Your truly comprehensive list of local events
Tuesday, 31 March
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR. Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com See you soon.
Wednesday, 1 April
“The Conquest of the Blue Nile” with Col John Blashford – Snell CBE. A travel night presented by Bridport Camera Club. The raconteur extraordinaire tells the story of one of the most famous expeditions of the 20th Century. 7 pm at Bridport Arts Centre, DT6 7NR. Tickets £12 and are available from https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/travel-night-the-conquest-of-the-blue-nlle/
Thursday, 2 April
Scottish Country Dancing. St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club, 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2.00 per session, £1.50 for members. Always a fun evening – come along and give it a try – a warm welcome assured. No partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com.
A Real Pain (2024, USA, 15, 90 mins, Director: Jesse Eisenberg). Two cousins embark on a tour of Poland in honour of their beloved Jewish grandmother. This comedy drama combines humour and warmth with a nuanced and sometimes painful exploration of family history, love and loss. Doors 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £30, guests £5 per film. For more information/book guest tickets, please email mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or k_everard@live.com. Alternatively, ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Julia Borland on 01460 72769.
K-POP Superstar – 3pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £22. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Choral Eucharist with music by Gibbons, Durufle and Byrd at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, High West Street, DT1 1XA, 7pm. The service is free to attend. More information www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Community Coffee Morning 9.30 – 11.15am. Free bacon butties, cake and coffee. All welcome. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. 07741457505.
Colyton town history walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group bookings by arrangement – Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
A Bridport Town Walk, led by a museum volunteer, will explore hidden Bridport – its buildings, people and stories 11am at Bridport museum (DT6 3NR) every Thursday until the end of September, weather permitting, and lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets (£8) include a single visit to the museum. Available from the museum.
Friday, 3 April
The Wurzels + Corky – 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £28 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Stainer’s Crucifixion with Paul Heaslip (tenor) and Jonathan Prentice (bass) at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, High West Street, DT1 1XA, 6pm. Admission free. More information www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Beaminster Museum The museum reopens for the summer 2026 season with Fire Flood Frost, an exhibition exploring how Beaminster and the surrounding villages have battled the elements over the centuries – from floods and violent storms to bitter freezes – along with the three great fires that devastated the town. It tells the story of how local people pulled together in times of crisis and learned lessons for the future. Visitors will also find some exciting new displays, along with refreshed galleries. The Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am – 4.00pm, Sundays 2.00pm – 4.30pm. Admission is free, but donations are very welcome. Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk
Saturday, 4 April
Bluey at the Cinema (U) 60 mins, 11am, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £6.50 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
EPiC – Elvis Presley in Concert Film. 100mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) meeting at 10-30a.m. in the Library, will feature Steve Wallis. Steve is Senior Archaeologist at DCC and will talk about preserving the site of the High Angle Battery, which was part of the late defences of Portland
Sunday, 5 April
Opera Screening: RB&O: Siegfried (12A) 330mins , 2pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £11.50 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Choral Eucharist for Easter Day with music by Mozart, Harris, Stanford and Handel at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, High West Street, DT1 1XA, 10.30am. The service is free to attend. More information www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Easter Sunday Eucharist in the beautiful, 13th century parish church of St Michael and All Angels, Wayford at 9.30am, followed by refreshments. Do join us. All welcome. Contact 07957862772.
Tuesday, 7 April
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR. Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383, email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com Come join the fun.
Thursday, 9 April
Scottish Country Dancing St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club, 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2.00 per session, £1.50 for members. Always a fun evening – come along and give it a try – a warm welcome assured. No partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com.
Chard History Group History of James Gillingham a talk by Howard Bailey, from Chard Museum, on this local Victorian Shoemaker who gained international fame for his revolutionary work in prosthetic limbs. 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Chard Guildhall 1st floor, lift available. Members £2.50 Visitors most welcome £3.50. For further information Tessa 07984481634.
