West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

May 2006

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

EXHIBITIONS

to 02/05 Lyme Lights Blue Lias Gallery, Lyme Regis, Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 11am - 5pm. Cath Read presents an exhibition of new work (pastels) featuring Lyme Regis.

to 07/05 Sherborne House Exhibition Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm. 'From the Edge' - work by seven contemporary Cornish painters.

to 13/05 Brian Rice Exhibition At Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre. Exhibition featuring ten large canvases and a group of studies from these and other works.

to 13/05 Alpha House Exhibition Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne. Exhibition of recent paintings and drawings by John Hoyland and Hilary Hoyland, bronze sculptures by Kenneth Carter and pots from the Blue Mountain by Steve Sheridan. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

to 20/05 Photographic Exhibition Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. Award winning people photographer Tim McPherson shows off his eclectic mix of photographs. A blend of fashion, quirky humour and the downright weird.

11/05 - 14/05 Sherborne House Exhibition Sherborne House, Sherborne, Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm. 'Vibrant 1' - Work by pupils from local schools on the theme of colour and chemistry

20/05 - 18/06 Sherborne House Exhibition Sheborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm. 'Artists and Alchemists' - work by contemporary artists and crafts practitioners who explore the material and means of producing colour, from plastics and paint to chemical transformations and fibre optics.

27/05– 30/07 At Home With The Romans Dorchester County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am-5pm. Closed Sundays. This exhibition depicts the life and times of people living in Roman Britain. Visitors can make a mosaic, lounge on a Roman couch and dress up in Roman clothing. With interactive quizzes, colouring sheets, puzzles and games there should be plenty of activities to entertain the whole family.

TOWN WALKS

Dorchester Guided walk with Christine McGee every Monday at 11am. Meet at Dorchester TIC. Adults £3, acc.children free

Sherborne Guided walk with Rob Curtis every Friday at 11am. Meet at Sherborne TIC, Digby Road. Walk lasts approx. 1½ hours. Cost £3 per person.

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

Fossil walks with Paddy Howe – meet at Lyme Regis Museum. During May walks take place on 13^th at 10.30am, 14^th at 11.00am, 27^th at 10.15am and 28^th at 11.00am. Walks last approx. 2 hours – Adults £7, 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.

Charmouth From the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth. Walks last approx. 2 hours and include a 20 minute talk on fossils. No need to book. Adults £7, Children £3. During May walks take place on Mon 1^st at 2pm, Sat 13^th at 12 noon, Sun 14^th at 12.30pm, Sat 27^th at 12 noon, sun 28^th at 12.30pm, Mon 29^th at 1.30pm, Tues 30^th at 2pm and Wed 31^st at 2.30pm. Also Rockpool Ramble on Mon 1^st at 2.30pm from The Anchor. Tel. (01297) 560 772 for further details of all walks.

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

Gustomarket, 27^th May – Pound bury, 8.30am – 1pm

LYME REGIS Gustomarket – Town Mill Yard, 20^th May, 11am – 4pm

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

EVENTS DURING MAY

27/4-01 Dorchester Festival "Rumba in the Rings, Tango in the Town Hall, Salsa in the streets" – over 70 spectacular music, theatre, dance and visual arts events. For the 6^th Dorchester Festival the focus will be on a Hispanic theme, drawing artists from Spain, Central and South America and The Caribbean. Free outdoor events throughout the weekend including a Latino carnival procession on Saturday and an open-air tea dance on Sunday. Full programme available from local TICs or tel. Dorchester Arts Centre on 01305 266926.

27/4-07 Abbotsbury Heritage Fayre A series of fundraising events for St NIcholas Church, Abbotsbury. Auction at Abbotsbury Gardens, music and drama, barn dance, fun, games competitions and demonstrations for adults and children. Candlelit walk to St. Catherine's Chapel. Tel. 01305 871858 for details. Activities are as follows:- Thursday 27th April: Auction at Abbotsbury Gardens Friday 28th April: Music & Drama Saturday 29th April: St Catherine's Candles - tickets available from Bridport and Dorchester TICs. Sunday 30th April: Craft, Food and Plant Fayre, Tithe Barn Vikings Monday 1st May: Barn Dance, Scarecrows, Skateboarding and Maypole Dancing, Tithe Barn Vikings Wednesday 3rd and 4th May: Tractor Trailer Rides Further details on www.abbotsbury/heritagefayre.co.uk

28/4-02 Sherborne Abbey Festival Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. Sherborne Abbey is pleased to welcome Sir Willard White, Ruth Rogers and Bath Camerata amongst others, performing an exciting programme that includes Haydn's Creation, A Tribute to Robeson, The St. John Passion, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Christchurch Cathedral Choir and much more. See www.sherborneabbey.org for further details or telephone the box office on 07724 396470.

