West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

July 2007

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

EXHIBITIONS

to 08/07 Beaminster Museum Exhibition: In a Good Light Whitcombe Road, Beaminster. Rev JG Derrick’s collection of Victorian photography. Tel. 01308 863623.

to 08/07 Art Exhibition at Sherborne House Sherborne House, Sherborne. Selected work from first and second year full time students of BND Art & Design at Yeovil College. 01935 816426. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk

to 08/07 Optimism Exhibition - Lyme Regis Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis. An exhibition of Sculpture and Drawings by Peter Thursby. Open Tues - Fri 11:00am - 4:00pm. 01297 443579. www.townmill.org

to 14/07 CW Groves and Sons Embroidery Exhibition CW Groves and Sons, West Bay Road, Bridport. Embroidery Exhibition by Diane and Deborah Tiltman. 01308 422654.

to 29/09 Exhibition: The Man and the Myth: Lawrence of Arabia Dorset County Museum, Dorchester. An exhibition exploring the extraordinary life of T E Lawrence through photographs, letters and personal effects. Tel. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

to 31/10 Eeles Family Potters Exhibition Forde Abbey, Nr. Chard, 10.30am – 4.30pm. "Fired in the Wood Flame" – woodfired stoneware, porcelain and raku by David, Patricia, Benjamin and Simon Eeles (300 exhibits). 01308 868257 www.eelespottery.co.uk

21/07 – 29/07 Sherborne Art Club Annual Exhibition Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm (closes at 3pm on final Sunday) 01963 363466

25/07 – 04/08 Bridport Art Society 50th Annual Art Exhibition Allsop Gallery, The Art Centre, South Street, Bridport, 10am – 4pm

Art Exhibition to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Bridport Art Society. 01308 871116.

28/07 – 11/08 Wednesday Art Group Exhibition Bridport Tourist Information Centre, South Street, Bridport, Mon-Sat, 9am – 5pm Exhibition of paintings by the Wednesday Art Group in the window at Bridport TIC.

FOSSIL WALKS

Lyme Regis Fossil walks with Dr Colin Dawes every Wednesday, Friday and 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 fromThe Anchor, Cobb Gate. Private bookings available on other days. Tel. 07944 664757 for further details and to book.

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 also organised by Dinosaurland – tel 01297 443541for details.

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

Charmouth Fossil hunting walks from the Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth on. Walks last approx. 2 hours and include a 20 minute talk on fossils. £7 adults, £3 children. July walks take place on Sun 1^st at 12.30pm, Sat 14^th at 12 noon, Sun 15^th at 12.30pm, Sat 28^th at 10.30pm, Sun 29^th at 11.30pm and Mon 30^th at 12 noon. Also plankton trawling on Sat 21^st at 2.30pm. Tel. 01297 560772.

GUIDED WALKS

Sherborne Guided town walk with Blue Badge Guide every Friday at 11am. Meet at Sherborne Tourist Information Centre, Digby Road. Walk lasts approx. 1½ hours. Cost £3 per person.

Dorchester Guided town walk with Blue Badge Guide every Monday morning at 11am. Meet at Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, Antelope Walk. Walk lasts approx. 1 ½ hours. Cost £3 per person.

Toller Porcorum Wednesday afternoon walks at the Kingcombe Centre. Meet at the Centre at 2.15pm and return for tea and cake at 4pm No need to book in advance although a telephone call would help with catering. Tel. 01300 320684

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. Contact: 01305 851633

EVENTS DURING JULY

to 01 Beaminster Festival Beaminster Festival Office, Fleet Street, Beaminster. The 12th Beaminster Festival Of Music and the Visual Arts includes a brilliant programme of music, both classical and jazz, literature and an art exhibition of the work of local artists, potters, sculptors and furniture makers. 01308 862943. www.beamfest.org.uk

to 01 Open Garden - Came Old Came Rectory, Wareham Road, Came, Dorchester. Open gardens at the Old Came Rectory. Teas and Dorset Wildlife Trust goods on sale. All proceeds for Dorset Wildlife Trust. Open 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

to 01 Open Gardens - Martinstown Martinstown, nr. Dorchester. 18 Gardens for you to enjoy plus the pottery at Barton Cottages, Art Show and display in the village hall. Cream teas and drinks in the village hall grounds. Flower festival in the church. Sunday 5 o'clock Songs of Praise on the village green. Gardens open 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

to 01 Bridport Food Festival Bridport.An event to showcase the best of local produce. Events, at various locations around Bridport, include a cookery evening with Lesley Waters, cookery and cheesemaking demonstrations, live music and opportunities to sample local beer & cider. Tel. 01308 459761 or 01308 428927. www.bridportfoodfestival.org.uk

01 Frampton Village Fete Millennium Green & Village Hall, Frampton, 2pm. Balloon race, traction engine rides, music by Stampede plus lots of stalls and refreshments.

