Dorchester-Bayeux Society

What's On 2026/27

The Society offers an annual programme of social events for its members (details below).  Our programme year runs from 1st May with an AGM in March.  There are regular talks and films but other social gatherings are also held over the year, see details below of any planned events.

DBS Talks

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.  

• Talks are normally held on the second Thursday of the month. 
• Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm.
• The venue for talks and meetings is usually the Magna Community Centre, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester  DT1 1QL, BUT some events are held elsewhere, details shown with the programme item below. 
• Pay at the door, £4 for members, £5 for non-members and card payments can now be taken! 

Recent talks include:

• The role of local regiments in D-Day and the Liberation of Bayeux by Christopher Jary, author and volunteer at The Keep  
• Best Kept Secrets of Paris by Hilary Lancashire
• Pont Avon to Paris by Mike Aylott - the Pont Aven school of artists
• Napoleon - soldier and lover by James Porter, head of the Dorchester Military History Group

DBS film season 2026-27           See below for details of our new season of films from 29th September

A list of films shown to date can be found at the bottom of this page.

• Films are usually on a Tuesday evening.
• Doors open 6:45pm for 7:30pm.
• The venue is the Corn Exchange cinema. 
• Pay at the door, currently £5 for members and £6 for non-members and card payments can now be taken!
• All films are shown with English subtitles and are suitable for under 18s.  
• FREE ENTRY to all students or under-18s. 

Last update to this page: Monday 22nd June 2026

French Conversation Coffee Mornings in Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square

Confident speakers, led by Barbara:

Normally the first Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon.

Dates for the diary (but it's always wise to check): 

2026:  14th April, 5th May, 2nd June

Beginners/intermediate level speakers, led by Ian:

Normally the third Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon.

Dates for the diary (but it's always wise to check):  

2026:  21st April, 19th May, 16th June

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!

French tuition: long-standing DBS member and native French speaker, Marie-Chantal Lugg offers French tuition to suit all abilities. For individual or group lessons give Marie-Chantal a call on  07920 514957 or email info@mariechantalfrenchtuition.co.uk. For more information, see http://mariechantalfrenchtuition.co.uk/ 

Wednesday 15th July- Pétanque at Radipole

DBS Pétanque

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.