The BV

OPEN GARDEN and TEA PARTY
2024-06-12 14:30 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
The gardens at Littlebrook Farmhouse, Belchalwell Street, DT11 0EG will be open on Wednesday 12th June 2024 from 2.30pm – 5.00pm with all proceeds to Julia’s House, the DORSET Childrens Hospice. Garden entry is £6 per person and teas and refreshments will be available on the terrace. Their are formal and Water Gardens, Orchard and Vegetable areas and spectacular views over the Blackmore Vale.

The Long Arc with Robin Walter
2024-06-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Sturminster Newton Library, Bath Rd, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1EH
In The Long Arc, Robin Walter reads a collection of nature and environmental-themed poems accompanied by music and imagery.
‘The Long Arc’ consists of 3 pieces of writing on environmental themes, accompanied by recorded music and visual images.
‘Arbor Vitae’ is a poetic version of Robin’s book ‘Living With Trees’, with images by Juliet Wimhurst.
‘Cleave’ is a collection of poems that trace our estrangement from nature, our enslavement to the treadmill of ‘progress’, and how we might address this.
‘Invocation’ is an invitation to the four elements, in their benign forms, to come to us and enrich our lives, set to the famous music of Barber’s Adagio.
Robin Walter is a forester and writer living in Dorset. His tree work over the last 30 years has included climbing, felling, management and consultancy. His publications include Living With Trees (Little Toller 2020) and a poetic version of the book published in Evolving The Forest (art.earth 2020). These explore our relationship with trees as a portal to the wider natural world. His poems have been included in Tears in the Fence journal.

Shared Reading
2024-04-18 13:45 - 15:15 | Shaftesbury Library, Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Shaftesbury Library SP7 8AE
Shaftesbury Library Shared Reading group brings people together and books to life. Join us to hear short stories and poems, then discuss them in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. No need to read ahead.
Fortnightly on a Thursday from 18 April until June 27
1:45pm – 3:15pm
For more information contact Shaftesbury Library on 01747 852256 or email
shaftesburylibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

The House of Broken Bricks. Fiona Williams in Conversation with Jenny Devitt
2024-06-14 15:00 - 16:00 | The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Set in the Somerset Levels, The House of Broken Bricks is Fiona William’s debut novel. Fiona will be discussing the inspiration for the book and her writing with Jenny Devitt.
Fiona Williams holds a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from the University of Westminster and an MA with Distinction in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. She is the winner of the 2021 Bridport Prize, Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award. Originally from South-East London, she now lives with her family on the Somerset Levels. She is currently completing a PhD in creative writing at the University of Exeter. The House of Broken Bricks is her debut novel.

Running on Empty. Guy Deacon in Conversation with Jenny Devitt
2024-06-14 19:00 - 20:00 | The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Aged 60 and having lived with Parkinson’s disease for over 10 years, Guy Deacon CBE set out for one last adventure, to drive solo from his home in the UK to South Africa. This incredible journey, crossing Europe and the full length of Africa, would take the former army officer and father of two over 12 months, 18,000 miles, 25 countries, 9 breakdowns, an emergency evacuation and 3650 prescription pills.
Quite simply an incredible feat for a man travelling alone with Stage 3 Parkinson’s.
With very little use of his hands, poor spatial awareness, and often appearing drunk to those who do not understand the disease, Guy would drive, live and sleep in his VW Transporter for 12 months, often camping in the jungle and remote spots hundreds of miles from the nearest village or town.
Navigating himself through cities and towns without knowing the language, Guy would often get lost and ask for local directions after taking a wrong turn when network coverage killed his GPS or when the roads weren’t marked on the map. Not only would the journey be fulfilling a childhood dream to drive across Africa, but Guy’s mission was also to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, which is heavily stigmatised in Africa, where it is often linked to witchcraft and black magic, leaving sufferers ostracised by their communities.

