Arts & Entertainments

Local author finds murder and mystery deep in a Dorset wood

By Brian MacReamoinn

If you go down to the woods today... you might stumble upon a dead body lying among the bluebells! That’s what happens to a pair of lovers in local author Paul Cosway’s new murder mystery, Don’t Go Down to the Woods Today. The sleepy Dorset village of Bishop Farthing provides the backdrop to an investigation that leads to an organised crime syndicate involved in sex trafficking and drugs. Paul, who has lived in the county for over 20 years, admits the imaginary place “is based on one particular village, with the flavour of a few others”. Readers might recognise the same quaint location which featured the hilarious goings-on in the author’s previous comic novel, Bishop Farthing. This time, the amusing antics of the villagers, he says, “lighten the mood” of what is often a dark tale. The book tackles topical themes and explores up-to-the-minute situations, not least for Ken Jones, the detective for whom the case becomes personal. He is a likeable, empathetic character who has to untangle his own love life as well as a complicated investigation. Paul has another Ken Jones mystery, Death in Retreat, about to be published. He says “my imagination never stops working” and is already hard at work on the next one in the series. Paul’s book is available at www.amazon.co.uk/ DONT-GO-DOWNWOODS-TODAY-ebook/dp/ B09KHCT7N3

Although it is not currently a legal requirement, please consider wearing a face covering to protect yourself and others when visiting the Tivoli. PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE

REGINALD D HUNTER: BOMBE SHUFFLEUR

Suitable for ages 18+ Friday 4th March 8pm Tickets £23

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) THE FUREYS

Saturday 5th March 7.30pm Tickets £24

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) AN EVENING WITH GEOFF HURST

Tuesday 8th March 7.30pm Tickets £55 VIP, Standard £25

(Box Office bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) KATHRYN ROBERTS & SEAN LAKEMAN

Wednesday 9th March 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) RICH HALL’S SHOWDOWN

Thursday 10th March 8pm Tickets £17

(Box Office bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)

WHOLE LOTTA LED

Farewell Tour

Friday 11th March 7.30pm Tickets £22 THE FLOYD EFFECT

Saturday 12th March 7.30pm Tickets £22 BELFAST (12A)

Monday 14th March 7.30pm Tuesday 15th March 2pm Tickets £8 eves, £7 mat, £6 U16s WEST SIDE STORY (12a)

Tuesday 15th March 7.30pm Wednesday 16th March 2pm Tickets Adult: £8 eves, £7 Mat, £6 U16s

ED BYRNE: IF I’M HONEST…

Wednesday 16th March 8pm Tickets £25

Arts & Entertainment

Phil Beer returns to Sixpenny Sessions

By Faith Eckersall

Musician Phil Beer, one of the most popular voices on the folk circuit, is coming to Sixpenny Handley. Phil, one half of the awardwinning Show of Hands, is bringing his 2022 solo tour ‘Songs of the Road’ to the village on Friday March 4. Charming, disarming and exceptionally talented, multi-instrumentalist Phil is regarded as something of a national treasure on the folk, roots and acoustic scene, a true craftsman, master musician and a consummate performer. The first set will be short and sweet and taken from his standing repertoire. The hour-long second half will knit together a number of traditional, contemporary and original songs about travelling. These will tell the story of being on the road, both now and in older times. Phil says he is looking forward to shaking off the lockdown blues and being on the road once again. Penny Mansergh of Sixpenny Sessions said: “We are thrilled that Phil has been able to fit in a return visit to Sixpenny Handley during his current solo tour. You are guaranteed a memorable evening so miss him at your peril!” n Phil Beer will be coming to Sixpenny Handley Village Hall, Common Road, SP5 5NJ on Friday March 4 2022. Doors open at 7.30 pm, hot food will be on sale on arrival and a full bar will be available, with music starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 and are available from Clarkes the Butcher, 55 High Street, Sixpenny Handley or via www.eventbrite.co.uk (+ online booking fee). All profits from the evening will go towards the Sixpenny Handley Community Fund. For further information about Sixpenny Sessions. www. facebook.com/6Dacoustic. live.

In October 2021 the trustees and Friends of Castle Cary Community Library launched a new writing competition in memory of their inaugural library manager who passed away suddenly the previous summer: The Les Kimberley Memorial Short Story Writing Competition for writers of 18 and above. This was to be a challenge for the wordsmiths of the area to get their teeth into as the evenings darkened and the nights became longer. By the closing date, at the end of the November, an encouraging number of entries had been received. With the help of local author, Gill Lewis, the judging process began. There was merit in all pieces submitted but only three prize winners could shine. With the dawning of a new year a list of commended entrants arrived and three titles had emerged as being excellent examples of the short story writer’s craft. The organisers were thrilled to announce the first prize of a £100 had been awarded to Elizabeth Meyer of Gillingham for her poignant story ‘Her Favourite Place’. Two runners up have each received £50 for ‘Saving Grace’ by 18-year old India Waterhouse and

Castle Cary Library short story competition is an encouraging success Winner Liz Meyer (left) with organisers Janice Collins (right) and Gill Price

‘Reasonable Access’ the work of Sandra Crook who has had some success before in similar competitions. Gill Lewis said: ‘I was pleased to be invited to judge this super competition and have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the entries. All of the entrants should be very proud of their achievements.’ She said that it had been difficult to judge between many of the entries, they were very varied. Many just needed a little further work and editing to tighten up the story line. Gill hopes the entrants are encouraged to continue with their craft of writing. This year the competition will be open to young writers up to the age of 18. Further details will be soon be available from the Castle Cary Community Library. castlecarylibrary.org.uk

Songs from Patsy Cline,

Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton. A celebration of the music and songs of Ireland!

Sturminster Newton

FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS SAT 19TH MAR, 7:30PM Multi-award-winning folk duo from Dorset.

£22/ £20 conc

MOTHERING THURS 24T SUNDAY H MAR, (15) 7PM

Starring Olivia Colman,

Colin Firth and Josh

O’Connor. (15)

£5

S ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN AT 26TH MAR, 7:30PM

£21 www.stur-exchange.co.uk 01258 475137

THE EXCHANGE SAT NINEBARROW 2ND APR, 7:30PM

£18/ £16 U18s

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Arts & Entertainment

Top Zep tribute band plays farewell gig

by Lorraine Gibson

Tribute band extraordinaire, Whole Lotta Led have performed the iconic Stairway To Heaven more than any other band in the world, including Led Zeppelin. Since forming in 1996 they’ve led the field in Led Zep tributes but now, with over 1,600 shows to their name and in the wake of celebrating their 25th Anniversary last year, 2022 will see them preform their Farewell Tour. That’s the bad news. Now for the good news. Their postponed February gig at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster, is now rescheduled for Friday, March 11. This show is your last chance to lose yourself in the music of Led Zeppelin with these five musicians, dedicated to performing some of the best and most recognisable music ever written by one of the world’s greatest bands with skill, passion and respect. Even the mighty Jimmy Page commented on their final bow telling them: “You’re getting great reviews, I wish you all the best.” Online tickets £27.50, box office tickets £25 Bookings made via the box office incur a £1 booking fee per transaction (not per ticket)

A message to all Fashionistas: BLANDFORD FASHION MUSEUM AND TEA SHOP IS OPENING ITS DOORS FOR THE NEW SEASON ON 21ST FEBRUARY.

Come and see our new Displays. A 1950’s Fest to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Ballroom is full of Retro Magic from ball gowns to swimming costumes and coronation themed clothes. It is an unmissable exhibition. Delicious home made cakes and savoury snacks will once more be available. Opening Times: Open from mid – February to the last Saturday in November Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 4.30pm, Last entry half an hour before closing. Ticket Prices: Adults: £5.50 Concessions (Seniors 60+) £4.50 Students: (16+) £3.00 Under the age of 16yrs – free (must be accompanied by a fee paying adult) Friends of the Museum – free

01258 453006 Blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk

The fabulous fifties are celebrated in Blandford

By Carole Fornachon

Do you remember the 50s? Even if you don’t you will absolutely love a wallow in nostalgia at the Blandford Fashion Museum. It opened for its new season on February 21 with a stunning display of 1950s costumes designed to celebrate HM the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There are swimming costumes and sun suits (remember them!) a bridal dress and absolutely covetable evening wear for both men and women. Together with picnic flasks, straw hats, union jacks and other patriotic symbols. It is a triumph of Stella Walker, Museum Curator, and her team’s incredible hard work whilst overcoming the chaos of the renovations. There are other new displays including an exquisite 1907 Christening gown made by a French mother for her new baby boy.

Colour Inspired by Nature

The Gallery, Shaftesbury Arts Centre 16th – 22nd March 2022 10am – 4pm daily (Except Sunday 20th 11am – 4pm) Exhibition of oil paintings, prints and fused glass Lucy Erskine