West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

December 2006

Information supplied courtesy of West Dorset District Council & West Dorset Tourist Board

EXHIBITIONS

to 03/12 Exhibition By Cooper At Sherborne School Oliver Holt Gallery, Abbey Road, Sherborne School, Mon-Fri 10.30am - 4.30pm, Sat 10.30am - 12.30pm, Sun 1pm - 4.30pm. Contact 01935 812249.

to 06/01 Landmarks & Seamarks: An Artist’s Year In Dorset Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am-5pm, closed Sundays. A solo exhibition by Dorset artist Richard Pikesley with coastal connections as well as images of towns & countryside. Richard has focused his attention on areas with visual significance to him - the special places that have drawn him back year after year. Contact : 01305 262735

to 06/01 Alpha House Gallery – Christmas Takeaway 2006 Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, jewellery. Contact 01935 814944

to 08/01 Exhibition: Open Art Competition Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm. This exhibition is the culmination of the Town Mill Galleries' Open Art Competition 2006. Artists from all over the South West will be exhibiting their work. Contact 01297 443579.

to 16/12 Sherborne House Exhibition 'Hand Print' Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, gallery open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.30am until 4.30pm. A mixed exhibition illustrating a number of different print processes, including etching, collograph, wood block print and silkscreen print. Original prints available for sale. Contact 01935 816426

02/12- 03/12 & Studio Exhibition - David Atkins The Studio, 31 Monmouth Road, Dorchester, 10am - 6pm.

09/12-10/12 Recent Landscape paintings from Dorset, London, Ireland and Cornwall. Contact 01305 264081.

MARKETS

BEAMINSTER Farmers’ Market 4^th Saturday in each month – Town Hall 9am-1pm; Gustomarket on 2^nd December, 8.30am - 1pm in the Public Hall. Contact: 01308 495351.

BRIDPORT Weekly Market in the Town Centre every Wednesday and Saturday, Farmers’ Market 2^nd Saturday in each month – Arts Centre 9.30am-2pm, West Dorset Country Market in the WI Hall, North Street every Saturday 9am-12 noon

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

Farmers’ Market 1^st Saturday in each month – Poundbury, 9am-1pm, Gustomarket at Broadsword Hall, Poundbury on 9^th December, 8am – 1pm

LYME REGIS Gustomarket in Town Mill Yard on 16^th December, 11am – 4pm

SHERBORNE Pannier Market on the Parade, every Thursday and Saturday; Country Market in Church Hall, Digby Road, Thursday mornings, 9.15am-11.15am, Christmas Market on Saturday 9^th December, 9.30am – 2.30pm in the Senior Citizen’s Hall, Digby Road; Farmers’ Market 3^rd Friday in each month – Cheap Street, 9am-1pm; special Christmas Farmers’ Market on Sunday 3^rd December

FOSSIL WALKS

Lyme Regis Fossil walks with Dr Colin Dawes every Sunday, at 1pm. No need to book – meet at the Old Forge Fossil Shop, Broad Street. Lasts approx. 2.5 hours. Adults £7, Children £3

Fossil walks from Lyme Regis Museum Walks last approx. 2 hours – Adults £8, Children £5, including entrance to museum. Tel. 01297 443370 to book (essential) and for further details.

Fossil walks with Brandon Lennon Daily fossil walks - details and times available from Mike’s Minerals & Fossils – tel. 01297 444405 (booking essential).

Fossil walks also organised by Dinosaurland (01297 443541) and Busters Bernard (01297 444614) – please telephone for further details.

Fossil walks from Lyme Regis Fossil Shop Booking essential on 01297 442088

Charmouth Fossil hunting walks from the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth on Saturday 9^th December at 1.30pm and Sunday 10^th at 2pm. Walks last approx. 2 hours and include a 20 minute talk on fossils. No need to book. Adults £7, Children £3. Private walks, warden talks and fossil and marine film shows also available throughout the year. Tel. 01297 560772

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS

If you haven’t yet bought your Christmas cards, do pop along to one of our West Dorset Tourist Information Centres who are once again selling Charity Christmas Cards on behalf of the Cards for Good Causes group of charities. With approximately 30 charities represented, there is always an excellent choice, and all charities receive at least 81p in every £1 from their card sales. The cards are on sale until Tuesday 19^th at Bridport, Lyme Regis and Sherborne TICs and until Friday 22^nd at Dorchester TIC

EVENTS DURING DECEMBER

01 - 02 A Grand Night For Singing Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm both nights plus Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Music from the songbook of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Talented local singers and a professional band under the baton of Nick Lawrence will make this an ' enchanted evening '. Contact 01297 442138.

