West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

December 2007

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

EXHIBITIONS

03/11 - 16/12 Sherborne House Exhibition - Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Evolution Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne. Open Tues-Sun 10.30am to 4.30pm. Paintings and prints exploring processes in the work of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham - one of the principal artists working in St Ives from 1940 until her death in 2004. 01935 816426. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk

24/11 – Jan 08 Alpha House Gallery Exhibition – Christmas Group Exhibition Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. 01935 814922 www.alpha-house.co.uk

10/11 - 01/12 Dorset County Museum Photographs of the First World War Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. Photographs by Mabel Stobart which were taken in the Balkans during World War One and donated to the museum by Mabel's great grandson. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

01/12 - 12/01 Dorchester Camera Club Annual Exhibition Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. A wide range of styles on show and most of the work is for sale. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

07/12 Annual Art Exhibition – Charmouth Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, 10.30am – 4.30pm. "Jurassic Art" 01297 442394 www.marinetheatre.com

05/12 - 15/12 Art Exhibition by Dorchester Art Club Woods Furniture Store, 34 High East Street, Dorchester. Art exhibition by Dorchester Art Club in conjunction with Woods Furniture Store. Opening Christmas Cracker Night then open during shop hours until 15th December at noon. 01305 251094.

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 at Lyme Bay with Brandon Lennon take place every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Times vary according to tide and start from The Anchor, Cobb Gate. Private bookings available on other days. Tel. 07944 664757 for further details and to book. www.lymeregisfossilsforsale.co.uk/fossilwalks.htm

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 from Lyme Regis Fossil Shop Booking essential on 01297 442088

Charmouth Fossil hunting walks from the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth Walks last approx. 2 hours and include a 20 minute talk on fossils. £7 adults, £3 children. Special events in November –Jurassic Art Exhibition from Thurs 6^th to Sun 9^th, 10am – 4.30pm; Santa Claus – Dino Claws on Sat 15^th 10.30am – 4pm plus fossil hunting walks on Sat 8^th at 10.30am, Sun 9^th at 10.30am, Sat 15^th at 1.30pm, Sun 16^th at 1.30pm and Sun 23^rd at 10.30am– booking essential for all three events. Tel. 01297 560772 or see www.charmouth.org.

REGULAR MARKETS

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

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.

OWERMOIGNE Monthly market in the village hall 2^nd Saturday of the month, 10.30am - 12 noon. Homemade produce, bric a brac, plants, crafts, books. 01305 851633

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS

If you haven’t yet bought your Christmas cards, 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 80p in every £1 from their card sales

EVENTS DURING DECEMBER

1/11-16/12 Christmas Opening at Forde Abbey Forde Abbey, Nr. Chard. Free entry into the gardens on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the 1st November until the 16th December allowing visitors to stroll around the 30 acres of award winning gardens to work up an appetite for homemade lunches and cakes in the tearoom and some stress free Christmas Shopping in the Gift Shop. 01460 221290. www.fordeabbey.co.uk

10/11-24/12 Festive Dorset Events held throughout Dorset - part art fair, part farmer's market, Festive Dorset is all about supporting local makers and producers and encouraging people to shop locally for Christmas. Spread over six weeks running up to Christmas 2007, there is a programme of markets, exhibitions in unconventional venues, food tastings, seasonal music and even a village feast. Programmes available from Dorset Tourist Information Centres or tel 01747 838495 or www.hiddendorset.org

16/11-01/12 Dorchester Community Play The Thomas Hardye School, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Dorchester Community Play written by Stephanie Dale and David Edgar. 01305 213866.

01 Christmas Market Thorner's School, Litton Cheney, Nr. Bridport, 4.40pm to 7.30pm. The second annual Bride Valley Christkindlmarkt - a continental style Christmas market both indoors and out, with a live stable nativity scene, carol singing, children's crafts and a visit from Father Christmas. Christmas gifts and seasonal food and drink, including mulled wine will be available. All proceeds will go to support the Bride Valley Fledglings Playgroup.

01 The Christmas Art and Craft Show Strageways Village Hall, Abbotsbury, 10am – 4pm. Unique gifts all made by talented exhibitors; Christmas cards and decorations, oil paintings, jewellery, embroidered textiles and much more. Free entry.

