Wednesday, October 8
West Dorset Community Orchestra meet in Christian Fellowship Hall, East Street car park, Bridport, DT6 3PL 6.30pm-7.45pm. New members welcome. 01308 456297, westdorsetmusic.org.uk
Thursday, October 9
Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association meets at 2.30pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street, to hear from Mitch Perkins from Dorset Wildlife Trust on wildlife gardening. Non-members £3. Richard 01935 389375.
MP Edward Morello will be at the Sherborne Climate Cafe at D’Urbervilles Cafe, 90 Cheap Street, 5.30pm-7pm to discuss issues relating to the environment and climate change in Dorset. To attend, email climatecafesherborne@gmail.com
Royal British Legion, Dorchester branch meeting 7pm at The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RR.
Sherborne Historical Society meets at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street to hear from Dr Adam White on Lady Anne Clifford, a Medieval Great Lady in the 17th century. Visitors £5. sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk
Chesil Bank Writing Shed at Portesham Village Hall 7pm-9pm. Whatever your writing style and genre come and challenge yourself. lindaph.co.uk
Beaminster Museum exhibitions in October: ‘One and two halves to Beaminster’ on the history of public transport in the area, from horse-drawn carriages to early petrol-powered vehicles, from canals that never materialised and railways that stopped short of their destination. ‘When the Romans Came to West Dorset’ focuses on the Roman invasion, the history of Waddon Hill Roman Fort and the role of digital technology in uniting artefacts from across the country. Tues, Thurs, Sat 10.30am-4pm, Sun 2pm-4.30pm. Admission free, but donations welcome. Whitcombe Rd, DT8 3NB. beaminstermuseum.co.uk
Friday, October 10
Moreton: A talk on the air raid on RAF Warmwell in August 1940 – believed to be the largest single bombing raid on an English airfield in WW2 – will be given by historian John Smith from Rockbourne at 6.30pm in Moreton Village Hall (DT2 8RE). Part of the celebration of the stained glass window in Holy Trinity Church Warmwell, installed last year. Tickets £10 from David Walsh 07770 343441 or davidpwalsh1802@gmail.com or on the door if not sold out. All proceeds to Holy Trinity Warmwell and SSAFA.
The Wild Garden presentation at 7pm in Netherbury Village Hall (DT6 5LR), tells the story of the Happy Return nature reserve in Netherbury, from its beginnings in 1985 to the present day. Tips on attracting wildlife and highlights of wildlife here over the years, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds. £3, cash bar.
Oddfellows are holding a coffee and get together with bring and buy 10.30am-noon at Crossways Village Hall. All welcome.’
Beaminster’s Yarn Barton Centre are holding their annual quiz in the town hall, Fleet St, 7pm for 7.30pm, teams up to six. Tickets £10 inc ploughman’s and drink, from the centre or 01308 862715.
Weymouth Astronomy Club meets on the second Friday 7.30pm-9.30 pm at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre, Spa Road, (DT3 5EW). Sheri Karl, an original founder of the club, will be talking about orbiting solar observatories via Zoom. weymouthastronomy.co.uk
Dorset-based drum ‘n’ bass trio Kitchen Kontrol are at Viking Village in Bridport for a night of ‘Kooking Up Khaos’! Fresh from Jurassic Fields, they’re ready to fill the dance floor 8.30pm-11pm.
A free ecological sculpture workshop will be held 2pm-4.30pm in the Drill Hall Gallery, Portland (DT5 1BW).
Fiona Campbell will lead the hands-on session using found and recycled materials provided. Suitable for all and free. Book: fionacampbell-art@sky.com
Saturday October 11
The Dorchester Committee of the Children’s Society are hosting a quiz at St George’s Church Hall, Fordington. Teams of six. If you don’t have a team you can join a committee team. Tickets £10 inc ploughman’s. Jane Culliford on 01305 264360. Doors 7pm. Bring drinks.
The Bovington Military Wives Choir will perform at St Nicholas Church, Broadwey, at 7pm (doors 6.30). Tickets £10 U16 free. Bar (cash preferable) & free teas/coffees/squash. Call Susana on 07944 617553 or email susanamalik@yahoo.com
Bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm, eyes down 2.30pm.
The Friends of Weymouth Library (Fowl) are hosting a talk at 10.30am by Alan Jenkins, a retired Dorset Police Inspector. On one royal visit to Dorchester everything that could go wrong, did! Learn what happened. £3 non-members 01305 762410.