30/4-01 Open Access Between Sherborne Old & New Castle Grounds Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, 11am - 4.30pm. Follow in the footsteps of Walter Raleigh and wander freely through the grounds of both Sherborne’s Old and New Castles, combining 900 years of history on one site. Normally the castles operate as two separate sites, however for these two days only, one admission payment at either site’s entrance gate will cover admission to the grounds of both castles, with access via the Claire-Voie gates.

30/4-01 Vikings Invade Abbotsbury Abbotsbury Children's Farm, Abbotsbury.

30/4-01 Weymouth International Beach Kite Festival Weymouth Beach, The Esplanade, Weymouth, 10am – 5pm. Weymouth's famous golden sands and magnificent Georgian seafront will once again be host to three days of aeriel acrobats and colour, as it welcomes over 300 kite flyers from around the World to its annual kite crazy event.

01 Wessex Morris Men Wessex Morris Men perform their annual ritual of dancing at dawn at the Cerne Abbas giant, later moving onto Abbotsbury Fair Day (10am – 1pm) and Dorchester Festival (3pm).

01 Bach's St John Passion Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Sherborne Abbey Festival concert performed by Bath Camerata and Period Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Perrin.

01 Cheselbourne May Day Fair Cheselbourne Village, Dorchester, 12 Noon to 4.00pm. Maypole and Morris Dancing, Cake Stall, Children's Games, Stalls, Dog Show, Gardening Stall and Bulbarrow Band.

01 Inspiration Day For Designing Your Garden The Barn, Downhouse Farm Nr Bridport, 9.30 – 3.30pm. Today's topic is Seasonal Planting with a visit to the world famous garden of Penelope Hobhouse at Bettiscombe. Each day includes garden visits or lectures, Q+A with gardeners, plantsmen + women + tuition from designers. Cost: £65 per day (including lunch). Further details from www.couturegardens.com or email Ruth@couturegardens.wanadoo.co.uk

01 Mary Anning Day Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis. Annual Mary Anning Day.

01 May Day Fete Anning Road Playing Field, Anning Road, Lyme Regis, starts 2pm. Maypole Dancing, Bouncy Castle, various stalls, lots of fun for everyone.

01 May Fair Millennium Green, Mountfield, Bridport, noon – 4pm. Morris Dancers, May Queen, Bridport St Swithuns Silver Band, various stalls and demonstrations. Barbeque and cream teas.

01 Music In St Mary's St Mary's Church, Dorchester, 1pm. Russell Dawson (violin) & Peter Oakes (piano) perform Mozart’s Sonata in E minor and Brahms’ Sonata in D minor.

01 Rockpool Ramble The Anchor, Cobb Gate, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Lasts approximately 2 hours.

02 Christchurch Cathedral Choir Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Sherborne Abbey Festival concert performed by Christchurch Cathedral Choir and special guest Alex Prior, with the Moraton Quartet and Nicola Price (piano)

03 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Powerstock. Tel. 01935 891563 for details

03 Lecture by Patric Morrissey The Zendo, Manor House, Eype Nr Bridport, 7.30pm. Organised by the Eype Church Centre for the Arts, part of a series concentrating on the painting and decorative art in the Low Countries and France in the 15th and 16th Century. Today’s lecture : Bosche's visions reflect a new and dangerous reality. Cost £5. For further details tel 01308 898420.

03 Yetties Music Night West End Hall, Sherborne, 8pm

04 A Step In Time St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Concert featuring Francesca Thompson, Eleanor Harrison, Lucy Scotchmer and Jamie Akers.

