West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

June 2005

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

to 03/06 Family Mind And Body Week Monkton Wyld Court, Lyme Regis. A family week with a difference. There will be the usual Monkton activities, eg arts and crafts, games, singing, dancing and walking, with the added feature of some shared childcare sessions so that we can practise yoga and meditation, and learn and practise reflexology and massage techniques.

to 14/06 Photographic Competition By Symondsbury Apple Project Symondsbury Apple Project, Bridport. This competition is open to anyone, and the subject must be a West Dorset orchard in blossom. Photos may be colour or B&W and may be prints or digital format. Full details from the organisers - Symondsbury Apple Project, Unit 17 St Michael's Industrial Estate, Foundry Lane, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3RR or email your entry to info@appleproject.org.uk

to 02/07 Sherborne Festival 2005 Sherborne Sherborne hosts a major festival to celebrate the founding of the Sherborne Abbey thirteen centuries ago by St. Aldhelm. Over 50 events from pop music to jazz and classical, professional theatrical productions, children’s theatre, art events, skateboard competition, international food fair and much more. The Festival also features a "turning pages display" of the Sherborne Missal - one of the finest examples of medieval book painting and a major masterpeice of English art; a display of banners in the Abbey and demonstrations by Iconographers John Coleman and David Dale. See www.sherbornefestival.com for full details or contact Sherborne TIC

to 05/06 Circus - Americano Safeway Field, Bridport. American circus direct from the USA - first ever Euro tour

01 The Hermitage Ensemble From St. Petersburg St.Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas, 8pm. Russia comes to Cerne! The Hemitage Ensemble from St.Petersburg present a concert of Russian choral music. Tickets £10 including a glass of wine and 'nibbles' during the intermission available from Cerne Abbas Stores, tel. 01300 341118

01 Minibeasts In Their Haymeadow Home Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Near Beaminster, 2.15pm. Guided walk followed by tea at the Centre at about 4.15pm. Suitable for all ages.

01 Plankton Trawling Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 11.30am.

01 The Yetties Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. A special music night as part of Sherborne Festival with guests The Stanchester Quire.

01 - 04 Royal Bath & West Show Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, daily 9am - 6pm. Saver tickets available from local Tourist Information Centres.

01 - 05 Bridport Food Festival Various Venues Around Bridport. The annual Bridport Food Festival this year will feature: Food stalls and tasting sessions in the Art Centre on Saturday ; live daily music ; listings and map of local food suppliers; where to eat local food guide; farm walks and trails; pub trail; cookery workshops; kids' trail & cookery workshops. Also daily cooking demonstations by locally renowned chefs in Bucky Doo Square, as follows:- Wednesday 1st June - 12.30pm with Lesley Waters Thursday 2nd June - 12.30pm with Aidan Chapman Friday 3rd June - Demonstration at the Bridport Centre for Local Food Saturday 4th June - 12.30pm with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & the RiverCottage HQ For more information please contact The Centre For Local Foods tel 01308 420269 email: jon.garside@foodandland.org or visit the website www.foodandland.org.uk

02 The Mayor Of Casterbridge Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Adapted from Thomas Hardy's novel by Philip Goulding. Performed by the Wessex Actors Company - one of the finest theatre companies in the South West.

02 Once upon a Time in India Dorchester Arts Centre, 7pm. An evening of vibrant dance and storytelling whilst seeing the results of a three day residency and performance workshop with Monisha Bharadwaj.

02 Patrick Gale at Ottakar's Book Store 7pm. Ottakar's in Dorchester are very pleased to welcome critically acclaimed author Patrick Gale to the store to talk about and sign copies of his new book 'Friendly Fire'. Tickets £2.

02 Ramblers Walk By The South Somerset Group Hardy's Monument, Portesham, 10.30am.

02 Treasure Trail On Stonebarrow Near Charmouth Stonebarrow Car Park Near Charmouth. Taking place on the National Trust's Golden Cap Estate between 11am and 3pm, this is a children's trail to celebrate Sea Britain. Come and meet Trusty the Smuggler - lots of fun and a great way to spend the day for all the family. All children must bring an adult.

02 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Tibbs Hollow, Near Maiden Newton, 10am.

02 Dorchester & District Senior Citizens Group 55 Forum St. George's Church Hall, Fordington, 2pm. Opem meeting - tel 01305 268033 for further details.

03 Eden Nights Dancing Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00 - 11.00pm. A superb evening of ballroom, sequence, Latin & party dances. Bring your own drinks & nibbles.

03 Family Barn Dance With The Casterbridge Band Compton Valence Grain Dryer, 7.30pm until 11.30pm. Tickets £7 adult, £5 children to include light supper. Tombola, bar and raffle. Tel. 01308 482227 for details.

03 Michael Partington - Guitar Concert Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 7.30pm.

03 Powerstock Summer Concert - Michael Harper Recital Powerstock Church Near Bridport, 7pm. Todays concert comprises Michael Harper (Counter Tenor) in a recital with John Turville on piano. Dinner available after the programme at the Three Horseshoes (next door) - prebookings only on 01308 485328. Tel. 01308 485500 for concert tickets (£7).

03 Volunteer Week Exhibition In Sherborne Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 10.30am - 12.30pm. An exhibition of opportunities for volunteering in the Sherborne area.

03 - 04 Sherborne Beer Festival Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 6pm - 11.30pm each night. 25-30 real ales, good wine and food plus music. Organised by Rotary Club of Sherborne Castles.

04 A String Of Pearls Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. As One Productions presents A String of Pearls - a celebration of World War II through the eyes of women. A thrilling story of 3 forty something sisters with very different lives.

04 'Costume Collections - Art, Material Culture or a Liability' Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Illustrated talk by Valerie Cumming, lecturer, writer and past Curator at the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Museum of London.

04 Academic Conference - Aldhelm, West Of Selwood Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne. Keynote speaker is Prof. Michael Lapidge, Trinity College Cambridge, who will be joined by Dr. John Blair, Queens' College Oxford; Prof. Barbara Yorke, King Alfred's University College, Winchester; Dr. Graham Jones, St. John's Colelge, Oxford; Dr. Duncan Probert, University of Brimingham and Katherine Barker, Editor, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society.

04 Borough Gardens - Phil Moore's Jazz Band Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 6pm

04 Bradford Abbas Village Fete St. Mary's School, Bradford Abbas, Nr. Sherborne, 2pm. Traditional village fete with fancy dress, stalls etc.

04 Bradpole To Loders Walk And Cream Tea Bradpole Church, Bridport, 2pm. 3.5 miles guided walk from Bradpole Church to Loders, and return for cream tea in Bradpole Church. £3 including tea. Or come along to the tea only!

04 Dance - Uplyme Village Hall Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm - 11.00pm. Ballroom, latin & some sequence - in aid of hall funds

04 Gustomarket At Beaminster Beaminster Public Hall. Gustomarket - foodie heaven is a place on Earth! Local food will be on sale and guest chefs will be presenting their culinary skills.

04 Haymeadows And Butterflies On Stonebarrow Stonebarrow Car Park, Nr. Charmouth. A guided walk with the National Trust wardens to discover the best traditional haymeadows in the south of England. There should be a delightful array of butterflies and orchids. Further details tel 01297 561900.

04 Powerstock Summer Concerts - Sunset Cafe Stompers Powerstock Church Near Bridport, 7pm. Today’s concert features The Sunset Cafe Stompers playing Jazz New Orleans. Buffet supper is available after the concert at the Three Horseshoes (next door) - prebookings only on 01308 485328. Tel 01308 485500 for concert tickets (£6).

04 Ride In A Ferrari Day Wyevale Garden Centre Owermoigne. A unique event, now in its 3rd year for the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, offering the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of a ride in a Ferrari.

04 Rockpool Ramble - Lyme Regis The Anchor, Cobb Gate Carpark, Lyme Regis, 10.00am.

04 Sherborne Abbey Fete Sherborne Abbey Grounds, Sherborne.

04 Summer Ball - Echoes Of The Jazz Age Leweston School, Nr. Sherborne. 1920s Jazz Age Ball with champagne reception and dancing to live jazz from Chris Walker and Dave Shepherd. Bring your own picnic or order a hamper. Tickets £35, available from Mr H Privett, The Manor House, Marston Magna BA22 8DW, 01935 850294 / ann.frye@dft.gsi.gov.uk.

04 - 05 Web Of Tales - Stories Of Gods And Monsters Sherborne Castle, 2.30pm. Exhibit Theatre Company brings alive tales from ancient Greece.

04- 05 History Weekend At Sherborne's Castles Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, 11am - 4.30pm. 'History Weekend' with joint access to the Old and New Castle grounds plus Somerset & Dorset Family History Society Exhibition.

04- 05 Netherbury Gardens Open Netherbury Village, 2 - 6 pm. Visit many outstanding gardens in this lovely Dorset village - lunch in the Village Hall 12.30pm each day, cake and cream teas, plant stalls etc

04- 05 The Vikings Come To Abbotsbury Abbotsbury Children’s Farm, 10am to 6pm (last admission 5pm). The Vikings are coming!! Children can join in the action.

05 Count Backwards - Children's Entertainer Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester, 10am - 4pm. Come and see Count Backwards perform his magic tricks and Punch & Judy.

