HIGHLIGHTS	Don’t miss this month… 29 May to 13 June - Dorset Art Weeks - www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk 2 -6 June - Royal Bath & West Show, Shepton Mallet - www.bathandwest.com 12-13 June - Vintage Tractor & Stationary Engine Rally, West Bay Road, Bridport - www.wdvtsec.co.uk 19 June - Annual Nettle Eating Contest, The Bottle Inn, Marshwood - www.bottleinn.co.uk 19 June - Dorchester Carnival 25 June to 4 July - Beaminster Festival of Music and The Arts - www.beamfest.org.uk
MARKETS & FAIRS	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 Ave 8am-3pm every Wednesday, Farmers’ Market 1 st Saturday in each month at Poundbury, 9am-1pm, Country Market at The Corn Exchange every Friday (exc Easter) 8.30-11am. 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. Saturday Antiques & Flea Market – held the last Saturday every month (Jan-Nov), Church Hall, Digby Road. 9am-4pm. Monthly Book Fair – held third Saturday every month, Church Hall, Digby Road. 9.30am-4pm. 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.
WALKS	Fossil Walks Regular guided fossil hunting walks in Lyme Regis and Charmouth are run year round by Dr Colin Dawes 01297 443758, Brandon Lennon 07944 664757 (www.lymeregisfossilwalks.com), Lyme Regis Museum 01297 443370 (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk), Lyme Regis Fossil Shop 01297 442088, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre 01297 560772 (www.charmouth.org) and Chris Pamplin 0845 00943757 (www.fossilwalks.com). Times vary according to the tides, telephone for full details and booking information. Sunday Strolls With the Ramblers Association from Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 2.15pm. Tel: 01308 863754. Walking the Way to Health in Bridport , with trained health walkers. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30am from Bridport TIC. Walks last approx 30mins, all welcome, free of charge. Tel: 01308 452263 for more information. Dorchester Strollers , walks with trained health walkers. Every Monday at 10.30am and Tuesday at 2.30pm. Walks last up to one hour, all welcome, free. Tel: 01305 263759 for more information. Wednesday Afternoon Walks at the Kingcombe Centre Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum start 14 th April. Each walk covers a particular subject. Most walks meet at the Kingcombe Centre at 2.15pm and return for tea and cake at 4pm-4.30pm. Please tel. for details 01300 320684. (www.kingcombe.org) Literary Lyme – walking tours available throughout the year. During May there are Jane Austen walks and John Fowles walks on Saturdays 8 th, 15 th, 23 rd and 29 th. Tel. 07763 974569 for details and to book. Undercliff Walks – follow our UNESCO World Heritage Site cliff to Seaton. 8 mile woodland walk. Tel. 07763 974 569 for details and to book Dorchester Town Walk – 31st May to 27 th September every Monday at 11am, starting from the Tourist Information Centre. Guided walk of Dorchester with Blue Badge Guide Christine McGee 07944 724150 Sherborne Town Walk – June to September every Friday at 11am, starting from the Tourist Information Centre. Guided walk of Sherborne with Blue Badge Guide Rob Curtis.
ARTS	Regular Art Exhibitions are held at Dorset County Museum, Dorchester (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org), Lyme Regis Museum (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk), the Town Mill Gallery , Lyme Regis (www.townmill.org.uk) and Bridport Arts Centre (www.bridport-arts.com). Dorchester Arts (www.dorchesterarts.org.uk), Bridport Arts Centre (www.bridport-arts.com), Electric Palace, Bridport (www.electricpalace.org.uk) and Eype Centre for the Arts (www.eypechurcharts.co.uk) run a full programme of performances and events - drama, music, comedy, dance and more - suitable for all ages. Artsreach present a range of live professional arts events in rural Dorset. Full programme online at (www.artsreach.co.uk). Opening times, programmes and further details from your local TIC

Local events diary

to 13 Dorset Art Weeks Brochures available from Dorset TICs. 01305 262878 (www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk)

to 04 Pirate Festival Lulworth Castle & Park, Nr Wareham, 10.30am – 6pm. Lots of pirate activities during the week plus on Saturday 29 th be part of a record breaking attempt for the largest gathering of pirates in one place!. 0845 450 1054 (www.lulworth.com)

