Thomas Hardy and the Poetry of Unbelief

Thursday 26^th June 7.30pm 
Avenue Restaurant, 33 West Street, Bridport***, DT6 3QW    

A West Dorset Humanists’ event with John Hubbard.

John Hubbard shares his passion and enthusiasm for Hardy’s verse in this selection of readings with commentary. Readings will include around twenty poems, both familiar and unfamiliar, including The Oxen, The Darkling Thrush, God’s Funeral and Afternoon Service at Mellstock. John’s selection has been chosen to illustrate Hardy’s relationship with the world in which he lived, and his developing unbelief.

We are expecting a highly enjoyable evening for devotees of Hardy’s works, as well as a great introduction for those coming to them for the first time.

John gave this talk to West Dorset Humanists nearly 3 years ago and received rave reviews from everyone who came along. We will be meeting in the room upstairs at the Avenue Restaurant. Drinks will be available from the Bar and, if you'd like to eat before the talk, the restaurant will be serving food from 6.00pm (for more details, visit www.theavenuebridport.co.uk)

£3 Entry cost.     Everyone welcome!

***Please note: This talk is in Bridport and not at WDH’s regular venue in Dorchester. The venue was listed incorrectly in Dorset Humanists’ June Bulletin. We apologise for any inconvenience caused***.

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

West Dorset Humanists New Website

Our sister group in West Dorset have recently launched a new improved website. Check it out for details of their forthcoming events and activities.

http://www.westdorsethumanists.org

For other posts about West Dorset Humanists on this website click here.

The Rise of Humanism

Thursday 27^th June 7.30pm
Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester  DT1  1UP

A talk by Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association, for West Dorset Humanists

The 2011 census findings show that 25% of people in West Dorset say they do not subscribe to any religious faith. From this, we can see how ideas of living a good life without God or a religious belief are more and more widespread in the UK.

In his third visit to West Dorset Humanists, Andrew will explore the implications of Humanism and will describe the work of the British Humanist Association, to which West Dorset Humanists is affiliated.

Everyone welcome. Free Entry (suggested donation of £2.00)

More details from westdorsethumanists@hotmail.com or 07921-311518

West Dorset Humanists April meeting

The next West Dorset Humanists meeting will take place at Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High St West, Dorchester DT1 1UP at 7.30 on Tuesday, 23rd April. 

In ‘Filmosophy’, Mat Cousell will be talking to us about moral and ethical dilemmas in modern films - a Humanist take on Hollywood!

Entry is free but we would appreciate a voluntary donation of £2.

 

What Humanists Believe: Humanism in the 21st Century

Tuesday March 26th at 7.30 p.m.  
Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High West Street, DORCHESTER  DT1  1UP

“IMAGINE THERE’S NO HEAVEN, IT’S EASY IF YOU TRY
NO HELL BELOW US - ABOVE US ONLY SKY”

John Lennon’s words could be a Humanist anthem and this meeting of the West Dorset Humanists offers an opportunity to discuss what modern Humanism is all about. We’ll be sharing our ideas and looking at the key principles of the International Humanist and Ethical Union.

Come and join in the discussion
Everyone's welcome.         
Free Entry (suggested donation of £2.00)
More details from westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.com
or phone 07921-311518

For more West Dorset Humanists events and news, click here, or visit their website at http://westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com/

Humanist Chaplains for Prisons

Wednesday 27th February 7.30pm
Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, DORCHESTER DT1  1UP

A talk for West Dorset Humanists by Probation Officer, Amy Walden

Much provision is given to religious prisoners to ensure they can practice their religion whilst in custody. For many, this provides much needed emotional support, time out of their cell and a chance to form a network of friends. But what if you are a non-religious prisoner? This talk looks at the inequalities faced by non-religious prisoners and how the British Humanist Association and HM Prison Service are seeking to address them through a pilot involving pastoral care at HMP Winchester. Despite a lot of opposition, the pilot is proving to be a success and it is hoped it will be rolled out across the prison estate. 

More details from westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.com

Everyone's welcome and the talk is free (suggested donation of £2.00)

The Science of Happiness

Thursday 29^th November 7.30pm

Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

What makes some people happier than others?

Is it possible to attain greater happiness in life and sustain it without dramatically changing our personal circumstances?

Studies by experimental psychologists show around half of your happiness level is genetically fixed and a surprisingly small 10% reflects your life circumstances. The great news is that 40% of your happiness level can be directly affected by simple daily activities and the conscious choices you make.

In this interactive presentation for West Dorset Humanists, local trainer and Chairman of Dorset Humanists, David Warden explores many of these scientifically tested ideas and techniques.

Join David at West Dorset Humanists for a fascinating introduction to positive psychology.

Everyone welcome!

Free entry (£2 suggested donation)

(Hosted by West Dorset Humanists)

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

Why do Humans Believe in God?

Thursday 25th October 7.30pm

Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, DORCHESTER DT1 1UP

West Dorset Humanists’ next meeting will be a talk given by WDH member, Nigel Mykura on current scientific research that attempts to explain why humans believe in God.

Following Nigel’s presentation, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in further discussion. 

Free Entry (Suggested donation £2).     Everyone welcome!

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

 

West Dorset Humanists

Our sister group in Dorset, West Dorset Humanists (WDH) also organise some really interesting events, so if you are in or near Dorchester why not pay them a visit.

 

They usually meet on the last Thursday of every month at 7.30pm at The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High St. West, Dorchester DT1 1UP.

 

Click here to view West Dorset Humanists related posts on this website.

For more info, including details of forthcoming WDH meetings, contact Jo on 07921 311518, or email westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk

 

Click here to visit West Dorset Humanists’ facebook page

Click here to visit West Dorset Humanists’ website. (Oct 2013: link updated to their new website)

Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

Thursday 24th November  7.30pm 
The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

Hosted by West Dorset Humanists

Bournemouth School’s Head of English, John Hubbard explores a selection of Hardy's verse, with readings and commentary, to discover what Hardy made of the world in which he lived, and how he sustained himself in it.
This presentation will be highly enjoyable for people already familiar with Hardy’s works, as well as providing a great introduction for those coming to them for the first time.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk  Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/West-Dorset-Humanists
Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

The Case for Assisted Dying

Thursday 27^th October 7.30pm 

Hosted by West Dorset Humanists at The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP

Dignity in Dying’s National Policy Support Officer, Anna Boehm argues the case for the legalisation of assisted dying, one of the most controversial issues we face today.

Dignity in Dying is a national campaign representing a growing movement of people demanding greater choice and control at the end of life. The organisation lobbies, informs and educates on rights at the end of life. Its main aim is for everyone to have what they consider to be a good death, including the option of an assisted death for adults who are terminally ill, and mentally competent.

Everyone welcome!

Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)

Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk  Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

***CANCELLED***

West Dorset Humanists have regrettably had to cancel John Hubbard’s Thomas Hardy readings and commentary on 29th September, as he’s had to pull out due to another commitment.
There will now be no WDH meeting in September and the next one will now be towards the end of October. Keep an eye on the website and Facebook for any updates.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events. 
                    ***CANCELLED***

CANCELLED: Thomas Hardy and ‘The Poetry of Unbelief’

***CANCELLED***

West Dorset Humanists have regrettably had to cancel this event as John had to pull out due to another commitment. The next WDH meeting will now be in October. WDH hope to be able to reschedule John's Thomas Hardy readings and commentary for November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will update the website when we have further details.
Thursday 29^th September 7.30pm
Hosted by West Dorset Humanists at The Wessex Royale Hotel, 32 High Street West, Dorchester DT1 1UP
Bournemouth School’s Head of English, John Hubbard explores a selection of Hardy's verse, with readings and commentary, to discover what Hardy made of the world in which he lived, and how he sustained himself in it.
This presentation will be highly enjoyable for people already familiar with Hardy’s works, as well as providing a great introduction for those coming to them for the first time.
Everyone welcome!
Free Entry (£2 suggested donation)
Click here to view other forthcoming and recent events.

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk  Tel:07921 311518

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

                      ***CANCELLED***

A Humanist View Of Sex & Sexuality

(Hosted by West Dorset Humanists)                                                                    THURSDAY 28^TH JULY 7.30PM                                                                                    THE WESSEX ROYALE HOTEL, 32 HIGH ST. WEST,                                    DORCHESTER DT1 1UP

Almost all world religions have rigid rules about what is acceptable in terms of our experience and expression of our sexuality. This talk by Jo Adams will explore what a more person-centred model of sex and sexuality might look like.

Jo Adams is a former chair of the National Sex Education Forum, and developed the non-abstinence based “Let’s Leave it Till Later” programme of national training supporting young people delaying early sex – now used throughout the UK and in Ireland. She worked as a consultant for the Department of Health on strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy, to prevent HIV and STIs, and to promote positive sexual health. She is also the author of a number of books relating to self-esteem and the promotion of positive sexual health.

Everyone welcome! Free entry (£2 suggested donation)

Email: westdorsethumanists(at)hotmail.co.uk

Website: www.westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com

Click here to view our other forthcoming and recent events.

West Dorset Humanists’ New Website

West Dorset Humanists have been working hard to raise their online profile, lately.

Only a couple of days ago, we reported on their new Facebook Page, and we’re pleased to announce that they now have their own website too!

Check it out at:

http://westdorsethumanists.blogspot.com/

We hope these latest developments at WDH will help them reach a much bigger audience, and help humanism to gain many more supporters across our region.

Meet the Humanists at Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and Rally

West Dorset Humanists will be representing Dorset’s Humanists at the 2011 Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, this coming weekend.

They plan to be setting up their stall from around 10.00am on Saturday 16th July and are also planning to be there on Sunday too.

More volunteers to help cover their stall will be much appreciated, so if you will be attending Tolpuddle and can help out on the stall  for an hour or two, please contact WDH and let them know. 

If we hear any more details from WDH, we’ll add them to this page.

For more information about the Tolpuddle Festival, check out their website:

http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/

Click here to visit West Dorset Humanists' Facebook page.

West Dorset Humanists on Facebook

Dorset Humanists are pleased to hear that our friends at       West Dorset Humanists now have their own Facebook page.

Do keep an eye on their page for future updates, as they have some great events planned for the rest of the year, including Jo Adams’ talk,  ‘A Humanist View Of Sex & Sexuality’ at their next meeting on 28th July.

Click here to take a look at the West Dorset Humanists’ Facebook page now.

West Dorset Humanists launch in Weymouth!

We are delighted to announce the launch meeting of West Dorset Humanists in Weymouth in the meeting room at the Old Ship Inn, 7 Ridgeway, Upwey, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QQ on Thursday 25th March at 7.45pm for an 8.00pm start.

Subsequent meetings will be held on the last Thursday evening of each month. Talks are free but there is a suggested donation of £2. 

The topic for the March 25th meeting is: Hatched, Matched and Dispatched: Humanist approaches to marking life transitions through naming, wedding and funeral ceremonies. Speakers will be Frank Bonner and Peter Kerridge, both Humanist celebrants from Somerset. For more information email: westdorsethumanists@hotmail.com or telephone : 07921 311518

Dorset Humanists meet in Moordown, Bournemouth

Dorset Humanists

Dorset Humanists hold a Saturday afternoon meeting and a Thursday evening meeting each month at Moordown Community Centre*, Coronation Avenue, Moordown, Bournemouth, Dorset, England, BH9 1TW (*We occasionally hold special events at other venues, so please check our ‘Meetings & Calendar’ tab  and/or our programme for full details of our events and meetings).

Please note: SatNavs sometimes get it wrong - the Community Centre is actually on Kingsley House! (Phone 01202 511 552 if you get lost).

View Dorset Humanists meet monthly at Moordown Community Centre in a larger map (note: the red 'A' on the map above is in the wrong place!)

West Dorset Humanists

West Dorset Humanists meet once a month in Dorchester and also have many interesting talks and discussions. 

Calling all West Dorset Humanists! Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, Lyme Regis etc….

Jo Adams, who lives near Bridport, would love to get a West Dorset Humanists branch up and running. If you live in the West of the county, please call Jo Adams on 01308 897295 or email apple.loft (at) btinternet.com