Whats on in and around the Vale
November 2007

Thur 18 Oct - Sun 4 Nov
Enchanted Floodlit Gardens at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Take a magical evening stroll along candle-lit pathways through enchanted glades.. The Gardens stay open until 8.30pm for magical lighting, Christmas shopping and great food in the Old Colonial Tea-house.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Bullers Way, Abbotsbury Weymouth.
01305 871387. info@abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk. www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk.

Tuesday 30 November
Kilmington Village Produce Association half day visit to Minterne Magna, Dorset. For details ring (evenings) 01297 34595.

Beaminster & District Camera Club Showing of the Western Counties Photographic Federation Travelling Print Folio. 7.30pm The Strode Room, Church Street, Beaminster. Contact Hon. Secretary Harry Worthington 01308 862453. Visitors welcome.

Illustrated talk on 'The Building of Somerset Churches' by Robert Dunning, retired County Historian. Norton sub Hamdon Village Hall. 7.30pm, in aid of Church Funds. Tickets at the door. All welcome.
Bring & Buy Coffee Morning 10am-12noon at Churchacre, Rhode Lane, Uplyme. Raising funds for Action Medical Research. Organised by the Lyme Regis Action Medical Research Committee.

Literary Lecture: Hardy and Fate by David Grylls. 6:30pm, Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. 01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.

Sherborne Historical Society Lecture 8pm. New members are welcome. Brian Scott on 01963 364075. Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. 01963 364075.

Wednesday 31 November
Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Halloween Lanterns Competition 7pm, Uplyme Village Hall followed by 7.30pm talk and slide show 'Gardens over the border' (Somerset and Wilts) by David Baldock.

Charmouth Gardeners Autumn Colour at Exbury. Coach leaves from Charmouth carpark 9am, The Street, 8.50am. Kay Churchman 01297 560980.
Apple Pressing at Blacklake Farm, near Honiton. 10am - 4pm. Learn about traditional varieties of apple. Please book 01404 812122.

Wed 31 Oct - Thur 1 Nov
Watercolour Course with Jake Winkle. 10.30am-4.30pm, Guggleton Farm Arts Project, Stalbridge. 01963 363456.

Thursday 1 November
Bridport Electronic Organ Club Michael Wooldridge, Doors open 7pm, Concert starts 7.30pm The United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport. Contact Neil Rutter on 01297 20861.

Tom Toomey performs at 9pm at No 10 Wine Bar, 10 East St, Bridport, DT6 3LF. 01308 420032

Free Parishscapes Walk take your first steps to becoming a landscape detective with this history walk led by local farmer Colin Pady at Horriford Farm, near Colyton. 2.30-4.30pm. 3km easy walking with some stiles. Call Philippe Planell 01404 46663 to book. Organised by East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership.

Ramblers Walk from Beaminster This is a 4 mile walk starting at 10.15am and heading via Netherbury and the Brit Valley. May be muddy in places. Please confirm details with Norman tel. 01935 479129. Meet at Yarn Barton Car Park, Beaminster. 01935 479129.

Clapton & Wayford Film Society present West Side Story. 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 Mick Wilson 01460 74849, Steve Ireland 01460 76705 or Marilyn Ashby 01460 77062.

Stand Up Comedy
Compere for this evening will be Irish comedian and actor Paddy Lennox, with Geoff Whiting, Cole Parker and Dylan Bray. Doors & bar open 7.30pm, performance 8.30pm. Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne. 01305 810579. www.powelltheatre.co.uk.

Mo'jive dance classes at Westlands leisure complex. Every Thursday 8pm-11pm, learn to dance modern jive and have a fun, social mid-week night out. Come on your own, with a partner or group of friends. Beginners and Intermediate classes taught every week, no need to book. Info Russell Payne 07967 282585.

An Evening with Andy McNab Part of the Out of Hours series of evening lectures, performances and talks. Andy McNab is the author of the two highest selling military books of all time; Bravo Two Zero and Immediate Action. An opportunity to hear about the experiences of this decorated former SAS serviceman in what promises to be a memorable evening. There will also be a book signing session. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre - 01305 267992, The Tank Museum. Bovington. 01929 462359 or 01305 267992. www.tankmuseum.org.

