West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

November 2006

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

EXHIBITIONS

05/08 - 04/11 Dorset Feather Stitchery: Bringing Colour To The 1950's Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, closed Sundays. This nostalgic exhibition looks back to the 1950's, when a devoted group of WI members developed a popular new style of embroidery. The colourful innovation of Dorset Feather Stitchery did much to brighten the post-war austerity years. . Contact: 01305 262735

14/10 - 11/11 Alpha House Gallery - 7 Artists & Ceramics Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tues - Sat 10 - 5pm. 7 Artists all based in Dorset plus ceramics by Deidre Burnett and Ashraf Hanna.. Contact: 01935 814944

14/10 - 12/11 Exhibition - 'Places And Things' By Philip Thompson Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm, Tues-Sun. An exhibition of acrylic and mixed media paintings by Philip Thompson. Also drawings and scribbles evolved from private jokes, thughts, ideas and obsessions. Contact: 01297 443579

14/10 - 12/11 Exhibition : Beyond Landscape By Bobby Gill Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm Tues - Sun. Abstract acrylic paintings by Bobby Gill based on the land, inspired by the environment, seasons, time and weather. Contact: 01297 443579

21/10 - 19/11 Future Palette - A Colour Plus Chemistry Exhibition Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tue - Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm. Art and Science - showcasing the work created by the three colour and chemistry bursary winners. Balint Bolygo, Stig Evans, Daro Montag. Exhibition also includes examples of new, technologically advanced materials used in art and science. Contact: 01935 816426

11/11 - 06/01 Landmarks & Seamarks: An Artists Year In Dorset Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10-5 (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

17/11 - 19/11 Jurassic Art Exhibition Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 10.30am - 4.30pm.

25/11 - 08/01 Exhibition: Open Art Competition Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Tues-Sun 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

25/11 - 26/11 Marshwood Open Studios Marshwood, 10am - 4pm. Approx . 6 studios in and around Marshwood will be open. Map for locations will be on the notice board at the village post office. Contact: 01297 678168

25/11 - 16/12 Sherborne House Exhibition 'Hand Print' Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tue- Sun, 10.30am -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

MARKETS

BEAMINSTER Farmers’ Market 4^th Saturday in each month – Town Hall 9am-1pm; Gustomarket on 4^th November, 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

Christmas Gourmet Food Fair at Kingston Maurward on Sunday 5^th November

SHERBORNE Pannier Market on the Parade, every Thursday and Saturday; Country Market in Church Hall, Digby Road, Thursday mornings, 9.15am-11.15am; Farmers’ Market 3^rd Friday in each month – Cheap Street, 9am-1pm

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 Sunday 5^th November at 10.30am, Saturday 11^th at 2pm plus a Rocks and Fossils Weekend on 25^th and 26^th November (booking essential). 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

Once again West Dorset Tourist Information Centres are 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

EVENTS DURING NOVEMBER

to 04 The Merry Wives Of Windsor Bridport Arts Centre, 7.30pm. Encore Theatre Club. Contact: 01308 424204

to 05 Enchanted Floodlit Garden At Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, Abbotsbury, gardens floodlit from dusk until 8.30pm. Take a magical evening stroll along candle lit pathways through enchanted glades. Enjoy a hot supper in the Colonial Teahouse. Christmas shopping in the gift shop. Contact: 01305 871130

02 An Evening With George Band Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Illustrated talk by George Band, the youngest member of the first successful Everest expedition, under the leadership of Colonel John Hunt when Hillary and Tenzing reached the summit in 1953. In this evening’s presentation, George recalls with a light touch the drama of the first ascent of Everest and how, over the intervening years, it has affected the lives of the climbers and the Sherpas in their spectacular homeland of Solu Khumbu. Tickets £8 adults, £6 Seniors/Children available from Casterbridge Tours, Long Street Sherborne or Contact: 01935 810810

02 Canapes Demonstration By Victoria Blashford Snell Thornhill Lodge, North Road, Sherborne. Christmas Canapes 'Sweet & Savoury' Cookery Demonstration by Victoria Blashford-Snell. In aid of Joseph Weld & Trimar Hospice and CancerCare Dorset. Cost, including finger buffet, will be £25.00. Please contact 01935 816539 or e-mail prich.thornhill@btinternet.com to book.