Bridport History Society. The Society will be welcoming Col (Rtd) Mike Pope who will give a talk called ‘The Falklands War — a Personal Story.’ The meeting will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street, Bridport. Doors open at 2.15 for a prompt 2.30 start. All are welcome. Members £1pp and visitors £5pp. Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month (except July and August). Membership is open to all (£12 individual/£18 couple). For more information visit https://www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk.
Colyton town history walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group bookings by arrangement – Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Friday, 10 April
‘No Man is an Ireland’ is a surreal, genre-bending, standup poetry show, performed by award-winning Northern Irish comedian and former Bard of Exeter, Edward Tripp. Ed ponders his cultural identity through the mediums of story-telling and prop-heavy stand-up poetry. Featuring defrosted wives, visits from Uncle Connor (who isn’t in the IRA) and at least one unforgettable tribute to the late Lady Diana. If you enjoy spoken-word poetry, this is the show for you. If you dislike spoken-word poetry, this is probably the show for you too. Expect the unexpected…and hold on tight” “Seek Edward out like buried treasure” – Spencer Jones, Comedian and Actor “Absurd and Hysterical, he had the audience in stitches” – Razz Magazine 7.30pm. The Old Picture House,Harbour Rd,Seaton,EX12 2LZ.Tickets £15 from from https://villagesinaction.co.uk/
Mother’s Pride (12A) 93 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Friday, 10 – 12 April
Sherborne Travel Writing Festival A dozen remarkable writers, journalists and publishers will again transport the audience with stories of their travels to the four corners of the globe. To find out about the weekend programme of talks and to buy tickets visit www.sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com Tickets can also be bought from Winstone’s Bookshop, Sherborne.
Saturday, 11 April
Cattistock Point-to-Point at Chilfrome, Nr. Maiden Newton (signed off A356). An afternoon of Pony Races and Steeplechase Races in beautiful countryside. A big screen will show the races and The Grand National. Local food, bar, bookies, ice cream, stalls and children’s entertainment. Further information: pointingwessex.co.uk or njatkinson10@gmail.com.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Langdon Wood. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Choral Evensong for Easter with music by Vaughan Williams, Patrick Hadley, Stanford and David Beeby at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, High West Street, DT1 1XA, 4.30pm. The service is free to attend and is followed by a glass of wine. More information www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org,
Sunday, 12 April
Line Dance Social at Musbury Village Hall EX13 8AJ. From 2 pm to 6 pm. Dancing to Chris Harris. Partner and line dancing. Tickets on door £8 to include refreshments. Raffle. Enquiries – Honky Tonk Stompers 07787 289425.
Monday, 13 April
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00 Contact David on 01460 65981. www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Hawkchurch Film Nights in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘The Choral’, 108 mins, Cert.12A (infrequent strong language, moderate sex). An uncompromising new choirmaster (Ralph Fiennes) sets an ambitious task for a Yorkshire town’s choral society after a number of its members leave for the battlefields of the First World War. Written by Alan Bennett. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Ticket reservations £6.50 from csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 07753 603219; tickets also available in advance for £6.50 from Hawkchurch Community Shop or on the door for £7.00 (cash only). Subtitles for hearing-impaired patrons provided if available. Home-made cake, teas, coffees, soft drinks, wine and other refreshments available.
Dance Connection – open class, Movement 4 All, 11:30am-1pm, Bridport St Mary’s Church House Hall, DT6 3NN, 07787752201, https://www.dance-connection-wessex.co.uk/
Tuesday, 14 April
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR. Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383, email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com Come join the fun.
Wednesday, 15 April
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).
Antiques Expert on the Road featuring Mark Smith, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £29.50 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Kilmington Film Night “The Choral”(15) Starring Ralph Fiennes. Alan Bennett has been a welcome chipper-in to British cinema over the past 40 years. This quietly plangent, drily comic piece about a choirmaster (Ralph Fiennes) staging an Elgar oratorio in a Yorkshire mill town superficially resembles one of those underdog comedies that were all period-accurate pluck and regional accents: Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets £6 (Cash Only) can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681.