Friday 2
Monfi Cats 7.30pm The David Hall Arts Centre, Roundwell St, South Petherton. Tickets from 01460 240340.

Presence featuring Mike Edwards' rich and soulful cello, Adarsha Forset's harp-like acoustic guitar and Surabbi's pure voice, making their New Theatre debut. 7.30pm. Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189.

Poundbury Seminar How To Build a Brilliant Business Online
Seminar in Poundbury Starts 8pm, Brownsword Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester. 01300 341240. www.growabetterbusiness.co.uk.

Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert - Jazz Band performed by Sherborne School Jazz Band. Starts 1.30pm. Cheap Street Church, Sherborne.
01935 812245. http://www.sherborne.org.

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

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

Saturday 3
Dance (Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence), Uplyme Village Hall, 8pm-11pm. In aid of Hall funds. For further information please call 01297 442439.

Coffee mornings at Bothenhampton, Bridport. First Saturday in each month.10am to noon in the Church. Fair Trade stall - books - seasonal veg. and plants. For the benefit of the village. Further details from Colin Sparkes 01308 456 479.

Sherborne Firework Extravaganza Now in its 20th year, one of the most spectacular fireworks displays to be found. Entertainments, live music, bar, refreshments and food from 4.30pm, bonfire 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Organised by Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, Sherborne. 01935 815341. www.eventscrew.com.

Afternoon Bingo Organised by Dorchester and District Scout Council in aid of local Scout Funds. Flyer. Snowball. Raffle. Tea and Coffee. Starts 2.45pm, Magistrates Room, Ground Floor, Corn Exchange, High East Street Dorchester.

Creative Writing workshop Story in a Day with Crysse Morrison. ArtsLink at Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne. 01935 815899.

Dear Scheherazade ... Elizabeth Gaskell in her own words 7.30pm, Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189.

National Trust Lecture by David Hawkes on 'A Diplomats Lot' 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.

Hedgerow Crafts in the Blackdowns At Buckland St Mary village hall, Chard. One day workshops will all tools and materials supplied. Hedge Laying course. Contact George on 01404 881634.

Sugarwork - Festive Cake Course in Rural and Traditional Art and Crafts with tutor Emma Starling at the Old Kennels, Stentwood, Dunkeswell. 01823 681138.

Thorncombe Rail Activities Club Model Rail Exhibition. Thorncombe Village Hall (near Chard). For further information contact Michael Sheasby 01460 30474.

Herrison Hall Freestyle
Dance the night away in one of the south's stunning venues. Large sprung floor, stained glass windows, Gothic arched ceiling. Music from Jive Riots D J Kelly. No Bar. Free drinks. Starts 8pm.

Hawthorne Road, Charlton Down Dorchester. 08000 728728. www.jiveriot.com.
Belly Dance Fantasy featuring the Desert Divas at Axminster Guildhall. 7.45pm. Show in aid of All Saints school building fund. An evening of Middle eastern dance a chance to see a belly dance troupe in action and even join in.

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

Sunday 4
Axminster Town Council Conducted Walk Local walk in the Axminster area to raise funds for the Royal British legion, 5 miles. Meet Axminster Coombe Lane Car Park. 10.30am. Further details from 01297 34444 or jvw@tiscali.co.uk.

Collectables & Craft Fayre 10am-3pm at Colyford Memorial Hall. Large car park, Refreshments available. Lots of lovely ideas for Christmas presents. To book a table in advance and for any further information please tel M Clarke 01297 552444.

Natural creativity at Lodmoor 10am - 12 noon. 01305 778313. Meet main reserve entrance off A353 Preston Beach Road, Weymouth.

Monday 5
Bridport Camera Club Wessex Battle (inter-club battle between clubs in the area). 7.30-9.30pm, Dorchester Corn Exchange, 01308 459443.

Community Guy Fawkes Celebrations Weymouth Beach, Giant Bonfire, Fun Fair and Fireworks. Further details from 01305 785747.

Beaminster Singers will be singing in the English Touring Opera production of Teseo at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil. Teseo is an ambitious venture required 25 singers singing a chorus in Italian from the stalls in the dark. Call Barry Rutherford on 01300 321267.