01 A Taste Of Christmas Woodroffe School, Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, 6pm - 9pm. Woodroffe School PTA invite you to stress free Christmas shopping. Stalls from local businesses selling jewellery, food, confectionery, crafts and more. Raffle and Tombola; music by The School Jazz Band, Wind Band & Early Music Groups; Father Christmas. Contact 01297 442049.

01 Archaeology Meeting At Dorset County Museum Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, wine & mince pies from 6.30pm, lecture at 7.30pm. Society Christmas Lecture - 'The Roman Countryside in Wessex - the results of some recent villa excavations' given by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, University of Oxford. Contact 01305 262735.

01 ArtXtra - Christmas Cards Wessex Barn, Dorchester Road, 10am - 4pm. Get into the seasonal mood by making your own cards with Jane Burden. Have fun trying out quick and easy techniques to get original, exciting results. Contact 01300 321348.

01 Chris Garrick's Firewire Ensemble Portesham Village Hall, 8pm. A national tour promoting the ensemble's stunning new album, Firewire. Contact 01305 871780.

01 Friends Of Symondsbury School Christmas Fayre Symondsbury School, 6pm. Father Christmas, homemade cakes, mulled wine and mince pies etc etc.

01 Hospice Flower Ladies - Christmas Flower Arranging Joseph Weld Hospice Day Centre, Dorchester, 7pm. Contact 01305 215300.

01 London Bridge Ensemble - Piano Trio With Baritone Sir John Colfox School, Bridport, 7.45pm. A Bridport & West Dorset Music Club concert. Contact 01308 424673.

01 Poetry Dorchester Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Poetry Dorchester welcomes two South West poets of exceptional quality for the launch of Nadine Brummer's second collection 'Out of the Blue' and work by Christopher Southgate. Contact 01305 266926.

01 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert Big School Room, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Swing band. Contact 01935 810518.

01 Trilith Presents An Evening Of Dorset Film Archive Thorncombe Village Hall, 7.30pm. Drawing upon their extensive stock of archive cine-film from the early 1900s to the 1960s and using the latest in digital projection, Trilith presents images of the past that are both entertaining and thought provoking. Contact 01460 30247.

01 Winter Ball At Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward College, Nr Dorchester. Canapes and drinks served in the grand entrance hall from 7pm beside a roaring log fire and accompanied by live jazz music. Dinner served from 8pm and then spend the remainder of the evening as you wish : relax with a drink; be amazed by the magician, take your chances at the 'fun casino' or dance the night away to the 'Up and Running' ceilidh band and disco. Contact 01305 215050.

01 - 02 Osmington Christmas Show Osmington Village Hall, Nr Weymouth, 7.30pm. A fast moving family fun Christmas Show with sketches, dancing and loads of fun. Contact 01305 768446.

01 - 03 The Mellstock Band Presents 'The Leaves Of Life' Performances in village halls at Marnhull on 1st, Briantspuddle on 2nd and Sixpenny Handley on 3rd, all at 7.30pm. Christmas music from the English tradition, from Carols to Revels and from Alehouse to Church Gallery feature in this new seasonal show from the Mellstock Band. A costumed performance with authentic instruments, with tales and poems by Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, Charles Dickens and others. Contact : 01258 821310 (Marnhull), 01929 471497 (Briantspuddle), 01725 552591 (Sixpenny Handley).

02 A Host Of Angels Christmas Fayre The Mermaid,Tudor House, Church St, Lyme Regis, 4pm - 8pm. A candlelit market with music and wine. Unique arts and crafts.