01 Christmas Craft Fair Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester, 9am – 12.30pm. Come and browse the stalls, then sit down to a cup of tea/coffee and a mince pie. Free entry.

01 Eco-Friendly Craft Fair with Children’s Eco-Friendly Gift-making workshop United Church Hall, South Street, Dorchester, 2pm – 4pm. An afternoon event to promote the idea of producing and consuming eco-friendly gifts at Christmas through a children’s eco-friendly gift making workshop run by Ecoartco and the sale of eco-friendly products and Fairtrade goods by local organisations such as Treewise and Dorset Wildlife Trust. Children taking part in the workshop will make their own Christmas cards, gift tags, giftwrap and decorations using recycled and natural materials. £2.50 fee for children participating in the workshop. Free entry to the fair. Refreshments for sale. 01305 751212 www.da21.org.uk

01 An Audience with Ann Widdecombe Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Larger than life politician and novelist Ann Widdecombe delights audiences with her witty and controversial style as she shares anecdotes and answers questions. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

01 Theatre Alibi in 'Lost and Found' Village Hall, Wootton Fitzpaine, 3pm. A magical and touching show for 5-10 year olds and their families. 01297 560480. www.artsreach.co.uk

01 Dance - Uplyme Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis, 8pm – 11pm. Dance - Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence. Entry includes tea and biscuits; in aid of Hall funds.

01 Hardy Crafters Coffee Morning and Craft Fair United Church Hall, Charles Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12 noon. Stalls include home made cakes, cards, jewellery, Christmas gifts. Proceeds to British Heart Foundation and Digby Court. 01305 254238

01 Sherborne Chamber Choir Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm A complete performance of one of choral music's great showpieces - Montiverdi's Vespers. Tickets £5/£6 from Dorset Music House. 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com

01 Afternoon Bingo Magistrates Room, Ground Floor, Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, 2.45pm. Organised by Dorchester and District Scout Council in aid of local Scout Funds. Flyer. Snowball. Raffle. Tea and Coffee.

01 Christmas Concert by the Allington Strings St Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Concert includes pieces by Tschaikowski, Vivaldi and Vaughan Williams. Tickets available from the Book Shop, 14 South St, Bridport or at the door. Cost £6 adults, children under 18 and students are free.

01 An Evening of Jazz St George's Hall, Fordington, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Organised by The Friends of West Dorset Citizens' Advice Bureaux, the evening features The Dave Bowen Band and The Mill Street Jazz Band. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre 01305 267992.

01 Theatre Friends Christmas Bazaar – Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 10am – 2pm. The theatre will be packed with stalls of gifts, crafts, home produce and many more seasonal goodies. 01297 442394 www.marinetheatre.com

01 Winter Fete and Christmas Bingo Bradford Peverell Village Hall, Bradford Peverell, Nr. Dorchester. Winter Fete open 10.30am to 7pm - admission £1.00. Christmas Bingo starts at 7pm and costs 30p for10 games. Proceeds to Bradford Peverell Village Charities..

01 Blackmore Vale and Yeovil Local Centre National Trust Lecture: 'Dorset Heroines' Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 2.30pm. Lecture by David Beaton. Tickets on the door. 01747 838810 or 02084 514443.

01- 09 Sherborne Christmas Tree Festival Cheap Street Church, Cheap Street, Sherborne. Sherborne's 5th Christmas Tree Festival, with 40 trees decorated by local groups and organisations. Throughout the festival there will be various recitals and other seasonal offerings plus a Carol Service on Sunday 9th at 6.30pm to conclude the event. The Church will be open daily from 10am to 4.30pm during the festival. 01935 812667.

1/12 - 4/1 A Teddy Bear Christmas The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum, Eastgate, Dorchester. Experience Christmas as it used to be, as a large family of human size bears celebrate in their festively decorated period home, complete with a visit from Bearfather Christmas. An enchanting and magical experience not to be missed, with sounds, lights and smells! Open daily (except 24-26 Dec) from 10am to 4.30pm. 01305 266040. www.teddybearmuseum.co.uk

02 Concert by Serendipity Recorder Consort Sydling St. Nicholas Church, 7.30pm. Music and readings from the 16^th to the 21^st Century and from serious to frivolous. Tickets £5 (children £2) including seasonal refreshments – in advance from 01300 341239 or on the door. 01300 341618

02 Festive Dorset at Washingpool Farm Shop Washingpool Farm Shop, North Allington, Nr. Bridport. A wonderful day of arts, crafts, and local food – including a chocolate making demonstration. Why not stock up with seasonal delicacies at the same time? 01308 459549. www.hiddendorset.org/index.php/hd/gem/hd1249.html

02 Festive Shopping Sunday in Sherborne Sherborne Town Centre Festive Shopping Sunday in Sherborne, 10am – 4pm. Festive shoppping day in the delightful atmosphere of Sherborne. Most shops open 10am - 4pm plus traditional market, Christmas Farmer's market, music and entertainment, costumed characters and Santa of course! 01935 815341.