01 Owermoigne Open Gardens Owermoigne, Nr. Dorchester. 10am – 5pm Open gardens with lunches and teas available in the Village Hall. Followed by performance of The Life of 3 Strands - starting 6pm.

01 A Life of Three Strands - Thomas Hardy The Old Rectory, Owermoigne, Dorchester, 6pm (garden open from 5pm). A play based on the life of Thomas Hardy. Written by Norrie Woodhall and Devina Symes. The play will take place in the font garden of The Old Rectory. If wet, in Owermoigne Village Hall. You are welcome to bring a picnic (plus chairs, rugs etc). All proceeds to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. 01305 854835.

01 Summer Felts Willy Tuck's Orchard, Symondsbury, Bridport, 10am – 4pm. Using a sensory approach we will explore our natural world in order to inspire the creation of simple but beautiful felts. £10 adult/unaccompanied child over 10; £5 accompanied child. 01308 427449.

01 Ian Briggs and The Super Vampers in the Borough Gardens Free event in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2:30pm.

02 Claire Tomalin talk on Thomas Hardy Village Hall, Kettle Bridge Lane, Cerne Abbas, 7pm. Claire Tomalin will be talking about Thomas Hardy's life to celebrate the Penguin paperback launch of 'Thomas Hardy: A Time Torn Man', her highly acclaimed recent biography of Dorset's most famous writer. This event is part of the Hardy County Read - look out for leaflets in your local library or bookshop. 01300 341085. www.artsreach.co.uk

02 Dorchester Peace and Justice Group - Changes to Legal Aid Cheselbourne Room, United Church Charles Street Dorchester, 7.30pm. A talk by Brian Ellis. 01305 815965.

02 Gallery Talk - George Vialls Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk on George Vialls, Lyme’s Civic Architect by Max Hebditch. 01297 443370

02 Music of the English Cathedrals St. Mary’s Church, Puddletown, 7.30pm. The Girl Choristers and Lay Vicars of Salisbury Cathedral Choir perform Music of the English Cathedrals, featuring Gibbons, Leighton, Lloyd and Parry. Followed by wine and light refreshments in St Mary's Church Room. 01305 848086/848510

03 A talk on Roman Dorset Strangways Hall, Abbotsbury, 7.30pm. Abbotsbury Heritage Research Project presents "Roman Dorset" a talk by Bill Putnam. Refreshments available. Admission free but donations to the Abbotsbury Heritage Research Project are welcome. 01305 871693

03 Beaminster Plant Sale Beaminster Hall, Beaminster, 9am to 4pm.

03 Garden Party Christchurch Court, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Garden party on the lawn. Various stalls and refreshments.

04 A Day in Hardy’s Sherton Sherborne School, Sherborne, 10am. Rediscover Thomas Hardy through his poetry, plays and a hands on exploration of his style. Morning sessions include a talk about Emma Hardy followed by an abridged performance of The Woodlanders and in the afternoon there will be a guided tour around the Abbey and Museum, returning to the school for tea and prize giving. Tickets £25 including lunch from Booklore, Hound Street. 01935 814191.

04 Dorchester Horticultural Society Meeting St. George’s Church Hall, Fordington, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Rose and Sweet Pea Show. New members and visitors welcome.

04 Gallery Talk – Jane Austen and Her Times Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Diana Shervington. 01297 443370.

04 The Taming of the Shrew - Open Air Theatre Millennium Green, Mountfield, Bridport. Gates open 6.30pm, performance starts 7.30pm. Miracle Theatre Company presents The Taming of the Shrew taking a fresh look at the complexities of male/female relationships and gives Shakespeare's romantic comedy a 21st century make over. Bring your own rugs, cushions or camping chairs and picnic. 01308 424204. www.miracletheatre.co.uk

04 Yetties Music Night West End Hall, Sherborne, 8pm. Monthly music night with the Yetties. 01935 814611.

04 – 5/9 Summer Evenings of Song Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Great songs from the great shows performed by Local Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Group every Wednesday evening throughout the Summer. Tickets £7.50 adults, £4.50 under 16s – available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

05 Children’s Show with Professor H20 Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. The effervescent Professor H2O is on a mission to dazzle you with drains, ponder over pipes and wonder at water.  Tearing himself away from his research work at Oxbow University, the Professor will shower you with watery wisdom.  Amazing unplugged facts about water mixed with bubbles of music from his unique musical plumbing.  Immerse yourself in this show to understand how valuable and essential water is for all life on earth and our need to conserve it. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

05 The Adonis Cabaret Show The Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, doors open 7pm. Male strippers and a top UK drag queen with International DJ Mikey from London. 01300 341638 / 07791549383.