02 Christmas Bazaar And Festive Tea Bradford Peverell Village Hall, 2.30pm. Home made produce and confectionery, raffle, bulbs, dried flowers and other seasonal decorations, children's card making competition, gifts, cards and stationary. Proceeds to The Children's Society.

02 Christmas Tree Fair Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, 10 am - 1 pm. Bargain books, captivating cakes, tempting toys, great gifts, beguiling bric-a-brac and more!!!! Free Admission - Everyone welcome.

02 Classical Cabaret with Beverley Davison Piddletrenthide Village Hall, 7.30pm. Described as the Dawn French of the violin, Beverley Davison has taken classical music by the neck and made it fun and entertaining.

02 Dance - Mainly Ballroom Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm - 11.00pm. Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence, everyone welcome. Entry to include tea & biscuits, in aid of hall funds.

02 Dangerous Curves At Broadoak Village Hall Broadoak Village Hall, 7.30pm. A sparkling show of fun, humour and harmony from Dorset’s own all female a capella group. Contact 01308 424922.

02 Dorset Chamber Orchestra Concert St Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Soloists - Jennifer Holt, Katie Holt, Sarah Shore and Tess Maybury Conductor - Robert Jacoby. Mussorgsky: Night on the Bare Mountain Haydn: Sinfonia Concertante Balakirev: Symphony No 1. Contact 01305 260360.

02 Leyla Kebyra Broadmayne Village Hall, workshop 5.30-7pm, doors open 7.30pm for evening performance. Egyptian dance workshop with renowned teacher, Aliya Burch followed by an evening of Egyptian dance with special guests. Plus Arabic Bazaar - costumes, scarves, jewellery. Fund raising event for Breakthrough breast cancer charity. Contact 01305 813179.

02-03 Music Praise At West Bay St John's Church, West Bay, Bridport, Saturday 10am to 3pm and Sunday afternoon.Music in the church, which has been decorated for this festive season by memebers of West Dorset Flower Club (Bridport) and friends. During the morning members of West Dorset Music Centre will perform Organ Recitals; extracts from 'Dorset Live 2005', the Royal Albert Hall concert organised by Dorset Music Service. Light refreshments will be available. Donations in aid of the Richard Ely Trust for Young Musicians. Contact 01308 456297.

02 Optics Day At Radipole RSPB Reserve Radipole RSPB Reserve, Weymouth, 10am to 4pm. A chance to get advice on choosing the best optical equipment for wildlife watching. Contact 01305 778313..

02 Sherborne Jazz Club - Artie Fishel & The Promised Band The Plume Of Feathers, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, doors open 8pm. Sherborne Jazz Club presents Gilad Atzmon in Artie Fishel and the Promised Band. Expect twisted versions of the Great American Songbook, mashed up Drum'n'bass, fake smooth jazz and even some burning jazz as Artie and co. take you on a journey through Fishel's madcap musical world. Contact 07980 122880..

02 The Thomas Hardy Society - 'Going The Rounds' Start from Thorncombe Wood Car Park, Higher Bockhampton, 6.30pm. A walk In the footsteps of the Melcombe Quire, led by Mike Bailey, Furse Swan and The Madding Crowd. Progress to Stinsford Church via Lower Bockhampton. Mulled wine & mince pies at the Church. Prior booking required. Contact 01305 251501.

02- 03 Working Watermill Demonstrations The Town Mill, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm. Contact 01297 443579.

02 - 10 Sherborne Christmas Tree Festival Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, Church open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Refreshments available at the weekend. Come and see the delightful spectacle of 40 Christmas trees lit and decorated in the setting of this lovely church. Dedication service 2nd December at 4pm, Carol Service with Sherborne Town Band 10th December at 6pm, also schools in the area will perform recitals and choral pieces during the week. Proceeds to Four Leaf Clover Club, Sherborne and Wishing for a Well Appeal. Contact 01935 812667.

03 Christmas Fair At Chantmarle Chantmarle House, Frome St. Quinton, 11am - 4pm. A Christmas Fair in a gorgeous setting: spit roast, mulled wine, Christmas trees, festive food and gift ideas for the whole family. Father Christmas in his magical grotto. All proceeds going to the special care baby unit at Dorchester Hospital.