02 Jane Austen's Persuasion Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Dorset Corset Theatre Company brings theatrical spice to the classic Jane Austen novel 'Persuasion'. Tickets £8 (£7 concessions) available from Sherborne TIC. Contact: 01935 815341

02 Ramblers Walk From Beaminster Yarn Barton Car Park, Beaminster, 10am. Organised by the South Somerset Ramblers Group. A 5 miles walk which takes in the beautiful Gerrards Hill. Contact: 01935 479129.

03 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk Friends' Meeting House, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. 'Butterflies' - an illustrated talk by Clive Farrell. Contact: 01297 834051

03 Exmouth Town Concert Band The Guildhall, Axminster, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. In aid of the Flamingo Pool.

03 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert Big School Room, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 1.30pm-2pm Concert by the school’s Jazz Band. Free admission. Contact: 01935 810518

03 Songs Of Nick Drake Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. Keith Jame and Rick Foot perform Nick Drake's songs live in concert. Contact: 01305 266926

03 Think No Evil Of Us - My Life With Kenneth Williams Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. David Benson's classic solo show unlocks the character of one of Britain's best loved entertainers. Contact: 01297 442138

04 Coffee Morning & Fair Bridport United Church, East Street, 10am to 1pm. In aid of the West Dorset Arthritis Research Campaign. Contact: 01308 459415

04 Come And Sing Haydn Nelson Mass Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, rehearsal from 1pm, followed by concert at 5.30pm. Join Sherborne Chamber Choir and Paul Ellis for an enjoyable afternoon of informal music making, followed by an evening peformance - to include Haydn's Nelson Mass and other choral favourites including Handel's Zakok the Priest and Parry's I was Glad. Contact: rachel@sherbornechamberchoir.org.uk

04 Dance - Mainly Ballroom Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm - 11.00pm. Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence, everyone welcome.

04 Doc Fingers Trio Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. Canadian keyboard virtuoso. Contact: 01305 266926

04 Bridport Round Table Annual Firework Display Bridport Leisure Centre, gates open 7pm, firework display at 8pm.

04 Firework Extravaganza At Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, entertainments, music and food from 4.30pm, bonfire lit at 7pm, firework display at 7.30pm. Annual extravaganza organised by Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre in conjunction with Sherborne Lions, Rotary Clubs and Eventscrew. Licensed bar, refreshments/food, live music including 'Howling at the Moon'. Advance tickets available from Sherborne TIC. Contact: 01935 813182

04 Grand Fireworks Display The Cobb, Lyme Regis, lantern procession 7.00pm, fireworks display 8.00pm Bonfire lit after the fireworks have finished.

04 Handmade Christmas Stocking Making Powerstock Hut, Nr. Beaminster, 9.45am to 12.45pm. Make and decorate a stocking, as part of "Handmade Christmas" organised by the Treewise Co-operative Ltd. Cost £15 adults & unaccompanied children over 10, £5 accompanied children, Under 5's free – includes all materials. Contact : 01308 427449

04 The Ice Man Cometh Dorset County Museum, Dorchester. Ancient textiles day school. Contact: 01305 262735

04 My Generation - Who Tribute Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm; on stage 8.30pm. Fantastic Who tribute band - it's a great night out. Contact: 01297 442138

04 The Occasional Singers St Mary's Church, Dorchester, 7.30pm. A feast of music, sacred & secular, by Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Holst, Britten, Handel & Rick Birley. Directed by Richard Hall, Peter Oakes & Rick Birley with Heather Reed (Organ), Sally Stell ('Cello), Peter Oakes (Piano) & Heather Birley (Cornet).

04 Poems On A Plate Quaker Meeting House, South Street, Bridport, 8pm to 10pm. A Peace and War; War and Peace theme this month. Contact: 01297 443840

04 RSPCA Christmas Bazaar Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 10am - 12 noon. Stalls include RSPCA goods, fancy goods, bric-a-brac, cakes, raffle, books. Admission £1(children free) to include coffee and mince pie - all proceeds to local West Dorset Branch. Contact: 01305 259672

04 The New Scorpion Band presents Bold Nelson’s Praise Portesham Village Hall, 8pm. A final opportunity to catch the New Scorpion Band’s special musical tribute to the life, times and legacy of Lord Nelson. Contact: 01305 871780

04 Sherborne Indoor Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10am - 4pm. Contact: 01749 677049

04 The Yetties Community Hall, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Concert in aid of St Andrew's Community Hall Licensed Bar.

