Dorset weekly round-up: 4 May - 11 May 2024

Sherborne House, now renamed The Sherborne, was previously used as a school

A Georgian mansion reopening as a new arts venue is among our most read stories this week in Dorset.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Solent and South Today.

We have picked five stories to keep you up to date.

The Sherborne: Dorset mansion reopens as arts venue

The Sherborne is home to a Baroque mural by renowned artist Sir James Thornhill

A Georgian mansion has reopened after a three-year transformation to turn it into an arts venue.

Dorset's 18th Century Sherborne House, renamed The Sherborne, has undergone a multimillion-pound restoration project.

The first exhibition, Housework, celebrates the history of the house and its many links with the arts.

Rare fossils collected over 50 years to be sold

Wolfgang Grulke hopes to find a suitable home for the collection in the next two years

A collector who has amassed thousands of rare fossils that he displays in a private museum is in talks to sell his "cabinet of curiosities".

Wolfgang Grulke has been buying and conserving prehistoric artefacts, which he keeps in a converted barn near Sherborne, Dorset, for 50 years.

Now he wants to find them a new home, before he turns 80 in two years' time.

Beachgoers urged to give seals space

Dorset Wildlife Trust said it was vital people leave the seals in peace

People are being urged to keep their distance from resting seals on the Dorset coast.

The warning from Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) comes after reports of several seals hauling out on beaches in recent weeks.

The charity said with more visitors heading to the coast as the weather warms the seals must be given space to hang out.

Balloon festival promises to improve after complaints

The Dorset Balloon and Music Festival was held on Saturday and Sunday

The organisers of a balloon festival have promised to take criticism on board after attendees complained about long queues, high prices and poor toilet facilities.

Dorset Balloon & Music Festival was held in Dorchester last Saturday and Sunday.

Organisers said they received "thousands" of positive reviews, but some attendees said they queued for up to two hours to get in and others criticised the fact no balloons were launched during the day.

Resort introduces e-cargo bikes to reduce pollution

The new vehicles will run along the coastline between Poole and Bournemouth

Two new pedal assist electric cargo vehicles will be used to carry out essential tasks along a section of coast as part of a push for cleaner air.

They will be deployed to restock catering outlets and replenish washroom facilities along beaches in Poole and Bournemouth.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council used recently acquired government funding to purchase the vehicles.

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