HIGHLIGHTS	Don’t miss this month… 06-14 Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week (www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk) 07 RNLI Fun Day at West Bay 08 SS Balmoral sailing from West Bay Book at Bridport TIC. (www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk) 14 Pirates Day at West Bay (www.piratesday.co.uk) 14-20 Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art (www.burtonbradstock.org.uk) 20 Bridport Carnival 21 Bridport Carnival Torchlight Procession 25 Melplash Show (www.melplashshow.co.uk) 31-4/9 Great Dorset Steam Fair (www.gdsf.co.uk)
MARKETS & FAIRS	Bridport - Weekly Market in the Town Centre every Wednesday and Saturday, Farmers’ Market 2nd 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 1st 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 2nd Saturday of the month, 10.30am – 12 noon. Homemade produce, bric a brac, plants, crafts, books. Broadmayne - Monthly market in St. Martin’s Community Hall, Broadmayne, 3rd Friday of the month, 2-3.30pm. Raffle, craft, plants, books, jigsaws, cards, local produce, Fair Trade goods. Proceeds to St. Martin’s Community Hall.
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. Town Walks Dorchester – every Monday at 11am - meet at Dorchester Tourist Information Centre. Adults £3, accompanied children free. Tel. Christine McGee 01258 817751. Also every Tuesday at 11am – meet at the Town Pump. Adults £5, children £2 – booking required. Tel. 07773 286197. Lyme Regis – every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 11am – meet outside the Marine Theatre. Adults £7, Children £3.50 – book at the Tourist Information Centre Sherborne – every Friday at 11am. £4. Meet at the Tourist information Centre Ghost Walks Bridport - Meet at Bucky Doo Square, South St, Bridport, Wednesdays at 7.30 pm (June to October). Take a walk back into history, visit the 'haunts' of Bridport 'unquiet dead' Adults £5, Child £2.50 (over 8yrs only) Tel. 07900 941741 (www.thebridportghostwalk.weebly.com) Dorchester - Meet at the Kings Arms Hotel, High West Street, Dorchester 8pm. Adults £5, Children £2. Tel. 07773 286197 Lyme Regis - Ghost Walk of Old Lyme with Carl Salter, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm. Meet at the Lyme Regis Museum. Suitable for all ages. Adutls £3.50, Children £1.50. 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 2.15pm, plus occasional Thursday and Sunday afternoon. Walks last up to one hour, all welcome, free. Tel: 01305 263759 for more information. The Green Tolpuddle Tour Thursdays 26th May – 27th October. Booking essential., Dorchester 07773 286197 Literary Lyme walking tours available throughout the year. Tel: 07763 974569 for details and to book. Mary Anning Walks, Lyme Regis. Explore the paths and streets of Old Lyme as Mary knew them with expert guide Natalie Manifold. Details from Lyme Regis Museum. Tel. 01297 443370. (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk) Marshwood Trails Scheduled and bespoke guided walking and cycling tours in West Dorset. 07796 135256. (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk) Tales of the old Harbour Walking Tour West Bay. Meet outside The George pub, 7.30pm for a walking tour hearing grisly tales of pirates, smugglers and ghosts. 11th August to 22nd Sept. Adults £4, Children (over 8s please) £2. Tel. 07900 941741
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

31/7-7/8 Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Anthony Dover entitled The Mythology of Deception Eype Centre for the Arts, St.Peters Chapel, Eype, 10am-5pm Daily. Free Admission. Refreshments served. Diana Forrest 01297 443135

01-4/9 Exhibition - BackTrack: Histories and Mysteries of our Highways and Byways Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster 01308 863577

01-05 Small Things 2011 Children Workshops Various venues around Bridport. Variety of creative workshops including puppetry, dance, circus and music. 01308 424204 (www.bridport-arts.com)

01-05 Summer Holiday Cricket Club Dorchester YMCA Cricket club for children organised by the YMCA, call for further details. 01305 266467 (email: dorchester-ymca@btconnect.com)

01-05 Holiday Adventure Days Woodberry Down Activity Centre, Lyme Regis, 9am – 4pm. Whole range of fun days available for 8-12 year olds. Additional hours can be booked. To book tel. 01297 444655 (www.woodberrydown.co.uk)

