Dorchester Dorset.com Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Dorchester UK’

« Older Entries

Dorchester Bypass improvements

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Tags: , ,
The Highways agency leaflet
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/28216.aspx
Anyone who lives or works in or around Dorchester is acutely aware of the congestion trying to get into the city.  Well things are about to get worse.
Plans for the Dorchester by-pass went on show recently and it confirms that extend and timings of the works.
The two roundabouts to be affected are Weymouth Road and Stinsford roundabout on the A35 Dorchester Bypass.  With work planned to commence 6 September 2010 and aim to finish April 2011.
Local businesses are seeing the development works as a necessary evil.   They understand that the widening and improving the carriageway shall bring disruption at  first but by early 2011 there should be a marked improvement.
If you are looking for more information there is a Highways agency leaflet available.  A35 Weymouth & Stinsford roundabout improvement.
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/documents/A35_leaflet_web_version.pdf
A35 Dorchester Bypass improvements

A35 Dorchester Bypass improvements

Anyone who lives or works in or around Dorchester, Dorset is aware of the congestion trying to get into the town from the bypass during rush hour.  Well, unfortunately things are about to get worse.

Plans for improvements to the Dorchester bypass went on show recently and it confirms the extent and timings of the works.

The two roundabouts to be affected are Weymouth Road and Stinsford roundabout on the A35 Dorchester Bypass. With work planned to commence 6 September 2010 and aim to be finished by April 2011.

Local businesses are seeing the development works as a necessary evil.   They understand that widening and improving the carriageway will bring disruption at  first but by early 2011 there should be a marked improvement.

Road closures are not anticipated during the works and construction traffic will be prohibited from driving through Dorchester.  A 40mph temporary speed limit will be in place throughout construction at both roundabouts to ensure the safety of construction workers and the public.

If you are looking for more information there is a Highways agency leaflet available.  A35 Weymouth & Stinsford roundabout improvement.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in News | No Comments »

Roman Town House, Dorchester

Monday, July 26th, 2010
Tags: , , , , ,
The Romans arrived on our little island in c. AD43.  Since their departure we have slowly and surely been discovering insight into the way they used to live.
A great example of Romano-British urban life is the Roman Town House in Collition Park, Dorchester, Dorset.  Built in c. AD307 it is the only Roman Townhouse visible in Britain and is the best preserved in the country.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Collition+Park+Dorchester&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=20.982131,29.619141&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=County+Hall,+Colliton+Park,+Dorchester,+Dorset+DT1+1XJ,+United+Kingdom&t=h&z=16&iwloc=poi1
Every Wednesday throughout August the Roman Townhouse is opening up to closer inspection.
Donation are welcome
sources;  English Heritage
Roman Town house Dorchester

Roman Town house Dorchester

The Romans arrived on our little island in c. AD43.  Since their departure we have slowly and surely been discovering insight into the way they used to live.

A great example of Romano-British urban life is the Roman Town House in Collition Park, Dorchester, Dorset.  Built in c. AD307 it is the only Roman Townhouse visible in Britain and is the best preserved in the country.

Every Wednesday throughout August the Roman Townhouse is opening up to closer inspection.

This uniuque opportunity takes you inside the building’s protective structure and examine the mosaics and hypocaust and find out a little more about this unique site. The Dorchester Roman Town House will be open from 2.00 to 4.00pm on Wednesday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August and again on the 15 September.

Admission is free. Donations welcome.

Sources:  English Heritage
Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

Thomas Hardy Festival

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
Tags: , ,
Thomas Hardy Statue

Thomas Hardy Statue

The county town of Dorchester will host the Nineteenth International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival from 24th July to 1st August 2010, marking the 170th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Hardy. The popular literary event is organised by The Thomas Hardy Society and attracts Hardy fans from countries including Russia, Japan, Italy and America. The Thomas Hardy Festival brings together academics and enthusiasts who enjoy Hardy’s books and celebrates the enduring global recognition of a man who was very much a local Dorset novelist and poet.

