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Your truly comprehensive list of local events

Friday, 1 March

West Dorset Ramblers Group,  8 mile circular hilly walk via Symondsbury, Colmer Hill, Chideok & Thorncombe Beacon.  For more information and booking please phone 07902 988549.

Stowaway Theatre present ‘40 Elephants’  Live Theatre – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 8pm, doors  7.30pm, tickets £12. Age 12+. Brand-new Devon-based actor-musician company Stowaway Theatre presents 40 Elephants, a musical inspired from research into the true stories of the 40 Elephant Gang; Britain’s first female crime syndicate. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Finn Campbell-Notman (Winner Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2023), Talk 7pm (doors 6pm hot supper available from bar) Tickets: £12 please call 01308 459511. Tickets are limited and essential. Sladers Yard, Contemporary Art & Craft Gallery West Bay Bridport Dorset DT6 4EL Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10–4pm. All work can be viewed on www.sladersyard.co.uk t: 01308 459511 e: gallery@sladersyard.co.uk.

Julian Philipps – Boogie Woogie Nights. An outstanding night of Boogie Woogie and Blues music played by Julian Phillips (piano/piano accordion), Axel Keim (guitar, slide guitar and harmonica) and Izi Onslow (Vocals).Together these three musicians create a Boogie and Blues performance which has rhythm and toe-tapping audiences enthralled, from traditional old-style instrumental classics through to haunting melodic blues ballads, all infused with zest and enthusiasm for the best in the

Boogie Woogie and Blues genres. 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £18 (Students £5. Free to under 12s.)To book: 01460 54973. or www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Friday, 1 – 2 March

Bridport Youth Dance presents Paradigm – BYD’s 20th annual production – a showcase of live dancing including The Dance Weaver films – Joy In Motion and Choreography Geography – Dancing with Dakness. Friday 1st March at 7.30pm and Saturday 2nd March at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets: £11.50 Adult*. £7.50 Child*. *plus £1 booking fee. Ticketline: Bridport TIC 01308 424901. Bridport Electric Palace. electricpalace.org.uk/theatre. www.bridportyouthdance.org.uk

Friday, 1 – 7 March

Forde Abbey and Gardens – Crocus week. Celebrating the beginning of spring with a display of acres of Crocuses on our lawn from the beginning of March. Gardens Open daily from 1st of March, 10:30am – 4:00pm. Tickets £14.50 for Adults and £5.00 for children 5-15years. Coffee Shop, Gift Shop and Specialist Nursery Open, www.fordeabbey.co.uk.

Saturday, 2 March

Do you already love singing? Would you like to experience singing with a big choir? Do you wonder if  you’re a singer but you’re not sure? Bridport’s West Dorset Singers invite you to Come-&-Sing selections from Mozart’s Requiem with them in St Swithun’s Church, Bridport. WDS can provide scores for those who don’t have their own. They can also provide training aids for anyone who wants help to practise their part. Registration starts at 1.00 pm and practice starts at 1.30 pm under Matt Kingston, the WDS Music Director. Established singers will enjoy his encouragement and insights while beginners will appreciate the support of their experienced companions. The entry fee for singers is £10.00. An informal performance, also in the church starts at 5.30 pm and everyone is welcome. Entry is free, with a voluntary retiring collection. For more information, visit westdorsetsingers.org   or email secretary@ westdorsetsingers.org.

Walking into Dance a workshop with Inge Dyson, Alexander technique teacher, and Wendy Hermelin, Laban trained dance teacher, exploring the connections between these two fields of body awareness, movement and imagination. 10am – 1pm, Salway Ash Village Hall, Salway Ash, Bridport DT6 5QS. Contact mail@wendyhermelin.co.uk or ingedyson@tiscali.co.uk. £20 on the door.

The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) talk by Jacqueline and Brian Sutton is entitled “It started with a kiss……the life and times of Dylan Thomas”. Dylan Thomas was both a famous and infamous Welshman. He will always be remembered for “Under

Milk Wood”, his ground breaking work. Come along on March 2nd. to the talk, starting at 10-30a.m. in the Library, to find out why it started with a kiss. Tickets can be obtained from the Library @ £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Refreshments provided, everyone welcome.

Bookbinding  Taster Workshop 10am – 4pm, A day making simple and creative book structures. Suitable for all. All materials and tools provided. £45. Dorset Craft Workshops, 3 The Mews, Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JP.  Further details and booking Nesta@leafwork.co.uk 07984001830.

‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’ (12A) Picnic Night Screening- Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 7.30pm, doors  6.30pm, tickets adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Sunday, 3 March

Lyme Regis Museum Friends illustrated talk in the Woodmead Hall, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG at 2.30 pm. ‘When the Yanks came to Lyme’ by Ken Gollop. A talk on the American troops in Lyme Regis in recognition of the 80 th anniversary of their arrival in Lyme Regis in November 1943 prior to the D-Day landings in Normandy. Entrance fee £4. Enquiries to David Cox, 01297 443156.

