Our Heritage Events
How well do you know your hedgehogs? –
Talk by Jeanette Hampstead
wednesday 9th october 2.00pm
After retiring from a long nursing career Jeanette thought she would enjoy living a life of leisure. How wrong was she! After finding a sick hedgehog in her garden her life changed forever. She nursed ‘Erica’ back to health and launched herself into learning everything about hedgehogs. Her Hedgehog rescue centre has taken lots of time and lots of energy to establish and seven years later with the help of volunteers, they admit hundreds of hedgehogs every year. A story of commitment to our most endangered but much-loved native species.
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
Magnificent Women and Flying Machines – Talk by Sally Smith
tuesday 15th oct 2.00pM
The many stories of women in flight, who were real pioneers in all forms of aviation, from ballooning, parachuting, gliding, airships and fixed wing flight, right up to the story of Britain’s first ever woman in space. This talk offers fascinating insights into the characters and lifestyles of these wonderful women and also offers glimpses into how society has changed. Some stories are poignant, others jaw-dropping or just plain hilarious.
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
Upton Heath Walk
thursday 24th OCT 10.00am
Come and explore the incredibly varied landscape of Upton Heath, Creekmoor Ponds and Upton Country Park on this 7 – 8 mile walk on well-defined tracks and paths with gentle undulations. Enjoy far reaching views across Poole towards the harbour. There are wonderful areas of heathland and woodland to discover as well as unexpected lakes and ponds. The joys of autumn colours will be on show as well as the opportunity to spot wading birds and wildfowl on the harbour. Bring your binoculars! Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear – it may be muddy in places. Allow time for tea and cake afterwards (not included in the ticket price).
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Details on ticket.
The Tragedy of The Empress of Ireland – Talk by Helen Baggott
thursday 7th november 2.00pm
When the RMS Empress of Ireland sank in 1914, more passengers lost their lives than on Titanic – yet few have heard of the tragedy. This talk reveals the story of the sinking – and three families from Dorset and Somerset that were affected – including Wimborne. Illustrated by postcards and photographs, this talk remembers a forgotten tragedy.
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
One Gun, Two Dead – The Hastings Murder of 1911 – Talk by Miranda Pender
thursday 14th november 2.00pM
On 13th September 1911, Joseph James, a 56-year-old chemist, walked into the office of Frederick Womersley, manager of the Hastings and East Sussex Building Society, and shot him dead. Edward Chantler, the police officer in charge of the investigation, later used the same revolver to take his own life. Joseph was Miranda’s great-grandfather and in this dramatic talk she tells his bizarre tale and what it’s like to discover you have a murderer in the family!
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
Athelhampton and Puddletown Walk
thursday 21st november 10.00am
A pleasant eight mile walk through the beautiful woods and farmland of rural Dorset. The terrain is not too challenging, and we will be able to enjoy tranquil Puddletown with its fine old church, before returning to Athelhampton House and its stunning location. Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. Also allow time for tea afterwards (not included in the ticket price).
Tickets £6.00
Meet: Details on ticket.
A Portrait of the Architect as Young Man – Talk by Julian Le Good
wednesday 27th nov 2.00pM
A funny reminiscence of the career of Julian Le Good who started as an Architect in 1978 when there were no mobiles, no faxes, no emails and plans were drawn by hand using pen and ink and set squares. His experiences form a comical journey down a personal memory lane, when life seemed to be simpler and funnier.
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
The Great American Christmas – Talk by Chris Walker
tuesday 3rd december 2.00pm
This is a fond look back at how the Great American Songbook treated Christmas over the years, with stories and rare audio/visual examples. How songs, that are so familiar, came into our lives and stayed.
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
Christchurch – A Smugglers’ Town – Talk by Julie Ratcliffe
wednesday 11th dec 2.00pm
Smuggling was rife throughout England in the 18th century and many towns have their own tales of clandestine activities. So, what made Christchurch any different? Come along and hear about smuggling in Christchurch and why the town was perfectly placed for anyone engaging in these illicit activities – even in broad daylight!
Julie Ratcliffe is a writer and local historian from Christchurch and is the author of a series of children’s adventure books, the Smugglers’ Town Mysteries
Tickets: £6.00
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne
The Great EDHT Quiz 2024
wednesday 18th dec 2.00pm
Bring your friends and pit your wits against each other! Test your general knowledge and have some fun; with picture rounds to frustrate and intrigue, mixed in with a lot of friendly banter. Tables of six, will battle it out for the coveted ‘Castleman Cup’. If you can’t find five friends, we will find them for you. Bring your own nibbles but some seasonal treats will be provided.
Tickets £6.00 person, maximum of six per table.
Meet: Castleman Suite, Allendale House, Wimborne.
Book Today!
Call us on 01202 888992 to obtain further details on all our courses, heritage events and room hire to check availability.