One of West Dorset’s longest-serving landlords has retired – and his brother has taken over the pub. After 20 years at The Ship Inn in Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, Dave Henson is being followed by his brother Alan and his wife Virginia.

A couple's long-held dream will be fulfilled in February when they take over as landlords of the Three Horseshoes in Burton Bradstock. The Palmers’ pub is currently closed for renovation and will reopen on 20 February with Jaap and Hannah Schep at the helm. Jaap and Hannah have many years’ experience in the hotel industry.

Cleeves Palmer presented a cheque for £500 to members of the Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) on behalf of the Palmers Ale Fund. OCRA were nominated to receive the award by The Railway Inn, North Tawton.

The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, the Chichester based charity that provides ‘Care at Home’ for children with life threatening or terminal illnesses and support for their families was chosen to receive the donation by Brian and Louise Eveleigh, licensees of the Shore Inn East Wittering.

Dorchester Beerex, held in Dorchester’s Corn Exchange on 6th and 7th February showcases more than 80 real ales and ciders. The festival, now in its 27th year, is run by a committee of West Dorset CAMRA Campaign for Real Ale and Dorchester Round Table.

The Thimble Inn at Piddlehinton is proving a massive success having reopened after an interior refurbishment. The result is warm, welcoming and traditional, with some pleasingly quirky twists. Features include a darts area influenced by an old coaching carriage with a padded leather wall.