Tuesday 6
Bridport Disabled Carers & Friends Club meet every Tuesday from 9am-12pm. At Kings House, Kings Street School, East St, Bridport. Wheelchair access & facilities, friendly atmosphere, tea, coffee etc. All welcome - just call in for a chat, handicraft activities or advice. Nordddis information service. Further info contact 01308 427819 or 01308 897364.

Bridport Film Society I Saw Ben Barka Get Killed. Bridport Arts Centre. Doors 7pm, Film 7.45pm. Members Only. www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk or contact Clare Glazebrook 01308 488224 or Penny Laurence 01308 422730 for membership details.

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

Wednesday 7
Music Society Concert
Ellie Fagg (violin) and Alasdair Beatson (piano) perform works by Beethoven and Brahms. Starts 7:30pm. Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester.
01305 262735. www.dorsetcountymuseum.org.

Meeting Voices Community Choir 7.30-9pm, the Guildhall, Chard. Ring Hilary 01460 259022 or Roy 01460 220152.

Yetties Music Club
Monthly music night with the Yetties. 8pm. West End Hall, Sherborne. 01935 814611.

Wed 7 - Thur 8
Botanical Painting of Flowers & Fruit with Christmas in Mind with Susie Corbett. 10.30am-4.30pm, Guggleton Farm Arts Project, Stalbridge. 01963 363456.

Thursday 8
Bread Making Course with John Woodward. A hands on opportunity to make a variety of different bread styles, soda bread, focaccia, sourdough etc. Take a loaf home with you.10.00am - 3.30pm. The Magdalen Project, Magdalen Farm, Winsham, Nr Chard, Somerset, TA20 4PA. Contact Kate on 01460 30144 or kate@themagdalenproject.org.uk to make a booking.

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

Thorncombe Village Trust 'HMS Formidable - Disaster in Lyme Bay'. Talk by Jack Thomas 7.30pm. Thorncombe Village Hall, nr Chard. Contact Linda Timms 01297 678355.

Save The Children Autumn Fair Refreshments available all day. Starts 10.30am. Herrison Hall,Charlton Down, Dorchester.

East Coker Gardening Club AGM at the Royal George, West Coker, followed by supper and skittles. Enquiries to Catherine Denney 01935 862294 or Stan Shayler 01935 420291.

Chard Camera Club Open Challenge Competition for any member of the public. Subject 'Your best picture', Judging 7.30pm, The Bell & Crown, Helliers Rd, Chard. New members always welcome. contact Membership Secretary Peter Partridge 01460 66885 www.chardcameraclub.com.

Butterfly Conservation Conservation Action Day at Alners Gorse Reserve, all sorts of jobs to suit everyone's preferences, baked potatoes in the fire for lunch. 10am -4pm. Contact Nigel Spring 01981 776767, email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or www.dorsetbutterflies.com

Thur 8 - Fri 9
Illumination (Christmas Card) Course in Rural and Traditional Art and Crafts with tutor Neil Bromley at the Old Kennels, Stentwood, Dunkeswell. 01823 681138.

Straw Bale building course run by the Dorset Centre for Rural Skills. Using the wonderfully easy, inexpensive natural building technique, this covers all aspects of Straw Bale Building and Lime Rendering. Magdalen Project, Winsham, nr Chard. 10am-5pm.

Carving A Wooden Bowl
Learn the ancient craft of green (unseasoned) wood working under the tuition of Guy Mallinson and various specialist co-presenters. Mangerton House, Mangerton, Bridport. 01308 485111. guy@mallinson.co.uk www.mallinson.co.uk.

Friday 9
Chard History Group Somerset Mosaics - piercing together the picture of Roman Somerset. A presentation by Bob Croft, County Archaeologist. 7.30pm Redstart School, Chard. Details 01460 65443.

Silver and Coppin 7.30pm. Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189.

Living with Dormice A book launch & signing by Dr Sue Eden Living with Dormice, Te Common Dormouse: Real Rodent or Phantom of the Ancient Wood. 11-12.30pm, Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport. Contact Bridport Arts Centre 01308 424204. Part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Lyme Bay Photographic Club Viewing and judging of Phil Wells Trophy. 7pm Woodmead Hall, Lyme Regis. Contact Programme Secretary Ian Bolton on 01297 442288.