Monday, 4 March

Bridport Folk Dance Club If you like exercise, socialising and maybe learning something new, then come along to our dance sessions in the W.I. Hall on Monday evenings from 7.15pm-9.30pm. All welcome, especially beginners. Occasional live music and always a caller to lead the dances so no experience or partner required. Musicians  are always welcome too. Tea and biscuits. Tel: 863552 or 459001 for more information. Only £3.00 for an evening’s enjoyment.

RNLI 200 Years Celebration Coffee Morning with RNLI and Branch Archives at the Mariners Hall, Beer, EX12 3JB from 10am to 1pm. There will be tea, coffee, RNLI Cakes and RNLI 200 Years Gifts and Souvenirs. Raffle and Tombola. We will be taking some of our RNLI and national RNLI Archives.

RNLI Annual General Meeting Come and celebrate with us at 7.30pm in the Congregational Hall. There will be a guest speaker, raffle and refreshment. We will be taking some of ours and RNLI Archives. Additional Volunteers needed for our Shop at Beer

and with fundraising. Please email wac500@hotmail.co.uk or message 07790861531.

An evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 – 10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00.  For more information contact David on 01460 65981.

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘Past Lives’ (106 mins, cert.12 – occasional strong language). After years apart, a South Korean woman now living in New York reconnects online with the man who was once her closest childhood friend. Writer and director Celine Song’s beautiful, wistful drama of longing and human connection has two Oscar nominations, for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.  Don’t miss. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Ticket reservations £5.50 from csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 01297 678176 (socially-distanced seating available if reserved in advance); tickets also available for £5.50 from Hawkchurch Community Shop or £6.00 on the door (cash only). Subtitles for the hard-of-hearing provided.  Home-made cake and other tasty refreshments available.

2 lectures about The East London Group, artists that came from the three evening classes a week run by the Scottish artist John Cooper, at the Bow and Bromley Evening Institute in East London. During the interwar years from the mid-1920s, Cooper taught working people from the East End. Cooper was trained at the Slade art school, this brought in artists like Walter Sickert, the Camden Town painter and key British artist, who also taught the students and exhibited with them. They exhibited at the major galleries of the day, including the Tate Gallery and some were selected to be shown at the Venice Biennale. The lectures aim to show this group of talented artists, who were forgotten for many decades, but have now begun to be rediscovered in recent exhibitions. at 2pm-3.30pm United church hall on East St Bridport. Fee is £26, it is possible to do one of the lectures, £13. Also 11th March. The lectures will be on line on Fridays at 2pm, fee £26. Tutor is Pam Simpson MA, Art Historian . To book email chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com.

Tuesday, 5 March

Scottish Country dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We cater for all levels from beginners to experienced. Only £3.00 per session pay on the door, including hot drink and biscuits at the interval . It’s great fun, there is great music and you’ll find good company. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com . Better still just come along and join in.

Wednesday, 6 March

Bridport Scottish Dancers will meet at Church House, South Street, Bridport,  DT6 3NN. 7.15 for a 7.30 start. Cost:  £3.00   which includes tea/coffee and soft drinks + biscuits. Newcomers first evening is free. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Instruction on footwork and formations given when necessary in the first half of the evening + simpler dances.   After the break at 8.30 we attempt some more challenging dances for our regular members. Contact:  Malcolm on 07790 323343.   Check out bridportscottishdancers for more information.

Learn to Draw from Nature for Beginners Would you like to learn to draw but don’t know where to start? Draw from a still life study of flowers and fruit, and bring out your creative side in this relaxed class. Cost £16 which includes All materials, plus tea and coffee. 10 till 12.30. At The United Reformed Church , Chard Road, Axminster EX13 5EB, parking is opposite in Poplar Mount car park. For information or to book contact : gina.youens@btinternet.com

Thursday, 7 March

sillustrated talk in the Woodmead Hall, Hill Road, Lyme Regis DT7 3PG at 2.30 pm. ‘Ammonite Secrets that Darwin might wish he had known’ by Wolfgang Grulke. The talk describes uncoiled ‘heteromorph’ ammonites with bizarre shapes, a largely untold story. They present intriguing evolutionary puzzles that will be discussed. Entrance fee £2 for members and £4 for visitors, all welcome. Enquiries to David Cox, 01297 443156.

Fifi La Mer : A night of French music. Close your eyes and be transported to Paris where you will hear a selection of French music including works from Edith Piaf, Charles Trennet, Django Reinhardt and Serge Gainsbourg. Along the way you will hear tales about life in Paris and anecdotes about composers. 7.30pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

West Dorset Ramblers Group   8 mile circular walk via Briant’s Puddle War Memorial, Pallington Clump, and Athelhampton.  For more information and booking please phone 07826150114.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com. Please let us know if you are coming.

