West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

May 2007

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

EXHIBITIONS

01/05 to 05/05 Exhibition - Lyme's Lively Landscape, Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis. An exhibition of photographs by Muriel Arber depicting Landscapes around Lyme Regis. Tel: 01297 444405. www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

05/05 to 20/05 Beaminster Museum Exhibition: Freemasonry in Beaminster Whitcombe Road, Beaminster. Celebrating Beaminster Manor Lodge's 1000th meeting. Tel. 01308 863623

05/05 to 03/06 Exhibition - Southern Contemporaries Town Mill Galleries, Lyme Regis, 11:00am - 5:00pm. Southern Contemporaries is a group of artists that are amongst the finest in Dorset. This exhibition will provide an exciting showcase of contemporary 2 & 3 dimensional practice. Tel: 01297 443579.

05/05 to 10/06 Beaminster Museum Exhibition: Dorset Women, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster. An exhibition of rural images, Tel: 01308 863623.

19/05 to 17/06 Sherborne House Exhibition - Happy in my Madness Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm,Exhibition by Andrew Crane - "Happy in My Madness" - philosophical ramblings in paint and cement by the prizewinner of last year's "Full Spectrum" open exhibition. Tel: 01935 816426. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk

26/05 to 03/06 Abbotsbury Arts Weeks, Various locations in Abbotsbury. Abbotsbury Art Weeks includes 22 artists with exhibitions and open studios. The varied work includes paintings, sculpture, stone carving, textiles, pottery and wood. Tel: 01305 871475

26/05 to 29/05 Lyme Regis Art Group Annual Exhibition Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Lyme Regis Art Group Annual Exhibition. Tel: 01297 442956.

to 02/05 Lyme's Lively Landscape Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Normal musuem opening times. An exhibition of photographs by Muriel Arber depicting Landslips around Lyme. Tel. 01297 443370

to 06/05 Spirit Of Place - Sale of Paintings & Ceramics at Eype Eype Centre For The Arts, Bridport. Billie Willcocks, one of the best selling artists of last years exhibition Artists of the Jurassic Coast has agreed to be the curator for Spirit of Place, our spring art exhibition and sale. It has unintentionally turned out to be an all-woman exhibition. Tel: 01308 898420.

to 13/05 Sherborne House Exhibition – Moor Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tuesday - Sunday 10.30am –4.30pm. Two parallel approaches to the landscape of Dartmoor from two painter-printmakers working in collaboration - one from an abstract and one from a representational perspective. 01935 816426. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk

to 20/05 Searching Sunlight Sladers Yard, West Bay, Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm plus BH Monday 11am – 5pm. Colourful paintings by Tim Nicholson and prints by EQ Nicholson, b&w photographs by Ian Chapman, carved wood sculptures by Keith Rand and steam bent furniture by Petter Southall and the I tre studio, with giftware and clothes by top local artists. Organic courtyard café. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk

to 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. 01305 777622

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

4th to 6^th May 2007 - Fossil Festival in the Marine Theatre Square. A three day celebration of fossils, geology and earth history in a beautiful and geologically important area. Open to all - from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts

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. May walks take place on Sat 5^th at 1.30pm, Sun 6^th at 2pm, Mon 7^th at 2.30pm, Sat 19^th at 1.30pm, Sun 20^th at 2pm, Wed 30^th at 10.30am, Thurs 31^st at 11.30am. Also Rockpool rambles on Sat 19^th at 1.30pm and Thurs 31^st at 12 noon and Plankton Trawling on Tues 29^th at 11am.

GUIDED WALKS

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

Dorchester Guided town walk with Blue Badge Guide every Monday morning (from 8^th May) at 11am. Meet at Dorchester TIC, Antelope Walk. Walk lasts approx. 1 ½ hours. Cost £3 per person.

Roman Walk with Blue Badge Guide Christine McGee on Bank Holiday Mondays 7^th and 28^th May at 2pm.

Meet at Thomas Hardy’s statue, top o’town, Dorchester. Cost £3.

