Our Heritage Events

The Duffers Guide to History – Talk Steve Roberts

Thursday 9th January 2.00pm

Join us in this romp through 12,000 years of British and world history – so fasten your seat belts for a fast-paced ride! It’s the way History should be taught with all the major events in the correct order and plenty of surprises and laughs along the way.

Just right for the first talk of the New Year!

Tickets £6.00

Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.

Coach Trip to Parade House, Trowbridge Museum and Hill Brush Factory

wednesday 15th january 8.15am

Join us for a unique day out in historic Trowbridge. Starting with Parade House – a Grade I listed Georgian town house in the heart of the county town of Wiltshire.

It was completed in 1720 for a wealthy cloth merchant and is a fine and elegant building. Enjoy the delights of a ‘Bridgerton’ experience with refreshments on arrival then a private tour of the house, finished with lunch served on fine China.

News Flash – The house is about to be sold, so this is a one-off treat!

The day continues with a visit to Trowbridge Museum to learn about the history of this intriguing town which was built on wool and cloth. It’s then back on the coach to head home with a pit stop at The Hill Brush Company in Mere. This century-old family business has manufactured brushes of every sort through the years and is home to the first UK brush making museum, with a handy restaurant for an afternoon cuppa! (not included in the ticket price)

Tickets: £60.00

Meet: Details on ticket.

Dorchester and Maumbury Rings Walk – Approx 8 miles

thursday 23rd january 10.00Am

A fairly easy 8 mile walk in and around Dorchester town including the Neolithic henge Maumbury Rings and visiting the old haunts of some of Dorchester’s best known historical characters. Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. Allow time for tea and cake afterwards (not included in the ticket price).

Tickets £6.00

Meet: Details on ticket.

WWII Bournemouth – Talk by Hattie Miles

thursday 30th january 2.00pm

Hattie Miles tells the WWII story of Bournemouth through the eyes and memories of Portsmouth schoolboy, John Walker, who came to Bournemouth as a wartime evacuee. The seaside town he grew to love so much that he eventually made it his home.

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.

The Natural Quarry – Talk by David Boag, Photographer

wednesday 12th february 2.00pm

When David Boag was asked to photograph, write and design a book about the wildlife and natural beauty of a working quarry in Somerset, he was reluctant, because to him, quarries were places that destroyed the environment and were rubbish for wildlife – but he was wrong! It turned out to be an amazing project. Despite the significant challenges of working in that environment, he was surprised to discover an ecosystem with a wealth of flora and fauna which perfectly illustrates the web of life.

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.

Two Chines and Three Viewpoints Walk – Approx. 6.5 miles

thursday 20th February 10.00aM

Enjoy a local winter walk along Poole’s seafront and inner harbour starting at Canford Cliff Chine. Learn about a Folly on the Beach, visit 3 viewpoints with outstanding views of Poole Harbour and walk hidden footpaths in the Lilliput area. There will be some inclines and steps to negotiate but no stiles. Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. Allow time for tea and cake afterwards at Compton Acres (not included in the ticket price).

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Details on Ticket.

Visit to the Lush Green Hub

tuesday 11th MARCH 11.00am

The second chance to visit one of Dorset’s success stories – Lush is a truly innovative and pioneering company. Their ethos is a lifetime commitment to sustainability and zero waste and were one of the first to develop products that could be sold ‘naked’ without the need of any packaging. Join us on this tour of The Green Hub with the chance to look behind the scenes of their recycling plant (not the factory), before getting hands on making your own product to take home and enjoy.

Explore their one-of-a-kind shop, offering products as well as discounted repurposed sundries, furniture & packaging. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

Tickets £20.00

Meet: Details on ticket.

Hengistbury Head Walk – Approx 7 Miles

Thursday 13th March 10.00am

Starting on the cliff top in Southbourne, come and join us on a walk in this stunning area around Hengistbury Head. Enjoy coastal views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight and look out for signs of spring in the hedgerows and woods. At Mudeford Spit marvel at the most expensive beach hut ever to be marketed in the UK before returning via the outskirts of Christchurch with lovely views towards the town and the Priory. Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. Allow time for tea and cake afterwards at Compton Acres (not included in the ticket price).

Tickets: £6

Meet: Details on ticket.

The Historic Front Garden – Talk by Francis Burroughes

Thursday 27th March 2.00pm

From the Castles built by the nobility in the Middle Ages to the 1930s semi-detached, the Front Garden has always provided an arena for display and eccentricity. Here is a celebration of some of the most memorable and stunning examples of English gardening, some extremely grand, and some tiny, but all showing style and originality.

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.

A Potted History of Britain – Talk by Julian Richards

Friday 4th April 2.00pM

In this talk Julian Richards (of ‘Meet the Ancestors’ and Stonehenge fame) will explore the 6000-year history of ceramics in Britain, from the first pots of the early Neolithic to 21^st century high tech uses. This story explores changes in technology, in fashion and taste and in social history, along the way introducing some fascinating individuals. There will be an opportunity to handle pots and you are invited to bring along your own examples (British only please!).

Julian has recently been the guest curator at Salisbury Museum where he was responsible for the design of their new ceramics gallery.

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.

Walk through the Tarrants – 7.5 mile walk

thursday 24th April 10.00am

This walk along footpaths and bridleways of the picturesque Tarrant Valley, includes the Long Barrow at Pimperne, with its stunning location and the village of Tarrant Gunville with its church nestled down a tiny lane.There are no steep hills but there is some gentle undulation.  Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. Allow time for tea and cake afterwards. (not included in the ticket price).

Tickets: £6.00

Meet: Details on Ticket.

Building Bournemouth – an Architectural History – Walk with Hattie Miles

tuesday 29th April 10.30am

Join Hattie Miles for this guided walk that looks at Bournemouth’s architectural history. You’ll see Gothic Revival, iconic Art Deco and more. You will also discover how buildings have adapted and developed over their lifetimes and how some failed to survive. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for this walk that is on paved streets and pathways with some slopes and steps.

Tickets: £8.00

Meet: Details on Ticket.