone was struggling in the water.

OWNERS of a yoga studio are excited and grateful after opening their studio in Boscombe, receiving a warm welcome from community.

BCP Council is seeking “clarity” from central government after warning that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole could miss out on a new visitor levy intended to specifically help the local visitor economy.

A REGULAR walk on the beach turned into a “traumatic” experience after a man witnessed a cliff collapse, resulting in the death of his small dog.

A man took his own life after killing his wife after he struggled to cope with her deteriorating condition from suspected Huntingdon’s disease, an inquest heard.

A dog which has been missing for more than a week has been rescued and reunited with its owners

Residents across the New Forest are being urged to check waste and recycling collection dates over the Christmas and New Year.

A much-loved spot for starry-eyed tourists and hardened locals alike, the Quay is a feast for the senses.

An appeal has been lodged after New Forest District Council rejected KONA's Sway Road barn conversion plans in Pennington.

A MAN was reported to have made threats to harm the woman before following her for a short time as she fled the address.

DRIVERS are being urged to report near misses and small collisions to the council to improve safety.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a series of vehicle crimes and an attempted burglary were reported across the Hamworthy area over several days.

A SIXTH person has been arrested under suspicion of murder and burglary after an elderly woman was found dead in her home in Poole.

A TESCO store in Bournemouth is set to reopen this week after being closed for more than a month.

A MAN sexually assaulted a vulnerable lone woman in Christchurch after she was separated from her friend.

An Isle of Wight paedophile was found dead in his Dorset prison cell less than an hour after a routine morning check.

A celebrated Scots poet who 'worshipped the sun' fell from a seaside cliff after being diagnosed with a skin condition which meant he could no longer sunbathe, an inquest heard.

Some coastal areas, alongside footpaths and beach access, will be closed due to the upcoming 'unsettled' weather.

Police are hunting a group of masked men after they stole a teen's bike in Poole.

Take part in the 2026 Big Farmland Bird Count from 6–22 February. Help GWCT and NFU track UK farmland bird species in decline and support biodiversity.

Restored steam engine 30075 debuts at Shillingstone Station, North Dorset Railway, after 10-year restoration. Heritage railway, Project 62, Santa train.

TV chef Philippa Davis visited Longspee Primary Academy in Poole, leading a festive cooking session to inspire pupils and boost their culinary skills.

Bourne Water Dragons, the UK’s first all-cancer survivor dragon boat team, donate hampers to Salvation Army Winton’s Christmas Present Appeal, aiding local families.

Households in phase three will begin receiving their bins in March 2026, with collections under the new service due to start in early May.

Dorset Council launches campaign to stop abuse of highway workers, pledging safety and support while investing £115m in local road improvements.

Complete Smiles opens in Bournemouth, offering dental grants up to £5,000, interest-free finance plans, implants, and restorative dentistry. Free consultations.