What's on in and around the Vale
Coast and Countryside Events
January 2008

Until 24 December
Festive Dorset Events Held Throughout Dorset.
Part art fair, part farmer's market, Festive Dorset is all about supporting local makers and producers and encouraging people to shop locally for Christmas., Programme of markets, exhibitions in unconventional venues, food tastings, seasonal music and even a village feast. Contact the project co-ordinator on 01747 838495 or email emma-mauger@beeb.net

Friday 21
Tom Toomey performs 9pm at The Nags Head, 32 Silver St, Lyme Regis, 01297 234229.

Fri 21 - Mon 24
Hawkchurch Annual Christmas Festival in the Parish Church from 2pm-6pm. Ring Jean Ransford 01297-678285 for entry forms or other details. .

Saturday 22
Christmas Concert with the Gallery Quire and Jeffery Fraser at the organ. 7.30pm. At the museum. Tickets at Yarn Barton.

Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction, Yeovil
Gates open 10.30am - 4pm. 01935 478373. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com.

Honiton High Street market. 9am - 4pm.

Sunday 23
East Devon Ramblers Walk A circular walk to Coxe's Cliff. From Branscombe Village Hall (SY197887). 9.5 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01297 22030.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Christmas Walk Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth. Wear a Christmas hat and get a free film show entry. Starts 10.30am. 01297 560772. www.charmouth.org.

Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre Yeovil Junction, Yeovil. 10.30am - 4pm. 01935 478373. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com.

Chase the Pudding, Weymouth Beach. 5km run. Registration forms and further details contact Mr Steen on 07752 902080.

Monday 24
Honiton Christmas Eve street market. 9am - 4pm. Contact Terry Fairbrother 01404 43280.

Tuesday 25
Lions Club Christmas Day Harbour Swim Weymouth. At 11am, Charity swim event. Festive fun for all the family. Contact Charlie Sheppard, Events Officer, Tourism and Leisure Services. 01305 838558.

Wednesday 26
Boxing Day Fossil Hunting Walk
Meet at Charmouth Sea Front, Under the flag pole, Charmouth. Join Chris to work off that turkey dinner, escape the Christmas TV and blow the cobwebs away on Boxing Day. A two hour walk and talk to find fossils, suitable for all the family. All welcome, no booking required. Leaves 11am., 0845 094 3757. www.fossilwalks.com.

4th. Annual West Bay Wallow. A charity fancy dress swim off the East Beach at midday. There will be a public collection for West Dorset CLIC Sargent- caring for children with cancer. Details from 01308 458045.

Thursday 27
Sunray Folk Club Carols Galore 8.15pm, at Broadmayne Village Hall. Contact Bob Kirkpartrick. 07786 654 074.

Fri 28 Dec - Tues 1 Jan 2008
ALICE! Lyme Regis
Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis. BOF Productions present ALICE!, take an hilarious trip in Wonderland and through the looking glass. A play with music, suitable for all the family. Six performances: 28th - 7:30pm; 29th 29th 3:00pm; 30th & 1st 3:00pm & 7:30pm, 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com.

Saturday 29
Sherborne Book Fair
Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Quarterly book fair. Open 10am to 4pm. 01935 850210. www.pbfa.org.

South Somerset Peace Group Silent Vigil Crewkerne Victoria Hall. 11-12 noon. Seasonal Circuit Charity Walk Weymouth Seafront. Mens sponsored walk, starting at 8 am. For further information, sponsorship forms etc contact Weldmar Hospice on Tel: 01305 215315. Website: www.weld-hospice.org.uk. Weymouth Tourist Information Centre 01305 785747.

Sunday 30
Axminster Town Council Conducted Walk Kilmington, 4 miles. Meet Kilmington Village Hall Car Park. 10.30am. Further details from 01297 34444 or jvw@tiscali.co.uk.

East Devon Ramblers Walk heathland walk.
From Aylesbeare (Joney's Cross) CP (SY057897). 7 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01395 597477.

South Somerset Ramblers starting 10.30am from Petters Way Car Park, Yeovil. 5 miles across Wyndham Hill and past the Jack the Treacle Eater folly. Contact Derek Lucas 01935 426842.

