It's been a busy year in Dorset. From David Attenborough to Dippy, to the Beast from the East, we take a look at what was making the headlines from January to April 2018.

January

  • Fossil hunter Chris Moore had the experience of a lifetime when he filmed a documentary with Sir David Attenborough.

Mr Moore discovered a new species of ‘fish lizard’ on Monmouth Beach and his remarkable find was the subject of a documentary special, Attenborough and the Sea Dragon, which aired on BBC1.

The fossils were so well-preserved that the team of scientists were able to use the latest techniques to analyse them.

  • The New Year brought a headache for drivers who faced a barrage of roadworks.

The biggest project was a £2.6m electricity scheme which caused hold-ups on the A354 between Wyke Regis and Portland.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) replaced 7km of electricity cable to make the local network ‘more robust and resilient and minimise the risk of power cuts in the area’.

  • The courage and dedication of two Dorset lifeboat crews was praised after a ‘crisis’ was narrowly averted which could have resulted in dozens of deaths and an environmental disaster.

Swanage and Weymouth lifeboats rushed to the aid of a cargo ship which had lost power and was drifting in rough seas on New Year’s Eve.

The cargo ship, the Pilsum, had dropped anchor off Portland Bill after losing power, but winds were so strong, the ship drifted miles eastward over to St Albans Head, coming close to being dashed onto rocks.

A tug boat, Kingston, also went to the stricken ship’s aid.

  • Tributes were paid to a passionate community campaigner, Andreas Scheffler.

Mr Scheffler, 63, collapsed at

home and sadly could not be resuscitated.

He had lived in Weymouth with wife Berenice, known as Berry, for five years, but friends and family said he achieved so much in that time.

He became chairman of the Westham Community Group and was instrumental in a campaign to try and tackle dealing and the use of hard drugs in the area.

He was also a keen sailor and a member of Chesil Sailability, which provides sailing opportunities for disabled people.

February

  • A very special – and very big – visitor arrived in Dorchester.

Dippy the Diplodocus officially arrived at the start of February, two weeks before he went on show as the first stop in his nationwide tour.

Thousands of people took the chance to visit the replica, previously on display in the Natural History Museum in London, with tickets being free but allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Dippy’s visit gave the county town an economic boost and was celebrated with lots of linked events throughout Dorset, and even a song from schoolchildren.

  • Communities made demands for police and authorities to get to grips with Weymouth’s drug problems.

There were reports of dealers openly selling their wares and users taking substances in full public view, along with concerns that the issue was affecting the resort’s family-friendly holiday image.

Danny Whyte wrote a letter to Dorset Police in response to members of a Facebook group he runs regularly complaining about the issue. He called for a greater police presence, including regular foot patrols.

  • Tremors were felt in Dorset following a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Wales.

The British Geological Survey investigated the reports of tremors across Britain which left many Dorset residents scratching their heads.

Readers from Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport reported feeling the quake, with some saying they thought it was a heavy lorry passing outside or an animal that had got into the house.

  • A traffic-free Weymouth harbourside was once again mooted as ways to improve and enhance to quayside were considered.

Pedestrianising Custom House Quay and Trinity Road were among the recommendations for improvements in a report by consultants to guide the future of Weymouth Harbour.

March

  • Dorset was battered by fierce snow storms. Schools were closed and transport came to a halt as the Beast From the East hit twice in March.

There were numerous reports of people abandoning their vehicles as conditions got ever more hazardous and Weymouth Relief Road was closed to allow snowploughs to clear it. School bus services were cancelled and there were reports of a number of crashes.

  • Second World War blockbuster, partly filmed in Weymouth and Swanage, picked up three Oscars.

The Christopher Nolan epic was awarded three sound and editing Oscars and emerged as the second-biggest winner of the night.

The arrival of the production team in Weymouth sparked a huge buzz in the summer of 2016 and filming generated £100,000 for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

  • Part of the investigation into the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter moved to Dorset.

A section of Hyde Road in Gillingham was closed as the armed forces were called to remove a breakdown truck that was used to move the car of former agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who were targeted in a nerve agent attack in Salisbury.

The outline proposals were put before the public at a consultation – where they received a mixed reception, including some calls for the council to ‘go back to the drawing board’.

There were concerns about the loss of car parking and effect on existing hotels and restaurants. The plans spelled an end to any hopes to bring a ferry service back to the town.

April

  • A dog owner issued a warning after her puppy suffered suspected cannabis poisoning.

Liz Marshall was walking eight-month-old ‘sprocker’ Teddy on the path behind Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre near the Marsh shortly before he became ill. Vets said they believed the incident was drug-related.

Teddy was given an intravenous drip and activated charcoal to absorb the chemicals, and made a full recovery.

  • After wowing both judges and the audience with incredible performances throughout singing contest The Voice, Lauren Bannon missed out on being crowned the winner.

Lauren battled it out on the live final of the BBC1 competition. Speaking after the show, she said it had been ‘an amazing journey’ and that she loved her hometown of Weymouth.

  • Plans for a new seafront lighting scheme for Weymouth took a step forward when an architectural company was appointed.

Tonkin Liu was chosen to design the project for Weymouth’s Esplanade.

The company’s design ideas were described as colourful, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

  • An internationally-renowned Dorchester business announced it was relocating to Poole after almost 20 years at Poundbury. In a major blow to the local economy, Dorset Cereals proposed to move its factory to a custom-built £5.5m site 25 miles to the east.

The firm said it hoped its workforce would switch to the new site and that the move was to ensure the company could meet its ‘growth aspirations’.