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

NGS GARDENS OPEN

Pick up a copy of the "yellow book" for details of local gardens opening under the National Gardens Scheme in 2007

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;also Gustomarket in Barrack Street Saturdays 14^th and 28^th April – tel. 01308 485331

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 MAY

01 May Day Morris Dancing on the Cerne Abbas Giant The Wessex Morrismen perform their annual May Day ritual of dancing on the Giant at dawn (approx. 5.15am) followed by dancing in the village at approx. 7am. Tel. 01963 251051

02 Jewellery Wire & Bead Scribble at Highway Farm Highway Farm, Bridport, 10am to 4pm. Experiment with coloured wires and sparkling crystals. Make at least one lovely original necklace and bracelet set. Suitable for beginners and experienced beaders. Cost £30 + small charge for beads. Lunch included. Tel: 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

02 A Spring Tour with Roy Lancaster Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, 10.30am – 4pm. A spring tour with Roy Lancaster. Tel. 01305 785747. www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

02 Yetties Music Club West End Hall, Sherborne, 8pm. Monthly concert and sing-a-long with local folk group The Yetties. All welcome. Tel: 01935 814611. www.theyetties.co.uk

03 Paul Atterbury - BBC 's Antiques Road Show The Corn Exchange, Dorchester. Paul Atterbury will talk about his Desert Island Antiques. Bring and Buy stall of good bric a brac and homemade preserves stall. In aid Of The Children's Society. Tickets available from Top Drawer, South Street, Dorchester. Tel: 01305 848499.

04 Mood Indigo Jazz Ensemble Brownsword Hall, Dorchester. An evening of Bluesy Jazz Standards and Hot Gospel with roots in the USA deep south. They'll make you want to dance,weep, love and dream all in one evening! Angelica Kennard - vocals, Philip Clouts - piano, Ralph Cree - drums, David Miles - double bass. Bar and genuine Nepalese food by The Gurka Inn, Dorchester. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre. Tel: 01308 485529.

04 Moths Natural History Course West Bexington. This is a Natural History Course to be held on the first Friday of the month from May to October. Led by Phil Stirling. Learn to identify moths caught in the area and follow the seasonal changes. Booking Essential - £25.00 for all 6 sessions or £5.00 per session. For exact location contact organiser. Tel: 01305 264620. www.dorset-conservation.org.uk

04-06 Lyme Regis Fossil Festival Lyme Regis. This year’s theme is "Rising Seas" – exploring climate change past and present. Step on board the Callista research vessel, take part in interactive shows, get creative with arts activities, meet the one and only Harry and his Bucket full of Dinosaurs, chat to the experts from the Natural History Museum, the Jurassic Coast team and local fossil collectors and visit Charmouth Heritage Centre and Lyme Regis Museum, find out more about climate change, plus talks, seminars, guided walks and much, much more! Tel. 01297 445021 www.risingseas.co.uk

04-08 Sherborne Abbey Music Festival Various locations, Sherborne. In 2007 Sherborne Abbey Festival welcomes back Emma Kirkby performing Couperins 'Léçons de Ténèbre', English Chamber orchestra with William Bennett, Red Priest with their exciting programme 'Nightmare in Venice' as well as Elgar’s 'The Dream of Gerontius', Dr David Starkey, The Choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor and much, much more. Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

04 Talk by Dr. David Starkey Big School Room, Sherborne School, 6pm. As part of Sherborne Abbey Festival, Dr. David Starkey gives a talk on "Church, State and Crown: Religion and Politics in England 1500 – 1700". Tel. 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

04 The Choir of St. George’s Chapel. Windsor Castle Sherborne Abbey, 8pm. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival. The renowned choir of men and boys brings a feast of music associated with royal occasions to this year’s festival. Tel. 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

04 Lunchtime Concert – Chamber Orchestra Sherborne Abbey, 1.30pm. Free concert by pupils of Sherborne School. All welcome. Tel. 01935 812249

05 Landscape Painting at Highway Farm with Ann Gray Highway Farm, Bridport. Watercolour and acrylic painting. 10am - 4.30pm. Cost £35 inclusive of lunch. Please bring materials and a portable seat.Tel: 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

05 Sherborne May Day Craft Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Open 10:00am to 4:00pm. Free admission. Tel: 01749 677049.

