Coast & Countryside Events

Monday 30 April - Wednesday 2 May

Bird Identification and Surveying Monday 4.30pm - 4pm Wednesday. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.  [SY 553 990].  £220 person (£165 non-residential). 01300 320684, or visit www.kingcombe.org.

Tuesday 1 May

Wyld Morris are dancing at dawn on Stonebarrow Hill, Charmouth at 5.15am. Come and share the saluting the 1st sunrise of summer. Afterwards the Five Bells, Whitchurch Canonicorum, are serving breakfast at at 6am onwards.

International Workers Day Celebrations Featuring Josie Long and Grace Petrie Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 7.30pm £10/£9 member. On the forecourt from 6pm; there’ll be Morris Dancing by Wyld Morris, Maypole dancing and a massed sing of Billy Bragg’s version of The Internationale. Later in the evening watch award-winning duo Josie Long and Grace Petrie they will serenade and outrage you about the state of Coalition Britain.

Family History Course Military Ancestors Marsh Barn Farm, Burton Rd, Bridport. One day special. Many other courses available. 01308 425710.

Axminster Probus Club for retired and semi-retired business and professional men meets at 10 for 10.30am at the Kilmington Cafe, Bistro & Motel on the A35 Gammons Hill, Kilmington for a talk by Michael Robinson on ‘The Weapon that Changed the World’ followed by optional lunch. Potential members and guests welcome. 01460 220528.

Wednesday 2

Yoga For Your Daily Life Senior Citizen’s Centre, Axminster. Enjoyable exercise for men & women over 50 years. Friendly group to improve your posture and balance. Increase strength, stamina and flexibility and learn the art of relaxation. Contact Trish Warren the Fit as a Fiddle coordinator, Age UK Devon. 0845 296 7810.

Bridport Scottish Dancers from 7.30pm, Salway Ash Village Hall. Caroline 01308 538141 or Ann 01308 422927.

Jurassic Folk & Acoustic Guest Night with Sunjay Brayne

Nominated for this year’s BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, at only 18 Sunjay’s mastery of his craft belies his age, with great guitar playing and singing in the blues tradition. Doors open 7.45pm at the Grove, Seaton.Info and to book Advance Tickets £5 see www.eastdevonfolk.org or 01297 20064.

7pm - 9pm, Litton Cheney Village Hall, everyone welcome. Led by composer Andrew Dickson, developing music for performances at Eggardon Hill on 14th & 15th July. Contact: Rose Hoskin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07874 248530, www.landance.org.uk.

Thursday 3

Sherborne Jazz presents the Ivo Neame Quintet at the Plume of Feathers, Half Moon street, Sherborne, DT9 3LN. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets on the door £12. Call the Plume of Feathers on 01935 816569.

Cafe Scientifique ‘’The Origins of Our Species’’ Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queens Avenue, Dorchester DT1 2ET. Doors Open 5.30pm, talk 6pm. Tickets (free) available from the school reception. Talk given by Professor Chris Stringer  FRS from the Natural History Museum. 01304 266064.

Open Garden Prospect  Cottage 55 East Street, Beaminster 2.30 - 5.30pm entrance £4 to include tea with Fat Rascals in the Summerhouse, in aid of The Pituitary Foundation, reg charity No 1058968.

Children’s Society in Axminster Coffee Morning in The Church Room. Everyone welcome.  01297 32927.

Association Croquet, LVCC Uplyme 2 - 5pm. Also Mondays. Details from Philippa  01297 442181.

Colyton Parish History Society guided walking discovery of Colyton, The Most Rebellious Town in Devon! 2pm from the town car pak regardless of weather. Minimum donation £2 per person (under 16s free). Booking not needed. Lasting about an hour and offers a chance to learn what’s behind some walls. It ends with a look at our most historic building – St Andrews Church with its Saxon origins and fine octagonal lantern tower.

1905 Sherborne Pageant film “The Mother of all Pageants”, film of this superb 1905 event with commentary by Gerald Pitman. 3pm, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne. Tickets £2 from Sherborne Tourist Information or Mary at 01963 251255.

Stompin Dave Allen Supporting The Toy Hearts The Electric Palace, Bridport, Dorset, adv tickets £10. www.stompinstore.com.

Friday 4

The Andy Nowak Quartet with Josh Arcoleo This quartet boasts an impressive CV, having performed with Jamie Cullum, Lillian Boutte, Art Theman , and Pee Wee Ellis, at venues such as The Barbican, and Ronnie Scott’s . The group have effervescence and flair and focuses on re-workings of standards, as well as original compositions. 8pm. Tickets: £12. Pre-show supper £9.50 at 7pm. Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. Box Office: 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Revolution! The Musical Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 7.30pm, £10/ £8 concs. A captivating story of love, hope and freedom prevailing against the backdrop of a crumbling communist regime with music by Nicholas Keyworth and lyrics by Michael Wilkinson.

Friday 4 - Saturday 5

Friday 4th May – Volunteering Conference in the Digby Hall 10 - lunch – (Free Lunch provided) Presentations about volunteering best practices and challenges with: Oliver Letwin MP, Alan Power Head Gardener NT Stourhead, Simon Cripps, CEO of Dorset Wildlife Trust, Beth Fox of CAB. 1.30 - 4.30pm – Funding workshop. Find out what funds are available for your organisation.How to access to UK & EU funds for projects and the long term. Saturday 5th May – Volunteer Fair in the BSR 10am – 12.30 – In the Big School Room of Sherborne School. Drop in anytime. Find out who is doing what in the voluntary sector. What can you do to help? Includes international displays. Free refreshments and Circus Skills Workshop for children 1.30 - 4.30pm – Making it Happen workshop. Presentations by international partners on what they are doing. Discussion on local projects in Sherborne and Dorset saying what you want to happen locally. Please contact Mary Clothier on 01963 251255 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Friday 4 - Sunday 6

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival Hands-on science and art, Fossil Fair, walks, talks, quiz, and much more. www.fossilfestival.com.

Friday 4 - Tuesday 8

Sherborne Abbey Festival A feast of music throughout the Bank Holiday weekend by performers including the Tallis Scholars, Sherborne Festival Chorus, Emma Johnson, Lesley Garrett and festival evensong sung by the joint choirs of Sherborne and Romsey Abbeys. www.sherborne abbey.org.

Friday 4 May - Sunday 9 Sept

Jurassic Coast Earth Festival celebrates Englands only natural World Heritage Site. 4 month programme of events. www.earthfestival2012.org.

Saturday 5

Howdenjones ‘beautiful music in beautiful places’ Tour Great songs, gentle anecdotes and delicious leg-pulling. Kate Howden and Paul Jones are singer-songwriters, based in The North West of England. They are performing at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall, Somerset TA20 3NX 01460 62081.

The Lost Cord Versatile Duo from The Mellstock Band at 7.30pm. Doors & Bar 7pm. Tickets: Adults £8 / Under 18’s £6 on the door, if available, or in advance from Phil Humphries: 01258 837034.

Quiz & supper evening 7pm at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. All welcome; prize for winning team; licensed bar; raffle. Entrance £7 including supper; please book in advance 01460 75380.

Jazz and Poetry: Jazz quintet Impromptu with Poets: Kim Squirrell, Svetlana Savrasova and John Torrance. 8pm. Tickets: £8 or £20 with supper  01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk. Polly Gifford (vocals), Dan Shackell (alto and tenor saxophones), Dave Bell (bass), Jonathan Jeavons (keyboard) and Matt Brown (drums) are Impromptu, exciting Bridport-based jazz quintet with wide influences including blues and Latin jazz. With three talented, award-winning and published poets.Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL.

Whitford Village Produce Association Plant Sale in Village Hall 10am.

Axminster Woodturners Club: Supported Hands on session devoted to colouring and texturing techniques. Admission £2 for visitors, 10am to about 1pm at Woodbury Community Hall, Axminster. 01308 427717.

A Celebration of Time hosted by the Jurassic Coast Earth Festival unites Robyn Hitchcock and John Hegley to give their thought-provoking take on how we, homo sapiens in 2012, fit into time as witnessed by this stretch of Planet Earth since the first creatures groped around amid ancient primordial goo. The Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset. Tickets £15 (concessions apply) from www.marinetheatre.com or Lyme Regis TIC 01297 442138.

The Martock Garden Society Plant Sale in the Parish Hall at 11am Bedding and vegetable plants bought wholesale at discount prices, as well as some good nursery plant stalls selling a wide variety of healthy plants. Tea and coffee, admission free!

Dawn Chorus at RSPB Weymouth wetlands at Radipole Lake nature reserve. 4.30am - 7am. Come experience the ‘Rhythm of the Reeds’. Early morning is the best time to come and listen to spring bird song, as the reserve’s inhabitants start to wake up. Followed by free breakfast and a chat about this early but wonderful start to the day. £6 non-members, £3 RSPB members and children free. Booking essential on 01305 778313.

Local Craft and Produce Market regular monthly market. Stalls vary but can include cards, jewellery, woodcraft, plants, textiles, pottery, cakes, and meat. From 9.30am - 2pm. Free entry to buyers. New makers are always welcome, contact Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. 01460 55783. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

Saturday 5 – Sunday 6

Saturday 7pm   Barbecue and Moth Trapping. Camping facilities are available for anyone wishing to stay overnight – bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc and food and drink to share.  Sunday 4am for 4.30. The Nightingale Experience.  Dawn Chorus Walk to hear the nightingales and other spring songbirds, to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Weekend. Followed by breakfast. Booking essential This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: 01963 23559. 9am. Moths Inspection of last night’s moth catch followed by refreshments at 10.30am. 11am – 1pm    Guided Walk to see the butterflies and other wildlife. Bring your own picnic if you would like to have lunch on the reserve.

as part of Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. Drop into the museum or the marquee on the beach – free – any time between 10am and 4pm to see magnificent fossils, hear fossil experts, polish your own ammonite or paint a fossil plaster cast to take away. Get hands-on with museum fossil hunters Paddy Howe and Chris Andrew on a 3-hour fossil walk (adults £10; children £5) or see the town as Mary Anning knew it with a 1½-hour guided walk by Natalie Manifold (adults £6; children £3). See website www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk for timetable of events; phone 01297 443370 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to make a walks booking.

Saturday 5 - Monday 7

Flower Festival Beaminster, St Mary’s Church  10.30 - 4.30pm daily.

Sherborne Castle Craft & Garden Fair Sherborne Castle. 10am - 6pm.  Entrance fee (including gardens) £5.  Craftworkers from all over the country, nurserymen and specialist growers plus a large selection of garden furniture and garden ornaments.  Famous magician Mr Merlin will also be there to entertain the children.  Food and refreshments available. 01935 813182. www.sherbornecastle.com.

Sunday 6

from 2 - 5pm. A garden of all round interest with flowers bulbs & shrubs in bloom throughout the year. A small town garden of approx quarter of an acre with plenty of features which includes fruit trees, a vegetable garden and different areas created into rooms depicting differing styles of gardening to keep visitors happy including homemade teas. Entrance is £3. Contact Heather Robinson, 113 Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 2NH. 01305 263088. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dorchester & District Lions 2012 Fun Run Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre, Dorchester. 1 mile, 2 miles or 10km timed run, raise money for charities. Entry forms available from Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre and Dorchester Tourist Office or www.lionsdorchester.org.uk.

Bridport Scottish Dancers from 6.30pm, Church House, South St, Bridport. Caroline 01308 538141 or Ann 01308 422927.

Dorset Knob Throwing & Frome Valley Food Festival Cattistock, Nr Dorchester. 10am - 4pm. Adults £2 Under12s Free. Family Fun from sampling, demonstrations and contests. 01300 320404. www.dorsetknobthrowing.com.

Bluebell Walk Meet St Nicholas Church Dinnington for a 2.30pm start for the annual Bluebell Walk, mostly along paths not usually accessible to the public. Adults £3, children £1, includes free hot or cold drink on return. Controlled dogs welcome; boots, or wellies if wet, advisable. Proceeds to St Nicholas. Any queries ring Michael Holloway on 01460 54430.

Jazz at the Blue Ball Inn, Sidford. “Le Jazz”. Chris Gradwell – Saxophone & Clarinet with friends: Andrew Daldorph – Keyboard. Andrew Barrett – Guitar. Mike Thorn – Bass. In the Village Suite. Bar Available. Door open 6.45pm for 7.30. Tickets £8. 07583 796855 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Art Exhibition & Plant Sale One Day Only Puncknowle Art Group at ‘Patria’, Beach Road, West Bexington from 10am to 5pm. New Members welcome. 01308 482375.

Plant Heritage (Dorset Group) Plant Fayre 10.30am – 3pm at Athelhampton House, near Puddletown.  Many Specialist Nurseries and Plant Heritage members’ stalls provide the plants that cannot be found in Garden Centres.  Entry Free to members, concessions to non-members with PH leaflet. 01305 772533 & www.nccpg.com/in-your-area, click on Dorset).

celebrating our local community. Broadoak, Bridport  at 12 - 4pm. a day to network, have fun, share skills and new ideas and tell people about what you do. Last year’s May Day Earth Fair included a Maypole and dancing, local choirs and musicians, a health and healing yurt, permaculture demonstrations, children’s area, swap shops for books and clothes and lots more.  To share your passion, service or cause you are welcome set up a display or stall. No cost, no selling.  If you or your group would like to join in, get in touch. To get involved contact Ro or Sally by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Monday 7

Chard Scottish Country Dance Club Chardstock Community Hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm for instruction and social dancing.  Ian 01278 661224 or Andrew 01297 33461.

Fairport Acoustic Convention 8pm, The David Hall, South Petherton. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240340.

May Day Celebration at Combe Farm in Axmouthy from 2 to 5pm. Sing in the Spring, Dance round the Maypole with live music, Explore the Library in the Sanctuary and buy some second-hand books; Walk the Spiral amid the apple blossom; See how the Community Woodland Orchard is growing and follow a ‘letterboxing’ trail; Try drumming in the tepee; Make May Day Crafts; Give yourself a little Healing and of course enjoy the wonderful teas, cakes and the famous nettle scones! Christina Bows 01297 23822.

Duck Race in aid of Church Fabric Funds. First race at 2pm, Stalls and refreshments and lots more. Norton sub Hamdon.

Gartell Light Railway Open Day Narrow gauge on the old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset. 01963 370752. www.glr-online.co.uk.

Open Garden 2.30 - 6pm Drax Estate, Charborough Park, Off the A31. Adults £4 Children £2. Tea and Cakes. All proceds to Portland St John Ambulance. No Dogs.

