What’s On – Local events guide

“Christmas can be expensive and stressful. An average household in the UK spends more than £700 extra in December than in other months, according to the Bank of England*”, says CAP money coach Dick Howard.” Dick and fellow CAP coaches are offering a three-hour course during which participants will learn how to put a budget together, with tips on how to make your money go further and how to be disciplined about spending. The courses are tried and tested and it’s totally free.” Dorchester Poverty Action and Dorchester Foodbank are sponsoring these courses with a £20 Co-op voucher for participants who live in DT1/DT2 postcodes or who are NHS workers. To book a place follow web link below.

7:00 pm. The West Dorset Singers present Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’, Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’ and Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’. The choir, under its Musical Director Matt Kingston, is accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists. Tickets (£15, u18 free) from Goadsby Estate Agents Bridport or www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is held annually on 27 January to remember the millions of people who died during the Holocaust and in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where more than a million people died during the Second World War. To commemorate the day, Dorchester Town Council, Dorset Council and Kushti Bok have organised a free, public event which will include readings and poetry including contributions from local schools.

7:00 pm. Quiz night with Alistair Chisholm Teams of four. £10 a head. Raffle and Refreshments. Tickets from Anita Harries 07909637066, Pauline Howden 07827289492 or direct from Crossroads in Poundbury.

West Dorset CAMRA and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club proudly present the 36th Dorchester Beerex. Over the years, Dorchester Beerex has raised £277,000 for local good causes. This year’s event will have 80 real ales, a large selection of ciders & perry and seating for 100 upstairs. There will be hot/cold food available.

7:30 pm. Come and get some JOY into your life with honesty, humour, ire and wonder from a master wordsmith. Luke is a brilliantly charismatic performer, his poems will shoot arrows through your heart. Suitable 14+.

Over 25 years, Luke Wright has built up a reputation for being one of Britain’s most popular live poets. He has won an unprecedented 4 Saboteur Awards, a Stage Award, and a Fringe First. He’s sold out shows across the world and regularly tours with John Cooper Clarke. Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” Telegraph).

This delightful romantic comedy released in 2012, is set in an idyllic 1950’s Normandy village tells the story of Rose a terrible secretary who sets out to become the fastest typist in the world. The film is in French with sub-titles. All are welcome as society membership is not required. Door and bar opens at 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start. Price £6.00 cash at the door.

7.30pm (Doors open at 7pm). Ticket proceeds to be split between Parkinson’s UK, Weymouth & Dorchester Branch, who offer information, friendship and support to local people affected by Parkinson’s, their families and carers & St. Nicholas Church Urgent Repair Fund. Tickets £10 p.p. which includes one free drink from the bar. Tables of up to six must be booked in advance by contacting Susana.

A great quiz with a twist. Many of the rounds are questions direct from TV shows. The Chase, Only Connect, Mastermind, and other rounds. A buffet meal. Bring your own drink, all glasses etc will be provided. For £12 a head. In aid of our project to supply water in the hills of Nepal. Great raffle including a Duchy hamper.

An Artsreach event at Woodlands Village Hall: Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterell are an exciting and energetic young folk duo who are quickly carving out a name for themselves with their unique style rooted in Quebecois traditional music fused with songs from the British Isles and North America. Tickets are £12.50, £6 u18s, from www.artsreach.co.uk

Events across Dorchester

A unique, immersive, living history festival over one weekend across Dorchester. Maumbury Rings Roman Ampitheatre, Dorchester Roman Town House, Corn Exchange and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.

Across Dorchester

The superb annual Sunflower Trail to raise funds for local good causes. Check dates. The trail will be throughout August, but check exact dates nearer the time.