02 Tree Dressing Day at Kingcombe Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Nr. Dorchester, 11am – 2pm. Join us for a traditional festive day in celebration of trees - the area around Kingcombe is bestowed with many interesting trees. Lunches available. Booking essential. 01300 320684. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

02 Belshazzar's Feast Village Hall, Toller Porcorum, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Sublime seasonal entertainment with Paul Sartin (voice, fiddle & oboe) & Paul Hutchinson. 01300 320373. www.artsreach.co.uk

02 Wessex Military Band Christmas Concert Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 6pm. Tickets from Bridport Arts Centre Box Office tel 01308 424204. Adults £7.50, Concessions £5.50. www.wessexmilitaryband.co.uk

03 Quiet Day Griffiths Room, Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10.30am – 3.30pm. Quiet day led by the Reverend John Hamilton. Please bring your own picnic lunch , drinks will be provided. Please book your place at the parish office, numbers limited. 01935 812452.

04 Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. New members and visitors welcome. 01963 364075.

04 Light up a Life Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester. Arrive at 6.00pm for service to begin at 6.30pm. 01305 215315.

04 – 12 Bridport Christmas Tree Festival United Church, East Street, Bridport. Bridport’s 10^th Christmas Tree Festival with 65 decorated illuminated trees. Free admission. Starts with dedication service on Tuesday 4^th at 7pm, festival then open weekdays from 10am, with prayers at noon. Various events during the week.

05 Dorchester Christmas Cracker Dorchester’s late night Christmas shopping event. Jazz Band 6pm at the Town Pump, switching on of Christmas lights 6.30pm. Procession 7pm from Woods. 9pm judging of best shop window and person. Free car parking. Pantomime Theme. 01305 268603.

05 Yetties Music Club West End Hall, Sherborne, 8pm. Monthly music night with the Yetties. 01935 814611.www.theyetties.co.uk

05 Christmas Quiz The Nags Head, Silver Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Prizes and raffe; £2 per person (teams of up to 6 people) 01297 442312

06 Thomas Hardy Society's Christmas Celebration Victorian Gallery, Victorian Hall, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 'A Victorian Christmas' - a programme devised by Furse Swann, with music & seasonal readings. Tickets £10, includes mulled wine & mince pies. 01305 251501. www.hardysociety.org

06 Presumed Curable Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, Nr. Dorchester, 7.45pm. A talk on lunatic asylums and their records, using Herrison as a case study. The talk will be given by Mr Daniel Williams, an archivist at the Dorset History Centre.

06 Peer Gynt Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. The Cygnet Theatre Company present Ibsen’s early masterpiece "Peer Gynt". Tickets available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

07 Beaminster YFC Christmas Beetle Drive Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor, Nr. Beaminster, open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. All welcome - a fun night for all the family!!! Refreshments and a grand raffle will be avaialble. 01308 485097.

07 Marcus Brigstocke - Your Time Is Up Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Marcus Brigstocke's stand up comedy show - Your Time is Up. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

07 Winter Kitchen at Lesley Waters' Cookery School The Old Manor, Fore Street, Evershot. Cookery demonstration - Lesley Waters prepares her favourite winter dishes. 01935 83700. www.lesleywaters.com

07 Archaeology Lecture: Stonehenge - Its Only Rock 'n' Roll Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm Lecture by Professor Tim Darvill, Bournemouth University. Wine and mince pies will precede the lecture. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

07 Chris Garrick's 'Homage to Grappelli' Village Hall, Powerstock, Nr. Bridport, 8pm. Stephane Grappelli is celebrated by Britain's leading exponent of jazz violin in a concert focusing on Grappelli's partnerships with George Shearing & Django Reinhardt. 01308 485205. www.artsreach.co.uk