Tuesday 8

Martock Garden Society Day Visit starting 2pm, to Fyrse Cottage and Tuckers Farmhouse, Stoke St Mary, near Taunton, TA3 5BY.  Fyrse Cottage has a secluded cottage garden with oriental flavour. ½ acre of lush planting with stream, pond, pergola, lots of sculptures and Chinese pots. Birch avenue leading to ½-acre wildlife area. Gravel and flower gardens. Oil paintings and cards for sale.  Tuckers Farmhouse: family garden in lovely rural location. Formal/cottage-style extending to natural with wildlife. Jekyll-style border and ‘busy persons’ gravel/grass border. Topiary, exotic planting in courtyard, pear tree avenue. Fruit garden, raised bed vegetable garden, a very small smallholding.  £7 including refreshments.

The Royal Navy of 200 Years Ago

Bridport United Church, East St, Bridport. This Bridport History Society talk by Patrick Stokes starts at 2.30pm. All welcome.

The Axminster Memory Cafe at the Senior Citizen’s Centre, Church Street, between 2.30pm - 4.30pm.  If you have a memory problem and want to meet others in the same position then why not come along and have a chat.  Refreshments will be served and there are activities if you wish to partake. If you need advice we can put you in touch with someone who can help.

Golf Croquet Lym Valley Croquet Club  at Uplyme. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details from Philippa 01297 442 181.

The Ile Valley Flower Club Open Evening presents a ‘ Floral Odyssey ‘ by Jayne Edmunds, a NAFAS National Demonstrator at The Warehouse Theatre, Ilminster. Tickets £10 available from either Lanes Garden Shop Ilminster or 01460 75025/ 77233.Refreshments  and a sales table will be available.

Wednesday 9

Senior Citizen’s Centre, Axminster. Enjoyable exercise for men & women over 50 years. Join this friendly group to improve your posture and balance. Increase strength, stamina and flexibility and learn the art of relaxation. For more information contact Trish Warren the Fit as a Fiddle coordinator, Age UK Devon. 0845 296 7810. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bridport Scottish Dancers from 6.30pm, Church House, South St, Bridport. Caroline 01308 538141 or Ann 01308 422927.

The Story of Mary Anning - Fossil Finder St. George’s Church Hall, Fordington, Dorchester. 2.30pm. Told by Natalie Manifold. Part of the National Trust South Dorset Association Programme 2012. All Welcome. Guests £3.

She Sells Sea Shells talk by Natalie Manifold. relating the story of Mary Anning, the pioneer Fossil Hunter of Lyme Regis. Selected by the Royal Society as one of the top ten women to have influenced the history of science, Mary Anning collected fossils from around Lyme Regis in the early 19th century and progressed to become one of the greatest natural historians of her time’. The talk will be held in St Georges Church Rooms, Fordington, Dorchester and starts at 2.30pm. There will be a small charge of £2.50 Contact Geoffrey & Elisabeth Wrench on 01300 321601.

An Evening with the Nightingales at Alners Gorse. 7 – 9.30pm Join a guided walk to listen to the Nightingales and other songbirds, followed by a barbecue.

Axe Vale Heritage Association Talk by Dr Wilkins on the Normal Lockyer Observatory at URC Church Hall, Seaton at 7.30pm.

Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12

CUDOS presents “Cheshire Cats” comedy by Gail Young. 7.30pm nightly at Crewkerne Victoria Hall, Tickets from 01460 74380, supporting the charity Walk the Walk.

Thursday 10

Seaton Music concert 8pm Seaton Town Hall. www.seatonmusic.org. Classical guitar with Alison Smith.

Thorncombe Village Trust AGM followed by an illustrated talk: “Adventurous Journeys” by Ann Mosscrop. 7.30pm start at Thorncombe Village Hall, Thorncombe, Nr Chard.Refreshments available. Members and visitors are welcome. 01460 30326.

Coffee Morning in aid of Cancer Research UK at the Church Room, Axminster. 9am to 12 noon. Everyone welcome. 01297 443476/33263.

Launch of unique civic arboretum 11am – 8pm  Kennaway House, Sidmouth. Free Entry. Lunch time talks by Dr Anne Stobart on medicinal woody plants and Phil Planel from AONB on landscape of Sid Valley. 6pm talks by Hugh Angus, dendrologist from Westonbirt Arboretum, Professor Brian Golding on local climate. Also walks, advice, sales. Info This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Callino Quartet 7.30pm Cotleigh Parish Church. Part of Honiton May Festival, Tickets from Honiton TIC 01404 43716. www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk.

Thursday 10 ~ Saturday 12

Jubilee Wedding Dress Festival Holy Trinity Bothenhampton, 10.30 - 4pm with later closing on Friday at 6.30pm. Come along and enjoy this exhibition of Wedding Dresses from the Jubilee years. A delightful display of much treasured memories!

Friday 11

Kilmington Village Produce Association Wild Flowers their Folklore and Uses by David Brock in the village hall at 7.30pm.

Elixir Dance Bridport Arts Centre,

South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 7.30pm £10/£9/£3. Combining contemporary choreography, digital projection, and live music with the South Indian dance form Bharata Natyam, Elixir explores struggle, survival, and instability.

Friday 11  - Sunday 13

Art Exhibition in Village Hall. Free entry. Sat 6 - 8pm; opening by Alan Cotton 6.30pm..Sat  - Sun 10am - 5pm. Raffle for charity. Art demonstrations. Refreshments including lovely homemade cakes and teas in aid of Village Hall. More info This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nick Baker - Weird Creatures

7.30pm, Burton Bradstock Village Hall. Tickets available from Burton Bradstock Post office, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or on 07796 302539.

Saturday 12

Uplyme Village Hall Dance Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence.

£4 per person in aid of Hall funds. 8 - 11pm. 01297 442439.

Table Top Sale Tatworth Memorial  Hall 2 - 5pm. Admission 50p ( this entitles you to have a free cup of tea). Refreshments and Raffles. Tables £5 (set up 12.45). Please book early with payment. Contact Rose on 01460 221042.

Bridport Community Hospital Coffee Moriing and Bring & Buy 10am - 12.30pm at 2 Styles Close, Beaminster, the home of Keith & Mary Fursman. Proceeds in aid of the cost of providing plants to add some brightness and colour to the inner gardens of your local hospital for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff.

Dorset Wildlife Trust - West Dorset Group Farming and conservation in action - A farm-walk, near Godmanstone, led by Will Best.  Donations to cover costs.  Booking & details: 01297 445659 or

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Bohemians – Queens Greatest Hits Show Doors open at 7pm, Show starts at 8pm. Tickets: £14. The Electric Palace, Bridport. 01308 426336. www.electricpalace.org.uk.

Bridport Choral Society present a Celebration of British Music at 7.30pm in Bridport United Church. With favourites from the “Last Night of the Proms”. With Anna-Maria Geare, soprano, and David Illingworth, organ. Programmes £6 at the door or from Bridport Music or the Tourist Office. Contact 01308 898484. Bridport Choral Society is not a registered charity, but is a non-profitmaking community group. There will be a retiring collection for charity (recent collections went to Shelterbox, Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes).

Whitchurch Purcellian Concert Sarkis Zakarian (piano) 7pm / £8 (inc. refreshments) Church of St Candida at Whitchurch Canonicorum.

Dowlish Wake Plant Sale at the Pavilion, The Lawrence Kellett Playing Field. 10am – 12 noon. Plants, Cakes, Jams, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Clothes (nearly new), Raffle and Refreshments. Entrance £1 includes coffee/tea/biscuits. All proceeds to everyday running costs of St. Andrew’ church.

Piano Pieces at Charmouth, St Andrews Community Hall. 3.30pm. Sarah’s pupils’ concert, teas and music by swing band. Tickets £4. Donation to Hall Fund. 01297 561550.

Musbury Plant & Craft Sale from 9am to 12.30pm at the Musbury Village hall. All your best loved locally-grown vegetable, bedding and perennial plants will be on sale together with some beautiful local Arts and Crafts and delicious homemade produce. Contact Sarah on 01297 553858. If you would like to exhibit or contribute in some way - with your Baking, Knitting, Woodwork or any other Crafts - please call Pat on 01297 551064.

Chardstock Garden & Vegetable Plant Sale 10 am to 1 pm at Chardstock Community Hall. Free entry and large free car park. As well as bedding plants, perennials, border plants and shrubs, this year’s event will be promoting vegetable growing with a wide range of vegetable plants raised by gardeners in the village, both organic  and non organic. New for 2012 - apple trees on dwarf rooting stock and there is the ever popular chance to win a trailer load of best quality horse manure.

Martock Farmers Market 10-1pm.

18 stalls of interesting food, from coffee to cabbage. Excellent new antioxidant chocolate maker is doing well, and this month also super Somerton soap maker. In the shopping precinct, North Street.  01935 822202 for a table.

Blackmore Vale Scribes Day Workshop with Marion McKenzie:

“Focus on Foundational Hand”. 10am arrival for 10.30 - 4.30pm. Bradford Abbas Village Hall. Eileen Dearden, Secretary, 01308 425383.

RMW Art Group and Portland Camera Club Exhibition of paintings and photographs at St George’s Centre, Reforne from 10am - 4pm. Refereshments. New members welcome on Wednesday evenings 7-9.30pm. Vi 01305 778810.

West Dorset Group - Somerset & Dorset Family History Society Parish Registers - Speaker Ted Udall (Please Note Change of Speaker).Loders Village Hall 2- 4pm. Visitors welcome.Contact Brian Webber 01935 812347.

Saturday 12 - Sunday 13

Open Garden Days Hilfield Friary, Dorchester DT2 7BE. A chance to visit ‘The Secret Garden’ to meet with Br Vincent and have tea at the Friary. All proceeds go to the National Garden Scheme and its charities. 01300 341741

Sunday 13

The Great Wheel Appeal from The Exchange, Sturminster Newton. Routes of eight miles, 25 miles and 60 miles. For further information or to register, please phone St John Ambulance on 01305 751167 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their website www.sja.org.uk/dorset.

LETS Local Exchange Trading System At Monkton Wyld Court, Charmouth. DT6 6DQ. All welcome for Soup Lunch and Trading. 12 noon to 3pm.

Lubbecke Community Centre, Lubbecke Way, Dorchester, DT11QL. Beth’s bakes and poetry with Beth Blake from 4pm - 5.30pm. Everyone welcome inc children. Suggested donation £5 per person. Leading to Poetry Fest and Poetry Anthology. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Blessing Of The Boats The Cobb, Lyme Regis. Rogation Sunday - when traditionally, the Lyme Regis Lifeboat holds a Blessing of the Boats family service outside the boathouse at The Cobb. Wreaths are blessed and taken out to sea by the lifeboat where they are laid to commemorate those lost at sea. The service, with the Lyme Regis Town Band, starts at 3pm everyone is more than welcome to attend.

Portland Rotary Club Annual Plant and Craft Fair at The Grove Portland. 11am to 4pm. The car parking and refreshments venue is available by kind permission of Portland United Football Club/Blues Club with the stalls being placed on the opposite side of the road at The Grove Road playing fields, Portland, DT5 1DP.

Monday 14

Chard Scottish Country Dance Club Chardstock Community Hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm for instruction and social dancing.  For further information  please phone Ian on 01278 661224 or Andrew on 01297 33461.

The Axminster & District Senior’s Forum will meet at the Senior Citizen’s Centre, Church Street at 2pm.  A non political group that uses its collective voice to speak up for older people.  Part of the Senior Council for Devon now to be known as Devon Senior Voice. There will be a speaker from Devon Air Ambulance.

Neroche DFAS at 7.15pm at Seavington Millennium Hall, Water Street, Seavington St Mary, Nr.  Ilminster. ‘Clear as ice, green as frost on leaves’,  a talk on  crystal and jade through the ages by Anne Haworth, a specialist in oriental ceramics, and a guide at Buckingham Palace. Crystal and jade are materials that have, through the ages, been used to create works of art by poets and artists alike, and have been prized by connoisseurs for their exquisite beauty.

Bridport Folk Dancing Club at 7.30 - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport.  Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s long-established weekly club, with guest and club callers, recorded music and occasional live bands. No partner or previous experience required. Admission £2. Contact Mike on 01308 863 552 or Sue on 01308 458 165.

Tuesday 15

National Trust local group Coach Trip to the West Somerset Railway and Dunster Castle. The coach travels to Bishops Lydeard where a connection by steam railway takes you to the village of Dunster. The coach leaves Weymouth from Lanehouse Rocks Road at 8am with pick up stops at the Spa Hotel and Dorchester Market Car Park. The coach is expected back in Dorchester about 7pm. The cost will be £31 for NT members (Bring your membership cards) and for non members £33 plus a £7.80 castle entry fee.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School present Cold Comfort Farm by Paul Doust. 8pm, The David Hall, South Petherton. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240 340.

Mosterton Gardening Club Annual Quiz in the village hall 7.30pm.(on A3066)

Golf Croquet, Lym Valley Croquet Club at Uplyme. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details from Philippa 01297 442181.

Littlebredy Walled Gardens Littlebredy, Nr. Dorchester, open for the NGS from 2 - 6pm. Plant sales and teas available in village hall. Contact 01305 898055.

Thorncombe WI at 7.30pm in the Community Room at Thorncombe Village Hall when a member of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution will give a talk entitled ‘Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things’. New Members and visitors welcome. Contact Julia Snellock 01460 30135.

Wednesday 16

West Dorset Decorative & Fine Arts Society at Bridport Arts Centre, 2 for 2.30pm, an illustrated talk given by Anthony Kelly, University Lecturer and Art Historian, “Transports of Delight”; The art of the travel poster of the 1930s. An insight into the art and design of these iconic posters and their social context.

Rogation Day Hilfield Friary, Dorchester DT2 7BE. Beating the bounds of the Friary land and asking God’s blessing on the land. At the same time marking Christian Aid Week. 01300 341741.

Axminster Art Society Musbury

Village Hall, 2pm. Sian Dudley will be giving a demonstration of Painting Flowers in Watercolour. Visitors welcome. www.axminster-art-society.org.uk.

Jurassic Folk & Acoustic Singers Night Regular monthly session where singers and musicians of all range and experience are invited to do a spot. Everybody welcome and free admission. 7.45pm at the Grove Nite Club, Seaton.01297 20064, www.eastdevonfolk.org.

Thursday 17

Bridport and District Gardening Club How to Make a Butterfly Garden with Martin Young. WI Hall, North St, Bridport. 7.30pm.

RSPB Film Show and Plant Sale RSPB South Somerset Group. Born to Fly. New RSPB film. 7.30pm. Millennium Hall, Seavington St Mary, Ilminster. 01460 240740.