Conference & Festival Programme

The Thomas Hardy society, established in 1968, organises a full schedule of Thomas Hardy events giving both the academic and devotee an opportunity to experience Hardy’s large volume of work through a series of lectures, seminars, musical entertainment, exhibitions, new writings from Wessex, competitions, drama, film, guided walks, coach tours and poetry.

All lectures will take place in the United Church in South Street, Dorchester; other event locations are indicated in the festival programme. The Conference will open at 7pm on 24th July with a Reception at the Thomas Hardye School, Coburg Road, Dorchester. Sir Andrew Motion former Poet Laureate and knighted for his services to literature in 2009 will give a reading of his latest collection of poems, The Cinder Path, as well as references to Hardy’s work. Tickets for the Sir Andrew Motion readings are £10 with £4 concessions for students.

A programme full with varied events to suite everyone

The academic lectures and seminars will be given by renowned scholars who will cover the many different aspects of Hardy’s life and works. There will be ample opportunity to join in discussions with morning lectures and afternoon seminars. Highlights of the festival programme include:

The New Hardy Players – 8pm Sunday 25 July at the United Church

The New Hardy Players will be performing ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ one of Thomas Hardy’s most famous books.

Poet Brian Patten – 8pm Monday 26 July at the United Church

Brian has written numerous adult and children’s poetry collections and is known for his ability to write and perform a mix of serious and humorous work.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

‘Wessex Voices’ – 8pm Tuesday 27 July at the United Church

Entertainment presented by Alan Chedzoy & Jane Chedzoy. Dr Alan Chedzoy is well know in Dorset and beyond for his performances of the writings of Thomas Hardy and recordings of Thomas Hardy poems.

Art Exhibition – 11am – 6pm, 26th – 31st July at Corn Exchange

For art lovers, local artist David Brackston will exhibit paintings, drawings and engravings of places, people and scenes in Hardy’s works in the Magistrates’ Room at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester.  

Walks and tours – Sunday 25th to Friday 30th July

You can enjoy guided walks around the local sites that influenced Thomas Hardy’s work and also coach trips to visit Boscastle in Cornwall, Sherborne and Swanage. Full details on costs and times can be found in the festival schedule.

Society secretary Mike Nixon said in a recent Dorset Echo article “It is truly an international festival. It will also help the local economy. The festival brings people into the town, who stay in hotels and use restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.”

Tickets

Tickets for individual events are available from the Thomas Hardy office, or on the door, or at the Box Office at the United Church (during conference & festival week). Unless otherwise indicated, tickets for lectures are £8, or £15 for 2 lectures. Ticket prices for the main evening events are listed in the festival programme. Free festival programmes are available in the Dorset Echo office in Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Full Conference members are eligible to attend all lectures and entertainments. The Conference Secretary can be contacted on info@hardysociety.org for more details.

We hope you enjoy the magnificent Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival which has been made possible through sponsorship and support from various local organisations including Dorset Echo, Dorchester Town Council, Dorset County Council and ourselves Dorchester BID.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in News | No Comments »