Friday, 8 March

Bon Giovi  Gateway Theatre, Seaton, live music- 8pm doors 7.30pm, tickets £20, £22.50 on the door. Bon Giovi are the World’s Premier look-alike and sound alike Tribute to the New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi.  Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Growing Food That Money Can’t Buy a talk by Katherine Crouch – it’s not a talk  about any old A-Z of crops but one which tells which are the easiest, tastiest and most reliable. Katherine will talk about the crops she always grows, those which she only grows sometimes and those which she may never bother growing again and why. She’ll also discuss the delicious meals she makes with what she produces throughout the year and why she bothers growing it when she could just go to the supermarket instead. Starting at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Hall Winsham TA20 4HU tickets are £4 for WHS members & £5.50 for non members and don’t forget to bring some loose change with you as they’ll be tea and cake available as well as a raffle. 

The Ballad of Mulan Woman, warrior, Legend. For ten years Mulan disguised as a man has fought for the Chinese Empire, but now it is time to go home. Grist to the Mill and Red Dragonfly brings you the real Chinese heroine that inspired Disney’s animation and live-feature Mulan. 7:30pm Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com

The Gaz Hughes Trio – Nuclear Bebopalypse – A Swing and Bop Odyssey from three rising stars of British Jazz. The trio showcases original compositions which pay homage to jazz legends, blending heritage with a modern twist for a captivating soundscape that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.  7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £18 Students: £5 Children 12 and under: Free 01460 54973.To book: 01460 54973 or www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Adult dance with Nikki Northover at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park. Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am to 11am. Journey through different dance styles from Latin to disco, to freestyle and creative work. Each class focuses on dancing for well being and ends with a relaxation. Cost: £8. Enquiries and to book please contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com

Friday, 8 March – 9 March

The Netherbury Players will be performing ‘Blithe Spirit’ by Noel Coward at 7.30pm in Netherbury village hall. £12 tickets from Bridport Tourist information or www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets. Doors open at 7pm and so does the cash-only bar.

Saturday, 9 March

‘Typist, Artist, Pirate, King’ (12A) –  Picnic Night Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 7.30pm doors 6.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50.‘Typist, Artist, Pirate, King’puts forgotten artist Audrey Amiss on the map. Inspired by her extensive archive of diaries, letters and art, the film weaves real events into an imagined journey as Audrey goes on a road trip with her psychiatric nurse. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Cantamus presents ’Spring, clad all in gladness’, a selection of choral music for the season. Includes works by Byrd, Mendelssohn, Lotti and Glinka, plus arrangements of traditional folk songs. Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton, 7pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash or card).

Jess Upton & The Guilty Pleasures Charity Gig Join us at the Symondsbury Tithe Barn for our annual gig night. Featuring dancefloor fillers and all the hits, get your groove on in aid of St Catherine’s Preschool. Pizzas available from Chariots of Fire. From 7pm, Symondsbury Tithe Barn, Symondsbury Estate, Early Bird tickets: £13 (£15 thereafter). To book: https://preschool.sumupstore.com/product/jess-upton-and-the-guilty-pleasures-gig-night

The Gary Moore Blues Experience This spectacular tribute ensures that the spirit and passion of Gary Moore’s music lives on. 7.30pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

Learn to sew and How to Use your sewing machine,  for Beginners Would you like to improve your sewing skills? Bring along your sewing machine and work on a simple project. This month we will be learning how to make bunting and/ or rouleau tape. Or choose your own small project from examples. 10 till 2 pm At the United Reformed Church, Chard Road, Axminster EX13 5EB, parking is opposite in Poplar Mount car park. Cost £18 to include tea and coffee. For  more information or to book a place , contact : gina.youens@btinternet.com

Artsreach’s Latchepen, jazz & swing music in Powerstock Hut  at 7.30pm. Box Office: 01308 485730 or online at www.artsreach.co.uk. Tickets: £12, £5(u18), £30(family) Doors and Bar open 7pm

Yarcombe Village Market in Yarcombe Village Hall, 10- 12noon – Fantastic Local produce – Eggs, Cakes, Pies and Pasties, Locally reared Pork, Plants form a Local Nursery, Woodwork, Bric a Brac and lots more.. come and have a browse and some coffee and cake. Queries – Helen 07858625421.

Sunday, 10 March

‘Titanic The Musical’ (12A) screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 2pm doors 1.30pm, tickets Adults £15, Under 16s £8

Winner of 5 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), based on the real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Monday, 11 March

Hawkchurch History Society – Spring Talk. Newenham Abbey & the Dissolution of the Monasteries in Devon’ speaker Prof: James Clark, of Exeter University. The abbey at Axminster, licenced in 1246, formed the focal point of town & rural life for nearly 300 years – until 1539.  Little of the abbey remains now (buried under Lower Abbey Farm), but remnants of tiles & carvings can be found in and around the town today. 7pm in the Hawkchurch Village Hall (doors open at 6.30pm). Non-members are very welcome, and will be charged £4 at the door.

West Dorset Ramblers Group    8 mile walk around Eggardon Hill and Loders.  For more information and booking please phone 07952 517764.

