On Sunday 13 September, Dorchester joins thousands of towns across England for Heritage Open Day, the annual nationwide celebration where historic buildings open their doors, hidden places reveal their secrets, and expert-led walks take you somewhere you've never quite seen before. And this year, two of the most compelling walks on the programme start on our Poundbury doorstep, at Pips Café on the Great Field. Both are free, but space is limited, so it's worth booking soonest. Walk 1: The...

In nearly 400 years of Dorchester Town Council, there has never been a female Town Clerk. Until now. Charmaine Denny took up the role earlier this year, and describes it as a real honour, though she's quick to add that the history is only part of it. What matters more to her is the responsibility of serving a town that is, quite literally, home. "Dorchester is my local town and the place where my son goes to school," she says. "Having the opportunity to give something back was a real...

When the Community Association of Poundbury launched just over a year ago, we had five local businesses offering discounts to members. This week, with the arrival of Brace of Butchers as our newest partner, that number reaches eighteen. We hope you'll agree that's not bad for a community association run entirely by volunteers. Although we always welcome donations, Love Poundbury membership is free to join, and it now unlocks discounts and benefits across eighteen local businesses, from food...