01 Bingo at Blackdown Blackdown Village Hall, nr Beaminster. Open 7.15pm for 7.30pm eyes down. In aid of Blackdown Church. 01308 868735 or 01460 30661

01 Dorset Wild Flower Walk at Powerstock Common Powerstock Common Car Park, (north of Askerswell). The walk starts at 2.30pm and will focus on the wide range of habitats to be found here. 01300 320833

01 Half Term Family Fun Day Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 11am to 3pm. “Making Stories” - make your own mini books and art. Free admission to everyone. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

02 Yetties Music Night Weavers Club, Westbury, Sherborne, 8pm. Tickets £6. 01935 814667 (www.theyetties.co.uk)

02 Art Walk Thorncombe Woods, Nr. Dorchester. Art walk celebrating the 170 th anniversary of Thomas Hardy’s birthday. Walk One 10am -1pm, Walk Two 7pm -10pm. Cost £10. To book/further details 07925 175 872 (email: gajones755@hotmail.com)

02 Alice Kettle - Exhibition, Family Activity and Masterclass Dorset County Museum, Dorchester. Family Activity 10.30am, Masterclass 7pm. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org)

02 A Fair of Antique Textiles and Brocante The Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, 9.30am - 4pm. Entrance free. 01404 45901 or 01305 264914

02 Club Anonymous Fire Station, Dorchester, 8-11pm. Drum & bass upstairs with Dirty HA13ITS and Bouza. A Dorchester Youth Extra event. Tickets £1 from Dorchester TIC. 01305 252204

02-04 Family Bushcraft Fun Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth. Discover the wild, enjoy the arts of firemaking, cooking damper bread and building natural shelter. 01297 560342 (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk)

02-05 The Bath and West Show Shepton Mallet. Saver tickets available from all our West Dorset TICs (www.bathandwest.com)

03 Town Mill Brewery Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Talk on the history of the Town Mill Brewery, then a walk there to see the brewing process, with manager Jon Hosking. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

03 Lunchtime Concert - The Stadler Bessett Horn Trio The Minster Church, Axminster, Devon 12.30 - 1pm -followed by lunch. (www.axminsterminsterchurch.org.uk)

04 Caterpillar Kids - Pond life at Lorton Meadows Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, Weymouth, 10.30am-12.30pm. Try pond dipping and discover the underwater world of boatmen, beetles and water bugs. 01305 816 546 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

04 Moth Trapping in West Dorset West Bexington (please phone for details of meeting place), 8-10am. £5 per session. Discover & learn to identify the seasonal changes of resident and migratory moths. 01305 264620 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

04 A Mighty Reggae Journey - Charity Fund Raiser The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 7pm - 1am. Live band:- Dub Educators. Bar, hot food, crafts and music for sale. Fund raising for 5 local charities and Amnesty International. Tickets £5 (under 16s free until 10pm. Ticket holders only after 10pm ), from Dorchester TIC 01305 267992 and Simon 07851 450689

04 Coffee Morning for Lyme Regis Save The Children Abbeyfield, Silver Street, Lyme Regis, from 10am. Gifts, cards, cake stall, raffle. Entry £1 includes coffee and biscuits.

05 Bradpole Village Fete Norman’s Orchard, Middle St, Bradpole, Nr. Bridport, 2pm. Stalls, games, grand draw (with prize of a shed donated by Beaminster Sheds!), entertainment, teas and parking. 01308 427719 / 456373

05 Family Wildlife Art Event Brooklands Farm, Forston, 10.30am- 3pm. Let your imagination and creativity go wild in producing sculpture and other art forms from natural materials on a wildlife theme. £2 .01305 264 620 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

05 Mi Tierra Flamenca Eype Centre for the Arts, 7.30pm. International Flamenco Company Mi Tierra Flamenca are back at Eype. Tickets £12 - available from Bridport TIC 01308 424901 (www.eypechurcharts.co.uk)

05 Pecorama Open Day Pecorama, Beer, Devon, 10am – 5.30pm. Special event to help celebrate the birthday of our loco Thomas II. Guest engines will also run on the Beer Heights Light Railway. 01297 21542 (www.pecorama.info)

05 Know Your Fossils Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Talk by enthusiastic fossil experts Paddy and Chris. Learn how fossils lived, how to find and identify, and how to handle your finds. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

05 Official Opening of The Malt House Malt House, The Town Mill, Mill Lane, Lyme Regis.

05 0-5 Baby and Toddler Sale Dorford Centre, Baptist Church, Top o' Town, Dorchester, 10am – 1pm. Clothes, books, accessories, toys and equipment for sale. Including raffle, tombola and refreshments. £1 per family. 07761015767 or 01305 849252

05 Open Gardens in Milborne St Andrew Morning coffee and cream teas in the village hall. Gerry's plant stall, raffle and chance to climb the church tower. 10.30am - 5pm. Adults £4.