8 reasons to visit Dorchester

Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Tutankhamun Museum

Tutankhamun Museum

10 Reasons to visit Dorchester

With the summer holidays nearly upon us many families are considering where to travel on holiday or perhaps a weekend visit.  Dorchester has an incredibly rich history dating back to pre-historic times.  Ideally situated in the center of the county, Dorchester, is an ideal spot to base yourself to access the rest of the Dorset.
The History of Dorchester
Dorchester’s roots can be traced back to prehistoric times.
Once considered one of the most influential settlements in pre-roman Britain, Maiden Castle (Hill Fort) was the site of the early settlements.
Roman features can still be spotted in the town today.  These include part of the town walls and the remains of a town house near the County Hall. There is also Maumbury Rings, a Roman amphitheatre and Poundbury Hill, another fort.
Dorchester Today
Even if the children will not sit still long enough to learn about this market-town, there are many reasons why you should visit Dorchester.  Here are 10 reasons why you should visit Dorchester.
1)
Maumbury Rings
Maumbury Rings, just off the Weymouth Road, was originally a Neolithic Henge monument from around 2500 BC. It was the Romans who lowered the central area and built up the banks to create an amphitheatre capable of holding 10,000 people.It was used as a cannon emplacement during the Civil War, guarding the town’s southern approaches. Mary Channing was executed here in 1705 for poisoning her husband. She was strangled and burnt.
It seems so peaceful now when the only disturbance is the occasional concert or performance but its long bloody history fascinated Thomas Hardy who witnessed excavations on this site when he was in his sixties. The site is mentioned in his novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Maumbury+Rings.&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=19.805845,34.277344&ie=UTF8&hq=Maumbury+Rings.&hnear=&ll=50.708057,-2.440263&spn=0.002497,0.006228&t=h&z=18

With the summer holidays nearly upon us many families are considering where to travel on holiday or perhaps a weekend visit.  Dorchester has an incredibly rich history dating back to pre-historic times.

Ideally situated in the center of the county, Dorchester, is an ideal spot to base yourself to access the rest of the Dorset.

The History of Dorchester

Dorchester’s roots can be traced back to prehistoric times.   Once considered one of the most influential settlements in pre-roman Britain, Maiden Castle (Hill Fort) was the site of the early settlements.

Roman features can still be spotted in the town today.  These include part of the town walls and the remains of a town house near the County Hall. There is also Maumbury Rings, a Roman amphitheatre and Poundbury Hill, another fort.

Dorchester Today

Even if the children will not sit still long enough to learn about this market-town, there are many reasons why you should visit Dorchester.  Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Dorchester.

View around Maumbury Rings

View around Maumbury Rings

1) Maumbury Rings

Maumbury Rings, just off the Weymouth Road, was originally a Neolithic Henge monument from around 2500 BC. It was the Romans who lowered the central area and built up the banks to create an amphitheatre capable of holding 10,000 people.It was used as a cannon emplacement during the Civil War, guarding the town’s southern approaches. Mary Channing was executed here in 1705 for poisoning her husband. She was strangled and burnt.

It seems so peaceful now when the only disturbance is the occasional concert or performance but its long bloody history fascinated Thomas Hardy who witnessed excavations on this site when he was in his sixties. The site is mentioned in his novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge.  An arial view of the Rings.

2) Terracotta Warriors

The figures Terracotta Warriors Museum, in Dorchester are in all respects identical to the originals having been made near the Emperor’s tomb from the same clay and fired in the same way as the originals.

Tutankhamun Museum

Tutankhamun Museum

3) The Tutankhamun Exhibition

What could be more unexpected in an English county town than to discover an exhibition dedicated to the Ancient Egyptian boy king, Tutankhamun!

4) The Keep, Military Museum

Literally, this is the most spectacular military museum in the South.
The Keep Military museum features computer and digital presentation, realistic battle environments, together with exhibitions and the tales of courage, humour and sacrifice spread over 300 years. A vast array of campaigns is represented and put into a historical context in the video introduction in the bunker. Curios on exhibition include Hitler’s desk!

5) River walk

The river walk can be followed out towards Kingston Maurward by crossing the road at the bottom of High East Street. On the outskirts of Dorchester there are a number of riverside footpaths.

The Dinosaur Museum

The Dinosaur Museum

6) The Dinosaur Museum

Children from a very early age seem fascinated by Dinosaurs. The Dinosaur Museum is a family museum and has frequently appeared on television, usually in children’s programmes such as Blue Peter, the Tweenies and many others.

7) Shopping

With over 400 shops and businesses in the centre of Dorchester there is something to satisfy everyone’s shopping needs. When shopping in Dorchester, you can find a great selection of high street regulars, Dorchester has its own speciality shops that attract people from all over the south west.