Well-known local DJ Simon M is bringing Galaxy Disco back to Viking Village in Bridport with an upbeat fusion of dance classics and newer bangers – house, garage, EDM and everything in between from 8pm-11pm.
Sunday, October 12
Dorset Cottage Garden Society will hear from Rosy Hardy on autumn flowering perennials at Puddletown Village Hall from 2pm. Raffle, refreshments, £5.
Monday, October 13
Pack Monday will be held all around Sherborne town centre 8am-9pm. packmonday.com
Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild will host a talk by Mary Van Coller at the community church, DT1 3DF on her book, Downstream Dorset. 2pm, £4.
Dorset Independent Photographers will hold their autumn exhibition until October 19 at the Malthouse Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis DT7 3RU, 10am to 4pm. Free.
Tuesday, October 14
Southill Gardening Club will enjoy a fun countryside quiz in aid of the air ambulance, presented by Eric Ovenden and his friends and entitled ‘Wud I Lye to Yew’. Southill Community Centre, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. 01305 788939.
Royal British Legion Dorchester Branch will hold a meet and greet 11am-1pm at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, DT1 1UF. All welcome.
West Dorset Ramblers 6.5 or 9-mile walk. Jubilee Trail east of Lewesden and Pilsden. To book and for details Ian 07826 150114.
Weymouth Town Council’s next community networking event at New Town Hall 10.15am-1pm. Voluntary/community groups are invited to this free event, with presentations including the Volunteer Centre Dorset as well as an update on new family hubs in Weymouth. Light lunch provided. Email charlotteemery@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
Wednesday, October 15
Live Laugh Love Ladies Club meets at Crossroads, 1 Crown Square, Poundbury 7pm-9pm Mike Randall will talk about Cyprus archaeology. Call Sally on 07703 171545, or go to livelaughloveladies.club/sallycs
West Dorset Community Orchestra meet in Christian Fellowship Hall, East Street car park, Bridport DT6 3PL 6.30pm-7.45pm. New members welcome. 01308 456297 westdorsetmusic.org.uk
Thursday, October 16
The second Charity Angels UK Dorchester Fashion Show in aid of Against Breast Cancer, 6pm at The Corn Exchange. All 14 models are from Dorset and have personal experience of breast cancer. Clothes from Smith and Smith in Bridport, From My Mother’s Garden in Abbotsbury plus Hambledon Gallery in Blandford and Great Western Camping and Victoria Ann Bridal in Dorchester. The last event in 2023 raised £9,000. Tickets £30 inc sparkling wine and canapes, entertainment plus a goody bag.
Raffle with amazing prizes.
Tickets are available from Just Giving: Charity-Angels-UK-FashionShow or Facebook: Charity Angels UK Dorchester Fashion Show.
Friday, October 17
Friends of Bridport Millennium Green host Broadsides Entertain at 7.30pm in Bridport Town Hall.
Ticket £10 (includes a glass of wine). Call 01308 423078.
Reggae, funky beats, jungle, DnB and dance with Beat Safari at Viking Village in Bridport from 8pm-10.30pm.
Saturday, October 18
Cynewulf Morris taster session 2pm-3.30pm at Charmouth Village Hall. Refreshments available. 01308 281200 or cynewulf@btinternet.com
A coffee morning with stalls will be held 10am-noon at St Aldhem’s Lounge, Spa Road, Weymouth, DT3 5EW in aid of Family Matters Weymouth and Doctors Without Borders.
St Peter’s Church Dorchester (DT1 1XA) will host a free lunchtime concert by Hannah McFarlane (cello) and Rob Taylor (piano) 12.30-1pm. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
British Heart Foundation Weymouth are holding a preloved Dress to Impress Gala at 6pm at Hope URC, Trinity Street DT4 8TW. Moonfleet The Band, auction, raffle, themed tables with items to purchase and a prize for the best pre-loved outfit. Tickets £15 inc buffet and a cocktail. Buy from the BHF shop at 34 St Mary Street.
Repair Cafe Weymouth at Southill Community Centre, 137, Radipole Lane, DT4 9SS, 10am-12.30pm. Bring items for repair by specialist volunteers for an optional donation. Electrical, clocks, jewellery, sewing and leather repairs, mechanical, sewing machines etc. repaircafeweymouth.org
Reminisce to your favourite guitar hits from years gone by with Rock Anthems at Viking Village in Bridport 8pm ’til late. All the biggest names – Guns ‘n’ Roses, ACDC, ZZ Top and more – plus forgotten tunes you may not have heard for a while.
A coffee morning will be held at All Saints church, Wyke Regis, 10am-noon. All welcome for coffee, cakes, books, Fairtrade.
Sunday, October 19
A group with members all over the west of Dorset, who trade services and items without money, is holding its biggest event of the year – the harvest lunch from 11am-3pm at Martinstown village hall (DT2 9JU). LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) involves members helping each other out in exchange for their own currency. All welcome to join the event at any point. Shared lunch, speaker and a homecraft/produce competition.
dorchesterlets.wordpress.com
A selection of One Island – Many Visions artists: Fiona Campbell, Ros Burgin, Rebecca Newnham, Nicola Turner, Hannah Sofaer and, to be confirmed, Dr Kate Parsons will be in conversation with Freeny Yianni, founder and curator of CLOSE Gallery, Somerset at 2pm at the Drill Hall Gallery, Portland (DT5 1BW) then at Tout Quarry (weather permitting). Book: Fiona Campbell 07515 537224 or fionacampbell-art@sky.com
An open-mic poetry afternoon will be held from 3pm-5pm at The Occasional Bookshop, 16 Durngate Street, Dorchester (doors open 2.30pm). Free, donations welcome.
The Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre will hold its last open day of the season, 11.30am-3.30pm. Waterwheel and steam engines will be running, basic refreshments, picnic area, toilet. Wheelchair acess to all areas, except visitor centre and toilet. Entry by donation. sswc.co.uk. AGM at 4 pm. Nominations are invited.
St Peter’s Church Dorchester (DT1 1XA) will host a choral eucharist at 10.30am. Music by Byrd, Whitbourn and Elgar. Free. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
A community breakfast club is held every third Sunday at Cherrie Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury (DT3 4JJ) from 9.30am. £10 with £1 from every breakfast going to local charities.
Monday, October 20
Dorset Chamber Choir presents: The Tudor Byrd, an introduction to the choral music of the Tudor era at Broadstone United Reformed Church, Higher Blandford Road, Broadstone, BH18 9AB at 8pm.
Tudor music, including the well-known and much loved Mass for Four Voices by William Byrd.
Free, donations encouraged. dorsetchamberchoir.com
Tuesday, October 21
Live Laugh Love Ladies Club Poundbury/Dorchester meet at Athelhampton House, 2pm-4pm for an afternoon tea and talk. Call Sally on 07703 171545, email sallyannchildsslade@gmail.com
Beaminster Horticultural Society will enjoy a talk by Gwynne Davies on spring bulbs for the garden at the Public Hall, DT8 3EF, 7pm. Raffle, bar, plants. Guests £3. Info from bemhortsoc@gmail.com
West Dorset Ramblers group 7-mile walk. Dorchester to Hardy’s Cottage – circular walk town to country and back. To book call Janet 07947 881635.
Acoustic/Folk at The Old Ship Upwey, 7.30pm-10.30pm.
Wednesday, October 22
Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester is holding an open evening. Go to ths.wessex.ac/ sixth-form for more details.
Thursday, October 23
Sherborne Historical Society new members’ evening at 8pm at Digby Hall, Hound Street.
Prof Aleks Pluskowski will speak on The Teutonic Knights: the rise and fall of a religious corporation.
The Teutonic Knights were the last of the great military orders in the 12th century. Visitors £5
sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk
South Dorset RSPB Group will give a talk in The Quiet Space, Poundbury, DT1 3SE at 7.30pm. Stephan Brown from Dorset Butterfly Conservation on what more can we do to help our pollinators. Visitors £5
Cider expert James Crowden will return to Sladers Yard in West Bay in a talk hosted by Help Our Planet (HOP).
James doesn’t just write about cider – he explores the orchards, the harvest, the craft of pressing apples, and the social rituals. A former army officer, Himalayan explorer, later a woodsman, shepherd and hands-on cider maker in the orchards of Dorset, he combines practical know-how with the gift of spinning a tale. Tickets £6-£12 from Bridport Tourist Information Centre and bridportandwestbay.co.uk
All aboard for a whistle-stop tour of Portland’s wonderfully weird railway history! Join John New at 2.30pm at the C2000 Hall for Portland’s Quirky Railways – an illustrated talk celebrating 200 years since the Merchant’s Railway got the go-ahead, and 60 years since the last passenger train left the island. A spirited ride through narrow and broad gauges, gravity-powered wagons, diesel engines, and a few delightful oddities. £3 (£2 Friends of Portland Museum). Book: portlandmuseum@gmail.com or call 01305 821804.
