West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

November 2007

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

EXHIBITIONS

01/10 - 11/11 Colour and Line Exhibition at Sladers Yard Sladers Yard Art Yard and Café, West Bay, Bridport. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 5pm. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk

06/10 – 24/11 John Hubbard : Near the Sea Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm.An exhibition of retrospective work by American born artist John Hubbard. Inspired by nature, his paintings are rich, colourful abstract works.

13/10 - 10/11 Two Devon Artists Town Mill Galleries, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis. Gallery open 11am - 4pm Tues - Sun. Two Devon Artists - Ian and Barbara Steele. 01297 443579. www.townmill.org.uk

20/10 - 17/11 Alpha House Gallery Exhibition South Street, Sherborne, open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. Exhibition by Rob Woolner and John Jelfs

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 Exhibitionh – Christmas Group Exhibition Alpha House Gallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

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 – Plesiosaur Bone Parade on Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th, 10.30am – 4pm; Rocks and Fossils Weekend on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th, 10am – 4.30pm and Fossil Fantastic Weekend on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th, 10am - 4.30pm – 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

EVENTS DURING NOVEMBER

to 03 Screen Bites A celebration of food and film at fourteen venues across Dorset - food themed films and documentaries with food and wine tastings from local farm shops and producers. Full programme available from Dorset TICs or on the website - www.screen-bites.co.uk . 01963 32525.

to 04 Enchanted Floodlit Gardens Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Take a magical evening stroll along candle-lit pathways through enchanted glades. The Gardens stay open until 8.30pm for magical lighting, Christmas shopping and great food in the Old Colonial Tea-house. 01305 871387. www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk

01 Stand Up Comedy Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 8.30pm (doors/bar open 7.30pm). Tonight’s compere is Paddy Lennox, with Geoff Whiting, Cole Parker and Dylan Bray. Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) on the door. 01305 810579. www.powelltheatre.co.uk

01 An Evening with Andy McNab The Tank Museum Bovington, 7.30pm. Part of the Out of Hours series of evening lectures, performances and talks. Join us for this unique opportunity to hear about the experiences of this decorated former SAS serviceman in what promises to be a memorable evening. There will also be a book signing session. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre - 01305 267992. www.tankmuseum.org

01 Ramblers Walk from Beaminster Meet at Yarn Barton Car Park, Beaminster, 10.15am. A 4 mile walk heading via Netherbury and the Brit Valley. May be muddy in places. Please tel 01935 479129 to confirm details.

01- 16/12 Christmas Opening at Forde Abbey Forde Abbey Chard. Christmas Opening at Forde Abbey starts on the 1st November. On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1/11 to 16/12 there will be free entry into the gardens 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

02 Archaeology Lecture : Aerial Archaeology, Past, Present and Future Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Lecture by Dr Robert Bewley, aeriel archaeologist. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

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

02 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert – Jazz Band Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free lunchtime concerts performed by Sherborne school music department. 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org

02 Poundbury Seminar - How To Build a Brilliant Business Online Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester, 8pm. Tickets £6 in advance or £10 on the door. 01300 341240. www.growabetterbusiness.co.uk

02 Firework Display at St. Mary's School Beaminster St. Mary's School, Clay Lane, Beaminster. The St Mary's School Association (SMSA) will again be organising the splendid Firework Display which takes place within the school grounds. Gates open at 6.30pm and the display starts at 7.30pm. Refreshments including burgers and hot dogs will be available. Entrance £2 adults, £1 children. 01308 485740.

03 Firework Display at Bridport Leisure Centre Bridport Leisure Centre, Brewery Fields, Bridport, gates open at 7pm, display starts 8pm. Organised by Bridport Round Table. Once again, the bar at the rugby pavilion will be open, there will be tea/coffee and soup available, the Round Table will be running a BBQ, and selling sparklers, we also hope to offer several clubs/schools etc the opportunity to run their own fund raising stalls [crock smash, hoopla, etc] Tickets are available in advance from Frosts in West St. and Toymaster in South Street, Bridport. £3 adult, £2 child, £8 family . 07971 25 85 15.

