Coast and Countryside Events - Marshwood Vale Magazine

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Your truly comprehensive list of local events

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 6.30pm. The Ilchester Arms, 1 The Buildings, Symondsbury, Bridport DT6 6HD.

Thursday, 2 January

Alcarras (2008, Spain, 15, 120 mins, Director Carla Simón)For as long as they can remember, the Solé family has spent every summer picking the peaches in their orchard in Alcarràs, a small village in Catalonia. But this year’s crop may well be their last, as they face eviction. The new plans for the land, which include cutting down the peach trees and installing solar panels, cause a rift in this large, tight-knit family. For the first time, they face an uncertain future and risk losing more than their orchard. Doors 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £25, guests £5 per film. For more details, contact mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Kathy Everard on 01460 30646.

Friday, 3 January

Moove and Groove Adult dance with Nikki Northover at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park. Every Friday at 10. 15am to 11.15am. Journey through different dance styles from Latin to disco, to freestyle and creative work. Each class focuses on dancing for well being and ends with a relaxation. Enquiries and to book please contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com. Supported by Sport England

Saturday, 4 January

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Evershot. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

West Dorset Ramblers, 9 miles circular walk around Stratton and Grimstone Downs. To book and for details please call 07974 756107.

The Friends of Weymouth Library talk will be about Napoleon, Soldier and Lover. A brilliant strategist and Commander, he was also a man whose empress was Josephine Beauharnais. Tickets obtainable from the Library (01305762410) @ £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Any enquiries about the talk phone 01305832613. Refreshments provided. Everyone welcome.

Modern Jive Social Dance – No class just 3 hours of Modern Jive ‘Freestyle’ – 8-11pm – Chideock Village Hall. £8 per person – BYOB.

Monday, 6 January

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH. 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £2.00. Contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishdancingclub.co.uk.

West Dorset Jive Community Evening – 7:30pm, Chideock Village Hall – All dancers from all types of Jive welcome – Introduction to Modern Jive class by Qualified Teacher Dee Lanning – No need to book – New members dance for Free.

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘Thelma’ (98 mins, Cert. 12 – infrequent strong language). In this delightful comedy drama, Thelma Post, a 93-year-old grandmother played beautifully by June Squibb, gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson (Fred Hechinger), and sets out on a quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by a friend on his motorised scooter (Richard ‘Shaft’ Roundtree, in his final role), determined to reclaim what was taken from her. Also starring Malcolm McDowell (‘A Clockwork Orange’). 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 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, wine and other tasty refreshments available.

Tuesday, 7 January

Scottish Country Dancing at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR every Tuesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30 pm with tea break. £3.00 per evening pay on the door. Every one very welcome from beginner level to experienced, so why not come along and give it a whirl. For more information contact Anita at anitaandjim22@gmail.com, 01460 929383 and visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com See you soon.

West Dorset Ramblers , 8.5 miles walk Through Loscombe, Poorton and West Milton. To book and for details please call 07826 150114.

Wednesday, 8 January

Back Garden Safari. A talk by Richard Peters presented by Bridport Camera Club. Acclaimed photographer and author Richard Peters shows how even the most common wildlife found on your doorstep can produce unique images and tell a story by capturing the light that falls on the subject. 7pm, Bridport Town Hall, DT6 3LF. Tickets £5 from www.bridportcameraclub.co.uk.

Thursday, 9 January

Chard History Group. History of L S Lowry By Richard Kay. 5 – 10 minutes AGM. Open 7pm for 7.30 start Guildhall Chard High Street upstairs (with lift). Members £2.50 Visitors most welcome £3.50. Membership fees due £5 per annum. For further details please ring Tessa 07984481634.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at 1930 hrs. Jeroka will be providing the music and the caller is Jane Thomas. 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.

Seaton Garden Club A Talk by Andrea Rye from Coombes Garden Centre. Venue Masonic Hall Seaton. Time 2. 30p.m. Members free, visitors £2.00 including refreshments. Contact 01297 22869.

Solo Charleston and Vintage Jazz Dance Classes – 1-2pm, St Marys Church Hall Bridport – Class for all levels and abilities – £6 – All Welcome www.dynamic-dance.uk. Also 16th, 23rd & 30th Jan.

Bridport History Society will be welcoming Gavin Bacon who will give a talk on new research into the history of the Earls of Ilchester. 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, 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.

Move and Flow Adults dance with Nikki Northover at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park. Every Thursday at 10. 30am to 11.30am. Each class focuses on dancing for winter well being. Enquiries and to book please contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com. Supported by Sport England

Saturday, 11 January

Annual Model Railway Exhibition Bridport & District Model Railway Club. The Public Hall, Fleet Street, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3EF. Open 10 am-4 pm. Adults (over 16 years) £5. Child (under 16 years) £3. Accompanied children Free. Card payment accepted. Full disables access, car park nearby and light refreshments all day. 20 layouts, demonstrations and trade stands. Contact Ken Banks 07484-213267 or kenbanksrailway@gmail.com.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Bovington Camp. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Sunday, 12 January

Singing Bowl Soundbath 2 pm Bell St Church Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8AL £16 Sonic deep tissue massage and detox please book in in advance ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655.

Mindful Rambles: Langdon Woods to Golden Cap 10am – Meet: Langdon Woods National Trust car park, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6EP. For our first Mindful Ramble of the year we shall meet at the Langdon Wood NT car park at 10am and take a gentle walk to Golden Cap, pausing often along the way. A simple breathing exercise will be shared at the beginning to help us attune to our bodies and to the location. A theme will be announced, which can be held lightly in our consciousness as we walk, seeking wisdom and insight from nature. We’ll stop to share now and then. Another theme will be chosen from the group on the way back. We’ll stop for a cuppa and biscuits at some point, so bring a flask and a snack. Wear suitable clothing and footwear. A stick is advised for the steep steps. Join the Facebook group for more info. kevanmanwaring@yahoo.co.uk

Monday, 13 January

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish Dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH. 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £2.00. Contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishdancingclub.co.uk.

Modern Jive (Leroc) Social Dance Classes. 7:30pm, Chideock Village Hall. £7 per person, Come with or without a partner. Beginners and Returners Welcome Every Week. www.dynamic-dance.uk. Also 20th and 27th Jan.

‘Sunshine for January in the south of France’. Art lectures about beautiful Bonnard, Picasso’s response to the south of France & Leger and lesser known artists Jacqueline Marval and Carlos Nadal, Mondays, 2pm, 20th, & 27th. Venue: United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport. Fridays, 2pm, on line, 17th, 24th, 31st January. Fee: £39 for three lectures, or £13 for individual ‘drop in’ lectures. ***To book please email: chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com. Tutor is Pam Simpson, MA, Art & Design Historian, who is Associate Lecturer at University of the Arts in London and who has had a 37 yr career teaching in London art colleges.

Winsham Art Club, 2pm at Jubilee Hall TA20 4HU. The theme this practical session is Abstract Landscapes in Acrylics. It is a 2.5 hr. session led by a visiting tutor. Small friendly group of mixed abilities. Members £5, non-members £7. Annual membership £15. All welcome. Contact: Email : suzyna48@gmail.com for further details.

Dorchester Townswomen’s Guild 2 p.m. After a short business meeting and a chance to have a cup of tea or coffee, David Taylor will be talking to us about The Ancient Tunnels in Dorchester. This will take place in Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Poundbury. Visitors are very welcome (£3). Enquiries 01305 832857.

Tuesday, 14 January

Singing Bowl Soundbath 9pm Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne DT9 3LN £16 Sonic deep tissue massage and detox please book in in advance ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655.

West Dorset Ramblers, 8 miles walk East from Salway Ash and Melplash. To book and for details please call 07952 517764

Bridport Museum Winter Talk Pauline Thorn explores Beaminster’s 19th century buy-to-let business. The social profile of landlords changed significantly in the century between 1777 and 1875. Who were they and why did they own so many properties? The talk begins at 2pm, tickets are £5.00 on the door. Refreshments are available afterwards. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk

Wednesday, 15 January

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).

Colyton & District Garden Society ‘Choosing The Right Vegetable For You’ by Joy Michaud, Sea Spring Seeds, Dorchester. Venue : Colyford Memorial Hall, EX24 6QJ, start 7.30 pm. New membership for 2025 starts tonight, £10.00 per year. Members free, guests £3.00. Information : Sue Price 01297 552362.

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, 16 January

The New Arts Group, Bring an Object Talk. Speaker: Marc Allum (Marc talks about objects the audience bring in). Cost: £10.00 Time: 2.00pm (tea/coffee from 1.30pm) Bridport Town Hall.

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 Wild & Ancient Shetland. An illustrated talk presented by Peter Exley, which will look at the Shetland landscape, its wildlife, heritage and communities based on the cultural tours Peter leads to this remote archipelago. At 7.30pm The Millennium Hall, Seavington St. Mary, Ilminster, TA19 0QH. Entry: Group members £4, non-group members £5, under 25’s Free. Tea/coffee & biscuits included – Wheelchair access. Further details from Denise Chamings on 0781073846 or www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset. Everyone welcome.