05 Fossil Road Show Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth.

05 Great Dorset Bike Ride Starts Top-o-Town Car Park, Dorchester, 10.00 a.m. Fun family bike ride following a 50 mile route out through Purbeck and back to the start point.

05 Parish Eucharist With The Archbishop Of Canterbury Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 9.30am. Attended by the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr. Rowan Williams, The Archbishop of Canterbury

05 Powerstock Common Guided Butterfly Walk Meet at 11am at the reserve entrance by the railway bridge, map reference SY 547974. Target species at this Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve include Wood White and Marsh Fritillary.

05 Powerstock Summer Concerts - Lunchtime Music And Barbecue Glebe Garden, Powerstock. Todays concert features youth bands from Powerstock, Beaminster and Bridport at 12 noon in the Glebe Garden (opposite church) with bell ringing. Entrance £2 adults, £1 children. Tel 01308 485500 for tickets.

05 Radipole Wildlife Walk Radipole RSPB Reserve, Weymouth, 10am.

05 Sherborne Film Society - The Jungle Book Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 3pm.

05 Transport Of Yesteryear Kingston Maurward House & Gardens, Nr. Dorchester, 10am. Hardy Country Vintage & Classic Vehicle Run starting from Kingston Maurward House & gardens at 10am and finishing with a static display at Weymouth Pavilion car park from 12 noon

05 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Sunday stroll from Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 2.30pm.

06 Golden Cap, Centre Of The National Trust - Talk Helen Mann, NT West Dorset Property Manager, will talk on 'Golden Cap - one year on' in the United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport at 7.30pm

06 - 11 Mystery Play Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne. An amateur production of "The Nativity" by Tony Harrison.

07 An Adventure Round The Garden With Roy Lancaster Sub-Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, 10.30am - 4.30pm.Tour of Abbotsbury Gardens with Roy Lancaster

07 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Abbotsbury Swannery Car Park, 10.30am. Via West Bexington.

08 Organic Gardening - The Kingcombe Way Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe at 2.15pm. Guided walk followed by tea at the Kingcombe Centre. Gain an insight into Kingcombe's tried and tested methods of organic gardening.

08 Chris Woolams 2005 Speaking Tour 'Cancer and You. The Whole Truth'. Stratton Village Hall, 7.30pm. 01300 320984

09 Flower And Produce Show Thorncombe Village Hall, 7.30pm. .

09 Sherborne & District Gardeners Association Summer Show Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 7.30pm.

09 Ware Cliffs Walk Near Lyme Regis Starts Lyme Regis, 9.30am or 1.30pm. This is a two hour exploration of the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve. Bring walking boots and wet weather gear. Walks finish at Lyme Regis Museum

09 - 10 Ballet Central At Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre 7.30pm. One of the UK's foremost touring companies returns with a programme that embraces pure ballet and dance. Tickets £12 – tel. 01308 424204.

09 - 12 Cerne Abbas Music Festival St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas, evenings 7.30pm, Sunday 12noon. Festival of chamber music given by the Gaudier Ensemble

10 Chris Jagger's ATCHA Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm - doors open 7.30pm. Rolling Stone's Tribute

10 Hoover The Dog Clapton And Wayford Village Hall, 7.30pm. Band purveying inventive, intelligent music. Bags of technical brilliance and the gift of making music clever and funny at the same time..

10 The Hua Family Shawm Band Portesham Hall, Portesham, 8pm. Shawm band musicians are the gypsies of China, and the Hua Family band are amongst the most exhilerating.

10 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Starts Stonebarrow National Trust Car Park, Charmouth, 10.30 am

10 - 11 Party At The Castle Sherborne Castle, Sherborne. Spend a Summer's evening (or two) in the beautiful lakeside gardens of Sherborne Castle and soak up the atmosphere from the fantastic pop, jazz, blues and Latin beats line-up in our spectacular open-air concerts, including The Zombies, Ben Waters and many more. Real ale tent, ethnic and traditional food, entertainment for children. Tickets and details available from Sherborne TIC.

11 Charminster Village Fete Charminster House, East Hill, Charminster, 2pm - 5pm. A traditional village fete with the usual entertainments such as brass band, bouncy castle and amusements for children, Punch & Judy, skittles, coconut shy, teas, ice creams, beer tent and many stalls.

11 The Occasional Singers St Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. With The Great Western Ensemble. Directed by Rick Birley & Richard Hall with leader Victoria Sayles. Vaughan Williams - Flos Campi, The Lark Ascending, Green Sleeves, Valiant For Truth. Rick Birley(first performance) - Fern Hill (Dylan Thomas). Advance booking (01305) 269077 or 266297

11 Proms In The Park Mountfield, Bridport, 7.30pm - sundown. Bring a picnic, chair and lantern. Admission free - donations on night - in aid of Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice & CancerCare Dorset

11 Royal British Legion Garden Party 88 St. Andrews Road, Bridport, 3pm. Stalls, cream teas etc. Tickets £2 each.

11 Sea Dorset - On The Golden Cap Estate Stonebarrow Car Park Near Charmouth, 7.30pm. A light-hearted evening of music, poetry and verse reflecting Dorset's Marine Heritage, with the St. Gabriels 'Strolling Players'. .

