BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blandford Town Museum - ECPv6.17.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Blandford Town Museum REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T210000 DTSTAMP:20260505T081756Z CREATED:20260501T171032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T081756Z UID:7126-1779996600-1780002000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Barrows and burials: two prehistoric sites in Wiltshire DESCRIPTION:Our last lecture before the summer will be given by Clare Randall from Cotswold Archaeology. \nExcavations by Cotswold Archaeology on two sites over the last few years have added to our understanding of the burial practices in Wiltshire during the Bronze Age\, Iron Age and Roman period. Burials and bodies from Wroughton and Netherhampton Road near Salisbury have provided archaeological and scientific information which complements the current developing understanding the people of later prehistory. \nThe Museum Archaeology Group lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-barrows-and-burials/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260424T210000 DTSTAMP:20260405T072633Z CREATED:20260405T072633Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260405T072633Z UID:6594-1777059000-1777064400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: The history and craft of Rushwork on the River Stour DESCRIPTION:In this illustrated talk\, Anna Lewington will give an overview of the history of rush cutting and rushwork as practised historically on the River Stour in the vicinity of Marnhull. She will also describe the project ‘RushWorks’ she set up in 2006 in order to try and keep the local knowledge and practise of working with rushes alive\, an activity still continued today with an annual rush harvest and workshops run from her home in Sturminster Newton. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\nAnna is an ethnobotanist and writer who has been researching and writing about importance of plants to people for many years. Her interest developed as an undergraduate student and led to her study of Amerindian languages and culture at St Andrews university\, and her thesis on the importance of the root crop manioc to the Matsigenka Indians of the Peruvian Amazon. She is the author of two editions of ‘Plants For People’\, a comprehensive study of the ways in which products from plants support our daily lives\, first written at the invitation of the Royal Botanic Gardens\, Kew\, and subsequently described as ‘a complete inspiration to the Eden Project’. She has also co-authored ‘Ancient Trees: Trees that Live for Thousand Years’\, studied the cultural importance of birch trees (‘Birch’ 2018) and written several educational books on rainforests and the importance of plants for children. \nAnna’s interest in the history of rushwork began following involvement with a Kew project to evaluate the commercial importance of plant resources in Britain. Alongside much local research she has taken part in numerous basketry courses\, been inspired by rush cutter and maker Felicity Irons and is a member of the Basketmakers’ Association. \nTea and coffee will be available from 7 pm\, the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £8 (£5 for Museum members\, free to Friends and Patrons) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-the-history-and-craft-of-rushwork-on-the-river-stour/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T210000 DTSTAMP:20260420T100119Z CREATED:20260414T102510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T100119Z UID:7019-1776972600-1776978000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Cancelled: Archaeology Group Lecture DESCRIPTION:Unfortunately our speaker for Thursday evening is unwell and is not able to come to Blandford to give our monthly lecture. He is very sorry and we will reschedule him for the Autumn. \nWe look forward to seeing you next month for our last lecture before the summer. \nThe Museum Archaeology Group lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-the-durrington-anomalies-hiding-in-plain-site/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260327T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260327T210000 DTSTAMP:20260305T093406Z CREATED:20260305T092944Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T093406Z UID:6931-1774639800-1774645200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: Blandford's Corn Exchange Renvovation DESCRIPTION:Linda Scott-Giles\, Town Clerk to Blandford Forum Town Council\, will deliver a talk on the Corn Exchange project and the works undertaken to this stunning Grade I listed building managed by the Town Council. Linda will present an overview of the scheme\, outlining the rationale behind the project\, the key objectives\, and the outcomes achieved. The presentation will explain how the works have carefully restored and preserved original architectural features in keeping with the building’s historic significance\, while also improving accessibility to ensure the space can be more widely used and enjoyed by the community. In addition\, it will highlight the measures introduced to enhance environmental performance\, creating a more energy-efficient and sustainable building without compromising its heritage value. \nPlease note that this event will take place in the Town Hall\, on the first floor of the Corn Exchange – a venue befitting the subject of the talk! \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\nTea and coffee will be available from 7 pm\, the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £8 (£5 for Museum members\, free to Friends and Patrons) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring 2026. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-blandfords-corn-exchange-renvovation/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Hall\, The Corn Exchange\, Market Place\, DT11 7AG\, Blandford Forum\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260326T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260326T210000 DTSTAMP:20260306T153056Z CREATED:20260306T153056Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T153056Z UID:6958-1774553400-1774558800@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Social and genetic transformation in southern England\, 2500 BC DESCRIPTION:In this talk\, Edrys Lupprian of the Blandford Museum Archaeology Group presents a biosocial model arising from her research into the arrival of Beaker-using peoples and metal technology between 2500-2200 BC. \nAround 2500BC Britain moved out of the Stone Age with the appearance of metal technology\, Beaker style pottery and a change in lifeway. Genetic evidence shows that the Late Neolithic lifeway and genome was replaced by that of people carrying Steppe Ancestry. Edrys will explore how and why this social and genetic might have taken place\, using information from Cranborne Chase and Stonehenge. \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-social-and-genetic-transformation-in-southern-england-2500-bc/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260227T210000 DTSTAMP:20260217T164827Z CREATED:20260101T142941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T164827Z UID:6590-1772220600-1772226000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: The Voyages of Molly DESCRIPTION:London\, Liverpool and Bristol are well known for their involvement in the trading of enslaved people\, but many smaller British ports were also engaged in this trade. Some of Dorset’s ports saw slaving voyages\, with one such voyage taking place in 1758 by a ship called Molly sailing from Poole. This voyage lasted for more than half a year\, delivering a number of slaves to a port in America\, and then returning to Britain with a cargo of valuable commodities. Molly made several voyages over the decade of the 1750s and using Lloyd’s Lists for the period it is possible to piece together some of Molly’s journeys. But Molly was just one ship making a handful of voyages out of a total of more than 12\,000 voyages by British flagged ships. What was Molly’s fate\, how was it procured and how did Molly’s voyages fit into the wider “triangular trade?” \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\nThe talk will be given by Steve Richardson\, who has taught Geography in Skipton\, Vancouver\, Lyme Regis\, Bristol and Blandford\, and more recently has been researching Dorset’s maritime heritage. His previous talk: “A Ship\, a Gate\, and a Country Estate” opened a window into some of Dorset’s imperial connections. \nTea and coffee will be available from 7 pm\, the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £8 (£5 for Museum members\, free to Friends and Patrons) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring and Autumn 2026. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-the-voyages-of-molly/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T210000 DTSTAMP:20260202T113346Z CREATED:20260202T113346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T113346Z UID:6842-1772134200-1772139600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: In the Shadow of the Church DESCRIPTION:In the summer of 2025\, Context One Heritage & Archaeology excavated over 80 burials a short distance from St Mary’s Church in Iwerne Minster. The remains form part of an extensive Anglo-Saxon cemetery that may have been in use for over 400 years and likely relate to a minster that it is believed to have been founded in the late 7th century. In this talk\, Context One director Richard McConnell presents the initial findings of the excavation and proposes some thoughts on what they might mean. \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-in-the-shadow-of-the-church/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260122T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260122T210000 DTSTAMP:20260108T134216Z CREATED:20260108T134216Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T134216Z UID:6778-1769110200-1769115600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Waddon Hill: A Roman Fort in West Dorset DESCRIPTION:Our first lecture of 2026 will be given by Dr Jon Milward\, Bournemouth University’s Archaeology Project Officer. \nWaddon Hill\, west Dorset\, has a Roman fort sited on the Ridgeway. Does it represent a hostile and violent conquest by the Romans? Did it supplant an Iron Age hill fort? What were the military actually doing in the roughly 10 years they occupied it and how does it relate to other near by forts? \n\nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures on a range of facinating archaeological topics by local experts and academics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-waddon-hill-a-roman-fort-in-west-dorset/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251128T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251128T210000 DTSTAMP:20251110T181644Z CREATED:20251110T171050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T181644Z UID:6466-1764358200-1764363600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: Echoes of Christmas Past DESCRIPTION:Join us to kick off the festive season with a look back at the customs and entertainments of Christmasses past in Blandford and around. There will be short talks and readings\, traditional West Gallery carols\, and a display of Christmas-related items and pictures from the museum. \nFestive drinks and light refreshments will be available from 7 pm\, and the talks will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £6 (free to Friends and Patrons of the Museum) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-echos-of-christmas-past/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251127T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251127T210000 DTSTAMP:20251120T161033Z CREATED:20251110T174816Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T161033Z UID:6481-1764271800-1764277200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Big Pits and Big Game DESCRIPTION:Professor Josh Pollard from Southampton University will talk about pitfall traps and the hunting of large animals in prehistoric Britain. More details to follow soon… \n\nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures on a range of facinating archaeological topics by local experts and academics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-big-pits-and-big-game/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251024T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251024T210000 DTSTAMP:20250924T074823Z CREATED:20250922T084553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T074823Z UID:6042-1761334200-1761339600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: Railways in Blandford DESCRIPTION:In the first Friday talk of our Autumn 2025 season\, we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first passenger railway service in the world with audio and video memories of our local railways. There will also be readings of railway poetry. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n\nOctober’s talk will not be on the last Friday of the month to avoid clashing with the Hallowe’en Spooktacular event at Angus Wood. \nRefreshments will be available from 7 pm\, and the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £6 (free to Friends and Patrons of the Museum) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-railways-in-blandford/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251023T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251023T210000 DTSTAMP:20251013T084428Z CREATED:20250922T083611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T084428Z UID:6039-1761247800-1761253200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Ripples in the Gene Pool that made us who are we DESCRIPTION:We are delighted to welcome back the archaeologist and TV presenter Julian Richards for this month’s lecture. \nWhat do we expect when we send off a DNA test that offers to trace our distant ancestry? The reality is that the majority of us are an amazing\, but perhaps un-surprising mixture. In this talk archaeologist Julian Richards will explore the genetic history of the British Isles from hunter gatherers to Huguenots and beyond. And\, alongside the results of genetic studies\, Julian will also explore the evidence for invaders and settlers provided by archaeology. Together they provide fascinating windows into our shared past. \n\nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures on a range of facinating archaeological topics by local