Monday 31 December
New Year's Eve Festivities with local musicians. A party night not to be missed! Petherton Arts Trust. The David Hall. 01460 240340.

New Years Eve Fancy Dress Revelry - Weymouth Town Centre, Join over 20,000 revellers in Britain's biggest New Years Eve Fancy Dress Party throughout the Town Centre and Harbourside. Weymouth Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747.

Tom Toomey performs at 9pm at the Masons Arms, 41 Lower Odcombe, Yeovil. 01935 862591. Tickets only.
Yetties New Year Party Digby Hall, Sherborne.
Annual New Year's eve knees up. Please bring your own food (but not booze as there is a well stocked bar). Starts 8pm.. 01935 814611. www.theyetties.co.uk.

Tuesday 1 January
The second annual Lyme Lunge. A fancy dress charity swim off Sand Beach at Lyme at 13.30. There will be a public collection for West Dorset CLIC Sargent- caring for children with cancer. Details from 01308 458045.

Babylon Morris of Corscombe will be dancing and performing a mummers' play at the following venues on New Year's Day 2008:

Beaminster Town Square 11am: The White Lion, Broadwindsor 12 noon: The Hare and Hounds, Waytown 1pm. With the Treacle Eater North West Clog Dance team. During the Winter months (September to April) the team practice every Monday evening (7.30-9.30 pm) at Preston School Monks Dale, Yeovil. New members are always welcome - Male or Female, Dancers or Musicians. Do come along or contact the Secretary - Tel: 01460 72162, or email secretary@treacleeaterclog.org.uk.

New Year's Day Walk
Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum Nr. Dorchester. A leisurely walk in the beautiful West Dorset Countryside (approx. 8 miles), leaving the Centre at 10.30am and returning for tea at 3.30 - 4pm. Bring a packed lunch. 01305 320684.
www.kingcombe-centre.demon.co.uk.

Wednesday 2
Marine Theatre Quiz night Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis. The Theatre Friends hold a quiz night every month to raise funds for the theatre. Prizes, refreshments, licensed bar. Come along and have fun and support your local theatre. 7:30pm, 01297 442394. www.marinetheatre.com.

Ottery & District Men's Forum Meeting At the Institute Yonder Street. Speaker Mr D Baldock, 'Spring in the Welsh Border'. 3.00pm.

Thursday 3
Fossil Walk the first walk of 2008, starting at 10am from the Crab House Cafe at Ferrybridge (grid ref SY666763). Take a glimpse into the past by finding fossils along the Fleet Shore. For more information contact the Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 760579 or www.chesilbeach.org.

Bridport Electronic Organ Club David Last. 7 for 7.30pm, Bridport United Church Hall, East St. Visitors welcome. Hon Secretary Neil Rutter 01297 20861.

Chard Guildhall Antiques & Collectors Fair- Every Thursday 8 am - 2 pm - A thriving fair with a good mix of regular and casual stallholders. Offering a fantastic range of good quality products.Including jewellery, books, watches, clocks, china, silver and much much more. New stallholders always welcome - please contact 01460 65282 for more information.

Pub Carols at the White Lion, Broadwindsor from 8pm. Beaminster Gallery Quire sing and play traditional village carols - not the usual ones that everybody knows backwards! Words and music provided.

Clapton & Wayford Film Society present The Last King of Scotland. 7.30pm refreshments for 8pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall, just off the Lyme Road in Clapton (from Crewkerne first right past Lily Court). Contact Mike Wilson 01460 74849, Steve Ireland 01460 76705 or Marilyn Ashby 01460 77062.

New Year wildlife walk at Lodmoor 9am - 11am . Getting out and about watching wildlife sounds like a great New Year's resolution so wrap up warm and join us for a gentle stroll to look at the winter bird life of the reserve. If it is a calm day, bearded tits may be on show Meet at the main reserve entrance off the A353 Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset. Parking is available at the pay & display beach car park. 01305 778313.