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

11 Spirituality Day At Sherborne Abbbey Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm. A day exploring Ango-Saxon spirituality, conducted by The Revd. Douglas Dales : 1. The Coming of Christianity to the English 2. The significance of Aldhelm, 3. The legacy of Aldhelm.

11 Wessex Wanderer Walk Yeovil Pen Mill Station, Yeovil. Linear walk via Nether Compton to Sherborne (train from Weymouth arriving Pen Mill 08.59 or 08.42 from Bristol Temple Meads arriving Yeovil Pen Mill at 10.10) Time to look round Sherborne before returning to Yeovil Pen Mill by bus - fare approx £2. Return trains from Yeovil Pen Mill at 18.07 to Weymouth and 18.06 to Bristol Temple Meads. Length of walk is 7/8 miles. Picnic lunch.

11 The Winchester College Quiristers Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 7.00pm. A recital by The Winchester College Quiristers including Thomas Jesty BBC Choirboy of the Year 2004. In aid of Dorchester Poverty Action Group. Recital will include a mixture of classical and modern, sacred and secular songs. To order and Information call 01305 264559. Tickets also available at Dorchester Tourist Information Centre and Harmony Music.

11- 12 Garden Fayre And Plant Auction Sub-Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm). Garden fayre and plant auction plus entertainment for the children.

11- 12 Piddletrenthide Open Gardens See 24 private gardens, plant sale in village hall, cream teas available at several locations - both days. Tickets - £5 adults, children free, includes map of gardens.

11- 12 West Dorset Vintage Tractor & Stationery Engine Club Annual Melplash Show Ground Bridport, West Bay Road. Annual Rally at Melplash Show Ground Large Auction held on Saturday

11- 12 Open Gardens And Church - Broadmayne Dorchester, 2pm-5pm. Come and enjoy a number of very different gardens and help to make a carpet of flowers in St Martin's Church. All the proceeds will go to the refurbishment of St Martin's community hall.

12 Cancer Research UK Race For Life Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester.

12 Castleton Waterwheel Open Day Castleton Waterwheel Museum, Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am - 5pm.

12 Maiden Newton Open Gardens Maiden Newton, 2-6pm. Approx. 15 gardens open, including some for the first time. Also plant stall, 'as new' book stall, exhibition and sale of paintings, fun competition plus cream teas.

12 Ringwood & Burley Brass Band Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Free admission.

12 Sherborne Film Society - Aresenic And Old Lace Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 3pm.

12 Skateboard/BMX/Inline Competition Sherborne Skateboard Park, Blackberry Lane, Sherborne. Sherborne's first Skatefest will combine skateboard, inline and BMX competitions for different age groups

12 Take Tea & Talk Antiques Loders Village Hall, Loders, 2.30 pm. With Paul Atterbury of 'Antiques Roadshow' £3.00 for cream tea and 1 valuation £1.00 for each additional valuation - tickets from Paperchain East Street Bridport. For Barnardo's

14 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Chideock Manor Catholic Church, 10.30am

15 A Celebration Of Hay Meadows At Kingcombe Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, 2.15pm. Guided walk followed by tea at the Kingcombe Centre at about 4.15pm. This walk is repeated on Wednesday 22nd June.

15 The Mid Hants Railway Illustrated Thorncombe Village Hall, 7.30pm. An Illustrated talk given by Dave Yalden.

16 Bat Walk & Talk Kingston Maurward House, Nr Dorchester, 8pm. An illustrated talk by a local bat expert, in the grand setting of Kingston Maurward House, followed by guided walks to discover bats around the gardens & lake. Refreshments included, booking essential on 01305 215003.

16 - 17 Lecture On The Sherborne Missal Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, both lectures start 7.30pm. Two lectures by Dr. Michelle Brown FSA, Curator of Illustrated Manuscrips at the British Museum. Thursday 16th June - 'Sherborne Abbey and the Sherborne Missal'. Friday 17th June - 'The Sherborne Missal and Sherborne in the Anglo-Saxon Age'

17 Flawed Genius At Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, 8pm. Flawed Genius is a tale of lost love, despair and a desire to rise above mediocrity. Tickets £9 from Bridport Arts Centre. Tel 01308 424204.

17 Party In The Town - Sherborne Festival Sherborne town comes to life on the fifth weekend of the St Aldhelm 2005 Festival. Local businesses, groups, schools and societies are participating and showing off their talents and specialities. There will be live music and theatre with sideshows, group dancing, juggling and competitions with activities for the kids.