Colyton & District Garden Society ‘Gertrude Jekyll, her life, her plant designs and its contribution to how we garden today’ by Claire Reid, former Head Gardener of Hestercombe Gardens. Venue : Colyford Memorial Hall, EX24 6QJ , start 7.30 pm. Plenty of parking in the hall car park. Information : Peter Clark : 01297 553341
Thursday, 16 April
Scottish Country Dancing St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club, 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2.00 per session, £1.50 for members. Always a fun evening – come along and give it a try – a warm welcome assured. No partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com.
Driving Mum (2022, Iceland, 12A, 113 mins, Director Hilmar Oddsson) Hilmar Oddsson’s darkly comedic road movie is a bewitching 1980-set odyssey of self-discovery and acceptance across the beautifully photographed landscapes of Iceland. Beautifully filmed in crisp black and white, Driving Mum is a heartwarming, emotional film with a fantastic central performance from Gunnarsson. Doors 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £30, guests £5 per film. For more information/book guest tickets, please email mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or k_everard@live.com. Alternatively, ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Julia Borland on 01460 72769.
Kilmington Film Matinee “The Choral (15)” (See 15th April). Doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm. Tickets £6 (Cash Only), cream-teas @ £4. served during the interval but must be pre-booked with your seats see above and www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information.
Colyton town history walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group bookings by arrangement – Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Friends of Lyme Regis Museum offer an illustrated talk, ‘Scelidosaurus: The Most Complete Dinosaur of the British Isles’ by Kieran Satchell. At 2.30 pm in the Woodmead Hall, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG. Kieran is the Museum’s Education Officer. Found only in Charmouth, Kieran will describe the history of the animal and what it may have looked like in life, 200 million years ago. The talk will be preceded by our AGM at 2.00 pm, lasting about 20 minutes, which you are cordially invited to attend. Members and visitors £3. All welcome. Enquiries to David Cox, 07800 895351.
South Somerset RSPB Local Group Seeing Europe’s Mammals An illustrated talk present by Speyside Wildlife guide Roy Atkins. We will be transported to Europe’s wild and ancient places seeing bears, wolves, wolverines and much more, creatures that once roamed our own isles.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 01781473846 or www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset. Everyone welcome.
Thursday, 16 – 29 April
Dorchester Camera Club 90th Anniversary Exhibition, 10am to 4 pm at The Shire Hall, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UY. Free Entry to the exhibition.
Friday, 17 April
Liv Torc’s Cosy Gig Liv Torc is a poet, artist and ideas weaver who plunders the vast caverns and dormant volcanoes of the human and planetary condition. Co-Artistic Director of Hot Poets and UN Consultant, Liv has performed at Glastonbury Festival, UNESCO in Paris, TEDxLondonWomen and R4’s Poetry Please she also runs the poetry stage at WOMAD.. In 2019 her climate change in the face of motherhood poem The Human Emergency went viral and she performed at Glastonbury Festival and represented Somerset for the BBC’s National Poetry Day celebrations. In 2020 she was chosen as one of four Siren Poets by Cape Farewell for a commission on climate change in the time of COVID. In 2022 she was chosen by the UN, to be one of 50 international thought leaders, taking part in Adaptation week in Botswana. She was invited back in 2023 to South Korea, as lead facilitator for the UNFCCC’s Resilience Frontiers. Her published books include Show Me Life and The Human Emergency. “You don’t get any better than Liv Torc” – Roger McGough. “Liv Torc makes the world a better place.” – Elvis McGonagall. “In Liv Torc’s witty, inventive and generous hands, poetry opens up new ways of noticing and sharing all that matters most.” – Susannah Herbert, Head of Forward Arts Foundation and National Poetry Day (2012–2021). Laura’s lovely homemade savoury & sweet treats will be available to buy too! 7.30pm The Tiffin Box, Trinity Square,Axminster,EX13 5AN.Limited tickets £15 from https://villagesinaction.co.uk/
Fun Quiz 6.30 – 10.00pm £5 a head includes tea and cake. Bring your own bottle, glasses and nibbles. Tables of 4 or 6 book in advance 07859803734. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. 07859803734.
