Weymouth marches out to commemorate Civil War (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth marches out to commemorate Civil War

10:46am Friday 11th February 2011 in Stage By Ruth Meech

TAKE a step back in time in Weymouth next weekend as the town’s links to the Civil War are celebrated in no uncertain style.

At 11am next Saturday, February 19, the town’s re-enactment society will begin the long march from Church Ope Cove to Weymouth and from 8pm, local band The Dolmen will perform their war-inspired The Crabchurch Conspiracy album in its entirety at The Book Inn in High West Street.

On Sunday, February 20, there will be a shorter march starting at 11am at Sandsfoot Castle and at the same time, the Old Town Hall will be opened for refreshments and a Civil War display.

At noon, the marchers will reclaim the Old Town Hall Bell from Weymouth Museum at Brewers Quay, where it has been kept for several years, and take it home.

The two days promise to be a spectacular pageant of local history and colour.

Elsewhere in the county, the excellent Andy Grant Trio launches their latest CD Champagne on Beer Budget at Dorchester Arts centre tonight from 8pm. Tickets are £9.

If you can’t get there tonight, the band will be touring the region over the coming weeks.

At this most romantic time of year, you can also take time out to enjoy a special Valentine’s Fair at Dorset County Museum, Dorchester on Sunday from 10am - 3pm.

There will be live music, gorgeous food and gifts, jewellery, vintage wedding gowns and much more to bring out the old romantic in us all.

Chris Garrick, who last visited Dorset in January in the company of John Etheridge, is back in the county tomorrow to play violin with the Budapest Café Orchestra at Thornford village hall, near Sherborne.

The band has played several sell-out gigs in Dorset, so make sure you don’t miss their blistering blend of gypsy music, folk, ballads and more tomorrow.

The gig starts at 8pm and tickets are available by calling 01935 873762.