Dorchester-Bayeux Society

2025/26

The Society offers an annual programme of social activities for its members (details below).  

Our programme year runs from 1st May with an AGM in March.  From October to March, we offer a series of interesting talks around a variety of French themes and this enables members to keep in contact with one another.  These monthly autumn/winter talks are normally held on the second Thursday of the month. £4 entry fee for members, £5 for non-members.

The venue for meetings is usually either Bayeux Court, York Road, Dorchester DT1 1AS or the Dorchester Youth Association (DYA) HQ, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester  DT1 1QL, BUT some events are held elsewhere, details shown with the programme item below.

Recent talks include:

• 'Working with the National Trust at Lytes Carey' illustrated talk by Geoff Goater; 
• 'The archaeology of Dorchester' illustrated talk by County Archaeologist Steve Wallis;
• 'Sticks and stones - the killing of William Allen, 1850' talk by local author Philip Browne.

• Other social events are held three times a year:  a September tea; a pre-Christmas society lunch and a Spring lunch.  These are usually held in St George's Church Hall, Fordington, or in the Corn Exchange, Dorchester.

• In 2023, the society started showing classical French films with English subtitles.  The film shows are usually held on a Tuesday evening in the newly refurbished Corn Exchange cinema.  Entry fee currently £6 on the door. Films shown to date:

12th January 2023 'Jean de Florette'

2nd March 2023 'Manon des Sources'

17th April 2023 'Amelie'

31st May 2023 'Hors de Prix' or 'Priceless'  

19th September 2023 'He loves me, he loves me not'  

28th November 2023 'Intouchables'

16th January 2024 'Cyrano de Bergerac'

5th March 2024 'Monsieur Lazhar'

7th May 2024 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'

24th September 2024 'Un Homme et une Femme'

29th October 2024 'Le Diner de Cons'

4th February 2025 'Populaire'

18th March 2025 'The Well-Digger's Daughter'

Last update to this page: Wednesday 16th April 2025

Other DBS events

Confident speakers, led by Barbara:

Normally the first Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon, at The Walnut Grove in Durngate Street, but check dates with Barbara or on Facebook.

Beginners/intermediate level speakers, led by Ian:

Normally the third Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon, in Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square, but check dates with Ian or on Facebook.

Please contact Ian at dorchester_bayeux_society@hotmail.com if you would like to attend either group.  There is no charge for these sessions BUT please thank the commercial venues hosting us by buying drinks and nibbles whilst you are there.

A huge thank you to Barbara and Ian for giving their time and efforts to this!

DBS members are invited to join the U3A group to learn the game and take part in some practice matches.  The U3A group meets from 2-4pm on Wednesdays at Sandringham Sports Centre in the car park.  For those not part of the U3A group, a £1 contribution is requested.  If you would like to take part, please provide contact details to Roly Wilkinson, the U3A organiser, email rolywilkinson@gmail.com and arrive in time to begin at 2pm.