West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

July 2005

Information supplied by West Dorset District Council & West Dorset Tourist Board

01 'Some Like It Hot' The Savill Hall, Cattistock, 7pm for 7.30pm. A showing of the classic comedy movie from 1959 in association with Dorset Film touring. It stars Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon & Marilyn Monroe. Proceeds to fete fund.

01 Cheese & Wine Evening The Old Manor, Broadwindsor. In aid of Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice & Cancercare Dorset. Tickets £7.50 from 01308 868532

01 Lyme Regis 15th Jazz Festival Day 1 Royal Lion Hotel - Roy Potts' Five and a Penny – 7pm-10.30pm; Masonic Hall - Panama Jazz Kings – 8pm -10.30pm; Pilot Boat - Gerry Brown's Mission Hall Jazz Band - 6.30pm -10.00pm; Marine Theatre - John Maddock's Jazz Band - 8.30 til 12pm

01 River Cottage Friday Night Feast River Cottage, Nr. Bridport. Although not a restaurant, River Cottage does hold regular Friday night feasts. A chance to experience the unique atmosphere, meet the River Cottage team, meet some of the regular contributors to the River Cottage series and sample some of the best local food Dorset has to offer. For details and bookings see www.rivercottage.net.

02 Bridport Charter Fair Main Streets, Bridport, 8.30am - 4pm.. Annual fair with charity stalls and other attractions

02 Cattistock Fete The Playing Fields & The Savill Hall, Cattistock, 2pm. Traditional village fete. This themed event has an excellent vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by stall holders in costume.

02 Concert And Fireworks - Last Night Of The Proms Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Performed by Past & Present Students of the Dorchester Area Schools. £6 Adults/ £3 Concessions Tickets available from 01305 266064

02 Plankton Trawling Charmouth Heritage Centre, Charmouth, 11.30am.

02 Lyme Regis 15th Jazz Festival Day 2 Royal Lion - Roy Pott's Five and a Penny - 12 til 2.30pm, Gerry Brown's Mission Hall Jazz Band - 4.30 til 7pm, Papa Joe's All Stars 8 til 11pm; Masonic Hall - Liberty Street Jazz Band - 12 til 2.30pm, The Chris Walker Swingtet - 3.30 - 6.30pm, Liberty Street Jazz Band - 7.30 - 10pm; Pilot Boat - the Louisiana Joymakers 12.30 - 3pm, Excelsior Vintage Jazz Band - 3.45 til 6.45pm, The Louisiana Joymakers - 7.30 til 10pm; Marine Theatre - John Maddock's Jazz Band - 8.30 - 12pm, Hokum 8.30pm til 11pm

02 Portland 10 Running Road Race Portland, 11am. A 10-mile running road race. Short lap 3-5 miles followed by a 6.5-mile lap. Entrant must be over 17. For further details call 01305 860008.

02 Puddletown Carnival Week - Coffee Morning Village Hall, 10am

02 Summer Fete Pageant Gardens, Sherborne, 2.00 pm to 4.30pm. RC fete - to be opened by the Mayor of Sherborne. Ice creams, teas and refreshments, bottle tombola, toys, books, home-made produce, plants, cakes, ric-a-brac and many other stalls and games. Special appearance by the Jolly Green Giant, the Yeovil Town mascot and also a Mystery Guest.

02 Sherborne Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm.

02 Showtime! A Fundrising Variety Show Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7.30. Ruthmic Gymnastics, The Morini Davies Dance Company, Musician Teresa Morini, The 10 o'clock Angels, Comedy Acts.

02 - 03 Flower Festival St. Peter's Church, West Knighton 10am to 6 pm Saturday; 10am to 5.30pm Sunday

02 - 03 Martinstown Open Gardens Martinstown, Nr. Dorchester, 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

02 - 03 Mountainboarding Competition Bredy Road Farm, Burton Bradstock. The All Terrain Boarding Association's UK Championships - second round

02 - 03 Truckfest South West Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Gates open 9am each day. The South West's greates trucking festival! Hundreds of trucks, giant exhibition area, monster trucks plus Kangaroo Kid quad bike stuntman. Special appearances by Bill Ward (Coronation Stret) and Sally Traffic from BBC Radio 2 on Saturday plus Richard Hammond from Top Gear and Kate Ford from Coronation Street on Sunday. Saver tickets available from Sherborne TIC.

02 - 04 The Sherborne Story School Courts (Big School Room If Wet), Sherborne. Adaptation of the original play written in the 1950s by Mr V C Clinton-Baddeley. A montage of scenes showing the intertwining of the Town and the School's history over time. Performances on Saturday and Sunday at 8.30pm and on Monday at 9pm

02 - St. Mary's Church Lunchtime Concerts St. Mary's Church, South St, Bridport. Taking place every Saturday 27/08 in July and August at 12.30pm, will be the 'Come and Go' Lunchtime Concert series. Just pop along and listen to the concert for as long as you like.