Colyton Parish History Society guided walking discovery of Colyton, The Most Rebellious Town in Devon! 2pm from the town car pak regardless of weather. Minimum donation £2 per person (under 16s free). Booking not needed. Lasting about an hour and offers a chance to learn what’s behind some walls. It ends with a look at our most historic building – St Andrews Church with its Saxon origins and fine octagonal lantern tower.

Plant Sale at Chapel Thatch, Holditch. TA20 4NL  6pm to 8pm. Ploughmans Supper available. Contact Nora Arnold 01297 678288.

Friday 18

The Heritage Theatre - England and St George at 7.30pm.  Free Entry. Combe St Nicholas Parish Church, near Chard.

Nicolas Meier Trio Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 11am, £8. The Trio keep crossing the borders of jazz, flamenco and oriental music; travelling through new versions of beautiful standards Body and Soul and Autumn Leaves to then play Andalousia, Breeze, Lavender and Yuz.

Saturday 19

The Dorset Chamber Orchestra St Mary’s Church, Dorchester DT1 2HL. 7.30pm. Fiona Dalzell, piano. Tickets in advance  £10 from Harmony Music, Dorchester  01305 260360 or £12.50 on the door. Season ticket £33 for 4 concerts. Under 16s are free to all concerts. Contact Friends Secretary Mary Brown 10 Arncott Hall, 13 Poole Road, Bournemouth BH2 5QR 01202 765397. www.dorsetchamberorchestra.org.

Table Top/ Bric a Brac Sale 10am - 1pm, Whitelackington Village Hall, nr Ilminster, TA19 9EF. Refreshments available. Tables £5. 01460 259565.

The Nicholas Meier Trio Performing works from their new album, Breeze, this trio crosses the borders of jazz, flamenco and oriental music. See www.concertsinthewest.org. 8pm. Tickets: £12. Pre-show supper £9.50 at 7pm. Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. Box Office: 01460 54973. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

EQUUS Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 7.30pm £15/ £13 members/ £10 concs. “Quite simply this is the kind of show for which awards are given “ Whatson Stage. Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer’s unique psychological thriller explores the complex relationships between worship, myth and sexuality.  Equus contains strong language, adult themes and nudity.

Special Saturday Performance Night 7.30pm, The David Hall, South Petherton. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240340.

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

Mosterton Gardening Club Annual Plant Sale 10am - 12 noon in the village hall.

Thorncombe Village Trust

Plant and Crafts Sale and Coffee Morning 10am – 12pm at Thorncombe Village Hall, Thorncombe, Nr Chard. There will be crafts, cakes, plants and gift ideas, or just drop in for a coffee and chat. 01460 30326.

South Somerset Peace Group Peace Vigil, Crewkerne in front of Victoria Hall 11 - 12 noon.

Seaton Choral Society Seaton Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Brahms - Requiem: Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine: Saint-Saens - Danse Macabre with Christine Marsden (soprano)  David Fouracre (baritone); Michèle Banting (piano). Conducted by the Society’s new Director of Music, Dr Peter Milmer.

Artists’ Talk: The Romantic Landscape 8pm. Tickets £8 or £20 with supper. Sladers Yard West Bay, Brdport. 01308 459511. www.sladersyard.co.uk. Emma Stibbon (Printmaker and Senior Lecturer, Fine Art Printmaking Dept, University of Brighton), Simon Quadrat (Painter, Ex-barrister and Past President of RWA), Alex Lowery (Painter) and James Meiklejohn (Painter) discuss their work, Romantic artists of the past and how Romantic ideals apply today.

Cakes & Home Produce, Gifts, Crafts, Raffle etc. 10 - 12 noon Jubilee Hall, Winsham  in aid of Winsham Pre-School ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). All welcome. Susan 01460 30551.

Colyford Spring Fair 10am - 2pm.

Fresh produce, local crafts, gifts, plants, raffle and cakes. Free parking. Bacon rolls, burgers, cakes and drinks. Stall holders: large tables are available to book at £8. (Inside or outside) Please contact Katie Sivier on: 01297 551288 to book a stall or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Stanchester Quire with their guests Barley Rye from Nailsea, will entertain with folk songs from the British Isles in a concert at The Baptist Church in South Street, Yeovil, starting at 7pm. Tickets £5 at the door. 01404 861256.

Free family workshop 10am – 12noon at RSPB centre, Radipole Nature Reserve. Free Activities and fun walk. Julie Hursthouse  07987 30029. email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.jenniferfrancis.co.uk.

Melvyn Tan piano.7.30pm. St Paul’s Church Honiton. Part of Honiton May Festival, Tickets from Honiton TIC 01404 43716. www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk.

Museums at Night All six of Dorchester’s major museums- Dinosaur Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Keep Military Museum, Teddy Bear Museum, Dorset County Museum and Terracotta Warriors Museum. Open 5.30 - 9pm. www.thedinosaurmuseum.com.

20th year ‘Inspiring young musicians to perform in an informal and encouraging atmosphere’. The Yeovil May Festival committee was formed in 1982 by a group of local music teachers who wanted to create performance opportunities for their talented students. Over the years the event has gone from strength to strength, and this year is introducing a new ensemble class for any age, (up to and including 18 year olds) in any idiom - rock, jazz, folk etc. Yeovil piano teacher Janice Sugg was one of festival founders and is still serving on the current committee. St Mark’s Methodist Church, Chelston Avenue, Yeovil. This year the festival will be adjudicated by Helen Deakin, a very experienced Music examiner. Entries are invited from local music teachers and their students. Please contact Mrs Allison Rees for festival entries at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or for other enquiries contact Committee Chair Mrs Kathryn England on (01935) 850726.

Kilmington Village Produce Association Plant Market 10.30am.in the village hall.

Antiques and Vintage Collectables Fair Expect an eclectic mix of stalls selling a range of desirable vintage and collectable items. From 9.30am-3.30pm. Free entry to buyers. New stallholders welcome. Please contact the arts centre for more information. Ilminster Arts Centre at The Meeting House, East Street, Ilminster. TA19 0AN. Information: 01460 55783. www.themeetinghouse.org.uk.

One day Life Coaching Workshops with Wendy Knee in stunning location on Jurassic Coast: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tel 01297 561493. Mobile 0796 8846514.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticulural Society 9.30am - 12am  Plant Sale & Coffee morning.  Uplyme Village Hall. Donations please for produce table (cakes, jam, veg, etc.) Entry £1 Details 01297 444034.

Olympic Torch creative workshop taking place at the RSPB centre Radipole lake from 10.am – 12 noon only. Please contact Julie to book places 07980 730029.

Saturday 19 -  Sunday 20

Netherbury Gardens Open 1 – 5pm  including five NGS gardens amd a handful of hidden gems which are opening for the village which are not to be missed. (Not all gardens open on both days.) These range from a garden with a breath taking number of roses, a stunning courtyard garden, riverside walks, wonderful wisteria, parades of foxgloves and magnificent views. This year, the 49th consecutive opening, there is a new Light Lunch Menu in the village hall from 12.30 to 2pm.  Teas, plant stalls, a bottle tombola, local cider, bric-a-brac and a range of other local produce to take home with you. Only £5 per person (valid both days).  Children under 13 Free. 12 noon - 4pm. Walk 10am-12 noon each day.

Reptile Weekend at RSPB Arne nature reserve. Arne is one of the few places in Britain where you can find all six British reptiles. Learn about the reserves scaly side! Drop in anytime for regular free ‘show and tell’ sessions, a ‘Reptile Ramble’ walk in the mornings which costs £6 non-members, £3 RSPB members and children free and must be booked in advance. Booking and further information on: 01929 553360.