05 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. Tel: 01297 443579 www.townmill.org.uk

05 Rhythmstix: BackBeat Workshops 9am and 9.50am at Sherborne School for Girls, Concert in Sherborne Abbey 12pm. Workshop : Join the award winning BackBeat Percussion Quartet for two exciting percussion workshops introducing the rhythms and music of Brazilian Samba and Tamboo Bamboo. Concert: be amazed by an exhilarating performance by BackBeat Percussion Quartet. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival. Tel. 07724 396470 www.sherborneabbey.org

05 English Chamber Orchestra Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. The English Chamber Orchestra with Stephanie Gonley and Williams Bennett perform music by Bach, Corelli, Montiverdi, Purcell and Mozart. Part of Sheborne Abbey Festival. Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

05 Wessex Military Band Concert Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 10am – 2pm. Tel: 01308 425010. www.wessexmilitaryband.co.uk

05 Yetminster Irish Dancers Annual Display Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 2.30pm. Refreshments available. Admission by ticket only – Adults £7, Children & OAPs £3.50. Tel. 01935 816316 or 07813 343572.

05-13 Make The Most Of Your Garden Broadoak, nr Bridport, 9.30am to 3.30pm.. A series of one day courses on how to make the most of your garden. The course is located at the former 'River Cottage HQ' . Price is £75, dates Saturday 5th May, Sunday 6th May, Monday 7th May, Saturday 12th May, Sunday 13th May. Tel: 01308 458787. www.couturegardens.com

06 The Grand Leigh Plant Sale Leigh Village Hall. The sale for enthusiasts, plants you won't see in every garden centre! Country crafts and helpful tips from the growers. In aid of Leigh new village hall appeal. Open 11:00am to 4:00pm

06 International Dawn Chorus Day Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 5am. This is the day when all around the world people will be getting up in the dark to listen to the magic of the dawn chorus. It’s very early but it’s worth it and you get a nice breakfast afterwards! (Extra £2 charge for breakfast). Tel. 01305 778313. www.rspb.org.uk

06 Nightmare in Venice : Red Priest Sherborne Abbey, 8pm. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival. Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

06 The Pink Peacock Walk - Sherborne Castle Walk supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Prostate Research Campaign UK. Distance your choice - either 5km or 10km. For further information and to register please contact Sally Waite 01935 812929 or Kate Jangius 01963 23281

06 Fossil Festival Rocks Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. An exciting evening’s entertainment to raise funds for Lyme Youth Theatre and LymeArts Community Trust. Tel. 01297 442394

06 Walking with Map Reading Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 9.30am – 4.30pm. A relaxed day enjoying the West Dorset landscape whilst understanding map detail and use of the compass – with leader Marion Langridge. Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing and footwear.Fee £20 – please book on 01300 320684 www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

06-07 Civil War Battle Lulworth Castle, 10.30am – 6pm. Sir Thomas Tyldesley Regiment of Foote and other members of the English Civil War Society bring the turbulent history of the 17th century to life with Big Gun firing displays and village encampment in the Park plus crafts and music of the period in the Castle. Special feature for children to join in with a Military Drill. Tel: 0845 450 1054. www.lulworth.com

06-07 Open Access Between Sherborne Old & New Castles Sherborne Old & New Castles, Sherborne. Follow in the footsteps of Sir Walter Raleigh and wander between the ruins of the Old Castle and the grounds of the New Castle, normally operated as two separate sites. One admission charge covers access to both sites. Open 11:00am to 4:30pm. Tel: 01935 813182. www.sherbornecastle.com

07 Adrenaline MotorX at Haynes Motor Museum Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. Watch top former British and World Championship Motorcross rider Jason Smyth perform his "Adrenaline Stunt Show" crammed with spectacular tricks and stunts and breathtaking jumps on a variety of vehicles. Tel: 01963 440804. www.haynesmotormuseum.com

07 Antiques & Collectors Fair Hound Street, Sherborne. 10:00am to 4:00pm Tel: 01749 677049.

07 Dorset Women’s Day Thomas Hardye Secondary School, Dorchester, 10am – 4pm. A fun and lively event aimed at celebrating women’s lives and achievements. This annual event will feature workshops and taster session in African drumming, alternative therapies, open art, children’s activities and lots more. Tel. 01305 266390

07 Family Fun day and Charity Football Match Dorchester Town Football Club, Dorchester. Dorchester Town crier, penalty shoot-out, marching bands, bouncy castles, balloon race, cheerleaders, face painting plus lots more. Tel: 01202 483360.

07 Lunchtime Concert Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 1.05pm. Dorset piano trio Peter Oakes, Russell Dawson and Sally Flann play Piano Trio in E Major and Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Cello in A Major. Admission free. Tel. 01305 262735

07 May Fair Millennium Green, Bridport. Tel: 01308 422286.

07 Organ Recital : Andrew Dewar Sherborne Abbey, 11am. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival. Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

07 Elgar’s "The Dream of Gerontius" Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. Sherborne Festival Chorus & Orchestra conducted by Paul Ellis. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival. Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

08 Couperin’s "Lecons de Tenebres" Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. Performed by Emma Kirkby and Miriam Allan with Charles Medlam on bass viol and James Johnstone on organ. Part of Sherborne Abbey Festival - Tel: 07724 396470. www.sherborneabbey.org

08 Education in Bridport Talk By Bridport History Society Bridport United Church, Bridport, 2.30pm. Entrance 50p (non-members £1) including refreshment. Tel: 01308 456876.

08 Workshop – An Artistic Insight into Trees Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 10.30am – 4.30pm. A workshop concentrating on trees – their growth, structure, form, colour and the characteristics of different species. Tutor : Jill Jones. Fee £40 - please book on 01300 320684 www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

09 Sherborne Flicks – Casino Royale Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne TIC.

09 Sherborne Science Cafe Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Talk by Bob Barber on "The Mighty Atom : Physics, Medicine and Radioactivity". Tel: 01935 815052. www.sherbornesciencecafe.co.uk

10 Classical Concert Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Concert by pianist Alasdair Beatson. Programme includes works by Beethoven, Debussy and Copeland. Tickets £10 – available from Lyme Regis TIC. 01297 442138

10 Wild Flower Wander Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 10am – 12pm. May is a great month to see a large variety of wild flowers in bloom - learn more about the wildlife that visit them and their uses throughout history. Tel. 01305 778313 www.rspb.org.uk

11 Light Parade Newlands Holiday Park, Charmouth, 9pm. Come and see the spectacular sight of numerous Honda Goldwings in full light display. Starting from Newlands at 9pm and travelling through Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Uplyme to the A35 and back to Charmouth.

11 Lunchtime Concert - Woodwind Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free concert by pupils of Sherborne Abbey. Tel. 01305 262735

12 Binocular and Telescope Demo Day Radipole Lake, Weymouth, 10am – 4pm. A fantastic opportunity to get free expert advice and try out a wide range of binoculars and telescopes. Find the right optical equipment to make your wildlife watching experiences truly magical. Tel. 01305 778313 www.rspb.org.uk

12 Bridport Choral Society Spring Concert Bridport United Church, 7.30pm. Musical evening of ballads and excerpts from Faurés Requiem. Tickets by programme on the door. Tickets £5.00. Tel: 01308 427858.

12 Plant sale and Coffee Morning Savill Hall, Cattistock, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Plant sale and coffee morning in aid of the Garden Walkabout. All proceeds to be shared between Cattistock Church and "Childline". Tel. 01300 320433

12 Dorset Chamber Orchestra 20th Anniversary Concert St Mary's Church, Dorchester. Beethoven - Overture: Leonora No 2 Tchaikovsky variations on a Rococo theme. Soloist Natalie Clein Dvorak - Symphony No 7. Tickets available from Harmony Music shop in Dorchester. Tel: 01305 260360.

