Stencils with Suzanne - A Gray's of Stalbridge Workshop Thursday 7th September from 9:30am to 2.30pm at Gray's of Stalbridge, in the High Street. "Create an art work on canvas for your home or as a personalised gift. Suzanne will show you how to design and cut out your stencils or choose from a selection of previous cut stencils. She will show you layering, lettering and painting techniques". Everything you need is provided, along with a delicious cream tea. This workshop is £45 per person and you need to pay a £5 deposit to secure your place. To book your place please call 01963 365800. 
Every month the Benefice of Spirehill produces a monthly magazine. In addition to church news (from all the local churches), there is news from local societies in Stalbridge (Women's Institute, the Garden Society and the Community Office).
The monthly benefice magazine is available in each of the parish churches, and in these retail outlets in Stalbridge: Dikes, Candy's, the Post Office and Stalbridge Pharmacy. You can also download it by clicking on the button below to visit the Spirehill Parishes website and read the September edition. 
Dike & Son supermarket in Stalbridge is looking for lovely landscape shape pictures of rural life, landscape, architecture, the seasons, wildlife, farming, countryside traditions or crafts, festivals and fairs to feature in their annual calendar. For more details of how to submit your photographs just click on the button below.
New Train operator South Western Trains has been busy disrupting the service with engineering works (you've guessed it) over the holiday period. Apparently though, it all goes quiet after tomorrow (29th August) and their new timetable, covering the autumn is available to view, download, print, fathom out and, of course be frustrated with. So if you want to get yourself anywhere from Sherborne, Templecombe and Gillingham to as far as Exeter or London this is essential reading. Just click on the button below for more info
You can also pick up your printed copy of the timetable at tthe Community Information Office in The Hub@Stalbridge, just off Station Road. 
MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 5.00PM AUDITORIUM, OCTAGON THEATRE YEOVIL
A YEOVIL LITERARY FESTIVAL EVENT. TICKETS £6 Cressida Cowell is author-illustrator of the multi-million bestselling series How to Train Your Dragon (also a film and TV series). She’s here launching her first new project in 18 years, The Wizards of Once - a fantasy, magical adventure that has already been signed up by animation studio DreamWorks. Cressida will talk about her inspiration, give top tips on becoming an author or illustrator, as well as sharing behind-the-scenes details about how the Dragon books became films. The ‘world-conquering’ How to Train Your Dragon has sold 8 million copies in 38 languages worldwide. Cressida has also been an Ambassador for the National Literacy Trust for a decade. 
Bestival is an award winning four-day boutique music festival set on the Lulworth Estate – an enchanting, wooded country estate on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
GREAT LINE UP, INCLUDING: THE XX A TRIBE CALLED QUEST PET SHOP BOYS JUSTICE DIZZEE RASCAL LITTLE DRAGON RAG'N'BONE MAN WILEY LAURA MVULA DANNY BROWN LOYLE CARNER SOUL II SOUL CIRCA WAVES REJJIE SNOW RAY BLK STEFFLON DON DUB PISTOLS L.A. SALAMI THE CUBAN BROTHERS NADIA ROSE TOO MANY T'S LAURAN HIBBERD HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR
Sherborne Artslink present a Free Family Arts Buffet - Tuesday 24 October 2017, 10.00 am - 12 noon and 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm, Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne DT9 3AA
"There's no food at this buffet, just loads of art materials and ideas for under 12's and their families to get creative together and explore their imaginations. No need to book, just come along and have some creative fun together". Entrance is free, but if you are able, please give a donation that helps towards the costs of offering this activity. And why not visit the Sherborne Artslink website to find out about all our events? 
Progress in Pastels? - Painting with Acrylics? - Understanding Oils? However you dab your brush Sherborne ArtsLink offers a range of courses to suit different interests and degrees of experience, so whether you are a complete beginner, or want to extend your skills you will find something to suit you. Our excellent tutors are carefully selected for their expertise in a chosen field and their particular skills in teaching adults. Courses start during the week beginning 25 September 2017, unless otherwise stated. Just click on the button below to find out about each course and how to book a place.
The Annual Stalbridge Garden Show in the heart of Hardy country lays out a blooming marvellous display...
