Coast and Countryside Events - Marshwood Vale Magazine

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Your truly comprehensive list of local events

Thursday, 1 May

Prayers For The Stolen (2021)(15). 7.30pm. From Page to Screen, Bridport Film Festival. For details visit: www.bridport-arts.com/fpts.

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

Dean Carter live at Beltain 7 pm Cafe D’Urberville, 90 Cheap St, Sherborne DT9 3BJ £5 Dean will be performing the Wheel of the Year guitar instrumental suite in its entirety plus excepts from his other internationally critically acclaimed self-penned albums in the Songs Without Words series.

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, 2 May

Gospel Choir – The Good Stuff. Get ready for goose-bumps of joy as this 14-piece gospel troupe explode with feel-good soul, R&B and pop anthems. They’ll raise your spirits, then raise the roof. Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QB. Tickets: https://jazzjurassica.co.uk/book-now/.

West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 10 miles. Tibbs Hollow – circular walk taking in Stratton & Jackson Cross. Start 10am Tibbs Hollow c.p. (SY619944).To book and for more details please contact Phil 7874198660.

Saturday, 3 May

The Beauty of the Earth. Mid Wessex singers’ spring concert. Mid Wessex Singers invite you to join us for an evening of music celebrating nature and our world of natural beauty. Our programme, selected by Alice Dicker, Musical Director, ranges from the modern, such as Stopford’s ‘For the Beauty of the Earth, fun, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, through the classical Haydn’s ‘Creation’ all portraying the wonders surrounding us. We look forward to welcoming you to a joyous, uplifting occasion focusing on the amazing things creation offers. At 7.30 pm in St Michael’s Church Somerton. Tickets £12, available in advance from Cobbs, Somerton or from Choir members, and on the door. Further information by e-mailing info@midwessexsingers.co.uk or visiting www.midwessexsingers.co.uk.

Bridport Choral Society and West Dorset Community Orchestra present “TOGETHER” , an exciting evening of orchestral music and song in St.Swithun’s Church, North Allington, Bridport at 7-30 p.m. £10 entry. Refreshments available.

Plant Sale. Jubilee Hall, Winsham, near Chard, TA20 4HU. 10.30 to 1pm. Offering a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, fruit, vegetables and garden related items. Refreshments available. £1 entry fee. For more details Tel Debbie 07808 505357.

The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) talk at 10-30a.m. in the Library will be by Mike Randall, and is entitled “Son of a Spy”. He will relate his father’s exploits during WWII of escaping a P.o.W. camp in Greece to becoming, after the war, a “diplomat”, or was it “counter-intelligence”? Join Mike to uncover what it was like to be “son of a spy”. Tickets are available at the Library (phone 01305762410) @ £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Any other enquiries phone 01305832613. Refreshments available after the talk. Everyone welcome.

Musbury Plant & Craft Sale 9.30am – 12noon. Musbury Village Hall, Seaton Road. Varied selection of vegetables, annuals and perennials for sale, plus a variety of craft items. Refreshments available. Raffle. Parking and free entry. More info: Mary – 01297 553325 Please bring your own bags/boxes!

Monday, 5 May

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish Dancing at 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 £2.00. Contact David on 01460 65981 https://chardscotttishcountrydance.co.uk.

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘A Complete Unknown’, 141 mins, Cert.15 (strong language). In this wonderfully entertaining biopic directed by James Mangold (‘Walk the Line’), Timothee Chalamet (‘Dune’, Call Me By Your Name’) gives an extraordinary, Oscar-nominated, performance as the young Bob Dylan, whose arrival in New York in the early 1960s changed the American folk music scene forever. 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 (socially-distanced seating available if reserved in advance); tickets also available in advance for £6.50 from Hawkchurch Community Shop or £7.00 on the door (cash only). Subtitles for hearing-impaired patrons provided if available. Home-made cake, teas, coffees, soft drinks, wine and other refreshments available.