Fleece Fair: Celebrating Local Wool and Fibre Producers
2024-06-15 09:30 - 13:30
The Somerset Guild of Spinners, Weavers, and Dyers is thrilled to announce the upcoming Fleece Fair, a celebration of local wool, scheduled to take place on June 15th, 9.30 am – 1.30 pm at Hatch Beachamp Village Hall, Somerset.
In addition to local farmers and fibre producers selling a diverse array of locally sourced wool, the Fleece Fair will include spinning and weaving demonstrations. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our rich local culture of fibre producers in our county and surrounding areas.
For those looking to buy fleece, the quality is usually extremely good and the prices are competitive. Fleece available includes Alpaca, Exmerino, Gotland mix, Jacobs, Portland, Romney, Ryeland, Shetland, Soay, Zwartbles, and more.
Admission to the Fleece Fair is free, and all are welcome to attend. Refreshments are available.
About the Somerset Guild of Spinners, Weavers, and Dyers:
Founded in 1949, The Somerset Guild of Spinners, Weavers, and Dyers is a vibrant community of fibre enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of spinning, weaving, and dyeing. One of the oldest Guilds in the country, we meet once a month in Hatch Beachamp Village Hall and provide community, resources, workshops, and events to support enthusiasts of all skill levels. Go to somersetguildwsd.org.uk to find out more. Newcomers are always welcome.

Church Fete and Fun Dog Show
2024-06-15 12:00 - 16:00 | St Mary’s Church Sturminster Marshall, Church Street, Sturminster Marshall, BH21 4BU
Fete and Dog Show with ‘Have a go’ Agility in the Red Lion Garden. Sturminster Marshall on 15th June. Barbecue at 12.00, in the Churchyard, Cream Teas, Fun and Games all afternoon with things to do and things to buy. To be opened by Martin Brown of Horrible Histories fame who will have signed books for sale. Free admission

Sturminster Newton High School Reunion
2024-06-15 18:30 - 21:00
Did you attend Sturminster Newton High School between 1975 to 1980? If so, you may remember that we were the first year group who stayed until we were 16 years old. As we are all around 60 years old now, a reunion party has been arranged at The Fiddleford Inn near Sturminster Newton on Saturday, 15 June 2024 from 6.30pm. The event will be held in the marquee in the front garden. For those who want to eat, food is available to order at the bar, or just come along for a drink and a catch up.
See Facebook Page: Sturminster Newton High School 1980 Leavers Reunion

Creative workshop: Stencil printed daisy tote bag
2024-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Bere Marsh Farm, Newman's Drove, Shillingstone, Blandford, DT11 0QY
Join us for a morning of floral creativity with Melanie Ward in the beautiful surroundings of Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, Dorset. Learn how to print onto fabric, using pre-mixed fabric paints and bespoke daisy and meadow flower stencils.
Perfect for beginners, the session will guide you through the essential methods for achieving great stencilling results on both paper and fabric. With step-by-step instructions and ample guidance, you’ll have plenty of time to hone your skills and will leave this fun and relaxed workshop with your very own beautiful tote bag designed by you.
Book your place: www.thecrt.co.uk/Event/creative-workshop-stencil-printed-daisy-tote-bag

Marvellous moths and beautiful butterflies
2024-06-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Bere Marsh Farm, Newman's Drove, Shillingstone, Blandford, DT11 0QY
Discover an array of moths and butterflies in the beautiful surroundings of Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, Dorset.
Moth expert Jack Oughton, will open the moth traps set out around the farm the night before for everyone to see and discuss. Moths are mostly nocturnal and with over 2500 species in the UK alone, moths are cryptic, amazing, and in some cases highly specialised. Jack’s knowledge is extraordinary, and adults and children alike will gain fascinating insights and facts about the species recorded at this event.
The CRT’s Community Engagement Manager and wildlife enthusiast Nick Dobbs will then take everyone on a one hour guided nature walk around Bere Marsh Farm and the Angela Hughes Nature Reserve, focusing on butterflies, as well as the other wildlife spotted along the way.
⁠Book your place: www.thecrt.co.uk/Event/marvellous-moths-and-beautiful-butterflies⁠

Marston Magna Midsummer Fair
2024-06-22 13:30 - 17:30
Traditional village fair that starts with the Dick Race at 1pm. The fair is in the Moat Field from 1:30pm with BBQ, bars, teas and cakes. stalls and entertainment for all the family- including an infamous Dog Show.

