Bournemouth Echo
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:35:00 +0000Looking back at Little Chef's heyday - how many of these locations did you visit?
A British caravan manufacturer, Sam Alper, came back from a trip to America in 1958 complete with an idea that would transform the British roadside for good.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Swans appeal to public to assist in plans for 3G pitch
Swanage Town and Herston FC are appealing for the public’s help as they aim to transform their home ground at Days Park with a new 3G pitch.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bournemouth and Poole ranked among the best big towns in Britain
Bournemouth and Poole have ranked among the best big towns in Britain according to a list from The Telegraph
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +00006 pets at RSPCA Dorset who are on the lookout for loving new homes
A number of pets at Dorset RSPCA branches in Ashley Heath and Dorchester are looking to find loving new homes.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Dorset Parky Striders walk their way to national recognition
Dorset Parky Striders, a walking football team for people with Parkinson's, win Team of the Year at The Walking Football Association's 2025 Grass Roots Awards.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:16:28 +0000Horror as fire tears through family home with five taken to hospital
A grandfather has spoken of the “horror film” moment he tried to reach his trapped grandchildren in a blazing bedroom and of the “incredible” response from emergency services and the local community as his family begins to rebuild their lives
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:09:00 +0000Man takes on 2,000 burpee challenge to break stigma around mental health
A man is planning to complete 2,000 burpees in the town centre to raise money for a mental health charity and encourage others to speak out.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:31:00 +0000'Every day is a gift': Family seeks support as baby battles life-limiting conditions
A family is calling on support from the public as their daughter battles multiple life-limiting medical conditions.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:52:17 +0000UK's biggest bird of prey spotted soaring over the New Forest
The UK's biggest bird of prey has been spotted soaring over the New Forest.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:51:04 +0000Parents hit by hidden free childcare term date rule before half term
Parents expecting free childcare this February half term could face hundreds in extra fees. One mum reveals how a three month gap cost her thousands.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:36:33 +0000Controversial Tesco store plan approved despite claims it will ‘ruin’ village
Controversial plans for a new Tesco store in a seaside village which were flooded with hundreds of objections have been given the go ahead.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Youth marching band 'delighted and honoured' to star with international popstar
Bournemouth Youth Marching Band stars in Mika’s new Excuses for Love music video, filmed in Kent. Dorset youth charity to join Mika at French Music Awards.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000Bournemouth University calls for Government to act faster on autism diagnosis
Bournemouth University study urges Government action for faster autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support to reduce suicide risk in autistic people.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Going for gold as care home residents let their own Winter Olympic games begin
Colten Care homes across southern England host Winter Olympics-themed activities, bringing fun, games, and community spirit to care home residents.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000NHS Dorset brings maternity and children’s health advice together for families
Healthier Together website in Dorset offers trusted NHS maternity advice, pregnancy support, and child health guidance for parents and carers.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Groundbreaking partnership to launch Dorset's first Netball Centre of Excellence
Bryanston School and London Pulse launch the South’s first Netball Centre of Excellence to develop young talent, boost elite coaching, and inspire girls’ sport.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bournemouth and Poole College sell out ‘Apprenticeships Unlocked’ event
Over 2,000 attended Bournemouth and Poole College’s Apprenticeships Unlocked event, connecting jobseekers with employers ahead of National Apprenticeship Week.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Poole storage facility run by family-owned business plans to expand by a third
Store & Secure in Hamworthy, Poole, invests £500,000 to expand self-storage facility, adding hundreds of new units to meet rising demand from local businesses.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Unique feature show coming to Dorset cinemas from British comedian James Acaster
James Acaster’s new stand-up experience, "Cinemagoers Welcome", hits 400+ UK cinemas from 6 March. Book tickets for this unique British comedy event now.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Arts centre celebrates ‘invaluable’ milestone and earns national recognition
Lighthouse Poole celebrates 25 years of Investors in People accreditation, recognising excellence in workplace culture, staff wellbeing, and community impact.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Well-known British artist honoured with exhibition in Dorset
Discover Lucian Freud’s etchings at Poole Museum from 14 Feb 2026. Free V&A touring exhibition explores Freud’s printmaking and Dorset connections.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Dorset-based housebuilder reports more home completions despite weak market
Barratt David Wilson Homes reports a 4.7% rise in home completions, steady profits, and progress on Redrow integration, with Dorset sites under construction.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Hundreds of women take to the sea for The Big Swim
Hundreds of women will make a splash next month for a major sea swim event to mark International Women's Day.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Acclaimed comedian and writer brings new comedy tour to Swanage this November
QI and Live at The Apollo star Cally Beaton brings her acclaimed Namaste Motherf*ckers comedy tour to Swanage’s Mowlem, 19 November 2026. Book tickets online.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000'Abhorrent': BCP Green Party disappointed over planned RNLI protest