07 The Mellstock Band presents 'The Leaves of Life' Village Hall, Thorncombe, 7.30pm. A costumed performance with authentic instruments, featuring Christmas music from the English tradition, with tales & poems by Hardy, Barnes & Dickens. A show brimming with vitality! 01460 30247. www.artsreach.co.uk

08 Sherborne Jazz Club – Theo Travis’ Double Talk White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, Nr. Sherborne, 8.30pm. Theo Travis’ Double Talk led by Theo on saxes and flute, with Mike Outram on guitar and Pee Whittaker on Organ. Tickets £12 on the door (£8 students, £6 under 16s)

08 Christmas Flower Arranging at Highway Farm West Road, Bridport, 10am – 4pm. New ideas to impress your guests this Christmas! Learn to be creative under the guidance of Sylvia Dunsford. Please bring along flowers and foliage. Cost £30 + small charge for materials, lunch included. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

08 Sherborne Antiques & Collectors Fair Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 9am – 4pm. 01460 75069.

08 Sherborne Antiques & Flea Markets Church Hall & Age Concern Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne , 9am-4pm. 01963 250108.

08 Chris Garrick's 'Homage to Grappelli' Village Hall, Burton Bradstock, 7.30pm. Stephane Grappelli is celebrated by Britain's leading exponent of jazz violin in a concert focusing on Grappelli's partnerships with George Shearing & Django Reinhardt. 01308 897214. www.artsreach.co.uk

08 Belshazzar's Feast Village Hall, Bradford Peverell, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Sublime seasonal entertainment with Paul Sartin (voice, fiddle & oboe) & Paul Hutchinson. 01305 268156. www.artsreach.co.uk

08 Market in St. Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne St. Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 10am - 12pm. Produce, cakes, plants, craft, christmas items, Fair-trade goods, local sausages, children's books, library etc and a chance to have a cup of tea and a chat. 01305 852866.

08 'A Christmas Carol' Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Nr. Bridport, 7.30pm. A one-man performance by Robert MacCall that delights the imagination and is accompanied by Ian Baxter on mandolin to charm the senses. Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901 priced £8.00 , Friends £7.00, children under 14 free. 01308 898420.

08 Bridport Choral Society Christmas Concert United Church, East Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Concet amid the sparkle and glitter of the Bridport United Church's famous Christmas Tree Festival. Entry by programme - £5. 01308 427858.

08 Christmas Concert of 'Swing Band and Memory Lane' Dorford Centre, Dorchester, 7.45pm. In aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Tickets (which include refreshments) available from the Trust Office. 01305 215315.

09 Antiques, Collectors and Craft Fair Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 10.30am – 3.30pm.

09 Chris Garrick Homage to Grappelli Charlton Down Village Hall, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Chris Garrick violin, John Horler piano, Alec Dankworth double bass, Alan Ganley drums. 01305 251099.

09 Kingcombe Seasonal Meal The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Nr.Dorchester, 12.30pm. Go along to the Kingcombe Centre for a leisurely Sunday lunch in front of a roaring fire, good food and hospitality. Cost £10 in advance please - booking essential. 01300 320684. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

09 The Laudamus Choir at Eype Centre for the Arts Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Nr. Bridport, 3pm. The now famous Laudamus Choir comes to St. Peter’s, Eype, from its base just south of Salisbury to offer one of their memorable Christmas performances of old favourite carols and some less familiar ones in their own compilation of Christmas Music, Old and New. Tickets £5.00, Friends £4.50, children under 14 free available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre. 01308 424901

11 St Agnes Fountain at Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 8pm. Four of the brightest lights on the acoustic roots and folk scene return for an evening of traditional, festive delights. Celebrated duo, Chris While and Julie Matthews, join forces with Chris Leslie (Fairport Convention) and David Hughes (Q "album of the year"). The show consists of seasonal songs and instrumentals interwoven with the spoken word. A St Agnes Fountain concert reminds everyone what serious fun can still be had in the season of goodwill to all men (and women). Tickets £15, £14 members, concs (price includes glass of mulled wine & mince pie) 01308 424204.

11 Insight lectures Griffiths Room, Church Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Lecture by Canon Eric Woods : Christianity and the State. Tickets cost £3 each and are available from the Parish Office. 01935 812452.