03 Firework Display in Lyme Regis 7pm Torchlight procession along Marine Parade, 8pm Grand Firework display from the North Wall of The Cobb. Bonfire follows the fireworks

03 Firework Extravaganza at Sherborne Castle Sherborne Castle. Entertainment, live music, bar, refreshments and food from 4.30pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Now in its 20th year, one of the most spectacular fireworks displays to be found. Organised by Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre. Licensed bar, refreshments/food, live music from 3Way and The Daze. Saver tickets (Car/Family £15, Adult £3, Child/OAP £2) available (until 31^st Oct) from Sherborne TIC 01935 813182. www.eventscrew.com

03 Family Fun: Firework Painting Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12pm. The biggest firework painting in the world (well in Dorchester anyway!). Come in your oldest clothes and join in making an explosion of a painting. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

03 Coffee Morning at Bridport Town Hall Bridport Town Hall, 10am – 12 noon. Organised by the Bridport Friends Committee for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Cake stall, Christmas Cards & Calendars, gifts and a raffle. Admission £1 inc.coffee/biscuits.

03 Herbie Treehead presents Suitcase Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 2pm. Star of BBC Children's TV show X-perimental and a regular at Edinburgh Festival and The National Theatre, Herbie Treehead brings his brand new family show to Bridport Arts Centre. Suitable for age 6+ Tickets: £5 children, £8 adults, £7 members/concs, £20 family. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

03 Rodney Bewes 'On Stage and Off' Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Elsewhere Theatre Productions presents Rodney Bewes in 'On Stage or Off', based on the writings of Jerome K Jerome, this comedy tells of the trials and tribulations of life as a Victorian actor. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

03 Herrison Hall Freestyle Hawthorne Road, Charlton Down, Dorcheser, 8pm. Dance the night away in one of the south's stunning venues - large sprung floor, stained glass windows, Gothic arched ceiling. Music from Jive Riots D J Kelly. No Bar but free drinks. 08000 28728. www.jiveriot.com

03 RSPCA West Dorset Christmas Bazaar Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 10am – 12 noon. Admission £1 to include coffee and mince pie. RSPCA goods, fancy goods, cake stall, Christmas raffle, book stall, bric a brac and much more. All proceeds to RSPCA West Dorset branch.

03 Blackmore Vale and Yeovil Local National Trust Lecture: A Diplomat's Lot Digby Hall, Sherborne, 2.30pm. Lecture given by David Hawkes a retired diplomat whose career spans postings from Bangkok to Reykjavik. The talk will be a gentle, humorous and informative insight into H.M Diplomatic Service. 01747 838810.

03 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.

03 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.

03-04 Craft Fair Kingston Maurward Gardens, Nr. Dorchester. 01305 215050 www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/events.htm

05 Lakeside Fireworks Kingston Maurward Gardens, Nr. Dorchester, gates open at 6pm, fireworks at 7.30pm prompt. Adults and children over 5 £5. 01305 215050 www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/events.htm

05 Bridport Camera Club Meeting – Wessex Battle Dorchester Corn Exchange, 7.30pm. New members always welcome. 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

05 Firework Display at the Marquis of Lorne Marquis of Lorne Inn, Nettlecombe, Bridport, 7pm (to be confirmed). Entrance fee raises money for local charities. Barbecue will be available. 01308 485236.

05 Guy Fawkes Celebration Weymouth Beach, 2pm – 10pm. Traditional community Guy Fawkes Celebration, free programme of activities including international fireworks, giant beach bonfire, fun fair, children’s Guy Fawkes competition and lots of seafront fun. 01305 838556 www.weymouth.gov.uk

06 Literary Lecture: No Ordinary Tourist Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. Lecture by Jonathan Roberts. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

07 Music Society Concert Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Ellie Fagg (violin) and Alasdair Beatson (piano) perform works by Beethoven and Brahms. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

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

08 Save The Children Autumn Fair Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, Dorchester, 10.30am. A great way to start your Christmas shopping or simply treat yourself and your family from our wide range of stalls. Bring a friend and enjoy lunch as well. Refreshments available all day. Children under 16 free.

08 Romney Lecture: A Man of Eminent Talents Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. Gwen Yarker, independent art historian, presents a history of Thomas Rackett and his portrait by George Romney. Free entry. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

08 Beetle Drive and Bangers & Mash The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 12.30 – 4pm. Bangers and Mash in congenial company followed by a Beetle Drive in front of a roaring fire and finishing with afternoon tea and cake. Inclusive fee £10 in advance please. 01300 320684 www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

08- 09 Carving A Wooden Bowl Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport. Spending time working in the woodland workshop is very relaxing, satisfying and fun for all levels of experience. Learn the ancient craft of green (unseasoned) wood working under the tuition of Guy Mallinson and various specialist co-presenters. Use of very high quality tools, materials and delicious lunches are included and you should expect to go away with the fruits of your labours to show friends and family. 01308 485111. www.mallinson.co.uk

09 Free Lunchtime Concert: The Cornertones Jazz Quartet Dorset County Museum High West Street Dorchester. The Cornertones Jazz Quartet perform a programme of 1930s and 1940s jazz standards including Gershwin, Ellington and Porter. Concert between 1:00pm and 2:00pm. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

09 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert - Woodwind Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free lunchtime concert performed by Sherborne school music department. 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org

09 An Evening with Mervyn Stutter Piddletrenthide Village Hall, Piddletrenthide, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Critically acclaimed show of stand up comedy & song by comedian, satirical songwriter and founder member of The Flying Pickets, Mervyn Stutter. 01300 345252. www.artsreach.co.uk

09-17 Bridport Prize Live Literary Festival Various venues in Bridport. Bridport Prize Live heralds the announcement of one of the most influential prizes for both poetry and short story writing. Our ‘run up’ to the award of the Bridport Prize now forms a fascinating festival with its own flavour, influenced by its location in venues in and around our ancient Dorset town. The festival begins on Friday 9th November. Full programme available from Bridport Arts Centre or Bridport Tourist Information Centre We are delighted Don Paterson and Tracy Chevalier have agreed to judge, respectively, the Poetry and short story categories. We have had a record number of entries this year and the winners will be announced on Saturday 17 November as the Festival’s finale. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

09 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Natural Camouflage Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport, 2.30pm – 3.30pm. "Natural Camouflage" - An illustrated talk by Professor Philip Howse OBE about his spectacular Butterflies and Moths. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

09 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Living with Dormice Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport, 11am – 12.30pm – "Living with Dormice" - A book launch and signing with the author Dr. Sue Eden. Books on sale on the day at half price. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

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

10 Remembrancetide Concert in Sherborne Abbey Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. A specially convened chorus and orchestra conducted by William Slogrove perform Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins and Messa di Gloria by Puccini. Tickets £16, £14, £12, £10 and £5 / avaialble from the Dorset Music House. 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com

10 Sherborne Jazz Club: Partisans White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, Sherborne, 8pm. Partisans have been thrilling audiences with their tightly knit themes. Featuring Phil Robson on Guitar, Julian Siegal on Saxophones and Clarinets, Thaddeis Kelly on Bass and Gene Calderazzo on Drums. 01963 23301.

10 Be a Native American Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Learn about the myths and legends of the North American people. Meet the in-house medicine man. Play possum and stalk an elk. Try making your own arrows, throw a war hammer and learn the Native American creation story. Paint yourself with home-made war paint and track your way through the Museum using the sun and the moon. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

10 Somerset and Dorset Family History Society Salway Ash, Bridport, 10am – 4.30pm. Morning: History of Christmas Cards - David Riches, Weymouth Museum. Afternoon: Origins and Development of Surnames - Don Steel. 01460 30362. www.sdfhs.org

10 'An Evening with Albert Einstein' Burton Bradstock Village Hall, Burton Bradstock, Nr Bridport, 7.30pm. The Natural Theatre Company take a light hearted look at the story of Albert Einstein's life and work in the form of a 'lecture' by the great man himself! 01308 897214. www.artsreach.co.uk

10 Christmas Fayre The United Church South Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12 noon. Christmas Fayre in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. 01305 215315.

10 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Revelations of a Remarkable Life Eype Centre for the Arts Eype,Bridport, 4pm – 5pm. Revelations of a Remarkable Life - Clarissa Eden and Cate Haste talk about their collaboration on Clarissa Eden’s Memoirs. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

10 Taste - Blues Night Live Music Trinity Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Enjoy a three course meal, coffee, live music from local duo Rich Austin & Adam Knight. Reserv ations advisable. 01305 257776.

10 Jim MacCool's Celtic Night In Melbury Osmond Village Hall Melbury Osmond. An evening of epic poems and ballads. Bookings in advance only by 6th November please. Tickets £12.50 to include a two-course supper. Bar available. Part of National Poetry Month. 01935 83410.

10 Saturday Night Fever 70's Style Food & Dancing Freshwater Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, 7.30pm til late. Fun Ink raising funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. Tickets £22.50 from Instant Redress, Barrack St, Bridport or Frosts, West St, Bridport. Ideal for an Xmas do. Tel. 07760244202.

10 Fayre at St. Martin’s Community Hall St. Martin’s Community Hall, Broadmayne, 10am – 12pm. Christmas items, tombola, raffle, competitions, craft, children’s games, plants etc plus cakes, preserves, tea and coffee in the church 01305 853074

10-11 Antiques Fair Kingston Maurward Gardens, Nr. Dorchester. 01305 215050 www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/events.htm

10-11 Jane Austen Weekend Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. Saturday : 11am A talk by Diana Shervington (direct descendent of Jane Austen) on Jane Austen and her times, including a visit to the museum; 3.30pm Tea with Jane Austen; 7.30pm Jane Austen,k An Elegant Portrayal performed by the Phoenix Theatre Company. Sunday: 11am showing of the BBC film Persuasion; 2.30pm Captain Wentworth’s Tour – guided walk around Jane Austen’s Lyme Regis. 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

11 Roger McGough Said and Done Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Said and Done - An evening of stories and new poems by the Poetry Please presenter and one of Britain’s favourite poetry voices. His autobiography Said and Done explores overnight fame with Lily the Pink, The Scaffold and Yellow Submarine, which he helped write for the Beatles. He encounters Bob Dylan, Marlon Brando and Allen Ginsberg amongst others. Tickets £15, £12 members, concs. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

11 November Guided Fossil Hunting Walk - Charmouth to Lyme Regis Charmouth, starts 10am, finishes about 3pm. Join Chris Pamplin to explore and fossil hunt along Black Ven from Charmouth to Lyme Regis. Suitable for all ages. Cost £10 adults, £5 child. Return by bus from Lyme Regis or do your own thing. Booking essential as numbers will be limited. 0845 094 3757. www.fossilwalks.com

11 Bridport Literary Festival Event: The New Philanthropists Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport. 3pm – 4pm – The New Philanthropists - Charles and Elizabeth Handy reveal the new way of giving in their latest collaborative book. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

11 Remembrance Parade in Bridport Town Hall Bridport. Meet at the Town Hall at 10.20am. All are welcome. A plaque will be presented to the Branch Preseident Capt. Fido Vivian-May by the Burma Star Association. 01308 422730.

12 Bridport Literary Festival Event: A Cloud Spotters Guide Eype Centre For The Arts, St. Peter's, Eype, Bridport. 2.30pm- 3.30pm. A glorious illustrated talk by Gavin Pretor-Pinney, author of The Cloudspooter’s Guide, on its sequel A Pig With Six Legs and other clouds. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

12 Bridport Literary Festival Event: War In The East Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport, 10am – 11am. Sir Max Hastings presents his latest military history, Nemesis: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

13 Bridport Literary Festival Event: To Be A Man My Son Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport, 2.30pm – 3.30pm. Charles Allen explores Rudyard Kipling’s formative years in India in Kipling Sahib: India and the making of Rudyard Kipling. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

13 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Soldiers and Sailors Bridport Town Hall, Bridport, 6.30pm for 7pmSupper. The illustrious early Pakenham family (the Earls of Longford) revealed by Eliza Pakenham in Soldiers and Sailors: An intimate portrait of an Irish Family . Tickets £25.00 to include supper and the first glass of wine. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

13 Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. Lecture by Dr Stephen Lovell - In Search of the Russian Middle Class. Visitors welcome. 01963 364075.

14 Sherborne Flicks – The Good German Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. The Flicks come to Sherborne on the second Wednesday of each month. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm performance. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne Tourist Information Centre. 01935 815899. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk/artslink

14 Wessex Research Group Weymouth and Dorchester Branch - Sacred Dance The Trinity Centre, Trinity Street, Dorchester, 8pm. Pat Rogers, a nurse for 22 years, is a Reiki Practitioner, Indian Head Masseuse, Universal Peace Dance Leader dedicated to empowering people and is interested in Sound Healing through the Voice and leads workshops. 01305 767242.

14 Thomas Hardy's 'Far From The Madding Crowd' Dorchester Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, 8pm. The Dorset Corset Theatre Company is proud to present Thomas Hardy's gripping and heart-warming novel, Far From The Madding Crowd. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre - 01305 267992. www.dorsetcorset.co.uk

14 Bridport Camera Club Meeting – Competition No.2: Landscape The Salt House Fisherman's Green, West Bay, Bridport, 7.30pm. Judge : Bill Aven APAGB, DPAGB, LRPS. 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

14 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Tree Safari Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport, 2.30pm - 3.30pm. A splendidly illustrated talk by Thomas Pakenham introducing his third and latest book "In Search of Remarkable Trees: On Safari in Southern Africa". Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

15 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Poetry of Place Electric Palace Theatre, South Street, Bridport, 11.30am - 12.30pm. A poetry reading by Barnaby Rogerson, Ted Gorton and Jason Goodwin from Desert Air, Andalusia: Moorish songs of love and wine and Istanbul, the first three publication in the Eland Books Poetry of Place series. Tickets £12.00 to include a light lunch. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

15 Bridport Literary Festival Event: The Levantine Synthesis Bridport Town Hall, Bridport, 6pm for 6.30pm-7.30pm. An illustrated talk with Dr. Philip Mansel who introduces and discusses with Barnaby Rogerson his views of the renewal of the Levantine synthesis. Tickets £7.00 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

15 Music at the Powell Theatre Abbey Road, Sherborne. New to Sherborne - live music featuring established talents and the big names of next year! 01935 810579. www.powelltheatre.co.uk

15 The Smith Family Panto! Frampton Village Hall, Frampton, Nr. Dorchester, 7pm. Presented by Forest Forge Theatre. In this hilarious 'Billy Liar' style fantasy, an out of work actor lets his imagination draw him into the crazy world of pantomime. Live music, comedy & a romantic story for the whole family. 01300 320607. www.artsreach.co.uk

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

15 West Dorset Organic Gardening Group Friends Meeting House, Holloway Road, Dorchester, 7.30pm. A talk by Charles Dowding on organic vegetable growing in Someset and France. Entrance £2. 01305 263730 www.wdogg.org.uk

16 Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Event: Daniel de Borah Sir John Colfox School, Ridgeway, Bridport, 7.45pm. An international pianist, Daniel will play a Mozart Sonata, Chopin Nocturnes, Etudes and Prokovieff's Romeo & Juliet. Refreshmenets served in the foyer at the Interval. Single tickets £12, subscription for full season £40. Reductions for students.

16 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

16 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert – Strings Recital Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free lunchtime concert performed by Sherborne school music department. 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org

16 Bridport Literary Festival Event: Selective Memory Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport, 11.00am - 12.30pm. Katharine Whitehorn in a frank and amusing exposé of her life in her memoirs. Tickets £7.00. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

16 Bridport Literary Festival Event: English Country Churches Eype Centre for the Arts, Eype, Bridport. 2.30pm - 3.30pm With illustrations from his new book, Sir Roy Strong discusses his thesis that "..many (church) problems could be solved today by giving the church building back to the local community; albeit with safeguards for worship..." Held in the very appropriate setting of the transformed St. Peter’s, Eype, which remains a consecrated building. Tickets £7.00 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

16-1/12 Dorchester Community Play Thomas Hardy School, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, nightly at 7.30pm (not Sundays or Mondays) "A Time to Keep" by Stephanie Dale and David Edgar, Dorchester’s fifth community play. Box Office 01305 213866. www.dorchestercommunityplay.org.uk

17 Christmas Shopping Trip to Portsmouth City Centre Leaving from St George's Church, Fordington, Dorchester at 8.30am and returning 6.30pm. To book your seat or for more details please contact 01305 250927 ( after 6pm ). All proceeds to St George's Church. All very welcome.

17 Dorset County Orchestra St. Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Programme includes Berlioz – Le Carnaval Romain; Mozart – Clarinet Concerto I A Major; Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade.Tickets £8 (Students £3) – available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre. 01305 267992 www.dorsetcountyorchestra.org.uk

17 Far From the Madding Crowd Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. The Dorset Corset Theatre Company presents Thomas Hardy's gripping and heart-warming novel 'From The Madding Crowd' adapted by Helen Davis. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

17 Sherborne Book Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am – 4pm. Monthly book market. 01963 210443.

17 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.

