What's On 2026/27
More information about regular events below
Last update: Monday 6th July 2026
French Conversation Coffee Morning in Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square
Tuesday 7th July - confident speakers - 10:30 am to noon
Details for joining the conversation groups is at the bottom of this page.
Wednesday 15th July- Pétanque at Radipole
French Conversation Coffee Morning in Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square
Tuesday 21st July - beginners/intermediate level speakers - 10:30 am to noon
Details for joining the groups at the bottom of this page.
At the delightful home and garden of our members, Morcia and David Ankcorn, in Frampton.
This event will be professionally catered with individually served generous high tea picnic boxes, plus endless tea and coffee.
Your personal picnic will be tailored to your taste and available whenever you arrive.
Garden tours, plant sale, raffle - this will be a glorious social event in a beautiful location. Bring your hat!!
Twinning Society visit to Bayeux 2026
Friday 11th to Monday 14th September
Arrangements are in hand for an exciting four days in Bayeux. See the Exchange Visits page for details of the weekend as they emerge.
Tuesday September 29th 2026 – La Grande Vadrouille
1966 – Comedy
Directed by Gérard Oury Running Time 132 mins
A totally hilarious Franco-British comedy film about an RAF crew shot down over German-occupied France. They are helped to escape the Nazis by two characterful Frenchmen . Many twists and turns! For over 40 years it was the most successful and loved French film in France. Full of tension and comic genius they overcome every obstacle! A wonderful watch!
6:45pm for 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange.Members £5; non-members £6; students and under-18s free.
DBS talk: Wednesday October 14th 2026 - The Bayeux Tapestry and the Battle of Hastings
Military historian Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Porter will speak about the Bayeux Tapestry and the Battle of Hastings, using images from the Tapestry to describe the epic events of 1066, as well as the political and social background. The talk examines the strategy of the two commanders, and the conduct of the Battle of Hastings itself in detail together with its outcome and consequences. The origin and story of the almost 1,000 year-old Tapestry is also covered.
7pm for 7:30pm at Dorchester Town Hall.
Members £4; non-members £5
2013 – Adventure Drama
Directed by Nicolas Vanier Running Time 104 mins
Set in 1943, this gripping story follows the life of 7-year-old Sébastien in the breathtakingly beautiful French Alps. It is also the tale of his adorable dog and their brave exploits to help the escape of Jewish exiles. Full of drama and beauty – an award winner of great charm.
6:45pm for 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange.
Members £5; non-members £6; students and under-18s free.
Becoming a Magistrate, what they do, some of the challenges they face and an attempt to dispel some myths and legends! An overview of The Magistracy in England and Wales from a recent local Magistrate in the Adult Court and a Presiding Justice in the Family Court.
7pm for 7:30pm at the Magna Community Centre, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL
Members £4; non-members £5
Tuesday February 2nd 2027 – Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
1964 Musical/Romantic Drama
Directed by Jacques Demy Running Time 1h 31 min
Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo star as young lovers set adrift by war. A hugely successful film, mainly due to the musical score by Michel Legrand and the bright and colourful photography.
6:45pm for 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange.
Members £5; non-members £6; students and under-18s free.
A talk by Christopher Jary - details to follow.
7pm for 7:30pm at the Magna Community Centre, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL
Members £4; non-members £5
AGM with wine and cheese tasting.
7pm at the Magna Community Centre, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL
Members £4; non-members £5
Tuesday March 16th 2027 – Nicolas en Vacances
2014 – French Comedy
Directed by Laurent Tirard Running time 1 hr 37 mins
Le Petit Nicolas is back! This sequel is an absolutely wonderful depiction of childhood holidays and pranks – life as seen through the eyes of a cheeky young schoolboy in the 1960s. Kad Merad stars as the father as the family departs for Le Beau-Rivage Hotel … with Grandma of course! A great film full of French fun.
6:45pm for 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange.
Members £5; non-members £6; students and under-18s free.
Tuesday May 11th 2027 – Coco avant Chanel
2009 – Biographical Drama
Directed by Anne Fontaine Running Time - 105 minutes
Coco Before Chanel traces the humble origins of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, from orphaned seamstress and cabaret singer to the cusp of her groundbreaking fashion career. Beautifully crafted with meticulous period detail. A marvel of French history and culture.
6:45pm for 7:30pm at the Corn Exchange.
Members £5; non-members £6; students and under-18s free.
Talks and films - more information
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 helps members to keep in contact with one another.
- Talks are normally held on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the Magna Community Centre, Lübbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL
- Doors open 7pm for 7:30pm.
- 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
A list of films shown to date can be found at the bottom of this page.
- Films are usually on a Tuesday evening in the Corn Exchange.
- Doors open 6:45pm for 7:30pm
All films are shown with English subtitles and are suitable for under 18s.
French Conversation Coffee Mornings
Venue: Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square
Confident speakers, led by Barbara: Normally the first Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon.
Beginners/intermediate speakers, led by Ian: Normally the third Tuesday of the month, 10:30am to noon.
Please contact Ian at dorchester_bayeux_society@hotmail.com if you would like to join 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/
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.
DBS 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'13th May 2025 'Le Petit Nicolas'23rd September 2025 'Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis'27th January 2026 'Les Choristes'17th March 2026 'Potiche'5th May 2026 'La Vie en Rose'