03 Barnardo's Fun Day Borough Gardens, Dorchester.

03 Bettiscombe Open Gardens Day Bettiscombe Village, Nr. Bridport, 10am - 5pm. Open gardens, including the renowned walled garden of Penelope Hobhouse. Plant stalls and others. Coffee, lunches and cream teas.

03 Borough Gardens - Dr. Barnardo's Fun Day Afternoon fun in the Borough Gardens in Dorchester

03 Dorchester Moose Big Affair Sandringham Field, Armada Way, Fordington Fields, Dorchester, 11am onwards. The annual charity fun day - stalls, refreshments, arena events - free entry to field

03 Dragonflies And Damselflies Walk Old Miller's Farm, Buckland Newton, 2pm. Join Countryside Ranger Will Holland at an idyllic rural setting to discover the natural history of dragonflies and damselflies. Will gives you an insight into the underwater world. Hands-on pond dipping, a great family event. Tel 01202 461969 for further details.

03 Frampton Fete Frampton Millennium Green, Dorchester Rd, Frampton, Nr Dorchester, 2pm. Fete with stalls, including bric a brac, cakes, skittles, coconut shy, ferret racing, miniature steam engine rides, teas, plants & crafts.

03 - 04 International Evening Market At Sherborne School Sixth Form Green, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Students from many different nations create an international flavour. Stalls with food and market produce; music from the Swing Band.

03 Lyme Regis 15th Jazz Festival Day 3 Royal Lion - Papa Joe's All Stars - 12 til 2 pm, Bob Dwyer's Hot Six - 3 til 6 pm; Masonic Hall - Heart Of England Jazz Band - 12.30 til 2.30pm & 3.30 - 5.30pm; Pilot Boat - Antique Six Jazz Band Featuring Richard Leach 1 til 3pm & 4 til 6 pm; Marine Theatre - Gerry Brown's Mission Hall Jazz Band with guest Chris Walker 7.30 til 10.30pm

03 Puddletown Carnival Week - Songs Of Praise Rod Hill Community Centre, 6pm

03 Puddletown Carnival Week - Sponsored Walk Route starts at the village hall and ends at the Blue Vinney, 1pm

03 Ramblers Walk By The South Somerset Group The Square, Beaminster, 10.30am.

03 Sherborne School Symphony Orchestra Concert Big School Room, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 4.30pm - 6.00pm. Features music by Rachmaninov, Lalo and Beethoven.

03- 04 Tours Of Sherborne School Library And Exhibition Sherborne School Library, Sherborne . Tours on Sunday and Monday at 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm (last approx. 1 hour). 'The History of the Book Exhibition' Sunday and Monday 10.30am - 4pm.

03 - 04 Sherborne School Activities For Primary School Children Fifth Form Green, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Punch and Judy show, trampolining, face painting, juggling, magic, storytelling, busking.

03 - 04 Sherborne School Jazz Cafe Sherborne School Art School, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm. Live jazz, coffee and snacks. sculpture garden.

05 Abbotsbury Music Festival 'La Cenerentola' Opera (Cinderella) St. Nicholas Primary School, Childe Okeford,

4.45 pm. A new translation of Cinderella by Amanda Holden - open air opera in the school grounds, fully staged and costumed with children participation. Professional touring company.

05 Puddletown Carnival Week - Carnival Bingo Eyes down at the village hall, 7.30pm

06 Craft Fair Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

06 Abbotsbury Music Festival 'La Cenerentola' St. Mary's Primary School, Bridport, 4.45pm Children have the opportunity to sing alongside the professional opera company. Also public exhibition of school children's work at Bridport Arts Centre.

06 Hurdlemaking and Stone Walling Courses At Magdalene Farm Magdalene Farm, Winsham. The Magdalene Project is a residential centre at the heart of a 132 acre organice smallholding, that offers a wide range of courses and workshops. For further details of todays course please contact The Magdalene Project telephone 01460 30144.

06 Weymouth Arts Centre Orchestra Concert St. Mary's Church, St.Mary Street, Weymouth, 7.30pm. Programme includes music by Schubert, Beethoven, Sant-Saens, Copland, Holst, etc.

07 Far From The Madding Crowd - Open Air Theatre Athelhampton House & Gardens, Athelhampton, Nr Dorchester, 7.30pm - 10pm. An evening of Thomas Hardy.

07 Puddletown Carnival Week - Famous Duck Race Backwater, 6.30pm

07 This Is My Song Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Celebrating the music of Harry Secombe

07 - 28 'Tanks In Action' Display The Tank Museum, Bovington. Tuesdays only: 07/07, 14/07, 21/07, 26/07, 28/07 'Tanks in action' displays illustrate the various ways in which tanks are armoured vehicles are used on the battlefield.

08 The Blues Band Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm. The Blues Band on tour

08 Travel Guide To Brasil Bridport Arts Centre, 8pm. Travel to Brasil is about an English television crew heading to Rio for a holiday programme. Tickets £9 - Tickets and further details available from Bridport Arts Centre. Tel 01308 424204.

08 Day Of Song With Lesley Whatley Dewlish Village Hall, Nr. Puddletown, 10am - 4pm. 'Summer Gathering' - a bunch of songs picked for Summer - join the Dorset Allsorts for a day of song.

08 – 10 Jurassic Trek The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm, Winsham . A 3-day 40-mile fundraising walk exploring the wilds of West Dorset, discovering the secrets of the area. All profits to the Magdalen Project, a local charity promoting sustainabiilty and environmental awareness. For further details and application form tel. Tony Ford on 01460 30068

09 Children's Fun Afternoon Kimberlin Club, Portland.

09 Craft Fair & Coffee Morning Dorchester United Church, Charles Street, Dorchester, 10am-1pm. Age Concern

09 Dance - Uplyme Village Hall Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, 8pm - 10pm. Ballroom, Latin & some Sequence. Price includes tea & biscuits - in aid of Hall funds

09 Medieval Singing And Dance Workshop The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. Join Matthew Spring and Sara Stowe for a medieval singing and dancing workshop to celebrate Dorchester's 700th Anniversary. Matthew and Sara will guide you through the steps of traditional bransles dances and cathes songs. Dance to the live music of the hurdy gurdy, lute, harp, pipe and tobor - for an authentic medieval experience!

09 Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra Concert St. Mary's Church, Beaminster, Beaminster, 7.30pm. In aid of the Friends of St. Mary's Church, Beaminster and the Richard Ely Trust for Young Musicians. Tickets £6 available from: Peter Brook estate agents, Beaminster tel 01308 863100 Yarn Barton Centre, Beaminster tel 01308 862943 Bridport Record Centre, Bridport tel 01308 425707

09 Wolfeton Singers Concert Charminster Church, 7.30pm. Programme to include Sacred & Secular Music from Bach to Garfunkel.

09 Games Night And Evening Of Fun King Charles Tavern, St Andrews Road, Bridport, 7.30pm. Skittles, table skittles, darts, chinese bingo, bumper raffle, dutch auction - in aid of Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice/CancerCare Dorset.

09 Halstock Pram Race Halstock. Fun for all the family. Bar and Barbecue

09 Haydn Nelson Mass - The Thomas Hardye Singers St.Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Orchestra of Specialist Baroque Players from the Royal College and Royal Academy of Music. Tickets £6 (adults)/£2 (students of Thomas Hardye School) available from Nicoll World Travel, High East Street, Dorchester (01305 263572) and on the door.

09 Old Vicarage Garden Open And Cream Tea Old Vicarage, Melplash Near Bridport, 3pm-5pm. In aid of the Melplash Christ Church and Village Hall. Cost £2.00 (family ticket £5)

09 Puddletown Carnival Week - Carnival Day Puddletown, Nr. Dorchester. Fun starts in the recreation field at 2pm. Carnival procession at 6pm. Entertainment continues until 11pm. Also events during the week leading up to the carnival.

09 RSPCA Coffee Morning 'Wrenfield', Bradford Rd, Sherborne, 10am - 12 noon. Various stalls, cakes, bric-a-brac, books, plants & RSPCA goods

09 Sherborne Antiques & Collectors Fair Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm.

09 Show Of Hands Summer Family Concert Sub-Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, 3pm to 9pm.

09 Sydling St. Nicholas Church Fete Village Green, East Street, Sydling St. Nicholas, 2pm - 5pm.

09 WAWA Charity Stall In Bucky Doo Square Bucky Doo Square, Bridport. In aid of WAWA, a charity aimed at raising funds to provide fairer opportunities for disadvantaged children in Peru. Tel 01308 485207.

09 Yetminster Village Fair High Street, Yetminster, 1.15 pm. Village Street Fair

09 Yetties At Home The Fair Marquee, Bucklers Orchard, Yetminster, 8 pm.

09 - 10 Dorchester 700 Anniversary Weekend Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, Friday 6pm-9pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. Celebrating Dorchester’s 700 years as County Town of Dorset. An historical re-enactment of a fourteenth century settlement with period crafts, cooking, pastimes, music and drama pls entertainment and "have a go" sessions with the Wolfshead Bowmen.

09- 10 Weymouth International Maritime Modelling Festival Radipole Lake, Pavilion & Pleasure Pier, Weymouth, 10am - 5pm. Over 1000 model displays, exhibition and trade show, high powered boatracing, livebattle warships, children's workshop and much more.

10 Castleton Waterwheel Open Day Castleton Waterwheel Museum, Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am - 5pm. A chance to see the massive 26' diameter waterwheel builtin 1869 driving a twin cylinder pumpset built in 1883 by Sparrow's of Martock for a local tannery.

10 Garden Party Matravers Farm House, Bridport, 2pm-5pm.

10 Landslide! Guided Walk At Charmouth Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Starting at 2pm this guided walk explores the famous Black Venn Landslide between Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Led by Richard Edmonds from the World Heritage team. Adults £4, children £2.50 Further details from National Trust tel 01297 561900

10 Victory Variety Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Relive the halycon days of variety as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day

12 Bridport History Society - West Bay Meet on the Bridport side of the Old Railway Station at 2.30 pm. Guided walk around West Bay with Elizabeth Buckler Gale.

12 - 15 The Little Shop Of Horrors Woodroffe School, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. The Woodroffe School presents The Little shop of Horrors based on the film by Roger Corman

13 Stones Common Walk At Kingcombe Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 1.30pm. A walk to the little visited corner of the Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve led by Brian Godfrey and Neil Croton.

13 Royal British Legion Vs Melplash Cricket Match Melplash Cricket Club Ground, Melplash, 6.30pm. Barbecue and raffle.

13 A Celebration Of Arts And Crafts WI Hall, Bridport, 10.30am – 4pm. Celebrating 90 years of the Women’s Institute.

14 The Concensus Choir Play Bridport United Church United Church, East Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Direct from Brasov in Roumania and fresh from the Eisteddfod in Wales. Repertoire includes Acapella, Lay and Religious, Modern and Folk Music. All profits to the Choir to cover expenses.

14- 15 Victory Salute Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Variety show to commemorate 60^th anniversary of the end of World War II.

15 A-TOM-IC JONES - Forever In Blue Jeans Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester.

15- 16 Abbotsbury Music Festival 'La Cenerentola' Opera (Cinderella) Abbey House Hotel, Church Street, Abbotsbury,

7 pm for opera, gates open 5.30 pm for picnics. Open air opera in the garden (new translation of Cinderella by Amanda Holden) performed by a professional international touring company. Garden open for picnics.

15 - 17 Piracy At Portland Portland Castle, Castletown, Portland, 11am - 6pm. In celebration of the historic key ceremony (15/7) and the 50th anniversary of Portland Castle opening to the public, pirates and smugglers descend on the castle - 16th Century entertainment for all ages.

16 'Intermezzo' - Concert Dorset County Museum, Victorian Gallery, 7.30pm: A concert by the Intermezzo Quartet (former members of the Bournemouth Orchestras) Programme includes works by Haydn, Mozart, Dvorak, Beethoven, Borodin, Schubert & Strauss. Tickets £10/ Students £5 (inc interval drink) available from Museum's Reception Desk.

16 Bouncers At Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, 8pm. This grotesque comedy is brought to life in this hilarious parody of the nightclub scene. Tickets £8 - available from Bridport Arts Centre. Tel 01308 424204.

16 Bradford Peverell Village Fayre Jubilee Field / Village Hall, Bradford Peverell, 2.15pm - 5.15pm. Concert 7.30pm. Traditional Village Fayre with entertainment and stalls in a lovely village setting, plus evening concert

16 Dorchester-Lubbecke Society Barbecue Sandringham Court, Dorchester 7.30pm

16 Proms In The Park At Mountfield, Bridport Organised by the Twinning Association, with the Bridport Big Band. Further details from Mike Farmer tel 01308 423400.

16 Sherborne Book Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am - 4pm.

16 Shipton Gorge Traditional Church Fete St Martins Church Shipton Gorge, 2pm

16 Stoke Abbott Street Fair Stoke Abbott, Nr. Beaminster, 2pm - 5.30pm. A traditional friendly and lively street fair.

16 Summer Fete Joseph Weld Hospice, Herringston Rd, Dorchester, 11am-4pm. Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice and CancerCare Dorset Trust Summer Fete at the Hospital Grounds. Fun day for all the family, lots of attractions.

16 Summer Garden Party For St Mary's Church Bridport Loders Court, Near Bridport. Taking place in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant for Dorset, at Loders Court near Bridport. Further details telephone 01308 422373

16 Swing Dance Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm. Music by swing DJ Chris Pamplin, all your favourites. 1930's to 1960's Swing; Modern Swing Band music suits most partner dance styles. Licensed bar

16 Thank You For The Music - ABBA And The BEE GEES Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester.

16 Unrivalled Undercliffs - Guided Walk Lyme Regis Undercliff, Lyme Regis. Walk the entire seven mile length of the reserve with English Nature and experience it's wealth of wildlife and fascinating history. Return transportation provided, booking essential.