04 - 05 Craft Fair Kingston Maurward, Dorchester. Contact: 01305 215003

05 Fungus Foray At The Kingcombe Centre Kingcombe Centre Nr Beaminster, 10.30am – 4.30pm. Led by John Wright, this is one of two days exploring the fungi found at the beautiful Kingcombe Centre. Cost £15 adults, £5 children. This day is repeated on 22nd October. Contact: 01300 320 684.

05 RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve Wildlife Walk RSPB Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 10am to 12pm. Contact: 01305 778313

07 Dorset Wildlife Trust AGM The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, 7.30pm. With guest speaker Professor Aubrey Manning OBE, President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts - 'Life on Earth - interlocking histories'. Contact: 01305 264620

08 The Ballad Of Mrs Brunel Dorchester Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 8pm. A capital evening of traditonal music, song, dance & theatre performed by singers and musicians from the South West of England. Tickets available from Dorchester TIC. Contact: 01305 267992

08 Dorset History Centre Event – Conservation Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, 10am - 4pm. Have you ever wondered how to best care for your own archives? Find out more about the materials they are made from and how to look after and handle your family's documents and photographs. Cost £18. Contact: 01305 250550

08 Sherborne Flicks - The White Countess Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne. Set in Shanghai in 1936, a beautiful poignant film taken from the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. Tickets £5 from Sherborne TIC. Contact: 01935 815341

09 The Canterbury Tales Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, 7.30p.m. New production of Geoffrey Chaucer's classic The Canterbury Tales by the Independent Ballet Wales. An opportunity to see a vibrant new ballet with stylish costumes. £12 £10 members, concessions £7 students £6 u'16s. Contact: 01308 424204

09 Family History On The Internet Bridport Library, South Street, Bridport, 9.30am - 12.30pm. A Dorset History Centre session which aims to help you use the information available and be aware of the advantages and pitfalls of using the internet for family history. Cost £12. Contact: 01305 228943

09 The Highwayman & Other Songs From The Shadows The Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Performed by Counterparts Music Theatre Arts. 'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes tells a tragic tale of doomed love, betrayal and the ultimate sacrifice, set to the dramatic, evocative music of Dorset composer Helen Porter, features live shadow animation by the internationally acclaimed Joe Gladwin and is performed by seven professional singers with a chamber ensemble of some of the country's finest musicians. Tickets £10 (Concessions £9). Contact: 01747 821757

09 - 11 Rosie Kay Dance Co. presents "Asylum and other stories" Performances in Gillingham School on 9^th at 7.30pm, Buckland Newton village hall on 10^th at 7.30pm and Thornford village hall on on 11^th at 8pm. An engaging series of duets from one of the hottest talents around on the current contemporary dance scene. Contact: 01747 833844 (Gillingham), 01300 345521 (Buckland Newton, 01935 873762 (Thornford).

10 Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Event Colfox School, Bridport, 7.45pm. Warren Mailley-Smith - piano. Contact: 01308 424673

10 Giselle And Workshop Bridport Arts Centre, 7.30pm. Independent Ballet Wales full length production. plus dance workshop. £12 £10 memebers, concessions £7 students,u 16s. Dance workshop 5-6p.m. for age 7 plus. No experience necessary. Limited spaces so please book early - cost £5. Contact: 01308 424204

10 Feast And Dance With Up And Running St Mary's Church Hall, Bridport, dinner 6pm til 7pm, dancing at 7.30pm. Organised by the Treewise Co-operative Ltd. Ceilidh only option available also. All proceeds go to support Environmental learning in Dorset. Contact: 01308 420602 Or 428315

10 Open Mouthed – Food Poems The Riverside Restaurant, West Bay, 7pm. Four Westcountry poets will give readings of their mouth watering food poems in between courses at a special one off night at the Riverside Restaurant. Part of Bridport Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 422011- booking essential

10 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert Cheap St Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Woodwind concert.