Friday 4
Lyme Bay Photographic Club 'The Undercliff' A presentation by Donald Campbell. Visitors welcome. 7pm Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis. Contact Programme Secretary Ian Bolton on 01297 442288.

Wake up to the New Year with Pete House's
Dorchester Trinity Club, Trinity Street, Dorchester. Charity Country and Western night. Live music from Ridgeway Country. Starts at 8pm. 01305 269095.

East Devon Ramblers Walk from Colaton Raleigh Church (SY082872), 5 miles. Starts 10am. Please confirm details with organiser on 01395 514542.

Saturday 5
Jumble sale Uplyme village hall. 2pm,
in aid of hall funds 01297 631919 for local collections.

Point-to-Point Army, First race 12 noon. Larkhill, nr Amesbury, Wilts. Secretary Mrs S Vickery. 01980 655445.

Ring of Fire - Lyme Regis Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis. Johnny Cash tribute - Ring of Fire, pays tribute to the career of Johnny Cash from the early music through to modern classsics. Commences 8:30pm, 01297 442138. www.marinetheatre.com.

Tuesday 8
Bridport Film Society After the Wedding. Bridport Arts Centre. Doors 7pm, Film 7.45pm. Members Only. www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk or contact Clare Glazebroook 01308 488224 or Penny Laurence 01308 422730 for membership details.

Beaminster & District Camera Club Altered Image Competition, Judge Carole Hewer ARPS also Knockout Trophy Competition judged by members. 7.30pm The Strode Room, Church Street, Beaminster. Contact Hon. Secretary Harry Worthington 01308 862453. Visitors welcome.

Bridport History Society an illustrated talk 'Two Days One Summer' by Elizabeth Buckler Gale, about her book. 2.30pm, Bridport United Church, Main Hall, East St, All welcome. Contact 01308 488034 or 456876 for details.

Active Art Great daytime opportunities for life drawing, painting, sculpture and collage supervised by John Meaker. Please bring your own materials. There are long, medium and short pose sessions scheduled. Sessions 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3pm. Some sessions are for schools only, please call Bridport Art Centre for details 01308 424204.

Wednesday 9
Charmouth Gardeners lecture at 2.30pm, Charmouth Village Hall. Speaker Stephen Griffith - Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - 'Past, Present and Future.' Contact the secretary Mrs Kay Churchman 01297 560980.

Bridport Camera Club 7.30-9.30pm, The Salt House, West Bay
Bridport Camera Club Competition No.3: Characters, Judge: Richard Vale
For more information please call 01308 459443 or check www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.

Dorset Natural History and Archeological Society Geology lecture: Dr Jim Chandler, Loughborough University 'The Black Ven landslides and aboriginal rock-art: is there a connection? How did the slide evolve?'. 6.30pm, Dorset County Museum.

South Somerset Homes Information Day This event is held at The Guildhall Chard doors open 12am and the event closes at 19.00pm

East Devon Ramblers Walk up the hill and back along the Yarty. From Kilmington Common (SY266984) 8.5 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01297 23045.

Devonshire Association (Axe Valley Branch) Illustrated talk 'From the Carthorse to Computer' by Colin Pady, an East Devon Farmer, at Colyton Sports Centre, Coly Road, Colyton. 2.30pm. All Welcome. Information 01297 678529.

Bridport Camera Club
Competition No.3: Characters, Judge: Richard Vale. 7.30-9.30pm, The Salt House, West Bay, Bridport. New members and visitors welcome - for more information: Tel: 01308 459443 or www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.

Thursday 10
Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall Hound Street Sherborne. Fortnightly lectures, commence 8pm. New members are welcome and may join at a meeting or by telephoning Brian Scott on 01963 364075. Visitors welcome on payment of a fee, 01963 364075.

Thorncombe Village Trust 'The Role of Fungi in the Environment'. Talk by Michael Jordon. 7.30pm Thorncombe Village Hall (nr Chard) 01460 30205.

East Coker Gardening Club Bonnie Sartin of The Yetties talks about 'Dorset my Dorset'. 7.30pm East Coker Hall. Enquiries to the Secretary, Catherine Denney on 01935 862294 or the Treasurer, Stan Shayler on 01935 420291.

