January Bulletin

Happy New Year to all of our members, supporters, and readers!

Dorset Humanists is dedicated to the pursuit of how we can live good and meaningful lives. With this objective in mind I am excited that our 'Life School' project is offering a new, unique Friendship Course starting in February. Over the course of six evenings we will be exploring the philosophy and practice of friendship. So whether you have thousands of friends or prefer the company of pets or books, do join us to gain insight into this most basic yet unexplored dimension of human life. Full details inside this month’s bulletin.

Unlike some organisations, Dorset Humanists does not count social media sign-ups in its membership statistics. This is because we greatly value our members who have made a tangible commitment to our aims and values by paying an annual membership subscription. At just £15.00 a year for standard membership this represents incredible value for what we do month in, month out to promote the values of Humanism in the towns and schools of Dorset. So if you support our aims and values then why not make a New Year's resolution to join us. Details are inside this month's bulletin (You can also join online here).

Everything you need to know about what's coming up for Dorset Humanists is inside this month's Bulletin, including our celebratory Darwin Day lunch in February when our special guest speaker and AI expert Dr Kate Devlin will be explaining how the coming age of artificial intelligence is likely to shape our human future.

We look forward to seeing you again soon at one of our talks, walks, and socials.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-January-2018.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

November Bulletin

Dorset Humanists has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes through our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal. We are currently deciding which charities to support this year - please see inside the bulletin for details and how to vote. 

Also in this month's Bulletin, we include a full report of our recent talk on 'Faith to Faithless' and an email from a young person who discovered a friendly welcome at Dorset Humanists after going through a lonely process of losing his faith.

Everything you need to know about what's coming up for Dorset Humanists is inside this month's Bulletin, including our annual participation in the Bournemouth Remembrance Service. 

We look forward to seeing you again soon at one of our talks, walks, and socials.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-November-2017.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

July Bulletin

Dorset Humanists were out and about last month engaging with hundreds of local people and showcasing our group at Winton Carnival and the Bourne Free festival. Photos inside this month's Bulletin.

Also inside you'll find reports about our recent talk on the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the Humanists UK Convention in Cambridge.

We look forward to seeing you again soon at one of our summer talks, walks, socials, and barbecues. There are also some important events coming up in London in July and August - see inside for details.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-July-2017.pdf

Best wishes,
David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

June Bulletin

Join us if you can on Saturday 10th June for a fascinating talk on the Tolpuddle Martyrs. We are also looking forward, this month, to a return visit from Dr Richard Rawlins who promises to entertain us with an awe-inspiring demonstration of the 'magic' of alternative medicine. Full details of this and other upcoming talks and events are inside this month’s Bulletin.

Also inside you'll find reports about our recent talks on Human Evolution and Feminism as well as a report on our very first 'Dorset Humanists development day'.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-June-2017.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

P.S. We also have a new version of our events programme available for download, or collection at our events.

May Bulletin

We are delighted to have Emeritus Professor Norman Maclean speaking to us about human evolution on Saturday 13th May. His talks are always popular so do join us if you can. Full details of this and our other upcoming talks and events are inside this month’s Bulletin.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-May-2017.pdf

Also inside this month’s bulletin you'll find reports about our recent talks on life as a devotee of spiritual guru Sri Chinmoy, and the economics that led to Trump and Brexit, in addition to a wealth of other news and views.

If you haven't yet completed our annual survey and would like to, please click on this link:  Dorset Humanists Annual Survey

We look forward to seeing you again soon. 
David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

March Bulletin

We hope you will be able to join us at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 11th March  to celebrate the highlights of the past year, to find out who is Humanist of the Year 2017, and, most importantly, to have your say on the future growth and development of our community group. We also have some important volunteer roles to fill so please have a look at the vacancies and let us know if you would like to get more involving in helping Dorset Humanists to become even more effective. Full details are inside this month’s Bulletin.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday if you can are able to join us, or at one of our other upcoming events.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-March-2017.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

February Bulletin

We're looking forward to our Darwin Day celebration on 11th February with our distinguished guest philosopher Julian Baggini. Full details are inside this month’s Bulletin.

If you're not yet a member of Dorset Humanists but you share our aims and values, we welcome you to join us for just £15 a year. Click here to join and follow the simple instructions, or see a committee member at one of our meetings.

There are just a few weeks left for additional donations to our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal. If you've already contributed, thank you so much for your generosity. All contributions will help improve the lives of bereaved children and homeless people in Bournemouth. 