Tuesday, 6 May

My Ballet offers you holistic ballet classes with movement to support and improve your posture, balance, coordination, strength,and fitness to beautiful music.First timers to Experienced dancers. Ages 16 to 88 plus welcome email myballetuk@gmail.com or text 07866896978 Meet new friends and stay for a cuppa. Tuesdays Seaton United reformed Church hall, Cross street, EX12 2LH Also May 13,20, June 3,10,17,24. July 1,8,15,22. Wednesdays Bull hotel ballroom, 34 East street DT6 3LF times: 10 to 11:15, 11:30 to 12:45, 1 to 2, 2:15 to 3:30. 2, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21. June 4, 11, 18, 25. July 2, 9,16, 23. Wednesdays at 3 Church street, Winsham, NR Chard Jubilee Hall TA20 4HU 6:45 to 8pm same dates as above. Fridays Winsham JUbilee hall 3 Church street, NR Chard TA20 4 HU 10am – 11:15 11:30 to 12:30, 4 & 25 May. 2, 9, 16, 23. June 6, 13, 20, 27.

Scottish Country Dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30pm with tea break. Only £3.00 pay on the door and every one is welcome to come along and join the fun. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383 email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and checkout our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com.

Dance Connection – movement to eclectic music that is guaranteed to make you feel better – no set steps – come alone or with a friend or partner, 7-8:30pm (doors open 6:50pm), Latch, Litton Cheney Hall, DT2 9AU, 07787752201, danceconnectionwessex@gmail.com, www.joysofdance.co.uk

Wednesday, 7 May

Meeting Voices Community Choir, Chard. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Chard Guildhall. Fore St, Chard TA20 1PP. Phone 07534 116502 or email mvsecretary@outlook.com.

Thursday, 8 May

Chesil Bank Writing Shed. Do you write? Would you like to be a writer? Whatever you want to write why not come and learn with our creative writing group. New writers always welcome. 7pm – 9pm, Portesham Village Hall. Find out more by calling Linda on 01305 871802.

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

Bridport History Society, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, will be welcoming military historian Christopher Jary who will give a talk titled ‘The 4th and 5th Dorsets in WW2 – from Normandy to Bremen’. The talk tells the story of the Dorsets during the final months of the war and their involvement at Arnhem followed by breaking through the Siegfried Line and crossing the Rhine. The talk will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street, Bridport. Doors open at 2.15pm for a prompt 2.30pm start. All are welcome, members £1pp, 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: www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk <http://www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk.

Friday, 9 May

Cinechard – A Complete Unknown (15). Timothee Chalamet stars in the acclaimed Bob Dylan bio-pic. Doors at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at The Guildhall, Chard. Tickets available in advance from Eleos and the Post Office (cash please) for £6, or on the door for £7. Always plenty of seats, including circle seats; refreshments and raffle available.

Saturday 10 – 18 May

Dorchester Walking Festival enables walkers of all levels of ability and differing interests explore new areas, showing casing the best routes and Dorset hospitality. Our knowledgeable and experienced volunteer walk leaders have been out and about this month conducting recces for their walks, ensuring the best routes are planned so that participants have a fun, enjoyable and safe day out. Walking festivals are sociable occasions and the Dorchester Walking Festival is no exception. It brings visitors and locals with similar interests together. Many of the walks are wheelchair/pushchair accessible. Dogs are not forgotten and most of the walks are dog friendly, so long as they are kept under strict control. There are also walks specifically aimed at families with young children. Full details of these walks are in the printed programme and on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dorchester-walking-festival-2025-3974953.

Saturday, 10 May

Community Car Boot Sale. 10.00 am – 1.00pm Plus Plants, Clothes, Home produce, Bric a Brac, Tombola, Jazz, Bacon Butties, Fresh Coffee and Cakes. Charity tables (free). Sellers £15 a pitch please book in advance Mob: 07887483228. St. Swithun’s Church Grounds, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU.

Groove Den ft Dennis Rollins The grooviest, funkiest horns on the planet! The former Pee Wee Ellis gang join forces with superstar trombonist, Dennis Rollins in a high-energy mix of soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop. It’s big, phat and funky! Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QB. Part of BSharp Busking Festival. Tickets: https://jazzjurassica.co.uk/book-now/.

B Sharp Busking Festival – Lyme Regis. Enjoy performances by young people and professional musicians, interactive workshops and activities, street performers and food stalls. There’s something for everyone – music activities for babies and toddlers, a family friendly gig, DJing, music production, afro-cuban and samba reggae drumming, New Orleans style street band Brass Junkies, a funkmasterclass and open-mic and busking opportunities. All activities are free and everyone welcome.The festival finale is a fantastic soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop gig at the Marine Theatre. More information on the day’s programme and how you can get involved visit: https://bsharp.org.uk/busking-festival/

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 9 mile walk from Arne. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Hooke Park Open Day 10.30am – 4pm Hooke Park is the woodland campus of the Architectural Association School of Architecture and home to the AA’s postgraduate Design and Make programme, where full-scale building experiments and hands-on architectural education meet. The open day is a chance to explore our ever-changing woodland campus, learn more about its pioneering history, and visit the latest building additions resulting from our ongoing teaching and research in timber construction. Free entry with site tour at 11am. Book tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hooke-park-open-day-tickets-1312942258639 Refreshments available.Location: Hooke Park, Hooke, Beaminster, DT8 3PH.

Sunday, 11 May

Young Gun Silver Fox creatively re-work 70s West Coast soul echoing sounds of Steely Dan, Hall and Oates and the Doobies. A Hotel California you’ll never want to leave! A rare appearance by this must see live act. Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QB. Tickets: https://jazzjurassica.co.uk/book-now/

Salway Ash Village Cream Teas 2-5 pm Location: Strongate Farm, Salway Ash, DT6 5JD Parking at the farm and dog friendly (on leads please). Plant stall and raffle. All proceeds donated Holy Trinity Church Salway Ash. Any enquiries contact Tess 07792 609617.

Lyme Bay Chorale’s spring concert, including Handel’s Foundling Hospital Anthem and Haydn’s Creation Mass. Professional orchestra and vocal soloists. Lyme Regis Parish Church at 4pm. Tickets £15 in advance from Fortnam Smith & Banwell or choir members; £17 on the door (cash/card). 18s and under free.

Afternoon Concert. Brass band concert by St. Swithun’s band. St. Andrew’s Church, Charmouth. 15:00. Free entry donations welcome. 01297 560681, liz@elizabethsansom.co.uk

Monday, 12 May

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish Dancing at 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 £2.00 Contact David on 01460 65981 https://chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk

Tuesday, 13 May

West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 7.5 miles. Rodwell & Castle Cove Beach – circular walk in Weymouth. Start 10.45 TBC from the Park & Ride (SY 675819) bring bus pas/money. To book and for more details please contact Ian 07826150114.

Singing Bowl Soundbath 9pm Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne DT9 3LN £17 crystal and Tibetan bowl sonic deep-tissue massage and detox. Booking 01935 389655 email ahiahel@live.com.

Dance Connection Workshop, Dance the 4 Elements for balance and wholeness,10:30am-1pm, Bridport St Mary’s CHH, DT6 3NN, 07787752201, danceconnectionwessex@gmail.com, www.joysofdance.co.uk

Wednesday, 14 May

Kilmington Film Night “A Good Year (12)” Marion Cotillard, Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Rafe Spall. “A Good Year” is a wonderful movie, with gorgeous shots that warms up my heart every time I watch it. Based on a Book by Peter Mayle with a long history of the region and is a superb writer. (Reviews Rotten Tomatoes). Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets @ £6, or £6.50 on the door, can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681.

Meeting Voices Community Choir, Chard. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Chard Guildhall. Fore St, Chard TA20 1PP. Phone 07534 116502 or email mvsecretary@outlook.com.

Thursday, 15 May

HMS Heron Volunteer Band concert. The concert includes popular classics, overtures, film music, selections from West End shows, military marches, and contemporary works. Martock Church; TA12 6JL. 7:30pm. Tickets: £12 or £10 at Guardianstickets@gmail.com /07547 213992/Martock Gallery/ Martock Newsagent. https://www.hmsheronband.co.uk/ http://www.martockonline.co.uk/events.

Chard History Group. Talk by Nigel Sadler on the History of Slavery. Doors open 7pm for 7.30 start. Chard Guildhall. £2.50 for members guests very welcome £3.50. For further details please contact Tessa on 07984481634.

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

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

South Somerset RSPB Local Group Our Rivers and Birds Unite Us. An illustrated talk presented by Vicki Whitworth, from Friends of the Axe. The river Axe flows for 22 miles through Dorset, Somerset & Devon. Vicki is instrumental in the new, community-led Friends of the River Axe and she will share real life stories of how, with encouragement and support, the natural environment, communities and individual people can thrive together. 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.

Seaton Music 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Colyton: Recital by Joel Munday (violin) and Alex Wilson (piano). Tickets £15 (free for full-time students).

Friday, 16 May

Milborne Movies – May Film Night Join us at Milborne St Andrew Village Hall for our film: A Complete Unknown. This highly anticipated biographical drama delves into the early life of Bob Dylan, tracing his rise from a young folk singer to a cultural icon during the turbulent 1960s. With powerful performances and an evocative soundtrack, it’s a must-see for music lovers and film fans alike. Tickets are just £6.50, including a drink or ice cream! Doors open at 7pm, with the film starting at 7.30pm. Come along and enjoy a relaxed evening of film, treats, and good conversation. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, we’d love to welcome you!

Beginners Calligraphy ‘Foundation Hand and Roman Capitals’ Cost £17 (to include materials) 10 till 12noon. At the URC church Chard St, Axminster EX13 5EB. Come and learn this useful skill and be creative. Email :gina.youens@btinternet.com to book a place

Saturday, 17 May – 1 June

Open for Art: Step into the world of creativity as the Open for Art Trail returns. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned art enthusiast, this much-loved event warmly invites you to explore the vibrant studios, exhibitions and workspaces of over 60 local artists across Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and neighbouring communities. Organised biennially by Artwey CIC and led by local artists, the community-focused event provides a unique opportunity to meet talented local creators, view diverse artworks and gain insights into their artistic processes. It’s a celebration of creativity that builds community connections, inspires appreciation for local talent, and supports Dorset’s thriving arts scene. For further details, visit www.artwey.com/openforartdorset or follow the Open For Art Facebook page @openforartdorset.

Saturday, 17 May

Jumble Sale with refreshments, 2pm. Contributions gratefully received, & may be left at the hall between 10am & mid-day on the Saturday morning. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. Further information from Jackie (01460 72324) or Mary (01460 74849).