8 ) Visit Dorset

Why not Discover our Secrets in Dorchester.  It is a great place to base yourself and ideally located as a hoping off point the rest of the County.  Here are some things that do to and see in Dorset. Remember to book a place to stay in Dorchester.
Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

Mary Portas masterclass

Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Tags:
7th July 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RETAIL GURU COMES TO DORSET
Retail guru Mary Portas, best known for her BBC2 show ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ has put her name to a new range of masterclasses coming soon to The Bournemouth and Poole College.
The retail expert, know for being the ‘saviour’ of top London store Harvey Nichols, has been featured on television sharing her expertise with flagging retails stores. A recent episode featured ‘Cleall’s’ village store in Corfe Castle, where Ms Portas helped the owners turnaround their store from a down market mini-mart convenience shop into a successful chic country store, selling locally produced and sourced foods.
Retailers across Dorset will now be given the opportunity to benefit from the unique series of masterclasses aimed at independent retailers. The ‘Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing’ is being introduced across the UK through the National Skills Academy for Retail and will be available locally via the Retail Skillshop Dorset, managed by The Bournemouth and Poole College.
Launching the new programme Mary Portas said, “Retailing success comes from being brilliant at what you do. I believe that these new masterclasses will help you get there.”
The College is hosting its first masterclass on 13th July at the Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester where attendees will take part in a course on visual merchandising and window displays, aimed at giving their store the ‘Wow factor’ to set them apart from the rest! The course is delivered in association with Phil Gordon at the Dorchester Business Improvement District.
Phil says ” If you are a member of the Dorchester BID you get a subsidy of £75 off the full cost of the session – high profile independent stores have already signed up and a limited number of spaces are still available so don’t miss your chance to take part in the very first Mary Portas Masterclass delivered in Dorset!”
The College will also be hosting additional Mary Portas Masterclasses in October covering all aspects of retailing to help your business increase turnover and profit, improve quality, standards and service and enhance personal confidence.
Julie-Anne Houldey, Director of Marketing at The College added, “One of the things that is apparent from Mary Portas is that retail outlets of any size really need to understand their customers, know the market place, find unique selling points and have a passion for what they do. These new masterclasses will be a fantastic opportunity to help people achieve that, and give them a fighting chance in what is currently a highly volatile consumer market.”
For more information or to book your place please contact The RetailSkillshop Dorset by email retailskillshop@bpc.ac.uk
Ends
For more information contact Central Marketing on 01202 205493
Picture caption: Mary Portas introduces her new range of masterclasses
Mary Portas

Mary Portas

Retail guru Mary Portas, best known for her BBC2 show ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ and her column  in the Saturday Telegraph  has put her name to a new range of masterclasses coming soon to The Bournemouth and Poole College.

Havey Nichols

The retail expert, know for being the ‘saviour’ of top London store Harvey Nichols, has been featured on television sharing her expertise with flagging retails stores. A recent episode featured ‘Cleall’s’ village store in Corfe Castle, where Ms Portas helped the owners turnaround their store from a down market mini-mart convenience shop into a successful chic country store, selling locally produced and sourced foods.

Too good to miss

Retailers across Dorset will now be given the opportunity to benefit from the unique series of masterclasses aimed at independent retailers. The ‘Mary Portas Guide to Successful Retailing’ is being introduced across the UK through the National Skills Academy for Retail and will be available locally via the Retail Skillshop Dorset, managed by The Bournemouth and Poole College.

Launching the new programme Mary Portas said, “Retailing success comes from being brilliant at what you do. I believe that these new masterclasses will help you get there.”

The College is hosting its first masterclass on 13th July at the Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester where attendees will take part in a course on visual merchandising and window displays, aimed at giving their store the ‘Wow factor’ to set them apart from the rest! The course is delivered in association with Phil Gordon at the Dorchester Business Improvement District.

Phil says ” If you are a member of the Dorchester BID you get a subsidy of £75 off the full cost of the session – high profile independent stores have already signed up and a limited number of spaces are still available so don’t miss your chance to take part in the very first Mary Portas Masterclass delivered in Dorset!”