17 Schools Musical Event In The Borough Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 6pm.

17 - 19 Weekend Of Yoga & Meditation Monkton Wyld Court, Lyme Regis. The weekend will be a mix of Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Mantra Yoga, Meditation techniques and practice. Bonfire, time for you and time to play.

18 Dorchester Carnival Procession Town Centre, Dorchester, 6pm. Also various events during the week.

18 The Fairy Queen Or Oberon's Cure The Abbey House, Abbotsbury, 7.45pm. An earthy new comedy with a touch of tenderness. Live original music and white faced clowns in a highly audience interactive show. Bring your own picnics chairs and rugs. Lanterns are also welcome to help create a 'fairy ambience'. Tel: 01305 751169 for tickets.

18 GA GA - Queen Tribute Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Doors open 7.45. Queen Crazy Tour

18 Ben Waters and his Band Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster, 8pm. Ben Waters and his Band return to Beaminster to give another exciting Rock n’ Roll, Boogie Woogie and New Orleans style performance.

19 Kingston Maurward Open Day and Country Fair Kingston Maurward, Nr. Dorchester. A festival of the countryside and fun day out for the whole family. Course displays, displays and activities, stalls, rides, bands, demonstrations, careers advice, gardens and animal park. Licensed restaurant and barbecues'. Farmer's market.

18 Once More Into The Bleach (Blondie Tribute) Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 7.30pm.

18 Sherborne Abbey Choir And Organ Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. Programme of favourite anthems from the English Choral repertoire.

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

18 Sherborne Film Society - An American In Paris Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm.

18 Stig Of The Dump Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. A wonderful musical production of Clive King's famous story, with lots of opportunity for the audience to take part. Family theatre at its best - suitable for ages 5 and up.

18 Uplyme Village Fete Uplyme Village Hall & Playing Field, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 2.00pm. Annual Village Fete, stalls, music, competitions, teas, etc

18 Wessex Wanderer Walk Dorchester West Station, Dorchester. A circular walk to the south east of Dorchester, visiting the villages of Broadmayne and west Knighton. Train 08.42 from Bristol Temple Meads arriving Dorchester west at 10.43. Return train from Dorchester at 17.29 to Bristol T M. Length of walk 9 miles - picnic lunch.

18 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk From Dorchester West Rail Station, 10.45am.

18- 19 Cerne Abbas Open Gardens Cerne Abbas, 2pm - 6pm. About 25 private gardens open in aid of charity.

19 Grand Summer Fair at Charmouth Manor Farm Field, Charmouth, 1pm. Family dog show, brass band, majorettes, ferret racing, dog obedience & line dancing, vintage tractors, owl display, refreshments, many stalls, games & tombola.

19 Bill Sheffield - Hearing Things Hare+Hounds, Waytown, Nr. Bridport, 2.30pm - 5pm. Acoustic blues at its best from Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A release by American Roots & Blues Records. Plus special guest on acoustic bass - from the Producers Dave Saunders. Outdoor stage, superb views, barbeque.

19 Classics At The Castle - Classic Car Show Sherborne Castle, 10am - 5pm. Classic car run, vintage and classic car dislays, trade stands and autojumble

19 Ladies Triathlon Sherborne Sports Centre, Sherborne. Organised by Sherborne Sports Centre - a triathlon specifically designed for Mums trying to get back into fitness. Distances : 20 length swim, 8 mile bike plus 3 mile run. In aid of the Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil District Hospital.

19 St. Mary's Festival Service St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester, 9.45am A service of baptism and confirmation at which the Bishop of Sherborne will bless the missioners as the festival gets underway.

19 The Walnut Pickers Jazz Prom Puddletown, Nr Dorchester, Green Field Site, midday - 10.30 pm Gates open 10am. Enjoy a lazy summer Sunday with some of the best jazz around. Performing; Clare Teal, Dylan Howe Quintet, TJ Johnson & His Band, The Limbic System, Excelsior Vintage Jazz Band, Shine. Tickets: Adults £25.00, Child £10.00

19 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Eype Picnic Area, Nr Bridport, 9am. 20 mile walk.

20 St.Mary's Festival - Any Questions? Dorchester County Hospital, 7.30pm. An evening exploring issues of life and death.

20 - 21 The Rivals Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. A Cygnet Theatre Company production.

20 - 24 St. Mary's Prayer Labyrinth St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester. 10am -12 noon, 3pm - 5pm, 6pm - 9pm You are welcome to walk the prayer labyrinth following the twists and turns of the pathway marked out in the building, which will also be your own journey of the soul and the imagination and a lot of fun. Stay a while on Thursday to enjoy the space of the building with an informal music recital from 8:30pm

21 A Midsummers' Night Dream - Open Air Theatre Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester, open at 6pm for picnics. performance starts at 7.30pm. Chapterhouse Theatre Company in association with Berwick House Productions present one of Shakespeare's finest plays in the beautiful surroundings of Kingston Maurward.