Choral Evensong
2024-06-22 16:30 - 17:30 | St Peter’s Church Dorchester, 26 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 22nd June at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Rachmaninov’s ‘Bogoroditse Devo’, Stanford’s ‘Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in A’, Ayleward’s ‘Preces & Responses’ and Biebl’s ‘Ave Maria’. Do join us for this free event and stay for a glass of wine after the service.

Outdoor Theatre - Peter Pan at Athelhampton House
2024-06-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Athelhampton House & Gardens, Athelhampton, Dorchester, DT2 7LG
Saturday 22nd June – Outdoor Theatre – Peter Pan at Athelhampton House. Gates open from 5pm for picnics, performance starts at 6pm. Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this hilarious and exciting musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout…You’ll be HOOKED! Tickets available from Athelhampton – https://www.athelhampton.com/events-1/peter-pan-saturday-22nd-june-2024

Canzonetta Summer Concert
2024-06-23 15:00 - 16:00 | st Nicholas church Studland, Church Lane, Syudland, BH19 3AT
Canzonetta’s summer concert will take place at St Nicholas Church, Studland BH19 3AT at 3pm. Join us for an hour of close harmony singing and enjoy a programme of madrigals, folk songs, art songs and sacred music; Armstrong Gibbs, Basden, Bridge, Handel, Thiman and Weelkes. Our soloist is Emma on her magic flute, playing Faure and Grieg. Join us afterwards for tea and cake. Free entry. Retiring collection for the Church Organ Fund.

Symposium & Lecture Recital
2024-06-28 10:00 - 19:00 | Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Wallisdown, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom
In partnership with University Music Bournemouth, The Open University Literature and Music Research Group present a symposium and lecture-recital on the theme of Words, Music and Silence at Bournemouth University on Friday 28th June. During the day, nine academic papers will be presented by scholars with backgrounds in composition, literature, musicology, creative writing and film. This is open to any members of the public with an interest. Full details of the programme are available on the symposium webpage where you will also need to complete the free registration process through Eventbrite and book daytime parking by emailing musicadmin@bournemouth.ac.uk

The closing lecture-recital, which will appeal to all concert-goers, is given by Duncan Honeybourne, who will be performing a fantastic programme of music as well as talking about how his autism has impacted on his career as a concert pianist. This is a free, public event. Tickets are not required, and free parking is available without booking. Please arrive at Kimmeridge House (BU Wallisdown Campus) for 5.15pm and enjoy a glass of wine afterwards.

Woodlands Flower and Art Festival
2024-06-29 12:00 - 2024-06-30 18:00
Woodlands Flower and Arts Festival
Exhbition of flowers, arts and crafts at Church of the Ascension BH21 8LN
Teas and stalls at Village Hall BH21 8LJ
Bring beauty to the village whilst raising funds to maintain the historic church

Tea in the Garden at The Old Rectory,Stock Gaylard
2024-06-29 14:00 - 17:00 | The Old Rectory,Stock Gaylard, DT10 2BG, The Old Rectory, Stock Gaylard, DT10 2BG
“ Come and have Tea in the Garden” on Saturday 29 June 2-5 pm at The Old Rectory,Stock Gaylard, DT10 2BG. Admission including Tea £5 , Children under 12 free, well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Stalls ,Tombola and Raffle. Parking. All proceeds towards the Lydlinch Bells Fund.” We look forward to seeing you there”

Afternoon Tea in Enmore Green, Shaftesbury
2024-06-29 14:30 - 17:30
AFTERNOON TEA IN ENMORE GREEN
Where: St. John’s Church Hall, top of Church Hill, Enmore Green
£6.00 Per person. All welcome.
If you would like to join us please contact Jo Churchill on 01747 850432 or jo.churchill@enmoregreen.co.uk
Tables of 4 – 6 can be reserved and there will be two sessions for these.
2.30pm to 4.00pm and 4.00pm to 5.30pm
Special for those who reach 90 years of age during 2024
Three members of our Enmore Green Community reach this wonderful age in 2024.
They will be our guests along with anyone else achieving the same great result currently living in Enmore Green

Semley Music Festival
2024-07-05 19:00 - 23:00 | Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS, Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS
Starts 7.00pm Friday 5th July & from noon – midnight Saturday 6th July
A two day community festival in the heart of our village. Hours of live music, a wide range of stalls offering food, drink and crafts with lots of free activities for children.

Stanchester Quire – Seasonal Songs of the South-West
2024-07-06 19:00 - 21:00
Renowned regional choir concert in the lovely setting of All Saints Church Poyntington:
Tickets (£10 including interval drink) from:
Robert Gould 01963 220 222
Martin Wallis 01963 220 980
Allan Rodger 01963 220 759

A Tribute to the Music of Stan Getz featuring Terry Quinney
2024-07-07 15:30 - 18:00 | Caryford Hall, Maggs Lane, Castle Cary, BA7 7JJ
Saxophonist Terry Quinney pays tribute to the legendary Stan Getz – from Breezy Bossa Nova to West Coast cool. Advance tickets £10 from www.caryfordhall.co.uk or £12 on door.

Potfest
2024-07-12 12:00 - 2024-07-16 16:00 | Shaftesbury
International ceramics festival. 100 ceramics artists come together to create a vibrant three day artisan market

Glanvilles Wootton Pop Up Pub
2024-07-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Glanvilles Wootton Village Hall, Stock Hill Lane, Glanvilles Wootton, Sherborne, DT9 5QF
Once a quarterly we hold a pop up pub in our village hall. Beer from Cerne Abbas Brewery along with a selection of wines, spirits and non alcoholic drinks are served. This time we are having a barbeque as well. Pub games will also be available including table skittles.

Israel/Palestine a Talk by an Observer
2024-07-15 19:00 - 20:30 | The Balsm Centre, 1, Westcourt, Somerset, BA8 0JT, United Kingdom
Israel Palestine

As the tragedy between Israel and Palestine continues Wincanton Quakers are hosting a talk by an observer who has just returned from the West Bank.
Since 2002 the Quakers have managed a programme called Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAPPI) on behalf of the World Council of Churches. It has meant that over 1,500 people from 22 countries have spent time living amongst the people of the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and East Jerusalem.
EAPPI is non-violent and non-partisan. It uses the internationally recognised role of accompaniment as a framework, provides a protective presence and reports widely to raise awareness of human rights violations.
The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury has just returned from observing the situation and will be speaking at The Balsam Centre, Wincanton at 7.0 pm on Monday 15th July. It is an open meeting and all are welcome.

Kington Magnafest
2024-07-20 14:00 - 2024-07-21 03:00 | Kington Magna Music Field, Church Hill, Kington Magna, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5ET, United Kingdom
A proper Dorset event: cider bar, hay bales, three live bands, Pimm’s & Ploughmans tent, hot food (day), BBQ (evening), cream teas, kidszone, 25 crafts and fayre stalls, garden produce competition + more – all starting at 10.30am with a steam, old tractor and vintage car rally through the village

Wimborne Community Centre Artisan Makers Market
2024-07-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Wimborne Community Centre, 41 - 44 King Street, Wimborne, BH21 1EA
Come along to our Artisan Makers Market, here at Wimborne Community Centre on Saturday 27th July from 10am till 3pm. Enjoy something from the café and browse through all of the great art, crafts and makes – jewellery, prints, wood crafts, handbags, scarves, candles, fabric and felt crafts, handmade soaps and much more! Free entry and dogs welcome.

Vintage and Preloved Clothing Sale
2024-07-27 10:30 - 15:30 | Hazelbury Bryan, Pidney Hill, Hazelbury Bryan, Dorset, DT10 2EB, United Kingdom
Vintage and Preloved clothing sale at Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall.
Shop, eat and drink! Refreshments and cake also being served. Come and join friends and family at this shopping event..
