Will shown by group that’s upset weak conservationists (9)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK: Sing along to some Irish classics and Rat Pack belters

Fairy tale shows look set to pack ’em in

By Faith Eckersall

Last Christmas may seem like only two minutes away – but Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre has already released dates for some of its most anticipated Christmas 2022 shows which are open for booking. On Friday, November 18 The Rat Pack will be Swingin’ At The Sands, featuring stars of the West End hit The Rat Pack, Live From Las Vegas. Emulating the Kings of Cool - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr - this stylish, fully-choreographed show includes favourites such as Fly Me To The Moon, Mr Bojangles and That’s Amore, not to mention New York, New York and My Way. Meanwhile, on December 20, 2022, direct from the West End of London, Fairytale Of New York flies in. The feel-good Irish-inspired show features favourite Christmas songs alongside some of the greatest Irish sing-a-longs of all time. More details from lighthouse poole.co.uk/whats-on/2022.

Snowdrops are waiting

It’s time to visit the annu al display of snowdrops growing in the ancient churchyard at St Georges Church in Damerham, near Fordingbridge. The church and its grounds will be open this weekend, February 12 and 13, from noon until 4pm each day. Inside there will be various stalls and refreshments.

The STURMINSTRELS

Let us entertain you!

60s & 70s music, Crafty way to research family history

The Museum of East Dorset has announced two upcoming events. The first is ‘Getting Started in Family History – A workshop on the basics’ which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, February 12, from 10am to 4pm. Family history is a fascinating and increasingly popular hobby and thanks to the many records available, it’s easy to get started. With knowledgeable support and advice from local members of the Somerset & Dorset Family History Society, you can begin to trace the history of your family. They will show you how to start a family tree and introduce you to research sites on the internet, also make use of any resources you can bring along. Although this is a one-off starter workshop, the muesum hopes to have some follow-up shorter sessions. Booking is essential. Visit: museumofeastdorset.co.uk/ project/getting-started-in-familyhistory-a-workshop-on-the-basics/

Then on Monday, February 21, there is a Craft & Chat Afternoon being held from 2.30pm-4pm. This friendly group of like-minded crafters meet on the third Monday of the month for a natter and a hot drink. Bring along your latest project – they’ve had everything from bead work to painting – all are welcome. Cost is £1.50 per person. For more information and to book see: museumof eastdorset.co.uk/project/ craftchatafternoon/

Come and join choir

Verwood’s ladies choir The Fayrewood Singers is up and running again and we would love some new voices to join us!, writes Linda Pearson. We’re a happy lot and we sing all kinds of music in two and three parts. We’re at last working towards a concert at the end of April after a very long break due of course to Covid. If you like to sing as much as we do, then come along and try us out on a Tuesday afternoon at the Verwood Hub - you’ll be most welcome. No auditions. Singing together lifts the spirits, and is so good for you! For more info ring Linda on 01202 280491. Hive workshop You can make your own Top Bar Hive workshop at Bere Marsh Farm on Saturday, February 19, from 9.30am-4.30pm. Cost is £240 (half the price of a readymade hive). Early booking is advised from 07398 706131.

Garage sale

There is a garden/garage sale of Victorian chimney pots, tools, plants, furniture pots, china and pictures at 7 Duncliffe View, East Stour on February 19 & 20.

Jazz concert

Cheap Street church in Sherborne is hosting a jazz gig featuring the Sunset Cafe Stompers, on Wednesday, February 23, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15.00 and are in aid of The Rendezvous. Book by email only: raymondwood1949@gmail.com.

Looking forward to spring

Following the popular January coffee morning, Verwood Afternoon Townswomens Guild members look forward to a spring lunch in April. The guild will also take part in June’s Verwood Jubilee Celebration. Mike Webber entertained at the recent meeting with his talk on New Zealand, The Land Of The Long White Cloud. He took members on a journey down both the North and South islands, the ocean between the two being possibly the roughest in the world, and the whole country riven with volcanoes and earthquakes. New Zealand officially became a British Colony in 1840. For guild info call Judi on 07787 386153.

CHILL OUT WITH A SINGING BOWL SOUNDBATH

Sunday 13th Feb, 2-4pm The Scout Hall, Redcotts Lane, Wimborne BH21 1JX £15

Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning take you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body.