05 Dancing With The Crack Sydling Village Hall, Sydling St Nicholas, 8pm. Live music with The Crack. Tickets £12.50 including hog roast and delicious home made puddings. Licensed bar. Everyone over 18 welcome. Tel. 01300 341922

05 Ellingtonia Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, Doors open 7.45pm. A stunning nine -piece band devoted to playing the music of Duke Ellington delivering the authentic sound of the 1930's with a collection of classic songs and swing tunes.

05 Polish Film Evening - Persona Non Grata The Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 6.45pm for 7.30pm. A rare opportunity to see this gripping, new and much acclaimed Polish film, a tale of political and personal intrigue at the highest level (English subtitles). Tickets £6.00 (under 18s £2.00) to include glass of wine and light refreshments - from Sherborne TIC. All proceeds for Youth Exchanges between Chojna (Poland) and young people in Sherborne.

06 An Evening Of Song Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, Starts 7.30pm. Another entertaining Evening of Song featuring local artistes, to raise funds for Lyme Arts Community Trust.

06 Concert Of Music & Songs Performed By Local Children The Baptist Church, Corner Broad & Silver Streets, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. A fund raiser for Save The Children charity.

06 Dawn Chorus Walk And Breakfast At The Kingcombe Centre Kingcombe Centre, Nr Beaminster, 4am. An opportunity to appreciate one of the greatest marvels of nature, from the first tentative calls to the full chorus. Fee £10. Further details from the Kingcombe Centre tel 01300 320684.

06 Free Children's Saturday Events In Dorset County Museum Dorset, County Museum, Dorchester 10am-12pm.

"A pot of tea and biscuit" - create a piece of 'antique' pottery inspired by the Museum's collection.

06 Roberts Ramble A 10 mile walk organised by Rotary Club of Dorchester in memory of Stephen Roberts. Shorter route options. Registration/start from 10am-11am. Entrance fee £2 (under 16 years free) Further information from 01305 267474/268095 or email dick@coode.fsnet.co.uk

06 Skittles Dorchester Conservative Club, 7.30pm. The Dorchester Lubbecke Society are holding a Skittles game. Sausage and chips can be ordered on the night. Raffle.

06 Verdi's Requiem Lighthouse, Poole, 7.30pm. 5 choirs join forces to sing Verdi's Requiem in celebration of the 60th birthday of the Dorset Guild of Singers.

06 Wessex Military Band In Bridport's Bucky Doo Square Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 10am - 1pm.

06 Yetiminster Irish Dancers Annual Display 2006 Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 2.30 pm.

06 World Awareness Day for Lupus – fundraising stall Parsons Passage, Cheap Street, Sherborne, 9am – 2pm. Cakes, bric-a-brac, books, puzzles, games and more!

07 Dorchester Sk8 Jam Charles Street Car Park, Dorchester. Organised by Get On Board Surf and Skate Shop, Trinity Street, Dorchester. Registration at Get on Board. All proceeds to the skatepark campaign.

07 International Dawn Chorus Day At Radipole RSPB Reserve Radipole RSPB Reserve, Weymouth, 5am – 7am. A chance to hear the magnificent dawn chorus on the beautiful RSPB reserve at Radipole. Tel. 01305 778313.

07 Plant, Garden & Craft Fair at Kingston Maurward Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, 10am - 5pm. A very popular annual event with many specialist plantsmen offering a wide range of plants for sale, and advice to go with them. Admission £3.00 adults, £2.00 seniors, under 12s free.

07 Wessex Military Band At The Crown Inn Puncknowle Crown Inn, Puncknowle, 11am – 3pm

07 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Buckydoo Square, Bridport. Tel. 01308 456617

09 Egypt And Egyptology Sixth Form Centre, Thomas Hardye School, 7pm. A lecture by Mrs Daphne Main taking you on a journey of the building and development of the ancient Egyptain Empire.

09 Hooke - A West Dorset Village Bridport United Church, East St,Bridport, 2.30pm. A talk by Prof. Duncan Harris about the history of Hooke. For further information tel 01308 488034.

10 Sherborne Flicks - On A Clear Day (12a) Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Tickets £5, available from Sherborne TIC

10 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Evershot. Tel. 01300 341664 for details.

10 Lecture by Patric Morrissey The Zendo, Manor House, Eype Nr Bridport, 7.30pm. Organised by the Eype Church Centre for the Arts, part of a series concentrating on the painting and decorative art in the Low Countries and France in the 15th and 16th Century. Today’s lecture : Bruegel's vision reflected the absurd reality of the Flemish world Cost £5. For further details tel 01308 898420.