05 Exultate Justi with Parnham Voices Church of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs and St. Ignatius, Chideock, 7pm. Tickets £8 from Bridport TIC. 01308 424901 (www.chideockmartyrschurch.org.uk)

05 Music at Plush - Schumann Lieder Recital St. John's Church, Plush, 7.30pm. Imogen Cooper on piano with Wolfgang Holzmair - baritone and Adrian Brendel on cello. Tickets £20 020 3286 1885 (www.musicatplush.net)

05-06 The Poetry School - Thomas Hardy Weekend in Dorchester with Graham Fawcett & Tamar Yoseloff Walks,talks and workshops to encourage more poems to be written. (www.poetryschool.com)

05-06 Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend Various events commemorating the 170th anniversary of Hardy's birth in 1840 and the 25th anniversary of Larkin's death in 1985 01305 251501 (www.hardysociety.org)

05-06 Open Gardens in Piddlehinton Piddlehinton, 11am - 5pm. Morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon teas & plants. Various gardens. Adults £4 ( £6 for 2 days ), Children free. In aid of Friend's of St Mary's, the Village Hall & Millennium Green & Julia's House Hospice. Linda Bellini 01300 348117

05-19 An Exhibition of WW2 Memorablia Home-In Style, Axminster, Devon, 9.30-4.30. Original period items from every day life in the 1940's including Army, Navy and Air Force, The Home Front, ARP, Women's Land Army, Evacuees, Casualties, Weddings and Fashion. (closed Sundays) Free entry.

06 Ramblers Walk in Bridport Buckydoo Square, Bridport, meet at 2.30pm for an easy walk under 2 hours. Bring a snack. Dogs welcome on leads. 01308 863754

06 Ramblers Walk from Burton Bradstock Hive Beach National Trust Car Park, Burton Bradstock, meet at 10.30am for this 6 mile walk - everyone welcome. Please contact organiser to confirm details. Geoff 01305 260853

06 Muddy Wellies Day Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, 10.30am - 4pm. 01300 320684 (www.kingcombecentre.org.uk)

06 Classic Car Show Fair Field, Umborne Bridge and Tramway Station, Colyton, Devon, 10am – 5pm. Vehicle exhibition, bouncy castle, games, side stalls, arts & crafts, transport ephemera. 01297 20375 (www.tram.co.uk)

06 The Julie Tregarth Quintet Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Free event

06 The Great Dorset Bike Ride Starts from Top O Town Car Park, Dorchester, 10am. Dorset's premier free bike ride. Fantastic scenery, plenty of places to stop along the way, a great family ride, make a day of it. Organised by Dorchester Cycles. Collection for MS. (www.greatdorsetbikeride.co.uk)

06 Edward Fox - a presentation in Person St Nicholas Church, Moreton, 7.30pm. An evening of varied poetry. Tickets £10 to include refreshments. Proceeds to Moreton Church Funds. 01929 462468

06 Mayor's Parade Service St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 10am. Church service with Lyme Regis Town Band.

06 Lyme Regis Town Band Plays at Seaton Tramway Tramway Station, Colyton, Devon, 2.30pm

06 Club Anonymous Firestation, Dorchester, 8pm - 11pm. Dorchester Youth Extra.Tickets £1 fom DorchesterT I C 01305 267992

07 Dorchester Choral Society - Community Outreach Frampton 6.45pm & Sydling St Nicholas 8pm. Taking music to where you are. 01305 268363

08-10 Introduction to Beekeeping Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth 01297 560342 (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk)

09 Thomas Coram and his Founding Hospital Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Anne Sankey talks about this son of Lyme who became the man who saved children. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

10 Diabetes UK West Dorset Support Group - Dorset Jurassic Coast Dorchester Community Church Hall, Ackland Road, Dorchester Anjana Ford, DCC. Starts 7pm

