The much-anticipated and award-winning Sherborne Castle Gardens Christmas displays will be unveiled on Thursday 19th October from 19:30–21:00.
It won’t be long though until gardeners of all ages will be able to wander through the magical wonderlands, which promise to feature meandering displays, twinkling lights and festive food and drink, to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. To Find out more click on the button below... 
GRAYS OF STALBRIDGE ANGEL WORKSHOP - 10 November from 10:00am–12:30 On the day you will each make 3 angels, Of your own design. Ideal as gifts, to personalise or for your Christmas tree. All materials provided along with teas and cake for £19 per person. To secure your place please pay a £5 deposit. 01963 365800 
The Sherborne Literary Festival 2017. 11th - 15th October
"The programme for 2017 is now listed on the website and many members and non-members have commented very positively on the width and interest of the subjects covered". We have a few very well known speakers, some of whom have appeared at Sherborne before and have been invited back by popular demand, and, as always, we have some relatively unknown speakers, all of whom come with excellent reputations for being interesting speakers, not just good authors! To find out more about the festival and the work of the Sherborne Literacy Society click on the button below. 
Graham Harvey, farming author and agricultural story editor to Radio 4’s The Archers, has kindly offered to put on his new play "No Finer Life" and appear for a Q and A at the end about the issues raised, farming and all things Archers and Ambridge.
The play No Finer Life is based on a true story about a young farmer, George Henderson, who took on a small Cotswolds farm and transformed it into one of the most productive farms in the country, which he followed with a best-selling book The Farming Ladder. The play tells the story through the eyes of the young girl who visited him and became his wife. Elizabeth is played by Rebecca Bailey and the show is directed by James Le Lacheur, who has recently spent a year in London’s West End in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It will be performed on Monday 2nd October, 7.30 pm, at the Digby Memorial Hall in Sherborne. The event is being organised by our Sherborne and District Society CPRE Group. Tickets are £12 to include a glass of wine and can be purchased from Peter Neal (peter.neal21@outlook.com), the Sherborne Tourist Information Centre or online using the button below. 
As in previous years, we are hoping for perfect autumnal weather on Saturday 21st October for the 2017 Wimborne Minster Food & Drink Festival. The town will be busy with traders, happy sponsors and, as always, thousands of hungry and thirsty visitors. There will be professional chef demonstrations in the Cornmarket from David Shepherd of La Fleur de Lys in Shaftesbury, Pete Murt from Rick Stein in Sandbanks, Sarah Ali, and new this year, Lisa Osman from the All Hallows Cookery School in Wimborne St Giles (see my blog about Lisa). Our new sponsor, Wimborne's Dacombes of Leigh Road, will be running a competition on their High Street stall to win a Fortnum & Mason hamper, and Volvo will again be running their successful prize draw to win dinner for two at Rick Stein in Sandbanks plus a chauffeur driven Volvo.
SCREEN Bites, the food and film festival that started in Dorset in 2005, celebrates its Baker’s Dozen this year with 13 events.
On Thursday 19th October, the festival returns to Stalbridge Village Hall with a screening of Papadopoulos and Sons. Stephen Dillane plays the thrusting executive whose success has allowed him to turn his back on his family background. But his ambition comes to a painful halt with the banking crash, and he and his spoiled children have to rethink, with the help of Uncle Spiros (George Corraface). It’s out with the Essex mansion and in with the run down south London chippie in this delightful film. The evening is sponsored by Dorset Blue Vinny. As usual at Screen Bites, local food producers will be offering tastings and selling their wares. They will include Nether Cerne Herbs, not listed in the programme, and Dike and Son, Alweston Jam and Chutney Empire, Chocolate Arthouse, Something Else Fishy, Dowdings Cider, Eggardon Rare Breeds, Feltham’s Farm Cheese, Hotch Potch Pies, Lavender Blue, Mere Fish Farm, The Real Cure and Oxfords Bakery. SB’s regular food producers this year are Chococo, Thomas J Fudge, Hall and Woodhouse, Honeybuns, Olives Et Al, Palmers Ginger Beer and Purbeck Ice Cream. Audiences are asked to book in advance, to ensure that the food producers have enough tastings on the night. To find out more visit the website or telephone 01963 32525. 
Peter Morris directs Wincanton Youth Theatre’s first major musical production, Alan Parker’s Bugsy Malone. Set in New York during the Prohibition, the story follows rival gangsters, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan, as they wreak havoc on the neighbourhood. Bugsy Malone, a poor ex-boxer, falls for aspiring singer Blousey Brown. But can he resist the seductive charms and determined attention of Tallulah and still help Fat Sam defend his empire? The show features well-known songs, including My Name is Tallulah, Bad Guys, and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam.
30TH SEPTEMBER (2PM AND 7PM) AND 1ST OCTOBER (2PM) AT KING ARTHUR'S COMMUNITY SCHOOL, WINCANTON 
In the long swim to the Christmas holidays WESSEX WATER will be reducing traffic in Stalbridge to a crawl. The Gala of events kicks off on Wednesday 27th September, with an individual medley between the High Street and Barrow Hill. On the Wessex Water website it reads:
Potential traffic disruption Location: HIGH STREET, STALBRIDGE We’re working in this area from September 27, 2017 until September 29, 2017. There may be some traffic disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience. If you’d like more information about this you can speak with our web chat team. (Available Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm) Reference: PG203-33429547001 
Strangely enough on their "Work in Your Area" map it doesn't show the next event. They're scheduled to dive in at the deep end in front of the residents of Barrow Hill with a 10 week long race, starting on 16th October. This one involves some lane closures as you can see from the graphic we've created below, and we'll probably be victims of the Butterfly effect as we try to back crawl up and down the remaining lanes in Stalbridge. Just click on the photo below for a closer look.
We should point out that this is apparently all in aid of better water pressure and quality up and down Barrow Hill (preferably down) so maybe we're all going to have to keep calm and take one for the team to avoid a build up of hot steam. Speaking of which, Wessex Water have neglected to inform us whether you will be able to turn right from the top of Park Grove to head down to Giant's Steps (during phase 1) or to turn right into Wood Lane from Barrow Hill (during phase 2)...Eau dear! 
Stalbridge Pharmacy are holding a MacMillan Coffee Morning on Friday 29th September from 9.00am to 1.00pm
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORTIf you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, we can help. Find out what to expect, get information, practical advice and support, hear from experts and read about other people’s experiences. Click on the button below to visit the MacMillan website.
Questions about cancer? We can help
Find free, expert and easy to understand information about cancer. We cover a wide range of topics for people with cancer, their loved ones and their carers. 
Sherborne Castle Fireworks Extravaganza Saturday 4th November Entertainment featuring the cast of Peter Pan from the Octagon Theatre Refreshments/food and live music from Headland Time: Gates open: 5pm Bonfire: 7pm Fireworks: 7.30pm Prices: 25% off before November On the day: Adult £8 • Child (5-16 years) £6 • Senior Citizen £6 • Under 5s Free • Car Parking £4 How to book tickets: By telephone: 01963 364399 
On Saturday 30th September Stalbridge Brownies will be holding a MacMillan coffee morning at Stalbridge Youth Club from 9am - 12 noon Please join us & raise money to fight cancer 
SEASON FINALE for Henstridge Airfield Mega Car Boot Sale! Join us for the last car boot of the year on SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 🚙 Have a good sort out ready for the autumn and grab some bargains while you're here. Pitches £5 cars, £7 vans/trailers Sellers from 10am, plenty of room so there's no rush! Buyers free entry from 11am, no admission before this. 🐶 Dogs more than welcome, ample parking, toilets and disabled parking is available. Our tea tent will be open for all your refreshments and the cafe for hot food 🍛🍔🍟 Don't miss out on the final one of the year 😁 
7 October at 10:00–12:30 at Grays of Stalbridge. Come and join us for this spooky workshop...and make your own halloween tea lite holder with Sarah. £16 per person to include tea and cake. 01963 365800 
A new, Family-oriented music festival with Christmas market and entertainment, featuring live bands, Oktoberfest bar, food stalls and entertainment for children comes to Stalbridge this December. The event runs from 4.00pm till midnight on Friday 8th December at Stalbridge Playing Fields. There will be Five live bands, acoustic stage, DJs, children's area, Father Christmas, themed food stalls, Christmas traders and more. Tickets on sale 1st October. To keep informed visit the facebook page by clicking on the button below.
Stalbridge Hall presents A Night of Comedy on Friday 27th October.
The evening features Ventriloquist Paul Dumas, Vocalist Arnold Gutbucket and Comedian Stewart Masters.
The laughs start at 8pm. There will be a bar and table seating, so bring your own nibbles to snack on with your drinks while the top trio entertain you!
Advance Tickets at £10 are available from Williams Florists in Station Road, Stalbridge. This event is in aid of The Stalbridge Hall Refurbishment fund, so there will also be a raffle. For more info Telephone Nicky on 01963 362978. 
Yes it's Season Two for this popular traffic chaos series, set in Yeovil at the end of September 2017. Produced by Barratt Homes and directed by Somerset Council, the action continues where season one left off, with lanes closed and tempers fraying, and with a running time of 24 hours for each episode this one is really only for die hard fans. So if you're not a Game of Cones binge fan we suggest you try and avoid the junction between Lyde Road and Sherborne Road in Yeovil for the 2 week season, running from Wednesday 20th September. And for those of you who can't wait for the opening episode, here's a little teaser/spoiler... There's going to be 3 Way Temporary Traffic Lights! 
Stalbridge Town Council produce a quarterly newsletter.
In this issue: The White Hart Link Reporting blocked drains and gullies New website for Stalbridge Library Jubilee play area refurbisment plans Sunday Funday report Housing development in Stalbridge To view or download the September 2017 edition click on the button below 
Else Family Butchers in Stalbridge are asking you to vote for them in the Countryside Alliance Awards for 2017. Dubbed "The Rural Oscars" this annual recognition of contributions from businesses to the principles of the Countryside Alliance is an important competition, not only for the prosperity and integrity of our rural life, but more importantly, to champion all that is good about rural businesses who 'keep it local'.
So what makes Elses so special? If you're a local to Stalbridge you don't need an answer to that question. If you're out of town then why not pop in and find out for yourself, or trust us that the unrivalled shopping experience of buying your local meat and poultry from Else Family Butchers is one of the pleasures of living in Stalbridge. Just have a look at their website to see how justly proud they are of their butchers, from traceability of meat to sourcing locally, from truly home made products to friendly service, expertise and advice...they are Something Else! So visit their website, pop in and meet them and then you will know why it is a vote worth casting in the countryside alliance awards. 
HOPE PROJECTS PRESENT
THE STALBRIDGE SINGERS IN CONCERT AT SHAFTESBURY TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2017 DOORS OPEN AT 6.30PM £6 PER TICKET TO INCLUDE PLOUGHMANS SUPPER Tickets are available on the door or in advance from Hope Projects For more information please call 01747 851379 WHO ARE HOPE PROJECTS?
We are an independent charity working for the benefit of those vulnerable and at risk within our community. Our aim is to provide a safe haven for those who need it, with an opportunity to learn new skills, the chance to work and become part of a team, and even to progress into paid employment if this is what the individual wishes. Since beginning years ago as a Drop-In for others to come and socialize, we have expanded to include a wide range of projects to help people get out and about, learn new skills, and enjoy themselves. Whether your interests lie in cooking, gardening, mechanics, crafts, arts or jewellery we have something for everyone. And we're still expanding! Our steadfast founder Eileen and her diligent staff are always looking for funding for new projects, as well as ideas to fund the current projects. We were fortunate to be awarded a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund which has allowed us to set up gardening and cooking enterprises, as well as giving the Charity a formal office. The local health authority was helpful in obtaining funding for a cycle repair enterprise which has seen great success. However, we are always on the lookout for extra funding sources and gratefully accept donations - whether its monetary or a bike that's been out-grown. We especially welcome anyone willing to give their time to volunteer. So anyone interested in donating to, or volunteering with any of these projects should contact the HOPE office on 01747 851397 
The First Fontmell Beer & Cider Festival
This weekend will see the much anticipated annual Fontmell Fete. This year the Fontmell have an exciting evening line up: Friday 15th September from 6pm Beers & Cider from Keystone Brewery, Sixpenny Brewery, Ringwood Brewery, Marstons, Cranborne Chase Cider, Dorset Purbeck Cider Company, and other established breweries. Food - Pizza and Fish Shack from 5pm Music - No Fixed Abode & The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show Saturday 16th September - (Village fete 1-5pm) Back to the Fontmell for Food - Hog Roast - 6pm start Music - Salt of the Earth & Jamarca Beers & Cider - as Friday We do hope you can join us and support our ever popular village fete. The Fontmell
Crown Hill Fontmell Magna Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0PA United Kingdom 
Oakland Collectibles are opening their new Brocante Vintage French Collectibles shop at Spire Hill in Stalbridge. The official opening takes place on Saturday 21st October 2017 from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Regular opening days and times will be announced thereafter.
They are very excited about this new venture and look forward to providing some very special one off items. For updates please visit their facebook page by clicking on the button below. Oakland Collectibles is an expanding family company specialising in authentic French vintage Collectibles sourced in the brocantes and markets of France. 
Sherborne Area Business Women’s Club
Business Growth & Development through Quality Connections & Peer Support Date: Tuesday 19th September 2017 • Time: 1200hrs – 1415hrs • Venue: The Eastbury Hotel, Long Street, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BY • Meeting fee £28 (including VAT), includes Lunch and refreshments. An Opportunity to forge Quality Connections, share knowledge, skills and best practices for your continued development and success. Business Women’s Clubs are all about business and run to a strictly commercial agenda. You’ll find us a little more structured, market place focussed – yet still flexible and friendly. We think it’s a balance you’ll welcome. So we invite you to attend this September event for BWC Sherborne Area. What to expect: Introductions, Brief Presentations from our Keynote Speakers and a Featured Business Training Topic. As a local business woman, you’re just the kind of person we want to participate. We are seeking local Business Owners, Decision Makers, Senior Managers & Professionals to be part of this new venture. So Please join us on Tuesday 19th September to learn about our new Business Women’s Clubs and benefit directly from an engaging experience. To book for this event & choose your luncheon menu simply click the button below: We look forward to welcoming you to our event. Lunch Menu (Don't forget to make your choice online when booking your place) Meat : Roast Chicken Breast, Dauphinoise Potato, Honey Glazed Heritage Carrots Fish : Durdle Door Beer Battered Hake, Triple Cooked Chips, Sauce Tartare Vegetarian : Wild mushroom risotto, thyme crumb, Dorset blue vinny 
An Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting workshop at Gray's of Stalbridge. Thursday 26 October from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. Come and create a variation on a log cabin block a piece which can be mounted on a card or framed. All materials are provided along with tuition for £17.50 per person to include tea and cake. Please pop in and pay a £5 deposit to secure your place. Gray's of Stalbridge, High Street, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2LJ (01963 365800) 
Superb Acoustic duo Paul & Joe return to The Swan Pub in Stalbridge on Saturday 23rd September at 8.00pm. If you were at the highly successful Swan Beer & Cider Festival earlier this year you'll know what a great acoustic set they perform. A night of great music not to be missed! They are brilliant! 
Claire Clayton brings her expert dance tuition back to Stalbridge with new cheerleading classes. Every Tuesday at Stalbridge Village Hall Mini's (under 8's) 5 - 5.30pm Juniors: 5.30 - 6pm Squad training - 5.30 - 6.45pm (by invitation only) For more details please contact 07850591757 or email danceteacher71@gmail.com |