Friday 11
KVPA Meeting Talk by Nick Rigden on Plant Hunters in Kilmington Village Hall 7.30 pm.
The New Hardy Players A life of Three Strands. Athelhampton Hall Athelhampton, near Dorchester. Supported by The Thomas Hardy Society. Doors open at 6pm for 6.30pm supper. 01305 251501.

East Devon Ramblers Walk Leisurely Friday morning walk. From Wheathill plantation (SY041847). 5 miles. Starts 10am. Please confirm details with organiser on 01395 279571.

The Mayor's Charity Dance Night, Chard Guildhall, in aid of Chard and Tatworth First Responders. Dance to the sounds of the 50's and 60's with old Dogz and New Trix and also enjoy the country music of Free Flight, Doors open 7pm music starts 7.30pm Tickets on sale in the Tourist Information Centre 01460 65710 or phone Nanette Wale on 01460 65190.

Saturday 12
National Trust Lecture by Jean Harper on 'Gloving in the Yeovil Area' 2.30pm at the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Organised by The Blackmore Vale and Yeovil Local Centre for The National Trust. Contact Brian Harper (Chairman) 01747 838810.

Dorset Natural History and Archeological Society Family activity: Build a Trebuchet. Used in medieval times for hurling missiles, the trebuchet you make will lay siege to a wooden castle. 10am-12pm. Dorset County Museum.

Guided Walk This is an opportunity to learn more about the history, habitats and beach formation of Chesil and the Fleet at Ferrybridge. Come and visit this unique area, meet at the Chesil Beach Centre at 2pm. For more information contact the Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 760579 or www.chesilbeach.org.

The Popular Fayre held at The Guildhall Chard this is a local event with many stalls including, homemade cakes, knitwear, bric a brac and lots more.Doors open from 9am to 12.45pm.

Collegium Regale Concert The Choral Scholars of Kings College Cambridge will be performing at St Mary's Church, Beaminster (in aid of The Friends of the Church) at 3:00 pm. Tickets available from the Church Office, 8 Hogshill St, Beaminster (01308 862320) or Symonds & Sampson, 36 Hogshill St, Beaminster (01308 863100); or on the door.

West Dorset Group of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society
10.30am-12.30pm. "Education in Bridport and educational resources in Family History" A talk by Fiona Taplin author of "This Good Work, a history of Bridport Education, 1238 - 2000. 2pm-4pm West Dorset Group AGM followed by Brian Webber "My life as a table glove cutter". Salwayash Village Hall. Visitors welcome. Why start a new hobby in the new year? Contact: Helen Doble, Causeway Farm, Blackdown, Beaminster. DT8 3LE. 01460 30362.

New Local Produce Market 9am - 1.30 pm featuring the best in local produce - including fish, meat, delicious cakes as well as textiles, jewellery and woodcraft.
At The Meeting House Arts Centre, Ilminster. 01460 55783.

Arne's waders and wildfowl 10 am-1 pm
Booking essential on 01929 553360. Wading birds & wildfowl - Poole Harbour is an exciting place for birds at this time of year, a morning stroll should produce a good selection of them. Return to hot soup and a chance to chat about the adventure! Meet at RSPB Arne nature reserve car park, near Wareham, Dorset BH20 5BJ.

Sherborne Jazz Club Theo Travis' Double Talk White Hart Inn, Bishops Caundle, Sherborne. Theo Travis has an international reputation as one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene. The music is very melodic, but is also bluesy and atmospheric. Doors open 7:30pm. Tickets on the door. 01963 23301.

Monday 14
Beaminster Group WEA autumn course first of 6 meetings on Monday afternoons. 'Victorian Panorama: Dress in the 19th Century. Exploring the development of fashionable dress for men and women in the nineteenth century set against its historical, social and cultural background. Includes field trip to the Museum of Costume in Bath. Tutor Penelope Ruddock 01308 862307.

Tuesday 14 & 15
Blood Donors sessions are being held at the
Guildhall Chard.