10 Friends Social Evening Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 7pm. Drinks and a gift to the museum. Free admission - everyone welcome. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

10 Lunchtime Concert - Pastime in Good Company The Minster Church, Axminster, 12.30-1pm followed by lunch. Concert by The Sheldon Singers. (www.axminsterminsterchurch.org.uk)

11 A Midsummer Evening of Music and Readings with The Serendipity Consort Holnest Church, 7.30pm The Tickets £5 inc. glass of wine or soft drink from members of Holnest Church. All proceeds to Church Funds 01963 210562

11-13 Whitchurch Flower Festival Church of St. Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum, 10am - 6pm. Flower festival with the theme of 'Those Special Days'. Refreshments available.

12 Tenebrae – The Rachmaninov Vespers by Candlelight Sherborne Abbey,7.30pm. Presented by The Summer Music Society of Dorset. Tickets £8 to £28 available from Sherborne TIC. 01935 815341 (www.sherborneabbey.com)

12 Dance Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis, 8pm.Ballroom, Latin & some Sequence. Entry £4.00

12 West Dorset Marine Volunteers The Pilot Boat Inn, Lyme Regis, 10 am - 1.30pm. Learn about marine volunteering opportunities in West Dorset and join us for rockpooling at low tide 01929 481 044 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

12 Wildlife Wonder Garden Whitcombe, Dorchester, 10am-5pm. Enjoy a walk around the estate and visit the historic church where Dorset poet William Barnes preached his first and last sermons. 01305 264620 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

12 Relay For Life Lyme Regis Lyme Regis Football Club, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis. Opportunity to take part in your local Relay For Life, an overnight team walking event. 08716 41 26 02 (www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay)

12 A Summer Evening in Ven Garden Ven House, Milborne Port, 6pm-9pm. In aid of St. John's Church, Milborne Port and by kind permission of Jasper Conran.. Tickets £25 from Wayne Pullen Butchers in Milborne Port or Marsh's in Sherborne.

12 Datelined Antiques Fair Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am - 4pm. Entrance £1 01963 370986

12-13 Vintage Tractor & Stationary Engine Rally West Bay Road, Bridport. 34 th Annual West Dorset Vingate Rally with vehicle parades, ring displays steam engines, market stalls etc plus bygones auction 10am Saturday. 01305 265309 (www.wdvtsec.co.uk)

12-13 Netherbury Gardens Open 2010 Netherbury, Nr. Bridport. 01308 488535

12-13 Hidden Gardens of Sherborne Sherborne, 2pm – 5pm. 15 hidden-away private gardens open iIn aid of Rotary charities.

12-18 Veterans Awareness Week Various venues Weymouth & Portland. Veterans Week Celebrations include the Historic Military Vehicle display and convoy and Remembrance Parade 01305 785747 (www.visitweymouth.co.uk)

13 Coast to Coast Motorcycle Run Marine Parade, Lyme Regis. Annual Motorcycle Run from Lyme Regis to Weston-Super-Mare; Westland Motor Cycle Club 01935 851512

13 Chetnole Open Gardens Chetnole, Nr. Sherborne, 2pm – 5pm. In aid of Wilts and Dorset Deaf Association and Dogs for the Disabled. 01935 872517

13 Open Day and Country Fair Kingston Maurward College, Nr Dorchester, 10am – 8pm. 01305 215120 (www.kmc.ac.uk)

13 Thomas Hardy's 'The Distracted Preacher' Millennium Green, Bridport, 6.30pm. An Open Air Performance by the New Hardy Players Bring chairs/rugs, come early & picnic. Performance will move to Town Hall if wet. 01308 458703 or 01308 459039

13 Open Farm Sunday Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum 10am-4pm. 07855 754347 (www.kingcombe.org)

13 The Ringwood & Burley Band Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Free event

13 Blooming Great Tea Party Martinstown Village Hall, 2-5pm Local craft stalls, tea and refreshments. Raffle. All proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care. (www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty)

13 Rockpool Ramble Meet at the Anchor, Cobb Gate Car Park, Lyme Regis, 12.30pm. Discover the weird and wonderful creatures of the rocky shore with the Marine Warden. £4 adults, £3 children (under 5s free). 01297 560772 (www.charmouth.org)