10-18 Bridport Prize Live Bridport. The 2nd Bridport Literary Festival. Following the success of last year's festival, this year the week has grown to include more events, more venues, more diversity. Full details available from www.bridportprize.org.uk or pick up a programme from local TICs. Contact: 01308 424204

11 A Nest Of Hornecks Salway Ash Village Hall, 10.30am. A Somerset and Dorset Family History Society event Contact: 01297 489567

11 Autumn Leaf Printing Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am to 12pm. Children's Saturday event at the Dorset County Museum. Piles of rustling autumn leaves, glossy conkers, spiralling seeds - let these glorious gifts from nature inspire you to create a beutiful work of natural art. Contact: 01305 262735

11 Bridport Arts Centre - Uncut Confetti Bridport Arts Centre, 7.30pm. Opening the Bridport Prize live literary festival is singer, poet and stand-up John Hegley. Contact: 01308 424204

11 Christmas Fayre St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, Nr. Dorchester, 10am-12pm. Christmas items, tombola, raffle, competitions, craft, children's games, face painting, plants etc and in the Church there will be cakes and preserves and a chance to sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. Contact: 01305 853074

11 Dorset Wildlife Trust Coffee Morning DWT Centre, Brooklands Farm, Forston, Dorchester, 10.30am - 12 noon. Dorset Wildlife Trust sales goods available. Contact: 01305 264620.

11 Durnovaria Silver Band Corn Exchange, Dorchester, Dorchester, 7.30pm. 70th Anniversary Concert. Contact: 01305 262305

11 Emma Johnson Recital Big Schoolroom, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Recital by internationally renowned young clarinettist Emma Johnson, accompanied by John Lenehan on piano. Contact: 01935 816332

11 Harvest Home Rock Point Inn, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Lyme Regis Majorettes Fundraising - Harvest Home . Lots of local produce and home made items. A real harvest.

11 Jane Austen’s "Persuasion" Broadmayne village hall, 7.30pm. Performed by Dorset Corset Theatre Company. Using actor-musicians and their own unique performance style this is period drama with a modern twist. Contact: 01305 854205

11 Jumble Sale Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis. In aid of the RNLI.

11 Orfeo Opera Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Some of the best singers from Devon perform a programme which takes the pompous out of opera. Highlights include 'Die Fledermaus’, 'Il Seaglio' and 'The Magic Flute', accompanied by Andrew Goddard. Contact: 01297 442138

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

11 Waddling Winter Duck Walk At Radipole RSPB Reserve Radipole Lake RSPB Reserve, Weymouth, 10am to 12pm A Junior RSPB club event, finding out about the ducks which have arrived to winter at Radipole.. Contact: 01305 778313

11 Sherborne House Workshop 'Paint And Pigments On Plaster' Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne. A one-day workshop for artists and enthusiasts, with painter and restorer Stig Evans. Taking the Sherborne House Thornhill mural as a starting point, students will create their own small mural using traditional and contemporary pigments. Contact: 01935 815899

11 Three on the Sea – Peter Unwin, David Cordingly and Count Nikolai Tolstoy The Salt House, West Bay, 11am, 2pm and 4pm respectively. A day of talks on the sea, its significance for England and the sea faring characters who have helped shape our destiny as an island nation. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

11- 12 Antiques Fair Kingston Maurward, Nr. Dorchester. Contact: 01305 215003

12 Armistice Day Words On War Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, 7pm. Poetry in Action Seminar - Readings of new work and an open discussion on war poetry with David Harsent and James Crowden. In the chair David Prysor-Jones ex BBC World Service current affairs presenter . Tickets £7/£5 Contact: 01308 424204

12 Wessex Barn Art Extra - Autumn Workshops Wessex Barn, Frampton, 10.00 - 4.00pm. Screen Printing: Have fun cutting and tearing stencils to build up wonderful layers of colour and pattern. Everyone will enjoy getting instant results with experienced textile designer Sue Ashworth. Contact: 01300 321348

12 Black Voices Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, 7.30pm. World famous a cappela group Black Voices perform music from Gospel to spirituals, Caribbean to African, jazz and blues. Contact : 01305 251099

12 MSLexia Masterclass: From Laptop to Bookshop led by Debbie Taylor Bridport Arts Centre, 2pm-4pm Part of Bridport Literary Festival – booking essential. Contact: 01308 424204

12 The Bridport Prize Debate : Women on Text Bridport Library, 7.30pm. With panellists Rachel Billington, Debbie Taylor and Sarah Challis. A Bridport Literary Festival event. Contact : 01308 422778

13 The Errant Duke Eype Centre for the Arts, Nr Bridport, 10.30am-11.30am. Gerard Morgan-Grenville and Jonathan Roberts give an illustrated talk about their collaborative book "No Ordinary Tourist" about the remarkable voyage of the first Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. A Bridport Literary Festival event. Contact : 01308 424204

