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Dates only on calendar ~ Please scroll down the page for full details of each event


>>>>>>   2024 BearCat Collective Diary   <<<<<<



>>>>>>>   Past Gigs, Shows, Training & SwapShops   <<<<<<<

​Worry Monster Workshop - Wednesday 24th January 1pm-3pm 2024

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Worry Monster Workshop

Lots of fabrics and craft supplies to choose from, feel free to bring your own to add too.
No experience necessary.
You can bring a sewing machine or use one of ours.
​Wednesday 24th January 1pm-3pm


Suggested contribution £5
*Booking Essential*


THE FIRST IN A SERIES that will be
​“Last Wednesday of The Month Afternoon Craft Workshops” 


Message us to reserve your place …
http://m.me/thehonestyjar

The Honesty Jar is a small, independent non-profit community reuse resource, run by volunteers, we open 10am-4pm six days a week (closed Wednesday) at Grassroots Garden & Aquatics Centre on the main road between Henstridge & Stalbridge (A357) BA8 0SA


Mosaic Art Workshop - Saturday 24th February 2024

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Mosaic Workshop
with Artist Dawn Handy

​Saturday 24th February 2024
​10.30am-1pm
​
£25, limited spaces available
Profits support The Honesty Jar Project
Refreshments included
​
Book
here > www.bearcatcollective.co.uk/Tickets

​at The Honesty Jar, Grassroots, Stalbridge Road, BA8 0SA


Fundraising Bingo in Henstridge - Sunday 25th Feb 4pm 2024

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See you there!
Sunday afternoon,
Henstridge Village Hall
25th February.
Doors 4pm, eyes down 4.30pm.
​

Raffle, Tombola & Kids Tombola too  
Refreshments & cake  

 
Bingo Prices
8 Game Book (6 books) = £8
(Free Entry to Grand Prizes x 2 - Hunt's Hamper &
£50 Hall&Woodhouse Voucher)
Final Prize Flyer = £2
Kids Special - 2 x Books = £3
Raffle = £3 a Strip
Tombola = £1 for 5 tickets
Kids Lucky Dip = 50p


Refreshments Available!
Pay by Cash or Card

Free entry fundraiser to support The Honesty Jar,
our small, local, independent, non-profit
community reuse project run by volunteers.


3D Felt Pictures Workshop - Wednesday 28th February 1pm-3pm

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3D Felt Pictures Workshop.
Lots of fabrics and craft supplies to choose from,
​feel free to bring your own to add too.
No experience necessary.
You can bring a sewing machine or use one of ours.
Wednesday 28th February 1pm-3pm

Suggested contribution £5 *Booking Essential*

One of our regular Last Wednesday of The Month Afternoon Craft Workshops 

Message us to reserve your place …
http://m.me/thehonestyjar

The Honesty Jar is a small, independent non-profit community reuse resource, run by volunteers, we open 10am-4pm six days a week (closed Wednesday) at Grassroots Garden & Aquatics Centre on the main road between Henstridge & Stalbridge (A357) BA8 0SA


Craft Workshops for Tinneys Youth Club Sherborne - 29th Jan to 11th March 2024

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BearCat Crafts at Tinneys Youth Club

🎾 £1 per session ⚽️ No need to sign up, just turn up 🎨

Mon 29th Jan - Badge Making & Nail Art
Mon 5th Feb - Paper Plate Loom Weaving
Mon 26th Feb - Marbled Shaving Foam Printing
Mon 4th Mar - Giant PomPoms
Mon 11th Mar - Tie Dye


Each week includes at least two activities such as indoor hockey, table tennis, cookery, pool, as well as arts and craft, plus outdoor games on floodlit multi-games area and playing field. Tuck shop & kitchen too 😀

Monday & Wednesdays
in term time 6:30pm to 8:30pm for ages 11 to 16 (Year 7 to 11).
Junior session on Mondays only 4pm to 6pm (Year 6).

Youth Club is weekly during term time, closed during school holidays.
Find us at Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, Tinneys Lane DT9 3DY


Grassroots Easter Fete - Saturday 30th March 2024

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​A gathering for the local community to say a huge thank you for your support.
Feel free to bring a chair or blanket.

Easter Bonnet Competition at 1pm
Easter Egg Hunt All Day! (£1)
Garden Games, Face Painting, Stalls

Family Friendly Craft Workshops


The Cafe will be Open
Hot Food, Cakes, Hot & Cold Drinks

at Grassroots Garden Centre, Henstridge BA8 0SA

Parking is limited, so please walk, cycle, or car share if you can


The Magic Teapot Gathering - Bruton - 2nd-5th May 2024

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Our first PopUp SwapShop of the year!