05 - 07 Abbotsbury Music Festival - La Boheme Abbey House Hotel Gardens, Church Street Abbotsbury. .See Puccini's masterpiece, La Boheme, performed in English by The Garden Opera Company in a beautiful Dorset garden near the sea. Bring a picnic. Thursday 5th July, matinee performance, at 5pm, garden open at 4pm. Friday 6th July, 7pm, garden and meadow open for picnics at 5.30 pm. Saturday 8th July,7pm, garden and meadow open for picnics at 5.30 pm. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Centre. To obtain a booking form please write to The Festival Office, 7 Barton Farm, Cerne Abbas DT2 7LF. 01305 267992 www.abbmusic.org.uk

05 – 08 Cerne Abbas Music Festival St. Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas. The internationally renowned Gaudier Ensemble return to Cerne Abbas with a series of concerts. 01300 341518 www.cerneabbas.org

06 Illyria Outdoor Theatre - Robin Hood Sherborne Castle Grounds, Sherborne, gates open from 6pm, performance starts 7pm. Highly entertaining open air theatre on the castle lawns - please bring picnics and low back chairs or rugs. 01935 813182. www.illyria.uk.com

06 Archaeology Meeting Maiden Castle, Dorchester. "Walking the South Dorset Ridgeway - an exploration of the prehistoric monuments and their landscape" Meet at Maiden Castle Car Park SY66908990 at 6pm. 01305 262735.

06 Auction Of Promises at Puncknowle Crown Inn, Puncknowle, 7.30pm. Auction of Promises - with a wide variety of promises on offer, as well as a barbecue. Held in aid of the Bride Valley Fledgling Paygroup and the Kingfisher Ward of Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. Visitors and local people welcome. Free entry.

06 Gallery Talk – Thomas Coram and the Foundling Hospital Lyme Regis Museum, 11am.Talk by Anne Sankey. 01297 443370

06 Open Air Concert Lulworth Castle. Open air concert on the castle lawn featuring Joe Brown with special guest Sam Brown and Ben Waters with his Big Band. A tremendous firework finale will complete the evening. 01929 400352 www.lulworth.com

06 - 08 Jazz Festival - Lyme Regis Various locations in Lyme Regis. Annual Jazz Festival with a weekend of events around the town. 01803 311291.

07 Leigh Food Fair and Classic Car Display Leigh Village Hall, Nr. Sherborne. A chance to taste and buy some of the best food on offer from local producers. Stallholders include : Blue Vinney, Fudges, Honeybuns, Longman Cheese, Olives et al, Rural Foods, Sauces of Choice, Sherborne Castle Estate Wines, Somerset Brandy Co., Three Gates Farm (beef), Dorset Coffee Company and Purbeck Ice Cream. There will also be an array of classic cars on display plus barbeque and refreshments on sale all day. Open 10:00am to 4:00pm. 01935 873846.

07 Midsummer Melodies Bridport King Street School, Bridport, 7.30pm. Favourite classical songs and arias, sacred and secular. Sung by Jaqueline Piper with Michelle Banting. Ticket prices £6, Children/Seniors £3. 01297 445680 or 01905 267176.

07 Evershot Fair Sticklands School & Evershot Village Hall, Evershot nr. Dorchester, 12pm – 5pm. Stalls for gifts, plants, produce and more. BBQ. Trailer rides into Melbury Park. Children's fun ground. Cream teas. Dog's agility display. Byegone farm display. 01935 83578.

07 Sherborne Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10am – 4pm. 01935 850210. http://www.pbfa.org

07 Sherborne Abbey Choir Concert Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm www.sherborneabbey.com

07 Show of Hands Summer Family Concert Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, 3pm – 9pm. Annual open air concert. Adults £18, Child £9, Family £45. 01305 871387 www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

07 Tudor Day at Dorset County Museum School Room and Galleries, Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10.30am to approx. 3.00pm. A family activity exploring all things Tudor - games, food, smelly stuff, quill pens and punishments! 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

07 Bridport Charter Fair South Street, Bridport. Tel 01308 422500 for further details.

07 Sherborne Antiques & Collectors Fair Digby Hall, 9am to 4pm. 01460 75069.

07 Yeovilton Air Day RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset. Premier Royal Navy Air Show in the UK Includes many flying displays plus funfair, sideshows, exhibitions etc. Highlights also include The Red Arrows and the traditional Commando Assault Finale. Saver tickets available from our Tourist Information Centres. www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk

07 WOW Youth Musical Theatre in Concert United Church, Charles Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Celebrating 25 years. Music from Les Miserables, Wicked, Riverdance, Jekyll and Hyde, Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot plus much more. Tickets from Top Drawer, South Street, Dorchester or by telephone - 01305 262668 / 262436 / 784945

07-08 War Gamers Weekend at the Tank Museum Bovington. Exhibitors display war games on the musuem floor. Tel. 01929 405 360 or see www.tankmuseum.co.uk for further details.