Big Screen Cinema at Milborne St Andrew. Looking for a great night out nearby? Join us at Milborne St Andrew Village Hall (DT11 0JX) for a special screening of “The Choral,” starring Ralph Fiennes. Presented by More Than a Movie*, we offer a cinema experience right in the heart of the community. Film Starts: 7:30 PM. Doors & Bar Open: 7:00 PM. All-in Ticket: Just £6.50 (includes an ice cream or a drink!). Payment: Cash and Card both accepted at the door. Come along, grab a drink at the bar, and enjoy a fantastic film. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday, 18 April
South Somerset Choral Society’s Spring Concert 2026;’The South Somerset Choral Society, under the skilful baton of M.D. John Jenkins, will perform Handel’s Acis and Galatea, variously described as a ‘masque’, a ‘pastoral’ or (by Handel) his ‘little opera’. His most performed work during his lifetime, many think it is his best. Also on the programme is Schubert’s ‘Mass in G’, popular with choirs everywhere for its lyrical musicality; 7.30 p.m., St Mary’s Church, Holyrood Street, Chard TA20 2DN. Tickets £18 (£10 for 16 & under) from Ticketsource on southsomersetchoralsociety.org.uk from 2nd March, Health & Remedy in Holyrood Street, Chard or cash/card at the door. Press contact: lizwebster08@gmail.com.
Table Top Sale (including crafts and bric a brac) – Musbury Village Hall, 10am to 12.30pm. Stalls include cakes, raffle, bric a brac and lots more. Refreshments including bacon buttys. All profits to St Michaels Church, Musbury, Enquiries call 01297 552440/552711.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8.5 mile walk from Lambert’s Castle For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Comic Strip Presents… screenings + Q&A (18), 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £22. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Lunchtime concert performed by Christina Scott (violin) and Graham Scott (organ) at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, High West Street, DT1 1XA, 12.30-1.00pm. Admission free. More information www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Wild Brew! The Making of the Beltane Brew. 10am Gathering the Herbs for the Beltane Brew Lower Barton Farm, Grid ref 663994 A352 bet Cerne Abbas & Nether Cerne what3words congratulations//shepherdess//locating. The Beltane Brew is a vibrantly energising blend of traditional spring tonic herbs gathered from around the long barrow of Smacam Down, which has in its sights Cerne Abbas, the Giant, the Trendle and the church. Come join medical herbalist Eleanor Gallia in this neolithic landscape, home and sacred site to Briton’s earliest farming people, as we forage for and learn about the herbs that will sustain and nourish the Mayday revellers. Having wild harvested the herbs, we will share a simple lunch of nettle soup in the barn at Lower Barton Farm before heading with our herbs to the brewery to make the Beltane Beer. 2.30 Starting Off the Beltane Brew Cerne Abbas Brewery, Chescombe Barn, Barton Meadows, DT2 7JS. The annual limited edition Beltane Brew is always eagerly anticipated, and provides liquid nourishment for the thirsty revellers at 5.30am when the Morris Men dance to greet the sunrise. Come along to help them create this year’s elixir. The brewer will explain how the wort is prepared. Medical herbalist Eleanor Gallia will explain the cleansing and invigorating herb ingredients. Then take your turn to toss them into the wort at it seethes in the vast copper. Beer and cider will be on sale, both on tap and bottled. Food for lunch will also be available, so make an afternoon of it relaxing at the brewery. Afternoon £7.50 incl ½ pint Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring gloves and a basket for the foraging. There is livestock and wildlife on the hill so please do not bring dogs. Thank you. Morning incl homemade nettle soup and roll £15. All day (with brewing) £20.