Tuesday 15
Dorset Industrial Archaeology Society Renovating Old Buildings" by Nick Siney. At the Dorset Room, Colliton House, Colliton Park, Dorchester (opposite County Hall). Non-members welcome (small donation suggested). Further details from 01305 785968 or 871863.

'Smith Family Pantomime or Sleeping Mother Withington in Boots', Broadwindsor Comrades Hall, 7.00pm. Forest Forge Theatre present a panto: 'Smith Family Pantomime or Sleeping Mother Withington in Boots'. For ticket reservations contact Nigel Budden 01308 868 582.

Tuesday 15 - Friday 18
Kumihomo using Takadai Course in Rural and Traditional Art and Crafts with tutor Jennie Parry at the Old Kennels, Stentwood, Dunkeswell. 01823 681138.

Active Art Great daytime opportunities for life drawing, painting, sculpture and collage supervised by John Meaker. Please bring your own materials. There are long, medium and short pose sessions scheduled.

Sessions 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3pm. Some sessions are for schools only, please call Bridport Art Centre for details 01308 424204.

Wednesday 16
Folk & Acoustic Night at the Grove, Seaton, at 8pm. Singers, musicians and everyone very welcome. Free admission. More info 01297 20064 or www.eastdevonfolk.org.
East Devon Ramblers Walk Buckerell binge. From Splathayes B&B, Buckerell (ST122007)
8 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01404 549390.

Ottery & District Men's Forum Meeting at the Institute Yonder Street. Speaker Mrs M Allhusen; 'National Gardens Scheme'. 3pm.

Thursday 17
An Introduction to Sheep for the Small Holder with Nick Cox
A one day course covering all aspects of keeping sheep from: Choosing the most appropriate breed for your needs; Necessary equipment; Nutrition; Breeding and lambing; Flock health; Producing stock for sale; Meeting legal requirements. Suitable for all from the complete beginner to the more experienced shepherd. 10.00am - 5.00pm The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm, Winsham. 01460 30144.www.themagdalenproject.org.uk.

Watercolour Workshop with Jake Winkle Getting Reflective 10.30am-4pm at Newland Gallery, 101 Newland, Sherborne. Contact Artslink 01935 815899.

Save the Children Soup and Pudding Lunch
at The Inn Place, The Pilot Boat, 1 Bridge Street Lyme Regis, 12 to 2pm.

Dorset NCCPG 7.00pm Kingston Maurward College nr Dorchester, AGM followed by Neil Lucas, National Collections Holder, Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and owner of Knoll Gardens: 'The American Connection.' Visitors welcome. Contact Janet Johnson 01305 848224.

Bridport and District Gardening Club meeting. 'CPRE' by Mr R Bawtree. 7.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport. 01308 485314.

Chard Camera Club Special Subject "Landscape". 7.30pm at "The Bell & Crown"
Helliers Road, Chard. For further information on membership please contact the Membership
Secretary Peter Partridge on 01460 66885.

Beginners Breadmaking with Tracey Smith, BBC broadcaster & Downshifting expert.
Tracey will take the fear out of bread making and teach you all you need to know about basic bread making plus a more exotic recipe.10am - 3.30pm. The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm, Winsham. 01460 30144.www.themagdalenproject.org.uk.

Bearne's Valuation Days at The Bridge House Hotel, East Street Bridport. Free advice and valuations from Bearne's Auctioneers & Valuers of Fine Art and Jewellery from 10am until 1pm. 01308 456208. sonic.sal@virgin.net.

West Dorset Organic Gardening Group Friends Meeting House, Holloway Road, Dorchester. A talk and demonstration by Alan Brown on sustainable forestry: coppicing and hurdle making. Starts 7.30pm, 01350 263730. mail@wdogg.org.uk.
www.wdogg.org.uk.

Friday 18
Lyme Bay Photographic Club Competitions. and a presentation by John Tilsley. 7pm Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis. Contact Programme Secretary Ian Bolton on 01297 442288.
East Devon Ramblers Walk Leisurely Friday morning walk from Aylesbeare Common (Joney's Cross) CP (SY057897). 5.5 miles. Starts 10am. Please confirm details with organiser on 01395 597523.

Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Concert. Susie Meszaros, past leader of quartets and orchestras, is Professor violin and viola at the RCM. Her programme of viola music includes Bach, Schumann, Hindemith and Brahms. 7.45pm. Sir John Colfox School, Bridport. Contact Sylvia Bishop 01308 424673.

Antiques Valuation Day by Duke's Auctioneers, 10am-1pm at The Alexandra Hotel, Lyme Regis. Valuers in silver, jewellery, porcelain, paintings, collectables, clocks and watches and a general valuer. All proceeds to Action Medical research. Saturday 19
New Society Jazz Band at Tatworth Memorial Hall. Starting at 8pm. Contact Marion 014600 221064 (6-9pm) for tickets.

Jumble sale Uplyme village hall, 2pm, in aid of 1st Lyme Valley Scout Group. 01297 631919.
Living Willow with Sarah Meikle. Will cover the ground preparation and the simple weaves needed to create willow arbors, tunnels, arches, fences and mazes. Each participant will make and take home a living willow chair. 10am - 3.30pm The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm,
Winsham. 01460 30144.www.themagdalenproject.org.uk.

Binocular and telescope demo day at Radipole Lake 10 am-3 pm (arrive any time between). A fantastic opportunity to get free expert advice and try out a wide range of binoculars and telescopes. Find the right optical equipment to make your wildlife watching experiences truly magical. Meet at the RSPB Radipole Lake visitor centre, Swannery car park, Weymouth DT4 7TZ. 01305 778313.

Arne's giant bird table watch for Big Garden Birdwatch 11 am-3 pm. Come along and learn to identify birds using binoculars and telescopes at Arne Farm. Watch a variety of garden and farmland birds feeding on our giant bird table. Get advice on identifying them and find out how you can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch. Meet at RSPB Arne nature reserve car park, near Wareham, Dorset BH20 5BJ. 01929 553360.

Classics by Candlelight
Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. Performed by Christchurch Sinfonia. Conductor: Tim Hooper. Starts 7.30pm, 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com.

Sunday 20
Chris Garrick & John Etheridge Virtuoso violinist Chris Garrick and leading British jazz guitarist John Etheridge, will be armed with both acoustic and electric musical instruments to entertain audiences with their interpretations of jazz, folk, world and rock music, from composers from Duke Ellington to Paul McCartney. 8pm, Meeting House Arts Centre, Ilminster. 01460 55783.

Farmhouse Village Breakfast 9.30-11.30am in Broadoak Village Hall (nr Bridport). Farmhouse Breakfast Week runs from 20 - 26 January. It is an annual campaign that emphasises the importance of eating a healthy breakfast everyday. Please feel free to drop in for breakfast, In aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Monday 21
Advanced Breadmaking with Aidan Chapman, Master Baker of the Town Mill Bakery, Lyme Regis If you have a basic knowledge of bread making, take it to the next level with Aidan. He will teach you to make a range of breads using his own recipes and Magdalen's fresh produce. 10.00am - 4.00pm. The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm,
Winsham. 01460 30144. www.themagdalenproject.org.uk.

Victorian Panorama: Dress in the 19th Century Course A new six-week adult education course starting at Beaminster Museum with tutor and costume historian Penelope Ruddock. Organised by the WEA. For further details and enrolments please ring 01308 862307.

Monday 21 Jan - Friday 1 February
Stretching Stretch: Sophia Clist, Craig Vear, Nick Burge, Ragnhild Olsen and guests
In residence from 21 January-1 February at Bridport Arts Centre. Stretch is an installation devised by visual artist Sophia Clist, which will transform the gallery with light, sound and miles of elastic! Sophia will be exploring its landscape and performance possibilities while in residence with other collaborating artists. Intrigued? Come along for a two hour session, watching a performance in the gallery, talking to the artists and giving your feedback to help Sophia stretch Stretch further. Thursday 31 January at 6pm. Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 427183.

Tuesday 22
Bridport Film Society Heading South. Bridport Arts Centre. Doors 7pm, Film 7.45pm. Members Only. www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk or contact Clare Glazebroook 01308 488224 or Penny Laurence 01308 422730 for membership details.