11 Charity Football Match Dorchester Town Football Club, 6.30pm. Charity Football Match (Doctors v Porters!) organised by Dorset County Hospital in aid of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Charity (Asbestosis). Bar and Raffle Tickets available from Dorchester TIC

11 The Windmill Theatre present I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls by Ade Morris Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm This play captures perfectly an atmosphere of patient enduring love on a starving Northern Irish hillside, as an old woman sings passionately her song of youth and hope to an empty hearth. Based on a short story originally dramatised on Radio 4.

11 RSPB Radipole Lake Wildlike Walk RSPB Radipole Reserve, Weymouth, 6pm to 8pm. Adults £3 children £1.50. Further details from Radipole Reserve Centre tel 01305 778313.

12 An Evening Of Clairvoyance Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne.

12 U2UK - Tribute Band Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm. Tribute band to U2 performing live at The Marine Theatre.

13 Fauré’s Requiem Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Performed by the combined choirs of Sherborne School and Sherborne School for Girls. Tickets £10 and £8 including a glass of wine and canapés in the BSR, Sherborne School at 6.30pm – tickets available from Sherborne TIC. Proceeds in aid of the Children’s Society.

13 Dawn Chorus Walk And Breakfast At The Kingcombe Centre Kingcombe Centre Nr Beaminster, 4am. An opportunity to appreciate one of the greatest marvels of nature, from the first tentative calls to the full chorus. Fee £10. Further details from the Kingcombe Centre tel 01300 320684.

13 RSPB Wildlife Explorer Event At Lodmoor Reserve RSPB Lodmoor Reserve, Weymouth, 10am until noon. Contact Radipole Reserve Centre tel 01308 778313.

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

13 St Swithun's Band Play Bucky Doo Square In Bridport Bucky Doo Square Bridport, 11am to 1pm.

13 West Dorset Music Centre Concert At Beaminster School Beaminster School, 7pm. Orchestra, wind bands, string bands, percussion and recorders. Tickets £3 adults and £2 children available from 01308 456297.

13 Sherborne Jazz – Yaniv Nachum Plume of Feathers, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, 8pm.

13 - 14 Antique Fair Kingston Maurward, Dorchester.

14 Castleton Waterwheel Open Day Off Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am - 5pm.

14 Hardy Annual LDWA Walk Beaminster Public Hall, 25 and 35 mile routes start at Beaminster, taking in Coastal and countryside highpoints, in West Dorset. The Advance entry fee for both routes is £5.00. Entry on the day £6.00 Closing date for pre-entries 30th April 2006. Further details from 01305 834674.

14 Life Today And Yesteryear - Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, Lyme Regis, 12.00 noon. A chance to walk along Monmouth Beach with Richard Edmonds [World Heritage Team], Albert Knott and Donald Campbell [English Nature]. Meet at the Lifeboat Station for a walk of approximately 3 hours. Contributions towards the RNLI

14 Sponsored Walk For WaterAid Various Venues Ending At Swanage. This is a series of sponsored walks along the Dorset coast in aid of WaterAid, which aims to raise money for safe drinking water projects in Ethiopia. There is a choice of three distances 16, 10 or 6 miles all of which terminate in Swanage. Leaflets and application forms available from some TICs, including Bridport TIC. For further information or an application form please telephone 01929 424684.

14 Watching out for Badgers Dorset Wildlife Trust HQ, Brooklands Farm, Forston, 10am – 1pm. A morning with Dorset Badger Group looking for badger field signs, sett surveying and recording, mitigation measures for badgers and their setts affected by development. Cost £3. Booking essential on 01300 341249 or 01202 885702.

15 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Puncknowle Tel: 01297 489567 for details.

16 - 20 My Fair Lady Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, starts 7.30pm. Lyme Regis Operatic Society presents Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady .

17 Finds Day At Sherborne Museum Sherborne Museum, Church Lane, Sherborne, 10.30am - 4.00pm. Found something interesting? Bring it along to be identified by the County Finds Liason Officer. A family event. Children's finds especially welcome!