22 A Celebration Of Hay Meadows Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 2.15pm.Guided walk followed by tea at the Kingcombe Centre.

22 Tea At Three And Bazaar Trimar Hospice, Greenhill, Weymouth, 12noon to 4pm.

23 - 24 Polish Days - Sherborne Festival Students from four participating countries will join in art, drama and cooking workshops with a Polish supper on the first night and Polish talks and exhibitions on the second day. Also Polish dance performance on 25^th at 2.30pm in the Digby Hall.

24 - 26 Bridport Charity Flower Festival St Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport.

24 - 26 Combined Charity Weekend At Higher Eype Higher Eype near Bridport. Friday's event will include a performance by Bridport Big Band, Saturday's event will include Amanda Jazz Band and on Sunday there will be a organ concert by Byron Jones. Cream teas at 3. Further details from Liz Nelson on 01308 427080.

24- 27 International Street Market in Sherborne A three-day market in Cheap Street and around the Abbey with 30 French stalls and another 30 from elsewhere in Europe, together with our own Dorset farmers' market.

24 Kausary Live - Latin American Concert Powerstock Hut, Nr Bridport,, 7.30pm. Concert and barbeque in aid of WAWA, a charity aimed at raising funds to provide fairer opportunities for disadvantaged children in Peru. Tel. 01308 485207.

24 Market In St. Martin's Community Hall St. Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 2pm – 3.30pm Produce, cakes, plants, crafts, Fair-traid goods, library etc and a chance to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat!

24 Painting And Drawing Course 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.

24 Pop Goes The Century Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm.

24 Beaminster Festival – Today’s events Nicola Benedetti, Violin with Alison Rhind on piano – St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster, 8pm.

24 River Cottage Friday Night Feast River Cottage, Nr. Bridport. Although not a restaurant, there are regular Friday night dinners at River Cottage HQ. This is 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. Wine/drink: Elderflower cordial and iced Dorset tap water will be available - if you want to bring your own wine, cider or beer feel free! Bookings essential – tel. 01308 420020.

24 - 26 Sherborne Abbey Flower Festival Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. The Abbey Flower Arrangers together with friends will be staging a flower festival depicting '1300 years from St. Aldhelm'.

24 - 26 St. Mary's Bridport Flower Festival St Mary's Church Bridport. Also Choral Evensong at 6.30pm.

24-03/07 Beaminster Festival 2005 Wide range of events covering all musical tastes, the visual arts, drama, poetry, jazz and popular music. Full details on www.beamfest.org.uk or 01308 862943 – or from local TICs.

25 29th Mozart Summer Festival Cattistock Church, Cattistock, 7.30pm. One of a series of concerts in the 29th Mozart summer festival - to co-incide with the Church flower festival.

25 A Concert Of Baroque Music St. Peter's Church, High West St, Dorchester, 1pm - 2pm. A concert, given as part of St. Peter's Patronal Festival, by Russell Dawson (violin) and Peter Oakes (organ), to include music by Pachelbel, Albinoni, Handel & Bach.

25 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 12 noon in the Town Square – Hugh Fearnley –Whittingstall will launch the festival celebrations and invite everyone to sample the Ri ver Cottage HQ Team’s Hog Roast plus lots of street entertainment; 7.30pm Red Priest – english baroque ensemble – perform at St. Mary’s Church; 8pm Instant Wit – improvisation comedy at its best – in the Red Lion Pub.

25 Cattistock Family Sports Day The Playing Fields Cattistock, (opposite The Fox &Hounds), 2.30 pm. All of the usual races and plenty of prizes - all proceeds to Fete funds

25 Concert By Simon Trpceski Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, Nr Dorchester, 7pm for 7.30pm. Piano recital; programme to include Chopin & Rachmaninov.

25 Corscombe Fair Corscombe Court, Corscombe, 12pm - 4pm. Traditional village fete in superb historical surroundings with variety of activities and stalls.

25 Dance - Uplyme Village Hall Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm - 11.00pm. Ballroom, Latin & some Sequence - in aid of Hall funds

25 Fleetwood Bac Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm - doors open 7.45pm. Fleetwood Mac tribute band

25 International Young Persons Discussion Forum Students from all Sherborne's twin towns discuss the future of Europe and share their thoughts with our MEP and other luminaries.

