35Thursday, May 8
Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association will meet at 7.30pm at the Digby Hall, Hound Street for its AGM and to hear from Jane Heard of the War Graves Commission on gardening the globe. Contact Richard Newcombe on 01935 389375.
VE Day 80: An Evening to Remember will be held from 6pm at All Saints Church, Wyke Regis. VE-Day documentary, live music, fish and chip supper, church bells and beacon lighting at 9.30pm. Tickets £10 (including supper) from parishofwykeregis.org.uk/ events, or Alison 07984 370737.
The Dorchester Branch of the Children’s Society is holding a plant sale from 10am-3pm at 8 Grosvenor Road, Dorchester, DT1 2BB. Plant donations gratefully received.
Chesil Bank Writing Shed. Do you write, would you like to write? Our writers group meets at 7pm-9pm at Portesham Village Hall. Any writing style or genre welcome. lindaph.co.uk
Local historian Elizabeth Gale will be speaking on at the Royal British Legion Hall, Bridport at the coffee morning at 10am. She will speak about growing up in the war years. Now approaching 91, the Americans stationed in West Dorset training for D Day and the invasion of Normandy. Contact 01308 459039.
Friday, May 9
The History of Sherborne Town FC: free talk by Colin Goodland at Sherborne Library 2.30pm-3.30pm. Email sherbornelibrary@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Saturday, May 10
Mapperton House, near Beaminster (DT8 3NR) is holding a Best of West Dorset Market today and tomorrow, supporting Weldmar Hospicecare.
Bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm, eyes down 2.30pm.
There’s a community afternoon tea 2.30pm-4.30pm to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at St Nicholas Church in Broadwey, Weymouth (DT3 5LW).
Music Craft will provide entertainment and a singalong of medleys from the 1940s and there will be cream cakes and scones. Donations to SSAFA Dorset. Susan Pykett will be playing the church organ whilst we sing the National Anthem, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope & Glory. Local baker Lizzie Baking Bird will be supplying the cakes thanks to a town council grant.
Please let Susana know you are coming on 07944 617553 or susanamalik@yahoo.com
Portland’s Royal Manor Theatre Co is holding a production party, (138a Fortuneswell, DT5 1LT), raising money for their next production Holes, running June 19-21, from 7.30pm. Music with DJ Max Quirk, a preview of Not Another Holiday Park, a locally produced comedy. Adults only. Tickets £3 from Ticketsource.
Holes tickets are available from Ticketsource, The Royal Portland Arms, and Easton Pet Supplies.
Dorset Chamber Orchestra perform an All Beethoven Gala Concert at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester at 7.30pm. The programme will open with the powerful Coriolan Overture, followed by the dramatic Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring acclaimed pianist Simon Callaghan as soloist. The concert will conclude with the vibrant and joyous Symphony No. 4, showcasing Beethoven’s lighter, lyrical side. Tickets at dorsetchamberorchestra.org or Linda Ryall on 01305 269069. £18 adults and £1 for U19.
There’s a resin class with Viv at the Crafty Cuppa 46 High East Street, Dorchester 1pm-3pm.
She will be bringing along her large range of moulds so lots of exciting things to make. Classes are suitable for all abilities.
£40, at craftycuppa.uk/events
Repair café: Bring your broken items for repair by volunteers for a donation from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Top Club, Louviers Road, Weymouth DT3 6AY.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 9 mile walk from Arne. For info call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. Visitors welcome.
There’s an 80th Anniversary of VE Day dance at Charlton Horethorne Village Hall at 7pm, £12 inc food. Book on 01935 814199 or jb@classicmedia.co.uk
Simply Jazz will perform at Chetnole Village Hall (DT9 6NU) at 7.30pm. Mainly jazz standards in the styles of Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett plus others. Bar available (cash/card) £12.50. Contact John 01935 873555, Blair 01935 872420, or chetnolevillagehall.com
The Friends of Bridport Millennium Green are holding a plant sale 9am-1pm on the green at Mountfield, off Downe Street. Cuttings, plant assortments, books and unwanted garden tools welcome. Contact 01308 423078
Bridport Choral Society is holding a spring concert at 7.30pm at the United Church in East Street. Tickets £13 including programme and refreshments. Under 16s free. Collection for Bridport Food Bank. Music that celebrates love in all its forms: from religious adoration to teenage infatuation, with a bit of longing and anguish thrown in, Sacred music, opera, folk, pop and show music. Vive l’amour!
A community car boot sale will be held 10am-1pm at St Swithun’s Church Grounds, Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU.
Plants, clothes, home produce, bric a brac, tombola, jazz, bacon butties, fresh coffee and cakes. Charity tables (free).
