Hello, and welcome to our first post for 2012!
We hope you had a peaceful and happy time over Christmas, and we wish you all a wonderful and happy 2012. Here at Chesil Beach Lodge we’re very much looking forward to making new friends and welcoming back old friends in the coming year.But first things first, here’s our pick of some of the activities and events in Dorset this month…
5th to 7th January – The Secret Garden at the Dorchester Corn Exchange, Dorchester. “To mark the centenary of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s endearing classic, Angel Exit unearth the dark heart of The Secret Garden, which sees Mary Lennox plucked from the bright vibrancy of India and transplanted to a big old house full of secrets on the grey Yorkshire moors.” Suitable for ages 6+. Co-produced by Dorchester Arts and Bridport Arts Centre, and commissioned by Activate and the Lighthouse, Poole.7th to 8th January – Raptor Weekend at the RSPB’s Arne Nature Reserve. “10am-4pm. Price: Free. Just turn up! We'll have guides in hides and at special viewing stations looking out for all birds of prey. In winter Arne hosts kestrel, buzzard, sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon, merlin and short eared owls, but the real focus will be the majestic marsh harriers and hen harriers.”
11th January DNHAS Geology Lecture Series: Fossils Economics: Past, Present and Future at the Dorset County Museum. Richard Edmonds, Earth Science Manager with Dorset County Council's Jurassic Coast Team, considers 'fossil economics' and tries to calculate what fossil collecting is worth to the economy of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Doors open at 6:30pm with the lecture starting at 7pm. Free Entry- a £3 donation is encouraged.11th January Sherborne Flicks: "My Afternoon with Margeuritte" at the Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Starring Gerard Depardieu. In French with English subtitles. Tickets £5 - available from Sherborne TIC or on the door.
15th January - Wassailing in Bridport Community Orchard. Come and join in the singing and dancing, with hot cider and apple juice around the fire. Song sheets are provided. Please bring torches/lanterns and small musical instruments to drive the bad spirits away. Starts at 3pm.19th January - The Phoenix and the Carpet at the Bridport Arts Centre. “Join four children on their adventures as they are whisked around the world on their new magical carpet, with the help of a mysterious and fiery phoenix! This magical production, brought to you by the company behind the enormously popular Wolves of Willoughby Chase, features beautiful live music, incredible puppets and a wonderful winter atmosphere.” Everyone is welcome, but the story is recommended as being suitable for children aged 5+. The performance starts at 7.30 pm.
21st January - Book Fair at Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, 9.30am - 4pm. Free admission. Telephone 01803 613356 for more information, or email colinbakerbooks@btinternet.com.23rd January - Enchanted Island: a Met Opera performance on screen at the Electric Palace Bridport. “In one extraordinary new work, lovers of Baroque opera have it all: the world’s best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters, and a story drawn from Shakespeare. In The Enchanted Island, the lovers from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream are shipwrecked on his other-worldly island of The Tempest. Inspired by the musical pastiches and masques of the 18th century, the work showcases arias and ensembles by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau, and others, and a new libretto devised and written by Jeremy Sams.” Doors open 5.30pm, show starts at 6.00pm.This is just a small sample of what’s happening in our area: there’s always a huge variety of activities to choose from so if you plan to visit Dorset in January for any of these events or activities, don’t forget to book eco-friendly accommodation in Dorset as soon as possible.
We have a special offer of three nights for the price of two (Sunday to Thursday inclusive) during January, and we look forward to welcoming you here for your New Year break.