03 Craft Fair - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 10.00am - 4.00pm. Contact 01297 442138.

03 Sherborne Festive Shopping Day Bring the family and join the fun. Most of Sherborne's shops will be open for the day, plus there will be a traditional market, a Christmas farmers' market, music and entertainment, costumed characters, prize draw and of course Santa will be making an appearance! Further festive shopping day takes place on 17th December. Contact 01935 389437.

03 Wessex Military Band Christmas Concert Bridport Art Centre, Bridport, Adults £6.50 concessions £4.50. Contact 01308 422103.

04 - 05 Family Lantern Workshop Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Make your lantern for the Christmas Cracker procession with visual artist Maddy Pethick. Contact 01305 266926.

05 Christmas Customs Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 7pm. Evening Lecture. Contact 01297 560772.

05 Journey To The Centre Of The Earth At Halstock Halstock Village Hall, 7.30pm. Join the wonderful Kneehigh Theatre on an epic adventure beyond belief! Contact 01935 83347.

05 Light Up A Life Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Lighting of remembrance lights on the christmas tree and a carol service in aid of Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice and CancerCare Dorset Trust. Contact 01305 215300.

05 West Dorset Breathe Easy Presents A Christmas Concert Dorchester United Church, 7.30pm. Dorchester United Brass Ensemble and Friends. Contact 01305 834771.

05 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Tibbs Hollow Car Park Nr Frampton, 10am. Tibbs Hollow Car Park to Notton, Sydling and Magiston 10 miles long. No dogs. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact 01300 320168.

06 The Beaux Strategem Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. A rousing comedy with a pair of attractive but impoverished young gentlemen, plotting to repair their broken fortunes by posing as a lord and his servant in an effort to persude a rich lady into marriage. A true restoration classic. Contact 01297 442138.

06 Bridport Combined Charities Christmas Card Fair Bridport United Church, 6pm - 9pm. With coffee morning. Held In Conjunction With The Christmas Tree Festival . Fifteen local charities selling cards and small gifts. Contact 01308 425037.

06 Bridport Late Night Shopping Bridport Town Centre, until 8.30pm max. Selected shops opening late for Christmas Shopping on 3 Wednesdays - 6th, 13th and 20th.

06 Christmas Cracker Procession Featuring The Dorchester Samba Starts From The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7pm. Join the procession as it winds its way through Dorchester Town Centre led by the Dorchester Samba Band. Contact 01305 266926.

06 Dorchester Christmas Cracker Dorchester Town Centre, 6pm onwards. Christmas festival of late night shopping and entertainment. Contact 01305 348810.

06 Open Morning Counselling Course Body - Mind - Spirit Centre Jonson Park, Alington Avenue, 10.30am. Workshops by staff and students of Shekinah School for Psychospiritual Therapy. Contact 01305 257958.

06 Travellers' Tales Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, refreshments from 5.30pm, talk at 6pm. 'Some painted monasteries, medieval towns, wooden churches and mountain scenery in Romania' - a talk by Roger Peers. Contact 01305 262735.

06 Wildlife Walk Lodmoor Reserve, Weymouth, 10am - 12pm. Wrap up warm and watch the winter birds feeding out on the reserve. Contact 01305 778313.

06 Yetties Music Night West End Hall, Sherborne, 8pm. Contact 01935 814611.

06- 13 Christmas Tree Festival United Church, Bridport, East Street, open from 10am each day, (Sundays from 2pm). Late night each Wednesday until 9pm. Mayor Ackerman will be switching on the lights during the evening church service on 5 Dec and the Festival continues each day from 10am (Sunday 2pm) There will be 65 decorated and illuminated trees, plus charity Xmas cards, coffee mornings, concerts and carol singing!. Contact 01308 422766.

07 Dorchester Film Society - Bombon El Perro Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7.30pm.

07 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Buckham Down Car Park Nr Beaminster, 10am. Buckham Down to Chedington, South Perrot and Winyards Gap. No dogs. 10 miles. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact 01935 891563.