13 Literary Lecture : Friends or Foes? Eype Centre for the Arts, Nr Bridport, 2.30-3.30pm. A Bridport’s Literary Festival lecture re Adam Sisman’s new biography "The Friendship: Wordsworth and Coleridge". Contact : 01308 424204

13 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk Brooklands Farm, Forston, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. 'The Living Churchyard Project' - an illustrated talk by Michael Homewood. Contact: 01305 834051

14 Bridport History Society Bridport United Church, 2.30pm. The Dorset-Newfoundland Connection - Mr Bonnie Sartin will talk, give readings, sing (and probably make us sing). Contact: 01308 456876

14 Literary Lecture : Crime Scene Eype Centre for the Arts, Nr. Bridport, 2.30-3.30pm. Minette Walters, acclaimed crime novelist and Dorset resident, talks about crime writing and specifically about her latest phsychological bestseller "The Devil’s Feather". Part of Bridport Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

14 A Literary Supper Bridport Town Hall, 6.30pm for 7pm supper. John Julius Norwich is the After Dinner Guest Speaker following a delicious supper in Bridport Town Hall. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact: 01308 424204

14 English Rural Society And The Gentry Household. 1610-1653 Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8.00pm. Sherborne Historical Society Lecture by Dr Jane Whittle, Senior lecturer in Social History, University of Exeter. Contact: 01963 364075

15 Creative Writing Workshop Fisherman’s Arms, Bridport, 10am-12.30pm or 2pm-4.30pm. A day of creative writing workshops for all the would-be writers out there, with tutor Bill Greenwell. Cotnact : 01305 228528

15 Literary Lecture : An East-West Love Story Eype Centre for the Arts, Nr. Bridport, 10.30-11.30am. Peter Pagnamenta talks about his latest book "Falling Blossom" written with Momoko Williams. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

15 Literary Lecture : Barefoot Soldier Eype Centre for the Arts, Nr Bridport, 2.30-3.30pm. Lecture on "Barefoot Soldier" written by Johnson Beharry VC with Nick Cook. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

15 Literary Lecture : Billy Bragg – The Progressive Patriot Bridport Arts Centre, 7.30pm. Songwriter and activist Billy Bragg talks about his new book. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact: 01308 424204

15 Dangerous Curves At Shipton Gorge Village Hall Shipton Gorge Village Hall, 7.30pm. A sparkling show of fun, humour and harmony from Dorset’s own all female a capella group. Contact: 01308 897948

15 Quiz Night - Lyme Regis 7.30pm for 8.00pm. TheatreFriends quiz night - teams of up to 6 people. Raffle and licensed bar. Contact: 01297 442138

16 Time-Town Man : A Life of Thomas Hardy Eype Centre for the Arts, 2.30-3.30pm. Claire Tomalin, Whitbread Prize-winner and biographer talks about her latest work and her approach to biographical writing. Cotnact 01308 424204

16 The Islamic Perspective – A Discussion Bridport town Hall, 6pm for 6.30-7pm. Barnaby Rogerson and Charles Allen present a broad-ranging, challenging and lively debate under the chairmanship of journalist and broadcaster David Prysor-Jones. A Bridport Literary Festival event. Contact: 01308 424204

16 A Christmas Carol At Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall Sydling St Nicholas Village Hall, 7pm. Forest Forge Theatre Company apply their unique theatrical style to Dickens’ times Christmas classic. Contact: 01300 341104

16 Cancer Awareness Open Days Hammick House, Bridport Road, Dorchester. Our Information Centre at Hammick House in Poundbury will be open to anyone who has concerns or questions about Lung Cancer. There will be specialist nurses available to talk to between 2pm and 7pm. Contact: 01305 269898

17 Literary Lecture – "No! I Don’t Want to Join a Bookclub" – Virginia Ironside Eype Centre for the Arts, 10.30-1130am. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

17 Literary Lecture – A Bloomsbury Woolf Eype Centre for the Arts, 2.30-3.30pm. Victoria Glendinning, biographer, critic, broadcaster and novelist talks about her latest biography – "Leonard Woolf: A Life". A Bridport Literary Festival event. Contact 01308 424204.

17 Bridport Prize Masterclass Poetry Workshop with Lucy English Bridport Arts Centre Café, 5-7pm. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

17 Guy Masterton One Man Show : Dylan Thomas Bridport Arts Centre, 8pm. One man show with Guy Masterson bringing out the romantic lyricism and passion of Dylann Thomas' language. Contact: 01308 424204

17 Charity Auction Cobb Arms, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, 7.00pm. Fun and Games; big prizes; local produce; sports memorabilia. In aid of the BBC Children in Need Appeal.