12 Herbal Medicines and Dorset County Museum School room, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10am – 12pm. A family activity where you can find out all about plants, how they were used in medicines in the past, and have a go at making them. Tel. 01305 262735

12 History of The Dorset Regiment Salway Ash Village Hall, Salway Ash. 10.30am: History of The Dorset Regiment - speaker Nicholas Speakman; 2.00pm : Mercers, Farmers and Nurserymen - speaker Robert Allwood. Tel: 01460 30362.

12 Plant and Produce Sale - Broadmayne St. Martin's Community Hall, Dorchester. Come and buy all you need for your garden as well as home made cakes and preserves. Tel: 01305 852866.

12 Quangle Wangle Choir Concert Frampton Church, Frampton, 7.30pm. Tel. 01300 320429 or 320402

12 Sherborne Jazz - Renato d'Aiello Quartet White Hart Inn, Sherborne, doors open 8pm. Tel: 01963 23301.

12 West Bexington Reserve guided walk Beach Road, West Bexington. Tel: 01297 445659.

12-13 Van West 2007 at Haynes Motor Museum Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. Back for the second year, come and see the biggest VW van meet in the south. Tel: 01963 440804. www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk

12-13 Turnworth-in-Spring Turnworth House, between (Okeford Fitzpaine and Winterborne Stickland), 11am – 5pm. An interesting and fun day out for all the family – lots of country crafts, demonstrations, events and refreshments plus local live music. Tel. 01258 453166

13 Badger Workshop Tolpuddle Village Hall, nr Dorchester. Programme to include badger biology, sett recording and a sett visit to look for badger signs. Booking essential. Tel: 01202 885702.

13 Castleton Waterwheel Museum Open Day Oborne Road, Sherborne, 11am – 5pm. Victorian water pumping station powered by a 26 foot working waterwheel now driving a twin cylinders pump set originally built for a local tannery. Plus many other exhibitions. Tel. 01935 813412 www.castletonwaterwheelmuseum.org.uk

13 Highwood Garden - RNLI Charlborough Park, Wareham. Highwood garden is about 5 miles from Wimborne Minster and 5 miles from Bere Regis on the A31. The three entrances will be well signposted. The garden is a beautiful rhododendron and azalea garden in 10 acres with bluebells (depending on the season). The garden is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

13 Minterne Gardens Open Day Minterne Magna, 11am – 5pm. Free entry – bring a packed lunch. Classic cars, exhibitions, tombola, plant stall, bouncy castle, garden tours, barbeque, drinks (including Pimms & Beer), cream teas, cakes and ice creams. The towering Rhodedendrons and Azaleas will be at their best in May. In aid of St. Andrew’s Church, Minterne Magna. Tel. 01300 341370 www.minterne.co.uk

13 Sing your Hearts out! Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 10.30am – 4pm. A day workshop with Sammy Hurden. A chance to explore the voice and sing in harmony in the beautiful environment of Kingcombe. Fee £22.50 – please book on 01300 320684 www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

13 Songs of Praise Church of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs & St. Ignatius, Chideock, 3.30pm. Songs of Praise followed by tea in the museum. All welcome.

14 The Branchline – Creative Regeneration Workshop Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport, 10am – 4pm. "Champing 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 are planned to run monthly on a Monday and Saturday from May to October, starting on 14^th and 19^th May. Tel. 01308 424321 www.highwayfarm.co.uk

15-19 The Mikado Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.45pm. Lyme Regis Operatic Society presents The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan. Tickets £8 from Fortnam, Smith & Banwell. Tel. 01297 445666

18 70s Party Night Kingston Maurward Agricultural College, Dorchester. Tel: 01305 215003. www.kmc.ac.uk

18 Dorchester Association Talk Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 7.30pm. "South Dorset Ridgeway Project" – a talk by Rom Muno. Tel. 01305 262735

18 Lunchtime Concert – Singers Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free concert by pupils of Sherborne School. Tel. 01305 262735

19 Classic Car Auction Blackmarsh Farm, Sherborne. Auction of Automobilia & Classic Cars. Contact Charterhouse Auctions for details of viewing times - www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk Tel. 01935 389387

19 A Music Feast for Summer Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, nr Dorchester, 7.30pm. The Dorchester Choral Society and Briantspuddle Signers join forces with the Royal Signals Band from Blandford Camp with a Summer gala of music and fun not to be missed. Tickets £10 (£5 children) from Harmony Music, Dorchester or Londis Shop, Charlton Down. Tel. 01305 832069

19 Tutankhamun by Night Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorchester. To tie in with the International Museums at Night initiative, the Tutankhamun Exhibition will be open during this Saturday evening. It promises to be a fascinating visit with the Exhibition and the reconstruction of Tutankhamun's tomb and treasures, taking on a whole new perspective. Tel: 01305 269571. www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk

19 Sherborne Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Road. 9.30am – 4.00pm.

19 The Branchline – Creative Regeneration Workshop Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport, 10am – 4pm. See entry on 14^th for details. Tel. 01308 424321 www.highwayfarm.co.uk

20 Barry Long - Video Showing The Council Chamber, Dorchester. A Practical, Direct, no-nonsense approach to the Spiritual Life. Barry Long is internationally acknowledged as one of the foremost spiritual masters of our times. Tel: 01305 889533. www.barrylong.org

20 Kingcombe Meadows Open Day at Stones Common Kingcombe Reserve, Nr Beaminster. A guided walk around this less well known part of the reserve. Tel: 01300 320573. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

20 Every Grove a Quire Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Ignatius, Chideock, 7.30pm. Vaughan Williams, Mozart and Madrigals. Tickets £7 – available from Bridport TIC.

21 Dorchester Book Fair Stratton Hall, Dorchester, 10.30am – 4pm. Tel: 01258 473561. www.pbfa.org

21 Sherborne District Senior Citizens Group Meeting Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 2.30pm. Refreshments provided.

22 Landscape painting at Highway Farm with Ann Gray Highway Farm, Bridport, 10am – 4.30pm. Watercolour and acrylic painting. Cost £35 inclusive of lunch. Please bring materials and a portable seat.Tel: 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

23 TheatreFriends Quiz Night Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Come along and have fun, make new friends and have a part to play in supporting your local theatre. Prizes, refreshments and licensed bar. Tel. 01297 442138

24-28 Dorchester Festival Maumbury Rings, Dorchester. Dorchester Festival presents a professional and community performance programme over 5 days, centred around 3 days of free events. Alongside Highlights which include theatre, dance and music from Central and Eastern Europe audiences can expect the return of fantastic street theatre throughout the weekend and a whole series of art and music workshops in the festival yurts at Maumbury rings, visual arts exhibition at the Dorchester Town Hall and artists in residence at the Roman Town House. Tel: 01305 266926. www.dorchesterartsorg.uk

25 Antiques Auction Charterhouse Auctions, Long Street Sales 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. Tel: 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

25 Lunchtime Concert – Brass Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free concert by pupils of Sherborne School. Tel. 01305 262735

25 Market St Martin's Community hall, Broadmayne. Produce, cakes, plants, Craft, Dorset Sausages, Local Pork, Trout, Eggs, Fair-Trade Goods, library etc.and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. Tel: 01305 852866.

26 Guided Walk at Powerstock Common Powerstock Common, Beaminster. Target species at this Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve include Wood White and Marsh Fritillary. Meet at 11am at the reserve entrance by the bridge, Map Reference SY 547974. Tel: 01308 459287.

26 Sherborne Antiques & Flea Market Church Hall, Digby Road. Monthly antiques & flea market. Open 9:00am to 4:00pm. Tel: 01963 250108

26 The Story of a Great Lady Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. A new comedy by Ade Morris. A touching, hilarious and sassy look at life, death and love through the eyes of three women. Doors open 7:30pm on stage 8:00pm. Tel: 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

26 - 27 Netherbury Open Gardens Netherbury. Netherbury's 44th Annual Open Gardens. Lunches in the village hall from 12.30pm, cream teas and cakes. Usual plant, bric-a-brac, stalls, band and much more. At least 12-15 gardens open to the public. Tel: 01308 488590.