13-17 Flower Festival Athelhampton House and Gardens, Puddletown, 10.30am – 5pm. “The Butcher, the Baker, the Candlestick Maker…” presented by Owermoigne Flower Club. 01305 848363 (www.athelhampton.co.uk)

14 Dorchester Choral Society - Community Outreach 6.45pm Broadmayne, 8pm Affpuddle. 01305 268363

14 Ramblers Walk from Beaminster Beaminster Square, meet at 10am for this 5 mile walk - everyone welcome. 01308 863955

14 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Coombe Street to Mill Green Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. A walk along the most important street of 1940's Lyme, with Ken Gollop. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

15 Owermoigne Flower Club -"Pots of Fun" Owermoigne Village Hall. Visitors welcome - admission £4 01305 852285

15 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Mary Anning's Lyme Regis Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Walk with Daphne Baker through the town that Mary would have known. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

16 Thanksgiving Day - English Civil War Lyme Regis Celebrating the end of the English Civil War; period costume, street parade. Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Committee. 01297 443696 (www.transitiontowndorchester.org)

16 Workshop at Highway Farm : a day in the life of an AGA! Highway Farm, West Road, Bridport. Find out how to make the most out of cooking and living with an AGA. Tasters, lunch and glass of wine included £40 01308 424321 (www.highwayfarm.co.uk)

16 Jazz Jam Night Three Compasses, Charminster Resident Trio, All musicians and audience welcome. Free. 01305 263618

16 Wednesday Conservation Task Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, 10-2pm. Practical conservation task to restore the habitats important for local wildlife. Tools, gloves and drinks supplied. 01305 816 546 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

16 The Rifles Regiment Dorchester Town Centre The Rifles Regiment exercise the Freedom of Dorchester

16 Carnival Party in the Park Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 6pm

16 " A Life of Your Own " - for Carers Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 11.00am - 3.00pm. Part of Carers Week. Various organisations giving taster sessions. Please book. 01305 251414 (email: S.Biddlecombe@dorsetcc.gov.uk)

16 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Fisherman, Fossils and the French Lieutenant's Woman Meet at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, 7pm. Walk around the Cobb with local boatman Ken Gollop. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk).

17 Workshop at Highway Farm – Summer Wedding Cake Highway Farm, Bridport, 10.30am-4.30pm. Preparation of cake, coating technique, hand-made roses. Please bring your cake. Cost £45 + materials/equipment. (www.highwayfarm.co.uk) 01308 424321

17 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Nature and History of the River Lym Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 10am. A stroll to Uplyme with bird expert David Cox. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

17 Lunchtime Concert - Summer in Words & Music The Minster Church, Axminster, 12.30-1pm, followed by lunch. Jilly Spencer & Michele Banting. (www.axminsterminsterchurch.org.uk)

18 June Market at Broadmayne St. Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, 2 - 3.30pm Produce, cakes, plants, craft, Fair-trade goods, local sausages, children's books, library etc 01305 852886

18 Ik'r'us Inc - Outdoor Theatre The Abbey House, Abbotsbury Open air performance by the Rude Mechanical Theatre Co. Performance in aid of St. John Ambulance 01305 751167 (www.sja.org.uk/dorset)

18 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Ghost Walk of Old Lyme Regis Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis. 7.30pm. Carl Salter's fun tour of the famous ghosts of Lyme Regis. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

18 Workshop at Highway Farm – Painting flowers for fun with Alison Waspe Highway Farm, Bridport, 10.30am-4.30pm. Cost £40 including working lunch. (www.highwayfarm.co.uk) 01308 424321

18 - 20 Maiden Newton at War Maiden Newton, Nr Dorchester Entry fee £7 per adult, £3 child per day.Entertainment on Friday night free but £5 on Saturday. Licensed bar. (email: info@maidennewtonatwar.co.uk)

18 - 20 Art for Weldmar at the Affordable Art Sale Garden Centre, Poundbury, 10.30 - 5.00 ( Closes 4.30 on Sunday ) 30% of sale proceeds go to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Admittance free.

18-19 Music at Plush - Szymanowski Quartet, Kit Armstrong (piano) and Adrian Brendel (cello) St. John's Church, Plush, 7.30pm. Tickets £16. 020 3286 1885 (www.musicatplush.net)

18-20 Best Of Dorset Music Festival Milborne St Andrew, Nr Dorchester Guest appearance by The Wurzels on the 18th 07770 343441 (www.bodmf.co.uk)

18-20 Trance Dance Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth. With Leo Rutherford 01297 560342 (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk)

19 Annual Nettle Eating Contest The Bottle Inn, Marshwood, Bridport. Annual contest in which around 50 challengers are encouraged to eat more nettles than the current champion nettle eater. 01297 678254 (www.bottleinn.co.uk)

19 Midsummer Fair Friary of St Francis, Hilfield, nr. Cerne Abbas, 11am - 4pm. Attractions include crafts, stalls, demonstrations, entertainment and activities 01300 312316 (email: hilfieldproject@franciscans.org.uk)

19 Julia’s House Hospice fundraising event Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, 8.30am – 2.30pm. 01308 459854

19 Sherborne Jazz Club - Altoist Kevin Figes Plume of Feathers, Half Moon Street, Sherborne, 8pm 01935 816569

19 Corscombe Tithe Barn Fete Corscombe Court (opposite Fox Inn), 12 noon till 5pm. Hog Roast, Teas, Cakes, Dancing, Music, Talent Spotting Competition, Tug-O-War, Dog Show, Punch & Judy, many varied stalls, andmore. 01935 891321 / 891494

19 Lorton Meadows Open Day Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve, 10am – 4pm. 01305 816546 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

19 Insect Walk Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve £1/person. 2-4pm. A walk through the meadows to discover butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects.. Please phone to book 01305 816 546 (www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk)

19 Bridport Food & Beer Festival Askers Meadow, Bridport. (Starts 6.30pm on Friday night with Beer Festival) Popular annual event showcasing the best of local produce. Tickets from Bridport TIC. 01308 427683 (www.bridportfoodfestival.org.uk)

19 Dorchester Carnival (www.dorchestercarnival.co.uk)

19 The Querks Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Free event

19 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - As Jane Austen Might Have Seen It Meet at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station, 2.30pm. A walk around Lyme Regis in the time of Jane Austen with 'Admiral Croft'. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

19 Know Your Fossils' Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 11am. Talk by enthusiastic fossil experts Paddy and Chris. Learn how fossils lived, how to find and identify & how to handle your finds. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

19 Barry and Stuart Electric Palace, Bridport, 8pm. Barry & Stuart bring their devious all-new jaw-dropping show to the Electric Palace after a sell-out show at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008 and 2009. Tickets £12.50/£8.50 under 12s from Bridport TIC.

19-20 Flower Festival St Mary's Church, Puddletown, Saturday 11am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4.30pm. 6pm Songs of Praise. Coffee, light lunches and teas available in the Church Room. 01305 848510 and 01305 848646

19-20 Cerne Abbas Open Gardens 2pm-6pm More than 25 vilalge gardens open to the public plus plant stall in the square and teas in the vicarage garden. 01300 341311 (www.cerneopengardens.org.uk)

20 Cancer Research Race for Life Sherborne Castle 11am 01935 813182 (www.sherbornecastle.com)

20 Ramblers Walk in Bridport Buckydoo Square, Bridport. Meet at 2.30pm for an easy walk under 2 hours. Bring a snack. Dogs welcome on leads. 01308 456617

20 Dido and Aeneas singing Workshop & Concert with Briantspuddle Singers Herrison Hall, Charminster, Nr Dorchester, 11.30am - 6.30pm Workshop. 7.30pm Semi-staged public performance. 01305 832069 - (email: mail@briantspuddlesingers.co.uk)

20 Lyme Regis Museum Walks Week - Mills of the River Lym Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. A walk to discover the old cloth, silk and oil mills, with Richard Bull. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

20 Songs Of Praise With Lyme Regis Town Band Branscombe Beach, Devon, 6pm

21 Music in St Mary's Church St Mary's Church, Puddletown, 7pm "Organ Fireworks" a light-hearted organ recital by David Illingworth, followed by concert at 8pm by Dorchester Choral Society. 01305 848510 for tickets / information

21 Bride Valley Gardening Club Puncknowle and Swyre Village Hall, 7.30pm. Talk on climbing plants given by an expert from Poundbury Gardens. Members free, visitors £2 01308 482240 (email: secretary.bvgc@virgin.net)

22 David Copperfield Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield performed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Tickets available from Sherborne TIC 01935 815341 (www.sherborneartslink.org.uk)

22-24 Introduction to Beekeeping Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth. 01297 560342 (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk)

23 From Amazon to Hollywood Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Imogen Thomas talks on the Uplyme-based explorer Percy Fawcett, the 1920's hero of Brad Pitt's latest film. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

23-24 Concert For The Troops Uplyme Village Hall, Lyme Road, Uplyme, Lyme Regis. Help For Heroes fundraising event. Pack up your troubles and be entertained by ENSA, Natty NAAFI Ladies serving mug of tea and a wad. Tickets £8.00 01297 442185.

