Dorset Lieutenancy

26/08/2026

“The spotlight may find one person, but the foundations were laid by many”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, discusses lessons in teamwork in his August column in Dorset Magazine.

In the column, the Lord-Lieutenant reflects on watching an inspiring display of teamwork at the recent Knight Frank Schools Triathlon at Bryanston School.

The Lord-Lieutenant also references Dorset Community Foundation as a prime example of an organisation embodying team spirit. The charity connects local people to local causes, awarding grants to support voluntary and community groups and individuals.

Read the full Dorset Ramblings column on the Dorset Lieutenancy website: https://dorsetlieutenancy.org.uk/lessons-in-teamwork/

24/08/2026

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant, The Hon Mrs Charlotte Townshend DL and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Dr Helena Conibear DL, joined Future Roots last month at its base at Rylands Farm, Holnest, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

The anniversary brought former youth, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters together for a special reunion, including around 150 former young people who first came to Future Roots as children.

The event included an awards ceremony recognising achievements from this year’s cohort.

At the event, the launch of a new four-year National Lottery-funded programme was announced – Nurture Through Nature – supporting children aged 8 to 13 and their families through early intervention.

The Dorset Lieutenancy was honoured to join in celebrations for Future Roots’ 20 years of invaluable work. The charity continues to show the impact that having the right support at the right time can make.

Future Roots is a youth charity, using farming, nature, and long-term mentoring to provide support to children and young people.

20/08/2026

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, attended Dorset Chamber’s Board and Ambassador Breakfast at The Green House Hotel in Bournemouth last month.

Dorset Chamber’s Board members, Ambassadors and Future Leaders Committee had the chance to connect and share ideas as part of an event with smoothies, pastries, and plenty of opportunities for invaluable networking.

The breakfast was a great example of Dorset’s business community coming together, with established and emerging leaders looking ahead to the future of local business.

As a non-profit membership organisation, Dorset Chamber connects and supports businesses across the county through events, networking, and representation.

18/08/2026

This past weekend marked Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, which commemorates the end of the Second World War.

The anniversary serves as an opportunity to remember the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of all those who served in the Far East, alongside their families and communities whose lives were forever changed by the conflict.

The Dorset Lieutenancy honours the service of those from the county and beyond and remains committed to preserving their legacy for generations to come.

On this day 81 years ago Victory in Japan day was commemorated, effectively ending the Second World War.

Europe had celebrated months earlier, while British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces in the Far East continued the fight, suffering terrible losses. After almost six years of the most destructive war in history, peace could at last be celebrated, and preparations made to return home, with Allied prisoners of war liberated and repatriated after their appalling experiences.

Join us in remembering the service and sacrifice of all involved in the Far East, without whom the freedoms we enjoy today would not have been possible.

We will remember them.

18/08/2026

The Dorset Lieutenancy is pleased to mark the occasion of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal’s birthday over the weekend.

We join the Royal Family and people across the United Kingdom in recognising this special day, and send our best wishes to Her Royal Highness.

A very happy birthday to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal!

Our President, Princess Anne, has shown unwavering support for unpaid carers for many years ❤️

11/08/2026

David Jenkins DL represented His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, at the NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day Flag Raising Ceremony last month.

The event at County Hall, Dorchester, gathered representatives from across the NHS, social care, emergency services and voluntary organisations. Together and joined by members of the wider Dorset community, they reflected on the invaluable contribution of frontline workers across the county.

The NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day flag was raised during the ceremony, followed by a one-minute silence, three cheers from the Chair of Council, and the national anthem.

The Dorset Lieutenancy feels privileged to be represented at this occasion and continues to recognise the remarkable service of frontline workers and organisations that help keep our communities safe and healthy.

03/08/2026

Deputy Lieutenant Russell Lucas Rowe, The High Sheriff of Dorset Dr Helena Conibear DL, and Ed Morello MP were honoured to represent the Dorset Lieutenancy earlier this month, at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the twinning between Lyme Regis and St George's, Bermuda.

The special occasion welcomed a delegation from Bermuda and featured the unveiling of a commemorative stone. A procession through the historic town to the Cobb followed, where addresses given reflected on the enduring friendship between the two communities.

The anniversary celebrated three decades of twinning, while honouring the shared heritage and historic links that continue to connect Lyme Regis and St George's.

31/07/2026

Deputy Lieutenant Russell Lucas Rowe, the High Sheriff of Dorset Dr Helena Conibear DL, and Edward Morello MP were honoured to represent the Dorset Lieutenancy earlier this month, at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the twinning between Lyme Regis and St George's, Bermuda.

The special occasion welcomed a delegation from Bermuda and featured the unveiling of a commemorative stone. A procession through the historic town to the Cobb followed, where addresses given reflected on the enduring friendship between the two communities.

The anniversary celebrated three decades of twinning, while honouring the shared heritage and historic links that continue to connect Lyme Regis and St George's.

17/07/2026

Their Majesties The King and Queen visited Dorset yesterday, 16th July 2026, meeting communities and organisations from across the county. 

The King and Queen began at Hall & Woodhouse in Blandford Forum, marking the brewery’s 250th anniversary, before being welcomed by thousands of well-wishers in the town. At the newly refurbished Corn Exchange, Their Majesties met representatives from a number of Dorset charities and organisations.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, The Hon Mrs Charlotte Townshend, represented the Lieutenancy throughout the day.

Thank you to all the charities, organisations and people of Blandford Forum who came together to make this such a special day for Dorset.

17/07/2026

Today, The Dorset Lieutenancy is pleased to send warm birthday wishes to Her Majesty The Queen, joining others across the country in marking the occasion.

We thank Her Majesty for her time visiting us in Dorset yesterday, and we all wish her a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday to The Queen! 🎊

Her Majesty has marked her birthday with a renewed commitment to supporting children’s literacy, with the announcement that every Year 6 and P6 child across the UK will be gifted a special edition of the bestselling book ‘Impossible Creatures’ by award-winning author Katherine Rundell, this Christmas.

📚 Led by the National Literacy Trust, of which The Queen is Patron, the programme celebrates the National Year of Reading 2026.

📷 Chris Jackson / Getty