PLANNING is under way for West Dorset Arts Society's new season after coronavirus put paid to last season's programme.

Online meetings have been held during the lockdown to plan and it is hoped that the new programme will start in September.

It will include some of the lectures due to be held in March when the lockdown was imposed.

There will be a local flavour to events with a lecture on Arts and Crafts in Dorset and one on Lawrence of Arabia, whose Clouds Hill home was near Bovington. Internationally, the society will 'travel' to India looking at George Chinnery; to Mexico to explore its ancient cultures and will trace the Three Hare motif from the West Country to China. The group will hear about London’s stations looking at the history and architecture and for Christmas will enjoy a presentation on the Great British Pantomime.

The committee will also host a visit from the Queen’s Sculptor in Ordinary in a lecture on classical sculptures and a lecturer from Tate galleries will talk about the work and life of Lucien Freud.

The Arts Society is a national organisation which offers enjoyable opportunities to discover and support the arts.

The West Dorset branch plans to meet in Bridport Town Hall on the third Thursday of each month from September 2020 to June 2021 and visitors are always welcome.

Up to date information is available on the website www.taswestdorset.org.uk