Local events diary

01 Dorchester French Circle United Church, Dorchester Tolpuddle Room, 7.30pm. Film francais, choisi par Andre, notre expert! 01305 854025 www.dorchesterfrenchcircle.org

02 Soup and Sweet Event Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 12 - 2pm. All welcome . £5 donation. Raffle and bar available.

02 Food Allergy Lecture Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Free evening lecture by Dr. Tim Robinson, GP/Holistic Medicine, followed by questions. Allergy, intolerance, causes, symptoms, testing. www.doctorTWRobinson.com

03 Powerstock Cinema: Submarine Powerstock Hut, Powerstock DT6 3SL, 7.30pm. Licensed bar and snacks available. Tickets £4 on door. 01308 485375 info@powerstockcinema.co.uk www.powerstockcinema.co.uk

03 Life in the Shallow Seas of Devon Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Professor David Nichols talks about creatures of the sea and shore. Organised by Friends of Lyme Regis Museum. 01297 443370 www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

04 Dorchester Horticultural Society - Annual General Meeting St Georges Church Hall, Fordington, 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Meeting followed by Gardens Group Speaker on Roses.

04 " Tribe and Prejudice " The Durotriges Project Excavations " Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester. 7.30pm Archaeology Lecture by Dr. Miles Russell (Bournemouth University). 01305 262735 www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

04 Dorset Wildlife Trust Talk – Otters Bridport United Church, East St, Bridport, 7.30pm. Presented by James Williams & Dr Mike Lowing . Admission £3 non-members

04 Beaminster Big Bang St. Mary’s School, Clay Lane, Beaminster, gates open 6pm, display starts 6.30pm

04-05 Volunteer Leadership Conference and Workshop Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 10am - 3pm. Presentations from local organisations plus 6 EU countries, followed by discussions and site visits.E-mail kevin.waterfall@btinternet.com Tel 01963 251255

05 Firework Extravaganza Sherborne Castle. Entertainments, music and food from 5pm, bonfire at 7pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Tickets available from Sherborne TIC (reduced price tickets available until 2 nd November). www.eventscrew.com

05 Bonfire Night In Lyme Regis Lyme Regis beach, Lyme Regis. Fireworks at 6.30pm. Bonfire on the beach 6.45pm. 01297 442220 www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

05 Firework Display at Bridort Leisure Centre Open 7pm, starts 8pm. Organised by Bridport Round Table.

05 Dorchester Rugby ClubFirework Display Coburg Road, Dorchester, gates open 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Hog Roast, BBQ, bar and refreshments. Family £10, Adult £4, Child £2. 07968 203 932

05 Minerva's Emporium Town Hall, High East Street, Dorchester 10am - 4pm . Tel:- 07866595596 minervasemporium@hotmail.com

05 Dance - Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Uplyme Village Hall, Uplyme, Near Lyme Regis, 8-11pm. £4 per person inc,tea/ biscuits.

05 Sherborne Festival Chorus Come and Sing Afternoon Sherborne Abbey, Rehearsal from 1pm, Concert at 5.30pm. Singers £15, students under 18 free. Concert tickets £5 unreserved on the door. 01935 182452 www.sherbornefestivalchorus.org.uk

05 DorsetVisual Arts - Dorset Art Fair Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, 10am-4pm. Dorset Designers, artists & makers, galleries, arts organisations, colleges and universities. Adults £5 - kids free. 01305 853100 admin@dorsetvisualarts.org

05 Blackmore Vale and Yeovil National Trust Association - " The Baron of Bladen " Digby Hall, Sherborne, 2.30pm. Anne King will talk on the history behind the founder of Debenham's Stores. Members £3, visitors £5.

05 Kingdom and Civitas, Shire and See: the Making of the Counties of Wessex Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester 10am - 4.30pm, registration from 9.30pm A Day School held in association with the Dorset Local History Group. Tickets £12.50, students £5. 01305 262735 Enquiries 01935 816764

05 Festival of Rememberence Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme RegisTown band Concert, 7.30pm. 01297 442220

05 Book Signing of Book 3 in The Portland Chronicles series by Roving Press - Portland Pirates Imagine Books, Weymouth, 1pm - 4pm. Chat to author Carol Hunt and illustrator Domini Deane. 01305 767965

06 Northern Harmony World Music from Vermont St Mary's Church, Beaminster, 7pm. The 15-voice ensemble sing tradional songs from across the world. Tickets £8 (conc £6). Singing working also taking place 2-5pm 01308 868025