Friday, October 24
Acclaimed poets John Agard, recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal, and Philip Nanton will be at Dorchester’s Dorford Centre (DT1 1RR) at 7pm for a special evening of poetry, music and conversation about how Caribbean culture has shaped Britain. Tickets £12/£8 from dorchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
Saturday, October 25
A Black History Month event at the Corn Exchange, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF, 6pm. Music by Angela Anuforo (Angie A), raffle, bar, Indian food & poetry by John Agard & Philip Nanton. Tickets are £12 inc food: south-west-dorset-multicultural-network.sumupstore.com
St Peter’s Church Dorchester (DT1 1XA) will host a choral evensong at 4.30pm with music by Natalie Burton, Liz Dilnot-Johnson, Howells and Dubra. musicatstpetersdorchester.org
Ceilidh at St Mary’s Church House Hall, South Street, Bridport with Orion’s Ring. £10, children £1. Light refreshments. 07456 730753 for info.
Popular Bridport-based rocksteady group The Skalatans are back at Viking Village 8.30pm-10.30pm, a Latin infusion guaranteed to get you moving.
Concert: Parnham Voices – ‘A Splash of Colour’ at All Saints Church Wyke Regis, 7pm.
One of the best amateur a capella groups with an extensive repertoire. Tickets £10 (inc wine or soft drink). Cash bar. Book at parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events, or Jeff Thomas on 07710 096174.
Sunday, October 26
Netherbury Repair Cafe 10am-12pm at the village hall. Volunteers mend clothing, electrics, woodwork and metal work. Home-made cakes. Always looking for new volunteers!
Bridport’s fabulous Vintage Market from 10am at St Michael’s, with oodles of stalls and shops selling wonderful items. The café will be open too, to power you through.
Hinton & Sturminster Newton Cricket Club bingo – prizes and community fun at The Exchange. Eyes down at 7.30pm.
Introduction to Rewilding at Mapperton House & Gardens near Beaminster with Professor Tom Brereton 11am-1pm. Meet at the Coach House café
There’s also a Halloween Trail 11am-3pm, costing £5 per child. One adult free with each child.
Woodhouse Trio play at Winyards Gapp near Beaminster at 6pm, a foot-tapping evening of Celtic folk. Three of the South West’s finest musicians bring you lively fiddle tunes, rich accordion harmonies & the beat of the bodhrán. Perfect way to round off your weekend. The kitchen will be serving up burgers and wraps.
Monday, October 27
Athelhampton House near Puddletown is hosting a Tudor Week from today until Friday, October 31. athelhampton.com
Tuesday, October 28
West Dorset Ramblers group 9-mile walk Jakeman’s Cross & Bushes Barn via Grimstone and Stratton Downs. Jill & Simon 07974 756107.
U3A talk at The Bridport United Church Hall, East Street DT6 3LJ by Mary Smith on a schoolgirl’s war, the story of school life during WW2. Visitors £3.
Wednesday, October 29
Wessex Military History Group talk via Zoom on The Battle of Evesham 1265. 6pm, recording available afterwards. Contact jameskrporter@aol.com
Thursday, October 30
Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society (Snads) will hold a murder mystery dinner at The Exchange today and tomorrow. A lively fundraiser full of intrigue and laughter. £20 inc dinner of Chilli Con Carnage and Death by Chocolate. Book by October 24 at snads.org.uk
A charity event will be held in Broadwindsor’s Comrades Hall hosted by Record Vault owner Ian Picken, with live music by students at B Sharp, a quiz, a talk by record industry stalwart Graham Jones, comedy and new vinyl on sale – some signed by major artists. All profits to Lyme Regis charity B Sharp, the national Nordorf Robbins and War Child charities. Check Eventbrite for details.
West Dorset Ramblers group 10-mile walk. Pilsden Pen circular via Drimpton, To book and details Chris 07715 760884.
Friends of Bridport Millennium Green will host speaker Tim Gale on Downe Hall at the WI Hall, 2.30pm. £5. 01308 423078.
Friday, October 31
Stur the Cauldron: Halloween celebrations in Sturminster Newton’s Railway Garden 3pm-7.30pm. Loads of free crafts and activities plus creepy crawlies with Bugfest. See more: P19
Bridport’s Viking Village will be rocking out 8.30pm-11pm with Dorset-based four-piece Chief Lazarus covering from Arctic Monkeys to Whitney Houston. Cstumes recommended!