17 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Champernhayes. Tel 01308 456617 for details.

17 Lecture by Patric Morrissey The Zendo, Manor House, Eype Nr Bridport, 7.30pm. Organised by the Eype Church Centre for the Arts, part of a series concentrating on the painting and decorative art in the Low Countries and France in the 15th and 16th Century. Today’s lecture : Fouquet's 15th Century French court art Cost £5. For further details tel 01308 898420.

18 Cancer Awareness Open Day Hammick House, Bridport Road, Dorchester. Our Information Centre at Hammick House in Poundbury will be open to anyone who has concerns or questions about Skin Cancer. There will be specialist nurses available to talk to between 2pm and 7pm

18 Sherborne Royal British Legion Annual Spring Fair Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne, 10am - 12 noon. Cakes, plants, bric-a-brac, tombola, coffee, etc.

19 The Dorchester Association Lecture The Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Professor Vincent May: Dorset Coastal Digital archive - Changes in Three Dorset Villages

20 A Little Light Musik! With Sara Devonald And Harmoniemusik Eype Church Centre For The Arts,Bridport, 7.30pm. Sara Devonald brings her six-strong group, Harmoniemusik to Eype for an evening of varied music from Baroque to modern 'Light Music' arrangements for different groups of instruments - flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, piano and harpsichord and recorder. Members of the group are all professional musicians who get together for concerts and recordings and we are lucky to have been able to convince them to play at Eype on their way back from professional engagements in Cornwall. The programme will include works by Handel, Bridge, Glinka, Frost, Bach and Poulenc amongst others. Tickets from Bridport TIC (01308 424901) - Prices £7.50 and Friends £6.50

20 Book Market Church Hall, Sherborne, 9.30am – 4pm.

20 Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir St. Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Rossini - Petite Messe Solennelle - soprano Rowan Wright, alto Morag Boyle, tenor Phillip Bell, Bass Robert Evans. Tickets £10 £2 under 18) from Harmony Music 01305 260360 or BSC Box Office 01258 458427

20 Charity Day At Gryphon Leisure Centre Gryphon Leisure Centre, Bristol Road, Sherborne.

20 Charity Specialist Plant Sale Yarlington House, Wincanton, 10am - 4pm.

20 Charterhouse Auction Classic cars, motorbikes and automobilia. Contact Charterhouse Auctions on 01935 812277 or enquiry@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk for details of location and viewing times.

20 Mazaika Perform At Portesham Village Hall Portesham Village Hall, Portesham, 8pm. This is a dazzling mix of Neapolitan and Russian songs, gypsy fiddling, tangos and hot jazz. Artsreach performance. Tel. 01305 871780.

20 Piaffinitee At Thorncombe Village Hall Thorncombe Village Hall, Nr. Beaminster, 7.30pm. A themed French evening starting 'Piaffinite' who tell the legend of Edith Piaf through her music. This is a superb show recalling her well-known hits and rediscovering many of her other songs written by the cream of French songwriters of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. The trio features the fabulous voice of Djamila from Biarritz, with the accordion of Basil Bunelit, together with guitar accompaniment. Refreshments will be French desserts, plus teas and coffees. There is no bar, but feel free to bring your own drink (it doesn't have to be French!) Tickets - £6 Adults, £4 U18. Available from Thorncombe Stores, or phone 01460 30247.

20 Puppetcraft Presents Perseus And The Gorgon's Head Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, Wootton Fitzpaine, 6.30pm. A powerful story with puppets, video projection and live music; drama, action stunning immages of fantastical creatures, comedy and song for all over the age of 7.

20 Think Pink Ball Thornford Village Hall, Nr. Sherborne, 8pm til late. Ball in aid of Cancer Research. Tickets £12.50 including buffet. Raffle & bar available. Tel. 01258 817074 for tickets

20 - 21 Poyntington Festival Poyntington Village, Nr. Sherborne, 10.30am - 4.30pm. During the weekend of 20th/21st May the village of Poyntington - a small hamlet 2 miles North of Sherborne - will change from a quiet backwater into vibrant activity. It is the biannual Festival to raise money for the church, the village hall and the friends of Sherborne's Yeatman Hospital. The village square, where on a busy day you might see at the same time two people with a dog and a horse, will spring into life. Bands will play, books, plants and pictures sold, coconut shy, boat swings and the whole gamut of a two day festival will be available. If you miss this excitement you will have to wait another two years. The added plus is that it will not cost a small fortune for all the family to enjoy themselves - something for nothing? Not quite, but value for money without a doubt.