08 Bridport Arts Centre. Kneehigh Theatre. Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, 7.30p.m. The legendary city of Atlantis is recreated using puppets, shadow play, live music, physical comedy and Kneehigh's inimitable storytelling style. Tickets £10 £8 members, concession. £5 students, u16s. Contact 01308 424204.

08 Charities Card Fair Bridport United Church, 6pm - 9pm. In aid Jospeh Weld & Trimar Hospice and Cancercare Dorset. Contact 01305 215300.

08 Christmas Party Night At Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward College, Nr Dorchester, 7pm - 12.30am. Join us for a Bucks Fizz reception in the Grand Entrance Hall beside a roaring log fire before sitting down to a delicious festive three-course meal, followed by a disco. Contact 01305 215050.

08 Christmas Variety Night Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Dommett/ Street Productions bring you another fabulous show featuring many local stars. Contact 01297 442138.

08 Dorchester 700 Celebration Tapestry Launch Dorchester Arts Centre, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Join the artists for the official opening and a glass of wine. Contact 01305 266926.

08 Festive Floral Decorations Course At Highway Farm Highway Farm Near Bridport. Impress your guests and decorate your home for Christmas with stunning table decorations, door wreaths and more! Course organised by Sylvia Dunsdon. Cost for this day course is £30. Contact 01308 424321..

08 Late Night In Lyme Lyme Regis. Christmas Shopping under Christmas Lights. Shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs open; street entertainment, Father Christmas, £100 draw. Lantern parade and carols at 8.30pm. Organised by Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Committee.

08 Market At Broadmayne St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 2pm - 3.30pm. Produce, cakes, plants, craft, Christmas items, Fair-Trade goods, local sausages, children's books, library etc plus a chance to have a cup of tea and a chat. Contact 01305 852866.

09 A Christmas Carol Concert With Beaminster Singers St Mary's Church, Beaminster, 6.30pm. An early evening Christmas treat with seasonal cards and motets. The Beaminster Singers will be joined by children from St. Mary's School, Beaminster. Contact 01300 320833.

09 Allington Symphony Orchestra Anniversary Concert St Mary's Church, Bridport, 7.30pm. Celebrating their 30th anniversary with conductor Neil Cuthill and soloist Ross Brown. A selection of pieces from Hadyn, Beethoven and Bizet. Tickets available from the Book Shop, South St, Bridport and the Post Office, Burton Bradstock.

09 Bridport Choral Society Christmas Concert Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, at 7.30 pm. Christmas music amongst the Christmas Tree festival. Contact 01308 427858.

09 Carols, Cheese And Cheer Lunch Charmouth Village Hall, 12 noon to 2pm. In aid of Jospeh Weld & Trimar Hospice and CancerCare Dorset. Contact 01305 215300.

09 Christmas Craft Fair Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 10am - 4pm. The Dorchester 13th Annual Christmas Craft Fair. Contact 01749 677049.

09 Handmade Christmas - Making Decorations St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport, 9.45am to 12.45pm. This event is organised by Treewise Co-operative Ltd. Make peg angels and snowmen, willow stars and natural garlands made from dried materials. Workshops run from 9.45am to 12.45pm. Cost includes all materials. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 01308 427449.

09 The Kingdom The Minster, Axminster, 7.30pm. Axminster & District Choral Society present Edward Elgar's The Kingdom.

09 Sherborne Antique & Flea Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm. Contact 01963 250108.

09 Sherborne Antiques & Collectors Fair Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm. Contact 01460 75069.

09 Swarb’s Lazarus Bridport Arts Centre, 8pm. Swarb’s Lazarus is a new trio featuring the legendary English fiddler Dave Swarbrick (ex Fairport Convention), ace guitarist Kevin Dempsey and multi-instrumentalist Martin Allcock (ex Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull). Tickets £10, (£9 members/concessions). Contact 01308 424204

09 Theatre Alibi Presents How To Hug Trees Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, 3pm. Action-packed, funny and touching performance for children aged 5-10 and their families. Contact 01297 560948.

09 Wildlife Conservation Day Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve, , Hazelbury Bryan, 10am - 4pm. Practical habitat improvement involving cutting and burning scrub and unwanted trees on this important new grassland reserve, often using a forestry pony to tow trees to the fire sites. The reserve is off the Hazelbury Bryan to Kings Stag road next to the Hazelbury Bryan village sign - map reference ST737100. Contact 01963 23559.

09 - 10 Working Watermill Demonstrations Town Mill, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm. Contact 01297 443579.

10 Craft Fair - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 10.00am- 4.00pm. Contact 01297 442138.

10 John Otway Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. This self confessed unsuccessful singer songwriter has built a huge cult audience through unrelenting touring, a surreal sense of humour and a winning underdog personality. Contact 01297 442138.

10 Ramblers Walk In Our Area - Abbotsbury Meet Abbotbury Car Park, 10am. This walk has been organised by the South Somerset group of the Ramblers Association who often hold walks in the west Dorset area. Todays walk 11 miles Important: Please contact the organiser to confirm details..Contact 01935 816731.

10 Santa Specials At Seaton Tramway Seaton Tramway, Seaton. Contact 01297 20375.

10 Yeovil Junction Santa Special Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, 10.30am - 4pm. Prior booking £6 per adult/child. On the day £7 each, subject to availability. Price includes a Steam Train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and (for the children) a carefully selected present according to age and sex. Contact 01935 845946.

11 A Christmas Carol At Broadwindsor Village Hall Broadwindsor Village Hall, 7pm. Forest Forge Theatre applies its unique theatrical style to Dicken’s timeless Christmas classic. Contact 01308 868582.

11 A Medieval Christmas At Sherborne Abbey Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Join Sherborne Chamber Choir and a band of medieval wind, pipes and drums from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for festival music old and new. Medieval carols and intrumental music, Latin American, Baroque and contamporary settings of medieval tests, along with carols for everyone to join in. Contact 01935 816332.

11 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk Brooklands Farm, Forston, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. 'A Pageant of Insects' - an illustrated talk by Kevin Cook. Contact 01305 834051.

11 RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve Winter Duck Walk RSPB Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 10am until 12pm. Contact 01305 778313.

12 Bridport History Society Bridport United Church, 2.30pm. A History of Musical Instruments - by Jonathan Weeks - a talk will be accompanied by the playing of some of the instruments. Contact 01308 456876.

12 Lyme's Library Links Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis, 2.30 - 3.30pm. Talk by David Coates about the numerous links that Lyme has with the library world, from Henry Fielding and Jane Austen to John Fowles. Contact 01297 444566.

13 Geology Lecture - 'Purbeck Snails & Ostracods' Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Talk by Dr. R G Clements of the University of Leicester - part of the Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society geology series of talks. Contact 01305 262735.

13 Bridport Late Night Shopping Bridport Town Centre, until 8.30 pm max. Selected shops opening late for Christmas Shopping on 3 Wednesdays - 6th, 13th and 20th.

14 Cathedral Express - To Sherborne Abbey Sherborne Abbey. The Cathedrals Express steam train comes to Sherborne, leaving Waterloo at 10am. Special Carol Service in the Abbey at 3pm. Contact 01483 209888.

14 - 15 Green Wood Bowl Carving Course Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport, 9am - 5pm. A 2-day green wood bowl carving course. Informal, fun and relaxing. All tools, materials and a light lunch included. Beautiful setting just outside Bridport. Pre-booking essential - www.mallinson.uk.com or tel. 01308 485111. Contact 01308 485111.

15 Charterhouse Auction Long Street Sale Rooms, Sherborne, viewing Wednesday from 10am to 4pm, and Thursday from 10am to 7pm. Sale starts on Friday at 10am, with viewing from 8.30am. Antiques, collectors' items and clocks. Contact 01935 812277.

15 Christmas Party Night At Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester, 7pm - 12.30am. Join us for a Bucks Fizz reception in the Grand Entrance Hall beside a roaring log fire before sitting down to a delicious festive three-course meal, followed by dancing to live band 'Bedrock'. Contact 01305 215050.

15 Julian Fellowes Entertains St George's Hall, Dorchester, 7.30pm. You ask the questions and the famous Oscar winner, writer,actor, film-director and story- teller responds candidly and often hilariously over seasonal refreshments. Tickets available from Dorchester TIC. Contact 01305 267992.

