On The Alfred Daily Today:

Progress in tackling pandemic features in mayor’s Christmas address.

Compton Abbas Parish chairman on 2021 achievements.

Motcombe Council chairman outlines 2022 village goals.

Volunteers prepare to deliver free Christmas dinners.

Shaftesbury’s Christmas Day workers.

Paul Merefield’s pub quiz.

Christmas Day message from the Bishop of Sherborne.

Meet my Pet – Cami the Shaftesbury basset hound.

Kate Scott’s chickens at Christmas.

Karen Cole reviews Alexandra Benedict’s ‘The Christmas Murder Game’.

Soundscapes – sparrows in a Breach Lane holly bush.