We're delighted that the all-acoustic Magic Teapot Gathering with The Magic Teapot is returning to Field 725 Camping

One of the highlights of our season and such a wonderful way to begin the year.

This year's event is a little bigger and once more marks Beltane in the traditional British calendar.
Come along, make music and enjoy the great vibes of a really lush weekend.

www.magicteapotgathering.co.uk


Summer Specials Focus On Youth Workshops for Tinneys Youth Club Sherborne

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​BearCat Crafts at Tinneys Youth Club

🎾 £1 per session ⚽️ No need to sign up, just turn up 🎨


​13th, 20th May
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th June
1st July

Each week includes at least two activities such as indoor hockey, table tennis, cookery, pool, as well as arts and craft, plus outdoor games on floodlit multi-games area and playing field. Tuck shop & kitchen too 😀

Monday & Wednesday
in term time 6:30pm to 8:30pm for ages 11 to 16 (Year 7 to 11).
Junior session on Mondays only 4pm to 6pm (Year 6).

Youth Club is weekly during term time, closed during school holidays.
Find us at Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, Tinneys Lane DT9 3DY


Green Scythe Fair - Sunday 9th June 2024 -BearCat Craft & Swap Tent : 11am-11pm

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Fabulous kids area with activities throughout the day,
including the BearCat Craft & Swap Tent


Magical one day environmental fair in a beautiful setting on the Somerset Levels
run entirely by volunteers on wind, sun and muscle power.

Excellent live music, over 70 stalls displaying traditional skills,
crafts and produce, lively environmental debates, delicious organic local food,
and a variety of the best ales and ciders.


Tickets are in ADVANCE ONLY
Info on their website includes the beginners' and improvers' Scything courses happening on the two days before the big event. 


www.greenfair.org.uk

​
Thorney, Langport TA10 0DW


Petherton Folk Festival - Saturday 15th June 2024 - BearCat Craft & Swap Tent

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The BearCat Tent is back...
12 years since our first PethFest!


Bringing an eclectic mix of
Face Painting, SwapShop, ToySwap plus Natural & Recycled Crafts

Swap, Fix, Exchange, Share, Mend, ReCycle, ReUse
Find us in the Church Grounds - entrance is from the Market Square, or steps up from St James Street
Hele Ln, South Petherton TA13 5DQ

A one day folk festival in the beautiful village of South Petherton in Somerset -
10am - 6.30pm

www.pethertonfolkfest.org.uk
www.facebook.com/pethertonfolkfest


Saturday 29th June 2024 - Two Bean Stew in Cole’s Yard Courtyard, Lunchtime Music & Pizza

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Live acoustic music & scrumptious food  
Your chance to have a fabulous, family-friendly afternoon, support local independent traders and original live music.

'Two Bean Stew' playing live  in Cole’s Yard Courtyard, Lunchtime Gig with freshly made Pizza  
This Saturday 29th June 1pm, off Wincanton High Street in the Applegarth Emporium BA9 9JP.

Catch these magic beans, blending melodies and harmonies as they entwine fiddle, banjo, ukulele, guitar and vocals over self penned songs with Americana/folk vibes.


Fundraising Bingo in Henstridge - Sunday 30th June 4pm 2024

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See you there!
Sunday afternoon, Henstridge Village Hall
30th June 2024
Doors 4pm, eyes down 4.30pm.
Raffle, Tombola & Kids Tombola too 
Refreshments & cake
 
Bingo Prices
8 Game Book (6 books) = £8
Final Prize Flyer = £2
Kids Special - 2 x Books = £3
Raffle = £3 a Strip
Tombola = £1 for 5 tickets
Kids Lucky Dip = 50p
Refreshments Available!
Pay by Cash or Card

Free Entry Fundraiser to support the Honesty Jar,
​a small, local, independent, nonprofit community reuse project run by volunteers.


Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - Fri 12th to Sun 14th July 2024 - BearCat SwapShop & Crafts

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Find the BearCat Tents in the enclosed kids area ...
SwapShop, Toy Swap & Recycled Crafts


BearCat Tent in the Kids Area is open:-
Friday: 13:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 18:00

The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival is a unique event.

Over the weekend there will be lots of debates and discussions on a wide range of topics. Controversial subjects will be tackled. Leading speakers will inform, captivate, inspire, argue with, rant at and challenge us. Between or even instead of the politics there will be a diverse mixture of some cracking music. Many performers will reflect the exciting burst of radical new talent that is emerging. Some old favourites will be there too. The Sunday welcomes lots more people who come for the day and the grand procession of banners through the village.


tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival

Near Dorchester DT2 7EH


Thurs 25th July 7pm - Interactive family theatre show at Shaftesbury Abbey

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​Age guide 4+
It’s Dorset in the Dark Ages. Join us in ‘The Pilgrims Inn’ as our merry company rests for the evening on their journey to Edwards shrine in Shaftesbury, entertaining each other – and everyone else - with Tales of murder and miracles, music and mayhem.

​Every show is different, with its own unique cast and Tales.
This show will feature Tales performed by Sturminster Newton Amateur Dramatic Society and children from Shaftesbury Primary School. Even Elvis the horse is part of the pilgrimage!
And...
If you’d like to perform in the show too, please come along to the FREE afternoon workshop – just select a ‘workshop + performance’ ticket. Suitable for all ages; no unaccompanied children
FREE workshop: 4pm – 5pm
Doors open – 6pm, Show starts - 7pm
Running time - approx 75 minutes (no interval)

This is an outdoor performance. Do arrive early to pick your spot, bring a chair/cushion/blanket/whatever you need to be comfortable and prepared for the weather!
Tickets £6 to £10 Ticket Link
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Bridport Folk Festival - 26th-28th July 2024

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BearCat Craft Tent & SwapShop


www.bridportfolkfestival.com

https://www.facebook.com/BridportFolkFestival​

Mountfield/Rax La, Bridport DT6 3JP


The Green Gathering - Thur 1st to Sun 4th August 2024

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A festival beyond hedonism, powered by wind, sun and people.

BearCat Collective shenanigans in the Kids Area! Make Giant Pom-Poms, Willow Lanterns, Tie Dye Bandannas, Wool Weavings and more. Find heaps of treasure in the ToySwap (Big SwapShop for grown-ups too!) Help to create a Group Story & act it out with props and costumes … Fun Drama Games, Silly Party Games, Talent Show & Giant Bubbles. Build a Willow Story Den. Relax with Storytime in the BookSwap. Ssshh!... Don’t mention the Bear Pit full of cuddly toys!

BearCat Swap & Craft Tents, Plus Drama Stage in the Kids Area
10am – 5pm every day...

Natural & Recycled Crafts
SwapShop & ToySwap
BookSwap & Story Space
Drama Workshops & Talent Show
Build a Willow Story Den
Drama Games & Party Games
Giant Bubbles


The Green Gathering, Piercefield Park, Chepstow NP16 6BE
http://www.greengathering.org.uk

Focus On Youth Week - Summer Activities & Trips for 10-16yr olds - 5th-9th August 2024

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A week of Low Cost Activities during the Summer Holidays
for (Year 7 to 11 – 10yrs to 16yrs) 

Sport, Crafts, Drama, Music, Trips & Family FunDay

Organised by Bearcat Collective & Tinney's Youth Club
at Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre SAYCC

A full programme of events is being finalised
and will be published soon.


Youth Club is weekly during term time
Mondays & Fridays 6:30pm to 8:30pm for age 11 to 16 (Year 7 to 11).
Junior session on Mondays only 4pm to 6pm (Year 6).

Find us at Sherborne Area Youth & Community Centre, Tinneys Lane DT9 3DY

facebook.com/tinneysyc​


Steampunk & Classic Cars - Sunday 11th August 2024

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HALF PRICE ENTRY FOR VISITORS FULLY DRESSED IN STEAMPUNK STYLE!!!
11TH AUGUST 2024 - 10.30AM -3.30PM
​AT YEOVIL RAILWAY CENTRE ,Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9UU

Unlimited steam train rides on our 1/3rd of a mile track, two model railway layouts to view, miniature railway to ride on, BBQ, entertainment including award winning storyteller, trade stalls, cog treasure hunt, steampunk cardboard car races, cafe, railway shop and more.