Bridport Folk Dance Club If you like exercise, socialising and maybe learning something new, then come along to our dance sessions in the W.I. Hall on Monday evenings from 7.15pm-9.30pm. All welcome, especially beginners. Occasional  live music and always a Caller to lead the dances so no experience or partner required.   Musicians are always welcome too. Tea and biscuits. Tel: 863552 or 459001 for more information. Only £3.00 for an evening’s enjoyment.

An evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 – 10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00.  For more information contact David on 01460 65981.

Monday, 11 – 15 March

Creative process and self-expression Whether you are an artist, designer or complete novice, rediscover creativity on this fun and inspiring week-long course run by local maker, art therapist, and creativity coach Mary Caddick. Learn to play again; take risks, have fun, release inhibitions, and give the inner critic a holiday. Sessions take place 9.30am – 4.00pm at The Chapel in the Garden, Bridport. Cost £295 plus £50 for materials and refreshments. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07557 275275, email mfcaddick22@gmail.com.

Tuesday, 12 March

Divine Union Soundbath 8-9.30 PM Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne DT9 3LN Quieten the mind calm the emotions relax and detoxify the body. £15 Please book in advance via 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com.

Scottish Country dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We cater for all levels from beginners to experienced. Only £3.00 per session pay on the door, including hot drink and biscuits at the interval . It’s great fun, there is great music and you’ll find good company. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com . Better still just come along and join in.

Wednesday, 13 March

Bridport Scottish Dancers will meet at Church House, South Street, Bridport,  DT6 3NN.  Time: 7.15 for a 7.30 start. Cost:  £3.00 which includes tea/coffee and soft drinks + biscuits.    Newcomers first evening is free. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Instruction on footwork and formations given when necessary in the first half of the evening + simpler dances. After the break at 8.30 we attempt some more challenging dances for our regular members. Contact: Malcolm on 07790 323343. Check out bridportscottishdancers for more information.

Wednesday, 13 – 14 March

‘The Old Oak (15)’ showing at Kilmington Community Cinema (EX13 7RF).  Ken Loach may not always be a bundle of laughs, but he’s always got something important to say. And at 86, he has declared that this is his last film. Doors open 6.45 film starts 7.15 on Wednesday.  Matinee on Thursday doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm, advance booking required for this matinee, cream-teas served during the interval but must be pre-booked with your seats @ £3.50.  Pre-booked seat tickets @ £5 or £5.50 on the door, booking essential for the matinee. Tickets can be pre-booked by email: wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 639758 see www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information.

Thursday, 14 March

The Shanty Sessions with The Chantry Buoys of Colyton, East Devon’s best looking boy band. Come along and join in with some traditional sea shanties and other well known songs of the sea.

Entry is free, so come along to have some fun and maritime frolics. The Buoys start at 7.30, licensed bar will be open, all proceeds go to supporting local charities. Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. 7.30pm.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at 1930 hrs. The Dancing Keys will be providing the music and Jane Thomas is calling. It’s £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun! Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909.

Chard History Group History of Art Speaker Louise Allen

Doors open 7.15pm  Start 7.45pm Chard Guild Hall Fore Street Chard Members £2.50 Visitors £3.50 All welcome. For further detail contact Tessa 07984481634.

The New Arts Group “Fame and Obscurity” Queen Victoria’s two court artists: Landseer and Burton Barber Speaker: John Davies Cost £10.00. Time 2.00pm (tea/coffee from 1.30). Bridport Town Hall.

Seaton Garden Club. A talk by Todd Gray from radio Devon, on The History of Barnstaple. Time 2.00p.m. at The Masonic Hall Seaton. £2.00 for none members to include refreshments. For more details contact 01297 22869.

Fatherhood Being a father in the 21st century is complicated, especially when you’re the father of a son of mixed heritage. Three very different characters, each with their own stories of being and having a dad explore the highs and lows of fatherhood across generations and across continents. All performances include integrated captions. 7:30pm Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com.

Bridport History Society hosts a talk featuring, arguably, Britain’s first celebrity. The talk, given by Prof. William Gibson (Oxford Brookes University), is titled ‘Seals, Sedition and Sacheverell’.  Through the case of Henry Sacheverell, who achieved great fame in the first two decades of the eighteenth century, we find out how wax seal-makers exploited the political nature of public life.  Either hero or villain depending on your point of view, use of Sacheverell’s seals raises questions of loyalty and treason in the period. The talk follows a short AGM. Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month (except July and August) at the United Church Hall, 2.15 for 2.30pm. Visitors welcome £5pp. Membership is £10 individual / £15 couple. For more information visit: www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk.

West Dorset Ramblers Group   7.5 mile circular- walk along the Fleet with views across the Chesil Bank. For more information and booking please phone 07798 732252.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com. Please let us know if you are coming.