16- 17 Summer Organ Festival The Church Of The Holy Rood, Buckland Newton. Organ festival to celebrate the newly restored organ at Buckland Newton - David Titterington (Organ) and Ross Brown (Trumpet) Saturday - A popular programme of music for trumpet and organ by Handel, JS Bach Purcell & Viviani - 7 pm Sunday - Holy Communion with Bishop Tim of Sherborne presiding - music played by David Titterington & Ross Brown - 11am Sunday - a repeat performance of the Saturday concert - 7pm Proceeds will benefit Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice & Cancer Care Dorset and The Church of the Holy Rood

16 - 17 Free Opening Of The Old Crown Court Cells West Dorset District Council Offices, Stratton House, Dorchester, 10am-1pm. Special opening to celebrate the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. Free guided tours of the court room and cells with a Blue Badge Guide who will bring the event alive.

16 - 17 Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival Tolpuddle. Annual celebration of the part played by the Tolpuddle Martyrs in the birth of trade unions.

16 - 17 Portland Steam & Vintage Show Southwell Buisness Park, Portland, 10am-6pm / 10am-4pm. Classic cars, classic motor bikes, vintage & classic caravans, vintage tractors, steam engines, military vehicles, auto jumble, stationary engines, arena displays, commercials, children’s attractions, food stalls, beer tent, craft tent, model tent, farmers market, static displays, charity stalls, trade stands

16 - 17 The Taming Of The Shrew At Mapperton House Mapperton House Near Beaminster. Performed by the Castle Theatre Company on their 26th Summer Shakespeare Tour. Performances at 6.30pm on Saturday 16th July, and at 2.30pm on Sunday 17th July. Tickets £10 and £8 contact 01308 862645.

17 The Rat Pack Live Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester.

17 Swingtime In The Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 12 noon - 4.30pm.

18 Painting The Landscape Course At Magdalene Farm Magdalene Farm, Winsham. Tel. 01460 30144.

19 Creatures Of The Night At Radipole RSPB Reserve Radipole RSPB Reserve, Weymouth, meet at 8.30pm. This is the first of two meetings featuring a two-hour study of moths and bats at this RSPB reserve. Booking essential –

£3 non-members, £1.50 members. Tel the Radipole Reserve on 01305 778313.

19 A Celebration Of Arts And Crafts United Church Hall, Dorchester, 10.30 – 4.30. Celebrating 90 years of the WI

19 Mediterranean & Exotic Gardening Sub-Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, 10.30am - 1.00pm. A talk and tour by Steve Griffith the Head Gardener

20 Exploring Life In Freshwater At Kingcombe Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 2.15pm. An opportinity to enjoy the marvels of life in the River Hooke and nearby ponds, with Pauline Lowry. Suitable for adults and children.

21 Three Men In A Boat - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Adaptable Theatre presents Three Men in a Boat

21- 22 The Case Of The Frightened Lady Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, 8pm. A great outdoor family show from Miracle Theatre- Why is the lady so frightened? Who dropped the red scarf?

22 Limehouse Lizzy Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm. Limehouse Lizzy presents 'Dedication' , the greatest hits of Thin Lizzy.

22 Market in St Martin's Community Hall Market in St Martin's Community Hall Broadmayne, 2 -3.30pm. Produce, cakes, plants, craft, Local farm produce, Fair trade goods, a Raffle, library etc and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.

22 Summer Ball at Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward, Nr Dorchester. A fun-packed evening for you and your friends including gala buffet, live bands, magicians, casino and much more.

23 Barney Bay - Children's Entertainer Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester.

23 Bold Nelson's Praise Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. New Scorpion Band present 'Bold Nelson's Praise', a celebration of the life and times of Lord Nelson in the popular songs and music of the day, performed on a multitude of traditional and historical instruments.

23 Dance - Uplyme Village Hall Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, 8pm - 11pm. Ballroom, Latin & some Sequence. Price includes tea & biscuits - in aid of Hall funds

23 Dragonflies & Damselflies Walk Old Millers Farm Near Buckland Newton, 2pm. Join Countryside Ranger Will Holland at an idyllic rural setting to discover the natural history of dragonflies and damselflies. Will gives you an insight into the underwater world. Hands-on pond dipping, a great family event. Tel 01202 461969 for further details.

23 Sherborne Antiques & Flea Market Church Hall & Age Concern Day Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm.

23 Trafalgar Barn Dance At Nothe Fort Weymouth In conjunction with the Jubilee Sailing Trust a barn dance (with licence) will be held in the evening on the courtyard and terrace. Further details from the curator - tel 01305 766626.

23 West Bay Sea Angling Club RNLI Open Fishing Competition

23 Beaminster Antiques & Bygone Fair Public Hall, Fleet street, Beaminster, 9am and 4pm.

23 - 24 The Vikings Come To Abbotsbury Childrens Farm And Smugglers Barn, Abbotsbury, 10am to 6pm (last admission 5pm). The Vikings are coming!! Children can join in the action.

23 - 31 Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week Sea Front & Cobb Harbour, Lyme Regis, approx. 10am to 10pm daily. Annual Lifeboat Week with mixed events and displays by teams from Services and local authorities. Family races, competitions etc.