17 Day School: County Boundbary Project Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am – 4pm. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

17 Quiz Night St. Martin’s Community Hall, Broadmayne, 7.30pm. £2 per head. Teams maximum 6. Bring your own drinks & nibbles. 01305 853920

17-18 MacMillan Christmas Fair Kingston Maurward Gardens, Nr. Dorchester. 01305 215050 www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/events.htm

19 Insight lectures Griffiths Room, Church Hall, Sherborne. The insight Lectures are a highly popular series of occasional lectures on different aspects of Christian faith and practice. Tickets cost £3 each and are available from the Parish Office, 01935 812452.

21 The Yetties meet the Casterbridge Male Voice Choir Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, 7pm. An evening of good music, humour, and culture (Dorset style).Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre telephone 01308 424901, Mr. J. Kent on 01308 897574 or on the door. Ticket price is £8.00. www.theyetties.co.uk

21 Geology Lecture: Recent Work on Chesil Beach Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. A new understanding of the Beach and its susceptibility to climate change, by Dr Malcom Ray, University of Portsmouth. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

21 TheatreFriends Quiz Night Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. £2 a head – bring a team of up to six players or join in with others and help raise funds for your local theatre. 01297 442394 www.marinetheatre.com

22 The Boat Band Chetnole Village Hall, Chetnole, Nr. Sherborne, 7.30pm. The Boat Band play an incredible array of tunes & songs, from Louisiana cajan to Cumbrian hornpipes. Starts 7.30pm. 01935 873555. www.artsreach.co.uk

22 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

22 Los Pacaminos Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 8.30pm. A Tex Mex party night from this magnificent seven featuring Paul Young. 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com

22 Darius James' Coppelia Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Independent Ballet Wales present an exquisite interpretation of one of the world’s favourite classical ballets. Plus dance Workshop from 5 – 6pm with Independent Ballet Wales – spend an hour with dancers from the company learning a dance from the ballet (For Age 7+) No experience necessary .Cost £5 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

23 Dorchester Association Lecture: The Roman Invasion of Dorset Dorset County Musuem, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Lecture by Keith Perryman. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

23 The Mellstock Band presents 'The Leaves of Life' Cerne Abbas Village Hall, Kettle Bridge Lane, Cerne Abbas, Nr. Dorchester, 7.30pm. Featuring Christmas Music from the English tradition. A costumed performance with authentic instruments, tales & poems by Hardy, Barnes & Dickens. A show brimming with vitality! 01300 341085. www.artsreach.co.uk

23 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert – Guitar Recital OMS Recital Room, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free lunchtime concert performed by Sherborne school music department. 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org

23 Hi Jinx Theatre presents 'The Long Way Home' Martinstown Village Hall, Martinstown, Dorchester, 7.30pm. A beautiful, timeless story by Charles Way, steeped in legend and song. A production of great originality which will appeal to a wide audience. 01305 889059. www.artsreach.co.uk

23 Dinner and Dance Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, Nr. Bridport. Dinner and dance to the JK Duo (Modern and Sequence dancing). Tickets £10 each from 01297 489375 www.farmhousedorset.com

24 Beaminster Singers Autumn Concert St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster, 7.30pm. Concert features Schubert – Mass in C Major; Mozart – Te Deum; Haydn – Der Sturm; Durufle – Quatre Motets and Bach – Wachet Auf. www.alfx.com/singers/next.htm

24 Bridport Annual Police Ball Freshwater Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, 7.30pm to 2am. Smart Dress. Music from The Sidekicks and a Disco. Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre and Bridport Police Station. Price £21.00 including Buffet. Proceeds go to Local Charities.

24 Sherborne Jazz Club: Timezone White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, Sherborne, 8pm. Led by trumpeter/composer Loz Speyer, whose work reflects the experience of living in the city of Santiago de Cuba.. Featuring Loz Speyer on trumpet and flugel, Martin Hathaway on sax and bass clarinet, Jez Franks on guitar, davide Mantovani on double bass, Simon Pearson on drums and Alejandro Martinex on congas. 01963 23301.

24 Sherborne Antiques & Flea Markets Church Hall & Age Concern Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9am – 4pm. Monthly antiques & flea market. 01963 250108.

24 Festive Willow at Highway Farm West Road, Bridport, 10am – 4pm. Festive Willow with Basket-maker Andy Southwell. £40 includes lunch & materials. Come and create beautiful willow for Christmas. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

24 Walk to Seatown from Charmouth A fossil hunting day out along the Jurassic Coast. Book your place on www.discoveringfossils.co.uk.

24 The Yetties in Concert Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 8pm. One of England's most popular folk groups with their unique combination of songs and stories. Cash bar available. Fundraising event. 01305 262735. www.theyetties.co.uk

24 Royal British Legion Bridport Branch Quiz Night Legion Hall, 45 Victoria Grove, Bridport, 7.30pm Supper provided but please bring your own drinks and glasses. Tickets on the door priced £3.50 per person. 01308 422730.

24 Bridport Combined Charities Christmas Card Fair Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, 9.30am – 12.30pm. Cards and Small gifts + coffee. 01308 425037.

24 The Wey Valley School Passage to India Team are holding a Christmas Gift, Craft and Fresh Local Produce Fayre at the Wey Valley School Weymouth, on Saturday 24th November, between 1-5p.m. Also there will be Santa in his grotto and refreshments. A good chance for some Christmas shopping before the rush, or just a mooch, a cup of tea and mince pie. The Passage to India Team are a group of 12 students and 6 helpers who are travelling out to Calcutta on Boxing day to work there with the street children and they have to raise the money themselves, along with parents and helpers to fund this project. Please check out their website in www.weyvalleyinindia.co.uk. Entry free. Please come along and support us, we‘d love to see you there. For any info about stalls or the Fayre please contact Charmaine on 07824446561 or Sue on 01305786445.

25 Kingcombe Festive day Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester. Guided walk at 10.30am, Seasonal Lunches from 12.15pm, Christmas Bazaar at 12.15pm and afternoon teas are also available. A fun day for all the family! 01300 320684. www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk

25 The Mellstock Band presents 'The Leaves of Life' Thornford Village Hall, Thornford, Nr. Sherborne, 8pm. Featuring Christmas Music from the English tradition. A costumed performance with authentic instruments, tales & poems by Hardy, Barnes & Dickens. A show brimming with vitality! 01935 873762, www.artsreach.co.uk

26 A Lecture on 'The Life of Thomas Hardy at Max Gate' Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, 2.30pm. Golden Cap Centre of the National Trust present a lecture on 'The Life of Thomas Hardy at Max Gate' by Andrew Leahy of the Thomas Hardy Association. Non members welcome £2/£3. 01297 489116.

26 Dorchester Book Fair Stratton Hall, The Square, Stratton, Dorchester. 01258 473561. www.pbfa.org

26 Bridport Camera Club 5 a-side with Dorchester CC Collinton Club, Glyde Path Road, Dorchester. 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

26 Sherborne Area Over 50s Group Digby Hall, 2.30pm. Speakers from Dorset Blind Association and also Housing. Christmas Raffle.

26- 30 The Crucible at Bridport Arts Centre Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. Encore Theatre Club will be staging The Crucible written by Arthur Miller. 01308 424204. www.bridport-arts.com

27 The Smith Family Panto! Village Hall, Sydling St Nicholas, Nr. Dorchester, 7pm. Presented by Forest Forge Theatre. In this hilarious 'Billy Liar' style fantasy, an out of work actor lets his imagination draw him into the crazy world of pantomime. Live music, comedy & a romantic story for the whole family. 01300 341104. www.artsreach.co.uk

27 Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. Lecture by Prof. Richard Holmes CBE - Sahib - the British Solider in India. New members & visitors welcome. 01963 364075.

30 Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert – Swing Band Big School Room, Sherborne, 1.30pm. Free lunchtime concert performed by Sherborne school music department. 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org

30 The Private Ear and The Public Eye Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 8pm. The Creative Cow Theatre Company presents Peter Shaffer’’s Double Bill. Tickets £7, £6 from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre, 01297 442138 www.marinetheatre.com

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS

Once again West Dorset Tourist Information Centres are selling Charity Christmas Cards on behalf of the Cards for Good Causes group of charities. With over 30 charities represented, there are lots to choose from!

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

Tourist Information Centre, Antelope Walk, Dorchester Tel: 01305 267992 dorchester.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, South Street, Bridport Tel: 01308 424901 bridport.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centre, Digby Road, Sherborne Tel: 01935 815341 sherborne.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

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

www.westdorset.com

DEADLINE for the December What’s On - 15^th November 2007.

Entries, preferably by e-mail please, to sherborne.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk or to any of our West Dorset Tourist Information Centres