12 Geology Lecture: Monitoring and Responding to Change along the Jurassic Coast Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Lecture by Richard Edmunds and Doreen Smith, World Heritage Team and Dorset Geologists' Association Group on the use of photography in monitoring and illustrating coastal processes and change. Special Christmas meeting with drinks. 01305 262735.

12 Bridport Camera Club Meeting The Salt House, Fisherman's Green, West Bay, Bridport, 7.30pm. Our fortnightly meetings include visiting speakers, competitions and presentations. New members always welcome. Annual subscription is £18 (£15 for non-participating membership). 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

12 Sherborne Flicks – The Painted Veil (12) Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. The Flicks come to Sherborne on the second Wednesday of each month. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne TIC. 01935 815899.

12 Bridport Christmas Festival & Late Night Shopping Bridport Town Centre This years event will be a sparkling affair, giving the night a more continental market feel with something for everyone, young and old, including stalls of Christmas gifts and eats, glittering lights and lots of festive entertainment around town. As usual Santa's sleigh will follow St Swithun's Band down East Street into South Street and stop in Bucky Doo Square for Father Christmas to alight, go into his grotto and welcome children with a Christmas Gift. Meanwhile, in the streets there will be many events from choral singing, to theatre players, to musicians and a Punch & Judy show which will tie in with the exhibition at Bridport Museum. The Farmer's Market will be in the Art's Centre, where there will also be family activities, and the Electric Palace plans a great evening of music and entertainment for all ages. And of course many of the shops will be open for late night Christmas shopping, and as always there is the chance to savour the fine local food and drink in the town's pubs, restaurants and hotels. 01308 456722.

12 Chris Garrick's 'Homage to Grappelli' Village Hal, Charlton Down, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Grappelli is celebrated by Britain's leading exponent of jazz violin in a concert focusing on Grappelli's partnerships with George Shearing & Django Reinhardt. 01305 251099. www.artstreach.co.uk

13 Christmas Concert under Concorde Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, doors opoen 6.30pm, concert starts 7.30pm. HMS Heron and Northwood HQ Volunteer Bands in concert underneath Concorde. Tickets £6.50 including a glass of mulled wine and mince pie on arrival. 01935 842616. www.fleetairarm.com

13 Film – "Glastonbury" at Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, South Street , 7.45pm. Julian Temple documents the world’s longest running music festival. Compiling footage from each year of the festival, adding home videos and footage from Nic Roeg’s 1971 film, Glastonbury analyses the social and political function of the festival. Including performances by Bjork, David Bowie, James Brown, Coldplay, Primal Scream, Morrissey, Scissor Sisters, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Goldfrapp and many more Tickets £5, £4 members, concs. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

13 Mr Pickwick's Christmas Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.30pm. A one-man show performed by Robert MacCall with Ian Baxter on Mandolin. All the pleasures of a Dickensian Christmas - dancing, feasting, skating and a ghost story are brought vividly to life in this energetic retelling. Tickets available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre. 01935 815341. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk/artslink

13 Stand Up Comedy Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 8.30pm (doors & bar open 7.30pm) Compere John Robins, with Rex Boyd, Dan Evans and David Meech. Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) on the door. 01305 810579. www.powelltheatre.co.uk

13 The New Scorpion Band presents 'The Holly and the Ivy' Village Hall, Buckland Newton, 7.30pm. Christmas show including traditional carols, midwinter songs, stories & music drawn from traditional music of the British Isles. 01300 345543. www.artsreach.co.uk

13 Christmas Cheer at Lesley Waters' Cookery School The Old Manor, Fore Street, Evershot. Eat, drink and be merry! Lesley Waters shares her modern ideas for the festive season and stress-free entertaining. 01935 83700. www.lesleywaters.com

14 - 15 Yetties Christmas Singalong Concert Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm Tickets available from Rules in Sherborne or from website - £7 adults, £6 children/seniors. www.theyetties.co.uk

14 Music for a Christmas Evening Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. The Thomas Hardye School Choir present a programme of festive readings and carols. Entry £12.50 with wine and canapes. 01305 262735.

14 Antiques Auction in Sherborne Charterhouse Auction Rooms, Long Street, Sherborne. Viewing Wednesday from 10am to 4pm and Thursday from 10am to 7pm. Sale starts on Friday at 10am with viewing from 8:30am. 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

14 Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Event: Hadyn Lute Trio Sir John Colfox School, Ridgeway, Bridport, 7.45pm. Programme of Baroque music on period instruments including Haydn, Vivaldi and Corelli. Refreshmenets served in the foyer at the Interval. Single tickets £12, subscription for full season £40. Reductions for students.

14 The Betjemen Society - A Light Hearted Evening of Music and Readings St Mary's Church, Bradford Peverell, 7pm. The Sherborne branch presents a Light Hearted Evening Of Music and Readings. Proceeds in aid of Bradford Peverell Church and Donation to the Dorset M E Support Group. 01305 267339 / 01305 263834.

14 Late Night in Lyme Broad Street, Lyme Regis, 6pm. Christmas Shopping under Christmas Lights. A festive atmosphere will be created in the streets with music, Father Christmas and some charity stalls. There will also be a parade during the evening. 01297 442220.

15 The Bridport Nativity Bucky Doo Square, South Street, Bridport, from approx. 10.30am. Live outdoor nativity in the streets of Bridport, with tableaux, drama and songs in and around Bucky Doo Square. Mary & Joseph coming from the West with their donkey, the Maji coming from the East, the Shepherds from the South and the Angels......... Dress appropriately if you wish, walk with the actors if you want to! 01308 459263.

15 Christmas Concert - Lyme Regis Woodmead Halls Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Lyme Regis Town Band present their Christmas Concert featuring Christine Galvin and her guitar. Sponsored by A.J.Wakely & Sons. 01297 442719.

15 Christmas Champions Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. An English Mummers’ Play featuring songs, prose and reworkings of established carols. Tickets £10 (£6 children under 16) available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

15 Family Fun: Christmas Decorations Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12pm. Make your own pottery christmas decorations - you can even personalise them for your family and friends. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

15 Heron perform at Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Heron return to Bridport, brightening up the mid-winter with their quintessentially English sound that has been sweeping away audiences for almost 40 years. Support by Elijah Wolfe . Tickets £12, £11 members/concs. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

15 Dorset Chamber Orchestra St Mary's Church, Edward Road, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Oliver Nelson and Tess Maybury perform music by Weber, Dvorak, Elgar, Sibelius. Tickets available from Harmony Music, Dordhester - 01305 260360,.

15 The Leaves of Life at Eype Centre for the Arts Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Nr. Bridport, 7.30pm. The Mellstock Band, named after the fictional title given by Thomas Hardy to the singers and musicians of the parish of Stinsford, presents its new Christmas show The Leaves of Life. It is sung and performed on instruments that would have been current in Hardy’s time, including the serpent, a baffling hybrid of brass and woodwind easily recognised by its snake-like shape and which produces a ‘rich, deep note’. The Mellstock Band is well known and loved in Dorset and their popular shows are unique entertainments of music, song and the spoken word, using authentic instruments and period costume. The poetry and prose come from Hardy and other writers, including the country poets John Clare and William Barnes. They combine with the music to illuminate its background and create the perfect atmosphere.Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901 £10.00, Friends £9.00, children under 14 free. 01308 898420.

15 Festive Dorset at The Town Mill Galleries The Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis. The courtyard will be buzzing with a feast of delicious local produce, tastings & sales of seasonal delicacies, together with a number of traditional craftspeople. www.hiddendorset.org/index.php/hd/gem/hd1252.html

15 Cookery Workshops in Bridport Bridport Centre for Local Food, St Michaels Trading Estate, Bridport, 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm. 'Cooking for Christmas' workshops for 8-16 year olds. Cost per session is £5.00 and booking is essential as places are limited. For further information call 01308 428912. Supported by the Local Network Fund (for children and young people).

15 Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Santa Claus - Dino Claws Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Join local artist Darrell Wakelam and the Centre Warden Team for a fun claw making session just in time for Christmas. Free event. Booking essential. Two sessions a day. 10.30am - 12,30pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm. 01297 560772. www.charmouth.org

15 Sherborne Book Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne 9.30am – 4pm. 01963 210443.

15 Dance - Uplyme Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis, 8pm – 11pm. Dance - Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence. Entry includes tea and biscuits; in aid of Hall funds.