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-February-2017.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

January Bulletin

As the largely unexpected Brexit and Trump votes continue to reverberate, our 2017 programme gets off to a flying start with Arif Ahmed's talk on the controversial philosophy of Libertarianism. Details are inside this month’s Bulletin. Also this month, you will have the opportunity to hear Ruth's moving story about growing up in Northern Ireland and Burkino Faso with missionary parents and how she eventually broke free from fundamentalist religion.
This month’s bulletin is packed with information and reports of our recent and forthcoming activities, as well as some other local events of interest. Our Darwin Day celebration with our distinguished guest speaker Julian Baggini at the BIC is nearly here, and don’t forget there’s still time to donate to our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal. We are raising money for two very worthwhile local charities so please give what you can.
http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-January-2017.pdf
We hope to see you again very soon.
David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

November Bulletin

Dorset Humanists is very proud to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, and we hope you’ll be able to join us at the Green House Hotel for a celebratory evening of poetry and music. Full details are inside this month's Bulletin.

Our recent event on the neurological effects of sexual trauma, and our event on our relationships with our houses and homes were both very well received. You'll find reports of them and all upcoming events in this month's Bulletin.

I will be taking part in the traditional Bournemouth Remembrance Sunday Service at Bournemouth Memorial on Sunday 13th November. Please come and support me and show your solidarity with non-religious people in the armed services. More details are in the bulletin. Bournemouth Echo provides details of this and several other Remembrance Services taking place locally this year.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-November-2016.pdf

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

October Bulletin

Dorset Humanists is hosting an eclectic array of interesting events this autumn including talks on trauma and resilience, architecture, non-religious poetry, and the evolution of religion. You'll find full details in this month's Bulletin.

If you live within striking of distance of Wareham you may like to come along to one of our dialogue events with local Christians. This group is called 'Out of the Box' and this month we will be discussing the controversial topic of religion in schools.

Our joint event with Sunday Assembly on the topic of refugees was moving and informative, as was our Transgender Awareness evening. You'll find reports of these and other events in the Bulletin too.

Our 20th anniversary is approaching and we invite our members and supporters to join us for some poetry, music, reminiscences, and refreshments at the Green House Hotel on 23rd November.

If you haven’t already picked up a copy of our new autumn events programme at one of our events, you may like to download a copy here.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-October-2016.pdf

August Bulletin

We hope to see you at Norman Maclean's talk on the amazing migratory journeys of birds and other animals on Saturday 13th August. Full details are in the August Bulletin.

Also in this month’s bulletin we bring you reports of Dorset Humanists at Bournemouth’s ‘Bourne Free’ Pride Festival, the British Humanist Association’s AGM, a report on our recent talk on Islam, details about our upcoming evening course on Humanism, and information about many interesting events over the summer.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

David Warden
Chair of Dorset Humanists

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-August-2016.pdf

July Bulletin

Following a tumultuous few weeks in politics, we publish members' views and reactions to the result of the referendum in this month's Bulletin.
Also this month, we provide reports on our recent talks on 'The God Confusion' and 'Ten Ways the Universe Tries to Kill You', plus news of some great events coming up.

On Saturday 9th July we will be demonstrating our solidarity with the LGBT community by joining the Bourne Free parade walking from the East Cliff to the Triangle. I hope you will join us (please wear white t-shirts or wear your Dorset Humanists t-shirt if you have one). We'll also have a stall in the Lower Gardens later where we hope to engage with hundreds of people and inform them about Humanism.

We look forward to seeing you soon and we thank you for your continuing support.

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-July-2016.pdf

June Bulletin

In this month’s Bulletin, we bring you comprehensive reports of our exciting EU debate and our talk on Stoicism. We will also be out and about over the coming months during the local festival season – please see inside this month’s Bulletin to find out how you can be involved.

And as always, we've got another host of great events lined up that encompass philosophy, zoology, religion, and astronomy and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-June-2016.pdf

May Bulletin

In popular usage, the word 'stoical' means bearing adversity without complaint. At our meeting on Saturday 14th May, Professor Chris Gill will enrich and deepen our understanding of this ancient philosophy and reveal how we can use Stoic principles to improve our happiness and well-being.

This week is 'Dying Matters Awareness Week' and in this month's Bulletin we bring you news of local events and some reflections on humanist approaches to death and dying.

The EU referendum is just weeks away and we expect a full house at our debate at the Green House Hotel later this month. Is there a humanist view? Is it possible to weigh up all the pros and cons or do we just go with gut instinct? Come along and find out!

Our bulletin is packed with reports, news and views, and events of interest. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-May-2016.pdf

Best wishes,
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

April Bulletin

We hope you will be able to join us at our meeting in Moordown on Saturday 9th April, when Andrew Copson, who is President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union as well as Chief Executive of the BHA, will be our very distinguished guest speaker. We look forward to welcoming Andrew who will talk to us about the continuing struggle against blasphemy laws and restrictions on free speech both in this country and around the world.