01-21 Sherborne Concertfest Sherborne Abbey and Cheap Street Church. For the 7th year there will be a wonderful series of around 30 quality concerts and recitals, all at nominal cost, given as part of the Sherborne Summer Music School of Music (formerly Canford Summer School). Details available from Sherborne TIC (www.sherbornesummerschoolofmusic.co.uk)

01 Arne at War RSPB Arne Nature Reserve Car Park, 10am -11.30am and 1pm-2.30pm. Free walk – no booking required. 01929 553360

02 Eating Caterpillars Workshop Groves Nurseries, West Bay Road, Bridport, 11am-3pm. Discover the amazing life of butterflies and moths. Free event but please book a place. 01929 406029 (email: kmerry@butterfly-conservation.org)

02 Twelfth Night Millennium Green, Bridport, gates open 7pm. Open air theatre performance by Illyria. Tickets from Bridport Art Centre 01308 424204

02 Music by the Sea Marine Parade Shelter, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Lyme Regis Town Band.

02-06 Exhibition of Works by Professional Local Artists Milton Abbey, Milton Abbas, Blandford DT11 0BZ

03 Dorchester Horticultural Society - Monthly Meeting St Georges Church Hall, Fordington, 7.30pm. Visitors and new members welcome. Speaker Gary Abbott from The Potting Shed.

03 Marshwood Vale Cycle Tour 16 miles. £30 incl. lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

03 Family Activity – Meccano Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10.30am-12.30pm. Build a giant structure. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/events)

03/10/17/24/31 Open Doors 2011 Dorchester Roman Town House (behind County Hall), doors open 2pm - 4pm. Come inside and take a closer a look at the unique mosaic floors. Entry free, donations welcome. 01305 228241 (www.romantownhouse.org)

04 Burton Bradstock Church Fete Rectory Garden, Burton Bradstock, 2pm A traditional village fete with Punch & Judy, cake stall, games, plant sales, silver band, cream teas. This year’s theme is “Country Pastimes”. Admission 50p adults, under 12s free

04 Thorncombe Beacon Walking Tour 6 miles. £15 includes a cream tea. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

04 Family Fossil Day - Jurassic Seafood Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 11am – 3.30pm. Fossil Hunters Paddy Howe, Chris Andrew and Brandon Lennon are in the museum all day to talk about the small invertebrate fossils. Come to the rock-splitting sessions and see how fossils are hidden within stones. Cut and polish ammonite to keep. There will be impressive fossils on dispay including spectacular finds made earlier this year. Handle fossils, ask questions and bring your own fossils for identification. Free admission. 01297 443370 (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

05-09 Arts & Crafts Show Bovington Middle School, BH20 6NU (Nr Wool) 10am-5pm (Tuesday 4pm). Demonstrations, crafts, stalls, photography, workshops, have-a-go, fine art & café. 10am - 5pm Adults £4, Seniors £3.50, Families £9 01202 553113 (www.dorsetartsandcrafts.org) (email: pador.newsome@btconnect.com)

06 Dance - Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Uplyme Village Hall, Uplyme, Near Lyme Regis, 8-11pm. Everyone welcome. £4

06 St Swithuns Band Bucky Doo Square, Bridport Town Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm

06 Loders Fete Loders Court, Nr Bridport Traditional country fete

06 Fete at St. Laurence Church Upway, 11am – 3pm. Books, bric-a-brac, produce, plants, games, raffle. In aid of church funds.

06 Frampton Annual Cross-River Tug of War. Frampton, 6pm for prompt 7pm start. Bar & barbeque. General enquiries Ken Harris 01300 420413 or if you want a pul tel. John Loving 01300 320798.