West Dorset Singers are bringing to Bridport one of choral music’s best-loved works. Remember the Old Spice advert with the surfer? Or the music played for the entrance of the X Factor judges? ‘O Fortuna’ is the famous opening to Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, a cantata inspired by medieval poems about life’s earthier pleasures – the fickleness of Fate, the joys of Spring and especially what a young man’s fancy turns to. There are maidens who wish they weren’t, young men eager for the pleasures of the flesh, drunken gamblers led astray by an Abbot, a roasted swan, followed by a hangover and realisation that Fate will get you in the end. It sounds like a good Saturday night out in Bridport. First performed in Germany in 1937 to great acclaim, Carmina Burana has become a twentieth- century classic, so join WDS, a choir of local children, professional soloists, two pianos and a percussion band on Saturday 17 th May at St Swithun’s Church, starting at 7.00 pm. Tickets (£15, free to under 18s) are available from the Bridport Music Centre in South St and from www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Beaminster. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Combe St Nicholas Opens Gardens 2.00-4.00pm. Croft House TA20 3NA Smithycroft Cottage TA20 3LY. Embark on a whimsical journey through these idyllic gardens on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, where a warm welcome awaits from donkeys, Pekin bantams, and friendly pet sheep. At Croft House, admire spring shrubs, a tranquil woodland, and a bustling allotment garden nestled beside majestic lime trees. Follow the donkey paddock to Smithycroft Cottage, where fruit trees and a flourishing vegetable patch beckon. Delight in stunning borders adorned with alliums, hellebores, camassias, Peruvian lilies, clematis, tulips, and foxgloves, while serene vistas offer space for quiet reflection and rejuvenation. Parking is available in the village. Entry by Donation. Refreshments. Toilets. Limited Disabled Access. www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/event/glorious-gardens. 01935709485 for latest times or cancellations.

Beginners Sewing Workshop. At the URC church, Chard St, Axminster EX13 5EB. Come along and learn some new sewing skills on the machine or by hand. Make a small project. Bring a machine if you have one. 10am till 2 pm. Cost £18. To book a place contact: gina.youens@btinternet.com.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale, Uplyme Village Hall 10-12. Entry £2 includes a drink. More information https://ulrhs.wordpress.com

Sunday, 18 May

The Occasional Singers at 3.00pm. St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HL. You are warmly invited to join the Occasional Singers for an afternoon concert on Sunday 18 May at 3.00pm at St Mary’s Church in Dorchester. There will be a selection of songs depicting the four seasons of the year including light hearted madrigals from the 16th century, beautiful romantic songs by Elgar and Holst and a fantastic evocation of the cold wind of a late autumn day, by the contemporary Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. Entrance is FREE. The retiring collection will be in aid of the children’s hospice Julia’s House. Everyone is most welcome.

Axe Vale Orchestra Concert, 3.30pm, Axe Vale Orchestra invites you to an afternoon concert at The Minster, Axminster EX13 5AQ. The programme includes Mozart’s Impresario Overture, Beethoven’s Symphony No 2, and Mendelssohn’s Incidental music from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Tickets £15 (free for under 18s or students), from www.axevaleorchestra.co.uk via TicketSource or on the door.

Open Garden in Aid of St Margaret’ Hospice, Bay House East, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0AT. 2.00pm-5.00pm £4.00 entry. An example of a garden where the ground is steeply sloping – a terraced garden with unusual, colourful and old fashioned scented plants.The garden includes a small pond, a greenhouse stocked with tomatoes and cucumbers, lime and orange bushes and a small vegetable garden. The very knowledgeable gardener will be on hand to answer questions and sell plants. Refreshments. Toilets. Parking. Dogs on leads welcome. www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/event/glorious-gardens. 01935709485 for latest times or cancellations.

Dalwood Jazz Club presents La Vie en Rose – outstandingly popular Gypsy Jazz Band with Rebecca Willson – violin, Nick White (Chris Barber Big Band) – clarinet, David Jones – lead guitar, Laurie Light – rhythm guitar and Yann Mahdjoub – bass. At 3pm. Dalwood Village Hall, EX13 7EG, near Axminster. Bar for beer/wine/soft drinks and teas/coffees/cake etc. Parking at the Village Hall. £12.50p If possible, please book in advance and pay cash at the door. t.mackenney111@btinternet.com.www.dalwoodvillage.co.uk.