24 Cream Tea In The Garden Taking place at Corner Cottage, 1 West Mead, West Allington, Bridport from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Cost £2.50 for cream tea. Plant Sale and Raffle, with proceeds to Colmer W.I.

24 Fleet Air Arm, Cobham Hall Open Day Fleet Air Arm Museum, R.N.A.S. Yeovilton, Nr Ilchester, 12 noon - 4pm.

A rare opportunity to see the museum's extensive reserve collection

24 Lyme Regis Art Group – Exhibition Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, 10.00am - 5.00pm. Exhibition in aid of the RNLI

24 RAFA Summer Fayre Haddon House Hotel, West Bay Road, West Bay, Bridport, 2pm – 4pm. Traditional Summer Fayre in aid of RAFA - games, tombola, raffles, stalls including clothes, home produce, bric-a-brac, gifts, books and videos. Refreshments.

24 RBL Garden Party Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 12 noon - 4.30pm.

24 Sculpture On The Beach Eype Beach, 10am – 3pm. Come and make a sculpture on the Jurassic Coast! Sculpt what you want from anything you find on the beach - there are prizes for winners but everyone will enjoy the family atmosphere! The competition is open from 10am to 3pm and judging takes place at 4pm. Entry £1. Tickets and further details available from Bridport Arts Centre. Tel 01308 424204.

24 Slape Medieval Fair Slape Manor, Netherbury, Nr Bridport, 2pm - 5pm. Family entertainment with medieval flavour - stalls, stiltwalkers, crafts, games, fun dog show, pig roast, teas, Punch & Judy, Duck race & lots more!

25 Lyme Regis Countryside - Walk Lyme Regis Museum, Broad Street, Lyme Regis, 10.00am. A 6.5 mile circular walk with the Ramblers. Accompanied children over 10 years of age welcome, sorry no dogs.

26 Plankton Trawling - Charmouth Charmouth Heritage Centre, Charmouth, start time 2.30pm.

26 Three Men In A Boat Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Adaptable Theatre presents Three Men in a Boat

26 Walk With A Thomas Hardy Flavour Meet Dorchester West Rail Station, 10.45am. A 9 mile circular walk in the countryside around Hardy's Casterbridge with the Ramblers’ Association. Accompanied children over the age of 10 welcome, but not dogs. Please bring lunch, stout, footwear, rainwear and plenty to drink.

27 England Expects - A Lecture By Colin White Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. As part of Trafalgar celebration Colin White, The Deputy Director of the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth, is coming to give lecture at the Dorset County Museum. This special lecture tells the story of Trafalgar from Nelson's point of veiw, culminating with the briefing of his captains at Cardiz and Nelson's inspiring signal 'England Expects'.

27 Korean War Veterans' Service Of Rememberance The Nothe Fort, Barrack Rd, Weymouth, 10.30 - 11.30am. A religious service of rememberance on the Fort's ramparts, where there is a memorial plaque. There is usually a bugler and a piper.

27 Red Arrows - Lyme Regis Lyme Regis, 6.00pm. Spectacular display over the bay, by the world famous Red Arrows Display Team

27 Sir George Summers Civic Parade - Lyme Regis Lyme Regis. Annual parade in celebration of the twinning of Lyme Regis & St George's, Bermuda

28 Piaffinitee Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Tribute to Edith Piaf. Three musicians presenting powerful renditions of some of her most famous songs. Cabaret seating.

28 RNLI Raft Race At West Bay River Brit At West Bay. Traditional evening raft race. Tel. 01308 868327.

28 Romeo & Juliet Open Air Theatre Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, 7.30pm - 10pm. A magical evening of Shakespeare in the open air

29 Five Children And It - Open Air Theatre Sherborne Castle, Sherborne. Performed by Illyria

29 - 31 Weymouth Beach Vollyball Classic Weymouth Beach, The Esplanade, Weymouth, starts Friday 2pm until Sunday 6pm. The most prestigious beach volleyball event in Great Britain that attracts all the best British teams plus those from Europe.

29- 31 'Serendipity' - NAFAS Area Show Saturday 30th July & Sunday 31st July 2005 - 10am - 5pm at St. Mary's Middle School, Puddletown, Nr. Dorchester Preview Supper Friday 29th July Demonstration Sunday 31st July Michael Bowyer, National Demonstrator 1.30pm Full details from Show Secretary on 01305 852940

30 Chedington Street Fair Chedington Village, Nr. Beaminster, stall holders arrive 9.30am - 12pm, fair opens at 12 noon. Chedington's 25th Street Fair. Stalls in street selling a wide range of craft items and other merchandise. Food/meals in village hall and various entertanments for families.