15 Music For A Christmas Evening Dorset County Museum, High West Street,Dorchester, 7.30pm. Get in the mood for Christmas by dressing up and joining us for an evening of Christmas music and carols, performed in the beautiful and atmospheric Victorian Hall of Dorset County Museum. The evening will consist of performances by the Purbeck Village Choir and the Thomas Hardy School Choir. Light refreshments and a complimentary glass of wine will be served between the two performances. Tickets available from Dorchester TIC. Contact 01305 267992.

15 - 16 Yetties Christmas Show Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. The Yetties Annual Christmas Show - this year with special guest Tony Beard - 'The Wag from Widdecombe'. Tickets available from Rules in Cheap St. Sherborne or online at www.theyetties.co.uk or tel 01935 814611. Contact 01935 814611.

16 Book Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am - 4pm. Contact 01747 841148.

16 Briantspuddle Singers St Mary's Church, Frampton, Nr Dorchester, 7.30pm. Messiah by Handel, conductor Dr Richard Hall. Tickets to include a glass of wine and a mince pie after the concert. Contact 01305 320730.

16 Christmas Story Telling At The County Museum Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am - 12pm. A Christmas pudding of tales, traditions and pastimes from around the world. Contact 01305 262735.

16 Green Fair At St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport, South Street, 10am to 4pm. Green Fair to promote sustainable living, ecological issues and social justice. Contact 0845 3732757.

16 - 17 Santa Specials At Gartell Light Railway Gartell Light Railway, Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe. Tickets £8.50 per child and £4 per adult. Advance booking essential. Contact 01963 370752.

16 - 17 Father Christmas & Nativity At Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, 1pm - 6pm. Father Christmas visits Kingston Maurward Gardens between 1pm and 6pm. Contact 01305 215123.

16 - 17 Working Watermill Demonstrations Town Mill, Lyme Regis, 1am - 4pm. Contact 01297 443579.

17 RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve Wildlife Walk RSPB Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 10am -12pm.Contact 01305 778313.

17 Santa Specials At Yeovil Junction Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, gates open 10.30am - 4pm. Train rides from 11am. Prior booking £6 per adult/child. On the day £7 each, subject to availability. Price includes a Steam Train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and (for the children) a carefully selected present according to age and sex. Contact 01935 845946.

17 Sherborne Festive Shopping Day Bring the family and join the fun. Most of Sherborne's shops will be open for the day, plus there will be a traditional market, music and entertainment, costumed characters, prize draw and of course Santa will be making an appearance! Special Sunday shopping days on 3^rd and 17^th Dec. Contact 01935 389437.

19 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Maiden Newton Car Park, 10am. From Maiden Newton walkers car park (SY594978) to Chantmarle area. 10 miles. No dogs. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact 01300 320346.

20 A Christmas Carol Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Performed by Story Teller Robert MacCall with mandolin accompaniment by Ian Baxter. A powerful retelling of Dickens classic tale. .Contact 01297 442138.

20 Bridport Late Night Shopping Bridport Town Centre, until 8.30 pm max. Selected shops opening late for Christmas Shopping on 3 Wednesdays - 6th, 13th and 20th.

21 The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark Bridport Art Centre, Bridport, 11.30a.m. and 2.00p.m. Stage adaptation of popular children's book. Ideal for children 3-8 years.and families The show lasts approximately 1 hour with no interval Tickets £5 children £8 adults £6 members,concs £20 family ticket. Contact 01308 424204.

22 - 23 Christmas Party Nights At Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester, 7pm - 12.30am. Join us for a Bucks Fizz reception in the Grand Entrance Hall beside a roaring log fire before sitting down to a delicious festive three-course meal, followed by either a disco (Friday 22nd) or live band 'The Crack' (Saturday 23rd). Contact 01305 251050.

23 A Christmas Carol Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol performed by Robert MacCall with Ian Baxter on mandolin. Tickets £6 adults, £4 under 16s available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre. Contact 01935 815341.