Sunday, 19 April
Photographing Nature for Families Meet by St Mary’s Church, Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas DT2 7JQ Bring any camera, including phones, and learn about how to find and photograph nature in an interesting way. Learn about the plants and other living things you encounter along the way. Photographer Jane Tearle and biologist Pauline Pires will guide you as well as identify some of the minibeasts and plants you discover. We hope to print some photos taken by families to display at the Village Fete. Wear warm/dry clothing if the weather is cold or wet. A close up / macro setting might be useful. Batteries should be fully charged. Children must be accompanied, and the accompanying adults are responsible for the safety of their children. £5 per child. (rain date 26th Apr – ring 07823778758 to ask) 2-4pm).
Monday, 20 April
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00 Contact David on 01460 65981. www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Art History course for April onwards, 6 wks, Mondays 2pm-3.30pm, about the ‘Group of 7’, Canadian artists, original Members: Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston (left 1924), Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Frederick Varley. Later Members: A.J. Casson (joined 1926), Edwin Holgate (1930), and LeMoine FitzGerald (1932); plus Emily Carr and other women artists, associated at the time of this group, 1920’s & 30’s. Starts Monday 20th April in Bridport, due to bank holidays, dates of lectures are 20th & 27th April, 11th &18th May, 1st & 8th June. Venue: United Reformed Hall, East Street Bridport. Fee: £70. *This course also runs on line on Fridays at 2pm, Fee: £65 from 24th April. Individual lectures are £15 per person per lecture. Tutor Pam Simpson MA, Art Historian. Pam spent her career working in London art colleges, formerly University of the Arts. Course is booking now, if you have any questions please get in touch. Email: chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com.
Dance Connection – open class, holistic, Movement 4 Well-being, 11:30am, Bridport St Mary’s Church House Hall, DT6 3NN, 07787752201, https://www.dance-connection-wessex.co.uk.
Tuesday, 21 April
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR. Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383, email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com Come join the fun.
Invitation to Turn Lyme Green AGM and talk. All are welcome to attend our 2025/26 AGM to receive the annual report and accounts. Followed by a TALK. ‘Action on the River Lim – a look to the future and how to get involved’ Free. Refreshments available. 6.45pm AGM 7.30pm Talk Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis Contact enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk for information.
Wednesday, 22 April
Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Talk ‘Pots, Containers and Raised Beds’ by Jacquie Felix-Mitchell, garden designer. Also competition for best spring flowers – any sort, pot or vase. Uplyme Village Hall 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm. Members free; guests £3. More information https://ulrhs.co.uk.
Wednesday, 22 – 26 April
From Page to Screen, the Bridport Film Festival Curated by Bridport’s Chris Chibnell, expect a fascinating, exciting and eclectic mix of films to enjoy on the big screen. For a full list of films and special events visit: https://www.bridport-arts.com/fpts/
Thursday, 23 April
Scottish Country Dancing St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club, 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2.00 per session, £1.50 for members. Always a fun evening – come along and give it a try – a warm welcome assured. No partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com.
Dean Carter Live: Bard For Life 7pm Durbervilles Cafe 90 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3BJ It being St. George’s Day and Shakespeare’s Birthday, I’ll be playing a special set of material themed around the works of THE BARD of Avon and his illustrious compeers, Blake, Wordsworth and T.S.Eliot. This will involve both songs and instrumentals from previous releases, and I will also debuting a good deal of entirely new and unreleased pieces! Now then, please try to form an orderly queue. Entry by donation suggested minimum £10.
Colyton town history walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group bookings by arrangement – Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
The Spring at the Giant’s Feet St Mary’s Church, Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas DT2 7JQ. James Rattue has been researching the holy wells of England for four decades and wrote the first attempt to place these folkloric sites in historical context, The Living Stream, back in 1995. More recently he has published The Holy Wells of Dorset. This talk will look at Cerne Abbas’s celebrated St Augustine’s Well, discuss how it fits in with similar sites, the way holy wells functioned as part of the medieval Church, and some other Dorset wells that are worth a diversion to see. 7 for 7.30pm. £8 including wine or soft drink.