Evening with Mervyn Stutter Comedian, satirical songwriter, founder member of The Flying Pickets and star of BBC Radio 4's hit comedy Getting Nowhere Fast. 7.30pm, Piddletrenthide Village Hall. 01300 345252. An Artsreach Production.

Natural Camouflage an illustrated talk by Professor Philip Howse OBE an acknowledged expert on insect behaviour and ecology presents his latest book Butterflies an Moths. Sponsored and introduced by Clive Farrell, leading authority on butterflies and proponent of The Butterly Project. 2.30-3.30pm, Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peter's Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre 01308 424204. Part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Dorset Footsteps and Lewesdon Hill Poetry from the Wessex Ridgeway at Arthurs' Riverside Restaurant, West Bay. 7pm. As part of the Bridport Literary Festival. Another cutting edge book from James Crowden assisted by Catherine Simmonds. Tickets from 'Chilly' alias Neil Chilcott at The Riverside Restaurant, West Bay. 01308 422011.

The Imagined Village album inspired by the Imagined Village: culture, ideology and the English Folk Revival by Georgina Boyes and features specially commissioned poem by Benjamin Zephaniah. Cast includes Billy Bragg, Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Sheila Chandra and Chris Wood and Simon Emmerson. 7.30pm, Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

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

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

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

Craft Fair at The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard. Doors open at 9.0.
Rememberance Evening 7.30pm, The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard. Includes Geoff Taylor singing swing. 01460 65710/65282.

Sherborne Antiques & Collectors Fair Tasty homemade refreshments. Open 9am - 4pm,
Digby Hall. 01460 75069. clive@cwelch5.wanadoo.co.uk.

Stockland W.I. Pudding Mix and Christmas Craft Fair. 2.30 pm, Stockland Victory Hall.
Christmas Puddings, Cakes, Preserves, Christmas Hamper Draw, Gift/Craft Stalls, etc.
For further information telephone 01404 881883. Proceeds in aid of local charities.

Remembrancetide Concert in Sherborne Abbey A specially convened chorus and orchestra conducted by William Slogrove perform Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins and Messa di Gloria by Puccini. Tickets are available from the Dorset Music House. Starts 7.30pm. Sherborne Abbey Sherborne. 01935 816332. www.sherborneabbey.com

Be a Native American. Learn about the myths and legends of the North American people. Meet the in-house medicine man. Play possum and stalk an elk. Try making your own arrows, throw a war hammer and learn the Native American creation story. Paint yourself with home-made war paint and track your way through the Museum using the sun and the moon. Open 10:30am to 12:30pm., Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. 01305 262735.

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

The Private Ear & The Public Eye by Peter Shaffer. Presented by Creative Cow, snappily directed by Amanda Knott. 7.30pm, Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189.

Somerset & Dorset Family History Society West Dorset Group November meeting Salway Ash Village Hall. 10.30am History of Christmas Cards - speaker David Riches, Weymouth Museum. 2pm Origins & Development of Surnames - speaker Don Steel. Visitors welcome. Contact H Doble on 01460 30362.

Albert Einstein with The Natural Theatre Co, One-man show talking a light-hearted look at the story of Albert Einstein's life and work in the form of an entertaining 'lecture' by the great man himself. 7.30pm, Burton Bradstock Village Hall. 01308 897214.

An Artsreach Production. Hung a new play by Nels Rodwell and Maggie Clark,Mollusc Theatre and Cygnet Company. 8pm, Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189. Also Sat Matinee An Autumnal Ark well known animals from the Jungle Book to Dr Seuss. 2pm. Cygnet Training Theatre, Exeter. 01392 277189.

The Little Press will give children the chance to make their very own book in one day working with Herbie Treehead and a local children's author. 10am-2pm, The Salt House, West Bay. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

St Martin's Fayre 10an-12 noon. St Martins Community Hall, Broadmayne.
Christmas Fayre St Martin's Community Hall, Broadmayne, from 10am to 12 noon. Christmas items, tombola, raffle, competitions, craft, children's games, plants etc and in the Church there will be cakes and preserves and a chance to sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. For further information contact Anne 01305 853074.