08 Cancer Research UK Race for Life at Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, starts 11am. .5k ladies' charity fun run. 01935 813182.

08 Ramblers Walk from Bridport South Street, Bridport, 10.30am. A 16 mile walk via Burton Bradstock. Please telephone to confirm details. 01460 72892. www.somersetramblers.co.uk

08 Race for Life - Cancer Research UK Kingston Maurward Agricultural College, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester 01305 215003.

08 Castleton Waterwheel Museum Open Day Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm. Come along and see Dorset's largest waterwheel built by Stothert & Pitt in 1869 plus lots of other items to see concerned with the water supply industry. Parking on site. Lots of room for picnics. www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum.org.uk

08 Kingcombe Summer Fair The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, 11am – 4pm. Everybody welcome, various stalls games and fun for all the family. Great food, company so please come and support us! 01300 320684. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

08 Open Gardens - Crossways Crossways, Dorchester, 2pm – 6pm. Open gardens in aid of the New Church Building Fund.

08 gardens open around Crossways. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, 01305 267992.

08 Swingtime In The Gardens in the Borough Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 12pm. Free event.

09 Gallery Talk – 1,000 Years of Milling Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. "1,000 years of milling – how the town mill kept Lyme fed" – a talk by Marice Liddiard. 01297 443370

11 Gallery Talk – Lyme’s Literary Links Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by David Coates. 01297 443370

11 Sherborne Flicks – Venus (15) Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne TIC. 01935 815899. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk/artslink

11 Sherborne Science Café Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.30pm. A Talk by Martin Crozier – "Mathematics : Life is a game". 01935 815052

12 - 15 Lakeside Magic Concerts Kingston Maurward Agricultural College, Kingston Maurward, Nr. Dorchester. Thursday 12th July - Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band with Humphrey Lyttelton and his band. Friday 13th July - The Brandenburg Sinfonia. Saturday 14th July - Queen with Gary Mullen and the works. Sunday 15th July - Off the Wall; The Spirit of Pink Floyd. Advance tickets available from the Visitor Centre at Kingston Maurward College and from the Tourist Information Centres in Dorchester (01305 267992) and Bridport (01308 424901). 01305 751631. www.lakesidemagic.biz

13 Gallery Talk – Local Moths and Butterflies Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. 01297 43370

13 - 15 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival Tolpuddle, Nr. Dorchester. Annual celebration of the trade unionism and the part played by six farm workers, transported to Australia for forming a union. 0117 947 0521. www.tuc.org.uk

12 - 14 Dorchester Drama The Bulls Head, Fordington Dorchester, 7pm. A double bill of two comedies - "Thermal Underwear" which is about a Ruby Wedding Anniversary party that goes disastrously wrong and " Droitwich Discovery" about a group on a Shakespearian Tour getting more than they bargained for. 01305 848311.

13 Shakespeare in the Garden at Mapperton Mapperton, Beaminster, 6.30pm. The Merry Wives of Windsor by Castle Theatre Company of Durham. Bring your own picnic, rugs and chairs and enjoy the peaceful setting of the Croquet Lawn. Tickets £12/£10 up to 30th June from the Festival Office and after 30th June from 01308 862645. Starts 6.30pm. 01308 862645. www.mapperton.com

13 Sunset Cafe Stompers at Powerstock St Marys Church, Powerstock, 7pm. Sunset Cafe Stompers play exciting traditional jazz in the style of the New Orleans pioneers. 01308 425419.

14 Yetminster Fair and Yetties Concert High Street, Yetminster, Nr. Sherborne. Ever popular street fair with many stalls ranging from fresh local produce, horticulture, antiques, collectibles, DIY tools, with entertainment provided by Yetminster Irish Dancers, Durnovaria Silver Band, Wessex Highlanders Drum and Pipe Band. Plus a concert by The Yetties in the Fair marquee in the evening (tickets available from Garth Hentley 01935 873239). 01935 872123.

14 Museum Club at Dorset County Museum High West Street, Dorchester, 10.30am - 12.00pm. "The Iron Age in Wessex" - find out all about Iron Age people in Wessex, and then take part in a craft activity. New members (between 8 and 15 years old) are always welcome. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

14 Marine Theatre - The Blues Band Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis. Doors open 19:45 on stage 20:30. The Blues Band featuring Paul Jones from Manfred Mann, simply the best purveyors of the Blues in the UK today. Excellent musicians, great atmosphere. Book early as they sold out early last year. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

14 Puddletown Carnival Puddletown, Nr. Dorchester, 2pm – 11pm Food stalls, game stalls and arena entertainment all afternoon on the recreatino field, plus funfair. Carnival procession around the village at 6pm. Food and beer tent and live music in the evening. 01305 848927

14 Cerne Abbas Church Fete The Vicarage Garden, Back Lane Cerne Abbas, Dorchester. Includes Grand Prize draw. Star prize is £100 with other prizes including £50 cash, pub meals, a case of wine, luxury hamper and much more. Tickets available from the Village Stores or the Promotor - Jeremy Parkinson-Smith (01305) 341497.

14 Sydling St. Nicholas Church Fete Village Green, Sydling St. Nicholas, Nr Dorchester, 2.30pm. Traditional Church Fete on the village green with stalls, games, teas, cakes, plants, crafts, books, bouncy castle, children's activities, competitions, Pimms and beer tent, and a flower display at the Church. 01300 341618.

14 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.

14 Mill Street Jazz Band in the Borough Gardens Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 6pm. Free event

14 West Stafford Village Fete Talbothays Lodge, West Stafford, 2.30pm. Located in the grounds of Talbothays Lodge, a house built by Thomas Hardy for his sister. Family afternoon out with stalls, raffles, games and more. In aid of Village Hall.

14 - 15 Rustic Hazelwood Furniture Workshop at Highway Farm West Road, Bridport, 10am – 4.30pm. Try your hand at furniture making and be inspired by Peter Moors. This is a two-day workshop. Make your own unique garden furniture. Please bring lunch. Cost £75 + approx. £15 for materials. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

14-15 The Portland Steam & Vintage Show Southwell Business Park, Portland, 10am. 01305 822728 www.theportlandsteamshow.co.uk

15 Shakespeare in the Garden at Mapperton Mapperton House Garden, Beaminster, 6.30pm. The Merry Wives of Windsor by Castle Theatre Company of Durham. Bring your own picnic, rugs and chairs and enjoy the peaceful setting of the Croquet Lawn. Tickets £12/10 up to 30th June from the Festival Office and after 30th June from 01308 862645. www.mapperton.com

15 Castleton Waterwheel Museum Open Day Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm. Come along and see Dorset's largest waterwheel built by Stothert & Pitt in 1869 plus lots of other items to see concerned with the water supply industry. Parking on site. Lots of room for picnics. www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum.org.uk

15 Baby Loss Support Group St George's Church, Fordington, Dorchester, 3pm. A service to remember children who have died before, during or after birth. The service begins at 3:00pm and will last about half an hour. Please contact Rev. Richard Betts, 01305 262394, richardbetts42@aol.com if you are interested in attending.

15 Hand Milling Day Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, 11am – 3pm. Hand Milling of ancient grains. Hands on activity using querns (hand mills) to see how spelt, oat, barley, rye and wheat have been ground in the ancient past. Compare that process with the working watermill grinding locally grown organic wheat. Includes tasting of breads, made from various grains, by The Town Mill Bakery. 01297 443579 www.townmill.org

15 Open Gardens – Okeford Fitzpaine Okeford Fitzpaine, 2pm. In aid of St. Andrew’s Church. Cream teas available.

15 Rolls Royce Rally Lulworth Castle, 10.30am – 6pm. 01929 400352 www.lulworth.com

15 Sherborne Town Band at Castle Gardens Castle Gardens, New Road, Sherborne, 2:30pm.

15 Open Air Concert at Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne. Jazz/Latin/Blues Concert with International Vocalist Judy Shire and her Band. An evening concert with the Castle providing the backdrop for the stage where this sexy sultry singer will take you on an atmospheric evening to remember. Bring a picnic, wine and relax on the lawns, enjoy the ambience of Sherborne at this special event. Tickets £12 in advance £15 on the day, available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre 01935 815341. This concert will benefit The Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity. www.judyshire.co.uk or 01604 647668.

15 Concert - Serendipity Recorder Group United Church, South Street, Dorchester, 8pm. If you think the recorder is just for school children, prepare to be amazed. Serendipity play recorders of all sizes and perform a wide range of music and readings, from serious to frivolous, from the 16th to the 20th century. Collection in aid of Mission Aviation Fellowship. 01300 341618.

