West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

January 2007

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

EXHIBITIONS

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

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

to 07/01 Lyme Open Art Competition Town Mill Galleries, Lyme Regis, Open daily except Monday 11am - 4pm. An exhibition of artworks from artists in the South West who entered the Town Mill's 2006 Open Art Competition. Contact: 01297 443579

13-10/03 Exhibition : Guy Sydenham - A Restrospective Dorset County Museum, Dorchester. Contact: 01305 262735

21-01/07 150 Years Of Railways In Weymouth Weymouth Museum, Brewers Quay, Weymouth, 10am - 4pm. An exhibition to reflect 150 years of railways in Weymouth, charting the history from 1857 to 2007. Contact: 01305 777622

27-25/02 Exhibition - Woodroffe School Annual Art Exhibition The Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am - 4pm Tuesday - Sunday. Annual exhibition of work by years 7-13 covering fine art, photography, textiles, ceramics and sculpture. Contact: 01297 443579

MARKETS

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

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.

FOSSIL WALKS

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

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

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

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

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

Charmouth Fossil hunting walks from the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth on Saturday 6^th January at 12.30pm and Sunday 7^th January at 1pm. 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

EVENTS DURING JANUARY

01 Lyme Lunge Lyme Regis Beach, midday. A charity fancy dress swim off Lyme Regis beach, in aid of CLIC Sargent. Prize for best fancy dress. Contact: 01308 458045

01 Duck Race Woodmead Road bridge, Lyme Regis, 12 noon. Ducks can be purchased for £1, cash prizes. In aid of Lyme Regis Christmas Lighting Fund.

01 New Year's Day Walk Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, meet 10.30am, tea at the centre 3.30-4pm. A leisurely walk of approx. 8 miles in the beautiful West Dorset countryside followed by tea at the centre. Bring a packed lunch. Contact: 01300 320684

01 Peter Pan Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 3.00pm and 8.00pm. An adaptation of J M Barrie's enchanting original - a musical with a wealth of adventure and delight. Contact: 01297 442138

01 Symondsbury Mummers at the Ilchester Arms The Ilchester Arms Symondsbury, approx. 8pm. The Symondsbury Mummers perform a centuries-old festive play. Contact: 01308 423411

03 Quiz Night Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30 for 8pm. TheatreFriends invite you to their Festive Quiz Night. Teams of up to 6 - £2 per person. Prizes, raffle, tea & coffee, bar.

03 West Dorset Ramblers Walk New Inn, Stoke Abbot Nr Beaminster, 10am. From the New Inn at Stoke Abbot around the area. 4 or 5 miles. No dogs. Pub lunch afterwards. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact: 01300 320346

04 Historical Society Lecture – Charlemagne Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8.00pm. Sherborne Historical Society Lecture by Dr Janet Nelson FBA, Professor of Medieval History, Kings College, London.

04 Ramblers Walk Rest & Welcome Inn, Melbury Osmond, 10.15am. A 5 mile walk, organised by the South Somerset Ramblers. Important: please contact the organiser to confirm details. Contact: 01460 77165

05 DWT Reserves - Managing Habitats & Species Talk Friends Meeting House, South Street, 7.30pm. A talk by Bob Brunt on Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves. Contact: 01300 320573

05 Post Christmas Detox Soundbath at Sherborne Centre for Pure Sound Senior Lunch Club, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7pm. With crystal and Tibetan bowls and overtoning, plus "fountain bowl" water ceremony. Please bring something comfortable to lie on. Organised by Wessex Research Group. Contact: 01935 389655.

06 The Joy Of Wine Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, 8pm. This show will make you laugh buckets as shiraz the nose on your face! Contact: 01297 442138

06 Professor Bumm's Story Machine Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Hilarious improvised comedy for kids. Contact: 01297 442138

06 Dance – Uplyme Uplyme Village Hall, 8pm. Dance - Ballroom, Latin and some sequence. Entry includes tea & biscuits; in aid of Hall funds.

07 Riddles Of The Ridgeway Walk Smitten Corner Nr Portesham, 11am. A 3 - 4 mile walk to look at the archaeological features associated with the South Dorset Ridgeway. Contact: 01308 756785

09 Bridport History Society Talk United Church, Bridport, 2.30pm. 'Ham Hill - The Portrait of a Local Building Stone' - a talk by Richard Durman, author of a book with the same title. Contact: 01308 456876

09 New Year Health Walk Lodmoor Reserve, Weymouth, 1pm - 3pm. A gentle stroll to look at the winter bird life of the reserve. Meet at the main entrance off the A353 Preston Beach Road. Contact: 01305 778313

10 Family History On The Internet Sherborne Library, Hound Street, Sherborne, 9.30am - 12.30pm. An introductory course run by the Dorset History Centre which aims to help you use the information available and be aware of the advantages and pitfalls of using the internet for family history. Contact: 01305 338943

10 Geology Lecture Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Chalk Revolution: what have we done to the Chalk in England by Dr Rory Mortimer, University of Brighton. Contact: 01305 262735

10 National Hunt Racing At Wincanton Wincanton Racecourse, Wincanton. Contact: 01963 32344

10 Sherborne Science Cafe Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.30pm. A talk by Bob Mizen (Astronomer) - director of the Campaign for Dark Skies. Contact: 01935 815052

11 Dorchester Film Society - The Beat That My Heart Skipped Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7.30pm

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

13 Wildlife Conservation Day On Portland Perryfields Quarry Butterfly Reserve, Off Wakeham, Portland, 10am - 4pm. A day for volunteers on this important wildlife site working with the Dorset branch of Butterfly Conservation to improve the habitats for butterflies and moths by removing the encroaching scrub and burning it. Meet in the carpark opposite the museum. Bring a packed lunch and wear stout footwear, tools provided. Contact: 01963 23559

15 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Hillfield Hill Car Park Nr Batcombe, 10am. An enjoyable walk from Hilfield Hill around the Cerne Abbas area - 6 to 7 miles. Bring a picnic. No dogs. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact: 01308 863081

16 Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society Talk Dorset Room, Colliton Club (Opposite County Hall), Dorchester, 7.30pm. 'Industrial Archaeology on the Isle of Man' a talk by Peter Stanier.

18 Byzantium In Relation To Islam And The West Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8.00pm. Sherborne Historical Society Lecture, by Professor Judith Herrin, Professor of Late Antique and Bazantine Studies, Kings College , London.

18 Dorchester Film Society - The Constant Gardener The Plaza, Dorchester, 8pm.

18 Dorset History Centre Event - Quarter Sessions Records Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, 2.30 - 4.30pm. Justices of the Peace were responsible for administration and justice in the county and their records contain a wealth of information. Find out more about this fascinating collection of records. Contact: 01305 228943

18 Hedgelaying Workshop Park Farm, Marston Magna, Nr. Sherborne, 10am - 4pm. A practical training day with instructor Nigel Dowding. Your chance to have a go and learn more about this traditional skill for restoring a hedgerow. Please bring gloves, billhooks and saws if available. Please bring packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Cost £25 + VAT per person. Contact: 01823 355427

18 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Yarn Barton Car Park, Beaminster, 10am. A walk from Beaminster heading south east - 5 miles. Bring a snack. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact: 01308 863754

18 - 20 The Wizard Of Oz The Community Hall, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, doors open 6.45pm for 7.30pm. Family matinee Sat 20th doors open 1.45pm for 2pm. Charmouth Companions Ltd present The Wizard of Oz.

19 An Evening With Tim Lacock And Friends St. Nicholas Church, Abbotsbury, 7.30pm. An evening of folk tales and ballads with Tim Lacock and friends. An Abbotsbury Heritage Research event. Admission free - everyone welcome! Contact: 01305 871693

19 Concert By Peter Fisher (violin) And Peter Hewitt (piano) Colfox School, Bridport, 7.45pm. A Bridport and West Dorset Music Club concert. Contact: 01308 424673

19 New Moon Workshop at Sherborne Centre for Pure Sound Senior Lunch Club, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7pm. Overtoning, mantra, pranayam, the chakras, plus singing bowl manifestation meditation. Organised by the Wessex Research Group. Contact: 01935 389655.

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

20 Serenade By Candlelight Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Performed by Christchurch Sinfonia. Programme: Tchaikovsky - Serenade in C, Elager - Serenade in E minor, Barber - Adagio for Strings and Britten - Simple Symphony. Tickets £9 - £16 (school children half price) - available from Dorset Music House. Contact: 01935 816332

20 Dance – Uplyme Uplyme Village Hall, 8pm. Dance - Ballroom, Latin and some sequence. Entry includes tea & biscuits; in aid of Hall funds.