"The Sun came out and the residents came to support Stalbridge Garden Society at their Annual Flower & Produce Show. Stalbridge Hall was buzzing all afternoon and the tea ladies were swept off their feet. In the competitions Wendy Bailey won the Westminster Rose for the Highest number of points in the Show and also The Frith Cup (Domestic), The Challenge Cup (Best Floral Decoration), The W.I. Cup (Best W.I. entry) and Wendy and Tony Moore shared The Betty Godwin Trophy (Heaviest weight of potato). There were a good number of children’s entries and Jake Gould won the Betty Godwin Cup (Highest points under 5) William Dike and St. Nicholas School shared The Junior Cup (Highest points 6-9 years). Carenza Howell (highest points 10-13 years). Georgina Dike won The Keith Dumper Memorial Cup for the Best Children’s Entry and also The Stalbridge Cup for the Best Children’s entry in photography. There were many other winners, including John Tinsley who won The Anglesey Bowl for Highest points in vegetables and also The Goblet for the best vegetable exhibit. Jenny Draycott won the William Dike Memorial Cup for the Annual Hanging Basket Competition, sponsored by Dike & Son. In all a very successful and rewarding afternoon".
Wacky Willow Sea Creatures Children's Art Workshop - Friday 25th August 2017
"Bend and bow willow to make a fish or sea creature-shape which you can then use tissue paper and pva glue to colour and/or lengths of coloured fabric to weave. Hang it in your bedroom and create your own underwater world!" This Artsreach workshop is suitable for ages 5+ Workshop with Fran Quinlan: starts at 10:00am Sandford Orcas Village Hall Sherborne Telephone booking: 01963 220163 Dress for mess. Workshop ends at 1pm Click on the button below for more Artsreach Info 
An Evening With Monty Don: Down To Earth
Sun 29 Oct, Auditorium, Octagon Theatre Yeovil (YEOVIL LITERARY FESTIVAL EVENT) Monty Don is a renowned gardening writer and BBC television presenter and the nation’s favourite and most respected gardener. Hear him speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, about how he made his own organic garden from a bare field and how understanding and working with nature enriches and empowers us all. Monty’s TV credits include Gardeners’ World, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Big Dreams, Small Spaces, Real Gardens, Lost Gardens, Fork to Fork, Growing Out of Trouble, Around The World In 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm and Mastercrafts. And on BBC Radio 4 he presents Shared Planet. Tickets: £19 (click on the button below to visit the Octagon website and book your tickets) For full listings for this year's Yeovil Literary Festival please visit www.yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk 
Following the launch of the White Hart Link project in April this year, arrangements have now been completed for the walk for the first section of the route between Stalbridge and Henstridge, on Saturday September 2nd at 2.00 pm. We are meeting at the bottom of Woodmill Close (CLICK HERE FOR MAP), then proceeding north to Henstridge, cross-country using public rights of way. The distance is 2½ miles; there are several stiles, some uneven ground, probably some mud, and possibly cattle. On arrival in Henstridge, we will proceed to the Virginia Ash, for refreshments (tea/coffee and cake £2.95). You are welcome to join us, but please contact Jan Wardell in advance on 01963 362162 To let her know: If you plan to come on the walk (and number of walkers) If you will be having refreshments (to advise the Ash of numbers) If you plan on walking both ways, or would prefer to drive to Stalbridge (for either start of walk, or back from walk), so that we can sort out a ‘shuttle’. PLEASE NOTE: we cannot accept dogs on this walk, and anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please take water, wear sturdy footwear, and a waterproof might be useful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jan Wardell. Jan Wardell- Secretary/project officer, White Hart Link 01963 362162 
Table Tennis Coaching at Stalbridge Hall Wednesdays: 6.30pm to 7.30pm and 7.30pm to 8.30pm Have Fun and Get better at Table Tennis ! Table tennis is an inexpensive and sociable sport where skill and co-ordination, rather than physical strength are key. It is a game of brain rather than brawn. It is a sport where girls and boys can compete on an equal footing. At Stalbridge Table Tennis Club our players have over 20 years of coaching experience between them, including leading the Wiltshire junior county side for several seasons. Members of Stalbridge Club's Yeovil and District League and Cup treble winning side will lead the coaching, ensuring that every participant gets the individual attention they need. We are so confident that each young person will enjoy their experience that the first session they come to is FREE, and then sessions are only £2 per person thereafter. Whether you want to aim towards playing competitively or just want some tips to be able to beat your friends/parents, we are confident you will find what you are looking for at Stalbridge. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and watch or leave and come back at the end of the session. Bats and balls will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your own bat if you prefer. For more information please contact either Chris Watkins (parent governor at SNHS, with children both at SNHS and WIlliam Barnes) or Stuart Angell (Stalbridge CLub Captain (with children both at Stalbridge Primary and Gillingham schools) on: Chris Watkins - chriswatkins318@gmail.com 01258 471976 Stuart Angell - stuartangell1308@gmail.com 07970 979432 Stalbridge Table Tennis Club are members of the Blackmore Vale and The Yeovil and District Table Tennis Leagues. 