Aisle16's Services to Poetry written, performed and conceived by Hicks/Stickley/Sutherland/Wright. poetic travelogue of motorway service stations. Is there beauty in a KFC mega bucket? Can poetry exist on the M25? 8pm, Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Stained Glass Applique Course 10am-4pm with Nina Gronw-Lewis. Artislink, Sherborne House, Newland Sherborne. 01935 815899.

Village Artists Group Exhibition of paintings and drawings. 10am - 4pm, The Memorial Hall, Stoke sub Hamdon. Ideal opportunity to buy original pieces as Christmas presents!
Christmas Fayre in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Open 10am to 12pm. The United Church South Street, Dorchester. 01305 215315.

Celtic Evening Epic poetry and ballads by Jim MacCool. Advance bookings only by 6th November. Two course supper included. Starts 7.30pm, Melbury Osmond Village Hall, Nr. Dorchester. 01935 83410.

Sat 10 - 17
Bridport Prize Live Literary Festival
Bridport Prize Live heralds the announcement of one of the most influential prizes for both poetry and short story writing. Don Paterson and Tracy Chevalier have agreed to judge, respectively, the Poetry and short story categories. Our 'run up' to the award of the Bridport Prize now forms a fascinating festival with its own flavour, influenced by its location in venues in and around our ancient Dorset town. Contact Bridport Art Centre South Street, Bridport. 01308 424204. info@bridport-arts.com. www.bridport-arts.com.

Sunday 11
Revelations of a Remarkable Life Clarissa Eden and Cate Haste talk about their collaboration on Clarissa Eden's Memoirs, Lady Eden was married to Sir Antony Eden. 11am - 12 noon.

Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival. Followed at 3-4pm by The New Philanthropists An Illustrated talk by Charles & Elizabeth Handy on their recent book The New Philanthropists.
Roger McGough, Said and Done an evening of stories and new poems. 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Remembrance Service and Parade Weymouth Seafront. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747 .

Evening with Mervyn Stutter Comedian, satirical songwriter, founder member of The Flying Pickets and star of BBC Radio 4's hit comedy Getting Nowhere Fast. 7.30pm, Studland Village Hall. 01300 345252. An Artsreach Production.

Remembrance Parade in Bridport Meet at the Town Hall at 10.20am. All are welcome. Drinks afterwards at a local pub to be decided. A plaque will be presented to the Branch President Capt. Fido Vivian-May by the Burma Star Association. Town Hall, Bridport. 01308 422730.

Monday 12
War in the East Sir Max Hastings presents Nemesis: the Battle for Japan, 1944-45. 10.30-11.30am, Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Followed by A Cloud Spotter's Guide an illustrated talk by Gavin Pretor-Pinney. 2.30-3.30pm. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Tuesday13
Beaminster & District Camera Club Competitions; Round 2, Slides & Prints, Judge Dee Wareham. 7.30pm The Strode Room, Church Street, Beaminster. Contact Hon. Secretary Harry Worthington 01308 862453. Visitors welcome.

Sherborne Historical Society Lecture 8pm. Tonight's lecture is "In Search of the Russian Middle Class" by Dr. Stephen Lovell. New members are welcome and may join at a meeting or by telephoning Brian Scott on 01963 364075. Visitors welcome. Digby Hall, Hound Street Sherborne. 01963 364075.

Bridport History Society talk 'Early Flight and John Stringfellow' by Roger Carter, Chard Museum Curator. 2.30pm Bridport United Church Main Hall, East Street. All welcome. 01308 488034 or 456876 for details.

To be a Man my Son... with master storyteller Charles Allen. Recent biography Kipling Sahib: India and the Making of Rudyard Kipling 1865-1900. 2.30-3.30pm Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport

Literary Festival. A Literary Supper with Soldiers and Sailors with Eliza Pakenham whose account of her aristocratic family at the turn of the 19th century Soldier Sailor: an Intimate Portrait of an Irish Family draws on the extensive Pakenham archives. 6.30pm for 7pm supper. Bridport Town Hall. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

John Fowles Film Night introduction to films by David Tringham. Short film 'The Last Chapter', based on short story by John Fowles and starring Denholm Elliot. Main feature 'The Collector' (aka The Butterfly Collector) based on John Fowles novel and starring Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar. 7pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Wednesday 14
Powerstock & District Gardening Club AGM at 7pm followed by 'Winter Garden' by Sally Gregson. 7.30pm, Powerstock Hut. 01308 485016.