Grasses and their Place in the Garden. Neil Lucas the UKs leading ornamental grass specialist will be giving a talk at the Bridport and District Gardening Club at its meeting at the Women’s Institute Hall in North Street Bridport at 7-30pm. Neil is the Director of Knoll Gardens in Dorset and has been developing his naturalistic style for over 29 years. In the talk he will explore the use of grasses in designed spaces from naturalistic style of meadows and prairies to rain gardens and alternative lawns offering environmentally conscious gardeners a mix of nature friendly informal design and easy maintenance. Entrance to the talk is free for members and £2 for non-members. For more information, visit www.bridportgardeningclub.co.uk/

Friday, 17 January

‘S’Wonderful’ – A homage to George Gershwin. A brand new show celebrating the works of George Gershwin, featuring compositions like The Man I Love, Someone to Watch Over Me, Summertime, and I’ve Got Rhythm. 7:30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £20 01460 54973 www.ilminsterartscentre.com

Saturday, 18 January

An Evening with Robbie McIntosh & Lucy Watkins with guest Ken Watkins. An intimate performance of acoustic music from the genres of folk, country, blues, and jazz from ex-Paul McCartney musician, Robbie McIntosh & gorgeous vocals from Lucy & Ken Watkins. Shire Hall, High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UY Doors 7.30pm / 8.00pm £15 (BYO drinks). 01305 261849. Email for tickets: info@shirehalldorset.org.

White Tara Healing Retreat 10.30am-4.30 pm Oborne Village Hall, Oborne nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA with guided visualisation, meditation, and singing bowl soundbath. £80/60 concs for the day. Please book in advance ahiahel@live.com 01935 389655 www.white-tara.co.uk

Sunday, 19 January

Allington Strings, of Bridport with Jonathan Delbridge 3pm at St Swithun’s Church, Bridport. Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23, Clara Schumann Konzertsatz, Robert Schumann Bilder aus Osten & Joseph Krauss Overture to Olympie: A sumptuous afternoon concert of Mozart at his finest, lyrical romanticism, and evocations of Scandinavia and the Russian East. Advance tickets £10 adult and £4 child, available from Bridport Tourist Office (cash/card) The Bookshop, Bridport (cash only), or on the door at £12/£5. For ticket reservations or further information: allingtonstrings@outlook.com.

Monday, 20 January

Tuesday, 21 January

Wednesday, 22 January

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.

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Talk ‘Garden the Low Carbon Way’ by Sally Nex. Uplyme Village Hall, doors open 7pm, talk starts 7.30pm. Members free, guests £3. More information https://ulrhs.wordpress.com.

Thursday, 23 January

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.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at 1930 hrs. Olive is the caller and David and Rupert 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.

West Dorset Ramblers, 5 miles walk around Bridport, west and north areas. To book and for details please call 07952 517764.

Friday, 24 January

Flying Folk – With Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack. A fantastic folk evening with Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack joining Flying Folk host Jemima Farey. 7:30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £16. 01460 54973 www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Saturday, 25 January

Award-winning Fire School and rural fine-dining venue, High Grange, brings its sell-out Burns night to the Marine Theatre, and this time there’s a Celidh! This might be the first time that Lyme Regis has experienced an authentic Burns Night experience brought by Edinburgh-born Sara and Luke Vandore-Mackay. On the birthday of Scotland’s national poet Rabbie Burns, Burns Night is an opportunity to have a kilt- raising, whiskey-filled good time celebration. The annual Scottish knees-up is a great excuse to dance away the January blues. Ticket holders can enjoy a fantastic Scottish haggis feast provided by Edinburgh-born Sara and Luke from High Grange Devon (bringing their award-winning Feast and BBQ Fire School experience) followed by a traditional Cèilidh (Scottish dance). You can choose both the Supper and the Ceildih, or just turn up to dance at the Ceilidh. Tickets start at £16 for the dance (9pm-11pm) or £46 for the Feast, bag piper and dance (7pm-11pm). 7pm – Diners arrive, with fire-pit canapes served to the sounds of the bagpipes! 7.45pm – Diners will be seated at communal tables before the haggis is piped on and the Burns Supper is served. 9pm – Ceilidh guests arrive for a ceilidh led by renowned Burns night aficionados Rejiig, with a caller to lead everyone through the most popular Scottish dances. Buy tickets via Marine Theatre https://www.marinetheatre.com/burns-night/

The West Dorset Singers present a concert of contrasting choral music in St Swithun’s Church, Bridport. Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’ dates from 1840 and opens with the resounding “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Sure enough, the choir follows this instruction. Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’ was written a little later in 1889 by the composer of ‘Jerusalem’. Recognised as one of the outstanding English choral works, it’s splendidly Victorian and featured in Kate and William’s wedding in Westminster Abbey in 2011. The completely contrasting third piece, Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’, dates from 1961. Poulenc was both devout Catholic and dedicatedly sinful party-animal. These didn’t sit well together in the church’s eyes and his music is similarly full of contrasts. He sincerely hoped his compositions might speed his final journey to heaven but worried that it might be to hell. As a part monk, part playboy, his music mixes deep spirituality with the sounds of jazzy dance hall bands. The choir, under its Musical Director Matt Kingston, is accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists and the concert starts at 7pm. Tickets (£15, u18s free) are available from Goadsby Estate Agents in Bridport and on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds

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).

Sunday, 26 January

Allington Strings, of Bridport with Jonathan Delbridge 3pm at Crewkerne Methodist Church. Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23, Clara Schumann Konzertsatz, Robert Schumann Bilder aus Osten & Joseph Krauss Overture to Olympie: A sumptuous afternoon concert of Mozart at his finest, lyrical romanticism, and evocations of Scandinavia and the Russian East. Advance tickets £10 adult and £4 child, available from Crewkerne Tourist Office (cash only) Delilah Petal, Crewkerne (cash only), or on the door at £12/£5. For ticket reservations or further information: allingtonstrings@outlook.com.

Netherbury Repair Cafe. Bring your broken things (and any spare parts you know you need) – as long as you can carry it, we will take a look at it. Repairs and café with a full range of Clipper teas and cakes (including vegan) will be open on Sunday 26thJanuary 10:00-12:00 at Netherbury Village Hall. Contact: Lisa Willis lisagracewillis@gmail.com.

Singing Bowl Soundbath 2pm Oborne Village Hall, DT9 4LA £16 Sonic deep tissue massage and detox please book in advance ahiahel@live.com 10935 389655

Monday, 27 January

Winsham Art Club, 2pm at Jubilee Hall TA20 4HU. The theme this practical session is Chinese Brush Painting to Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Serpent. It is a 2.5 hr. session led by a tutor. Small friendly group of mixed abilities. Members £5, non-members £7. Annual membership £15. All welcome. Contact: Email : suzyna48@gmail.com for further details.

Abbotsbury Swannery – A Year through my Lens. An illustrated talk by Charlie Wheeler, Manager of the Swannery and Warden of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve. Charlie has worked at the Swannery for 18 years and his talk documents the first territorial fights, courtship and egg laying, to cygnets hatching, the moult and the first faltering flights of the juveniles. United Church Main Hall, East Street, Bridport at 2.30 pm. Members £3, Visitors £5. National Trust Golden Cap Association. Contact: Mike Nicks 01308 45855.

Tuesday, 28 January

The next U3A talk is at 2pm. It is held at Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport. DT6 3LJ. The talk is entitled Now I Belong to Me, and our speaker is Christine Wallach. Christine was born into a religious sect. She met her husband there and they had seven children together. After two of her sons broke the rules by visiting a cinema the whole family was thrown out. Her talk will describe life before and after the ejection, and how she built a new and successful life.

Bridport Museum Winter Talk Brian Earl poses the questions ‘Was The Square in Beaminster ever square-shaped?’ And ‘How has the inside of The Square changed over the centuries?’ A potted history of the town’s centrepiece. The talk begins at 2pm, tickets are £5.00 on the door. Refreshments are available afterwards. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk

West Dorset Ramblers, 5 miles walk from Weymouth to Ferrybridge, To book and for details please call 07947 881635.

Wednesday, 29 January

Thursday, 30 January

Friday, 31 January

Oh La La! Quintet – A Night of French Music. A fabulous quintet led by Parisian-born Fifi la Mer, featuring French jazz at its best. 7:30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £20 01460 54973 www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Saturday, 1 – 9 February

Compton Valence Snowdrops village lunches & teas. Come and walk/drive through our beautiful village and see the stunning white drifts of snowdrops. The village hall is just below the church open (weather permitting)11.00am-3.30pm. To book please ring or email so that we can cater accordingly. Tessa Russell – Tel ; 01308482227 mob: 07818037184 email; tessa@cvfarms.co.uk. Pre booked guests will take priority as the hall is small. In bad/icy weather we may not be open Please be considerate of our village/verges etc when parking. Or ring us to discuss your needs so that we can advise you where to go. We very much look forward to seeing you/ Cash Only Please.

Saturday, 1 February

West Dorset Ramblers, 8 mile circular walk on coast and country in Ringstead area. To book and and for details please phone 07974 756107.