Kilima Paino Trio Recital: Polly Orr-Ewing (violin); Ruth Wakefield (cello); Mike Stanley (piano). Join us for a delightful afternoon of music with this acclaimed trio of professional musicians playing Mozart’s Piano trio in C (Allegro, Andante Cantabile, Allegro), Faure’s Piano trio Op. 120 (Allegro ma non troppo, Andantino, Allegro vivo); Tchaikowsky’s Andante Cantabile from String Quartet No. 1 in D major arr. H Riesenfeld, Clara Schumann’s Piano trio, Op. 17 (Allegro moderato, Scherzo, Andante, Allegretto). There will be an interval for this performance. 4 PM St Michael’s Church, Shute EX13 7QW. Tickets £12.50 via www.shutefest.org.uk/bookings (children 16 and under Free).

Monday, 19 May

A fascinating talk about life on our planet by Timothy Walker. Ex Director of Oxford Botanical Gardens and world-renowned speaker. “What have Plants ever done for Us”. For gardeners and non-gardeners. Bride Valley Gardening Club at Litton Cheney Community Hall DT2 9AU. Refreshments, plant sales, raffle. Tickets £5 in advance from Liz Gibbs bridevalleygc@gmail.com or 07751 942588.

Tuesday, 20 May

West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 7.5 miles. Around Eggardon – via Powerstock, Nettlecombe and the Spyway. Start 10am from the Eggardon/Roman road To book and for more details please contact Heather T 7798732252.

Dance Connection – movement to eclectic music that is guaranteed to make you feel better – no set steps – come alone or with a friend or partner, 7-8:30pm (doors open 6:50pm), Uplyme Village Hall, DT7 3UY 07787752201, danceconnectionwessex@gmail.com, www.joysofdance.co.uk

Wednesday, 21 May

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

Thursday, 22 May

Friday, 23 May

Bridport Dance Festival Workshops and performance at Bridport venues. Book your tickets now. TIC 01308 424901. Everybody welcome. www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk.

Dance Connection, as part of Bridport Dance Festival, 2-3:15pm, Bridport St Mary’s CHH, DT6 3NN, https://www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk

Saturday 24, May

Bridport Dance Festival Workshops and performance at Bridport venues. Book your tickets now. TIC 01308 424901. Everybody welcome. www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk.

Dance Connection, as part of Bridport Dance Festival, 2-3:15pm, Bridport St Mary’s CHH, DT6 3NN, https://www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk.

Sunday, 25 – 26 May

Sydling St. Nicholas Open Gardens event with many beautiful gardens for you to enjoy from 2 pm to 6 pm. Tickets from the Village Hall on the day, £5 entry, cash or card, children free. Tea, cakes, plus locally grown plants and shrubs on sale. A lovely day out. Sorry, no dogs. For more information: 07771 623973.

Sunday, 25 May

Singing Bowl Soundbath 2pm Oborne Village Hall DT9 4LA £17 crystal and Tibetan bowl sonic deep-tissue massage and detox. Booking 01935 389655 email ahiahel@live.com

Monday, 26 May

Stockland Fair. Traditional country fair from 1.30pm with old-fashioned games and stalls, country crafts and demos, falconry displays, a fab magician, live music, puppetry and storytelling, ice-creams, afternoon teas and a bar. Blackdown Hills AONB with have a stall there too. Stockland Village. EX14 9EF.

Tuesday, 27 May

West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 9 miles. Millhayes & Wytch Tower – circular walk via Stockland (Blackdown Hills), Broadhayes, and Wytch Farm. Start 10am Stockland Village Hall (ST245047) . To book and for more details please contact Ian 07826 150114.

Bridport u3a talks take place on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Our next speaker will be Bob Rayner, who represents Dignity in Dying. His talk is titled ‘Assisted Dying: What is it, and why is it now the subject of much discussion?’ We start at 2pm in the hall of Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport. DT6 3LJ. The talk will last for 45-60 minutes, followed by a Q&A, then refreshments.

Lunchtime Concert Recital by Bibe Redford (piano) plus Kim Redford and Nicholas Brown (piano duet). St. Andrew’s Church, Charmouth. 12:30 with light refreshments from 12:00. Free entry donations welcome. 01297 560681, liz@elizabethsansom.co.uk.