The Green Party is “deeply disappointed” over planned protest this weekend targeting the RNLI in Poole.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bournemouth Water launches new fund to support businesses in saving water
Bournemouth Water launches Water Efficiency Business Innovation Fund, offering up to £15,000 for UK firms with water-saving projects and conservation ideas.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bournemouth band Green Isaac to play first live show in over 10 years in Poole
Bournemouth band Green Isaac to perform first gig in over 10 years, headlining Lighthouse Poole’s Live and Unheard in March. Tickets at lighthousepoole.co.uk.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Vehicle showcase returns for an exciting 2026 for car enthusiasts
Beaulieu’s 2026 Simply Rallies calendar features new Drive-It Day, classic car shows, and themed rallies for VW, Porsche, Ford, French, Audi, and BMW.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Dorset solicitors warn of approaching inheritance tax deadline in April
Business owners urged to review inheritance tax plans as Business Property Relief changes from April 2026. New £2.5m threshold for 100% IHT relief.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Nature recovery project aims to protect New Forest bats and their habitats
The New Forest National Park Authority leads a £1.3m Species Survival Fund project to boost bat habitats, biodiversity and conservation across the New Forest.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Yes bring their UK Fragile Tour 2026 to Bournemouth Pavillion this April
Yes announce 2026 UK Fragile tour, performing the classic 1971 album in full. Steve Howe leads iconic prog rock band with Roger Dean art exhibition.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Get adventurous this February half-term at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction
Enjoy half term family fun at The Tank Museum, Bovington, with scavenger hunts, coding robots, and indoor activities. Annual passes and discounts available.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000This Valentine’s Day, find your paw-fect match with Channel 4’s The Dog House
Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated The Dog House seeks UK dog lovers considering adopting a rescue dog. Apply now to star and help rescue dogs find loving homes.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bournemouth gearing up to host the Carnival of Alternative Politics in Boscombe
Bournemouth hosts its first Carnival of Alternative Politics on Saturday, featuring debates, speakers Guy Doza, Alex Klaushofer, Lewis Baston, and contests.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Young prodigy qualifies for two junior world golf championships in USA and Spain
Broadstone’s Luc Taylor, age 12, wins US Kids New Zealand Golf Championship and qualifies for world junior golf events in Pinehurst and Malaga.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000'Next election should be about us rejoining the EU'
Regular letter writer, Geoffrey Brooking, must now be hard pressed to inform you, that the Prime Minster and his Labour government are doing really well.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Bus firm looking for the 'best of the best' to join engineering teams
Morebus, part of Go-Ahead Group, is recruiting apprentices for its engineering scheme in the UK, offering hands-on training in zero-emission bus technology.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Study reveals ancient hunter-gatherers adopted farming from migrant women
Ancient DNA reveals hunter-gatherers in north-western Europe, including the Netherlands and Belgium, adopted farming slowly, influenced by female migrants.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000Battery collections to end as new waste strategy approved
Plans to cut the amount of waste in BCP and end kerbside battery collection has been approved by full council.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium to host Elevate business trade show
Home to the Cherries, Vitality Stadium is set to host an 'insight driven' trade show in 2026.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 +0000Reverend Richard Coles steals the show at Bournemouth Pavilion
Reverend Richard Coles entertained legal professionals at the Bournemouth & District Law Society annual lunch, sharing stories from music, TV and clergy life.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000'Thriving community garden initiative' recognised at Wimborne Gardening Club
Wimborne Gardening Club hosts Jane Bensen’s talk on community gardening, announces Spring Show on 11 April and RHS Wisley outing. Next meeting: 2 March 2026.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Men dominated drink driving offences last year across BCP and Dorset
Men had more than three and a half more driving offences in 2025 than women, according to a Dorset Police FOI.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Plans for block of flats approved without need for new NHS facilites
A £24million major housing development in Bournemouth has been approved to progress without agreement with NHS for a clinic.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Dorset Council announces £50m highways scheme for roads
A new record highways funding scheme will make just under £50millon available for Dorset’s roads.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000School confirms planned redundancies, blames 'low birth rates'
A SCHOOL has confirmed it will be making a number of redundancies, blaming "low birth rates" among a list of reasons.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000New Dorset brewery ready for business later this year
A NEW brewery in Dorset is set to pour its first pint later this year.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Dozens of 'filthy' dogs rescued from one home
Dozens of dogs have been rescued from extreme conditions in a major animal welfare operation between the RSPCA and the Margaret Green animal rescue charity.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Bournemouth hospital wards to get a rebrand
Wards at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) will undergo name changes from next month.
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000Winton health centre set to reopen after £1.2 million investment
After a £1.2m overhaul, a once-closed health centre is preparing to welcome patients back through its doors again.