23 West Art Fair At St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport, 9.30am - 3.30pm. Paintings, cards, crafts and photographs - and lots more besides will be available from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

23 - 24 Santa Specials At Yeovil Junction Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, Gates open 10.30am - 4pm, train rides from 11am. Prior booking £6 per adult/child. On the day £7 each, subject to availability. Price includes a Steam Train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and (for the children) a carefully selected present according to age and sex. Contact 01935 845946.

25 Lions Christmas Day Harbour Swim Weymouth Harbour, Weymouth. Contact 01305 838525.

Happy Christmas !

26- 1/1 Lulworth's First Christmas On 'Ice' Lulworth Castle, 10.30am - 4pm. Ice Rink plus many Christmas activities. Contact 0845 4501054.

29 - 30 Peter Pan Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Friday 8pm / Saturday 3.00pm and 8.00pm. An adaptation of J. M. Barrie's enchanting original. A musical with a wealth of adventure and delight . Tickets available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre, 01297 442138. Contact 01297 442138.

30 Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm. Contact 01935 816614.

31 New Years Ceilidh Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. See the New Year in with popular local 5 piece ceilidh band Red Shed with songs from caller Tom Addison, ex 'songwainer', and a fantastic display of Appalachian Clog dancing from Rough Diamond. Festive food and local ales. Contact 01297 442138

31 Yetties New Year Ceilidh Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm ….or see the New Year in with the ever popular Yetties Tickets £12 – available from Rules in Sherborne or Tel. 01935 814611, 814667 or 813890.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Please contact our Tourist Information for details of local church services during the Christmas period

Winter Opening Times

MUSEUMS

Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester 01305 269571 Mon-Fri 9.30 – 5.00, Weekends 10.00 – 5.00

Terracotta Warriors, Dorchester 01305 266040 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester 01305 269741 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Teddy Bear Museum, Eastgate, Dorchester 01305 269741 Mon-Sat 10.00 - 4.30, Sun 10.00-4.00

Mummies, Dorchester 01305 269741 Daily 10.00 - 5.00

Dorset County Museum, Dorchester 01305 262735 Mon-Sat 10.00 - 5.00

The Keep Military Museum , Dorchester 01305 264066 Tue-Sat 9.30 - 5.00

The Town Mill, Lyme Regis 01297 443579 Sat & Sun 11.00 - 4.00

Lyme Regis Museum 01297 443370 Sat & Sun 10.00-5.00 (11am Sun), daily school hols

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis 01297 443541 Daily 10.00 - 5.00 – but please phone to check

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Tolpuddle 01305 848237 Thu-Sat 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 5.00

Sherborne Museum (Sherborne Missal exhibition) 01935 812252 Tues and Thurs, 10.30am – 12.30pm

The Tank Museum, Bovington, Wool 01929 405096 Daily 10.00 - 5.00

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton 01935 840565 Wed-Sun10.00 - 4.30

Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford 01963 440 804 Mon-Sat 10.00 - 4.30

Cavalcade of Costume, Blandford Forum 01258 453006 Thu-Mon 11.00 - 4.00 Closed mid-Dec – mid Feb 07

Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park 01305 215010 Daily 10.00 - 5.30 (or dusk) closed 22/12 – early Jan

Athelhamptons House & Gardens 01305 848363 Sunday only - gardens 10.30 – dusk , house 11.00-4.30

Lulworth Castle & Park 0845 4501054 Sun - Fri 10.30 - 4.00

Forde Abbey Gardens 01460 221290 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens 01305 871387 Daily 10.00 - 4.00

Sherborne Abbey 01935 812452 Daily 08.30 - 4.00

Monkey World, Nr. Wareham 0800 456600 Daily 10.00 - 5.00

Craft Design Centre, Broadwindsor 01308 868362 Daily 10.00 - 5.00

Wildlife Park at Cricket St. Thomas 01460 30111 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Weymouth Sea Life Centre 01305 788255 Daily 10.00

UK Llamas, Beaminster Please contact 01308 868674 to book

Henley Hillbillies, Buckland Newton Please contact 01300 345293 / 07860 759996 for details

Southern Counties Clay Shooting/Karting Please contact 01935 83625/83713 for details and to book

Note : Closing times over Christmas and New Year vary – please phone before making a special journey over Christmas week

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

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.