Friday, 15 March

The Miracle Club set in 1967,  is a heartwarming film that follows the story of three generations of close friends, Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) of Ballygar, a hard-knocks community in Dublin, who have one tantalizing dream: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes, that place of miracles that draws millions of visitors each year. When the chance to win presents itself, the women seize it. However, just before their trip, their old friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) arrives in Ballygar for her mother’s funeral, dampening their good mood and well-laid plans. It is a lovely story about a friendship, past mistakes, love and forgiveness, with a brilliant cast. Village Hall, The Causeway, Milborne St Andrew DT11 0JX. Doors and bar open 7.00pm, start 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6, which includes a drink or an ice-cream.

Sara Trickey and Ivana Gavric – Passionately beautiful classical music from this dynamic duo. They will be delighting us with a programme including Mozart and Brahms, among others. Promoted by Concerts in the West. 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £18 Students: £5 Children 12 and under: Free.To book: 01460 54973 or www.ilminsterartscentre.com

Friday, March 15 – 17

Octent Antiques Fair Parnham House Parnham Park  Beaminster  DT8 3LZ. 10 am – 5 pm daily.

Saturday, 16 March

Chideock WI 2024 Fuller Talk. Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV “From Love Island to Byzantium”. Kevin’s talk will cover his life in television where he is responsible for programmes such as Dancing on Ice and Mr Bates vs the Post Office, as well as his passionate interest in Byzantium history and art.  Chideock Village Hall 7.15 for 7.30 pm.  Bar.  Tickets including light refreshments £10.00 pp in advance from Janet Carey janet.carey747@btinternet.com or 01297 489782.

Table Top Sale – Musbury Village Hall, 10am to 12.30pm. Stalls include cakes, raffle, homemade cards, bric a brac and lots more.  Refreshments including bacon buttys. All profits to St  Michaels Church, Musbury,  Enquiries call 01297 552440.

Quiz & Supper £10 per person; come in a team, or join one on the night; prizes for the winning teams. Licenced bar; raffle. 7pm; Clapton & Wayford Village Hall.  Booking and payment in advance please, to assist with catering; phone 01460 74849 or 01460 72769

Cantamus presents ’Spring, clad all in gladness’, a selection of choral music for the season. Includes works by Byrd, Mendelssohn, Lotti and Glinka, plus arrangements of traditional folk songs. St Candida, Whitchurch Canonicorum, 7pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash or card).

Dave’s Big General Knowledge Quiz – Come and support the Arts Centre with a wonderful evening of quizzing! Fiendish questions, bar and a raffle await. 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £12 per team of 4. To book: 01460 54973 or www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Calligraphy For Beginners 10 till 12 At the United Reformed Church , Chard Road, Axminster EX13 5EB ( parking opposite in Poplar Mount car park). Would you like to learn how to do Italic Calligraphy? Learn the basics of italics : pens and materials, pen angles, learn the letterforms, spacing and letter sizes. Discover how to use your calligraphy  :  for cards, poems, invitations, wedding stationery etc All materials are supplied. Cost £17. For more information and to book a place contact: gina.youens@btinternet.com.

Baskery The queens of banjopunk play a combination of classic ‘roots music and Americana’ with a twist of rule breaking punk turn this much loved style of music on it’s head. Their sound oozes style and playfulness and has helped them accrue a number of plaudits & accolades. 7.30pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

The Grizzly Quiz Night 2024 – Quiz – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 7.30pm, doors 7pm, tickets £6 per person. As part of The Grizzly weekend celebrations, the ever popular Grizzly Quiz is back raising funds for The Gateway Theatre! Get your team of friends together for a fun & competitive evening of quizzing (prizes given). Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Sauturday, 16 – 17 March

Dorchester Dulcimer Weekend What is a Dulcimer? Well here is a whole weekend for you all to find out more about these beautiful music instruments. There are concerts, workshops and sessions, all based in the historic Shire Hall Café, High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UY. Tickets can be bought in advance at Eventbrite. Just search for Dorchester Dulcimer Weekend. You can buy a ticket to cover the whole event; the two concerts and four workshops for just £20.  Or you can buy a ticket for a particular concert (£8) or a workshop (£3). For advice on the workshops email Damian Clarke at: voxpopontheroad@yahoo.co.uk.

Sunday, 17 March

South Wessex Organ Society (SWOS) announces the first performance of C.P.E. Bach-St. John Passion (Johannes-passion) since its composition in 1788. The music has recently been published. Axminster Chamber Choir and Orchestra, conductor Peter Parshall. Admission free, retiring collection. 19.00h. St. Andrew’s Church, Colyton.

Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction, Stoford, Yeovil BA22 9UU: first Train Day of the season. Recorded information on 01935 410420, find us on Facebook, or see our website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com.

Monday, 18 March

West Dorset Ramblers Group   8 mile circular walk from Lower Kingcombe to North Poorton on Jubilee Trail and back on the Wessex Ridgeway.  For more information and booking please phone  07974 756107.