06 Build a Bug Hotel RSPB Arne Nature Reserve Car Park, 10am – 3pm. Help build Arne’s second hotel for creepy crawlies, using all sorts of materials from straw to bricks, to logs and plants. Free. 01929 553360

06 Barnardo’s Bumper Bargain Bonanza The Salt House, West Bay, 10am – 4pm. New-to-you clothing, books, bric-a-brac etc

06 Free Taster Session – Bowls St. Andrews House, St. Andrews Trading Estate, Bridport. 10am – 2pm. Bridport Indoor Bowls Club invite you to have a go! Qualified coaches to support you. All equipment provided. 01308 420732

06 Bride Valley Cycle Tour 24 miles. £30 including lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

06-14 Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week Various venues throughout the town. A week of events and activities around the town. Full programme of events on sale at the TIC 01297 442220 (www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk)

07 RNLI Fun Day at West Bay West Bay, Bridport, 1pm-5pm. Stalls and games on the green outside the George Hotel, cream teas in the Salt House, and weather & operational duties permitting there will be a Rescue at Sea display just outside the harbour. Boat rides also available. All in aid of the RNLI. 01308 424512

07 Fluke Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm

07 Organ Recital and Cream Tea St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 3pm. Graham Davies plays Couperin, Bach, Buxtehude. No need to book, retiring collection. 01305 250528 or 01297 445709

07 A Service for Lammas Causeway Farm, Blackdown, nr Beaminster, 11am, followed by lunch at 12.30pm. Lunches £7 adult / £4 child. 01460 30362/30661

07 Archaeological Walk - Eggardon Hillfort Meet in the lay-by at the crossroads opposite the hillfort. Grid Ref: 546 945, 10.30am. Price: Adult-£5 Child-£2 (Under 16). Telephone/Text: 07768695162 or just turn up! (www.ccavate.blogspot.com)

07 Village Flower Show Frampton Village Hall. Cream Teas will be served from 3pm. 01300 320666

07 Summer Swing Ware House, Ware Lane, Lyme Regis. Performance by The 3 Counties Swing Band in aid of the Lyme Regis Organ Appeal. Bring your picnic from 6pm, band at 7pm. Tickets £10, children £5 from Lyme Regis TIC.

07 Symonsbury Walking Tour 5 miles. £15 includes cream tea. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

07 Roary the Racing Car and Big Chris at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. (www.haynesmotormusuem.com) 01963 440804

08 The SS Balmoral sailing from West Bay This year the Balmoral will sail from Bridport at 2pm on Monday 8th August for a cruise along England’s first World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast. For the first time Balmoral will be sailing westwards around Lyme Bay before sailing East around Portland Bill to Weymouth, where coaches will be waiting to take passengers back to West Bay by 8.15pm. Book at Bridport TIC. (www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk)

08 Morris Dancing with Treacle Eater Clog Rampisham Village at 8pm followed by Fox and Hounds, Cattistock at 9pm. With Bordering on Morris. Jenny 01963 210562 or Janet 01935 823977 (www.treacleeaterclog.org.uk)

09 Music by the Sea Marine Parade Shelter, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Lyme Regis Town Band.

09 Eggardon Hill Walking Tour 7 miles. £20 includes dinner. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

09-11 Children’s Fun & Activities The Salt House, West Bay. With the Jurassic Coast team. Free event. 01308 424901

10 D'Arcy Trinkwon St Michaels Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Renowned for his dedication to the organ as a concert instrument, his performances have stunned audiences worldwide. Tickets - £10, £8, £5 from Lyme RegisTIC 01297 442138

10 Family Activity – Elastic Power! Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10.30am-12.30pm. Use elastic bands to make things move. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/events)

11 Marshwood Vale Cycle Tour 21 miles. £30 includes lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

11 Family Fossil Day - Jurrasic Sea Dragons Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 11am – 3.30pm. Paddy Howe and Chris Andrew are back in the museum all day to discuss giant marine vertebrates - plesiosaurus, ichthyosaurus, sharks and fish. See the museum’s impressive fossils and the personal collections of Paddy and Chris, including extremely rare ichthyosaurus breviceps discovered recently on the beach at Lyme. Free admission. 01297 443370 (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

11 U3A Coffee and Jurassic Coast Talk by Professor Denys Brunsden Charmouth Village Hall, coffee 10am, talk 11am

11 & 12 Open Air Cinema Under The Stars Lulworth Castle & Park, Lulworth 11th Aug Pirates of the Caribbean, doors 6pm starts 8.30pm. 12th The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Tickets £6.50 - £9 from (www.whereisthenomad.com). Licensed bar and fish & chips available on site or bring a picnic. Fancy dress prizes.

