Arts & Entertainments Of shipwrecks and secret gardens

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.