BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Blandford Town Museum - ECPv6.17.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Blandford Town Museum 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:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T170000 DTSTAMP:20250611T153000Z CREATED:20250611T103353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T153000Z UID:5697-1751716800-1751734800@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:The Green Fair DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Marsh and Ham for our fourth annual Green Fair\, celebrating all things ecological and sustainable. This year’s fair has moved from its previous position at the Railway Arches to this more central site\, and thanks to Blandford Town Council there will be free parking in the town’s main car parks \nExhibitors will include nature and wildlife charities\, local  environmental charities\, producers of vegetarian and vegan food and drink\, cosmetics and gifts\, refilling businesses\, and other ecofriendly products. There will be live music as well as activities for children and information from organisations tackling climate change. \nWondering what it’s all about? Here are some pictures from last year’s event. \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  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/the-green-fair-2025/ LOCATION:Marsh and Ham\, Between Morrisons car park and the river Stour\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AW END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T150000 DTSTAMP:20250611T091312Z CREATED:20250611T081406Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T091312Z UID:5673-1750503600-1750518000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:East Street Research "Open Day" DESCRIPTION:Members of the Blandford Museum Research team are documenting the history of East Street\, using information from published records\, local museums and archives as well as personal recollections. At this Open Day\, we will show the information we have already collected and invite you to bring any information you may be able to add. Refreshments will be available. \nWe are especially interested in talking to anyone who lived in Blandford during and since the 1930’s\, 1940’s\, 1950’s about the families\, people\, businesses and life in Blandford\, not just East Street. Photographs and other documents are particularly welcome.Everyone has a story to tell and this is an opportunity to capture those memories. \nPlease contact the Museum if you can help\, by phone 01258 450388 or email contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk\, We will get back to you! URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/east-street-research-open-day/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T170000 DTSTAMP:20260503T163311Z CREATED:20250512T085913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260503T163311Z UID:5630-1749380400-1749402000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Blandford's Hidden Gardens DESCRIPTION:Come and visit our beautiful Victorian Garden as part of the Hidden Gardens event organised by Blandford Environmental Trust and sponsored by Colten Care. There will be plants for sale and the Museum will also be open. \nBlandford’s Hidden Gardens is an opportunity to explore not only the gardens but also rarely-seen areas of the town itself. This is the 17th year that owners have opened their gardens to share their secrets with the public in support of local and national charities and community organisations. \nThe gardens range in size from courtyard to expansive and from all ages from Georgian to contemporary – some with sculptures\, ponds\, wildlife havens\, all with a wide variety of plants and some with refreshments on sale. \nTickets are £7.00\, which covers entry to all the participating gardens\, and will be on sale from May 24. You can help to support the Museum by buying your tickets from us\, as we receive a donation for every ticket sold. \nFor more information please visit the Open Gardens website and BET’s Facebook page\, or email blandfordhiddengardens@gmail.com to enter your garden. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/blandfords-hidden-gardens/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250525T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250525T110000 DTSTAMP:20250413T143857Z CREATED:20250413T143857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T143857Z UID:5612-1748170800-1748170800@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Blandford Perimeter Walk DESCRIPTION:Discover some of the history of our unique Georgian town with town guides from the Blandford Civic Society. \nPerimeter walks show how Blandford has developed since it was rebuilt following the Great Fire. \nThe Walk starts at 11 am and lasts approximately two hours. There is no charge\, but donations are welcome! \nThere’s no need to book\, but for more details contact Nicci Brown (details below). \nFor more information about the activities of the Civic Society\, please visit their Group page. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/blandford-perimeter-walk-2/ LOCATION:In front of Greyhound House\, 2 Market Place\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7EB\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Walks ORGANIZER;CN="Nicci Brown":MAILTO:niccitab15@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250511T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250511T110000 DTSTAMP:20250413T143751Z CREATED:20250401T163939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T143751Z UID:5371-1746961200-1746961200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Blandford Heritage Walk DESCRIPTION:Discover some of the history of our unique Georgian town with town guides from the Blandford Civic Society. \nHeritage walks tell the story of the town up to the Georgian rebuilding of the town centre. \nMeet at the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park behind Morrisons. The Walk starts at 11 am and lasts approximately two hours. There is no charge\, but donations are welcome! \nThere’s no need to book\, but for more details contact Nicci Brown (details below). \nFor more information about the activities of the Civic Society\, please visit their Group page. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/blandford-heritage-walk/ CATEGORIES:Walks ORGANIZER;CN="Nicci Brown":MAILTO:niccitab15@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250509T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250526T170000 DTSTAMP:20250413T114951Z CREATED:20250413T112756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T114951Z UID:5603-1746784800-1748278800@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:North Dorset Photo Competition Exhibition DESCRIPTION:The North Dorset Photo Competition is a collaboration between Visit Dorset and North Dorset towns – Blandford Forum\, Gillingham\, Shaftesbury\, Sherborne\, and Sturminster Newton – to celebrate the beauty and charm of our region as a must-visit destination\, through the art of photography. \nSelected entries from Blandford will be on display at various venues in the town from Friday 9 – Monday 26 May\, including the Museum Gallery on Friday 9\, Saturday 10 and Tuesday 20 May. Please click here for other dates and venues. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/north-dorset-photo-competition-exhibition/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ 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:20250426T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250426T190000 DTSTAMP:20250403T045753Z CREATED:20250311T162907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T045753Z UID:4998-1745694000-1745694000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Quiz DESCRIPTION:The popular Archaeology Group Quiz night returns! Our question master will be Julian Richards and we invite you to form a team of 6\, or we can put you into a team. \nWe have tried to keep the price of a ticket as low as possible at £13.00\, which includes a fish and chip supper (or vegetarian alternative). There will be tea and coffee available but please bring your own drinks. \nCash payments only on the night\, please. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-quiz/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW CATEGORIES:Social 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:20250419T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T153000 DTSTAMP:20250322T171813Z CREATED:20250321T183114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250322T171813Z UID:5212-1745067600-1745076600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Blandford Forum Gardeners' Group Launch DESCRIPTION:The recent donation to the Museum of trophies from the Blandford Horticultural Society\, which closed about 6 years ago\, has inspired the formation of a new group. The Blandford Forum Gardeners’ group (BFG) will be run as one of the Museum’s Special Interest Groups and based at the Victorian Garden. It will be open to anyone in Blandford and surrounding villages who is interested in gardening and plants\, both indoors and outdoors. Membership in BFG will be free\, but we will need contact details to send information about talks and events such as plant sales\, shows\, and coffee mornings. \nAt our launch event in the Museum’s Victorian Garden there will be tea\, coffee\, cake and plants for sale. Come and say hello\, discuss our plans and find out how you can get involved. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/blandford-forum-gardeners-group-launch/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ ORGANIZER;CN="Wilmar Voitus van Hamme":MAILTO:wvoitus@btconnect.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250416T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250416T150000 DTSTAMP:20250408T144837Z CREATED:20250408T144837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T144837Z UID:5513-1744804800-1744815600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Children's Easter Nature Trail DESCRIPTION:The Easter Nature Trail is organised by Blandford Environmental Trust. \nEntry is free and there will be prizes for Under 7s and Under 11s. \nChildren must be accompanied by a responsible adult. \n \n  URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/childrens-easter-nature-trail/ LOCATION:Angus Wood\, St Leonards Avenue\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7PJ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250413T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250413T110000 DTSTAMP:20250413T144217Z CREATED:20250413T144217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T144217Z UID:5614-1744542000-1744542000@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Blandford Heritage Walk DESCRIPTION:Discover some of the history of our unique Georgian town with town guides from the Blandford Civic Society. \nHeritage walks tell the story of the town up to the Georgian rebuilding of the town centre. \nMeet at the flood wall in the Marsh & Ham car park behind Morrisons. The Walk starts at 11 am and lasts approximately two hours. There is no charge\, but donations are welcome! \nThere’s no need to book\, but for more details contact Nicci Brown (details below). \nFor more information about the activities of the Civic Society\, please visit their Group page. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/blandford-heritage-walk-2/ CATEGORIES:Walks ORGANIZER;CN="Nicci Brown":MAILTO:niccitab15@gmail.com 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:20250405T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250419T160000 DTSTAMP:20250401T170651Z CREATED:20250401T170651Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T170651Z UID:5380-1743847200-1745078400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Easter Activities at the Museum DESCRIPTION:Children’s Easter Events: \n\nBunny Hunt\nMake an Easter Card\nMake and Easter Basket\n\nThe Museum is open from 10 am – 4 pm on Tuesday\, Thursday\, Friday and Saturday. \nAdmission is free! Everyone welcome URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/easter-activities-at-the-museum/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T170000 DTSTAMP:20250311T163542Z CREATED:20250220T172922Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T163542Z UID:4523-1742997600-1743008400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Launch Event: Reaching Out with Sound (2) DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to be launching our Navilens Codes for audio interpretation of our exhibitions. \nThis is the second of two launch events\, focussing on how we have implemented the system at the museum and sharing our experience with those interested in expanding accessibility to our local heritage. The first event on 19 March is aimed primarily at those with vision impairment who would like to find out more and trial the new system. Everyone is welcome to attend either or both\, and refreshments will be available. \nFor more information or to reserve your place\, please contact Wilmar (wvoitus@btconnect.com) or Sylvia (sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com\, 07701090227). \nIf you would like to install Navilens Go in advance of the event\, please visit play.google.com or apps.apple.com. \nReaching Out With Sound has been funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund to share local heritage with vision-impaired visitors. \nFor more information about this project\, please click here. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/launch-event-reaching-out-with-sound-2/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ ORGANIZER;CN="Sylvia Hixson Andrews":MAILTO:sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250319T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250319T170000 DTSTAMP:20250311T163455Z CREATED:20250218T120223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T163455Z UID:4459-1742392800-1742403600@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Launch Event: Reaching Out with Sound (1) DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to be launching our Navilens Codes for audio interpretation of our exhibitions. \nThe first of two launch events\, this is aimed primarily at those with vision impairment who would like to find out more\, trial the new system\, and give feedback to guide our future development. The second event on 26 March will focus on how we have implemented the system at the museum\, sharing our experience with those interested in expanding accessibility to our local heritage. Everyone is welcome to attend either or both\, and refreshments will be available. \nFor more information or to reserve your place\, please contact Wilmar (wvoitus@btconnect.com) or Sylvia (sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com\, 07701090227). \nIf you would like to install Navilens Go in advance of the event\, please visit play.google.com or apps.apple.com. \nReaching Out With Sound has been funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund to share local heritage with vision-impaired visitors. \nFor more information about this project\, please click here URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/launch-event-reaching-out-with-sound-1/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ ORGANIZER;CN="Sylvia Hixson Andrews":MAILTO:sylhixsonandrews@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250313T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250313T193000 DTSTAMP:20250228T170524Z CREATED:20250228T165908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T170524Z UID:4738-1741894200-1741894200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Drowning Dorset DESCRIPTION:Our March lecture will be given by Dr Paul Cheetham from Bournemouth University. \nDorset was at the forefront of the development of the artificial water meadow systems and has some of the best preserved examples in the country. But what led to the need to invest fortunes in these grandiose agricultural engineering monuments and why did they fall out of use so suddenly at the start of the 20th century? Using local examples\, this talk will discuss how water meadows were constructed and worked\, and why they were so important to the industrialisation of the 18th and 19th centuries but paradoxically rendered white elephants by its success. \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. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-drowning-dorset/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250228T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250228T190000 DTSTAMP:20250215T181433Z CREATED:20250202T164940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250215T181433Z UID:4362-1740769200-1740769200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Friday Talk: A Ship\, a Gate and a Country Estate DESCRIPTION:In our first Friday Talk of 2025\, Steve Richardson takes a wander through some of Dorset’s imperial connections. \nThe British Empire frequently emerges as a topic in the so-called culture wars. Often the Empire is portrayed as a balance sheet\, with positives and negatives e.g. railways in India vs the trade in enslaved people. Such approaches to discussion of Empire are questionable\, but organisations like Restore Trust and History Reclaimed aim to promote sanitised versions of empire. However\, empire is messy\, as is history – very difficult to sanitise or edit. \nThis became clear when Steve was researching Dorset’s maritime heritage and stumbled across an indication the Bridport had been a major centre of shipbuilding in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Its importance was such that ships for the Royal Navy were built there. Following the details of one Bridport-built ship\, led to a chain of connections which stretched to the American “colonies\,” piracy in the Arabian Sea\, Bombay and the development of a shipping company which still exists\, The Summer Palace in Beijing\, Dorset and finally to the Caribbean and various “small wars” fought towards the end of the 19th century. \nThe talk will explore the connections between a ship\, a gate and a country estate\, starting and ending in Dorset. In so doing\, it will show how empire is woven into the fabric of the British Isles. \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\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 \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-feb-2025/ LOCATION:Blandford Parish Centre\, The Tabernacle\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7DW END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250213T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250213T210000 DTSTAMP:20250115T120646Z CREATED:20250115T120646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T120646Z UID:4260-1739475000-1739480400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Ancient DNA and human migration DESCRIPTION:This month’s lecture will be given by Francis Taylor\, Hon Vice President of the Council for British Archaeology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this country we have always been interested in the questions “Who are we?” and “Where do we come from?”. This talk is an attempt to answer those questions by going on a journey of nearly a million years looking at the ancestry of Homo Sapiens and how this new hominin moved across the globe. The talk concludes by looking at the ancestry of the population of the British Isles. This is not just a historical journey but also a genetic journey investigating our origins based on recent work studying ancient DNA which can tell us information about our origins that no amount of skilful archaeology could ever deduce. \n\n\n\n\n\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\, 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.\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-ancient-dna-and-human-migration/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250109T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250109T213000 DTSTAMP:20241218T141246Z CREATED:20241218T141246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T141246Z UID:4187-1736451000-1736458200@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Archaeology Group Lecture: Romans at Shaftesbury DESCRIPTION: URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/archaeology-group-lecture-romans-at-shaftesbury/ LOCATION:Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion\, The Plocks\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7AA END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241206T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241206T220000 DTSTAMP:20241130T150806Z CREATED:20241130T150604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241130T150806Z UID:4042-1733508000-1733522400@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk SUMMARY:Yuletide Festival DESCRIPTION:The Museum will be open for the Yuletide Festival. We have Christmas Gifts in our shop\, and will be selling festive hot drinks and sweet or savoury snacks. We’ll also be welcoming the West Gallery Carol Singers from around 7 pm. \nPlease click here for more information about the Yuletide Festival. URL:https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/event/yuletide-festival/ LOCATION:Blandford Town Museum\, Beres Yard\, Blandford Forum\, DT11 7HQ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR