West Dorset

What's on in and around West Dorset

April 2008

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

EXHIBITIONS

to 06/04 Elisabeth Frink Exhibition Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm. "Works from the Archive" - an introduction to the work of this major 20th century British artist through sculpture, prints and drawings from her archive. Admission free. 01935 816426. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk

to 13/04 Town Mill Exhibition – Tangents Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Tues-Sun 11am – 4pm. Exhibition of work by Alastair Michie, FRWA, painter and sculptor.

01/04- 30/04 Fra H Newbery - A Dorset Trail In April Dorset will become the venue for an exciting, month-long trail of exhibitions, events and activities celebrating the life and work of the painter Fra Newbery. The Trail, which has received funding from HLF, Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, Bridport Town Council and Purbeck Heritage is a collaboration between four Dorset museums; Bridport, Corfe, Swanage and Dorset County and Bridport Town Hall and Bridport Arts Centre and is managed by Bridport Heritage Forum. In addition to specially curated exhibitions the trail will also highlight permanent sites of Newbery interest across the county and incorporate a wide ranging and diverse education programme. Newbery was brought up and educated in Bridport and retired to Corfe Castle in 1919 after a long and illustrious career as one of the most significant directors of Glasgow School of Art. In his day Newbery’s paintings were well regarded and widely published although they are now little known despite being held in public and private collections around the world. As well as a respected painter in his own right he is perhaps best known for his pivotal role in promoting the work of his protégé, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Look out for events at Bridport Museum, Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Town Hall and the Dorset County Museum – programmes available from Dorset Tourist Information Centres. www.franewbery.co.uk

12/04 – 10/05 Alpha House Gallery Exhibition Alpha HouseGallery, South Street, Sherborne, Tues-Sat 10am – 4pm. John Makepeace invites furniture and rug makers including Paul Gower, Kay Stemmer, Robert Kilvington, Wales and Wales, Tracy Oldfield and Jenny Moncur. 01935 814944 www.alpha-house.co.uk

19/04 – 18/05 Town Mill Exhibition – "In a Piece" Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Tues-Sun 11am – 4pm. Father/Daughter exhibition of work by Andrew and Alice Crane.

21/04 – 18/05 Exhibition : Sam St. Leger - New Works Oliver Holt Gallery, Sherborne School, Sherborne. 07790 613 050. www.asholt.co.uk

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

FOSSIL WALKS

Lyme Regis Fossil walks with Dr Colin Dawes every Sunday at 1pm, plus extra walks during school holidays – please phone for details. Meet at the Old Forge Fossil Shop, Broad Street. Lasts approx. 2.5 hours. Adults £8, Children £5. Tel. 01297 443758.

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.lymeregisfossilwalks.com

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. Daily walks during the school holidays - tel. 01297 560772 for details or see www.charmouth.org.

NGS GARDENS OPEN

The "yellow book" for local gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme in 2008 is now available from our TICs.

EVENTS DURING APRIL

02 Bridport Camera Club Meeting The Salt House, Fisherman's Green, West Bay, Bridport, 7.20pm. "Birds, boats and basalt travel photography" by Julian Comrei. New members always welcome. 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

03 Visions of Jerusalem William Blake Cerne Abbas Village Hall, Kettle Bridge Lane, Cerne Abbas, 7.30pm. A fully illustrated talk looks at his life and times and explores his creative genius and the inspirations behind it. The Tyger and Jerusalem provide examples of the relationship between his art and poetry. 01300 341118.

03 Stand up Comedy The Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 8.30pm (doors & bar open 7.30pm). With Owen O’Neill, Colin Owens, Bryan Lacey and compere Mike Belgrave

03- 04 Kitchen & Garden Pole Lathe Turning Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridort. Learn the ancient craft of green (unseasoned) wood working under the tuition of Guy Mallinson and various specialist co-presenters. 01308 485111. www.mallinson.co.uk

04 An Evening with Ben Waters and His Band The Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne, 8pm – midnight. Tickets £14, available from Vineyards, Digby Road, Sherborne. 07740 109657

04 Make a Mural family workshop ( Fra Newbery ) Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 10am – 3pm. Artist Darrell Wakelam leads a workshop creating a huge mural using themes from the exhibition. For kids of all ages, with their grown-ups... £2 per child. 01308 427183. www.franewbery.co.uk

04 Dom Duff & Damian Clarke Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm (doors & bar open 7.30pm) 'New Celtic music' from Dom Duff, including songs inspired by or adopted from his native Breton Culture. Support comes from Damian Clarke on the hurdy gurdy and hammered dulcimer. 01305 266926. www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

04 Sherborne House Lecture on Dame Elisabeth Frink Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.15 – 9.45pm (doors open 6.45 for a glass of wine). A rare chance to learn about the life and work of Dame Elisabeth Frink through those who knew her and through contemporary film. Tickets (limited) £10 (£2 for students under 18) which includes a glass of wine and light refreshments.

