Village and Vale

This Weekend

Saturday: Party in the Park, celebrating Child Okeford's centenary of its village hall: gates open 5.30pm, al fresco concert from 6.30pm by the Ambassadors' 22 piece Big Band and the New Orleans Jazz Five: tickets in advance from the Cross Stores or the Post Office or on the gate. Purse Caundle History Day with exhibition in the church 10am-4pm. and a Village Picnic at Church Farm 12 noon-4pm. Garden Fete with tractor and trailer rides at Long Barn, Tarrant Rushton 2.30pm. Learn more about Hod Hill, the fortified town and Roman fort: Meet 2pm on the footpath up to the hill from Stourpaine - led by the National Trust's archaeologist and warden. Dance (black tie) organised by Young Farmers' Club at the North Dorset Rugby Club 8pm-1am, tickets £15 on the door - 16s and over. Yard Sale at Auntie Wainwright's, Old Willow, Rodgrove (between Wincanton and Buckhorn Weston) with hundreds of bargains. 10am-4pm. Blandford United Reform Church and Larksmead Playgroup's Summer Fayre 10am-12.30pm in the church car park, if wet in the hall.

Sunday: Dorset Vintage MCC go for a pre-1973 Run starting from the Kings Arms, Shaftesbury. Shaftesbury RBL's Parade 2pm celebrating Forces Day with displays in the town hall. Woodland Wildlife Walk in Stourhead woods. Meet 10.30am at King Alfred's Tower. Booking essential on 0844 2490 1895. The New Hardy Players present The Mayor of Casterbridge 6.30pm Dorchester's Borough Gardens, and it's free! A number of gardens open in Charlton Down near Dorchester today from 2.30pm. Tickets from Herrison Hall. Garden Walkabout, the final event of the Cattistock Gardens Festival 12.30-5.30pm - also cream teas, an Open Art Studio, a chance to look round the Hunt Kennels and view the new allotments.

Next Week

Monday 29th: Sherborne Area Over 50's Group meets in the Digby Hall, Hound Street 2.30pm when Elaine Milton talks about Trading Standards.

Wednesday 1st July AGM of Age Concern Blandford 2pm in the Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion. The monthly War Disablement Pension Advice Surgery at the RBL Memorial Club in Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth 10am-12.30pm.

Thursday 2nd: Cake and Coffee Morning at Sherborne Country Market in Digby Road, 10am-11.15m. Two Seminars on search machines at Cravenplan Computers, Swallowcliffe, 1pm and 6.30pm. For more details or to book a place call 01747 858000 or log on www.cravenplan.co.uk. Mark Stainer of East Lambrook Manor Gardens is the guest of Castle Cary Gardening Association, 7.30pm in the Methodist meeting room.

Friday 3rd: Summer Fete at King Arthur's Community School, Wincanton 6-8pm with an inflatable obstacle course, skittles, plants, cakes and an assortment of stalls. The Plant Doctor gives a talk on landscaping to Shaston Gardening Club, 7.30pm Bell Street United Church Hall. Dance in aid of the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance in Goddards Field, Marnhull with Jeffes 'n John and Rock Doctors, hog roast and bar. Tickets from Marnhull Stores or Adrian Curtis.

Friday 3rd/Saturday 4th: Mainly Quilts, an exhibition of work by Sandi Ferguson at the Bakehouse, Ludwell Stores, Ludwell 10am-4pm. of .

Looking Ahead

Saturday 4th: Chilton Cantelo Village Fete from 1.30pm, the first fete held in the village in over 30 years - it's worth the wait! Attractions include a Silent Auction, a Miss Funky Fashion competition for girls from 7-17 and a host of stalls and games for the whole family. Cerne Abbas Church Fete 12.30pm. Gillingham Walkers leave The Buffalo 2pm for a walk towards Bugley. Tiaras & Wellies, a Charity Ball at Shapwick, near Wimborne in support of Compassion in World Farming: tickets from 01258 857 649. Wilton Community Carnival from 12.30pm.

Sunday 5th: Swingtime in Borough Gardens, Dorchester with several fine bands playing from 12.30pm onwards. In aid of Leukaemia Research. Family Fun Day at Zeals 12 noon-6pm.