Saturday, November 1
Weymouth Choral Society is holding a singing day, featuring Mozart’s Requiem with director Victoria Ely at Thomas Hardye School 10.30am-4pm. £20 inc music, refreshments, cakes.
weymouthchoralsociety.org.uk, or philip.wise76@gmail.com 07762 416590.
Indoor market, Digby Hall, Hound St, Sherborne DT9 3AA. 10am-3pm. Antiques, arts, crafts & more – free entry, café.
Saturday, November 1
Dorchester Big Band will play Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT4 7TH, 7.30pm
£12 on door or £10 from Pete (cash only) 01305 812637.
The Halloween-themed weekend continues at Bridport’s Viking Village: Dorset-based rockers Four Go Mad 8.30pm-11pm for a lively evening of classic covers, from Status Quo to Soft Cell and from ACDC to Led Zeppelin.
A concert, Merrily Remembered will be hosted by Cattistock in Concert at the church, 5.30pm.
Music, poetry and readings to celebrate her life and works.
A new composition by Nick Morris performed by the highly acclaimed Cassandra String Quartet, plus selected numbers from Merrily’s oratorio The Fox That Walked on Water. Tickets £15 from the shop or on the door. Drinks from 5.30pm and in the interval. All in aid of the church.
A wide choice of workshops and creative projects exploring art, food, farming, and energy are on offer at Dorset COP 2025 at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.
Pay what you can – suggested donation £10. Dorset COP is a climate gathering. Come together, share what’s working, ask the big questions, and build a greener, fairer future from the ground up.
To exhibit email dorsetcan@ gmail.com or to volunteer or offer something creative email connect@sustainabledorset.org
Tickets at DorsetCOP.info
Hundreds of classic cars and bikes will be at Sturminster Newton recreation ground 9am-noon. Free parking.
Concert at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church DT4 7TH at 7.30pm by Geoff Miller and The Dorchester Big Band. Tickets £10 in advance from Pete 01305 812637 or on door £12.
Weymouth Model Railway Association exhibition today and tomorrow at Weymouth College, DT4 7LQ 10am-4.30pm (4pm Sunday). Adult £7, family £15 (2+2), children £2. weymouth-model-railways.org.uk
Sunday, November 2
St Mary’s Church, Edward Road, Dorchester DT1 2HJ: The Taize Community in France – a film on the WWII emergence of this innovative international community, and its service to the young people of Europe.
Film 5pm, then refreshments and the monthly Taize Service of Song, Silence and Contemplation at 6pm. All welcome to either or both events.
Tuesday, November 4
Blackmore Vale U3A meets at Henstridge Village Hall (BA8 0QB) to hear from Matthew Scott on being a fireman. Doors open 2.15pm, Speaker 3pm. Call 07580 127810 or 07919 585547 or go to blackmorevale.u3asite.uk
Harbour Poets meet 1st Tuesday in The Palm House Cafe, Weymouth, 2pm-4pm. Read and discuss your own poems and/or those written by others. Refreshments available. Contact 01305 250645.
Thursday, November 6
Bride Valley Films will be showing Maria – the glamorous, moving story of the iconic opera singer Maria Callas at Litton Cheney Village Hall (DT2 9AU).
Paris, 1977: Once the world’s greatest soprano, Callas hides having lost her voice. Doors 7pm, film 7.30pm. £6 on door inc a glass of wine.
Sherborne Historical Society welcomes Lucy Ash on A Toxic Embrace: Russia’s Church and State through the centuries at 8pm, at Digby Hall, Hound Street. For 1,000 years Russia’s Orthodox Church has ensured its survival and wealth – whatever the moral cost. Visitors £5
sherbornehistoricalsociety.co.uk
Friday, November 7
Author Thomas Hardy and his second wife Florence were dining at Athelhampton House on the day WWI was declared. Local actors will re-create that dinner in the room where it took place, with the audience moving to other historic rooms to watch events unfold.
Go to athelhampton.com
Saturday, November 8
Repair Cafe Weymouth at Southill Community Centre, 137, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9SS, 10am-12.30pm. Bring items for repair by volunteers for a donation. Every 2nd Saturday. repaircafeweymouth.org
A Christmas Fayre will be held at Weymouth Bay Methodist church in Melcombe Avenue (DT4 7TH) 10am-2pm. Free entry, stalls, bacon butties, cakes. In aid of Weymouth Shelter Bus.
Bingo at Maiden Newton village hall, 2pm, eyes down 2.30pm.
Concert for Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester at 7pm. Poetry and song plus
speaker Dr Natalie Burton. Part of the THS war poetry conference weekend ticket but can be booked via the church.