New Stour & Avon, August 11, 2023 39
stouravonmagazine.co.uk
Arts & Entertainments
Of shipwrecks and secret gardens Learn about by Faith Eckersall From shipwrecks to secret gardens, beginner’s Italian to Christmas calligraphy, East Dorset Heritage Trust has lined up a fascinating programme of public and member talks and events to brighten up the autumn. On Thursday, September 28 at 2pm, at Allendale House, Wimborne, Anne Brown will be giving a talk on Courtroom Drama – focusing on the historic Shire Hall in Dorchester, the centre of justice and local government from 1797 to 1955. The Georgian courtroom was the scene of famous and infamous trials throughout this period, from the internationallysignificant Tolpuddle Martyrs, to Martha Brown, said to be the inspiration for Hardy’s Tess Of The D’Ubervilles. The talk will also feature stories of the ordinary Dorset men, women and children who found themselves in the dock during the 19th century.
These included child offenders, smugglers, and alleged witches. On Wednesday, September 6, at 10am there is a Friends-only visit to Carey’s Secret Garden, detailing how the 40-year project to retore this garden was completed. Tuesday, September 14 sees a talk on the Mortar Wreck, which was discovered during a dive just outside Poole Harbour. Taking place at Allendale
House, Tom Cousins will cover the mysterious grave slabs from this vessel, which were found on the seabed. The Trust is also running walks during this time, including one covering Moreton and Lawrence of Arabia, an eightmiler which follows some of the Lawrence of Arabia Trail, on Thursday, September 12. Other walks will visit Durdle Door and cove, and Iwerne Minster. Also in September, the Trust is running a five-week pottery throwing course, as well as one on Life Drawing, and classes in Italian, French and Spanish. There will also be a writing course, to help you get started on that novel or memoir, as well as Modern Calligraphy Christmas Cards with tutor Jo Malyon, on November 17. For more details on these events, as well as a host of other courses, visits and walks. Visit edht.org.uk.
Roman life as a soldier
If you’ve ever wondered what the Romans did for us, you can find out all about it from a ‘real’ Roman soldier at the historic villa of Rockbourne over the summer. John Smith is a costumed interpreter with more than 40 years’ experience as an archaeologist and curator. He is spending the summer chatting about all aspects of Roman life, military and domestic, at the villa, which is near Fordingbridge. There is an entry fee but John’s sessions don’t have to be booked. You can find him at Rockbourne on Saturday and Sunday August 19 and 20, Sunday August 27 and September 2,3,9,10,23 and 24, as well as October 1, the last day of the season. Visit hampshireculture.org.uk/ rockbourne-roman-villa for more information.
New Autumn/Winter Day Excursions Brochure out now - call or email for a copy Upcoming Day Excursions 5 Sep RHS Wisley Flower Show 10 Sep Abbotsbury Plant Fair 13 Sep Buckler’s Hard & Cruise 15 Sep Sherborne Castle 20 Sep Hillier Gardens 28 Sep Lunch Club: Rising Sun 4 Oct Gunwharf Quays 6 Oct Knitting & Stitching Show
7 Oct Pecorama & Seaton Trams 12 Oct Lunch Club: Avon Causeway 18 Oct Stourhead 19 Oct Hampton Court Palace 29 Oct Bombay Sapphire Distillery 10 Nov Classic Motor Show 14 Nov Lunch Club: The Drift 18 Nov Glastonbury Carnival
Call 01202 892202 or go online to book Pick up points in Wimborne, West Moors, Ferndown,Verwood & Ringwood
01202 892202 | info@heathsidetravel.co.uk www.heathsidetravel.co.uk