Sunday 20

Art in a Walled Garden Open Day A major new sculpture, Endless Curve, by Chinese artist Wenqin Chen has been installed in the walled garden at Farrs in Beaminster in time for a series of open days. The work joins a selection of contemporary art at the home of internationally acclaimed furniture designer and maker John Makepeace and his wife Jennie, including pieces by Andy Goldsworthy, Terry Frost, Patrick Hughes, John Keane, Gabrielle Koch, Christie Brown and Tony Hayward. More details on www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com or call 01308 862204. 11am - 5pm.

Craft Fair 10 - 5pm, The Village Hall, Branscombe. Refreshments available. Enquiries to Jean and Wendy Clarke 01395 568815.

Karen Hall’s Ottery 10K Race & Fun Run at 10.30am starting and finishing at the Ottery St Mary Cricket Club Strawberry Lane. Contact Rachel on 01404 812000.

Moving Pictures Shop in Ottery St Mary are having an event to showcase the fantastic Walt Disney Classics Collection figurines at The Normandy Restaurant from 12 noon to 4pm. Contact Sam on 01404 812774.

The Big Read and Junior Big Read Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com. 01308 424204. 6pm, Tickets: £7 / £5 members/ £5 concs. Also announcing the books for this year’s Big Read and Junior Big Read, as well as giving away some free copies.

Born in Membury in 1795, he was a social reformer, MP, surgeon, founder of The Lancet medical journal, coroner and agitator for the release of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Commemorative Exhibition at the Village Hall, Membury, Axminster EX137AF 11am - 5.30pm. Commemoration service in Membury Church at 2.30pm. Organisers are hoping that many Wakleys living locally will be able to attend. Further details available from Nicholas Yool, Membury Local History Society: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Family Barn Dance with Stompin’ Dave St. Mary’s Church House Hall, Bridport, Dorset, 2.30pm till 5pm, adults £6, children £3. www.stompinstore.com.

Concert 3pm, St. Nicholas Church, Abbotsbury. International Soloists: Calum Robertson, Clarinet; Matthew Souter, Viola; John Bryden, Piano; Performing: Piano Solo. Transfigurations Domini Jesu Christu” Liszt Trio in E Flat “The Kegelstaff” Mozart. Eight Romantic Pieces for clarinet,  viola and piano Bruch. Tickets £10, under 16 Free. In aid of Church Funds. Refreshments served during the interval. Please contact Jean Channon 2, Market Street Abbotsbury, DT3 4JR. 01305 871261.

Moving Pictures shop in Ottery St Mary showcase the fantastic Walt Disney Classics Collection figurines, at The Normandy Restaurant from 12 noon to 4pm. Contact Sam 01404 812774.

Misterton Annual Fete 12 noon - 4pm.  A really great day out for all the family with lots going on.  The theme is Olympics with live music by Tone Valley Jazz Band. Displays, stalls, tombolas, games, inflatable slide/merry go round, steam engines, paintballing, archery, model trains, cocunut shy, crafts, displays in the arena (dog agility, majorettes, silly olympics, tug of war); children’s corner with tombola, lucky dip, knock the tins down.  Great variety of hot and cold food at very reasonable prices; grand raffle with cash prizes  ... and much more.  Free ettry and free parking. Enquiries Diane Bradly 01460 76761.

Village Cream Teas at Strongate Farm, Salwayash, 2pm to 5pm in aid of Salwayash Church. All welcome.  Contact name Bob/Tessa Huxter 01308 488295.

Monday 21

Chard Scottish Country Dance Club Chardstock Community Hall at 7.15 for 7.30pm for instruction and social dancing. The next meeting is in September. For further information please phone Ian on 01278 661224 or Andrew on 01297 33461.

Exploring Weymouth’s History on Foot 6 sessions. The first sessions will be an illustrated talk and the remaining sessions will be around Weymouth on foot. Littlemoor Library, Weymouth DT3 6SF. 7.30pm to 9pm. Tutor: Robert Ford. Cost: £33. Enquiries and enrolments: Pat Donnelly 01305 833608.

Bride Valley Gardening Club

Puncknowle & Swyre Village Hall

Starts 7pm. AGM followed at 7.30pm by Martin Young from Nectar Plants Garden Nursery talking on “Gardening for Wildlife.” Valerie Cameron Email                               This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The West Coker C.O.E School PTFA Fourth Cyber Cafe from 6pm till 7pm at the West Coker School. Everyone is welcome to come and access the Internet.  There will also be PTFA members and Students on hand to help if you should need some assistance surfing the web or if you would like someone to introduce you to the internet. There is a donation of £1.50 requested for the Cyber experience.

Bridport Folk Dancing Club at 7.30 - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport.  Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s long-established weekly club, with guest and club callers, recorded music and occasional live bands. No partner or previous experience required. Admission £2. Contact Mike on 01308 863 552 or Sue on 01308 458 165.

Probus Club of Yeovil lunch meeting, at noon at The Westland Leisure Centre, Yeovil. Talk by John Doyle entitled ‘The Search for the last Coachman’. 2 course lunch. Potential members and guests welcome. Contact Secretary John French 01460 78610.

Tuesday 22

Derek Williams talk “Hearing Dogs for the Deaf”. This will be an illustrated talk designed to show how dogs are trained to be the “ears” of their deaf owners. Derek Williams is himself deaf but has a wonderful West Highland Terrier who is able to alert him to everyday things such as the telephone, front door and even the washing machine! A retired Naval man and is now an observer helping people take their Advanced Driving Test. An interesting talk is assured and will be held in the Weymouth Bay Methodist Church in Melcombe Avenue starting at 2.30pm. There will be a small cost of £2.50 for NT members and £3 for non-members. Further information available from the organiser, Ann Taylor on 01305 787810.

Golf  Croquet Lym Valley Croquet Club at Uplyme. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details from Philippa  01297 442181.

Martock History Group visit to the recently re-discovered and restored  Grade I listed Shell Grotto in a Sherborne School garden.  Guided tour of the grotto, and told of its construction restoration. Glass of wine in a nearby garden afterwards. Remarkably, the cost has been discounted to only £5. Quick walk and talk around Sherborne if time permits Starts at 6pm. Please book beforehand, phone 01935 822159 or 822202.

South Somerset Peace Group public meeting when James Nash will talk about the work of the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital. This hospital is the only charitable provider of ophthalmic services to the Palestinian people of East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. The meeting will be held in the Minster Rooms, Ilminster at 7.30pm.

All welcome - entry £3 including tea/coffee.

Smallridge & District Antiquarian Society meeting at 7.30pm in All Saints’ Village Hall, Smallridge.  Guest speaker will be Mr. Peter Hayward and his talk is entitled “The doorstep delivery of milk between 1920-1980 in the West Country”.  This will be followed by the AGM. Visitors are most welcome for a small fee and refreshments are provided.

Tuesday 22 – Friday 25

All My Sons by Arthur Miller An IES production directed by Cathy Stuckey.  Arthur Miller’s first successful play was inspired by a true story about a successful businessman who knowingly sold the government defective airplane parts during World War II with tragic consequences. 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Lanes Garden Shop, Ilminster or the Theatre Box Office on 07943 779 880  Ticket Prices:  £7.50 (concessions £7, full time students £4.50). www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk.

Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26

The Festival, organized originally to celebrate Millennium Year 2000, has gained a reputation for bringing musicians and singers of national, and even international, stature to this small Somerset village.  All concerts are held in the Grade 1-listed, 15th centruy church of St. George. Introducing the programme, Festival Chairman Les Farris said….“At each Festival we set out to delight and surprise our audiences with a range of musical treats that it would be difficult to find elsewhere.  This year, we open with jazz by the Pete Allen Band and continue with our Young Musicians’ Concert, a cello recital, a first for the Festival, by Caroline Dale and an evening with Cornish Gypsy/folk band Three Daft Monkeys. The Festival ends with a flourish with a gala performance of Verdi’s La Traviata by England’s leading touring company Garden Opera. www.hintonfestival.org  where full details of Festival Week, including ticket prices, are shown.  Alternatively, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07500 532 543.

Wednesday 23

Sherborne Science Café The Senior Lunch Club Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. 7.30pm.  “How do you measure the size of a raindrop?” by Andrew Eccleston. www.sherbornesciencecafe.co.uk.

6pm - 8pm, at Litton Cheney Village Hall, everyone welcome, free taster led by Amanda Fogg, developing dance for performances at Eggardon Hill on 14th & 15th July. Contact: Rose Hoskin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07874 248530, www.landance.org.uk.

t at Hinton St.George performed by finalists from Hinton St.George Young Musician of the Year Competition. The evening’s programme includes a performance by the children of Hinton St.George First School and an impromptu new musical work devised, rehearsed and conducted by Charles Hazlewood, to which all entrants to the competition have been invited. Tickets £6 from the Festival box office by calling 07500 532 543, by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or through our website www.hintonfestival.org.

Bridport Scottish Dancers from 6.30pm, Church House, South St, Bridport. Caroline 01308 538141 or Ann 01308 422927.

Thursday 24

The One World Fellowship will meet in the Strode Room, next to St Mary’s Church, Beaminster at 7.30pm when Alan Heeks will talk about ‘The Aramaic Gospel’. All welcome. Visitors £4 to include refreshments. Enquiries: Peter 01308 458283.

The Churchfitters 8pm, The David Hall, South Petherton. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240 340.

Thursday 24 - Friday 25

Antiques Auction Long Street Sale Rooms, Sherborne. 01935 812277. www.charterhouse-auction.com.

Friday 25

Tim Lowe, Cello and James Baillieu piano 1pm, St Paul’s Church, Honiton. Part of Honiton May Festival, Tickets from Honiton TIC 01404 43716. www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk.

Dave Thompson Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com. 01308 424204. £8pm, £5/£3 concs. Dave Thompson’s brilliance has earned him TV and film roles for Ben Elton and a regular writing spot on Harry Hill’s TV Burp. Despite all his success Dave is perhaps best known as Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies.

Tindall Recital - James Barralet (Cello) Music School, Sherborne School, Abbey Road, Sherborne

7.30pm.  Tickets £12.50 - available from Sherborne School Reception

01935 812249.  www.sherborne.org.

Hawkwind Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: £20 standing, £22.50 seated. The Electric Palace, Bridport. 01308 426336. www.electricpalace.org.uk.

The Fay Hield Trio 8pm. The David Hall, South Petherton. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240 340.

Belshazzar’s Feast Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. £8pm, £12/£11 members/£8 concs. Featuring the talented duo Paul Sartin of Bellowhead and Paul Hutchinson. ‘Their music is breathtaking and wickedly inventive and the between-tunes interchange as intelligent and hilarious as the music.’ Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2.

Friday 25 -  Sunday 27

Marshwood Trails Late Spring Walking Weekend with Martin Gershon. Visit the website or telephone to book. Monkton Wyld Court, nr Charmouth, www.monktonwyldcourt.co.uk, 01297 560342.

Jazz, Blues & Beer, Lyme Regis Lyme Regis Jazz and blues Festival featuring live music at various venues around the town. Grand Umbrella Parade on Sat. 26th.  Tickets on sale at Lyme Regis TIC 01297 442138.

Saturday 26

Uplyme Village Hall Dance Ballroom, Latin and some Sequence.

£4 per person in aid of Hall funds. 8 - 11pm. 01297 442439.

Rex Trevett Big Band Bucky Doo Square, Town Centre, Bridport. Free open-air performance for shoppers enjoyment. Morning only.

Antiques & Flea Market Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne.

9am - 4pm. 01963 250108. www.charterhouse-auction.com.

Indoor Bowls Taster Session Bridport Indoor Bowls Club, St Andrews Ind Estate, Bridport DT6 3EX. Free event, everyone welcome. All equipment provided. 10-2pm. 01308 425278.

Don Giovanni Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. 7.30pm, Tickets £15/ £14 members/ £12 concs. Live opera comes to Bridport as Dorset Productions presents Mozart’s classic tale of lust, murder and retribution. Sung in English.

Axminster & District Choral Society Jubilee Celebration Concert “Music Fit for a Queen”, in the Minster, Axminster at 7.30pm.    This will include Anthems from the Queen’s Coronation, Royal Weddings and past Jubilees. They will be supported by the Salamanca Band of the 6th Rifles based in Exeter, with Peter Parshall on the organ and directed by Judy Martin, the Society’s new Musical Director.  Proceeds from the Concert will be going to Care for Casualties (The Rifles) and The Baton,(Marines).Tickets: £10 from Archway Books, Axminster, The Red Cross, Seaton, or phone 01297 625916 or 01404 881838.

at the Institue, Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary from 9.30am to 12.30pm. With lots of local food and crafts to sell. Further information please contact the Ottery St Mary Information Centre on 01404813964 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Barrington Local Produce Market in the village hall from 10am - 12 noon.

Flora and fauna on the river bank - A river-walk led by Mike Lowing and Marjorie Waters.  Donations to cover costs.  Booking & details: 01297 445659 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Purchase Paintings For Pleasure Thorncombe Art Group painting sale of original paintings, prints and cards from 10 – 4pm in the village hall. Free entry and refreshments.

Swyre Village Trinity Fete 1pm in grounds of Holy Trinity Church, raffle entry, produce, plants, teas, barbecue, cakes, books, £1 stall, Swyre and the Sea display, games for the young at heart. Proceeds to Coastwatch and Church internal decoration.

The Park Community Centre, Chelmsford Street, Weymouth. Come and help us create wonderful boats. From 10am – 3pm (drop in sessions). Julie Hursthouse 07987 30029. email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (Over 12`s only). www.jenniferfrancis.co.uk.

Beaminster Singers Spring Concert Beaminster Singers will be spanning English choral history and also the British Isles. The main work is Baroque - Henry Purcell’s only opera Dido and Aeneas, a tragic story of love ruined by the scheming of evil spirits. It includes one of the loveliest arias in operatic repertoire, When I am Laid in Earth. In the 19th century Gustav Holst wrote his Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda which will be sung by the female voices in the choir accompanied by a harp and from the 20th century comes Benjamin Britten’s Gloriana Dances which conclude the concert. There is also a piece from the 21st Century, a setting for male voices of the negro spiritual Shenandoah arranged by Beaminster Singers tenor and occasional composer Brian Earl, written specially for the concert. So that Scotland will not be forgotten the Beaminster Singers men will be singing a Tramping Song, The Road To The Isles,  Wales will be represented by All Through The Night arranged by Hugh Roberton (a Scotsman) and sung in English. The orchestra are all members of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

The concert is at St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster at 7.30pm. Tickets (unnumbered seating) £12, obtainable from the Church Office, the Singers website and on the door as well as Bridport Music.