16 Creative Regeneration Workshop at Highway Farm West Road, Bridport. "Championing the Wonders of Nature" with Clare Colby. Lots of creative activity, indulge and be inspired by the wonders of nature! Cost £30 including lunch. Workshops run monthly on a Monday and Saturday from May to October. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

16 Gallery Talk – The HMS Formidable Disaster Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Jack Thomas. 01297 443370

17 Laudemus St. Mary’s Church, Charminster, 6pm. Evensong in St. Mary’s Church with Cathedral Style Choral

18 Gallery Talk – The Bermuda Connection Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Barbara Austin. 01297 443370

18 A Walk around the Cobb Meet at the Lifeboat Shop, Lyme Regis, 7pm. Guided walk with Ken Gollop (weather permitting) 01297 443370

19 Bridport harbour through 100 years - guided walk Start at Haddon House, West Bay, Bridport. Guided walk led by Elizabeth Buckler Gale. Starts at 10am at the public car park opposite Haddon House Hotel in West Bay. Approximately 2 hour walk, level walking. £3 per person. 01308 488327.

19 Archaeological Walk Meet at Shatcombe lane roadside parking area, 11am. (SY 548948) Discover a prehistoric hillfort and landscape with Claire Pinder of Dorset County Council. 1 ½ hours, 1 ½ miles. 01305 224921 www.dorsetforyou.com

19 - 20 Lyme Regis Pantomime Society Summer Show Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Lyme Regis Pantomime Society present "Hooray for Hollywood". Tickets available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre 01297 442138

19 - 22 Dorset Opera – Turandot Coade Hall Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum. Tel. 01935 816332, www.dorsetopera.com

20 Antiques Auction in Sherborne Charterhouse Auctions, Long Street Sale Rooms, Sherborne. Viewing Wednesday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Sale starts on Friday at 10:00am with viewing from 8:30am. 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

20 Gallery Talk – Local Fossils Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Chris Paul. 01297 443370

20 - 21 The Taming of the Shrew - Open Air Theatre Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, gates open 7pm, performance starts 8pm. Miracle Theatre Company gives Shakespeare's romantic comedy a 21st century make over. Bring your own rugs, cushions or camping chairs and picnic. 01305 266926. www.miracletheatre.co.uk

21 Open Garden - The Old Vicarage, Melplash Melplash, nr Bridport, 3pm to 5pm. £2 entrance including tea and cake. Family ticket £5. In aid of church and village hall, raffle, stalls, plants, white elephant and cakes. In village hall if wet.

21 Hay Fever presented by Thame Players Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. A delicious comedy of fabulously bad manners! Tickets Adults £9, under 16s £6 available from Lyme Regis TIC. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

21 Stoke Abbott Street Fair Stoke Abbot, Nr. Beaminster, 2pm. A traditional street fair with stalls selling home-made produce, crafts, cakes, plants, second hand books, household goods, toys and tools. Jazz band, cream teas and much more. 01308 863611.

21 Creative Regeneration Workshop at Highway Farm West Road, Bridport, 10.30am - 2pm "Championing the Wonders of Nature" demonstration day with Clare Colby. Lots of creative activity, indulge and be inspired by the wonders of nature! It’s really difficult to describe Clare’s lovely pieces of art and her innovate new ideas to reuse and recycle so please come along to the demonstration day or see her website www.thebranchline.co.uk. Cost £15 including lunch. Workshops run monthly on a Monday and Saturday from May to October. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

21 Great Swan Round Up Abbotsbury Swannery, 10am – 2pm. A biennial health & treatment check-up for up to 1,000 swans. 01305 871130 www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

21 Ramblers walk from Lamberts Castle Lamberts Castle NT Car park, nr. Marshwood, Grid Reference 366988, 10.30am.

An 8 mile circular walk. 01935 426842. www.somersetramblers.co.uk

21 The Bee Hop at Honeybuns Stony Lane, Holwell, Nr. Sherborne. A "quirkily gorgeous" festival for everyone. Live music all day (The Ladybirds, Boy Le Monti, Drew Crow Star and John Bullock, Nigel Canter and Paul Openshaw, Shiko, Uban Idyll, Buzz and many more). Plus art exhibition, sculpture workshop, fabulous stalls, gorgeous food, creche and face painting, real ale and deckhairs to flop in. Tickets £4, under 16s free. 01963 23597. www.honeybuns.co.uk

21 Piddlehinton Church Fete West Lodge, Piddlehinton, 2pm. Traditional garden fete with stalls, amusements, refreshments. 01300 348304

21 The Emperor’s Consort Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. Concert of renaissance masterpieces by Lassus, Tallis and Gombert. Tickets £10 and £8 available from Sherborne Abbey Parish Office 01935 812452 or on the door. www.sherborneabbey.com

21 Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Show Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road Uplyme, Lyme Regis. Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society's Annual Summer Show. Raffle, Jazz Band, Stalls and Teas. 2:00pm - 5:30pm.

21 Sherborne Book Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am – 4pm. Monthly book market. 01747 841148.

21 - 29 Lifeboat Week - Lyme Regis Lyme Regis annual RNLI Lifeboat Week - A week of exciting events and demonstrations. 01297 442683.

22 Butterfly and Moth Village Day at Mosterton Mosterton Village, nr Beaminster. Breakfast at 8am while the moths trapped the previous night are analysed. 10am introduction to butterfly identification, and then at 11am guided walks in the vicinity. Picnic at 1pm and more investigation in the afternoon followed by tea and cakes at 4pm. Contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767.

22 Grand Fete - Melbury Osmond (off the A37 Dorchester to Yeovil Road), Melbury Osmond. Organised by the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers, West Dorset branch. In aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Air Ambulance stall, boules competition, handbell ringing, barbeque & cream teas, crafts, books, cakes, bellringing display, tombola, play area, hoop-la and fun for all the family.

22 Classic Car Show at Sherborne Castle New Road, Sherborne, 10am – 4pm. Vintage and classic car displays, classic car run, trade and craft stands, autojumble, children's entertainment. Adults/OAPs £4.00, accompanied children under 16 free. 01935 474630. www.sherbornecastle.com

22 Art Exhibition - Lyme Regis Marine Parade Shelters, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, 10am – 5pm. Lifeboat Week Art Exhibition, weather permitting. 01297 442956.

22 Slape Manor Country Fair Slape Manor, Netherbury, 2pm - 6pm. A fun afternoon for all the family. Craft stalls, dog agility display, racing ferrets, flying owls and falcons, punch and judy, pig roast and other refreshments. Admission £4, under 12s free.

22 Askerswell Smugglers Fayre Askerswell Village, Nr. Bridport, 2pm – 5.30pm The famous Askerswell Smugglers Fayre Further details from Rebecca Bryan Tel 01308 485668.

22 Castleton Waterwheel Museum Open Day Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm. Come along and see Dorset's largest waterwheel built by Stothert & Pitt in 1869 plus lots of other items to see concerned with the water supply industry. Parking on site. Lots of room for picnics. www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum.org.uk

22 Cream Tea at the Salt House Salt House, West Bay, Bridport, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. 01308 458703.

22 Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Fete Whitchurch Canonicorum, nr Bridport, starts 2pm. Stalls, sideshows, Durnovaria Band, stationary engines, vintage cars, teas etc.

23 Gallery Talk – King Edward I and the Town Charter Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Thea Hawksworth. 01297 443370

24 Family Quiz Night Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7pm. Organised by TheatreFriends – Ask the Family quiz – all welcome. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

24 - 28 Julius Caesar - Amateur Players of Sherborne Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 7.30pm nightly. Performed by Amateur Players of Sherborne. Directed by David Smith. The production will be "in the round", not on a conventional stage, making use of the lay-out of the church, however the costumes will be traditional, hired from the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford. Tickets available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre. 01935 815341.

25 Gallery Talk – James McNeill Whistler in Lyme Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A tak by Sandra Lello. 01297 443370

25 Sir George Somers Civic Parade Pound Street, Lyme Regis, 11.15am. Annual celebration of Lyme Regis and St. George's, Bermuda. 01297 443696.

25 Open Air Theatre at Lulworth - Much Ado About Nothing Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, grounds open from 6.30pm. Open-air garden theatre by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre (01305 267992). www.chapterhouse.org

25 Bel Canto Practical Workshop The Dorchester Arts Centre, School Lane The Grove, Dorchester, 7pm. An introductory workshop given by Michelle Nova for singers and non-singers. The workshop will be working on basic technique, Italian song and how it can be used in musical theatre. 01202 422797. www.lanovastudios.co.uk

25 Red Arrows Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, 6.30pm. Red Arrows air display over Lyme Regis as part of Lifeboat Week.

25 Rush Horses School Room, Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12pm. A family craft activity. With a handful of rushes you can make a horse, or a cow, dinosaur or crocodile. If you can't plait, don't worry, there will be time to learn. Everything you need will be provided. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

26 Concert - Moraston String Quartet St Nicholas Church, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Concert in aid of Church funds. Programme includes Schubert's "Death and Maiden" quartet and music by Britten and Turina. 01300 341618.

26 RNLI Raft Race At West Bay River Brit, West Bay, Bridport, 7pm. Participants build a 'floating vessel' and row it a few hundred yards up the River Brit before returning to the lake by the harbour sluice gates. The idea is to avoid sinking, capsizing, falling in! 01308 427212. www.westbay.co.uk

27 Gallery Talk – Landslips of the Local Coast Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by Sephen Locke. 01297 443370

27 Market in Broadmayne St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 2pm – 3.30pm Produce, cakes, plants, crafts, local eggs, sausages and trout, local farm produce, Fair Trade goods, library etc and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. 01305 852866.

27 Paul Leegan & The Legends Tribute to Lonnie Donegan Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

27 Summer Ball Kingston Maurward Gardens, Nr. Dorchester. Arrive from 7pm for Pimms and canapes whilst listening to the jazz band. Dinner will be at 8pm. Live band "The Crack" will play in the Conference Hall from 10pm til late. Fun Casino from 9.45pm. Tickets £45. 01305 215000 www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens

27 – 31 Annual Arts & Crafts Exhibition Bovington Middle School, Nr. Wareham, 10am – 5pm. A special bumper exhibition to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Dorset Arts & Crafts Association. Includes demonstrations, talks, sales and "have a go" activities. 01202 553113 www.dorsetartsandcrafts.org

28 Milton Abbas 18th Century Street Fair Milton Abbas. Traditional music and dancing, local crafts, people, stalls, demonstrations, Dorset Food Market, children's entertainers, swing boats & roundabouts, local food and ale. 01258 880333. www.miltonabbas.org.uk

28 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.

28 Children’s Theatre – Don’t let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. This lively show performed by the Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company for children 3 and up is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features original music and lots of audience participation! 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

28 Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatius, Chideock Choir: The London Concert Choir Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatius, Chideock.The London Concert Choir provide a wide and varied repertoire including works by Verdi, Elgar, Casals and Bruckner. Starts at 7pm. Tickets £8 to include a glass of wine. 01297 489672.

28 Red Cross Coffee Morning Frampton Village Hall, 10.30am. 01305 215951

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

28 Gustomarket Mill Lane, LYME REGIS.A selection of excellent locally produced produce to try and buy in the wonderful setting of the ancient Town Mill, Lyme Regis. 01297 443579. www.townmill.org.uk

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

28-29 Village History Exhibition of Blackdown, Broadwindsor and Burstock Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor, Sat 12pm-6pm an Sun 11am – 5pm. Light refreshments, including cream teas. 01460 30362/30661

28 - 9/9 Light Lunches & Cream Teas at St Candida & Holy Cross Church, Whitchurch Whitchurch Canonicorum, nr Bridport. Every Saturday and Sunday from 28th July to Sunday 9th September from 10am to 4pm, there will be tea/coffee and cake, light lunches and cream teas on sale. Visit the beautiful old church and help to maintain it's future.

29 Castleton Waterwheel Museum Open Day Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm. Come along and see Dorset's largest waterwheel built by Stothert & Pitt in 1869 plus lots of other items to see concerned with the water supply industry. Parking on site. Lots of room for picnics. www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum.org.uk

29 Sculpture on the Beach Eype Beach, Eype, Bridport, 10am – 3pm, judging at 4pm. Come to Eype Beach for a popular family day out making sculptures on the Jurassic Coast. You just need to register, grab a flag and sculpt what you like from the things you find on the beach - stones, seaweed, driftwood, pebbles, in fact anything that can be washed back into the sea. There are cash prizes to be won, but the emphasis is on fun for everyone. If you don't want to sculpt, why not come along towards the end of the day, take a stroll along the shore, and see the work.

29 Concert by The Crack Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 3pm. Free event in the Borough Gardens.

29 -19/8 Canford Summer School of Music 2007 Various venues in Sherborne. Canford Summer School makes a welcome return for their third year at Sherborne School. The 3 week school includes a series of concerts in various locations in the town, all open to the public for a nominal entry fee. Further details of concerts will be available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre on 01935 815341 or tel Canford Summer School on 020 8660 4766.

30 Gallery Talk – The Monmouth Rebellion Lyme Regis Museum, 11am. A talk by John Lello. 01297 443370

30 Weymouth International Firework Display Weymouth Bay, entertainment from 7pm., fireworks at 9.30pm The first of Weymouth’s Summer firework displays. An evening of fun, competitions, seafront entertainment, live music and the famous international fireworks fired from a pontoon in Weymouth Bay. 01305 838556 www.weymouth.gov.uk

NGS GARDENS OPEN

Pick up a free copy of the Dorset "yellow book" from one of our Tourist Information Centres for details of local gardens opening under the National Gardens Scheme this year

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