25 Lecture - The St Johns Bible Beddington Lecture Theatre, Sherborne Girls’ School, 11am. The Saint John’s Bible is the first commissioned handwritten Bible for 500 years. One hundred and sixty illuminations will be created in the seven volumes of a thousand pages. A team of scribes and artists have been brought together in a unique way to undertake this project. Sally Mae Joseph has been working on it full time since 1999 with Donald Jackson at the Scriptorium in the Hendre, Wales. She will talk about the completion of the first four volumes , Gospels and Acts,the Pentateuch, Psalms and the Prophets, bring sketches and other related artefacts and a wonderful selection of slides.

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

25 St.Mary's Prayers St. Mary’s Dorchester, 10am -12 noon St Mary’s Prayer Labyrinth; 12 noon Prayers of thanksgiving for all the journeys made during this festival week; 7.30pm our joys and sadnesses, wholeness and healing - prayers for ourselves and our community.

25 The Sylvan Players The Church Of St Peter & St Paul, Cattistock, 7.30pm. The Sylvan Players perform music by Mozart, Beethoven and their contemporaries for clarinets and strings in aid of the Church Roof Appeal. The Church Flower Festival is also held this weekend.

25 - 27 Cattistock Church Flower Festival St. Peter & St. Paul Church, Cattistock, Cattistock, Nr. Dorchester, 10am - 6pm.'The World in Flowers' by the Cattistock Flower Arrangers.A wonderful display of flowers in the beautiful St Peter & St paul Church, known as the Cathedral of the Frome Valley.

26 Borough Gardens - Teddy Bears Picnic Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 12pm

26 Cattistock Gardens Walkabout Cattistock, Nr. Dorchester, 2pm - 6pm. Many private gardens in the village open to the public. Also refreshments in Savill Hall and flower festival in the church.

26 Coast To Coast Motorcycle Run - Lyme Regis Lyme Regis. Annual Coast to Coast Motorcycle Run: Lyme Regis to Weston-Super-Mare

26 Dolls House Fair Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester.

26 Farm Walk Clift Car Par (ref SY545985), 1.30pm. Bring a picnic - cream teas available at the Kingcombe Centre

26 Portesham Open Gardens Portesham, Nr. Weymouth, 11am - 5.30pm. Village open gardens - many gardens open to the public. Cream teas, flower festival in Church, free parking, plant and cake stalls.

26 Puddletown Open Gardens Puddletown Village, 12 noon - 6pm. Flowers in the church with a theme of 'In an English Country Garden', scarecrow competition in the First School playground, Art exhibition Lunches and teas in the Village Hall

26 Sea Dragons And Volcanoes - Charmouth Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, ,Charmouth, 2.30pm.

26 St. Mary's Festival Celebration Service St. Mary’s Dorchester, 9.45 am Service followed by a bring and share lunch.

26 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 11am – Festival Service at St. Mary’s church; 3pm "Nobody Rides the Unicorn" – Puppetcraft performance at Beaminster School .

26 Stratton Summer Fayre Stratton Village Hall, Dorchester Road, Dorchester, from 2 pm. Traditional Summer Fayre with lots of stalls and attractions for all the family including a 17th century Barber-Surgeon (meek 'Nosey' the leech!)

26 Teddy Bears' Picnic In The Borough Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 12 noon to 4pm.

26- 28 Residential Painting And Sketching Workshop Highway Farm, Bridport, Bridport. Learn to paint and sketch with local natural artist Ann Gray (www.shadesofgray.org.uk). Beginners and improvers very welcome. Indoor and outdoor working. Full tuition, 2 nights B&B, supper and packed lunch included, £110 per person. Tel 01308 424321.

27 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 12pm – David Watkins (harp) and Michael Bochmann (violin) at St.Mary’s Church; 2.30pm – lecture by Roger Peers at St. Mary’s Church; 7.30pm Salisbury Cathedral Choir at St.Mary’s Church

28 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Starts from Abbotsbury Car Park, 9.45pm.

28 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 12pm The Brit Valley Brass and Bridport Youth Choir at St. Mary’s Church, 2.30pm – lecture by Peter Hope at St. Mary’s Church; 7.30pm James Bowman and Friends at St. Mary’s Church – song recital accompanied by recorder, cello and harpsichord.

29 Cattistock Fete Jumble The Savill Hall, Cattistock, 7pm.

29 Farming For Conservation At The Kingcombe Meadows Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 2.15pm. Guided walk with Neil Croton (DWT Asst Warden) followed by tea at the Kingcombe Centre.