The College will also be hosting additional Mary Portas Masterclasses in October covering all aspects of retailing to help your business increase turnover and profit, improve quality, standards and service and enhance personal confidence.

Julie-Anne Houldey, Director of Marketing at The College added, “One of the things that is apparent from Mary Portas is that retail outlets of any size really need to understand their customers, know the market place, find unique selling points and have a passion for what they do. These new masterclasses will be a fantastic opportunity to help people achieve that, and give them a fighting chance in what is currently a highly volatile consumer market.”

Sign Up

For more information or to book your place please contact The RetailSkillshop Dorset by email retailskillshop@bpc.ac.uk

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in News | No Comments »

Dorchester Dorset – Romeo & Juliet Open Air Theatre

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Tags: , , ,

It’s the hottest driest summer yet and this is proving to be a bonus for village fetes, outdoor concerts and festival organisers in Dorset. Here in Dorchester Dorset there is a special treat in store, the Miracle Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet at Maumbury Rings, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester on Friday 16th July 2010 to Saturday, 17th July 2010.

Romeo & Juliet Open Air Theatre

For the first time in its 30 year history the Miracle Theatre presents Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and during the summer months the company is visiting spectacular ancient sites, gardens, parks and castles bringing the unique and memorable experience of live theatre to people of all ages.

The story is based on William Shakespeare’s popular play about two young lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. With numerous adaptations on stage, film (West Side Story in particular), the names Romeo and Juliet have become an ideal of youthful passion.  The script has been freely adapted and directed by Bill Scott for Miracle Theatre. Known for its daring, innovative and downright funny physical performances, Miracle Theatre Company creates a totally original world full of surprise, imagination and humour found in unexpected places – a production to captivate audiences of all ages.

Miracle Theatre Company

The Miracle Theatre Company is one of Cornwall’s most popular touring theatre companies and is known for creating dynamic and entertaining performances based on Shakespeare’s plays and popular classical works. The company have been delighting audiences since 1979 with their witty comic style performances in open air venues, theatres and art centres around the UK.

Maumbury Rings

Maumbury Rings

Maumbury Rings

Located on Weymouth Avenue in Dorchester Dorset, this spectacular ancient site is a giant Henge monument constructed at least 4500 years ago, probably by the inhabitants of Maiden Castle. Later the Romans adapted the same site creating an amphitheatre capable of holding 10,000 people. Maumbury Rings is still used today as the Romans intended, with occasional outdoor performances and historical re-enactments.

A joint promotion with Dorchester Town Council and a partnership promotion with the South Dorset Ridgeway Festival, this thrilling play starts at 6.30pm and finishes 10.30pm with ticket prices at £11.00 and £9.00 for concessions.

Bring along a chair, blanket, a picnic (bottle of wine!), family and friends and sit back and enjoy a unique evening’s entertainment.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

Dorset Medieval Festival 2010

Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Tags: , , , ,
Dorchester Medieval Festival Living History

Dorchester Medieval Festival Living History

This weekend sees the 2010 Dorset Medieval Festival take place at Winterborne Came, just outside Dorchester. Saturday and Sunsay the 3rd & 4th July 2010 will see medieval battles, jousting and falconry to name but a few of the attractions.

Not far from Maiden Castle, the Came Park site is a wonderful historic setting for an exciting and colourful festival.

The emphasis for this year will once again be on living history, with re-enactors in several encampments showing off traditional craft skills such as cookery, rush-weaving, wool-carding and spinning, net-making and candle-dipping, recreating the sounds and sights of a genuine medieval tented village. The many strolling musicians will add greatly to the atmosphere.

Minstrels, jesters, storytellers and magicians will be entertaining the crowds around the park and also in the tavern, where authentic ales, wines and meads will be available, as will a traditional hog-roast and other culinary delights.