Bridport Folk Dance Club If you like exercise, socialising and maybe learning something new, then come along to our dance sessions in the W.I. Hall on Monday evenings from 7.15pm to 9.30pm.  All welcome, especially beginners.  Occasional live music and always a Caller to lead the dances so no experience or partner required.  Musicians always welcome too.  Tea and biscuits. Tel: 863552 or 459001 for more information. Only £3.00 for an evening’s enjoyment.

An evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 – 10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00.  For more information contact David on 01460 65981

Tuesday, 19 March

‘Pillow Talk’ (12) Home Instead Nostalgic Cinema – relaxed screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton -. 1.30pm, doors 1pm, tickets £3.50 Whilst promoted as a dementia friendly screening, anyone who loves nostalgic films is very welcome to join us for an afternoon of fond memories and friendship. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

The Lyme Regis Society presents a talk:  Hogchester & Roman Villa at Holcombe By Audrey Standhaft 2pm at Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis. DT7 3PG. All Welcome. Members Free. Visitors £3.00. Refreshments Included. Social distanced seating available if desired. Please check website for further information: http//lymeregissociety.org.uk.

Barrington and District Gardening Society – Annual Spring Show & AGM plus an opportunity for members to exchange ideas 7.30pm – Barrington village hall, Somerset, TA19 0JE. Info from 01460 54691.

Simon Williams will give a talk on “The River Lim – Past & Present” in which he will describe the River Lim Path Improvement Project. Simon is a Planning and Regeneration consultant, living and working in the Lyme area who has delivered many environmental and regeneration projects. He was appointed by Dorset Coastal Forum  to plan and manage the River Lim Project and he has a fascinating tale to tell. 7.15pm at the Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Free Event. Refreshments available. All Welcome.

Contact enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk or 01297 446066.

Scottish Country dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We cater for all levels from beginners to experienced. Only £3.00 per session pay on the door, including hot drink and biscuits at the interval . It’s great fun, there is great music and you’ll find good company. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com . Better still just come along and join in.

Wednesday, 20 March

Gardens Open The award-winning gardens at Athelhampton, surround the Tudor manor house, and date from 1891. The Great Court with 12 giant yew topiary pyramids is overlooked by two terraced pavilions. This glorious Grade I architectural garden is full of vistas with spectacular planting, ponds with fountains and the River Piddle flowing past. Coffee, lunches & afternoon tea are available daily. Open for NGS: (10-5), Adm £12.50 (garden only), chd free. Athelhampton House Gardens, Athelhampton, Dorchester DT2 7LG.

Bridport Scottish Dancers will meet on at Church House, South Street, Bridport,  DT6 3NN. 7.15 for a 7.30 start. Cost:  £3.00  which includes tea/coffee and soft drinks + biscuits. Newcomers first evening is free. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Instruction on footwork and formations given when necessary in the first half of the evening + simpler dances.   After the break at 8.30 we attempt some more challenging dances for our regular members. Contact:  Malcolm on 07790 323343. Check out bridportscottishdancers for more information.

Coffee Morning, including cakes, scones & savouries, and bacon/egg rolls (made to order), 10.30am – noon; all welcome. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall.  More details from Julia (01460 72769)

Thursday, 21 March

The Kingsbury Episcopi Band originating from Kingsbury Episcopi in South Somerset, was established more than 100 years ago, and is a wind band, made up of brass and woodwind instruments. Their repertoire is wide and varied from ABBA and the King and I to Simon and Garfunkel; as well as traditional marches. All Saints Church, MARTOCK; TA12 6JN. 7:30 pm. Tickets: £10.00 at Guardianstickets@gmail.com /07547 213992/Martock Gallery/ Martock Newsagent (cash only); £12.00 at door. Website:www.martockonline.co.uk/events. https://kingsburyband.co.uk/

South Somerset RSPB Local Group Antarctic Adventure An illustrated talk presented by our member Lynn Osborne about her trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia & The Falkland Islands.  Lynn travelled 3,790 miles on an expedition ship, formerly used by the Dutch Navy as an oceanographic vessel.  Expect wonderful photography with spectacular scenery and penguins galore. At 7.30pm The Millennium Hall, Seavington St. Mary, Ilminster, TA19 0QH. Entry: Group members £4, non-group members £5, under 25’s Free.  Tea/coffee & biscuits included – Wheelchair access. Further details from Denise Chamings on 01460240740 or www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset.  Everyone welcome.

Deane Big Band – The Beehive Residency Big Band. 1970s – From Fusion to Disco. From Weather Report’s cross-over masterpiece Birdland to Gloria Gaynor’s feminist anthem I will survive, the band will explore the decade that gave us bell bottoms, tie-dyed shirts and platform shoes. 8pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

West Dorset Ramblers Group   7.5 mile walk around Burton Bradstock and West Bay to include the coast path.  For more information and booking please phone 07902 988549.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Halll round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com. Please let us know if you are coming.

