All our talks begin promptly at 2.30pm except where shown. After the talk we hold a raffle, and then serve tea, coffee and biscuits. We'll usually finish by 4.00pm.

We make a small charge to cover our costs. This is £2.00 for members and £3.00 for non-members, which includes the refreshments.

The talks usually take place at one of two venues:

Swanage -We meet in the hall of All Saints Church, Ulwell Road BH19 1LL. There is a lay-by in front of the church and a small car park at the side. There is also usually plenty of space to park on-street nearby. Buses stop outside. Click here for a map.

 

Wareham -  We meet in Carey Hall, in Mistover Road, BH20 4BY, where there is ample FREE parking. Nearest bus stop is Wareham Station, about 300 yards away. On foot or by car, leave the station roundabout on Bere Road, turn immediately left onto Carey Road. Mistover Road is first right after 200 yards. The entrance to the Hall is between houses about 70 yards on the right hand side

Click here for a map.

We try to publicise the talks via:

• The 'Spotlight' section of The Purbeck Gazette, which is circulated free in the area monthly.

• The 'Events' pages of the Echo Newspapers website.

• The 'Events' pages of the Wessex fm website

• The What's On In Dorset website

• We also advertise them on posters in various locations.

We sometimes leave some past talks on this page to give an idea of the range of topics that we cover.

Details

We plan to restart our Talks in September 2021. Details will follow soon.

Gen Crisford has kindly agreed to be our speaker at our 2021 AGM if that's able to go ahead in April.

Members only, as the talk follows our AGM

AGM - Beavers in Studland? Following the introduction of Eurasian Beavers to several areas of the UK, the National Trust is exploring the feasibility of a wild reintroduction of these creatures to the Purbeck landscape. At the moment this is being studied by several groups acting in partnership. Gen Crisford, an Engagement Officer for the Trust will talk about the beavers themselves, the benefits and impacts of a release and the progress of the project to date, including management strategies and feedback from local communities.

My Family & Other Smugglers - Starting with legends about his own ancestors, historian, journalist and author Roger Guttridge traces the story of an illicit trade which dominated the Dorset coast and countryside for 150 years.

The Tale of Beatrix Potter - David Stocks will dispel some of the myths and misconceptions. His talk gives details of the life and family of this extraordinary Victorian. More than just a story-teller, she was an ecologist, mycologist and philanthropist.