Sellers £15 a pitch – book in advance on 07887 483228.
Brushstrokes & Coastal Vision exhibition, an exhibition by local artists Sally Davies and Dan Pedler, will be at Eype Centre for the arts until May 26. Eype, Bridport (DT6 6AR) 10am-4pm. Free entry and parking.
A mix of photography and abstract paintings that are full of texture and colour.
Sunday, May 11
The 10th Dorchester Jumble Trail will be held 10am-2pm. Head to the Maumbury Road area and follow the balloons.
Cattistock Lawn Tennis Club is holding an open day to launch the 2025 season from 2pm at its home in Maiden Newton Road, DT2 0JL. Try out great facilities, meet members and have fun. All ages and abilities welcome. Refreshments provided.
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). U19 free.
Plant Heritage Dorset Group is holding a plant fair 10am-3pm at Athelhampton House, near Puddletown. It’s an ideal event to buy spring and early summer-flowering perennials and shrubs, plus lavenders, alpines and a few exotics. Many are grown within 20 miles of the fair.
Admission £7 including access to the gardens until 5pm. Plant Heritage members free. You will find a very wide range of interesting plants from specialist growers across the south and west, including several National Collection Holders.
The Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre will hold its third open day of 2025 11.30am to 3.30pm. The waterwheel and steam engines will be in operation. Basic refreshments, picnic area and toilet. Wheelchair access to most areas except for toilet and visitor centre. Entry by donation. sswc.co.uk
Monday, May 12
Local historian Richard Baker will be talking to the members of Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild at 2pm at Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury, on ‘The Find of a Lifetime’. Richard broke through the roof of a medieval room when excavating and made an exciting discovery. Visitors welcome (£4). 01305 832857.
Tuesday, May 13
Dorchester-Bayeux Society will show Le Petit Nicolas at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm.
Laurent Tirard’s delightful comedy based on the classic tales by Goscinny et Sempe. The adventures of a mischievous schoolboy and a wonderful, humorous depiction of 1950s French culture and family life.
Open to all, English subtitles. £6 cash on the door (6.45pm). Bar.
Royal British Legion, Dorchester Branch is holding a social event for members and veterans. Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month 11am-1pm at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, DT1 1UF for a coffee or lunch and some friendly company. Contact Carol Lewis at: dorchesterdorset.chairman@rbl.community
West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 7.5 miles. Rodwell & Castle Cove Beach – circular walk in Weymouth. Start 10.45am TBC from the Park & Ride (SY 675819) bring bus pass/money. Book with Ian on 07826 150114.
Wednesday, May 14
Live Laugh Love Ladies Club, Poundbury, Dorchester Group meet at 7pm at Crossroads, 1 Crown Square, Poundbury. Guest speaker is civil celebrant Tracie Williams. For details and to book call Sally on 07703 171545, email sallyannchildsslade@gmail.com or livelaughloveladies.club/sallycs
A Fused Glass workshop will be held 10am-12pm at the Crafty Cuppa, 46 High East Street, Dorchester. Restful and creative afternoon using glass to create your own masterpieces. Create a wall hanging or a tea light. The same workshop will also be held on May 17, 1pm-3pm. £25. Book on 07967 002889.
Thursday, May 15
Red Lion Beaminster is holding a folk music night (3rd Thursday of the month) 7pm. Listen/join in.
An adult evening pottery class suitable for beginners and the more advanced will be held 7pm to 9pm at Tolpuddle Old Chapel, 59a Main Road, Tolpuddle, DT2 7ET. £25pp includes kiln firing. Pre booking only at creativeclayforall.co.uk
There’s cash bingo at the hall in Charlton Horethorne every third Thursday 1.30pm-4pm, eyes down 2pm. Call 01935 814199 for details. Proceeds to hall funds.
Friday, May 16
Winterborne Kingston presents a spring festival in celebration of Dorset, with flowers, music and art until Sunday, May 18.
Floristry displays, refreshments, a silent auction, the Dorset 2020 Art Society exhibition, a community art project, concerts and recitals. Friday concert – Cantilena Voices. Saturday Concert – Vivamente Voices. Tickets at cantilenavoices.co.uk
Proceeds to St Nicholas’ Church.
Lyme Eats Boutique – an evening street food market atop the sea wall. Relax into the weekend by joining us in a ritual as old as time at the community dining table. Gun Cliff Walk Lyme Regis, w3w: expel.mermaids.undulation, DT7 3QD. Free entry 4pm-9pm 3rd Fridays: May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug 15, Sept 19.
Saturday, May 17
Royal British Legion coffee morning 10am-noon at the RBL Hall, Victoria Grove, Bridport.
Retired and serving personnel and their families particularly welcome but open to all.