Friday, 22 March

‘Argylle’ (12A) – Picnic Night screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 7.30pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. From the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman franchise, Kick-Ass) comes Argylle, a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

John Law’s Re-Creations – Creative arrangements of some of the world’s most familiar music. Taking some of the best-known tunes from all genres – jazz, pop, indie, rock, folk, classical sometimes and re-creating them, Sometimes spontaneously. 7.30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £20 Students: £5 Children 12 and under: Free. To book: 01460 54973 or www.ilminsterartscentre.com

Saturday, 23 March

Exeter Festival Chorus will be joined by the Cantorum choir from Blundell’s School for a concert entitled ‘Of Music & Invention’ at St Peter’s Church, Tiverton. The concert features the Da Vinci Requiem by Cecilia McDowall and other pieces by contemporary composers, as well as drawing on the past with music by William Byrd, Henry Purcell, Antonio Lotti and Thomas Weelkes. For further information and tickets, go to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/exeterfestivalchorus/of-music-and-invention/e-bkyykm

Cantamus presents ’Spring, clad all in gladness’, a selection of choral music for the season. Includes works by Byrd, Mendelssohn, Lotti and Glinka, plus arrangements of traditional folk songs. St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester, 7pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash or card).

Valemon A Norwegian White Bear Tale with original live music told by Lu Orza with Anthony Dodds and Colin Thompson at the Strode Room Beaminster 7.45pm. Tickets £10/concs £8 on door. Includes refreshments.

Cracking A completely made-up true story CRACKING is a dark and comic story about love and hatred, and celebrates how searching for connection beats disconnecting. It’s a heart-warming and uplifting comic story that blends fiction and reality into one seamless whole. 7:30pm Bridport Arts Centre, 9 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com.

Sheldon Singers present music to Calm Soothe and Inspire, including pieces by Stanford, Gibbons, Finzi and Faure. bSt Mary’s Church Uffculme EX15 3AA. 4pm. Followed by tea and cakes. Retiring donations – cash or card.

Miss Sasha Blaze: Hot Stuff – Drag night – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 8pm, doors 7.30pm  tickets Adults £15, Students £12.50, 18+.  This is a drag show like no other. Follow Miss Sasha Blaze and she divulges into her life through song and comedy. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Saturday, 23 – 24 March

Fancy being part of a free singing and performance weekend in Lyme Regis, creating new shanties for the 21st Century? Lyme Bay Moonrakers, a Lyme Regis community shanty group, partners with Somerset-based composer Marc Yeats and Electric Backroom Studio to compose five contemporary vocal pieces that reimagine traditional sea shanties. Marc’s shanties will extend vocal and performance skills through a weekend of fun musical exploration. Workshops are free and open to all, regardless of experience, but booking is essential. Events culminate in a live performance at the Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis, on the evening of Sunday 24th, presenting the old and new shanties to audiences. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please follow the link for full details and booking. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/electric-backroom/workshop-weekend-5-sea-shanties-for-the-21st-century/e-bkdgog

Sunday, 24 March

Garden Open Frankham Farm, Ryme Intrinseca, Sherborne DT9 6JT. 3½ acre garden, created since 1960 by the late Jo Earle for year-round interest. This large and lovely garden is filled with a wide variety of well grown plants, roses, unusual labelled shrubs and trees. Productive vegetable garden. Clematis and other climbers. Spring bulbs through to autumn colour, particularly oaks. Sorry, no dogs. Ramp available for the two steps to the garden. Modern WCs inc disabled. BBQ with our own farm produced beef, lamb & pork, vegetarian soup, home-made cakes made by village bakers. Open: (12-5). Adm £7, chd free. Light refreshments in our newly converted barn (no steps).

Lyme Bay Chorale’s spring fundraiser in partnership with The Broadoak Choir. Music by Lotti, Brahms and Fauré plus organ solos. Lyme Regis Parish Church, 4pm. Admission free with a retiring collection in aid of the church’s sound system appeal.

Dalwood Jazz Club  presents La Vie en Rose – Devon’s ever popular Gipsy Jazz Band with Rebecca Wilson – violin, Nick White – clarinet, David Jones – guitar, Laurie Light – guitar and Yann Mahdjoub – bass 3pm Dalwood Village Hall, EX13 7EG (near Axminster) Bar for beer/wine/soft drinks and teas/coffees etc. Parking at the Village Hall. £12.50p    If possible, please book in advance and pay (cash or card) at the door. t.mackenney111@btinternet.com

MJB Presents Classic Songs Revisited – Live Music – Gateway Theatre, Seaton- 3pm, doors 2.30pm, tickets Adults £15, Under 16s £10. Join us for a chill out Sunday afternoon of live music. Featuring popular songs from 60s 70s & 80s interpreted and played instrumentally by MJB & the band with some Funk Soul Jazz & a touch of Latin. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Monday, 25 March

Bridport folk Dance Club If you like exercise, socialising and maybe learning something new, then come along to our dance sessions in the W.I. Hall on Monday evenings from 7.15pm to 9.30pm. All welcome, especially beginners. Occasional live music and always a Caller to lead the dances so no experience or partner required. Musicians always welcome too.  Tea and biscuits.  Only £3.00 for and evening’s enjoyment. Tel: 863552 or 459001 for more information.