21 Animal Handling Day Kingston Maurward, Nr. Dorchester.

21 Book Fair Stratton Hall, The Square, Stratton, Dorchester, 10.30am - 4pm.

21 RSPB Lodmoor Wildlife Walk RSPB Lodmoor Reserve, Weymouth. Contact Radipole Reserve tel 01305 778313.

21 South Somerset Ramblers Walk Uplyme Village Hall, 10.30am. A 14 mile walk - further details from 07973 601934.

21 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Buckydoo Square, Bridport. Tel. 01297 489449

22 West Dorset Ramblers Association Walk Today's walk starts from Beaminster. Tel. 01308 863337 for details.

23 Dorchester Lunchtime Workers' Walks Ratty's Trail/Historic Dorchester. Both walks leave County Hall front steps at 12.30pm. Spaces on these free walks are limited - please book a place through Dorchester TIC on (01305) 267992

23 Sunset Cafe Stompers Poyntington Church, Nr. Sherborne, . Tel. 01963 220537 or 01963 220342 for tickets

24 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. 'Breeding Waders of West Sedgemoor' - a talk by Becky Thorpe, Assistant Warden, RSPB West Sedgemoor

24 Quiz Night - Theatre Friends Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Theatre Friends Quiz Night . Everyone welcome ! Licensed Bar. Raffle. Tea and Coffee. Teams of up to six.

24 Lecture by Patric Morrissey The Zendo, Manor House, Eype Nr Bridport, 7.30pm. Organised by the Eype Church Centre for the Arts, part of a series concentrating on the painting and decorative art in the Low Countries and France in the 15th and 16th Century. Today’s lecture - "A new classical ideal in Italian Renaissance art and architecture". Cost £5. For further details tel 01308 898420.

26 'Hunting The War Criminals' Powell Theatre, Abbey Rd, Sherborne, 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). Lecture by Major General A.D. Leakey CBE examining the Bosnia situation and the Army's role. In aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. Tickets £13.50, available from both Sherborne & Dorchester Tourist Information Centres.

26 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, silver, plate and jewellery

26 The Lazy Jumpers - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm. Hot out of Barcelona, Spain's finest blues outfit

26 Produce Market St. Martins Community Hall, Dorchester, 2 - 3.30pm. Produce market with home made cakes, Fair Trade items, local organic bread and lots more. Library etc and tea available.

27 Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Presents 'As You Like It' Frampton Village Hall, Frampton, 7.30pm. The talented members of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School company present one of Shakespeare's warmest and most delightful comedies. An Artsreach event.

27 Dorset Chamber Orchestra St Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Mozart’s 240^th Anniversary Celebrity Concert. Overture: Il Seraglio, Piano Concerto in C minor K491 (soloist: John Lill), Symphony No 41 (Jupiter)

27 Inspiration Day For Designing Your Garden The Barn, Downhouse Farm Nr Bridport, 9.30am – 3.30pm. Today's Topic is Seasonal Planting, with a visit to a private garden in Netherbury. Each day includes garden visits or lectures, Q+A with gardeners, plantsmen + women + tuition from designers. Cost: £65 per day(including lunch) Details from www.couturegardens.com or email Ruth@couturegardens.wanadoo.co.uk - booking essential.

27 Jaleo Flamenco Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, Nr. Dorchester, 8pm. A company of award-winning dancers from Seville recreate the magic and colour of Andalucian life. The company visit Charlton Down in between their appearances at major city venues. An Arstreach event.

27 Low Tide Day - Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 1.00pm.

27 National Low Tide Day At Chesil Beach Centre Chesil Beach Centre. Join the team at the Chesil Beach Centre at 12 noon to see what lurks in the waters at low tide! Wear wellies. Adults £2, children £1

27 Sue McCreeth's Just For Luxury Tour Eype Church Centre For The Arts,Bridport, 7.30pm. Sue McCreeth has received wide critical acclaim for her original and imaginative writing and her incisive take on mainstream and modern standards in jazz. She is accompanied by the top-drawer John Horler trio whose associations include Dame Cleo Laine, Chet Baker and the Stan Tracey band. Tickets from Bridport TIC - prices £6.50 and Friends £5.50

27 Town Mill 666th Anniversary Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am to 4pm. Celebration of the anniversary of the restored working watermill, originally built in 1340. Mill grinding grain, craft exhibits and demonstration, art galleries, Town Mill bistro food, local cider, jazz band, Town Mill Bakery bread. Tickets to the working watermill available on site and tour conducted by millers. £2 adults, £1 children, £5 family.

27 Wessex Military Band At Bucky Doo Square, Bridport Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 9am until 1pm.

27 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.

27 - 29 Marshwood A Talented Village Display Of Arts & Crafts St Mary's Parish Church, Marshwood, 10.00am - 6.00pm. This is a display of arts, craft and hobbies being held in Marshwood Church between 10am and 6pm each day. There will be teas and coffees available and entrance is free. Songs of Praise will be held on the Sunday 28th at 6pm.

27 - 29 Tour Of Wessex Cycle Event The Tour of Wessex 325, 100, 50 & 25 Mile events are 'Cyclosportive' mass participation rides that cater to a mixture of abilities. The events offer a choice of routes and stages to suite those new to the sport and experienced racers alike. Details from Old Rectory Coach House, Sutton Montis, Nr Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7HD, Tel.1963 220137 E-mail: postmaster@pendragon-cc.com

28 Evershot Street Fair Evershot Village Nr Beaminster, 12pm – 5pm. Sales mall of varied products, entertainments and refreshments as well as attractions and activities. Telephone: 01935 83578 or Email: jillwilliams@hotmail.com

28 Inspiration Day For Designing Your Garden The Barn, Downhouse Farm Nr Bridport, 9.30am – 3.30pm. Today's Topic is Seasonal Planting with a garden visit to Corscombe. Each day includes garden visits or lectures, Q+A with gardeners, plantsmen + women + tuition from designers. Cost: £65 per day(including lunch) Booking essential via www.couturegardens.com or email Ruth@couturegardens.wanadoo.co.uk

28 Seafood and Oyster Festival Brewer’s Quay, Weymouth,11.00 am to 4.00 pm. The Festival offers live music, competitions, farmers market and oysters galore. There will also be a live cooking demonstration, face painting and children's entertainment.

28 - 29 Sydlings Open Gardens Weekend Sydling St. Nicholas, Dorchester, 2pm – 6pm. Many beautiful gardens open - please pay at the Sydling St. Nicholas Village Hall. Admission £3.00 per person. Sorry no dogs.

29 Bank Holiday Organ Recital Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 2.30pm – recital by Naomi Gregory.

29 Inspiration Day For Designing Your Garden The Barn, Downhouse Farm Nr Bridport, 9.30am – 3.30pm Today's Topic is Seasonal Planting with a garden visit to Loscombe Each day includes garden visits or lectures, Q+A with gardeners, plantsmen + women + tuition from designers. Cost: £65 per day(including lunch) Further details and booking - www.couturegardens.com or email Ruth@couturegardens.wanadoo.co.uk

29 Sherborne Castle Country Fair Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, 10am – 6pm. One of the South West’s premier one day events, with all profits to children’s charities. The event includes one of the largest rare breed shows in the country , dog shows, competitions, scurries, craft demonstrations and stalls, food and trade stalls, lots of entertainment, arts, funfair, silent auction, clay shooting, ferret racing, fly fishing, archery, driving carriages, vintage cars, children’s entertainment etc etc and this year for the first time in Dorset, Dragon Boat racing. Advance saver tickets available from Sherborne TIC. For more details see www.sherbornecountryfair.com.

29-3/6 West Dorset TIC Week A week of events at the four West Dorset TICs celebrating the Dorset countryide (see back page for further details

30 The Girl Who Lost Her Smile Sydling St Nicolas Village Hall, 4pm. This is a magical and enchanting new production performed by Tutti Frutti. Further details from tel. 01305 269512. This is an Artsreach production.

NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME

Don’t forget to pick up your free yellow booklet of gardens open as part of the National Gardens Scheme –Dorset Gardens 2006 – available from Dorset TICs

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

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.

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