There will also be many traders who will recreate the colourful atmosphere of a noisy medieval market-place. Plus here’s your opportunity to purchase unique gifts of replica medieval jewellery, clothing, furniture, metal-work and many other unusual items.

The visit the historic 14th century church of St Peter’s, Winterborne Came (accessible by footpath only) will also be open and you can visit the place where the Dorset Poet William Barnes was Rector from 1862-1886.

If you fancy making a day of it bring along a picnic – there aren’t many venues better than Came Park to enjoy the sunshine.

Dorset Medieval Festival Opening Times

The Festival opens at 10am on both days and goes on until 6pm on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.

Tickets

The advanced booking facility on this website has now closed, however you can still purchase tickets from the Dorchester Tourism Information Centre, and they will, of course be available on the entrance gate throughout the festival.

Prices

  • Adults (over 15 and under 80 years of age) £10 each day
  • Children (over 4 and under 16 years of age) £6 each day
  • Families: 2 adults and up to 2 children (as defined above) £28.00 each day
  • Under fives and over eighties FREE!

Dogs are welcome at the event – but things might get a bit noisy when the cannons go off!!!

Some of the Visitor Attractions taking place inlcude:-

Jousting

Dorchester Medieval Festival Jousting

Dorchester Medieval Festival Jousting

Destrier was formed in 1996 by a group of re-enactors, historical enthusiasts and horse riders.

Initially the team participated in battle displays to provide cavalry in these large-scale spectacles.

Since then the group has expanded it’s activities in numerous directions and has widened its remit considerably.

Destrier will be displaying their superb horsemanship on both days with spectacular jousting and skill-at-arms demonstrations.

Thisis one spectacle you won’t want to miss!

Skirmishing

Dorchester Medieval Festival Skirmishing

Dorchester Medieval Festival Skirmishing

Pelican-in-her-Piety will challenge other groups in the combat arena, honing their skills with swords, axes, pikes and other fearsome weaponry.

See how the medieveal soldiers took on each other.

Cannon Firing

The big guns will be out this weekend !

Rusty and his formidable band of gunners will be displaying and firing their amazing collection of medieval artillery.

There show represents the development of the cannon throughout the Middle Ages.

(warning – you may wish to cover your ears when the firing takes place!)

Minstrels

Dorchester Medieval Festival Minstrels

Dorchester Medieval Festival Minstrels

Strolling musicians, including Piper John, Gerald of Weston and many others will be recreating the sights and sounds of dancing and music from the middle-ages with authentic instruments and tunes.

In an exciting new development, singer James Findlay will be singing with Fingerz ‘n’ Fretz on the beer tent stage.

The early music duo A Merrie Noyse will perform strolling among the crowd and in the Pavilion tent throughout both days.

Storytelling

Dorset-born Derek Legg will regale audiences with his strange and amusing tales of knights and dragons, Lords and Ladies, and the magic of far-off times and far-away places.

Living History

The Medieval Free Company will have their encampment on site and will give archery and cookery displays, bringing a real flavour of the 15th Century to the Winterborne Valley for the first time in 500 years.

Many other groups will join them to form a magnificent and colourful tented village in Came Park full of the sights, sounds and smells of the Middle Ages.

There will also be displays of archery as the various companies and households challenge each other in the tournament.

Childrens Festival Entertainment

Dorchester Medieval Festival Childrens Entertainment

Childrens Entertainment

There will be a junior have-a-go archery, among many other delights for young lords and ladies.

Fiery Jack the Jester will entertain the crowds with his humour and juggling skills.

The Maestro Leonardo will regularly entertain crowds with his unique blend of medieval magic and slapstic routines.

Medieval Market

At the Medieval market you can buy authentic goods such as jewellery, pottery, clothing, basketware and many other exclusive items of the period.

The Drunken Monk Tavern

The Drunken Monk Tavern

The Drunken Monk Tavern

Licensed Bar, with traditional real ales, including some locally brewed specialities, country wines, cider and mead.

A hearty good time will be had by all!