An evening of Scottish Dancing at Chardstock Village Hall 7.30 – 10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00.  For more information contact David on 01460 65981.

Tuesday, 26 March

West Dorset Ramblers Group    8 mile circular walk from Lower Kingcombe on the Jubilee Trail and surrounding ROWs. For more information and booking please phone 07587 098079.

Scottish Country dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. We cater for all levels from beginners to experienced. Only £3.00 per session pay on the door, including hot drink and biscuits at the interval . It’s great fun, there is great music and you’ll find good company. For more information contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com . Better still just come along and join in.

Wednesday, 27 March

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society AGM followed by talk by Keith Wiley of Wildside Nursery, ‘Risk-taking in Landscape’. Uplyme Village Hall 7.30pm. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments. Members free; non-members £3. More information www.ulrhs.wordpress.com.

Bridport U3A talk at Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ at 2pm. The speaker is sailor and marine photographer Steve Belasco, and is titled A Cruise Along the Jurassic Coast. Steve’s talk will be illustrated with slides taken along the length of the Jurassic Coast.

Bridport Scottish Dancers will meet at Church House, South Street, Bridport,  DT6 3NN. Time:  7.15 for a 7.30 start. Cost:  £3.00  which includes tea/coffee and soft drinks + biscuits. Newcomers first evening is free. All welcome, no partner required but please wear soft shoes. Instruction on footwork and formations given when necessary in the first half of the evening + simpler dances. After the break at 8.30 we attempt some more challenging dances for our regular members. Contact:  Malcolm on 07790 323343. Check out bridportscottishdancers for more information.

Thursday, 28 March

West Dorset Ramblers Group   8.5 mile circular walk from Corscombe to Halstock and West Cheselborough For more information and booking please phone 07826150114.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at 1930 hrs. Brian Heaton will be playing his trusty accordion and calling the dances. It’s £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun! Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com. Please let us know if you are coming.

Friday, 29 March

Easter Trail followed by ‘Migration’ (U) Matinee screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – Trail from 11am £1 per entry on door. Film 2pm, doors 1.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50.

A family of ducks decides to leave the safety of a New England pond for an adventurous trip to Jamaica. However, their well-laid plans quickly go awry when they get lost and wind up in New York City. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

A Country Music Songbook Theatre Show. A brand new, and refreshing, country music theatre production. This exceptional production will immerse audiences in the rich tapestry of country music, showcasing its diverse history and heritage through a carefully curated collection of songs & projected imagery. 7.30pm. The Beehive Honiton www.beehivehoniton.co.uk 01404 384050.

Beaminster Museum  A Stitch In Time The museum opens for the summer season with a new exhibition focusing on needlecraft. It follows a thread through local sewing history, from cobblers to couture costumes and darning to drapers, via saddlers and seamstresses, to tailoring and tapestries. Artefacts and archive photographs from Beaminster and the surrounding villages bring the story to life. The exhibition will run until the museum closes for the winter in October. The museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank holidays 10.30am – 4.00pm, Sundays 2.00 – 4.30pm.   Free entry but donations very welcome. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB.

Friday, 29 March – 1 April

Forde Abbey Easter Trail. Bring the little ones and come along to Forde Abbey’s exciting Easter trail starting from the 29th  of March to 1st April from 10:30am to 4:00pm. The usual entry fees apply to all Adults and Children and an additional fee for children who would like to take part in the trail. Gift Shop, Coffee Shop and Specialist Nursery is also open for the Easter Weekend, www.fordeabbey.co.uk

Saturday, 30 March

‘Bob Marley – One Love’ (12A) Picnic Night screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton  7.30pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. ‘Bob Marley – One Love’ celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Cattistock Point-to-Point at Chilfrome (signed off A356).  An afternoon of Pony races and Steeplechase races. Local food, Bar, Bookies, Stalls and Children’s entertainment. Further information: pointingwessex.co.uk or njatknson10@gmail.com.

An evening of Music and Words, The Bartholomew Quartet and other well-known local musicians and writers performing a varied programme, 7pm for 7.30pm, The Mariners` Hall, Fore Street Beer, EX12 3JB. Tickets 10 pounds per adult (accompanied under-16s free). Contact Martin Cox mcoxbeer@gmail.com

Sunday, 31 March

The Royal  Opera – Madama Butterfly (12A) screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, – 2pm doors 1.30pm, tickets Adults  £15.Under 16s £8. When the young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton, she believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life. Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion – with tragic consequences. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.thegatewayseaton.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Divine Union Soundbath 2pm-4pm Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA Quieten the mind calm the emotions relax and detoxify the body. £15 Please book in advance 01935 389655  ahiahel@live.com.