Joanna O'Donnell

Weymouth

Assistant Editor at Dorset Echo

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Articles

The popular paddling pool that is greatly missed in Dorset town

1 week ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

It's the ever popular paddling pool in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester. It was made from a Second World War storage tank! Many people living in the county town have happy memories of playing in the water at the paddling pool. One reader said: "I was born in Dorchester and I remember the paddling pool well, I had so many happy hours there." This picture above of an idyllic summer's day at the pool was praised by another reader.
Probate notice published following death of Weymouth woman

1 week ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

It is for Margaret Florence Martin of St George's Avenue, Weymouth, DT4 7TU. She died on February 12. Under Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 anyone who has a claim against this estate should write with details before September 8, 2025. When the personal representatives distribute the estate after that date, they only have to take account of claims which they have received by then and will not be liable to any person of whose claim or interest they shall not by then have had notice.
West Dorset village's former manor house on market at £4m

1 week ago | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

A WEST Dorset village's former manor house is on the market with a guide price of £4m. The Old Rectory in Chantry Street, Netherbury, was once the village manor house but was acquired by the church and then sold in 1927, with the current owners taking occupation in 1994. The Grade II-listed house boasts 'outstanding gardens', estate agents Savills say. The house has predominantly stone walls under a slate roof and it is likely that the oldest parts date back to the late 16th/early 17th century.
The history of one of the most admired cottages in seaside town

1 week ago | bridportnews.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

This charming old cottage is one of the most admired old buildings in Lyme Regis (Image: Rustic Photos) THIS lovely old cottage is one of the most admired buildings in Lyme Regis. Library Cottage has seen an incredible amount of the west Dorset seaside resort's history, however, many people think that it's much older than it actually is due to features added at a later date.
Old photos of Weymouth nights out from June 15, 2009

1 week ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

They were taken in 2009 and appeared in the Dorset Echo on Monday, June 15 - 16 years ago. The images in this picture special were taken in the Lazy Lizard, Boho and 3.14 in Weymouth. See if you can recognise yourself or anyone you know. See a previous photo gallery of Weymouth nights out from 2009 here. Just click into the photo gallery above to see these 21 photos full-sized.
Looking back at Weymouth shopping centre as its future is decided

1 week ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

The plans for the new hotel will see the Colwell Shopping Centre demolished and replaced with a 70-bed hotel, restaurant and integral shopping outlet. The proposal is to demolish the existing building and erect a three storey pitched roof building to the School Street frontage with a four-storey wing to the rear-including a pitched roof to the front section. The Colwell Shopping Centre in School Street was built on the site of Colwell House.
The Hollywood star who made a big impression on Dorset residents

1 week ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

Her iconic turn as Bathsheba Everdene in the 1967 version of Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd meant that she spent a lot of time in Dorset during its filming. Reader Margaret Wellspring told us in this item from the archives that her late aunt Doris King was very impressed with the impeccable manners of Ms Christie, who is also famed for her roles in Dr Zhivago and Don't Look Now.
Major school fire among pictures of Bridport's intriguing past

1 week ago | bridportnews.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

This Bridport school fire is among many intriguing photos of Bridport (Image: Supplied) THESE old pictures offer a glimpse of what Bridport and the surrounding area was like in bygone days. They show events ranging from a major school fire and a 'wildcat' strike by women workers at Gundry's to local butcher shops displaying their wares. Scroll down to take a look at these fascinating images that help us understand the fascinating history of Bridport.
Probate notice published after death of Dorset resident

2 weeks ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

It is for Yiu Wah Wong of South Court Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2DA, who died on April 12. Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased must send written particulars to the address below by July 21, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified. For more public notices like this, see the Dorset Echo Public Notices Portal here.
The forgotten shops and streets of Weymouth town centre

2 weeks ago | dorsetecho.co.uk | Joanna O'Donnell

Click into the picture gallery above to see these images full-sized. These images from late 1980s come from contributor Geoff Pritchard. In this first wave of pictures you may recognise the White Hart pub in Weymouth town centre, but back then there was a completely different street scene before the 70,000 sq ft Debenhams development and 30,000 sq ft nine screen Cineworld cinema existed. Both of these are no more.