30 Dance - Uplyme Village Hall Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, 8pm - 11pm. Ballroom, Latin & some Sequence. Price includes tea & biscuits - in aid of Hall funds

30 Explore The Undercliffs Lyme Regis, 2pm. Visit the lesser known parts of the Undercliff NNR for butterflies and flowers before a look at the geology and landslips. Meet at Whitlands (off A3052) ( SY 305 912)

30 Much Ado About Nothing - Chard, Somerset Cricket St. Thomas House, Nr. Chard. An invitation to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day with this classic battle of the sexes. With much hilarity demonstrated by Heartbreak's very own Home Guard, you will get your chance to add to the evening's festivities. So remember your rations, don your gas mask and hang out the bunting to create an atmosphere of patriotic fervour. Tickets costing £10.00 (£7.50) are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, 47 South St., Bridport. Tel 01308 424901.

30 Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Show Uplyme Village Hall & Playing Field, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis. Annual horticultural show, large marquee, stalls, raffle, teas, etc

30 Milton Abbas 18^th Century Street Fair A chance to step back in time and enjoy the sights, sounds, costume, rural crafts and entertainment of an 18thC country occasion. Proceeds to local charities.

31 Garden Party in the gruonds of Cerne Abbey Gates open 2pm – 5pm. Organised by Friends of Dorset’s rchives in support of the Dorset History Centre Education Outreach Project. Cream teas, stalls, exhibitions and tombola. Music by the Dorian String Quartet.

31 Car Treasure Hunt Holy Trinity Church, Blackdown, Nr. Beaminster. Staggered start from church car park at 5pm. Car Treasure Hunt in aid of Holy Trinity Church, Blackdown. £5 per car. Followed by barbecue at Hillside, Blackdown from 7pm.

31 Jesse Taylor And Texas Storm In The Borough Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm.

31 Ramblers Walk By The South Somerset Group Meet at Lamberts Castle National Trust car park, 10.30am.

FOSSIL WALKS

Lyme Regis Fossil walks with Dr Colin Dawes – meet at the Old Forge Fossil Shop, Broad Street

Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 1pm. Walk lasts appprox. 2.5 hours. Cost Adult £7, Child £3

Charmouth From the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth. Walks last approx. 2 hours. Adults £7, Children £3. During July, guided walks take place on Sunday 3^rd at 10am, Saturday 9^th at 2.30pm, Sunday 10^th at 3pm, Tuesday 19^th at 10.30am, Saturday 23^rd at 2.30pm.

GUIDED TOWN WALKS

Dorchester Historic Town Walk every Monday 11am – meet at the Tourist Information Centre

Town crying and half hour walks with Alistair Chisholm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11am, 12pm and 1pm – meet at Town Pump except the Wednesday 11am walk which meets at the market.

Lyme Regis Ghost Tour every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm – meet at the Guildhall

Lyme Regis Smugglers every Tuesday and Thursday at 2.30pm – meet at the Guildhall

"Health Walk" every Monday 7pm – Meet at the Anchor, Cobb Gate

Sherborne Historic Town Walk every Friday at 11am– meet at the Tourist Information Centre.

Also :

18/07 - 09/09 Guided Tours Of The Old Crown Court And Cells In Dorchester The Old Crown Court And cells, High West Street, DORCHESTER, 2pm to 4.15pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holiday Mondays) plus 10am to 12.15pm on Wednesdays. Tours every 45 mins.. Visit the old courtroom and cells in Dorchester, famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, with a Blue Badge Guide. Experience two hundred years of gruesome crime and punishment in a setting little changed over the years. Stand in the dock and sit in the dimly lit cells, where prisoners waited for their appearance before the judge. Children's quiz prize.

05/07 - 30/08 History Of Portland Portland Castle, Castletown, Portland, Castle open 10am - 6pm. 3pm Tuesdays only,join a special guided tour to discover the fascinating history of the castle.

01/07 - 26/08 Evening Hauntings (Fridays) Portland Castle, Casteltown, Portland, 6.45pm - 8pm Fridays only. Join an evening ghostly tour to discover the secrets of the castle.

 

Don’t miss the chance to explore beautiful hidden gardens open as part of the National Gardens Scheme – pick up a free copy of the yellow booklet Dorset Gardens 2005 from one of our TICs for details of gardens open during July

MARKETS

BEAMINSTER Farmers’ Market 4^th Saturday in each month – Town Hall 9am-1pm

BRIDPORT Town Centre. Every Wednesday and Saturday, Farmers’ Market 2^nd Saturday in each month – Arts Centre 9.30am-2pm, W.I. market in the WI Hall, North Street every Saturday 9am-12 noon

DORCHESTER Fairfield Car Park, Weymouth Avenue 8am – 3pm every Wednesday

Farmers’ Market 1^st Saturday in each month – Poundbury, 9am-1pm

CHARMOUTH Market every Monday during the Summer months

SHERBORNE The Parade, every Thursday and Saturday, W.I. market in Church Hall, Digby Road Thursday mornings, 9.15am, Farmers’Market 3^rd Friday in each month – Cheap Street, 9am-1pm