24 Lunchtime Conert - A Musical Montage The Minster Church, Axminster, 12.30 - 1pm, followed by lunch. The Axe Valley Community College. Director Jonathan Jevons. (www.axminsterminsterchurch.org.uk)

24-27 Earth Singers Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth With Danu Fox 01739 364434

25 Ramblers Walk from Beaminster The Square, Beaminster Meet at 10.20 at bus stop for the 47 bus to Crewkerne. Linear 9 mile walk back to Beaminster along Parrett Trail. 01460 77135

25 Nightjars and Glow worms with supper Hardown Hill A guided walk by Sue McDougal and Sue Warren. Tickets £6 to include supper. 01297 445 659 (email: madannatt@btinternet.com)

25 Coffee and Friendship Bethany Chapel, Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, 10am – 12pm.. 01297 443210

25 Music at Plush - Louis Lortie, Anthony Marwood and Adrian Brendel St. John's Church, Plush, 7.30pm. Renowned pianist Louis Lortie with Anthony Marwood on violin and Adrian Brendel on cello. Tickets £16. 020 3286 1885 (www.musicatplush.net)

25-27 Exploration of Herbs and Wild Medicinal Plants Monkton Wyld Court, Nr. Charmouth. With Juliet Fishbourne 01297 560342 (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk)

25-4/7 Beaminster Festival of Music and The Arts The 2010 festival includes a brilliant programme of music, literature and an art exhibition. Full programmes available from local TICs 01308 862943 (www.beamfest.org.uk)

26 Summer Garden Party at Ven House Milborne Port, nr. Sherborne, 2pm-5.30pm Traditional English Garden Party in the beautiful gardens of Ven House, home of designer Jasper Conran. Tickets in advance - Adults £7, children £3, Family £18

26 The Hamsters Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 8.00pm; tickets from Lyme Regis TIC; £12.00 01297 442138

26 Organ Recital - Greg Morris St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Tickets £10/£8; child £5, from Lyme Regis TIC. 01297 442138

26 National "Armed Forces Day" Charity Fete Pageant Gardens, Sherborne, 10.30am to 4.40pm. Various Military charities will be taking part. . 07825508776 (www.armedforcesday.org.uk)

26 Big Band Concert Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Ilchester Music from across all eras performed by Bertie's Big Band. Tickets £10 - available from Museum Shop 01935 842614 (www.fleetairarm.com)

26 Rock Around The Coast - Walk 7 mile strenuous walk from Seaton to Lyme Regis with Tom Sunderland from Natural England. To book call 01929 552740 (email: walks@jurassiccoast.com)

26 Music at Plush - Louis Lortie, Adrian Brendel and Katharine Gowers St. John's Church, Plush, 7.30pm. Also pre-concert talk at 6pm. 020 3286 1885 (www.musicatplush.net)

26 Kingston Maurward Summer Ball – Latin Heatwave Kingston Maurward College, Nr. Dorchester. Sip champagne on the terrace as the sun goes down, enjoy a three-course meal, then casino and dancing. 01305 215050 (www.kmc.ac.uk/hospitality)

26-27 Tankfest The Tank Museum, Bovington Meet the Desert Warriors. The biggest day out in history -- bringing the story of tanks, tank crew & soldiers to life. Ticket line 01929 462359 (www.tankfest.org)

26-27 Axe Vale Festival The Showground, Axminster, Devon Floral Marquee, crafts, food hall, trade stands, antiques, hobbies, demonstrations, art, horticulture, etc. Saver tickets available from TICs in Lyme Regis, Bridport and Sherborne. Tel: 01297 34517 (www.axevalefestival.org.uk)

27 Armed Forces Day Crown Inn, Puncknowle, 12 noon. “A Wing and a Prayer” will be playing to raise money for Help The Heroes. 01308 897711

27 Lions Club of Dorchester & District Try - Athalon Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre (www.lionsdorchester.org.uk/events)

27 Veterans Parade & Service of Commemoration Sherborne, 2.30pm approx. Parade through Sherborne, followed by Service of Commemoration in Sherborne Abbey at 3pm. 01747 825388 (www.armedforcesday.org.uk)

27 Insect Survey Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum. Help with insect surveying around the site, folowed by a talk and look at The Moth trap with Bryan Edwards from DERC 01300 320684 (email: davinahansford@kingcombecentre.org.uk)

27 Rockpool Ramble Meet at the Anchor, Cobb Gate Car Park, Lyme Regis, 12.30pm. Discover the weird and wonderful creatures of the rocky shore with the Marine Warden. £4 adults, £3 children (under 5s free). 01297 560772 (www.charmouth.org)

27 Teddy Bears Picnic Borough Gardens, Dorchester 12-4pm

27 The Distracted Preacher Borough Gardens, Dorchester 6pm. The New Hardy Players present The Distracted Preacher 01305 267 419 or 07787123927 (www.hardyonline.org)

27 Music for a Summer Afternoon with John Bryden, piano and Calum Robertson, clarinet St Nicholas Church, Abbotsbury, 2.30pm. Presented by Abbotsbury Music Festival and St Nicholas Church, Abbotsbury.

27 Dorset Gardens Trust 2010 Garden Day Chideock Manor, Chideock, Nr Bridport, 10am-5pm. Gardening, craft & specialist plant stalls, lunches and cream teas. Creative flower arranging demonstrations and talks. (www.dorsetgardenstrust.co.uk)

27 Monthly Tea Meeting Bethany Chapel, Coombe Street, Lyme Regis, 4pm. Family service conducted by Exeter Male Voice Praise, followed by a delicious Sunday tea. 01297 443210

27 Stratton Summer Fayre Stratton Village Green & Village Hall, 2pm - 5pm. The Dolphin Marching Band will march through the village and open the Fayre. Races, stalls, tea & cakes and raffle. 01305 263316

28 Dorchester Choral Society - Community Outreach 6.45pm Martinstown , 8pm Loders. 01305 268363

30 The Monmouth Rising Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm John Lello talks about the rebellious townspeople of 17th century Lyme. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

MARINE THEATRE AT A GLANCE	3 June 5 June 10 June 11 June 16 June 18 June 25 June	Dr Phil's Rude Health Show Benny Gallagher Concerts in the West: Le Petit Rien Watermill Theatre: Gulliver's Travels Theatre Friends Quiz Night Mari Wilson's Threesome New Amen Corner Daytime classes & activities including Ballroom Dancing, Pilates and Over 50s Fun & Fitness – for full details 01297 442394 www.marinetheatre.com Marine Theatre Box Office: 01297 442138 (Lyme Regis TIC)
SPECIAL INTEREST	The Dorset County Museum and the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society host a programme of events, including lectures, study days and concerts. Tel: 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org) Sherborne Science Café has a programme of presentations, talks and meetings and provides a forum to discuss all aspects of science. (www.sherbornesciencecafe.co.uk) The Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a programme of walks, talks, workshops, workparties and other wildlife events. Tel: 01305 264620. (www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk) The Sherborne Historical Society organises a programme of lectures by noted historians and summer field trips. Tel: 01963 364075. For details of gardens open under the National Gardens Scheme please pick up a copy of the Dorset Yellow Book from any of our Tourist Information Centres or see (www.ngs.org.uk) There are many other special interest clubs, societies and groups across West Dorset – for a full list see (www.dorsetforyou.com) or contact your local TIC.
JULY	Coming up next month… 02 - 04 July - Lyme Regis Jazz Festival 10 July - Yeovil Air Day 10 July - Yetminster Fair 16 July - Historic Ship Balmoral in Bridport 16-18 July - Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 17 July - Leigh Food 24 - 31 July - Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
	Dorchester TIC, Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Tel: 01305 267992 Bridport TIC, South Street, Bridport. Tel: 01308 424901 Sherborne TIC, Digby Road, Sherborne. Tel: 01935 815341 Lyme Regis TIC, Church Street, Lyme Regis. Tel: 01297 442138		dorchester.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk bridport.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk sherborne.tic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk lymeregis.tic@westdorsset-dc.gov.uk