If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show.
From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for those interested in how people lived, worked and played in bygone years and it is now widely recognised as “THE” National Heritage Show as well as being regarded as the leading show of its type in the World. The spectacle covers an enormous showground, at over 600 acres being one of Europe’s largest outdoor event locations. 2017 sees the show in its 49th year. It runs from 24th to 28th August. Click on the button below for more info. 
It's an urban myth that bonfires are illegal at certain times of the day, but that doesn't mean you can't fall foul of the law by having one. Here is the advice from the authority on the subject...(Dorset County Council)
Having a bonfire? If you have considered the alternatives ( composting, trip to the recycling centre, garden waste collection) and a bonfire is still the best practical option for disposing of your garden waste, you should ensure you have taken the following precautions: Warn your neighbours - lighting a bonfire can cause nuisance to your neighbours especially if it is a nice sunny day with washing out and windows open Only burn dry material - this is likely to cause less smoke Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint - these can cause harmful emissions Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light or encourage the fire Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp days and in the evening. If it is windy smoke may be blown into neighbour gardens and across roads Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder The law on bonfires Bonfires are only illegal if they cause a nuisance to others. It is commonly thought that there are byelaws banning bonfires or restricting the days or times when they are allowed - there aren't. Burning waste from another site It is an offence to bring waste from another site and burn it, for example tradesmen bringing waste home and burning it. Whether or not they are causing a statutory nuisance, they are committing an offence. Hazard to road users If the smoke from a bonfire poses a hazard to road users the police have powers to deal with it and you should report the incident to them. Environmental Protection Act 1990 Environmental Protection Act 1990 can be used to deal with people who act unreasonably and cause a statutory nuisance to neighbours. To be considered a statutory nuisance, a bonfire would usually have to be a persistent problem. If someone does cause a repeated nuisance this may lead to enforcement action, and ultimately legal proceedings could be taken and the person fined up to £5,000. Contacts for reporting a bonfire nuisance North Dorset District Council Customer Services Email: customerservices@north-dorset.gov.uk Tel: 01258 454111. Fax: 01258 484185. Mobile: 07781 472878 (Text SMS) 
Stalbridge Garden Society produce a newsletter each month. Here is the August edition...
Brian our chairman welcomed everyone to the August meeting, he reminded everyone about our “summer show”, please have ago and enter something in the show, there is still time. Michelle commented on the evening outing we had last month, which was the trip to “Frankham Farm”, the weather had been good, with a lovely large garden to enjoy, then followed by a fantastic supper of homemade ,and grown food. Sue, emailed me to say that, the money taken for the NGS scheme raised £160 for Cancer. And the money taken for the food raised £200, which went to the Air Ambulance, this was brilliant, thank you to all you who came. This evenings speaker was Malcolm from Castle Gardens, the talk was entitled “Plants for specific places”. Malcolm is one of our favourite speakers, and has a great deal of experience when it comes to plants, he has travelled to lots of countries, and seen these growing in their natural environment. He covered plants from dry shade to hot sunny positions, talking about, ferns, hydrangeas, hostas, heucheras, cornus, lavender, hibiscus, agapanthus, fatsia japonica and lots more. He showed us plants which were good for climbing, in full sun of deep shade, told us about bulbs for shade and sun, then finished with what type of fertilizers to use (Vitax Q4) is one of the best, and how to get good drainage for you plants, Malcom finished with a few tips on pruning which always makes us laugh. A good interesting talk once again by Malcolm, we all enjoyed it. We look forward to our summer show, and hope that we have lots of entries and a good turnout of people, hopefully the weather will be kind to us. The next meeting is on Thursday 14th September 7.30pm at the hall “How plants have evolved and how man has adapted them” with Greg Morter So do come and join us for a good evening. Enjoy your garden whatever our summer weather holds instore for us! Michelle Howell 
We are organising an Auction of Promises on Saturday 30th September in Stalbridge Hall. 7.30pm for 8pm start.
