Purbeck Gazette

Chair of the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, Andy Willis

Dragons’ Den contest for NHS ideas in Dorset

THE public is being asked to help select ideas to improve NHS care. Ideas have been suggested by staff at…

Stargazing survey

Get star counting this month for Dorset-wide survey!

STARGAZERS are being urged to help record how clear the skies of Dorset are. Between February 17 and 24, the…

Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Snow Moon – how you can see the full moon and more this week

ANYONE who looked up to the skies on Sunday might have noticed a very bright – and full -…

CLOTHES shop M&Co is closing all of its stores - including in Shaftesbury, Blandford, Christchurch and Warminster. The chain has announced all 170 outlets will shut this spring, with around 2,000 jobs set to go. M&Co went into administration at the end of last year and has been bought by AK Retail Holdings - owner of plus-size firm Yours Clothing - in a deal which didn't include the premises. Posts by various stores on Facebook announced the closures. They said: "Unfortunately we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you. "As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close." M&Co was initially called Mackays after being established in Scotland in 1834.

M&Co to close stores – including Shaftesbury and Blandford

CLOTHES shop M&Co is closing all of its stores – including in Shaftesbury, Blandford, Christchurch and Warminster. The chain has…

Photo: SWASFT

999 advice issued as NHS walkouts continue

PEOPLE should only call 999 in ‘life-threatening’ or ‘life-altering’ emergencies during NHS walkouts this week. The South Western Ambulance Service…

Abyss Film

Classic films in all their glory

By Lorraine Gibson. AN eclectic feast of classic films on 35mm film is coming to The Regent in Christchurch as…

Carer Eliza Atyeo looked after her father after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer

‘Carer figures don’t tell whole story’

THE number of unpaid carers in Dorset fell between 2011 and 2021 according to Census data released this month. The…

Alan Greatbatch at Corfe Castle station signal box PHOTO: Andrew pm Wright

Heritage line stalwart Alan calls it a day

A volunteer who set up Swanage Railway’s first signalling school – and helped ensure the safe operation of its…

The Great Dorset Chilli Festival

Chilli festival announces return – and plea for foodies to get growing!

THE Great Dorset Chilli Festival has announced a return for 2023. The event will take place at the Stock Gaylard…

Oily fish is particularly suited to air fryer cooking. Photo: Malidate Van/ www.pexels.com

How to get the most out of your air fryer

It seems like everyone loves an air fryer right now – and if you’re interested in exactly how much…