06 Jane Austen and the Navy Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Diana Shervington talks about how Jane's fictional characters reflect her admiration for the Naval heroes of her day. 01297 443370 www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

06-13 Bridport Literary Festival Various venues in Bridort. Tickets for all events available from Bridport TIC. www.bridlit.com

07 Thomas Hardye School Community Lecture - Professor David Phillips Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, 7pm. " A Little Light Relief" .Demonstration lecture focusing on the use of light and lasers in medicine. Book . rcain@thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk

08 Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. "Samuel Frederick Cody 1867-1913" - lecture by Bill McNaught. Coffee served from 7.15pm. Visitors welcome - £5 01935 873535

08 Pig Business - A Film By Tracy Worcester Dorchester Community Church, by Waitrose Car Park, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Do you know the true cost of cheap meat? Tickets available on the door £4 (suggested donation)

10 All Boats have a Story Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. McGarva talks about traditional wooden boats and the building of their modern-day daughters. 01297 443370 www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

10 A Life of Adventure The Crown Hotel, Blandford Dorum, 7pm. Illustrated talk by world famous explorer Col. John Blashford-Snell OBE. Tickets £12.50 (inc. complimentary drink on arrival) available from Sherborne and Dorchester TICs. In aid of ABF.

11 Bridport & West Dorset Music Club Concert: Richard Uttley Colfox School, Bridport, 7.45pm Includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven Sonata, Chopin and Debussey. 01308 423110

11 The Poyntington Lecture - Life as a Coalition Minister The Gryphon Conference Centre, Bristol Road, Sherborne, 7pm for 7.30pm. Lecture by the Rt. Hon. Oliver Letwin MP. Tickets £10 (to include canapes and a glass of wine) available from Booklore, Hound Street, Sherborne or tel. 01963 220759 or 220185

11 Family Bingo Dorchester Town Football Club, Avenue Stadium, Dorchester, doors open 6.30pm, eyes down 7.30pm All welcome

12 St. Martin's Day Celebrations St. Martin's Church & Community Hall, Broadmayne, 10am - 12 midday. Fayre and gift day. Plants, crafts, bric-a-brac, cakes, books, tea and coffee etc. 01305 853765

12 Imperial College Symphony Orchestra St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester. With Thomas Hardye Singers and musicians from Dorchester, Puddletown and St. Osmund’s Middle Schools. Tickets £9 (£2 students) from school office or on the door.

12 Quiz Night Dorchester United Church Hall, Charles Street. Entry by ticket only £4 adults, £2 under 14, includes cold supper – available from The Gallery after Church or tel. 01305 266461. In aid of Action for Children.

13 Distinction Cheerleadig Squad Try-Outs Y.M.C.A Gymnastics Hall, Dorchester, 1.45-4pm. Try outs for Junior and Senior squads, 8 - 18years only. £6. 07971 373533 www.distinctiondancecompany.com

13 Heathland Bash Meet at RSPB Arne Nature Reserve Car Park, 10am-4pm. Have a go at scrub-bashing, amoungst other things. Families Welcome. Training, hand tools and gloves provided. Bring a packed lunch; cake and hot drinks provided. 01929 553360

14 The Real Countess of Downton Abbey - illustrated lecture Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7pm. Illustrated lecture by William Cross FCA on The Life and Secrets of Almina, Countess of Carnarvon. Tickets £7, available from Sherborne TIC. Proceeds to Sherborne charities. 01935 815341

14 Salisbury Cathedral Choir - A Concert of Glorious Sacred Music St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 available from Dorchester and Sherborne TICs and Cerne Village Stores. 01300 341995 Email:- 7helensmith@gmail.com

15 Christmas Coffee Morning St. Crispin's, The Avenue, Sherborne, 10am - 1.30pm. Being held by the Sherborne Group of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Charity. 01935 813201

15 Dorchester French Circle United Church, Dorchester Tolpuddle Room, 7.30pm. Que faisiez-vous le jour du mariage royal du 29 avril 2011? ( conversation generale ) 01305 854025 www.dorchesterfrenchcircle.org

15 Return of the Native: defeating alien species Herrison Hall, Charlton Down ( Watts Room), 7.30pm. Speaker: Sarah Williams Dorset Wild Rivers Conservation Officer. Open to all - small donation (suggested £2) requested. Further info 01305 269912

16 Palmers Wine Store Annual Autumn Tasting. Palmers Brewery, West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4JAD. CHCT Digital Mamography appeal, Bridport Advance Booking required 01308 427500 www.palmerswinestore.com