17 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 . Contact: 01935 389387

17 Chris Newman and Maire ni Chathasaigh West Stafford Village Hall, 7.30pm. Fine entertainment from Irish harp player and singer Maire ni Chathasaigh and extraordinary guitarist and witty ranconteur Chris Newman. Contact : 01305 257266

17 Mick Ryan And Pete Harris Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Traditional and original material with powerful harmonies, imaginative accompaniments on guitar and bouzouki , and a strong dose of humour. Contact: 01297 442138

17 Oedipus Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 8pm. Play by David Stuttard after Sophocles performed by aod - actors of dionysus. Aod's unique visual and physical style brings Sophocles' masterpiece to life. Contact: 01273 692604

17 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert Cheap St Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Strings recital. Contact: 01935 810518

18 Appalachian Routes At Burton Bradstock Village Hall Burton Bradstock Village Hall, 7pm. An old-time music and dance variety show, a dynamic mix of traditional dance, song and instrumental music from the Southern Appalachian region of the USA with a few international twists thrown in. Performed by Ira Bernstein a world class exponent of percussive flatfooting and rhythm tap dancing and accompanied by acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Riley Baugus who featured in the film Cold Mountain. Contact: 01308 897214

18 Bettany Hughes on Helen of Troy – Goddess, Princess, Whore? Bridport Arts Centre, 7pm. Talk by television presenter, academic and hands on ancient historian with edge, Bettany Hughes. Part of Bridport’s Literary Festival. Contact : 01308 424204

18 Blues Night At Dorchester Arts Centre Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. With California-born, now London resident, Guy Tortora, a major figure in the UK's blues schene. Contact: 01305 266926

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

18 Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir – Five Seasons Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. This concert includes choral music linked to the landscape and features an exciting world premiere of a new work for chamber choir and ensemble by Cecilia McDowall, with text by Christie Dickason. The piece has been inspired by the natural landscape and our organic heritage, and has resulted from the composer and author staying at five contrasting organic farms, from West Dorset to the Isle of Mull. Contact: 01935 816332

18 Dance - Mainly Ballroom Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Lyme Regis. Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence, everyone welcome.

18 James Bond Casino Royale Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Fun night in aid of Children in Need. Organised by Woodroffe School. Poker School; Adult Magician; Champagne at the door. Black Tie. Finger Buffet. . Contact: 01297 442138

18 Journey To The Centre Of The Earth At Powerstock Powerstock Village Hall, 7.30pm. Join the wonderful Kneehigh Theatre on an epic adventure beyond belief! Contact: 01308 485264

18 Quiz Night In Broadmayne St Martins, Broadmayne, Dorchester, 7pm. £2 per head - teams maximum 6. Contact: 01305 853920

18 Razzle Dazzle Ball The Guildhall, Axminster, 7.30pm to midnight.. 1920's theme plus arcadia jazz band. Celebrity auction hosted by Graham Barton. Dress Code : Black Tie.

18 Tim Laycock & Sonia Ritter present "The Land" Bradford Peverell Village Hall, 7.30pm. A rare opportunity to hear one of the most remarkable epic poems written in the 20^th century in an evening which combines the riches of the poem with new and traditional music and natural sound. Contact : 01305 269266

19 Trilith presents An Evening of Dorset film Archive Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, 7.30pm. Contact: 01297 560948

21 Dorset Smugglers Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth, 7.00pm.. Evening Lecture. Contact:

21 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Plants, Animals and People of the Amazon, an illustrated talk by Prof. Sir Ghillean Prance FRS, VMH. Contact: 01297 489116

22 A Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society Geology Talk Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 6.30pm This talk forms part of the Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society geology series of talks. Contact: 01305 262735

22 Bridport Combined Charities Christmas Card Fair Bridport United Church, 9.30am - 12.30pm. With coffee morning. Fifteen local charities selling cards and small gifts. Contact: 01308 425037

22 Dorset Wildlife Trust Meeting Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. 'Butterflies, Hoverflies and Ants' - an illustrated talk by Dr Jeremy Thomas. Contact: 01935 872774

22 - 25 Laurette Pope and Anna Wolstenhomd, harp/flute duo Performances in Halstock Church on 22^nd, Stour Provost Village Hall on 23^rd, Nether Compton Village Hall on 24^th and West Knighton Church on 25^th. Outstanding young classical harp/flute duo. Contact : 01935 891568 (Halstock), 01747 838114 (Stour Provost), 01935 817993 (Nether Compton), 01305 854205 (West Knighton)

23 - 24 Amateur Players Of Sherborne Production Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Amateur Players perform Off the Hook by Gill Manns, a light hearted crime caper. Contact: 01935 815341

23 Bridport Arts Centre, Spiers And Boden Folk Duo Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, 8pm. Winners of the Radio 2 Folk Award for best duo. TIckets £10 £9 members, concessions. Contact: 01308 424204

23 Helena Torpy (violin) & Steve Turner (accordion) Chetnole Village Hall, 7.30pm. Contact : 01935 873555

23 - 24 Green Wood Bowl Carving Course Mangerton House, Mangerton, 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.

23 Music And Reading For Thanksgiving And Advent 7.30pm St Peters Church, Dorchester. Music and readings by Serendipity recorders and friends .

24 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert Old Music School, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Guitar recital. Contact: 01935 810518

24 Spirit Of The Drum Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm. Kagemusha Taiko present Spirit of The Drum - high energy dramatic drumming, beautifully choreographed. This Exeter group opens the door of this ancient Japanese art. Contact: 01297 442138

24 Talk On Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Dorset County Museum, High West St, Dorchester, talk starts 7.30pm tea and coffee available from 7pm. Talk by Dr Anjana Khatwa. Organised by the Dorchester Association. Contact: 01305 262630

25 Bridport Arts Centre, Theatre Alibi How To Hug Trees& Other Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport, 2p.m.. Action packed, funny and touching, with live music. How to hug trees is for 5 to 10 year olds and their families presented by Theatre Alibi. 2p.m. tickets £5 children £8 adults £6 members,concessions £20 family saver ticket. Contact: 01308 424204

25 Christmas Lights - Lyme Regis Broad Street, Lyme Regis. Annual ceremony of the turning on of the Christmas Lights.

25 Beaminster Singers Concert Autumn 2006 St. Mary's Church, Beaminster, 7.30pm. The Beaminster Singers under their musical director Hilary Kenway perform two major choral pieces for their autumn concert : The Missa Brevis by Joseph Haydn and the beautiful Requiem by Brahms. The choir will be supported by a full professional orchestra under the leadership of Ron Easy and soloists Elizabeth Weisberg (soprano) and John Clarke (baritone) will perform with the singers.

25 Coffee Morning At The Comrades Hall Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor, 10.30am to 12.30pm. In aid of the Broadwindsor, Burstock & Blackdown Churches. Coffee morning with stalls and raffle. Contact: 01308 868293

25 Guitar Night With Stuart Ryan Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. Named 'Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2002' by Guitarist Magazine, Stuart Ryan has since built a reputation as one of the UK's finest guitarists. Contact: 01305 266926

25- 26 Jurassic Rocks And Fossils Weekend Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth. Join the warden team and guests for a weekend learning more about how Charmouth and the coast have changed over the last 200million years. Contact: 01297 560772

25 Michael Mansfield Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Talk by controversial human rights lawyer, Michael Mansfield. Contact: 01297 442138

25 Royal British Legion (Bridport) Quiz Night Legion Hall, Victoria Grove, Bridport, 7.30pm. A very popular quiz night starting - tickets £3.50 to include supper. Please bring your own drinks.

25 Sherborne Antiques & Flea Market Church Hall And Age Concern Day Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm. Contact: 01963 250108

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

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

28 An Inconvenient Truth Bridport Arts Centre, 7.45p.m. Documentary Film about global warming with Al Gore's personal history and life long commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change. Tickets £5/£4. Contact: 01308 424204

30 Dorset History Centre Event - Probate Records Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Find out about wills, adminstrations and inventories an the insight they provide into the past. Cost £10. Contact: 01305 228943

30 Illustrated Talk - African Experience St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, Dorchester, 7.30pm. A talk with pictures by Dudley & Jean Coates on their time this summer in West Africa. Contact: 01305 853074

30 The Yardbirds Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, doors open 7.45pm / on stage 8.30pm. From London's Marquee Club to the Marine Theatre this original 60's band is still wowing audiences with their dynamic rhythm and blues. Contact: 01297 442138

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

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

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.