29 Wessex Wanderer Walk Upwey Station, Upwey, Nr Dorchester. A linear walk from Upwey to the west of the line, up and over the ridges to Dorchester, length 9 miles, with picnic lunch. Train 08.42 from Bristol Temple Meads arriving Upwey at 10.50. return train from Dorchester West at 17.29 to Bristol TM

29 Yes We Have No Bananas Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Ministry of Entertainment presents the last in the trilogy - a charming and lighthearted WW2 trilogy featuring songs from the era and based on true accopounts

29 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 12pm – Angelica Kennard (mezzo soprano) at St. Mary’s Church; 2.30pm poetry reading at the Old Vicarage, Beaminster; 4pm – Phil Smith relates an innovative story telling journey about a walk in the West Country at the Strode Room (by St. Mary’s Church); 7.30pm The Sarum Consort at St. Mary’s; 8pm The Joyce Gang (Celtic Folk Band) at the Red Lion.

30 Fulcrum Planning And Social Evening at the Wessex Royale Hotel Wessex Royale Hotel, High West Street, Dorchester.

30 Ramblers Walk By The South Somerset Group Meet at Maiden Newton Walker's Car Park, 10.30am.

30 Traditional Pub Games The Fox & Hounds, Duck St, , Cattistock, 8pm. Try your hand at table skittles, shove ha'peeny and darts, amongst others. Proceeds to fete funds.

30 Beaminster Festival – today’s events 12pm The Brass Collective at St. Mary’s Church; 2.30pm Lecgture by Allen Cull at St. Mary’s; 7.30pm Wessex Winds at St. Mary’s and 8pm Chris Walker and the Swingtet Jazz Band at The Red Lion.

30 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Charmouth Sea Lane Car Park, , 6.30pm. Route: Monarch's Way 6 miles

 

 

Baby Swans Hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury

From Mid May to the end of June hundreds of cygnets hatch around the pathways – unique and charming!

Open daily 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)

 

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 June, guided walks take place on Sun 5^th – 11.30am, Sun 19^th – 10am, Sat 25^th – 3pm – also don’t miss the Fossil Roadshow on Sunday 5^th, 10.30am – 4.30pm

EXHIBITIONS

to 02/06 Artslink Open Painting Exhibition Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne.

to 05/06 Lyme Regis Art Group - Annual Exhibition Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 10.00am - 6.00pm.

to 19/06 Sherborne House Exhibition - Alex Lowry, Beyond West Bay Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 10.30am - 4.30pm (closed Mondays). An exhibition of meditative paintings.

to 25/06 Alpha House Gallery Exhibition Alpha House Gallery, Sherborne, Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Paintings by Colin Bishop and Lawrence Freiesleben plus ceramics by 6 Australian Potters (The Gulgong Connection)

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 31/12 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.

18/06 – 10/07 "Setting the Scene" – 20^th Century Paintings Beaminster Museum, 10.30am – 4.30pm daily.

24/06 - 27/06 Art at Beaminster House Beaminster House, tunnel Road, Beaminster, 10am – 4pm. Exhibition of ceramics, stoneware, sculpture, furniture design and metal work in the elegant surruondings of Beaminster House and garden. (also open 1^st-3^rd July)

25/06 – 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.

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.

 

NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME

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 open dates and times.West Dorset gardens open in June include : Innsacre, Shipton Gorge (1^st, 8^th) , The Scented Garden, Little Bredy (7^th, 14^th, 21^st, 28^th), The Mill House, Netherbury (11^th, 12th), The Old Rectory, Netherbury (12^th), Wolverhollow , Monkton Wyld (12^th, 14^th), Knowle Farm, Uploders (14^th, 21^st), The Old Rectory, Litton Cheney (14^th), Domineys Yard, Buckland Newton (15^th), Tithe Barn, Litton Cheney (19^th), Chideock Manor, Chideock (22^nd, 26^th) Horn Park, Beaminster (22^nd), 12 Claremont Road, Bridport (23^rd), 19 Jessopp Avenue, Bridport (23^rd), Melplash Court, Melplash 29^th), Ivy House, Piddletrenthide (5^th), Holworth Farmhouse, Nr Owermoigne (5^th, 26^th), Moreton Gardens (11^th, 12^th), Frankham Farm, Ryme Intrinseca (12^th), Mappercombe Manor, Nettlecombe (12^th), Broomnhill, Rampisham (1^st, 14^th), Pear Tree Farm, Loscombe (14^th, 28^th), Manor Orchard, Stratton 19^th, 22^nd), Sticky Wicket, Buckland Newton (19^th).

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

 

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

Tourist Information Centre, Antelope Walk, Dorchester Tel: 01305 267992 dorchester.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, South Street, Bridport Tel: 01308 424901 bridport.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne Tel: 01935 815341 sherborne.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, Church Street, Lyme Regis Tel: 01297 442138 lymeregis.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

www.westdorset.com

 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this leaflet is correct at the time of going to print, West Dorset District Council cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. Inclusion in this leaflet does not imply any recommendation by West Dorset District Council. Produced by West Dorset District Council, Leisure and Tourism Division.