Did you know that Humanism has an official voice at the United Nations Human Rights Council? The International Humanist and Ethical Union, of which we are an associate member, is represented there as an NGO standing up for humanism and secularism against human rights violations that include atheists being legally defined as 'terrorists'. Please see Chairman's View in this month's bulletin.

Are you looking for adventure in one of the most beautiful countries of the world? Society of Humanism Nepal is now running a volunteer programme and is looking for humanist volunteers from across the world. Please follow this link or pick up a flyer at one of our meetings for more details.

Also in this month's bulletin we report on recent events, including our well-attended AGM, and provide you with details of our latest batch of presentations and social events. 

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-April-2016.pdf

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes,

David Warden

Chair, Dorset Humanists

P.S. We also have a new updated events programme available for download:

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/Programme_April-June_2016_v1.03a.pdf

March Bulletin

I hope you will join us at Dorset Humanists AGM on Saturday 12th March 2016 which includes a delicious complimentary buffet lunch for our members before the meeting starts. See inside our latest bulletin for details.

During the AGM, I will be giving a talk entitled, ‘Being a Humanist Today: Challenges and Choices’, in which I will explain why identifying as a humanist is now more important than ever, and how the steady decline of mainstream religion presents us with many opportunities. I will also highlight how the intensification of fundamentalist religion presents challenges and dangers to which we humanists must respond.

The AGM is an opportunity for all our members to influence the future direction of our group, so we really hope you can make it. Everyone is welcome to attend, and even if you're not a member you can come along as a visitor or join on the spot! (Please note: Only subscribing members may vote on resolutions. Dorset Humanists’ annual membership costs £15 and also entitles you to discounts on some events and courses).

Also in this month's Bulletin we bring you reports of recent Darwin-themed talks and news of some exciting events coming up, including a visit by Andrew Copson who is Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association and President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union.

Thanks you for your ongoing support. We hope to see you soon.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-March-2016.pdf

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

February Bulletin

Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education, is seeking to block future attempts by the British Humanist Association (BHA) to blow the whistle on illegal admissions practices in faith schools. See inside this month's Bulletin for what you can do to help (or go directly to  the BHA website to take action now).

We also reveal the final amount raised for our latest Winter Charity Appeal, and bring you reports on our recent presentations on ‘women and religion’ and postcapitalism in case you missed either of them.

We hope to see you soon at one of our exciting events, especially Darwin Day at the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday 13th February.

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists
http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-February-2016.pdf

PS. I'm doing a talk on the 'Science of Happiness' for Bournemouth Skeptics in the Pub this coming Wednesday. See inside the bulletin for details.

January Bulletin

I'm delighted to report that our Winter Appeal has been a great success. How much have we raised so far? Open this month's Bulletin to find out. 

One of our chosen charities, Mosaic, will be showing a short film about their work at our meeting on 9th January so do please stay for that if you can. 

Also this month, we bring you details about interesting events including Women and Humanism, a Big Questions Night, a glimpse into the uncertain future of capitalism, and an exciting new discussion forum in Wareham. 

As we start the New Year please spare a thought for people like Sherif Gaber, a student who was sentenced to a year's hard labour for expressing his atheism on Facebook. You can find out more in the International Humanist and Ethical Union's (IHEU) 'Freedom of Thought Report' which was launched in the European Parliament on Human Rights Day in December.  

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-January-2016.pdf

I look forward to seeing you soon at our meetings.
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

December Bulletin

We hope you’ll be able to join us for one or more of our end-of-year events. See inside this month’s Bulletin for details.

Don’t forget our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal! If you’d like to divert some of your funds this year to locally-based good causes we are supporting two excellent charities - please see inside.

Also this month, we provide reports on religious education, freedom of thought, and a summary of our recent talk on alternative medicine as well as other news, views and events.

We look forward to seeing you soon.
David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-December-2015.pdf

November Bulletin

Our distinguished evening speaker in October was Pavan Dhaliwal who is Director of Public Affairs and Campaigns at the British Humanist Association(BHA) and Vice President of the European Humanist Federation. Pavan provided us with a fascinating insight into how the BHA is attempting to change the law by bringing strategic cases to the courts, including the Supreme Court. A report of her talk is included this month's Bulletin. 

Also this month, we include the launch of our 2015 Jane Bannister Winter Appeal, a report on our first ever 'Happiness Course' and an introduction to the new Women's Equality Party. We've got some excellent events coming soon including Jo Adams, cofounder of the Women's Equality Party speaking on Women and Humanism, and we look forward to seeing you there.

http://dorset.humanist.org.uk/dorset/DH-Bulletin-November-2015.pdf

David Warden
Chair, Dorset Humanists