16 Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction Gates open 10.30am - 4pm. Pre-booked (min 24 hrs) £6 (£5 each for parties of 8 or more). £7 each on the day subject to availability. Price includes steam train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a tailored present for the children. 01935 478373. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com

16 Kingcombe Seasonal Meal The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Nr. Dorchester. 12.30pm. Come along to the Kingcombe Centre for a leisurely Sunday lunch in front of a roaring fire, good food and hospitality. Cost £10 in advance please - booking essential. 01300 320684. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

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

17 2012: Is humankind on the brink of extinction or evolution? Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm – 10pm. David Hand, mystic, psychic and spiritual teacher offers his unique insight in this talk which will explore the 2012 prophecies and New Age predictions. 01202 429300.

17 Christmas Concert in Sherborne Abbey Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. Seasonal music for the community performed by members of the community. Soloists include Paul Ellis (Sherborne Abbey) and Belinda Evans (from TV's How do you solve a problem like Maria). Tickets £16 to £5 available from Dorset Music House. 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com

20 Steam Dreams Christmas Carol Special Sherborne. Steam locomotive Tanmere leaves Waterloo at 10.30am, arriving in Sherborne in plenty of time for the 3pm special Carol Service in Sherborne Abbey. The carriages will be festively decorated and there will be mulled wine and mince pies for everyone plus optional extras. 01483 209888. www.steamdreams.co.uk

20 Noel Noel Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir Dorset County Museum, High East Street, Dorchester, 8.15pm (doors open 7.15pm) Enjoy a rare chance of a private viewing of the ground floor galleries before the concert. To guarantee your mulled wine, mince pies and lashings of carols in Dorchester, be sure to book your tickets early through Dorchester Tourist Information Centre. 01305 267992.

21 Acoustic Lyme Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. An evening of mostly acoustic, Indie and folk music from local artists. 01297 442394. www.marinetheatre.com

21 Carols Round the Chritmas Tree Broad Street, Lyme Regis, 7pm.

22 Backbeat Beatles Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm. The Backbeat Beatles offer superb renditions of favourite Beatles hits from Love Me Do through to Sgt. Peppers. Special rates for large groups – bring your office party. Tickets available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

22 Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction Gates open 10.30am - 4pm. Pre-booked (min 24 hrs) £6 (£5 each for parties of 8 or more). £7 each on the day subject to availability. Price includes steam train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a tailored present for the children. 01935 478373. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com

23 Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Christmas Walk Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, 10.30am. Wear a Christmas hat and get a free film show entry. 01297 560772. www.charmouth.org

23 Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction . Gates open 10.30am - 4pm. Pre-booked (min 24 hrs) £6 (£5 each for parties of 8 or more). £7 each on the day subject to availability. Price includes steam train ride, seasonal refreshments, a visit to Santa's Grotto and a tailored present for the children. 01935 478373. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com

25 A Happy Christmas to all

26 Boxing Day Fossil Hunting Walk Meet at Charmouth Sea Front Under the flag pole, 11am. Join Chris to work off that turkey dinner, escape the Christmas TV and blow the cobwebs away on Boxing Day. A two hour walk and talk to find fossils, suitable for all the family. £5 adult, £3 child, under 4s free. All welcome, no booking required. 0845 094 3757. www.fossilwalks.com

26 West Bay Wallow / Swim on Boxing Day Takes place at midday on East Beach – in fancy dress. In aid of CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity for Children and other causes. 01308 458045

28 – 1/1 Alice! Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. BOF Productions present ALICE!, taking an hilarious trip in Wonderland and through the looking glass. A play with music suitable for all the family. Six performances – 28^th at 7.30pm, 29^th at 2pm, 30^th at 3pm and 7.30pm, 1^st at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

29 Sherborne Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10am – 4pm. Quarterly book fair. 01935 850210. www.pbfa.org

31 Yetties New Year Party Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. Annual New Year's eve knees up. Please bring your own food (but not booze as there is a well stocked bar). Tickets £12 each 01935 814611. www.theyetties.co.uk

31 New Year’s Eve Ceilidh – Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. See the New Year in with Red Shed, the best local 5 piece ceilidh band. Tickets £7.50 (children £5) available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

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

MUSEUMS

Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester 01305 269571 Mon-Fri 9.30 - 5.00, Sat 10.00-5.00, Sun 10.00-4.30

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 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Mummies, Dorchester 01305 269741 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

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 (closed 17^th Dec to 2^nd Jan)

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, Community Enabling Division.