05 Talk on the artist Fra H Newbery at Bridport Arts Centre Allsop Gallery, Bridport Arts Centre, South St, Bridport, 2.30pm. To accompany the Fra Newbery exhibition, Dr George Rawson will be giving a talk on Newbery the artist and educator and his life in Dorset. Free entry. 01308 427183.

05 Green Woodworking Course For Children & Adults Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport. Learn the ancient craft of green (unseasoned) wood working under the tuition of Guy Mallinson and various specialist co-presenters. 01308 485111. www.mallinson.co.uk

05 Community Drum Circle Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Magic Drum presents Community Drum Circle. All welcome. 01305 848026 or 01305 853479.

05 Craft Fair Poundbury Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, 9am. Lots of local arts and crafts for sale plus tea, cakes and tombola. Free entry. 01305 757265.

05 Transforming Dialogue Blagdon Hill, Nr Martinstown, Dorchester, 10am. Transforming Dialogue offers trainings, courses and consultations to promote deep transformation and to enhance soul-quality dialogue within and between people. 01305 257958. www.transformingdialogue.com

05 Quiz Night United Church Hall Charles Street Dorchester. Fun for all. Starts at 7:30pm. Entry by ticket only. Tickets £3.00 for adults, £2.00 for under 14's, includes cold supper. Tickets available from The Gallery, in the hall at coffee after church or from Mary on 01305 266461 or Linda on 01305 268341. 01305 266461/268341.

05 - 06 Workshop at Highway Farm: Rustic Hazelwood Furniture Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport, 10am – 5pm. A two day furniture making workshop with tutor Peter Moors. Make your own unique garden furniture, its well worth the effort! Cost £80 Materials £15 approx. Please bring lunch. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

06 Wessex Military Band Spring Concert Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 6pm. Spring concert conducted by Lt Col (Retired) Malcolm Torrent (The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall) Tickets from Bridport Arts Centre Box Office 01308 424204; Adults £7.50 concessions £5.50. www.bridport-arts.com

06 Mother and Baby Fair Kingston Maurward, Nr. Dorchester. 01305 215003. www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens

06 Specialist Plant Sale Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Around 19-20 specialist plant stands. In aid of the Red Cross in the UK. Admission £1. 01935 421389.

07-11 Family Activity Egg Drops at Fleet Air Arm Museum RNAS Yeovilton. Design and build your own parachute for an egg – you’ll then be challenged to drop it from the six metre high landing stage alongside Concorde and hope the egg doesn’t break! Also Easter Egg Trails throughout the Easter holidays. 01935 842614 www.fleetairarm.com

07-13 West Dorset Residents Week A week of fantastic offers for local residents – a chance to re-acquant yourself with what’s on your doorstep. Leaflets giving full details will be distributed to all households in West Dorset.

08 Yetties Performing for Weldmar Hospice Chideock Village Hall, Chideock, Nr. Bridport. Dinner and Yetties Concert to raise funds for Weldmar Hospice. Please phone for further details - 01297 489632.

08 Bridport History Society meeting: Fra H Newbery Main Hall, Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport, 2.30pm. A talk on Fra H Newbery by John Jagged. Part of a programme of exhibitions, guided walks and talks about the life and work of this artist who started his studies at the Bridport School of Art. Entrance members £1; visitors £2 including refreshments. 01308 456876. www.franewbery.co.uk

08 Sherborne Jazz Club Jam Session at the Plume of Feathers, Sherborne, doors open 7.30pm. Entry £2.

08 Workshop at Highway Farm: Painting and Sketching Day Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport. Tutor Ann Gray. A relaxing and enjoyable day out for artists of all abilities, each artist will be encouraged to work at his or her own pace and in their own style. Beginners can be sure to receive individual help in overcoming initial anxieties and will produce a first painting. Cost £35 inc lunch. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

08 Easter Dancing Away St. Mary's Church, South Street, Bridport, 7pm. Song and dance featuring young local talent. Donations in aid of Caitlin's Dance Fund (local girl at vocational dance school).