EXHIBITIONS

to 02/07 Beaminster Festival Visual Arts Exhibition Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster, daily 10am – 5pm (except Sunday 26^th and Monday 27^th). Exhibition of paintings, pottery, wall hangings, furniture design and handmade mohair rugs – all on the theme of "celebration". Also children’s exhibition – local children will parade with their celebratory artwork on the opening Saturday of the festival in The Square at 12pm. Also Beaminster & District Camera Club display in Beaminster Museum – open daily 10.30am – 4.30pm.

to 02/07 Sherborne Festival - Display Of Banners Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. A display of vibrant silk banners - the result of a collaborative community arts project involving local school, church and community groups who selected images and texts that reflect the lives, interests and ideas of the diverse community of the town.

to 03/07 Beaminster Camera Club Photographic Exhibition Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster, .Museum open Easter to 27th September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10.30 to 12.30 and 2.30 to 4.30, also Sundays 2.30 to 4.30. Admission £1, children free. Further details from 01308 863623.

30/06 - 03/07 Sherborne House Exhibition - Get Out Of The House Sherborne House, Newland, , Sherborne, 10.30am - 4.30pm . Exhibition bringing together work created by contemporary artists during a weekend 'on location' in sherborne

02/07 – 08/10 Dorset and Trafalgar Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10am-5pm Monday-Sunday. An exhibition celebrating the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

03/07- 04/07 Exhibition Of World War II Memories With Flowers Sherborne School Chapel, Sherborne, 10.30am - 4pm. 03/07- 04/07 Sherborne School Art Exhibition The Holt Gallery And Art School, Abbey Road, Sherborne, Sunday 1pm - 5pm, Monday 10am - 5pm. Exhibition of art by Sherborne students and a collaboration show by Halliday Wilson and Paddy O'Shea with the theme of 'Surveillance/The Camera'

to 04/07 Sherborne Missal - Turning Pages Display Sherborne Museum, Sherborne. The Sherborne Missal is one of the finest examples of medieval book painting and a major masterpeice of English art. As part of the Sherborne Festival 2005 the Museum will be holding a 'Turning the Pages' facility, which can, by wiping your hand across the 30' touch screen, represent turning up to 38 pages of the Missal. The colour, clarity, commentary and audio representations of monks chanting and birdsong are impressive examples of award winning, cutting edge technology.

to 10/07 Setting The Scene - Beaminster Museum Exhibition Beaminster Museum. A selection of 20th Century paintings from the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society's Collection. This exhibition forms part of the Beaminster Festival Exhibitions. Museum open Easter to 27th September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10.30 to 12.30 and 2.30 to 4.30, also Sundays 2.30 to 4.30. Admission £1, children free. Further details from 01308 863623.

to 10/10 The Branch Line Art Cafe At Whitchurch Canonicorum Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.Taking place every Monday from March to October, the Branch Line is an art cafe that offers drinks and light refreshments in relaxed surroundings. With changing exhibitions of work, posters, magazines and books for sale. Open from 10am to 4pm. For further details please telephone 01297 489232.

to 30/10 The Bridport Branch Line Exhibition Bridport Museum, South St, Bridport, Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm A commemoration of the Bridport railway from 1855 - 1975

to 30/10 Fifty Years Established The Undercroft, Forde Abbey, Nr Chard, 10am - 4.30pm, daily. Exhibition of 300 pieces of woodfired, Raku. stoneware & porcelain by the Eeles family of potters.

to 31/10 An Exhibition In Weymouth Museum Brewers Quay, Hope Square, Weymouth, 10am-4.30pm. Moments from Dorset's Maritime Heritage.

to 31/12 Gallipoli Exhibition At The Keep Museum Military Museum Of Devon & Dorset, The Keep, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Mon-Sat 9.30am - 5pm April - September. An exhibition to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.

02/07 - 14/08 Alpha House Gallery Summer Exhibition Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.

30/07 - 11/09 Beaminster's Home Front - Memories In Sound And Pictures Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster. Beaminster memories of WWII in pictures and sound. Museum open Easter to 27th September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays 10.30 to 12.30 and 2.30 to 4.30, also Sundays 2.30 to 4.30. Admission £1, children free. Further details from 01308 863623.

29/07 - 14/08 V For Victory - Bridport Salutes The Home Front This exhibition and 1940's rooms is on display at the Town Hall, Bridport. Further details to follow. Further details from Celia Martin 01308 458061. There will be a Church Service At St. Mary's Church, Bridport followed by a Veteran's Reception and Children's Party.

23/07- 31/07 Sherborne Open Art Exhibition Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 11am - 5pm. Annual exhibition by the Sherborne Art Club of approximately 400 paintings and also some sculpture. Most exhibits are for sale.it.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON EVENTS AND THE LOCAL AREA PLEASE CONTACT: