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'13th May 2025 'Le Petit Nicolas'
Last update to this page: Thursday 5th June 2025
Our new season of films starts in September 2025.
All films are shown with English subtitles and are suitable for under 18s. Don’t forget we offer FREE ENTRY to all students or U18s.
Tuesday September 23rd – Être et Avoir – PG Documentary/drama – 1h 44m – Nicholas Philibert - 2003
A must-see delight for that ‘Back to School’ (La Rentrée) moment. A warm, serene look at a small, single-class village school in rural France. Blissful and thought-provoking! Winner of many awards including Best Documentary and Best Film 2003.
Tuesday October 28th – Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis – 12A Comedy/drama – 1h 46m – Dany Boon – 2008
Pronounced CHEE and perhaps the French equivalent of ‘The Geordies’, people of the north. Welcome to one of the highest-ever grossing French films. It is a film of comic genius contrasting life in the idyllic south of France with the cold and dreary north. Told through the eyes of one family, it is a heartwarming tale of the diversity of French culture.
and continuing into 2026 we’ll tempt you with…
Tuesday February 3rd – Les Choristes – 12A Musical/drama 1h 37m – Christophe Barratier – 2004
A much-loved and charming film. This is the story of an inspirational music teacher in a correctional boarding school for boys. Set in 1948, it relates the power of music and kindness. Beautiful and touching!
Tuesday March 17th – Potiche – 15 Comedy/drama – 1h 44m – Francois Ozon – 2010
An exquisite comedy starring Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Dépardieu. This film, set in 1977, turns the battle of the sexes on its head! With wonderful wit and humour, it recounts how the women of the family can save the day, when faced with running the husband’s failing umbrella factory. Funny, charming and stylish!
Tuesday May 5th – La Vie en Rose – 12 Musical/drama – 2h 20m – Oliver Dahan – 2007
Starring the Oscar-winning Marion Cotillard, this is the wonderfully acclaimed biographical film depicting the life of the legendary French singer, Edith Piaf. Full of her songs and emotion, it is an unmissably beautiful epic tale of a life from humble beginnings to stardom.
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.
Dates for the diary (but it's always wise to check):
2025: July 1st, NO MEETING IN AUGUST, September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th, December 2nd
2026: New Year Lunch - January 13th then February 3rd, March 3rd
Beginners/intermediate level speakers, led by Ian:
Normally the third Tuesday of the month, from 10:30am to noon, in Vivo Lounge, Brewery Square.
Dates for the diary (but it's always wise to check):
2025: June 17th, July 15th, NO MEETING IN AUGUST, September 16th, October 21st, November 18th, December 16th
2026: January 20th then February 17th, March 17th
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.