2023/24
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 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:
- French classical music;
- 'A King of France?' - a talk with music by Courtlye Musick examining the social and cultural relationships between the sixteenth century kings of England and France;
- '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 held on a Thursday evening in the newly refurbished Corn Exchange cinema. 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'
Last update to this page: Thursday 30th November 2023
Wow! - those of you who went to our last film night now know what a great movie 'Intouchables' is. Our next film is to be shown on 16th January.
Saturday 9th December noon to 3:00pm Christmas lunch and social at St George's Hall, Fordington, Dorchester DT1 1LB - parking available.
Cost: £5 per head.
Please bring a sweet or savoury 'sharing' plate and your preferred drinks. The Society will provide hot beverages. Please note that this year there will be no jacket potatoes provided. Please bring your own CUTLERY and CROCKERY.
Please let Ian know if you plan to attend.
2024
Thursday 11th January 7.30pm at Bayeux Court (York Road, Dorchester DT1 1AS), 'Working with the National Trust at Lytes Carey' illustrated talk by our very own Geoff Goater
Tuesday 16th January 6:45pm for 7:30, French film night at the Corn Exchange: 'Cyrano de Bergerac' - dashing swordsman and poet, Cyrano de Bergerac, is in love with his cousin, Roxane. Lacking confidence because of his big nose, he dares not express his love for her until he finds an indirect way to do it. Period drama/comedy.
Thursday 8th February 7.30pm at Bayeux Court, 'Working in France' illustrated talk by Nick Lugg
Tuesday 5th March 6:45pm for 7:30, French film night at the Corn Exchange: 'Monsieur Lazhar' - an Algerian immigrant is hired to replace a teacher at a Montreal public school. Whilst helping her students deal with their grief at her suicide, his own loss is revealed. Drama/comedy.
Thursday March 7th 7.30pm at the DYA (DT1 1QL), AGM followed by wine tasting, more details to follow
Tuesday 7th May 6:45pm for 7:30, French film night at the Corn Exchange: 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly' - Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby suffers a stroke and must live with paralysis, except for his left eye. Dealing with 'locked-in syndrome' brings together the many people in his life. Drama/biography.
Twinning Society visit to Bayeux 2024 - Friday 13th to Monday 16th September - Put it in your calendar! More details to be emailed soon.
Your committee has also organised introductory French Conversation Coffee Mornings and has arranged a DBS petanque group playing alongside U3A on Wednesdays. Details below:
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 below:
Tuesday 5th December
Tuesday 9th January (tbc)
Tuesday 6th February
Tuesday 5th March
Tuesday 2nd April
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 below:
Tuesday 5th December (the FIRST Tuesday this time, same as Barbara's group)
Tuesday 16th January
Tuesday 20th February
Tuesday 19th March
Tuesday 16th April
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 we are expected to buy beverages at the venue so please help us by doing so. 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 ready to play at 2pm.