Meeting Voices Community Choir 7.30-9pm, the Guildhall, Chard. Ring Hilary 01460 259022 or Roy 01460 220152.

Wessex Research Group Weymouth and Dorchester Branch - Sacred Dance Pat Rogers a nurse for 22 years; is a Reiki Practitioner, Indian Head Masseuse, Universal Peace Dance Leader dedicated to empowering people and is interested in Sound Healing through the Voice and leads workshops. Opens at 7.45pm to starts at 8pm. The Trinity Centre Trinity House, Trinity Street, Dorchester. 01305 767242.

Sherborne Flicks - The Good German (15) Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm performance. Tickets available from Sherborne TIC, Church Hall, Digby Road Sherborne. 01935 815899.
arts-link@tiscali.co.uk. www.sherbornehouse.org.uk/artslink.

Thomas Hardy's 'Far From The Madding Crowd' with The Dorset Corset Theatre Company. 8pm. Tickets available from Dorchester TIC - 01305 267992. Dorchester Corn Exchange, High East Street Dorchester. 01305 267992. www.dorsetcorset.co.uk.

Bridport Camera Club Bridport Camera Club Competition No 2: Landscape, Judge Bill Aven. 7.30-9.30pm, The Salt House West Bay, 01308 459443.

Tree Safari an illustrated talk by Thomas Pakenham In Search of Remarkable Trees: On Safari in Southern Africa. 2.30-3.30pm at Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Hidden Histories Poetry Cafe culmination of work over recent months under the guidance of Greta Stoddart. Also featuring Louisa Adjoa Parker. 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Charmouth Gardeners lecture at 2.30pm. Speaker Geoffrey Northcote 'The World of the Japanese Garden'. Charmouth Village Hall. Contact the secretary Mrs Kay Churchman 01297 560980.

East Coker Gardening Club Christmas display and discount shopping at Brimsmore Garden Centre from 6.30pm. Enquiries to Catherine Denney 01935 862294 or Stan Shayler 01935 420291.

Devonshire Association (Axe Valley Branch) Illustrated talk 'The Slave Trade in Devon 1562 - 1807' by Tony Simpson, retired Open University Lecturer, at Colyton Sports Centre, Coly Road, Colyton. 2.30pm. All Welcome. Information 01297 551091.

Sherborne Flicks The Good German (15), Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Doors 7pm, performance 7.30pm. Tickets from Sherborne TIC or on the door.

Wed 14 - Sat 17
Pink Bubbles will be Overflowing a treat in store for opera lovers who enjoy an evening of comedy, intrigue, masked balls and amorous suitors and all to the wonderful music of Johann Strauss. 'Pink Champagne' performed by Axminster Operatic Society at The Guildhall, Axminster. 7.30pm. matinee 2.30pm on Sat 17th. Adaptation by Eric Maschwitz and Bernard Grun of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss. Tickets from The Archway Bookshop. 01297 33595.

Thursday 15
Bridport and District Gardening Club meeting. 'Victorian Gardening' by Chris Smith. 7.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport. 01308 485314.

The Smith Family Panto or Sleeping Mother Whittington in Boots! presented by Forest Forge Theatre at Frampton Village Hall. 7pm. 01300 320607.

Dorset NCCPG Rosemary le Grand, Horticulturist, photographer and daughter of George Hyde, the Azalea hybridist - 'American Gardens'. Visitors welcome. 7.30pm Kingston Maurward College, nr Dorchester. Contact Janet Johnson 01305 848224.

The End of Suburbia film presented by Sustainable Ottery. This film explains how the Western way of life, with our high dependency on oil, cannot continue as it is. It gives some ideas about how we can change our way of life to live with the challenges of Peak Oil, the point where production and new discoveries exceed demand, and how we can build a stronger community. 7.30pm, United Reformed Church Hall, Jesu Street, Ottery St Mary. Followed by a chance to discuss feelings and issues raised. Contact Clive Essame of Sustainable Ottery on 01404 814217.

