BRANKSOME PARK: An Alpha course based on the new Alpha Film Series starts at All Saints’ Church hall in Western Road on Wednesday, January 16 at 7.30pm. All welcome for supper, a short talk and interactive discussions. For more details, email revcarolyncouzens@gmail.com or call 01202 701822.

BOSCOMBE: Boscombe Thrillers Readers Group meets at Boscombe Library on the first Thursday of the month from 3pm to 4pm.

BRANKSOME PARK: Stepping Stones is a monthly social walking group organised by members of All Saints’ Church. For further information, contact Daphne Anderson on 01202 767056.

STANPIT MARSH: The Friends of Stanpit Marsh are hosting a coffee morning at the visitor centre at 10.30am on Sunday, February 3. For more details, call 01202 477038.

WEST MOORS: The West Moors Horticultural Society will have an illustrated talk entitled The Shady Garden by Alan Edmonson at its next meeting on Monday January 14 at 2.30pm. It will take place at the Memorial Hall and non-members are welcome at a charge of £2.

Walk on wild side

SWANAGE: Wildlife photographer Julian Sawyer will be holding a photography walk at Durlston Country Park on January 27 at 10.30am. Costs £5 and booking is essential.

WIMBORNE: A knit and natter event is taking place at Wimborne Library on January 16 between 2pm and 4pm. The event is being hosted by Douch & Small Funeral Directors who will be providing tea and biscuits and free wool and patterns to get people started. The event will take place on the third Wednesday of each month.

CHRISTCHURCH: Music Mice meets in Priory House, Christchurch, from 9.15am to 11am on Monday, January 14 for stories, songs and noisy instruments for pre-school age children with their parents or carers.

CHRISTCHURCH: A Burns’ Night event is being held at The Kings Arms in Christchurch from 7pm on Saturday, January 26, with a four-course menu from Alex Aitken. Tickets are £27.50 per person, to include a welcome reception, four course meal, entertainment and DJ.

PURBECK: Join a coastal expert for a walk and a talk at Studland Bay on February 6.

Find out about how the sand dunes, beach and ecology of the bay has changed and what the future holds. The walk will be followed by a discussion in the Discovery Centre with tea and cake. Takes place between 1.30pm and 3pm.

HIGHCLIFFE: Highcliffe WI meets at 7pm on January 17 at the Community Centre in Lymington Road, Highcliffe. Speaker Paul Sandy will give a talk entitled Jewellery Hallmarking and Unusual Items, followed by refreshments and a quiz.