Traditional Hog Roast

Spit-roasted pig, done to a turn with fresh bread and sauces. Yum, verily, yum!

More information on the Dorset Medieval Festival website.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

200 comments and rising

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Tags: , , ,

The £60 million development of Charles Street that includes the £10.7m new West Dorset District Council office has now received 200 comments.

This development has really polarised opinions within the Dorchester, Dorset.

A final decision will be made by the district council’s development control committee later this year. If plans are approved building work will start in April next year.

Last week Dorchester town councillors voted to recommend the application for refusal at a special planning meeting.
They said it breaks planning policy and the district council, who are funding the plans, had bent the rules.
Objections were also raised over the lack of trees and shrubbery, disabled access and sufficient parking at the site.
About 50 members of the public attended the meeting which saw six town councillors recommend refusal of the application and two abstain.

Last week (w/c 21 June), town councillors voted to recommend the application for refusal at a special planning meeting with concern that the council broke their own planning policy  rules.

Whilst 200 comments seems to be a lot, taken in context of the County it only represents 0.049% of the local population.

We at Dorchester, Dorset are keen to hear your opinions.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | 1 Comment »

Tendering for Public Sector Contracts

Friday, June 25th, 2010
Tags: , , ,
Tendering for Public Sector Contracts
It’s not as scary as it first sounds.  Many small business tender for contracts that, In fact the Government actively encourages it.
Contracts come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be something as straight forward as stationary supplies like Manila envelopes, computer equipment or software, or major construction works like the new Dorchester, Dorset Council office in Charles Street.
http://www.dorchesterdorset.com/blog/uncategorized/the-charles-street-development/
One recent example is the Dorset Police force is looking for “fully managed service of an accommodation vessel“ for the Weymouth 2012 Olympics. This particular contract is worth a staggering £3 million
Have at look at Tenders electronic Daily website.
http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:168978-2010:TEXT:EN:HTML
But let’s catch our breath here.  Most small business might not be able to support that kind of business.
The Business Link website has some excellent information on how to tender for contracts.
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?site=106&r.s=m&r.l1=1073858805&r.lc=en&r.l3=1073900012&r.l2=1073859164&topicId=1073900012&r.i=1073790708&r.t=RESOURCES
Tendering for contracts

Tendering for contracts

Tendering for public sector contracts is not as scary as it first sounds.  Many small business tender for contracts that, In fact the Government actively encourages it.

Public sector contracts come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be something as straight forward as stationary supplies like Manila envelopes, computer equipment or software, or major construction works like the new Dorchester, Dorset Council office,  Charles Street development.

One recent example is the Dorset Police force is looking for “fully managed service of an accommodation vessel“ for the Weymouth 2012 Olympics. This particular contract is worth a staggering £3 million

Have at look at Tenders electronic Daily website.

But let’s catch our breath here.  Most small business might not be able to support that kind of business.

The Business Link website has some excellent information on how to tender for contracts.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