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

23- 27 Cinderella Electric Palace, South Street, Bridport. A Bridport Pantomime production. Tickets available from Pets Pavilion, South Street, Bridport from 2nd January. Contact: 01305 420804

23 Sherborne & District Society/CPRE AGM & Talk Age Concern Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7pm for 7.30pm. Sherborne & District Society/CPRE AGM followed by 'Threats to Sherborne', an illustrated talk by Terry H Stewart, Vice President of the Dorset Branch of the CPRE. Non members welcome to attend.

24 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Walkers Car Park Nr Compton Valence, 10.30am. An 8 mile walk across to Wynford Eagle and Compton Valence. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact: 01308 485418

25 Dorchester Film Society - Lemming Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7.30pm.

25 Dorset County Museum - Burns Night Dinner Dorset County Museum, museum and bar open from 6.30pm with dinner from 7.30pm. Traditional black tie dinner, held in the beautiful Victorian Hall. All the elements of a traditional Burns dinner. Contact: 01305 262735

25 January Market St Martins Community Hall, Broadmayne, Broadmayne, 2.00pm - 3.30pm. Produce, cakes, plants, crafts, fair-trade goods etc.

25 Ramblers Walk Meet Drimpton Village Hall, 10am. A 6 mile walk organised by South Somerset Ramblers. Please contact the organiser to confirm details. Contact: 01460 76366

26 Charity Concert in aid of Dorset Air Ambulance Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Chris Jagger and Ben Waters, Repercussion, Rob Koral and Zoe Schwarz. Tickets £12, available from Dorchester TIC. Contact: 01305 267992

27 Antiques & Flea Markets Church Hall & Senior Citizen Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9am - 4pm. Contact: 01935 851222

27 Dorset Guild Of Weavers, Spinners And Dyers Dorset Youth Association Hall, Luebbecke Way, Dorchester, 11am - 4pm. The first meeting of the year and the first at the new venue will be an open day where all are welcome to come and see demonstrations of the Guild members' skills and will be encouraged to have a go.

27 Family Wildlife Fun - Bird Feeders Lorton Meadows Reserve, Weymouth, 10.30am to 12.30pm. Make fat balls and feeders to feed our feathered friends through the winter. Plus arts crafts and games. Contact: 01305 816546

27 Graffiti Classics Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. James Seabright presents 'Graffiti Classics' -the most sensational string quartet on the fringe. This string quartet have entertained audiences of all ages around the world with their virtuoso musical talents, combining brilliant playing with amazing dancing, singing and comedy routines. Contact: 01297 442138

27 Market In Broadmayne St. Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 2pm - 3.30pm. Produce, cakes, plants, Fair-trade goods, local sausages, cards, jigsaws, library etc plus a chance for a cup of tea and achat. Contact: 01305 852866

27 Yoga Workshop Beech Cottage, The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum. A day of yoga with experienced teacher Anne Harte. Suitable for total beginners. Morning and afternoon refreshments will be provided but please bring lunch to share. Contact: 01305 853790

28 Day Course On Pruning Fruit Trees Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 10.30am - 4.30pm. Through a combination of talks, demonstrations and the opportunity to practise your skills in The Kingcombe Orchard, this practical day will leave you feeling competent, knowledgeable and above all confident about helping fruit trees to thrive in good health and fruit well. Tutor : Phil Gamble - gardens adviser and tutor who specialises in short courses, illustrated talks and practical demonstrations. Contact: 01300 320684

30 West Dorset Ramblers Walk Loders (opposite School), starts 10am. From Loders to west Milton and North Poorton. 10 miles. Bring a picnic, but no dogs. Please confirm details with organiser. Contact: 01305 269248

31 Dorset History Centre Event - Family History Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, 10am - 4pm. Who do you think you are? This session inroduced the types of record available and gives guidance on where to find them. Contact: 01305 228943

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

Winter Opening Times

MUSEUMS

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

Terracotta Warriors, Dorchester 01305 266040 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester 01305 269741 Daily 10.00 - 4.30

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

Mummies, Dorchester 01305 269741 Daily 10.00 - 5.00

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

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

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

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

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

Athelhamptons House & Gardens 01305 848363 Sun 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