experts and academics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-ripples-in-the-gene-pool/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250925T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250925T210000 DTSTAMP:20250812T135921Z CREATED:20250812T135921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T135921Z UID:5898-1758828600-1758834000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: New Light on the "Dark Ages" in South East Dorset DESCRIPTION:This month’s lecture will be given by Lilian Ladle\, OBE \nRecent work looking at ancient DNA has provided family links and some surprising lineages for the group of 26 people buried at Worth Matravers between 605 and 652 CE. This period is little understood\, and there are very few sites of this date in Dorset. Worth is compared other Post-Roman sites at Ulwell\, Wareham\, Bestwall\, Worgret\, Puddletown and Druce\, illuminating burial rites\, beliefs\, settlement and industry. \n\nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures on a range of facinating archaeological topics by local experts and academics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the fourth Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-new-light-on-the-dark-ages-in-south-east-dorset/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250501T210000 DTSTAMP:20250415T173334Z CREATED:20250413T144454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T173334Z UID:5617-1746127800-1746133200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Rediscovering High Angle Battery\, Portland DESCRIPTION:This month’s lecture will be given by Dorset County Archaeologist Steve Wallis. Please note the change from our usual date due as the Woodhouse Pavilion is unavailable on 8 May. \n\nThe Rediscovering High Angle Battery project aims to improve this Victorian gun battery on Portland\, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and local organisations. The project involves community engagement together with heritage and accessibility improvements\, including a new interpretation scheme. The work has enabled the site to be removed from Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register. \n\nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures on a range of facinating archaeological topics by local experts and academics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the second Thursday of the month (usually)\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission to the talks is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \n\nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-excavation-at-weymouth/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250425T193000 DTSTAMP:20250403T045819Z CREATED:20250315T183755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T045819Z UID:5065-1745609400-1745609400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: St Leonard's Chapel and Leprosy in Medieval England DESCRIPTION:Our April talk will be given by Teddy Wilson\, an early career historian from Shillingstone who studied at the University of York and is now a member of the archive and research teams at Blandford Town Museum. \nThe first part of Teddy’s talk will explore medieval ideas about leprosy\, and the experience of being a leper in the period in which the hospital was active. It will discuss how medieval people understood leprosy\, and how its unusual etiology and history put lepers into a unique social position. The second part will give an overview of the present state of research about the chapel\, and the work currently being undertaken by the research group at the museum. \nTeddy specialises in medieval death culture\, and literary representations of belief in the supernatural. They have also worked on medical history and the politics of charity and care in medieval Europe. \nRefreshments will be available from 7 pm\, and the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £6 (free to Friends and Patrons of the Museum) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring and Autumn 2025. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-st-leonards-chapel-and-leprosy-in-medieval-england/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250410T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250410T210000 DTSTAMP:20250403T045958Z CREATED:20250228T110504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T045958Z UID:4725-1744313400-1744318800@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: A New Perspective on Hod Hill and its Landscape DESCRIPTION:Dave Stewart (Blandford Museum Archaelogy Group) presents an interpretation of life in the Iron Age hillfort at Hod Hill and its immediate surroundings based on geophysical survey in the iconic Iron Age hillfort at Stourpaine\, Dorset. \nThe Archaeology Group presents lectures by local experts and academics on a range of fascinating archaeological topics. Everyone is welcome! \nThe lectures take place on the second Thursday of the month\, starting at 7:30. Tea and coffee are available to buy before the talks. \nAdmission is free for museum members (donations welcome)\, £3 for non-members. \nPlease see the Museum Events Calendar for the dates and details of all this year’s talks\, and the Archaeology Group page for more information about our activities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/hod-hill-landscape/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250328T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250328T193000 DTSTAMP:20250403T050034Z CREATED:20250215T164332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T050034Z UID:4439-1743190200-1743190200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: Rev. John Hutchins - Dorset Historian DESCRIPTION:In our March talk\, Pete Scriven will introduce Dorset historian\, the Rev. John Hutchins (1698-1773).\nThe talk will begin with a brief description of John Hutchins’ early life\, his education and how he became ordained. The main part will focus on his book – “The History & Antiquities of the County of Dorset” – and how he went about gathering all the information for the publication. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\nSince retiring from a career in aviation at Bournemouth Airport\, Pete has had the time to focus on local history\, being involved in the Wimborne History festival as well as serving on Colehill Parish council for about five years. His other historical interests include Colehill during WW1\, and the Tarrant Rushton Airfield. Pete and his wife also spend time helping with their three grandchildren. \nRefreshments will be available from 7 pm\, and the talk will start at 7.30 pm and finish at around 9 pm. \nAdmission £6 (free to Friends and Patrons of the Museum) \n \nWe have a variety of talks about our history and heritage from a range of expert speakers lined up for Spring and Autumn 2025. These will take place on Fridays (usually\, but not always\, the last Friday of the month) at the Parish Centre in Blandford. Please visit our Calendar for information about future talks. \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/friday-talk-rev-john-hutchins-dorset-historian/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Talks END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR