A year in review in Dorset: October to December 2022

October

Film director Guy Ritchie bought Compton Abbas airfield in Dorset which neighbours his country estate.

In a letter to “staff residents and wider community”, he pledged to operate the site "in the spirit" of the Hughes family, who owned it for 34 years.

The remains of Debbie Griggs, who was murdered more than 20 years ago by her husband Andrew Griggs, were discovered in the back garden of a property in St Leonards.

Bournemouth restaurant Gio’s shut down because of the “state of the town centre”.

Dorset’s first and only axe-throwing bar, Boom Battle Bar, opened in Bournemouth town centre.

Two mystery Dorset residents scooped a combined £2million on The National Lottery.

Home Bargains reopened in Christchurch after a major expansion.

Durdle Door land owner threatened to ban the BBC from filming at Lulworth after claiming the BBC’s request to film at the beauty spot was “duplicitous and dishonest”.

Read more: BBC react to Durdle Door Doctor Who row

November

An Evri delivery worker was caught on camera throwing a customer’s parcel at their front door.

Fox Cafe in Redhill, Bournemouth, was closed for the winter with the council making the decision due to ‘usage’ levels.

It was revealed Middle Beach Café, in the National Trust reserve of Studland Bay, will cease trading for the final time on Monday, January 2, when its lease expires. 

Bar and restaurant James and White closed its two venues in Boscombe and Christchurch.

A campsite in Dorset was awarded the south west ‘campsite of the year’ for 2022. 

The new Amazon depot opened in Poole, shipping tens of thousands of parcels to five counties every day.

Residents later criticised the white LED lights shining every night from the warehouse comparing it to a cruise ship.

Community café Lounge One announced it would close for good in December after eight years of trading saying it is not viable to continue as a business.

December

National retailer Mountain Warehouse opened its biggest store in the UK at Castlepoint.

Ryanair announced it is expanding its operation at Bournemouth Airport with a second aircraft to be based at the site and new destinations added for summer.

The orange light over Bournemouth. Image: Tommy Jenkinson (Image: Tommy Jenkinson)

A mystery orange light seen in the sky across Bournemouth, Christchurch and beyond sparked curiosity amongst residents.

It was believed the glow was caused by stadium lights at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

New Bournemouth hotel The Nici was named best seaside hotel for 2023 by The Sunday Times.

Snow fell in much of Dorset for the first time this winter.