Wednesday, 28 May

Loders Local History Group 7.30pm-9.00pm in Loders Village Hall. Talk by Alastair Forbes on Church Bells and Bell Ringing (St Mary’s Bridport). All Welcome £3/adult refreshments.

Learn to Draw Houses and Buildings. Materials provided but please bring your own paints. Learn to draw and sketch your favourite house or building. Learn some tips and skills to improve your drawing. from 10am untll 12.30. At the URC church, Chard St, Axminster EX13 5EB. To book a place email: gina.youens@btinternet.com.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Talk ‘The Revival of the British Flower Growing Industry’ by Charlotte Heavisides. Uplyme Village Hall 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm. Members free; guests £3. More information https://ulrhs.wordpress.com

Thursday, 29 May

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

Friday, May 30

Bridport night of solidarity and songs. Joe Solo and friends raise money for refugee group. Bridport WI Hall, North Street. Doors at 7.00 pm and there will be a bar (and probably a raffle). Tickets are £10 + 50p booking fee from Bridport Tourist Information Centre or £12 on the door. They can also be bought from the TIC website. https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/product/joe-solo-friday-30-may/

Saturday, 31 May – 1 June

St Wite’s Festival Celebrating Dorset Day at St Candida and the Holy Cross and the Five Bells pub, Whitchurch Canonicorum DT6 6RQ. St Wite, is Dorset’s patron saint and Dorset day is celebrated on her saints day. Her shrine is embedded in the wall of St Candida and the Holy Cross church and has been a site of pilgrimage for a thousand years. 6.30pm Sat 31st May Sarum Rite Vespers. An authentic recreation of a medieval plainsong service sung in Latin, with robed choir and incense. Dual language translation available. Refreshments. Free entry 12 noon – 5pm Sun 1st June The Festival continues with talks on herbal medicine and ancient practice of pilgrimage, children’s craft activities and treasure hunt, local history and art exhibitions, cream teas, barbeque, the Wyld Morris band, other local folk musicians and beer! Free entry to both the church and pub. Tickets for the talks available stwitesway.org. 5.30pm 1st June Celebration concert at St Candida Church with the acclaimed vocal quartet New Eden Consort. Tickets available on stwitesway.org

Saturday, 31 May

Music from the Courts of Europe – a free concert with refreshments available. Step back in time and let Courtlye Musick and Ars Nova of Cherbourg transport you from 1450 to 1600 on a musical journey through the courts of Europe. Costumed performance on reproduction instruments. Donations invited in aid of the church roof. 3.00pm at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester DT1 2HL and Saturday 1st June 3.00pm at Broadmayne Village Hall, Broadmayne DT2 8EW. For more information call 01305 854915. www.courtlyemusick.co.uk.

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.

River Char Dragon Festival. Let us Clean Up the River Char together! 11.00 am – 12.30 pm Dragon Parade begins at Barr’s Lane DT6 6SE. 12.30 pm -4.00 pm Dragon Festival and Stalls in St Andrew’s Hall, DT6 6LH. Come and see what we’re doing to clean up the river and help wildlife recover. Free! More info can be found at: www.riverchar.org.

Parnham Voices Love is in the air Palestrina 500. Directed by Kris Emmett A concert of a cappella choral music at 7pm The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Charminster Tickets £10 available in advance from 01305 213403 / 07818 508011 or at the door. Interval drinks and nibbles included. Proceeds to church fund.

Sunday, 1 June

Concert by professional vocal quartet The New Eden Consort. The Church of St Candida & Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum, 5.30pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash/card). This event is being organised by the Friends of St Candida as part of the Festival of St Wite.

Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir present Choirs in Harmony with special guests Lyme Voices. 7pm, at the Marine Theatre Lyme Regis in aid of RNLI, Tickets from Marine Theatre £13.50, Early Bird £12