08 Fra H Newbery - Charles Rennie Mackintosh & Dorset Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. A talk by Dr George Rawson on Charles Rennie Machintosh & Dorset - how Mackintosh's Dorset tour of 1895 inspired architectural projects such as the Glasgow School of Art. Admission £6.00 - reduction for Trail visitors showing exhibition guide. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

09 Thomas Hardye School Community Lecture : Napoleon The Thomas Hardye School, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, 7pm. The speaker, Professor Michael Broers, is a Fellow and Tutor in history at Lady Margaret Hall and a lecturer in history at Oxford University. Free tickets available only from the school. 01305 266064. www.thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk

09 Sherborne Flicks – The Jane Austen Book Club Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne TIC. 01935 815341. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk/artslink

09 Wednesday Afternoon Walk at the Kingcombe Centre – "Spring Flowers" Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum Dorchester, Meet at the centre 2.15pm, returning for tea and cake at 4pm – 4.30pm. Please telephone before arrival to confirm details. Wellington boots generally recommended. 01300 320684. www.kingcombecentre.org.uk

09 Geology Lecture: Permo-Triassic Mineralization Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 6.30pm. By Lecture by Dr Richard Scrivener, BGS, Exeter, including commentary on granitic-related mineralization and low temperature 'crosscourse' veins and gold occurence related to the mid-triassic and (failed) opening of the Atlantic. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

10 Niki McCretton presents Space 50 Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. A theatrical voyage to mark 50 years of Space Travel. A gentle production with humour and charming elements. Tickets £10 adults, £9 concs and supporters and £5 students. 01308 424204.

10 - 11 Building A Willow Trug Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport, 9.30am (tea & coffee avaiable from 9am) – approx. 5pm. This is a two-day course to build what we're calling a 'frame basket trug'. Normally, a trug is built using wide strips of wood but we are using locally sourced willow instead. A frame basket is built using hoops and ribs, which are interwoven with finer materials - usually willow. During the course you will learn all the basic skills involved - using knives, selecting and preparing your materials, bending and shaping hoops and ribs and weaving a basket to completion. By the end of the two days you should have completed your own frame basket trug. The course is for adults only, and costs £250.00 + VAT (£293.75) per person, including materials and delicious lunches, tea and coffee, biscuits and cake. Tools are also supplied for your use during the course within this price. 01308 485111. www.mallinson.co.uk

11 Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin Bridport Arts Centre, South St, Bridport, 8pm. Kirsty McGee's acoustic music is the finest in British hobopop, and here she is working with instramentalist Mat Martin. Tickets £10/£9. www.bridport-arts.com

11 Little Fishes St Peter's Church, High West Street, Dorchester, 2.15pm Short services for pre - school children and their parents or carers. Stories and songs will be followed by a chat over refreshmensts. 01305 264199 or 01305 260592.

11 Bridport Camera Club Meeting The Salt House, Fisherman's Green, West Ba,y Bridport, 7.30pm. Lyme Bay Battle – at Lyme Regis. New members always welcome. 01308 459443. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

11 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk: Managing Heathlands Friends Meeting House, South Street, Bridport, 7.30pm. An illustrated talk by Rees Cox, retired warden of the Studland Reserve. The meeting will include the AGM of the West Dorset Group. Non-members £3 to include refreshments. 01305 264620. www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk

11 Murder Mystery Dinner Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7pm. A Victorian melodrama in three acts - can you solve the mystery and find the murderer? £27.00 icluding three-course meal and glass of wine. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

11 The Army Benevolent Fund - Berlin and the Fall of the Wall The Powell Theatre, Sherborne School, Sherborne, 7pm. A personal reflection by Major General Sir Robert Corbett KCVO, CB. In aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. Followed by a light supper in the Sixth Form Centre. Tickets £15 available from Sherborne and Dorchester Tourist Information Centres – 01935 815341 / 01305 267992.