26 - 28 Flower Festival in Moreton Church St Nicholas’ Church, Moreton, Nr. Dorchester, 10am – 5pm. Church decorated (famous for its engraved glass "Whistler" windows). Stalls and refreshments in the courtyard. Tel. 01929 462468

26 - 28 Tutankhamun Treasure Hunt High West Street, Dorchester. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the valley of the kings in 1922 has been discribed as the world's greatest discovery of ancient treasure. Now children visiting the internationally renowned Tutankhamun Exhibition can go on their own Treasure Hunt over the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend. They will explore the fascinating exhibition with its recreation of Tutankhamun's tomb, treasures and mummy and solve the riddle of the missing treasure. All those who correctly crack the code will be entered in a prize draw and the lucky person each day will win a special prize., Tel: 01305 269571. www.tutankhamun-exhibition.co.uk

27 Evershot Street Fair Evershot, Nr. Dorchester, 12pm – 5pm. Traditional street market plus tractor rides to view Melbury Park and deer. Tel. 01935 83578

27 – 28 Sydling Open Gardens Sydling St. Nicholas, Nr Dorchester. Approxminately 15 gardens of various sizes open in the village. Afternoon teas and plants on sale in the village hall. Also an art and craft exhibition and articles for sale in the village hall. Tel. 01300 341252

28 Litton Cheney Church Fete Court House, Litton Cheney, Nr Dorchester, 2pm – 4.30pm. Traditional Church Fete with stalls selling home made goods, bric-a-brac, maypole dancing, bouncy castle and other attractions for children. Teas and ice creams available all afternoon. Games and fun. Field car park, weather permitting. Tel. 01308 482617

28 Marie Curie's Gardeners' Fair Minterne House, nr Dorchester. Unusual plants and craft stalls. Refreshments, lunch and teas, pig roast and children's corner. Open 11:00am to 4:00pm. Entrance £4 per adult. Tel: 01300 341370.

28 Mega Mini Stunt Show Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. Action packed thrills with minis doing stunts like you've never seen before! Tel: 01963 440804. www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk

28 Sherborne Castle Country Fair Sherborne Castle Grounds, Sherborne. Held in the grounds of Sherborne Castle this spectacular lakeside event highlights traditional rural skills, as well as those more modern. The day is packed with fun activities and displays: from agility classes to dragon boat racing, stunt cars to driving carriages, there really is something to suit everyone. Discount Tickets available from Sherborne TIC. Tel: 01935 815341. www.sherbornecountryfair.com

28 Moon Rock Handling at Dorset County Museum School Room and Galleries, Dorset County Museum, 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm. A family activity where you can check out and touch real rocks from the moon and handle real meteorites.

30 Musical Theatre Workshop Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 10am – 4pm. LYT invites you to come and learn about the joys of performing in Musical Theatre. Ages 8 – 16. Tel. 01297 442394

31 Street Dance Workshop with Per Funk Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 10am – 4pm. Workshop for all who want to try street dancing. Ends with a performance by all participants. Two age groups – 8-10 years and 11-18 years. Book on 01297 442394

31 Shelter Building Day at the Kingcombe Centre Kingcombe Centre. Toller Porcorum, 10am – 4pm. A day of great fun for 8-11 year olds building shelters using hazel rods and foliage and then testing them against the elements. This will be followed by a study of nests and how they are constructed, finising with a nest building competition. Fee £10 - booking essential. Tel. 01300 320684

31 The Gonzaga Consort in Sherborne Abbey The Abbey, Sherborne. Six young professional singers from the Royal College of Music present "Summer is a Cumin' in" - a programme of choral favourites, partsongs, madrigals and close harmony to welcome in the Summer, with music by Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, Marenaio and more. Starts 7:30pm. Tel: 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com

Hundreds of cygnets (baby swans) will be hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery from mid May to mid June.
Tel. 01305 871858 for up to date information.

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