This event is in aid of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and RP Fighting Blindness Lots of amazing things to be won on the night including Flights over the Blackmore Vale,Mini break near Minehead, Western riding lesson, Paintings, Beer, Afternoon tea, Panto tickets, Race tickets, Spa day, Tractor Ted goodies, Signed Wurzels CD, Signed Martin Clunes DVD, Hampers, Signed Jenson Button photo. Plus tickets to attractions including London Eye, London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, Paultons Park, The Tank Museum, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Kingston Maurward Animal Park And more On the night promises will be auctioned off by Simon Whaley of Southern Counties Auctioneers. Tickets are £7.50 and include an entrance drink, ploughmans supper & catalogue. A bar will be available on the night. Tickets available on 01963 362351 If you'd like to donate a promise then please get In touch. The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance is a vital service within our rural community. The Air Ambulance's operational cost each year is £2 million and each mission £2500. These costs can only be met with the help of fundraising. RP Fighting Blindness is charity dedicated to funding research into a cure or treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is a degenerative eye condition that causes night blindness, loss of peripheral vision and can lead to tunnel vision and blindness. At present there is no cure or treatment but research and trials are being carried out and getting closer to being able to help sufferers. 
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival returns on the 9th and 10th September, with food demonstrations, children's activities, music and entertainment.
Stalbridge fish whisperer Martyn Else will be demonstrating fresh fish recipes at 11.00am on Sunday. If you've ever been to his fish restaurant in Milborne Port you'll know what an opportunity you have to find out some of his secrets to great fish dishes. Click on the buttons below to visit the Cheese Festival website or Martyn's "Something Else Fishy" restaurant. 
Blackmore Vale Lions proudly present the Treorchy Male Choir at Sherborne Abbey
7.00pm Saturday 16th September 2017 In aid of The Gryphon School's Duke of Edinburgh's Awards and Ten Tors challenge scheme. Organised and promoted by the Blackmore Vale Lions. Tickets available from:- Little Box Office For 130 years the Treorchy Male Choir has been recognised as one of the greatest choral ensembles of all time. Early competition victories were followed by regular radio and television broadcasts, feature films and an unequalled number of commercial recordings. The Choir has given several Royal Command Performances, appeared alongside very many international entertainers and undertaken an enviable number of tours to Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia.
The first recorded existence of the original, and quaintly named, Treorky Male Choir dates back to the summer of 1883 when a group of young men won a local eisteddfod in the mining town. An impromptu eisteddfod competition was held in the Red Cow Hotel where the group of singers won the sum of £1 for their performance of Dr Joseph Parry’s haunting "Myfanwy". The choir of about twenty young men aged between eighteen and twenty two were all members of the Treorchy United Choir, conducted at that time by Rees Williams. They had decided to visit the public house to hold a farewell party for one of their fellow choristers who was emigrating to Australia and entered the singing competition, which they ultimately won. The conductor that evening was eighteen-year-old George Thomas “Bach”, later to become a chorusmaster at Soar Chapel in Cwmparc and the Unitarian Chapel, Treorchy. Recognising their success, this fresh entity decided to continue as a male voice choir, rehearsing regularly in local public houses and open-air venues. Eventually the Choir found a permanent home in the long room of the Treorchy Hotel thanks to the generosity of landlord Mr T. Jenkins. Rehearsing in a public house, and not in a local chapel, was of course bound to secure a plentiful membership. Click on the button below to find out more about the choir
Thyme After Time Shake, Rattle n' Roll Evening
Friday 8th September, 7pm We are very excited to have managed to pin down the local legend that is Clive Smith to come and sing some rock n' roll for us and he is very good! Clive will be singing for the first hour of the evening so we will start the food feast a little later than usual. Menu for the evening will be American diner style! (see below) Menu Thick icecream milk shake in flavour of your choice- vanila, strawberry or chocolate Sharing platters Hot and kickin' chicken wings Garlic bread Homemade onion rings Corn on the cob with melting butter Main Course (On this occasion the main course will be done on an order basis not a buffet) Please choose one of the following- 6 oz Butchers Beefburger in a bun with salad, cheese, fried onions and chips or Our 'foot long' hot dog in a baguette with onions and chips or Warm chicken caesar salad with warm chicken breast, smoky bacon, parmesan, croutons and served with classic caesar dressing or Corned beef hash served with a pot of our homeade baked beans or Vegetarian option - Mac n' cheese- classic macaroni cheese Side dishes Every table will have a bowl of our homemade coleslaw Desserts- please choose one of the following- Warm whole fruit cherry pie (made with Dorset grown cherries from Milborne St Andrew!) and either cream or custard New York Cheesecake with glazed strawberries Warm American style pancakes with maple syrup and blueberries American style icecream sundae with fruit, jelly, icecream and cream Coffee Our delicious fresh Americano coffee will be serrved at your table To book and pay online click the button below 
Wednesday 16th August 2017. 8.30am to 6.30pm
The Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show is one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the south, held on our own Turnpike Showground in North Dorset. This traditional show is always held on the third Wednesday in August and regularly has an attendance of over 24,000 people. The 2017 Show looks all set to be one of the best events ever, with a record number of trade exhibitors, a great range of attractions for all the family and entries for the competitive classes being received at a record rate. With over 520 trade stand exhibitors there is an enormous choice available to visitors from the cradle to the grave, from schools & further education to fitness and medical advice, home improvement to cars, trucks & 4×4’s, handicrafts & gifts to food glorious food to eat in or take home, plus of course over 100 stands of tractors, machinery and farming suppliers. The competitive sections include cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, poultry, rabbits, homecrafts, handicrafts, art and a huge range of classes for younger exhibitors, all of which need to be entered in advance. Agriculture, farming and rural activities are at the very heart of our show and visitors will be able to watch the finest cattle & sheep being paraded and judged. 
Our Friendship Month
Tea, Scones & Harmony is made for sharing... Come along everyone’s welcome! Sunday 17 September, 2.30pm Corn Exchange Blandford Forum, DT11 7AD A musical feast starring Halsey Community Choir, the Stalbridge Singers and the Ridgeway Quartet. A free cream tea will be served during the interval courtesy of the Bethelbridge Bakery. Proceeds to Alzheimer’s Research UK. £10 Please book in advance Don’t be shy give us a try...
please contact Judy on 01963 363119 or email judy.penfold@oddfellows.co.uk ODDFELLOWS FRIENDSHIP MONTH - 1ST TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017
The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB 
Stalbridge Library now has its own website - www.stalbridgelibrary.org
Here you will be able to renew your books online and find out what is happening in the library. There is also a News Items page, which will be keeping you up to date with Local and National library related items, like National Poetry day, The Summer Reading Challenge, World Book Day and much more. So why not have a look at the new website by clicking on the button below. 
Gray's of Stalbridge, Cross Stitch Card Workshop THURSDAY 10TH AUGUST 2017 Come and try a taster session of cross stitch, where you can make a greeting card of your choice. All materials and tuition are provided along with a yummy summer cocktail 🍹 £10 per person from 6.30pm till 8.30pm BOOKINGS: 01963 365800 HIGH STREET, STALBRIDGE, DORSET DT10 2NJ 
Grays of Stalbridge are hosting another of their popular workshops on Thursday 24 August. The Grand illusions vintage paint workshop will run from 9:30–14:30 Come and learn techniques and ways to use this paint. You will paint a tray on the day to take home with you and each receive a ploughman's lunch and drinks. Summer special offer £75pp. To book please pop in or call 01963 365800. |