Dorchester Carnival

Friday, June 18th, 2010
Tags: ,
Dorchester Carnival http://www.dorchestercarnival.co.uk/ (559)
The world cup has got us all flag-waving and in a party mood. Add to that the great settled weather we’re enjoying and this year’s annual Dorchester Carnival, taking place on the 16th to 19th June, should be one of the best ever. We all love the traditional carnival; they bring back special memories with great family entertainment for all ages. The Carnival is organised by Dorchester Round Table and other voluntary organisations. This fantastic fundraiser brings in thousands of pounds every year for local children’s charities and good causes. There are plenty of festivities to keep you entertained over the four days, be it partying in the park, 4 legged pub race, street fair, funfair or the vibrant grand procession.
Party in the Park, Wednesday 16 June 6pm to 9.30pm
You can’t beat a Party in the Park in the delightful Borough Gardens, where you can sit back enjoy the warm weather, listen to the fountains and soak up the atmosphere. Sit down to a picnic while listening to the entertainment and music provided by local schools and groups and it promises to be an enjoyable evening. There is plenty to keep the younger audience busy with a bouncy castle and sideshows. You can also buy BBQ food and there is a bar on hand to quench your thirst.
4 Legged Pub Race, Thursday 17 June
The hilarious 4 Legged Pub Race starts at 7pm commencing at the Blue Raddle pub. You can take delight in watching teams of three, many in fancy dress, hobble or race to six of Dorchester town centre pubs in the hope of winning the prestigious Dorchester Carnival Pub Race Trophy. The £12 entry fee goes straight to the Carnival charities and the participating pubs have generously donated the free half pint or soft drink that each team member needs to drink at each venue. It promises to be great fun for both the participants and their supporters.
Street Fair & Music in South Street Saturday 19 June
Dorchester’s South Street will be packed with tempting and interesting colourful stalls from 9am to 1pm. You can sample the live music all day on the specially erected stage at the south end of South Street with the grand procession taking place at 6pm.
Grand Procession Saturday 19th 6pm
Enjoy watching the colourful and inventive local business floats and the multitude of playgroups, playschools, individuals, Guides/Scouts and clubs as they weave their way around Dorchester Town whilst marching to the beat of the background music. Cheer the newly crowned Dorchester Carnival Queen and remember to bring change for the rattling buckets.
Wynn’s Funfair Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th June
The Dorchester Carnival would not be the same without the traditional funfair. Pop along to Wynn’s Funfair at the Dorchester Market Car Park and enjoy the sounds, thrills and excitement with all rides just £1 on the opening night of Thursday 17th June.
Sponsors
It would not be possible to run the Dorchester Carnival without the support of voluntary organizations and in particular sponsorship from local Dorchester businesses. This year’s main sponsor is Magna Housing Association with support from Wessex FM 96 & 97.2.  Wynn’s Funfair also opens their rides specially for children from a number of local special needs schools in Dorchester.
Thank you for supporting the Dorchester Carnival, an important fundraiser for localities.
Carnival Band

Carnival Band

The world cup has got us all flag-waving and in a party mood. Add to that the great settled weather we’re enjoying and this year’s annual Dorchester Carnival should be one of the best ever. We all love the traditional carnival; they bring back special memories with great family entertainment for all ages.

The Carnival is organised by Dorchester Round Table and other voluntary organisations. This fantastic fundraiser brings in thousands of pounds every year for local children’s charities and good causes. There have been plenty of festivities to keep everyone entertained over the four days, be it partying in the park, 4 legged pub race, street fair, funfair or the vibrant grand procession.

Street Fair & Music in South Street Saturday 19 June

Dorchester’s South Street will be packed with tempting and interesting colourful stalls from 9am to 1pm tomorrow.

You can sample the live music all day on the specially erected stage at the south end of South Street with the grand procession taking place at 6pm.

Grand Procession Saturday 19th 6pm

Enjoy watching the colourful and inventive local business floats and the multitude of playgroups, playschools, individuals, Guides/Scouts and clubs as they weave their way around Dorchester Town whilst marching to the beat of the background music.

Cheer the newly crowned Dorchester Carnival Queen and remember to bring change for the rattling buckets.

Wynn’s Funfair Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th June

The Dorchester Carnival would not be the same without the traditional funfair.

Pop along to Wynn’s Funfair at the Dorchester Market Car Park and enjoy the sounds, thrills and excitement.

Sponsors

It would not be possible to run the Dorchester Carnival without the support of voluntary organizations and in particular sponsorship from local Dorchester businesses.

This year’s main sponsor is Magna Housing Association with support from Wessex FM 96 & 97.2.  Wynn’s Funfair also opens their rides specially for children from a number of local special needs schools in Dorchester.

Thank you for supporting the Dorchester Carnival, an important fundraiser for local charities.

Social Bookmarks
[del.icio.us] [Digg] [Facebook] [Google] [LinkedIn] [Technorati] [Twitter]

Posted in General | No Comments »

« Older Entries