12 Workshop at Highway Farm: Willow Sculptures for the Garden Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport. Workshop with Fiona Hingson - always a popular one so book early. Come and make an exciting sculpture to take home - hopefully it will fit in the car! It can be a bird or beastie, tepee or anything you fancy. Cost £35, materials & lunch included. Max 12 people. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

12 Opus Anglicanum Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. An evening performance by Opus Anglicanum of Angels & Archangels follows an Open Monastic Day Chant Workshop in Sherborne School. Open to all. Tickets – All Day £20, Concert £10 available from the Parish Office, 3 Abbey Close, Sherborne DT9 3LQ. 01935 812452. www.opus-anglicanum.com

12 Sherborne Jazz Club White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, Sherborne, doors open 7.30pm. Double Bill with Julie Sassoon and Tom Arthurs. Tickets £12 on the door, £8 students, £6 under 16s. 01963 23301. www.myspace.com/sherbornejazzclub

12 John Etheridge with special guest Kit Holmes Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. An exciting evening of jazz, blues and more from John Etheridge, one of the world's most respected guitarists with special guest, singer-songwriter and rising guitar star Kit Holmes. 01305 266926. www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

12 Charterhouse Auctions – Classic Cars, Motobikes and Automobilia Viewing Friday 11th 10am to 7pm. Contact Charterhouse for further details 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

12 Dorchester Antiques Fair Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester. Free Admission. Antique furniture, china & pottery, jewellery, books, cutlery, musical instruments, silver etc. Teas, coffees and light snacks available. 07918143682.

12 Concert of Sacred Anthems Church of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Ignatius Chideock, Bridport, 7pm. Members of the London Concert Choir will perform. Tickets £12 in advance to include glass of wine at interval, in aid of church funds, available from the Record Centre, South St, Bridport Tel 01308 425707 or 01297 489890 / 01308 488348 / 01297 489672

12 Dorchester Drama presents Quartet Thomas Hardye School, Queens Avenue, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Dorchester Drama presents Quartet by Ronald Harwood in the Performing Arts Studio of the Thomas Hardye School. 01305 257694.

13 Dorchester Fun Run 2008 Starts from Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre,Coburg Road, Dorchester, 10.30am. Get fit, have fun & raise money for charity all in one go! Download your sponsorship & entry forms. 01308 897789 or 01305 262171. www.lionsdorchester.org.uk

13 Antiques Fair Kingston Maurward Dorchester. 01305 215003.

14-18 Family Activity Egg Drops at Fleet Air Arm Museum RNAS Yeovilton. Design and build your own parachute for an egg – you’ll then be challenged to drop it from the six metre high landing stage alongside Concorde and hope the egg doesn’t break! Also Easter Egg Trails throughout the Easter holidays. 01935 842614 www.fleetairarm.com

15 Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society Talk Dorset Room, Colliton Club, Dorchester, 7.30pm 'The Turnpike Era' a talk by Alan Rosevear. Non members welcome at £2 per person.

16 A Talent for Textiles & Brocante The Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, 10am. Sale of Antique & Vintage Textiles & Decorative Items. Entrance is free. donations please for National Osteoporosis. 01404 45901 or 01305 264914.

16 Wednesday Afternoon Walk at the Kingcombe Centre "Cowshed Celebration" Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, 2.15pm, returning for tea and cake at 4pm – 4.30pm. Wednesday Afternoon Please telephone before arrival to confirm details. Wellington boots generally recommended. 01300 320684. www.kingcombecentre.org.uk

16 Quiz Night - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Theatre Friends invite you to their Quiz Night; teams of up to 6 persons; Bar, Teas & Coffee, Raffle. 01297 442394. www.marinetheatre.com

16 Bridport Camera Club Meeting – Competition "Best of the Year" The Salt House, Fisherman's Green, West Bay, Bridport, 7.30pm. New members always welcome. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

17 Bearne's Valuation Days The Bridge House Hotel, East Street, Bridport, 10am – 1pm. Free advice and valuations from Bearne's Auctioneers & Valuers of Fine Art and Jewellery. 01308 456208.

17- 18 Totem Pole Carving Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport. 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

18 Charterhouse Auction - Antiques, Pictures, Prints & Books, & Fin, Fur & Feather Sporting, & Decorative Arts Monthly antiques auctions. Viewing Wednesday from 10am to 4pm and Thursday from 10am to 7pm. Sales start on Friday at 10am, with viewing from 8.30am to 10.45am. 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk

19 Table Top Sale and Coffee Morning Poundbury Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, 10am. To raise funds for the Poundbury Summer Ceilidh. £5 per table (max 6'). All tables in covered area beneath hall must be booked in advance. E-mail : info@brownswordevents.org.uk

19 Bluesnights at Dorchester Arts Centre Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. A season of five bluesnights at Dorchester Arts Centre. 0)1305 266926. www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

19 Fra H Newbery - Dorset's Links With Art Nouveau Adult Education Centre, Government Buildings, Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, 10am. A one day study course. Admission £24.00 adults/£16.80 concessions - with lunch.,. 01305 251040.