Weymouth Model Railway is holding an open day 10am-4pm at Upwey Memorial Hall, (DT3 5NG). Exhibits and trade stands, refreshments, limited parking. Admission free. weymouth-model-railways.org.uk
A Dorset Vegan MegaMarket will be held in Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, 10am-4pm today and tomorrow, with 50+ stalls – free entry. There’s an inflatable play zone for kids and the chance to try a free gong bath. Email wdveganevents@gmail.com
A coffee morning will be held at All Saints’ church, Wyke Regis, 10am-12pm. All welcome for coffee, tea, cakes, Fairtrade, books, music.
Open For Art 2025 will be held from today until Sunday, June 1, with free entry to venues. This much-loved event warmly invites you to explore the vibrant studios, exhibitions and workspaces of more than 60 local artists across Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and the surrounding area.
Organised biennially by Artwey CIC, it’s a unique opportunity to meet talented local creators, view diverse artworks and learn more about their artistic process. There will be demos and workshops, beautiful handcrafted gifts. Go to artwey.com/openforartdorset or follow @openforartdorset on FB.
Sherborne’s Repair Café meets on the third Saturday of the month, 10am-12.15pm, in the Cheap Street Church hall.
Longburton Garden Club is holding a plant sale 10.30am to noon at Cam Vale Community Hall, Wildewood Rise, (DT9 5FZ). Cakes and refreshments, free admission.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Beaminster. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
West Dorset Singers are bringing one of choral music’s best-loved works to Bridport. Remember the Old Spice advert with the surfer? Or the music 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. 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.
Join WDS, a choir of local children, professional soloists, two pianos and a percussion band at St Swithun’s Church at 7pm. Tickets (£15, U18 free) from Bridport Music Centre in South St and ticketsource.co.uk/wds
Sunday, May 18
The Occasional Singers are in concert at 3pm at St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester (DT1 2HL). Songs depicting the four seasons: light hearted madrigals, 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.
Go on safari – in Dorset!
From May visitors are invited to go on a self-guided safari through the wildlands of Mapperton Estate near Beaminster.
Recognised as Dorset’s most spectacular rewilding project, Mapperton has returned more than 1,000 acres of marginal farmland back to nature for environmental regeneration and improved biodiversity. There’s also a children’s trail.
The self-guided safari trail spans about four miles and typically takes two to three hours to complete. Rewilding tours with Mapperton’s ecologist Prof Tom Brereton start today.
Go to mappertonwildlands.com
Salway Ash School’s PTA is holding a May fete 1pm-4pm, with a grand raffle, music, tombola and cream teas. There’s also face painting, a bouncy castle, wood-fired pizza and Baboo Gelato ice cream. Entry £1, children free.
Monday, May 19
Bride Valley Gardening Club meets at Litton Cheney Community Hall (DT2 9AU) to hear a talk about life on our planet by Timothy Walker, ex-director of Oxford Botanical Gardens and world-renowned speaker on ‘What have Plants ever done for Us’. Refreshments, plant sales, raffle. Tickets £5 from Liz Gibbs bridevalleygc@gmail.com or 07751 942588.
Tuesday, May 20
The Hardy Perennials, the evening section of Dorchester Trefoil, are holding a quiz in May for young people’s activity and training centre Foxlease Park at 6.45pm in Charminster Community Hall. Teams of up to six, £7.50 per person including a cheddar ploughman’s supper and dessert. Book in advance: jct19336@gmail.com
West Dorset Ramblers Group walk: 7.5 miles round Eggardon – via Powerstock, Nettlecombe and the Spyway. Start 10am from the Eggardon/ Roman road. Heather 07798 732252.
The Fortuneswell Cancer Trust is holding its AGM in the Cerne Abbas Room at the United Church, 29 South Street, Dorchester, DT1 1BY at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Light refreshments. Fiona James will give a talk about the early history of the trust. All welcome. thefor tuneswellcancerturst@gmail.com
Beaminster Horticultural Society’s monthly meeting will feature a presentation/demo on the care and cultivation of cacti by Dave Ennals: taking cuttings, growing from seed, dealing with offsets, and what to do with your cacti when it gets too tall! Beaminster Public Hall, DT8 3FH. Doors 7pm, talk 7.30pm. Bar refreshments, raffle, plants.
Thursday, May 22
The Sound of Musings, St Mary’s Church, Weymouth, 7.30pm, free. The adventures of flibbertigibbet nun-turned-governess in an evening of entertainment from author Bryony Woods. Refreshments. Info: stmarysweymouth.events @gmail.com or 07970 108191.