Block of 6 Dance Connection Sessions begins, dive into the form & see results, booking essential, 6pm-7:30pm, Bridport St Mary’s Church House Hall, DT63NN, 07787752201, https://www.dance-connection-wessex.co.uk/
Friday, 24 – 25 April
From Page to Screen Festival – see website for details, 8pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £ 12 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk
Saturday, 25 April
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Bridport. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Farm Walk at Nether Cerne Follow signpost to Nether Cerne Farmyard Grid reference SY672 983 what3words Shed // Blitz // Chaos Edward Gallia is a farmer, landowner & environmental adviser farming 870 acres of arable on the chalk downlands. His father bought it in 1967 and at one stage there were 1000 sheep, but now it’s entirely arable. Edward has always been interested in conservation and in 2024 his efforts to improve habitats and biodiversity were recognised with an award for Responsible Land Management. Meet in the farmyard for an introduction, and then there will be a walk, with lots of pauses, for an hour or so. Feel free to ask your burning questions about farming! The walk includes hill /slopes, uneven ground and potentially damp ground (about 50% on farm tracks, 50% on grass including by river), so reasonable level of mobility required. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Dogs must be on leads, please. 4.30pm. Walk and afternoon tea £8.50 Adult / £6 U18s.
Saturday, 25 – 26 April
Angels of Sound: Toning Overtoning, and the Soul Note Module 1 10am-5pm Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA Our popular and empowering course Modules introducing the student to working with the pure sound healing instrument that’s sitting under your nose-your voice. Day 1 covers Toning the chakras discover, your Soul Note (Hara) and Root Tone. Day 2 covers Overtoning: how moving between the vowels while still toning on one pitch produces the Pure Sound overtones audibly. £128/64 deposit. Price includes attendance at our Singing Bowl Soundbath also open to the public on the Sunday afternoon. Booking: ahiahel@live.com, 01935 389655.
Sunday, 26 April
Singing Bowl Soundbath 2pm Oborne Village Hall, OBborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA £17 Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning give you a sonic deep-tissue massage, taking you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Booking 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com.
Dalwood Jazz Club presents The Louise Parker Quartet with Vocalist – Louise, accompanied by Will Butterworth – keyboard, John Donnelly – d/bass and Pip Harbon – drums. at 3pm. Dalwood Village Hall, EX13 7EG (near Axminster)Bar for beer/wine/soft drinks and tea/coffee/cake etc. Parking at the Village Hall £12.50p. If possible, please book in advance and pay (cash or card) at the door. Thank you! t.mackenney111@btinternet.com.
The songs of Sandy Denny and Nick Drake sung by Sally Barker and Martin Ansell. A special night for lovers of classic English folk.7.30pm. Shipton Gorge Village Hall, Bridport. DT6 4LZ. Tickets: £13 / £7 (u18’s) To book call: 01308 897649.
Monday, 27 April
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00 Contact David on 01460 65981. www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Understanding Ancient Trees St Mary’s Church, Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas DT2 7TQ Bo Walsh is a Senior Tree Officer with Dorset County Council. In this illustrated talk, he will explain the work of a tree officer, and then broaden his scope into sharing his joy in ancient and veteran trees. More than ‘just a pretty face’ they are essential providers of ‘environmental services’. It turns out that human welfare is far more dependent on a well-functioning ecosystem than we’ve ever imagined. 7 for 7.30pm. £8 including wine or soft drink.
Dance Connection – open class, holistic, Movement 4 All, 11:30am, Bridport St Mary’s Church House Hall, DT6 3NN, 07787752201, https://www.dance-connection-wessex.co.uk
Tuesday, 28 April
Bridport U3A April talk is being held at Bridport United Church Hall. East Street, Bridport DT6 3LJ. Start time is 2.00pm, Q&A at 3.00 pm, followed by refreshments. Members are free, Guests £3.00. Peggy Griffin is going to tell us all about ‘The History Of Nursery Rhymes’. Find out about the real background to these rhymes.