19 Workshop at Highway Farm: Felt Making and Nuno Scarves Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport. Tutor Dennie Rose. Felting making is fun! Be guided by Dennie and you’ll be amazed at what you can make! Cost £35 plus small charge for materials. 10am-4.30pm. Book in advance. 01308 424321. www.highwayfarm.co.uk

19 Sherborne Monthly Book Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am – 4pm. New, second-hand and antiquarian books for sale, also magazines, prints, postcards and ephemera. Free admission. 01803 613356.

19 Family Workshop - Make your own Ancient Game Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10am – 12pm. Games have been around for thousands of years. Come along to this workshop and see which of the ancient games you would like to make and play. No booking required - just turn up on the day. Up to two children admitted free with every adult. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

19 Bridport Town Hall – a tour with Elizabeth Gale of Fra Newbery's murals Bridport Town Hall, Bridport, 2.30pm. A chance to find out more about the history of the Town Hall and Fra H. Newbery’s murals in the Council Chamber. Free tour - no need to book, just turn up! This tour is repeated on 29th April. 01308 458703.

19 Romney Event: Lady Roberts of the Royal Library - Reception and Talk Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. The Honourable Lady Roberts, Custodian of the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, will talk about the Library. £15.00 including wine and light refreshment. A 'Romney appeal' fundraising event at the County Musuem to raise funds to purchase three portraits by George Romney, one of the key figures in 18th century British art and a contemporary of Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

20 Specialist Plant Sale Mapperton, Nr. Beaminster. Around 27 specialist plant stands. Admission £3 to include the garden. Proceeds in aid of Cancer Research. 01935 421389.

20 Point to Point at Littlewindsor Signposted from the A3066, Littlewindsor, Nr. Beaminster, first race at 2pm. Organised by the Seavington Hunt. 01308 868332.

23 Wednesday Afternoon Walk at the Kingcombe Centre – "Woodland Flowers" Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester at 2.15pm, returning for tea and cake at 4pm – 4.30pm. Please telephone before arrival to confirm details. Wellington boots generally recommended. 01300 320684. www.kingcombecentre.org.uk

23 Sherborne Science Cafe Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Talk by Dennis Alexander : Flu expert from DEFRA. 01935 815052. www.sherbornesciencecafe.co.uk

24 Fra Newbery and the Bridport School of Art by Fiona Tamplin Bridport Arts Centre Café, South St, Bridport, 2.30pm. Few people know much about the Bridport School of Art, nor the formative influence it had on the later career of Francis Henry Newbery. This talk, by local historian Fiona Taplin, aims to fill that gap by looking at Fra Newbery's early life in Bridport, his school years at the Bridport Boys' General School, where he was encouraged by the charismatic headmaster, John Beard, to attend art classes at the Bridport School of Art just across East Street, in the Scientific and Literary Institute. His teaching career also began in Bridport, first as a pupil teacher at his former school, and later as an art master at the Bridport School of Art, before leaving for London and ultimately fame at the Glasgow School of Art. 01308 458703. www.franewbery.co.uk/events.htm

24 Folk Music Sunray Folk Club, Broadmayne Village Hall, Broadmayne, 8.15pm. Free admission with jug collection every 4th Thursday of the month. Floor singers welcome subject to time available. 07786654074. www.bobkirkpatrick.co.uk/Sunrayfolkclub.htm

24 - 25 The Dorset Collection at Lesley Waters Cookery School Chantmarle Manor, Frome St Quintin. The Dorset Collection features Lesley's favourite dishes celebrating the very best of local Dorset produce. A collection of modern, stylish dishes is presented in Lesley's own unique style and all accompanied by wine recommendations, champagne and a three-course lunch.See website for booking information and availability. www.lesleywaters.com

24- 25 Carving A Wooden Bowl Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport.. 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

25 Quiz Night - Poundbury Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Hosted by font of (almost) all knowledge, Chris Bevan. Tickets £2.50 in advance or £2 on the door. Bring your own drinks and nibbles.