12-14 Coach and Horses Cider Festival Coach and Horses, South Perrott Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3HS. 01935 891270

13 Dorset Wildlife Trust 50th Anniversary Celebration Barn Dance Herrison Hall, Charlton Down, 7.30pm-11pm. Well-known Midlands English ceilidh Band Fish'n'Taters with caller Lynne Render will be playing to raise money for the DWT Jubille Appeal. All ages welcome and no experience necessary. Bar, bring food to share for an 'American Supper'. Advance Tickets £10 (£5 children 5-16years) 01929 480737 or 07710 099844 (email: helen.earwicker@brinternet.com)

13 Vinyl Saturday in Bridport 10am – 3pm. Now an established quarterly event, which brings hundreds of music fans to Bridport for an event which combines a record and cd fair (at the Ropemakers pub and The Conservative Club) with the additional fun of also searching the many shops and street market stalls also selling records and cds. 07882 392508 (www.vinylsaturday.co.uk)

13 Concert at Mapperton : Steven Isserlis Mapperton Gardens, Nr Beaminster, 7.15pm. In aid of Recovery Road and Dorset County Museum. Performance includes Bach’s Suite No.3, Britten’s Third Suite and Vine’s Inner World. Gardens open for picnics at 5.30pm (bring rugs/chairs/picnics), drinks in front courtyard at 6.30pm, concert starts in All Saints Church at 7.15pm. Tickets £30 (limited to 80) 01308 862645

13 South Perrott Flower Festival St Mary's Church, South Perrott, Beaminster 2pm - 5pm 01935 891224

13 Durnovaria Silver Band Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm

13 Prize Bingo Frampton Village Hall. Eyes down 7.30pm. Raffle – refreshments in aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

13 Powerstock Cycle Tour 17 miles. £30 includes lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

13-14 Dalek Invasion Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton. An army of Daleks and their evil friends plus Dr Who celebrities descend on the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Children encouraged to come in costume! 01935 840565 (www.fleetairarum.com)

14 South Perrott Village Open Day South Perrott, Beaminster, 11am - 4.30pm 01935 891224

14 Shaston Jazz & Swing Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 2.30pm

14 Piano Recital and Cream Tea St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 3pm. Polina Gerasimenko plays Schumann, Ravel, Prokofiev. No need to book, retiring collection. 01305 250528 or 01297 445709

14 Ramblers Walk via Melplash and Mangerton Bradpole Village Hall (opp Church), Bridport GR481944, meet at 10.30am for a 10 mile walk. Contact leader to confirm details. 01935 473951

14 Cream Teas Frampton Village Hall. In aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance from 3pm. 01300 320666

14 Pirates Day in West Bay 12pm – 5pm. A pirate themed family event with pirate games, Lyme Regis “Pirate” majorettes performing at 3pm, morris dancing, best dressed pirate competition at 4pm, cream teas, refreshments, charity stalls, face painting, tombola, walk the plank, hook a duck, treasure chest/lucky dip, roaming “real” pirates and lots more fun. All proceeds to children’s charities including Julia’s House, the Dorset Children’s Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital. 01308 459854 (www.piratesday.co.uk)

14 Spider Sunday RSPB Arne Nature Reserve Car Park, 2pm-4.30pm. An introduction to the many spiders of Arne, looking at a wide variety with naturalist Tony Sheridan. Free. No booking required. 01929 553360

14 Abbotsbury Walking Tour 6 miles. £15 includes cream tea. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

14 Mega Monster Madness with Drifting & Dream Car Rides Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. (www.haynesmotormuseum.com) 01963 440804

14-20 Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art St. Mary’s Church, Village Hall and Norburton Hall. Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art celebrates its 30 th Anniversary with a superb series of recitals, concerts and exhibitions. Further details avilable from (www.burtonbradstock.org.uk) 01308 897487

14/28 Cream Tea & Poetry The Old Tea House, 44 High West Street, DT1 1UT, 4pm – 5.30pm. Beth Blake, Debbie & Derrick Dalley invite you to Cream Tea and Poetry on Sundays second and last of every month. £8.00 per person 01305 267293

15 Morris Dancing with Treacle Eater Clog Gaggle of Geese, Buckland Newton 8pm. With Moonshine. Jenny 01963 210562 or Janet 01935 823977 (www.treacleeaterclog.org.uk)

15 Wessex Morris Men - Pip's Tour The Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis at 7.30m and The Sea Front, Lyme Regis from 8.15pm. (www.wessexmorrismen.co.uk)

15 St Swithuns Band Promenade, West Bay 7pm

16 Festival of British Archaeology (16 - 31st Aug) Eggardon - Shatcombe Lane Road - side parking area DT2 0DS SY548948, 6.30pm. Discover a prehistoric hillfort and landscape with Claire Pinder of DCC. 1 1/2 hours, some slopes. 01305 224921 (email: c.j.pinder@dorsetcc.gov.uk)

16 Music by the Sea Marine Parade Shelter, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Lyme Regis Town Band.

16 Marshwood Vale Cycle Tour 16 miles. £30 includes lunch More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

16 An Evening of Antiques Leweston School, Nr Sherborne, 7pm. With Richard Bromell of Charterhouse Antique Auctions and featuring a light-hearted quiz. Tickets £10 incl. a finger buffet. In aid of St. James Church heating fund.

17 Jazz at The Three Compasses - Jam Night The Three Compasses Inn, The Square, Charminster, DT2 9QT, 8.30pm. Resident Jazz trio - all musicians and audience welcome. Free admission 01305 263618

17 Chedington Guided Walk 6pm. Telephone for details 01935 891224

17 Family Activity – Crazy Colour Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10.30am-12.30pm. Make a fantastic kaleidoscope. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/events)

17 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Show Turnpike Showground, Motcombe. Advance tickets available from Sherborne TIC. (www.gillshaftshow.co.uk) Free bus service to the show leaves Sherborne 9.15am, return bus leaves the show at 4.15pm.

18 Smugglers Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Thea Hawkesworth presents the facts about smuggling in the West Country in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Small fishing communities supplemented their incomes this way, and famous local smugglers such as Jack Rattenbury made their living transporting contaband. Lively true stories for all ages. 01297 443370 (www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk)

18 Golden Cap Walking Tour 6 miles. £15 includes cream tea. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

18-27 The Dorchester Art Club Summer Open Exhibition Corn Exchange, Dorchester, open 10am - 5pm daily except Sunday. Closes at 12 noon on the last day. Free admission. Pam Patrick 01305 263251

19 Rockpooling Meet at Lyme Regis Museum at 3pm to explore rock pools with experts Paddy Howe and Chris Andrew.

19 Festival of British Archaeology (16 - 31st Aug) Osmington White Horse, 2pm. A walk from Osmington Village up to the White Horse to see details of it's construction and ongoing restoration project with John Hayes of Dorset Countryside Service and Steve Wallis of DCC. 3 miles 2 1/2 hours a very steep climb. Osmington Village DT3 6HN SY 724 828. 01305 224921 (email: c.j.pinder@dorsetcc.gov.uk)

20 Dance - Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Uplyme Village Hall, Uplyme, Near Lyme Regis, 8-11pm. Everyone welcome. £4 per person including tea and biscuits.

20 Books, Coffee & Cake Moreton Village Hall, DT2 8RF, 10am - 12 noon. Huge selection of as new books for just 25p a book. Home made cake & coffee/tea. Donation of books always welcome. Maeve Sexty 01929 463221

20 Bridport Carnival Town Centre, Bridport. Bridport Carnival is a highlight of the town’s calendar and includes a grand procession held on the third Saturday in August plus a carnival fete and a fun fair at Asker Meadows as well as the traditional Sunday evening torchlight parade from Bridport to West Bay. Carnival procession starts at 7.30pm from St. Swithuns Road, and will be followed by dancing from 9-11pm in South Street to Midlife Crisis. (www.bridportcarnival.co.uk)