16 Jazz at The Three Compasses - Jam Night The Three Compasses Inn, The Square, Charminster, 8.30pm. Resident Jazz trio - all musicians and audience welcome. Free admission 01305 263618

16 Summoned by Betjeman - selected readings with illustrations Bridport Arts Centre, South St, Bridport, 2.30pm. West Dorset Decorative & Fine Arts Society event. Visitors £6 01308 897209

17 Douzelage AGM Catholic Church Hall, Westbury, Sherborne, 7pm. AGM followed by refreshments and a talk about "Unknown Portugal and Sesimbra" 01963 251255 marydmc38@gmail.com

18 Margaret Phillips St Michael's Church, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm. Regarded as one of Britain's most outstanding concert organists & teachers. Tickets from Lyme Regis Tourist Information, £10,£8, £5. 01297 442138

18 The Labourer's Lot - Bonny Sartin Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm. From 1750 until 1875 the Dorset Labourers and their families had a terrible time - Bonny Sartin (ex The Yetties) talks about his family’s experiences

19 Dance - Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Uplyme Village Hall, Uplyme, Near Lyme Regis, 8-11pm. Everyone welcome. £4

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

19 Siglo de Oro Sherborne Abbey, 7.30pm. A concert commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of Tomas Luis de Victoria. Music includes his sumptuous six-part setting of the Requiem Mass. Tickets £10 from Sherborne TIC 01935 812452

19 Sherborne Town Band's 50th Anniversary Concert Big School Room, Sherborne School www.sherbornetownband.co.uk

19 Casino Night Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm Entry £10. First £5 gambling chips free, supper included, smart dress Dorset Kidney Fund Support Group Diana Crowder 01305 834954 or Sue Bithell 01305 269293

19 Table Top Sale Stratton Village Hall, 11.30am - 2.30pm Tables £5 each. Entrance 50p. Home made cake table, xmas stocking fillers, raffle, light refreshments. Proceeds to Stratton Village Hall Funds. 01305 264229 Email:- penelope@malpen.plus.com

19 Bridport Combined Charities and Christmas Card Fair and Coffees Bridport United Church, East St, Bridport, 9.30am-12.30pm. Approx. 12 Charities selling cards and small gifts. 01308 425037

19 National Trust South Dorset Association Annual General Meeting Brownswood Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester, 2.30pm. Guest Speaker Mark Harold, Director NT South West Region who will talk about the Future of the National Trust. 01305 832198

19/20 Exhibition of Equine & Nature Photography 6 Pymore Terrace Bridport, 11am – 5pm daily. by Barbara Simons, Prints and cards on sale 01308 420234 www.spiritedimage.net

19-26 Bridport Open Book Festival Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport. An exciting and eclectic week of events and activities for book lovers of all ages. 01308 424204 www.bridport-open-book.com

20 Ramblers Walk on Eggardon Hill Shatcombe Lane Picnic Site, Eggardon Hill nr Bridport, meet at 10.30am for this 9 mile walk. Contact leader to confirm details. 01935 426842

20 Creative Movement 7 Dance Sessions Salway Ash Village Hall nr Bridport, 2.30pm – 4.30pm Have fun, loosen up and become energised! £10 per session 01308 862332 mail@wendyhermelin.co.uk

20 Wessex Strings in Concert Cheap Street Church, Sherborne. Bach, Germiniani, Vivaldi, Murill and more. Conductor Tony Urbainczyk. Tickets on door £8.50 Proceeds to Yeatman Hospital, Sherborne. 01305 250067

21 Community Lectures 2011 - 2012 - " Mystery Big Cats of Britain " The Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, 7pm. Lecture with Merrily Harpur. Admission free but by ticket only available from the school. stcainr@thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk

22 Sherborne Historical Society Lecture Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 8pm. "Arthur Sansome - the local spy" a lecture by Dr. Yvonne Varley. Coffee served from 7.15pm. Visitors welcome - £5 01935 873535

23 Uplyme & Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Quiz and Social Evening Uplyme Village Hall, Nr. Lyme Regis 01297 444034

23 Some Great Italian Gardens Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. An illustrated lecture by Mary Jacobsen, on the magical gardens around Rome and the South. Tickets £7.50 from Sherborne TIC. www.sherborneartslink.org.uk

23 Dorset Wine Society The Brownsword Hall, Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester. £30 per person to include wine and three course dinner plus canapes on arrival. Advance Booking required 01308 427500 www.palmerswinetore.com