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR. Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383, email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com Come join the fun.
Wednesday, 29 April
Artists in the Dorset Landscape Godmanstone Village Hall, Church Lane, Godmanstone DT2 7AQ. 6.30 for 7pm. Three local art enthusiasts will each give a short illustrated talk. Their titles are: 1) Contemporary Sculptors working in Dorset today. 2) The Spencer-Watsons of Dunshay Manor. 3) Interpreting Place: Artistic Representations of the Dorset Landscape – A short presentation for the art curious on selected paintings including old masters and modern British. £7 including wine or soft drink.
The Bookery An evening of readings, insights and discussion on the theme of Laughter. Guests are authors Ruth Foster (whose novel A Perfect Year? won the Comedy Women in Print prize 2025), Judith Rutherford (reading from A Walnut Family), Ros Huxley (reading from Kendal Acts Up) and Lesley Gillilan (a work-in-progress memoir: You Sexy Thing). The Bookery is all about books; readers and writers, the craft of the novel, fiction and non-fiction, authors’ stories, publishing and poetry. With themed events, the organisers aim to provide a platform for new and established writers to share and discuss their work. 6.30pm-10.30pm at Dark Bear, The Viking Village, Bridport DT6 3EX. Tickets: £8.00.
Thursday, 30 April
Scottish Country Dancing St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club, 7.30 – 9.30pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2.00 per session, £1.50 for members. Always a fun evening – come along and give it a try – a warm welcome assured. No partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com
Neil Brand’s Centenary Laurel & Hardy Show, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £25.50 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Colyton town history walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided Walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers, Group bookings by arrangement – Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Bride Valley Films will be showing The Choral ‘poignant and funny with excellent music’ As WW1 rages on, the Choral Society in a small English town has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral’s committee is determined to press ahead with new recruits. They engage a driven new chorus master, Dr. Henry Guthrie – recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the community discovers that the best response to the war is to make music together. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Roger Allam. Written by Alan Bennett. 1hr. 40” Cert.TBA Doors Open: 7.00 p.m. Films start 7.30 p.m. Tickets: £6.00 (to include a glass of wine) Tickets on the door: Litton Cheney Village Hall DT2 9AU.
Friday, 1 May
5am Sunrise on Giant Hill Trendle, on top of Giant Hill and inside the Giant’s enclosure. Please do not walk on the Giant. The Wessex Morris Men have been greeting the sunrise on 1st May for decades. The event takes place on the Trendle, a square earth-banked enclosure above the Giant’s head, where there used to be a maypole. They are joined by Cerne Abbas Brewery who give glasses of a special Beltane ale to thirsty revellers, brewed during the Festival. For both this and the Wessex Morris Men event below there is no charge but a hat is passed around for donations to Wessex Morris Men. approx 6.15am Wessex Morris Men Procession & Dancing by the Royal Oak Timings approximate! The Wessex Morris Men scramble down the hill from about 5.45am, then process south from the Village Hall along Duck Street to the square in front of the Royal Oak. Please make a donation to the Wessex Morris Men. about 7.30am May Day at the Silver Well. To get to the Well go through the Cemetery at the end of Abbey St. After the Wessex Morris Men have finished outside the Royal Oak we will have a short celebration of the season at the Silver (St Augustine’s) Well in the Celtic Christian tradition. Open to all faiths, and usually well-attended by followers of pagan religions such as Druidry and Wicca, as well as those from no faith tradition.
Friday, 1 May – Saturday, 2 May
Bridport Allington Hill Country Fair Music and bar, country craft stalls, have-a-go activities, skittle alley and games, speakers tent, horse-logging demonstrations and guided walks, afternoon teas and hot food. 6-10pm on the Friday, main fair 10am-6pm on the Saturday. Allington Hill, Hospital Lane entrance. Free entrance for all. Allington Hillbillies and Bridport Town Council www.allingtonhillbillies.org.uk.