Martock Local History Group talk on life in the community in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries 7 for 7,30pm. All welcome. Talk by Ed Lorch.

A half day course in Lambing with Magdalen's vet Kat Bazeley from The Kingfisher Veterinary Practice, Crewkerne

A practical and theoretical morning learning about all aspects of lambing from the pre-lambing preparation of the ewe and the process of lambing / complications to lamb aftercare. Lunch included after the course. 10am - 1pm. The Magdalen Project,
Magdalen Farm, Winsham 01460 30144. www.themagdalenproject.org.uk.

Beaminster & District Camera Club Competitions; Round 3, Slides & Prints, Judge also Open Slide Competition for Hugh O'Connor Trophy. Judge Barry Welch. 7.30pm The Strode Room, Church Street, Beaminster. Contact Hon. Secretary Harry Worthington 01308 862453. Visitors welcome.

South Somerset Peace Group's speaker will be Ronit Marian-Kadishay from the Israeli group New Profile. She will talk about New Profile's work to transform the present "recruited" or
"militarised" Israeli society into a "civilian" society, and to end the compulsory law of military enlistment and support people who refuse to enlist. The meeting will be held in the Minster Rooms, Ilminster at 7.30 pm. All welcome. The Palestine/Israel group will meet at 6.30 pm.

Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26
Puss In Boots by Bridport Pantomime Players. The Electric Palace, South Street, Bridport. Curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets available from the Pets Pavilion, South Street, Bridport from 2nd January 2008. 01308 420804. fee@wanderwell.orangehome.co.uk

Wednesday 23
Bridport Camera Club talk "In search of Michael Rockerfeller & other stories" by George Wright. 7.30-9.30pm, The Salt House, West Bay, Bridport. New members and visitors welcome. 01308 459443 or www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.

East Devon Ramblers Walk Barle circular walk. From Tarr Steps. (SS873323). 10.5 miles. Starts 10am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01404 831106.

Bridport Camera Club 7.30-9.30pm, The Salt House, West Bay
Bridport Camera Club talk "In search of Michael Rockerfeller & other stories"
by George Wright. For more information please call 01308 459443 or check www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.

Thursday 24
Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Fortnightly lectures, commence 8pm. New members are welcome and may join at a meeting or by telephoning Brian Scott on 01963 364075. Visitors welcome for nominal fee. 01963 364075.
Sunray Folk Club Tim Laycock 8.15pm, at Broadmayne Village Hall. Contact Bob Kirkpartrick. 07786 654 074.

Oil Painting Workshop with James Meiklejohn Portraiture, 10.30am-4pm, Newland Gallery, 101 Newland, Sherborne. Contact Artslink 01935 815899.

Dorset Natural History and Archeological Society Free lunchtime concert: Dorchester Piano Trio. 1.05pm. Dorset County Museum.

Thur 24 - Sat 26
Treasure Island its Panto Time with CATS. This years panto is 'Treasure Island' and is held at The Guildhall Chard. Doors open on the 24th and 25th at 7.30pm . Performance ends 10.30pm. On Saturday 26th there are two performances a matinee at 3pm finishing at 5.30pm and an evening performance at 8pm ending at 10.30pm. Tickets available at Baron's Holyrood Street.

Friday 25
Batik Course in Rural and Traditional Art and Crafts with tutor Penny Laird at the Old Kennels, Stentwood, Dunkeswell. 01823 681138.

East Devon Ramblers Walk Leisurely Friday morning walk from Tipton St. John playing field CP (SY091917). 5 miles. Starts 10am. Please confirm details with organiser on 01404 41831.

Hawkchurch History Society John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, will talk on the 'History of Mapperton House and the Sandwich Family'. Non members welcome. 7.30pm, Hawkchurch Village Hall.

Saturday 26
South Somerset Peace Group Silent Vigil Holyrood St, Chard 11-12 noon.
Market 10am - 12, St Martin's Community Hall Broadmayne, (Next to the Church) Raffle, craft, plants, books, Jigsaws Cards, local trout, sausages & eggs, cakes and preserves and a chance to sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. All proceeds for St Martin's Community Hall. For further information please contact Sylvia Dooley 01305 852886.

Scavenger Hunt Come and see what the winter storms have thrown up on to the beach. Join a scavenger hunt, meeting at the Chesil Beach Centre at 2pm. There are prizes for children and lots of fun discovering what can be found when the tide goes out. For more information contact the Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 760579 or www.chesilbeach.org.

Point-to-point Royal Artillery, first race 11.30am. Larkhill, nr Amesbury, Wilts. Secretary Major A Wood. 07974 435390.

Sherborne Jazz Club Alcyona Mick trio 'Blink',
White Hart Inn Bishops Caundle, Sherborne.
Pianist Alcyona has been making a name for herself on the contemporary London Jazz scene. Appears with her trio 'Blink'. Doors open 7:30pm. Tickets on the door. 01963 23301.

Ottery St Mary Scouts Jumble Sale from 2pm onwards. At the Institute, Yonder Street, The Old Boy's School, Yonder Street. Coleridge Playgroup.

Askew & Avis Concert
Vocal loop-gurus Askew and Avis have joined forces with Sura Susso, Gambian kora and percussion virtuoso (of the Seckou Keita Quartet) to create strong melodies and a grooving live rhythm section of African percussion and electric bass. Enjoy the poignant sounds of the kora, lush vocal harmonies, electronic vocal effects and live-loops. It's music that takes you places.A must for all fans of world music, jazz and the voice. 8pm. Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204.

Askew & Avis Singing Workshop 3-5pm. 2 hour singing workshop, whatever your previous experience, you can come and feel the joy of singing together as a group. Vocalists Askew & Avis alongside Kora player Sura Susso will lead enjoyable warm-ups and exercises that take you straight to the heart of the voice. You will also learn a song together to perform during the evening concert (sse above). Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 427183. www.bridport-arts.com.

Saturday 26 - Sunday 27
Big Garden Birdwatch weekend walks at Radipole Lake 10 am-12 noon. Amongst the specialist reed bed species, there are some more familiar birds that are regular visitors to garden feeders. Learn how to find them by their song and what food to put out to attract different visitors. Come and see how many garden birds you can find around the edge of the reserve. A fantastic way to learn who's who in the bird world! Helping you to take part in the RSPB national event 'Big Garden Birdwatch'. Meet at the RSPB Radipole Lake visitor centre, Swannery car park, Weymouth DT4 7TZ. 01305 778313.

Sunday 27
East Devon Ramblers Walk A walk via Alfington. From Slade Rd, Ottery St. Mary (SY106953) 8 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01395 567450.

Farmhouse Breakfast at Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall from 9am till 3pm. Enjoy a Traditional English Breakfast using local produce. Proceeds in aid of local charities. Details 01297 489375.

Monday 28
Folk Music Broadmayne Village Hall, Broadmayne, Dorchester. Various musicians. Start 8:15pm. 07786 654074

Golden Cap Centre of the National Trust lecture by Mrs A Moscrop 'Working among the Inuits'. 2.30pm, The United Church Hall, Bridport. Non members welcome. For information call 01297 489116.

Wednesday 30
Sherborne Schools' Choral Society, Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne. Sherborne Schools' Choral Society perform Mass in C Minor by Mozart. Starts 7.30pm, 01935 812452.
www.sherborneabbey.com

Ottery & District Men's Forum Meeting at the Institute, Yonder Street, Speaker Miss P Salter; 'Italy'. 3.00pm.

East Devon Ramblers Walk A walk to Ford Abbey from Wayford Woods (ST400064)
9 miles. Starts 10.30 am. Bring a picnic. Please confirm details with organiser on 01460 72121.

Thursday 31
Watercolour Workshop with Jake Winkle Understanding Tone, 10.30am-4pm at Newland Gallery, 101 Newland, Sherborne. Contact Artslink 01935 815899.

Stretching Stretch: workshop with Sophia Clist, Craig Vear, Nick Burge, Ragnhild Olsen and guests. 6pm. Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 427183.

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