23 WAND Winter Frock Market Corn Exchange, Dorchester

23 Philip Higham, cello and Nicola Eimer, piano United Church, Dorchester( South St entrance), 7.30pm. Concert by young professional musicians of the highest calibre. Tickets from County Mmuseum or on door £12, Junoirs/Students £2. 01305 26602

24 Flower Arranging Demonstration Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, 2.30pm. Demonstration by Pam Burge from Honiton entitled "Christmas Calls" 01297 442220

24 West Dorset Humanists Meeting - Thomas Hardy and The Poetry of Unbelief The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High West Street, Dorchester, 7.30pm.. Free (£2 donation suggested). Tel 07921311518 www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

24 Dorchester Piano Trio's Concert United Church, Dorchester using South Street entrance, 1pm Concert. Advance tickets available from Dorset County Museum and on the door. Donation to church.

24 Works of Art, Old and New' talk given by Anthony Pugh-Thomas Brownswood Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester, 2.30pm. A well-known, popular speaker and member of the Art fund. . £2.50 members, £3 non-members. 01305 787810

25 Palmers Wine Society Palmers Brewery, West Bay Road, Bridport DT6 4JA. Tickets £12.50 per person includes wine and canapes. Advance booking required. 01308 427500 www.palmerswinestore.com

25 European Christmas Party Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne French/Polish/English & Scottish music and dancing. Secret Santa, Euro Quiz and optional fancy dress. Meal/ first drink inc. with ticket. Tickets £7.50 Booklore, Sherborne or 01935 813221

25 Music for an Advent Evening Brownswood Hall, Poundbury, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Chilton Cantelo School Chamber Choir. Solists and Instrumentalists. Tickets £4.50 in advance. £5 on the door if available. 01305 751815 www.brownswordevents.org.uk

25 Sunset Café Stompers Buckland Newton Church, 7.30pm. Rags,spirituals and …jazz. Tickets £10, children under 12 £3. All profits to Dorset Air Ambulance, Buckland Newton Youth Club and The Church of the Holy Rood, Buckland Newton. Tickets from Old Chapel Stores 01300 345336 The Gaggle of Geese 01300 345249 www.sunsetcafestompers.com

26 Grand Xmas Bazaar Frampton Village Hall, 2pm. Giant tombola, bric - a brac, raffles, craft stalls, jewellry, pottery and much more. All proceeds to church hall. tonysaunders@f2s.com

26 Dorset Folklore and Folklorists: poetry, words and music Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, 9.30am - 5.00pm A panel of speakers will explore the rich field of folklore. Tickets £12.50, students £5 01305 262735 Enqs 01935 816764

26 Switch-on Saturday Lyme Regis. Free Lantern making workshop at 3-4.30pm, lantern competition 4.30pm, parade with Father Christmas and Lyme Regis Majorettes at 5.15pm and switch on of Christmas lights at 5.30pm. www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

26 Dorset County Orchestra St Mary's Church, Edward Road, Dorchester, 7.30pm. Dvorak ,Franck, Elgar.. Conductor - Ian Pillow. Leader - Anita Hansen. Tickets £8 (children free ) from Harmony Music, Forum Centre. www.dosetcountyorchestra.org.uk

26 Datelined antiques fair Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, 9.30am - 4pm. 01963 370986

26 Lights-On party Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, from 6pm. Official Switch on of the Museum's new lighting, re-opening after major electrical refurbishment.. All welcome. 01297 443370 www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

26 A Celebration of St. Cecilia The Patron Saint of Music St. John's Church, Bere Regis, 7.30pm. With Brianstpuddle Singers. Conductor: Richard Hall Tickets £7 to include light refreshments. 01929 555 366 www.brianspuddlesingers.co.uk

26/27 art@eype4 St Peter's Church Eype Bridport An exhibition showing recent work from some of Dorset's finest artists. A light lunch provided by Manna Organics 10.30am - 5pm Preview Friday 25th 6-9pm. art@photoartbysally.co.uk

27 Owermoigne Antiques Fairs 2011 Owermoigne Village Hall. Coffee, lunches, afternoon teas. Free entry/parking. 01305 854835

28 " Butterfly Conservation in Dorset " Bridport United Church, East St, Bridport, 2.30pm. Illustrated talk by Nigel Spring. Presented by the Golden Cap Centre of the National Trust. Non - members welcome. 01308 863577

29 Dorchester French Circle United Church, Dorchester Tolpuddle Room, 7.30pm " Voyage en Bourgogne ," causerie illustree par Andrew McClure 01305 854025 www.dorchesterfrenchcircle.org