Stockland Country Market at Stockland Victory Hall from 10am to 12 noon. Top quality local produce, including foods, plants, local crafts. Info and bookings 01404 881535.

Axminster & District Choral Society Jubilee Celebration Concert in the Minster Church, Axminster at 7pm. “Music fit for a Queen”. A collection of anthems from Coronations, Royal Weddings and past Jubilee occasions Conducted by Judy Martin, the new Musical Director, with Peter Parshall playing the organ and accompanied by members of the Salamanca Band of The Rifles. Proceeds in aid of 2 charities: Care for Casualties (The Rifles) and The Baton, which was formed by Alan Rowe MBE of Honiton to promote awareness of the problems that our injured service men face on their return from duty. For more information please contact: Alan and Rozanne Bulmer on 01404 881838. Tickets will be available from Archway Books, Axminster, The Red Cross, Seaton,  01297 625916, 01404 881838 and members of the Society.

Electric Comedy: Tom Stade Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: £15. The Electric Palace, Bridport. 01308 426336. www.electricpalace.org.uk.

Martock Community Group Market Craft and Food market, 9,30 - 12.30pm in the Co-op precinct every other 4th Saturday. Stalls selling jewellery, cards, plants, pottery, vegetables and even a massage!  01935 824533 for a table.

Saturday 26 - Sunday 27

in Powerstock Church, Powerstock, Near Bridport, 10.30 - 4.30pm. Fair trade refreshments. In aid of Wawa and other charities. Further information, e mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01308485207.

Saturday 26 - Monday 28

Brunch in the Garden at Highway Farm, Bridport, for Cancer Research 12 - 3pm. It’s Dorset Arts Week; visit The Allsorts textile exhibition & The Bra Fence for Breakthrough. www.highwayfarm.co.uk.

Saturday 26 May - Saturday 10 June

The Dorchester Art Club members only Spring Exhibition in the Bowling Club in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester. from 10am - 5pm, Sundays 10.30am - 4.30pm, admission free.

Sunday 27

on Giant Hill and Black Hill, Cerne Abbas. morning and afternoon. Contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.dorsetbutterflies.com.

Annual Vintage/Classic Vehicle Rally A wide range of vehicles from the last century. Average 200 plus vehicles annually attending from all over the country. Pecorama, Beer. www.pecorama.info.

Tribulus Oboe and String Quartet perform Classical Quartets at the All Saints Church, Merriott at 2.30pm including some of the finest works by Moeran, Haydn, Bliss, and Piazolla including the Moeran Oboe Fantasy, and a special  Bliss Oboe “Quintet” all followed by afternoon teas and cake. Funds raised are towards the All Saints Repair Activities, Tickets £6 available from Osborne’s Broadway store in Merriott ,“Our Shop” in Hinton St George, Crewkerne TIC, at the door, or call 07870 404631 &, 0146076360. Under 18’s free.

Open Garden Afternoon 2.30 - 5.30pm. Spectacular sea views! Cream teas and bring & buy plant sale at Lower Ware, Ware Lane, Lyme Regis. Raising funds for Action Medical Research for children. Entrance £3. By kind permission of Mr & Mrs McGarry. Contact 01297 442636.

Companion Dog Show with all the usual attractions including, demonstrations, refreshments, Children’s attractions and Bowling for a pig.  Al monies raised go to Weldmar Hospice Care Trust and Woofability as well as local Rotary Charities.  Entry Adults, £2.50 children free and parking free. West Bay Showground from midday.

the Pure Sounds of crystal and Tibetan bowls and vocal overtoning applied using the esoteric yin/yang principles of harmony. 2 - 4pm at Oborne Village Hall, Oborne nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. All you need to do is relax and let the sound flow over, around and through you. Bring something very comfortable to lie on and in. £10 advance booking essential via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 01935 389655.

Bridport Chamber Orchestra Concert at St Swithun’s Church, Bridport, 3pm, followed by teas.  Music to include Mozart, Handel Britten and Gershwin and a saxophone concerto by Glazounov, soloist Alison Davies. Tickets £8 on the door and from Bridport Music and the Bridport Book Shop. Students free entry.

Monday 28

Wessex Research Group Sherborne and Yeovil branch. Simon Heathcote on ‘Polishing the mirror, the way of Sufi mysitics’. 7.30pm, Digby Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Opposite the abbey. Admission £4. Further information Jennie 01935 817685. www.wessexresearchgroup.org.

Bridport Folk Dancing Club at 7.30 - 9.30pm in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport.  Enjoy folk dancing mainly in the English tradition from Playford-style to modern-day compositions at Bridport’s long-established weekly club, with guest and club callers, recorded music and occasional live bands. No partner or previous experience required. Admission £2. Contact Mike on 01308 863 552 or Sue on 01308 458 165.

Tuesday 29

6pm - 8pm, at Bridport Arts Centre, everyone welcome 9 yrs +, free taster led by Katey Leader, lead dance artist with Somerset’s Youth Dance Co. developing dance for performances at Eggardon Hill on 14th & 15th July. Contact: Rose Hoskin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 07874 248530, www.landance.org.uk.

Merriott Gardening Club An afternoon coach trip to the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells. Spaces available, for further details please contact 01460 72298.

Golf  Croquet Lym Valley Croquet Club at Uplyme. 1.30 - 3.30pm. Details from Philippa  01297  442181.

Wednesday 30

Raul Prieto Ramirez organ recital 7.30pm, St. Michael’s Church Lyme Regis. Programme includes: Bach Prelude & fugue in G Major. Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre. Franz Liszt Mephisto Waltz Alexandre Guilmant Sonata No.1 in D Minor. Thrilling performances, given entirely from memory, combining dazzling virtuosity with great expressive power. Tickets £10/8 children £5 from Lyme Regis TIC in advance on 01297 442138 or at the door.

Kieran Goss Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR. www.bridport-arts.com 01308 424204. £8pm. Long hailed as one of Ireland’s leading songwriters and performers. Kieran Goss’ songs have won him fans across the globe and performing live is where he really shines.

Paul Prieto Ramirez Organ Recital St Michael’s Parish Church, Lyme Regis. Tickets from TIC 01297 442138.

Coffee Morning 10am – 12 noon, The David Hall, South Petherton. Pop in for a cup of real coffee and a chat, look around the book and/or bric-a-brac stalls and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. www.thedavidhall.org.uk. 01460 240 340.

Thursday 31

Colyton Parish History Society guided walking discovery of Colyton, The Most Rebellious Town in Devon! 2pm from the town car pak regardless of weather. Minimum donation £2 per person (under 16s free). Booking not needed. Lasting about an hour and offers a chance to learn what’s behind some walls. It ends with a look at our most historic building – St Andrews Church with its Saxon origins and fine octagonal lantern tower.

European Union Chamber Orchestra 7.30pm St Paul’s Church Honiton. Part of Honiton May Festival, Tickets from Honiton TIC 01404 43716. www.thehonitonfestival.co.uk.

West Dorset Humanists Meeting

7.30pm at the Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High St.West, Dorchester DT1  1UP. Humanist Funerals and Weddings, Partnerships. For many people attending a humanist ceremony may be their first contact with Humanism, but what makes these so special and different? Maggie Pepin and Dave Hewitt, two local Celebrants will talk about their experiences. Everyone welcome. Free (£2 donation suggested). More details from 07921 311518 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .