Members’ Evening “Interesting Ancestors”
Posted on 30th January 2026
Members' Evening "Interesting... more 01935 429609
Somerset & Dorset
Family History Society
Family History Society
Posted on 30th January 2026
Members' Evening "Interesting... morePosted on 13th January 2026
During the First World War, an estimated 60,000 volunteers served with the British Red Cross Society in auxiliary hospitals across the United Kingdom, providing much-needed care for sick and wounded servicemen returning from the Front This talk explores the pivotal role played by the VADs in Dorset during the war and highlights how this remarkable contribution was largely sustained through the efforts of female voluntary labour Speaker: Luke... morePosted on
Fond memories of the bustle and activity of Monday market days at Sturminster are shared by many local families, yet far fewer people are aware of the town’s once-important Sturminster Agricultural Society cattle shows, held annually from 1832 into the 1880s The shows were followed by prestigious dinners, usually at The Crown, attended by an impressive guest list Reports in local and national newspapers record packed dining rooms - with over 200 guests accommodated in the room above... morePosted on
In Thomas Hardy's novel, The Woodlanders (1887), he describes the local landscape of North Dorset as filled with orchards and the smell of apples An iconic image depicts the hero, GilesWinterborne, standing with his specimen apple tree in the midst of the town of Sherborne Elisabeth explores the little-known history of cider-making in the local area, using her own research and oral histories she has collected from residents of several villages Speaker: Elisabeth... morePosted on
When Rachel discovered a forger in the family, her research uncovered lots more about the crime and other C18th lawbreakers: the schoolmaster pressed into the Royal Navy who became a forger on discharge; the exciseman who found himself out of pocket when whisky production was regulated; the architect who was transported to Australia for forgery and ended up on a (legal) bank note Speaker: Rachel... more