History

"History" where this group is concerned covers a wide variety of things. Activities consist mainly of outings (members generally making own travel arrangements) to fairly local places of interest, interspersed with coffee mornings plus a talk of some kind at Pat Ashworth's
house in Blandford. The speaker may be a member of the group, or anyone who can be persuaded to come and talk to a small group about anything of interest. It is a very informal friendly group. About 12 - 20 usually go on outings, 20 - 26 (maximum) support coffee mornings.

Autumn 2011 Update: We are almost at the end of another year of visits to places of historical and general interest interspersed with the occasional talk at our coffee mornings held in Pat Ashworth’s home in Blandford.

January saw us visiting Wimborne Minster for a guided tour of this beautiful building and a fascinating talk given by Frank Tandy in the Chained Library (one of only four surviving libraries of its kind in the world).  In February we retreated indoors for coffee and a much enjoyed illustrated talk on The Royal Flying Corps given by Fred Hoskins.

In March we went by coach to Bridport and then on to the village of Chideock where after lunch in the museum attached to the Church of Our Lady,  which is a Pilgrimage Shrine, Professor Denys Brunsden told us of the history surrounding the Dorset Martyrs.  Seven men from the village (three priests and four laymen suffered cruel executions in Dorchester between 1587 and 1642 because of their catholic faith.  The fine intriguing church– the inspiration of Charles Weld who not only designed it but did much of its ornate decoration – is a memorial to these men.

April saw us out and about again following Graham Le Pard (DCC) on one of his excellent Three Churches Walks and Talks – Shroton, Iwerne Minster and Sutton Waldron.    This was followed in May by an excellent guided tour of The Russell Coates Art Gallery and Musuem in Bournemouth.

We were grateful to Judy and Bob Adams in June for coming to us suitably clothed for the Civil War period.  As members of the English Civil War they regularly take part in enactments.  Their talk gave us an understanding of the complicated historical background – the 30 Years’ War in Europe,, problems with Ireland etc., and religious difference between catholics and protestants – leading to the war here.  Food, clothing, musket training for army recruits together some of the dangers and and unpleasantnesses of day-to-day living made for an interesting and informative morning.

We couldn’t let the very special Constable Exhibition come to Salisbury without a visit from a good group of us in July.  And after a “free” month in August, we had the benefit of a  blue-badge guided  walk in Weymouth.  However much we think we know a local town, there is always something new to see and so far we have always had reasonable weather for these outings!

October was really busy – there was an unexpected opportunity for visits to Edward Heath’s lovely house in The Close, Salisbury filled with memorabilia covering all aspects of his life, and shortly afterwards two groups of us visited the RNLI Training College in Poole.  All agreed that this was a most interesting and enjoyable visit particularly the opportunity to experience the amazing simulator used for part of the training of life-boat crews.

November brings the Historical Group’s year to an end.  This time a talk and presentation about Gilbert and Sullivan – given by one of our own members Geoff Barnett.   Who knows – perhaps we shall all be singing!

TO conclude – Another programme is being planned for 2012.  The group is still very full, but it is always worthwhile giving Pat Ashworth a ring – or e’mailing her on: pat_in_endellionathotmail.co.uk if you think you would enjoy coming on group outings.  Occasionally there is space for a coffee morning talk, but priority is always given to long-standing members of the group.

Pictures from the visit to Christchurch and Priory - March 2010: