Finding a Path

Saturday 11^th November 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Biologist and Filmmaker Jane Atkins

Brought up in Africa Jane Atkins was inspired by the extraordinary places she visited with her parents that included wildlife parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe, lakes and mountains in Malawi, and war-torn Ethiopia and Eritrea. She trained as a biologist and film-maker, and spent 12 years at the BBC Natural History Unit during which time she worked on landmark series such as ‘Human Planet’ and ‘Alaska: Earth’s Frozen Kingdom’. Travelling to places as diverse as Papua New Guinea and Texas has deeply affected her thoughts about cultures and religion, yet the natural world – its quietness, beauty, inspiration and wonder - has always been something of a sacred place for Jane. In this talk she shares the fascinating story of how she combined her passions in photography, art and the natural science to ‘find her own path’.

“Join us for a stimulating afternoon in the company of Jane Atkins as she shares inspirational episodes from her life as a biologist and filmmaker”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Please email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Astounding Science and Our Genetic Legacy

Wednesday 25^th October 7.30pm
The Green House Hotel,  4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With scientist Graham Marshall

The ancestor we share with chimpanzees lived around six million years ago, and we have lived as ‘modern’ humans for only a few hundred thousand years. For just a miniscule fraction of that latter time we have learned to use the scientific method to gain a better understanding of our history and the world around us, and it is easily forgotten that we were fashioned by evolution in small groups on the plains of Africa, and that our inner natures have not changed. Our improved evidence-based knowledge of who we are gives us the power to rise above our basic survival instincts of greed and fear, and the selfish programming of our genes, but can our predicted future population of around 10 billion humans, who have all evolved to be hunter gatherers, adapt quickly enough? Graham Marshall will be reviewing some of the most amazing scientific advances of the last 70 years and will consider how well our species is adapting to modern life in light of our genetic legacy.

Graham Marshall studied physics at Birmingham and Nottingham universities, and his career has included developing electronic devices at the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment in Malvern, and a scientific post at the British Embassy in Japan.

“Join us for a stimulating review of the most important recent scientific advances and a thoughtful examination of the impact of our genetic legacy”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Stories from Deep Time (The Etches Collection)

Saturday 08^th July 1.15pm 
Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PE

With Palaeontologist Steve Etches MBE

Amateur palaeontologist Steve Etches has spent more than 30 years creating the finest single collection of Late Jurassic era fossils ever assembled in Britain, many of which are new to science and are of great palaeontological importance. This extraordinary collection of more than 2,200 fossils includes the world’s best examples of fossilised ammonite eggs, a two-metre-long Pliosaur jaw, a Pterosaur skull, and an Icthyosaur with its belly still full of fish and squid.

Our Kimmeridgian Jurassic experience will begin with a buffet lunch provided by Clavells Café, followed by a fascinating talk from Steve Etches on the most important specimens in his collection. This will provide a unique and exciting insight into the lives of many Late Jurassic marine creatures. The £15 cost per person includes talk, buffet lunch and museum entry (transport not included). Please sign up at one of our meetings or contact us so we can confirm numbers for lunch and help coordinate transport arrangements.

Everyone welcome!

	Booking Information Buffet lunch, museum entry and presentation: £15 per person To book, please see us at one of our meetings, or phone 07910 886629, or email chairman@dorsethumanists.co.uk Booking deadline: 06 July.

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

A Walk with our Ancestors: Human Evolution and Archaeology

Saturday 13^th May 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Emeritus Professor of Genetics Norman Maclean

Beginning with an account of early human evolution from ape-like ancestors, the proliferation of many hominid species in Africa, and the eventual move out of Africa by Homo Sapiens and other hominids. Norman will examine many unsolved mysteries such as what happened to the Neanderthals, how the "Hobbit" people evolved on the island of Flores, how humans lost their body hair but became very clever, and what brought about the demise of the Indus Valley culture.  A range of Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Indus Valley artefacts will be available to view.

Norman Maclean is an Emeritus Professor of Genetics at Southampton University, a BHA eminent humanist, Chair of South Hants Humanists, and author of many popular nature books including "Silent Summer" and "A Less Green and Pleasant Land".   

“Join us for a fascinating afternoon exploring some of the mysteries of human evolution”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Broken Trust, Damaged Minds

Saturday 8^th October 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Psychologist Peter Naish

There can be little doubt that many people have been harmed by the predatory sexual activities of Jimmy Savile. The nature of child abuse often leaves victims with profound psychological damage that affects them for life, yet there is huge variation in the extent and nature of the impact on the victims, with some apparently suffering little long term harm. Why do different people (both adults and children) respond so differently to trauma, and what factors can help us to be more resilient? in attempting to resolve this issue, Peter Naish will consider a wide range of evidence including everything from brain architecture to the new science of epigenetics.  Along the way we will hear some sad stories, putting a very human face on the science of the neural response to trauma.

Psychologist Dr Peter Naish, now allegedly retired, retains academic links with the Open University, and the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, at Sussex University.  After a lifetime that has included working for the Home Office and Ministry of Defence, he has settled down to ‘a comfortable mix of research, expert witness work, and a busy speaking schedule'.

“Join us to explore our varying responses to trauma, and the factors that can mitigate the psychological harm suffered”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Our Population Predicament

Saturday 10^th September 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Eric Rimmer of ‘Population Matters’

According to the World Wildlife Fund’s ‘Living Planet Report’ 2014, we now consume 50% more resources than the natural world can replace. This problem is exacerbated as we deplete our energy resources and fresh water supplies, and global warming starts to make food production more difficult. Unless we take action now, we could witness major world-wide disruption and suffering. In this thought-provoking presentation Eric Rimmer will provide us with a wealth of information on the crucial issues of the 21st century including overpopulation, overconsumption, food production and water distribution, and explain how a truly sustainable society could be achieved.

Population Matters is a charity concerned with population size, environmental sustainability, family planning, sex education, and women’s empowerment.

Join us at this thought-provoking presentation to discover how we can achieve decent living standards for all, a healthy and biodiverse environment, and a sustainable population size.

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Animal Journeys: Migration and Navigation

Saturday 13^th August 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Emeritus Professor Norman Maclean

What is it that makes animal migration such a magnificent spectacle? Is it the sheer abundance of wildlife in motion, or the amazing feats of precise navigation required to reach the distant destinations that must be somehow coded in genetic memory?

Animal migrations are one of the great wonders of the animal world, made all the more interesting as so many mysteries remain about it. In this talk, Norman Maclean will be exploring our current understanding of this fascinating subject, with a special focus on the various navigational systems used by different species - from navigating by the sun and stars, to using exotic supersenses that rely on quantum entanglement to guide the animals on their way!

Norman Maclean is an Emeritus Professor of Genetics at Southampton University. His research interests and writings span genetics, genomics, fish, conservation of wildlife and molecular biology, and he has written and edited many popular books on nature and genetics. His books include: Silent Summer: the state of the wildlife in Britain and Ireland, A Less Green and Pleasant Land: Our Threatened Wildlife and Animals with novel genes.

“Join us for a fascinating afternoon exploring the mysteries of animal migration”

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Charles Darwin: His Life, Ideas and Influences

Wednesday 24^th February 2016  7.30pm

The Green House Hotel, 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX

With Natural Science Lecturer David Croman.

What drove Darwin, a quiet respectable gentleman who was a pillar of his parish, to develop and embrace one of the most radical ideas in the history of human thought?

In this entertaining and informative presentation, David Croman will be bringing to life the extraordinary adventures and achievements of Charles Darwin. He will cover highlights of Darwin’s formative years and the ‘Beagle’ voyage, as well as considering the controversies surrounding the publication of Origin of Species and its effects on Victorian society. We will bring the evening to a close with an examination of Darwin’s continuing relevance and importance in our lives today.

David Croman is a psychologist, natural science lecturer, author, and wildlife photographer. His previous talks for Dorset Humanists on Sigmund Freud, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Robert Fitzroy were well received, and we're sure this one will be too.

“Join us for a fascinating evening as David Croman relates the extraordinary life and achievements of Charles Darwin”

 Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

 

(The Green House Hotel can also be accessed by car and on foot via its rear entrance in Gervis Road. The hotel has a small onsite car park, and roadside parking is also available in Gervis Road).

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:
http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/
You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

Predatory Dinosaurs and the Evolution of Birds

Saturday 13th February 2016  12.00pm or 2.00pm 
Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH
 
Dorset Humanists proudly present a Darwin Day celebration with Vertebrate Palaeontologist Darren Naish
 
Celebrate Darwin Day in style with a delicious three course buffet lunch in BIC’s Purbeck Lounge, followed by a fascinating presentation by palaeontologist Darren Naish.

Recent discoveries of a wealth of fossil feathered dinosaurs and early birds have helped scientists show how birds emerged as the end-products of a sustained phase of miniaturisation within theropods, which enabled this group to be the only dinosaur lineage to survive and thrive beyond the Cretaceous mass extinction event around 66 million years ago. 

In addition to explaining how birds evolved, Darren will also consider the diversity, anatomy, biology and behaviour of some of the most awe-inspiring predators ever to walk the earth. These include spinosaurs, allosaurs and tyrannosaurs, as well as the remarkable scythe-clawed therizinosaurs and sickle-clawed dromaeosaurs. 

Darren Naish is a vertebrate palaeontologist whose technical work mainly covers theropod (beast-footed) and sauropod (lizard-footed) dinosaurs. His best-selling books include Walking with Dinosaurs: the Evidence and The Great Dinosaur Discoveries.

Booking Information

• Lunch & presentation tickets: £20 each (£10 students) - 12.00 noon: welcoming glass of wine or soft drink followed by a 3 course Italian buffet lunch in the BIC Purbeck Lounge
• Presentation only tickets £3 each (£1 students) - 1.50pm arrival for 2:00pm start includes coffee or tea on arrival.
• For tickets, please see Lyn Glass at our meetings, or phone 01202 558763, or email lyn.glass@btinternet.com (Please book lunches by 30th January).

Everyone Welcome!     Please ensure you book your tickets in advance.

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:
http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/
 
You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.

The Enigma of Nature and Nurture

Saturday 8^th August 2.00pm 
Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, Moordown Bournemouth BH9 1TW

With Emeritus Professor Norman Maclean

Eminent geneticist Norman Maclean will be exploring the dual influences of heredity and the environment on our behaviour, intelligence and personality. The nature or nurture debate is one of the oldest in psychology, and has particular relevance for topics such as crime and punishment; as whether someone has a genetic predisposition to behave in a certain way (nature) or has learned criminal behaviours (nurture) affects how much personal responsibility they should bear for their actions.

The debate also profoundly affects educational theory and practice. Should we encourage our children to study, and invest significant resources in their education, assuming that learning and intelligence is mainly nurture, or is intelligence chiefly inherited so the talented will always do well?

Rare cases of identical twins separated at birth and reared separately have helped move these debates forward, but how close are we to solving these psychological and biological mysteries? Find out in this fascinating talk! 

Norman Maclean is an Emeritus Professor of Genetics at Southampton University. His research interests and writings span genetics, genomics, fish, conservation of wildlife and molecular biology, and he has written and edited many popular books on nature and genetics. His books include: Silent Summer: the state of the wildlife in Britain and Ireland, A Less Green and Pleasant Land: Our Threatened Wildlife and Animals with novel genes.

Join us for a thought-provoking examination of the nature or nurture debate!

Free entry (donations appreciated).     Everyone welcome!

Please indicate your interest in attending this event on Meetup.com and/or facebook as it helps raise our group’s profile on these sites (Meetup also offers you timely email reminders and an easy way to discover other interesting groups in your area). To help you find them, here are the direct links to our event listings on these sites:

http://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dorsethumanists/events/

You can also help us promote Dorset Humanists and this event by displaying an A4 poster. Download an A4 printable copy here, or email Dave at DHcensus(at)hotmail.co.uk for a PDF.

Click here to view details of other forthcoming and recent events on this website.