Steam Train Day using ‘Pectin’ to give train rides along the 1/3rd mile of the ex-Great Western Railway Clifton Maybank branch. Passengers travel in historic brake van vehicles or coach. Coach is accessible via ramp for standard size Wheelchair and other users.
Trains run every 20 minutes (except for a lunch break) and visitors can enjoy unlimited trips on the day as well as on the Miniature Railway.
Steam Train rides (from Platform) at 11.00, 11.20, 11.40, 12.00, 12.20.
Break for lunch (Miniature Railway continues to operate) 13.50, 14.10, 14.50, 15.10, 15.30

Other planned attractions include a Shop, Light Refreshments, Model Railway and exhibits and displays (including demonstrations of the turntable).
Turntable Demonstrations 12.40 and 14.30 (Please go through Transfer Shed/Visitor Centre to special viewing area for a commentary)

Admission (including Steam Train and Miniature Railway rides) £12.50 per adult, £6per child (aged 5-15) children 4 and under are admitted free. One Child (aged 5-15) is admitted FREE with a full paying adult. (Gate open at 10.30am and train rides start at 11am. Last admission 3.20pm. With last train at 3.30pm. Close at 4pm). Members are also admitted free.


Regular Train Days are held March to September. Prior to many of our Steam Train Days we run a Driver Experience event' These have to be pre-booked and are very popular. Please get in contact for more details.

Free parking on site (subject to availability) – go to Yeovil Junction station, BA22 9UU and turn right under the low bridge halfway up the station approach road – look out for large ‘Yeovil Railway Centre’ sign and arrow


Purbeck Valley Folk Festival - 15th to 18th August 2024

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The BearCat 'Flollop Lounge' will be visiting Purbeck Velley Folk Festival, packed full of storytelling adventures, Yay!

Plus BearCat Collective shenanigans in the Kids Area! Make Giant Pom-Poms, Willow Lanterns, Tie Dye Bandannas, Wool Weavings and more. Find heaps of treasure in the ToySwap (Big SwapShop for grown-ups too!) Relax with Storytime in the BookSwap. Ssshh!... Don’t mention the Bear Pit full of cuddly toys!

Natural & Recycled Crafts
SwapShop & ToySwap
BookSwap & Story Space
Storytelling

See you there!


facebook.com/purbeck.folk

www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

​
Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle, Valley Rd, Wareham BH20 5HU


The Honesty Jar SwapShop - Fun Fundraising Summer Clearance Weekend

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To celebrate the PopUp SwapShop coming home from the summer tour,
we’re bringing the festival experience to Grassroots
for a special fundraising clearance weekend with family-friendly craft workshops too  

For one weekend… “Shop don’t Swap!”
Our volunteers have sorted lots of lovely end of season treasures,
so bag yourself heaps of fabulous bargains & join in the fun activities 
No set prices on anything! ... Pop a contribution in ‘The Jar’
to keep this local non-profit community resource sustainable.
We accept cash, PayPal and card

​www.bearcatcollective.co.uk/the-honesty-jar.html

The Cafe will be Open too for Hot Food, Cakes, Hot & Cold Drinks
All in the gardens at Grassroots Garden Centre, Henstridge
on the main road between Henstridge & Stalbridge (A357) BA8 0SA
(The Honesty Jar is open 10am to 4pm six days a week, closed Wednesdays.)


Santa's Grotto at The Honesty Jar December 2024

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Santa at
Grassroots in Henstridge


​Every child is gifted with a wrapped book and also a toy suitable for their age range. 

2024 DATES 
Sat 7th, Sun 8th
Sat 14th, Sun 15th
Sat 21st, Sun 22nd
PLUS MONDAY 23rd


Saturdays & Sundays in December visit Santa 1pm-3pm,
suggested contribution £3-£6 per chid.

This Grotto is run by The Honesty Jar is a small, independent non-profit community reuse resource, run by volunteers, we open 10am-4pm six days a week (closed Wednesday) at Grassroots Garden & Aquatics Centre on the main road between Henstridge & Stalbridge (A357) BA8 0SA 

Here are some memories from the last three years…
bearcatcollective.co.uk/santas-grotto.html


2023 diary
2022 diary
2021 diary
2020 diary
2019 diary
2018 diary
2017 Diary
2016 diary
2015 Diary
2014 diary

2013 diary
2012-2009
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BearCat Collective is a not-for-profit group of skilled professionals and trained volunteers bringing accessible, hands-on family education and entertainment to local community venues across Wessex

Live Music - Health & Social Care Training - Craft Workshops
Family Activities - SwapShop - ToySwap

Contributions to The Honesty Jar

Donate
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Our Projects are Supported by :-
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BearCat working in partnership with:-
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