Saturday, May 24
Bridport Art Society is holding its spring exhibition from today until Saturday, May 31 at the Salt House, West Bay. Open every day 10am-4pm, free entry, all welcome. bridportart.com
Bryanston Summer Fair is being held today and tomorrow at Bryanston School (DT11 0PX). See page 5 for details.
Sunday, May 25
Netherbury Repair Cafe is 10am-noon on the last Sunday of every month, apart from August and December, at the village hall.
Sydling St Nicholas Open Gardens will be held today and tomorrow 2pm-6pm with 12 lovely gardens and beautifully decorated church and an excellent selection of locally-grown plants to buy. Tickets from the village hall from 1pm. Tea and cakes. Entry £5, U16 free. Sorry no dogs. Enquiries: 07771 623973.
Monday, May 26
Alweston Car Boot Sale at the village hall (DT9 5HT). Sellers 7am, buyers before 7.30am £5, buyers after 7.30am, donation. See Facebook for more.
Tuesday, May 27
Bridport U3A meet at 2pm in United Church Hall, East Street, (DT6 3LJ) to hear Bob Rayner of Dignity in Dying on Assisted Dying: What is it, and Why is it the Subject of Much Discussion? Talk 45-60 minutes, followed by a Q&A then refreshments. Members free, visitors £3.
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). Book with Ian 07826 150114.
Wednesday, May 28
Loders Local History Group meets 7.30pm-9pm in Loders Village Hall for a talk by Alastair Forbes on Church Bells and Bell Ringing (St Mary’s Bridport). All welcome £3/adult refreshments.
Friday, May 30
Red Lion Beaminster is holding an open mic night (final Friday of the month). Free entry. Phone 01308 862384 to book a slot or info@theredlionbeaminster.co.uk
Saturday, May 31
Dorchester Repair Café, United Church, 10am-noon. Bring your items for repair by volunteers in return for a donation and enjoy coffee and cake while you wait.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Bridport. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340.
The fabulous Ben Waters and his equally fab son Tom will be playing at St Nicholas’ Church in Broadwey at 7.30pm (doors 7pm). Tickets are £20. Cash bar. Book in advance: 07944 617553 or susanamalik@yahoo.com
Music from the Courts of Europe – a free concert with refreshments available – will be held at 3pm at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester (DT1 2HL).
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.
The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Charminster will host Parnham Voices, with a concert of a cappella choral music entitled Love is in the air Palestrina at 7pm. Tickets £10 from 01305 213403 / 07818 508011 or at the door. Interval drinks and nibbles included.
A concert: Head North, will start at 7pm at All Saints church, Wyke Regis. The five-piece band returns for another evening of traditional and progressive Celtic music. With strong Scottish roots and an unusually wide age range their mix of songs, reels and jigs with some Transatlantic additions and beautiful harmonies. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £6.50 from parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events, Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174, or on the door. Cash bar.
Sunday, June 1
Music from the Courts of Europe – a free concert with refreshments available – at 3pm at Broadmayne Village Hall (DT2 8EW). Step back to 1450 to 1600 on a musical journey through the courts of Europe. Costumed performance on reproduction instruments. 01305 854915. courtlyemusick.co.uk
Popular local rock and roll band The Originals will play all your favourites from 2pm-4pm in Greenhill Gardens in Weymouth. Free event hosted by Friends of Greenhill Gardens.
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). Part of the Festival of St Wite.
Wednesday, June 4
A hand bell concert by the Clapper Chaos quartet, led by former All Saints bell ringer Tim will start at 7pm at All Saints church, Wyke Regis. Homegrown arrangements of popular tunes using over 50 hand bells and just four pairs of hands: a visual and musical spectacle. Entry £5, under 18s free and accompanying adults £1. Contact Michael on 07487 527142.
Dorchester and District Gardening Club will hold a practical demo on easy orchids by Geoff Hobson at the United Church Hall, 49/51 Charles Street, Dorchester DT1 1EE at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Geoff has almost 40 years’ experience growing and showing orchids. Bring your orchids along.
Vsitors £4 on the door. Bring and buy stall, draw. All welcome. Jane 01305 268523 or email dorchestergardening@gmail.com
Friday, June 6
Sturminster Newton Literary Festival kicks off today and runs until June 15. See more on page 63 or go to sturlitfest.com
A flower festival entitled All Things Bright And Beautiful will be held at Leigh church (DT9 6HL) from today until Sunday, June 8. Cream teas 12pm-5pm daily, music and choirs daily and songs of praise at 6pm on Sunday.
Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art 2025 will be launched at 7pm in the village hall, with a spring concert.
Tickets are £14 from the Bridport TIC, 01308 424901 or online at bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets
Meanwhile preparations are well underway for the main festival from Sunday, August 10. burtonbradstockfestival.com