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 are restarting our Talks in September 2021.

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.

T E Lawrence Photographer of History - Howard and Sylvia Oliver will describe the life of T E Lawrence from his childhood and university days in Oxford through his research and expeditions as an archaeologist in Syria, his wartime exploits in Arabia and later reclusive life at Clouds Hill. They will draw extensively on his photographs and will include readings from his letters and books. There will also be a display of photographs, publications and related artworks.

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.

The Workings of The Law - His Honour Richard Bond After nearly 30 years at the Bar, dealing mainly with cases involving children, Richard was appointed a Circuit Judge. In 2001 he was appointed the Designated Family Judge for Dorset. For seven years he was the Course Director for Family matters at the Judicial College. He retired in 2015.  Richard will explain how the family justice system makes life-changing decisions, balancing conflicting needs and desires whilst the system itself is under strain.