25 St. Martin's Broadmayne Market St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, Dorchester, 10am. Raffle, craft, plants, books, jigsaws, cards, local trout, sausages & eggs, cakes and preserves. Chance to sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. All proceeds for St Martin's Community Hall. 01305 852886.

25 Pop Club Fundraiser with The Daze Dorchester Arts Centre, The Grove, Dorchester, 8pm. DAC's Saturday Morning pop Club present an evening of live music showcasing their Spring term songs, a raffle and a performance by young Dorchester band The Daze. 01305 266926. www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

26 Kokoro Bridport Arts Centre, South St, Bridport, 7.03pm. The contemporary music ensemble of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Tickets £6, £5 and £3.,. 01308 424204.

26 Sherborne Jazz Club – The Adam Bishop Quartet White Hart Inn Bishops Caundle Sherborne. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets £12 on the door, £8 for students, £6 for under 16s 01963 23301. www.myspace.com/sherbornejazzclub

26 Fra H Newbery - Photographic Workshop Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Drop-in photographic workshop with Helen Muspratt's granddaughter. Dress up in costume of choice, have your portrait taken. Admission £6.50 adults/ £4.50 concs (annual pass). Children free. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

26 Sherborne Saturday Antiques & Flea Market Church Hall Digby Road Sherborne, 9am - 4pm. 01963 250108.

26 Dorset Wildlife Trust – North Dorset Open Day Fiddleford Manor, Fiddleford, Nr. Sturminster Newton, 10.30am – 3pm. Join volunteers from DWT’s North Dorset group and the DWT People & Wildlife team for wildlife activities for people of all ages. Take a walk in the woods, watch traditional woodland crafts, enjoy pond dipping and minibeast hunts and find out more about the work of DWT. 01305 264620 www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk

26 Mah-Jong Workshop St John Ambulance, Bridport Road, Poundbury, Dorchester, 10am. A fun and informal day with tuition. Suitable for beginners & improvers. Tickets £10 if bought before 4th April, or £12.50 thereafter. Price includes refreshments and a ploughman's lunch. 01305 751167.

26 Jigsaw and Howling at the Moon Duo Broadmayne Village Hall, Broadmayne, Dorchester, 8pm. A fiery, fiddle driven evening in aid of CLIC. Bar serving real ale and wine. Tickets £8.00. 01305 852523.

26 St Georges Day Fair Fordington Village Green, Dorchester, 1.30pm. 50th anniversary of the church and village fair with fun for the whole family. Prizes and bric-a-brac, the Durnovaria Band and school choirs, cream teas and a hog roast, competitions and games - the best of old and new.

27 Military Book Fair and Reserve Collection Open Day Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, 10am – 4.30pm. 01935 842614 www.fleetairarm.com

27 Specialist Plant Sale Herringston House Nr. Dorchester. In aid of Help the Aged - £1.50 entry. Also the walled garden will be open and there will be coffee, lunch and teas available. 01935 421389.

27 Animal Encounters Kingston Maurward Gardens, Dorchester. 01305 215003. www.kmc.ac.uk/gardens/events.htm

28 Lecture on "The History of Ancient Woodlands" United Church Main Hall, Bridport, 7.30pm. Lecture by David Hawksley presented by the Golden Cap Centre of the National Trust. Non members welcome - £2/£3. 01297 489116

29 Bridport Town Hall – a tour with Elizabeth Gale of Fra Newbery's murals Bridport Town Hall, Bridport, 2.30pm. A chance to find out more about the history of the Town Hall and Fra H. Newbery’s murals in the Council Chamber.. No need to book, just turn up! 01308 458703.

30 Wednesday Afternoon Walk at the Kingcombe Centre – "Lichen of Hedgerow and Woodland" Meet at the Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester at 2.15pm, returning for tea and cake at 4pm – 4.30pm. . Please telephone before arrival to confirm details. Wellington boots generally recommended.,. 01300 320684. www.kingcombecentre.org.uk

30 Bridport Camera Club Meeting – AGM and Chairman’s Challenge The Salt House, Fisherman's Green, West Bay, Bridport, 7.30pm. New members always welcome.. www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk

30- 2/5 Create A Green Wood Foot Stool Mangerton House, Mangerton,Bridport. 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

30 Charity Golf Day at Sherborne Golf Club Clatcombe, Sherborne. Charity Golf day for teams of 4. 01305 871050. www.lifeeducationdorset.org.uk

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

www.westdorset.com