Butterfly Conservation Conservation Action Day at Alners Gorse Reserve, all sorts of jobs to suit everyone's preferences, baked potatoes in the fire for lunch. 10am -4pm. Contact Nigel Spring 01981 776767, email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or www.dorsetbutterflies.com

The Smith Family Panto! Presented by Forest Forge Theatre. In this hilarious 'Billy Liar' style fantasy, an out of work actor lets his imagination draw him into the crazy world of pantomime.

Live music, comedy & a romantic story for the whole family. Starts 7pm. Frampton Village Hall, Frampton, Nr. Dorchester. 01300 320607. info@artsreach.co.uk. ww.artsreach.co.uk.

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

Poetry of Place Barnaby Rogerson introduces three titles of poems and romantic destinations including reading from his own compilation Desert Air, and Ted Gorton and Jason Goodwin will also read from their works 11.30am - 12.30pm Electric Palace Cinema and Brasserie, including a light lunch. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Birds Behaving Badly illustrated talk by Dominic Couzens at 7.30pm, Crewkerne Day Centre, for Crewkerne & District RSPB. Members welcome.

Leweston Christmas Fayre 2pm-6.30pm. At Leweston Schools, just outside Sherborne. Over 30 outstanding stall holders.

The Levantine Synthesis an illustrated talk by Dr Philip Mansel on theme of Islamic Perspective, and will be joined in discussion by Barnaby Rogerson. 6pm for 6.30-7.30pm Bridport Town Hall. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Tales from a Paralalia Universe written and performed by Peter Hunter and David Johnson. Part travelogue, part adventure, mostly poetry. 7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Thur 15 - Fri 16
Working with silver - Christmas Gifts Course in Rural and Traditional Art and Crafts with tutor Julian Livingstone at the Old Kennels, Stentwood, Dunkeswell. 01823 681138.

Thur 15 - Fri 30
Class Art Exhibition Chard Library. To raise money for St Margaret's Hospice.
Friday 16

Kilmington Village Produce Association Social and AGM, 7.30pm Kilmington Village Hall.

Poetry Slam led by Radio 4 regular Elvis McGonangall7.30pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Concert. International Pianist, Daniel de Borah. will play Mozart sonata, Chopin Nocturnes, Etudes and Romeo and Juliet by Prokovieff. 7.45pm. Sir John Colfox School, Bridport. Contact Membership Secretary Sylvia Bishop for membership. Coneycote, 6 Coneygar Park, Bridport DT6 3BA.

English Country Churches an illustrated talk by Sir Roy Strong on his book A Little History of the English Country Church. 2.30-3.30pm Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.
Dorset Film Archive with Trilith. 7.30pm, Evershot Village Hall. 01935 83580. An Artsreach Production.

Honiton Festival Lunchtime Concert Fiona Slominska (flute) and Louise Thomson (harp) 1pm St Paul's Church, Honiton, lunch from 12 noon. Box office 01404 43716.

Tracy Chevalier short story judge for this year's Bridport Prize will talk about and read from her recent novel Burning Bright, describing her attraction to the poet and painter William Blake and her struggle to bring him to fictional life. 7.30pm Bridport Library. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Selective Memory with Katharine Whitehorn who pioneered the personal column having been the Observer's star columnist for nearly 40 years. 11am - 12.30. Eype Centre for the Arts at St Peters Church, Eype. Contact Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Hyde & Seek with Cube Theatre. When a famous politician is murdered on the streets of Soho, the police investigation leads to a London theatre. Stage doorman Albert knows more than he is letting on, but is he prepared to betray the man he so admires? Based on RL Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 7.30pm, Davis Hall, West Camel. 01935 851214. A TakeartAlive production.

Clive Stafford Smith in conversation with Jon Lee Anderson Clive has spent more than 20 years representing prisoners on Death Row in the US and is legal director of the charity Reprieve. He represents many prisoners in Guantanamo Bay. Jon Lee Anderson is one of America's most respected foreign correspondents. 1pm Bridport Arts Centre. 01308 424204, part of Bridport Literary Festival.

Sherborne School Friday Lunchtime Concert - Strings Recital performed by Sherborne school music department. 1:30pm, Cheap Street Church, Sherborne, 01935 812245. www.sherborne.org.

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