20 Antelope Walk Charity Day Antelope Walk, Dorchester, 9am – 5pm. Lots of demonstrations and events raising funds for the Mammography machine appeal for the Dorset County Hospital. (email: david.dorchester@gmail.com)

20 Powerstock Cycle Tour 17 miles. £30 includes lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

21 Bridport Carnival Torchlight Procession Bridport’s famous Torchlight Procession makes it’s way from Bucky Doo Square in the centre of town down to West Bay where the traditional fireworks and bonfire take place. Torches may be purchased from 6.30pm and the procession begins around 9pm. (www.bridportcarnival.co.uk) 07836 516763

21 Buckham Fair Pony & Dog Show Buckham Farm, Beaminster Down, Beaminster, 10am. A lovely annual event held in aid of local charity, with separate classes for both dogs and ponies. Full details available from Bridport TIC or the organisers 01308 427973 / 0777 5690107 (www.buckhamfair.co.uk)

21 A Help A Friend Fundraiser Borough Gardens, Dorchester, 10am - 7pm. Featuring Tom Caulfield, Gordon's Alive, Jigsaw, Kipper, On The Fiddle

21 Saxophone and Organ Recital St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 3pm. Alison Davies and Alex Davies play Bach, Wood, Morriconi, Ives, Ligeti. No need to book, retiring collection. 01305 250528 or 01297 445709

21 Cream Teas Frampton Village Hall. Aid of St. Mary’s Church – from 3pm. 01300 320666

21 AsOne Theatre presents She Opened the Door Max Gate Garden, Allington Avenue, Dorchester. A performance in its real setting. Bring rugs, cushions or low chairs. Doors open 2pm, performance at 3pm. Optional cream teas available. Tel. 07826 890940 01305 835541 (www.asone-dorset.co.uk)

21 Thorncombe Beacon Walking Tour 6 miles. £15 includes cream tea. More details 07796 135256

21 Haynes Motorcycle Show in association with Bikesafe Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. 01963 440804 (www.haynesmotormuseum.com)

22 Wessex Morris Men - Colin's Tour Fox and Hounds, Cattistock, DT2 0JH at 7.30pm, The Greyhound Inn, Sydling St Nicholas, DT2 9PD 8.15pm and Three Compasses, Charminster, DT2 9QT from 9pm. (www.wessexmorrismen.co.uk)

23 Music by the Sea Marine Parade Shelter, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Lyme Regis Town Band.

23 Golden Cap Walking Tour 5 miles. £15 includes tea and cake. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

24 Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Talk - A Miscellany of Bulbs Uplyme Village Hall, Uplyme, Near Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Bulbs throughout the year, with Roger Stickey. 01297 444034

24 Dorset Wine Society The Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3GW £30 per person to include wine, canapes on arrival. 8 - 10 wines will be presented, with the evening focused on the understanding and enjoyment of wine. A two course supper with wine will be served after the tasting. Advance Booking required 01308 427500 (www.palmerswinestore.com)

24 Festival of British Archaeology (16 - 31st Aug) Starts at St. Candida’s Church, Whitchurch Canonicorum, 2pm. A West Dorset Pilgrimage. A car tour of two West Dorset churches with Gordon Le Pard of DCC. Whitchurch Canonicorum with it's wonderful tower and the unique shrine of Saint Wite, then onto Monkton Wyld. A car tour with very little walking involved. 1 1/2 hours. 01305 224921 (email: c.j.pinder@dorsetcc.gov.uk)

24 Pirates of Penzance Millennium Green, Bridport, gates open 6.30pm. Open air theatre performance by Illyria. Tickets from Bridport Art Centre 01308 424204

24 Family Activity – Meccano II Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10.30am-12.30pm. Build a giant structure. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/events)

25 Melplash Show West Bay Road, Bridport The best of agricultural and rural life by the sea. Tickets in advance adults £10, children £4 (one child admitted free with each adult ticket) - available from Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme & Sherborne TICs. Tickets on the gate £12, child £5. Free shuttle bus from Lyme, Charmouth & Bridport. Jamie Squibb Freestyle Motocross stunt show. Bob Hogg sheepdog and duck display. (www.melplashshow.co.uk)

26 Palmers Wine Society Palmers Brewery, West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4JA Tickets £12.50 per person includes wine and canapes. 8 - 10 wines presented with the evening focused on the understanding and enjoyment of wine. Advance booking required.01308 427500 (www.palmerswinestore.com)

26 The New Hardy Players Tess of The D'urbervilles Athelhampton House, Nr Dorchester, 7pm. Tickets £12.50. Gates open from 5.30pm. Athelhampton House season ticket holders £9. Bring a picnic/ low back chair/ blanket. 30 minute interval at 8pm. Parking on site. 01305 848363 (www.hardyonline.org). (email: newhardyplayers@gmail.com)

26-28 French Market South Street, Dorchester, 9am – 5pm. 01305 250808

26-28 Maurice Hannam Cider Festival The Acorn Inn, Evershot. Friday: Fish & chip supper, quiz and silent auction; Saturday: Lots of local cider, hog roast and two bands in the evening (Skimmity Hitchers and The Wishbones); Sunday: Gundog displays, ferret facing, apple cake baking competition, silent auction, classic tractors and more. 01935 83228

26-29 Milton Abbey Music Festival Milton Abbey, Milton Abbas, Blandford DT11 0BZ 01929 406170 (email: emma.dorey@hotmail.co.uk)

27 Anonymous 11 - Dorchester's Youth Festival Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, 12 noon - 9pm

27 Legends Return to Lyme – the Mods Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, 8pm.

27 Bride Valley Cycle Tour 30 miles. £35 includes lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

27-29 Giant Garden Games on the lawn Forde Abbey

28 Bridport Vintage Market St Michael's Art & Vintage Quarter, Bridport DT6 3RR, 12pm – 4pm. Bridport's Vintage Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month - lots of stalls, music and café. 07879 051362 (www.oldalbion.co.uk)

28 Fossil Roadshow Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth. Join the Warden Team and learn more about how Charmouth and the coast have changed over the last 200 million years. Booking essential. 10.30am-4.30pm 01297 560772 (www.charmouth.org)

28 Vintage Vehicle Rally Sherborne School Quadrangle

28 Dorchester Love Parade Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, 12pm - 9pm. 12 noon Parade starts at the Pump in South Street. A family day celebrating diversity. Roman Theme. Stalls, local groups, real ale tent, food & live music. Sponsored by Café Jagos 07870 805404 (email: loveparade2011@hotmail.co.uk)

28 Cream Teas Frampton Village Hall. In aid of British Red Cross (Centenary year) from 3pm. 01300 320666

28 Eggardon Hill Walking Tour 7 miles. £20 includes dinner. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

29 Five Church Fete Athelhampton House & Gardens, 12-3pm. Lots of stalls plus ferret racing, pony rides, duck race on the Piddle, beer tent, barbecue and music from Memory Lane Swing Band. All proceeds to the churches of Puddletown, Tolpuddle, Milboren St. Andrew, Dewlish and St. Edwards Greek Orthodox Church. 01258 839190 (email: puddletownadmin@fsmail.net)

29 Rowathon on the slipway, Lyme Regis by the Atlantic Challenge Team, 9am-7pm (on rowing machines!)

29 Music in Maumbury Rings Dorchester, 1.30pm - 10pm featuring Bag of Rats, BB Hall Band, Ben Waters Band, Crying Out Loud, Girl Toyz, Lewis & The Skaramangas.

29 Wessex Morris Men - Alan T's Tour Ilchester Arms, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JR at 12pm, , The Bull Inn, Swyre, DT2 9BZ at 1pm Bridport Arms Hotel, West Bay, DT6 4EN at 3pm and finally The Anchor Inn, Seatown, DT6 6JU from 5pm. (www.wessexmorrismen.co.uk)

29 Whitchurch, Morcombelake & Ryall Flower and Dog Show Whitchurch Village Hall, 2-5pm. 01297 489083/489330

29 Italian Job Stunt Show with Drifting & Dream Car Rides Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford. 01963 440804 (www.haynesmotormuseum.com)

29 Bank Holiday Organ Recital Sherborne Abbey, 2.30pm. Recital by John Keys 01935 812452 (www.sherborneabbey.com)

30 Owermoigne Flower Club - " A Garden Of Dreams " Hardye's School Theatre, Dorchester DT1 2HT, 2pm. By National Demonstrator Derek Armstrong. Tickets £10. Jan Lightfoot 01305 851920 & Ruth Harvey 01305 852 526

30 Music by the Sea Marine Parade Shelter, Lyme Regis, 8pm. Lyme Regis Town Band.

30 Bride Valley Cycle Tour 24 miles. £30 includes lunch. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

31 Planning Lyme’s Future The Guildhall, Lyme Regis, 7pm. Lyme Forward and Lyme Regis Town Council want to hear your views on the Environment and Housing in Lyme Regis. Help set priorities for the next 2-3 years.

31 Abbotsbury Walking Tour 6 miles. £15 includes cream tea. More details 07796 135256 (www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk)

31 Family Activity – Make Some Noise Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, 10.30am-12.30pm. Create your own fooball rattle or bird scarer. 01305 262735 (www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/events)

31-4/9 Great Dorset Steam Fair South Down, Tarrant Hinton, Nr Blandford, DT11 8HX Adult - £14 OAP £13 Child £7 Sunday Adult/OAP £10 A 5 day family show. Gates open 8am. Show closes 3pm Sunday 4th. Tickets available from West Dorset TICs (www.gdsf.co.uk)

MARINE THEATRE LYME REGIS	15-20 August 22-26 August 26-29 August 27 Aug - 4 Sept   1/8/15 September	Shanty Summer School – Training Cadets Camp Shanty Summer School – Training Officers Camp Shanty Summer School for adults Shanty Theatre Company present “The Mysterious and Fantastical Wartime Tale of the Salty Socks of Dunkirk Theatre Friends Quiz Night at 7pm. Fundraiser for the Marine Theatre 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)
ELECTRIC PALACE BRIDPORT	05 August   18 August 19 August 26 August 27 August 02 September 10 September	Sublime Folk with Maurice Dickson, Catherine Ashcroft & Stompin Dave, doors open 7pm. Tickets £10 The Producers, doors open 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50 Guitar Anthems, doors open 7pm. Tickets £12.50 The Rollin’ Stoned – Tribute Band. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £10 Mr Scruff DJ Night 18+. 8pm-1am. Tickets £10.50 Secret Sisters £10 Jacqui Dankworth Quartet £17 www.electricpalace.org.uk Electric Palace Box Office: 01308 424901 (Bridport TIC)
COUNTRY WORKSHOPS	Highway Farm, Bridport (www.highwayfarm.co.uk) 01308 424321. Local artists and craftspeople share their skills at one and two day workshops including willow sculptures, hazelwood garden furniture, watercolour painting and many more. Small groups, booking essential. Gift vouchers available. Kingcombe Environmental Studies Centre, Toller Porcorum (www.kincombe.org). Natural history, wildlife, archaeology and art and craft courses run all year. Booking essential. Gift vouchers available. Mallinson Woodland Workshop, Holditch (www.mallinson.co.uk). A wide range of two and five day courses, April-November, including carving a bowl, green woodworking, pottery, chair making and more. Also offer one day children’s courses suitable for ages 8 and up. Gift vouchers available. Booking essential. The Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a programme of walks, talks, workshops, workparties and other wildlife events. Tel: 01305 264620. (www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk) Monkton Wyld Court runs a programme of walks, talks, workshops and courses and other countryside events. Tel: 01297 560342. (www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk) The Bodger’s Barn, Near Bridport. Green woodwork courses throughout the year - short courses and evening classes, all small groups. Also workshop sessions for groups including special needs. Tel. 01308 425455 (www.brightwater.org.uk) Arty Crafty Workshops – Cake Decoration, Textiles and Creative Crafts. Contact Dennie Rose for details of this month’s workshops 01308 459100 (www.dennierose.co.uk) Marilyn Allis water colour artist. (www.marilynallis.co.uk) (email: info@marilynallis.co.uk) Tel: 07789 026546
	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 *