ONGOING
What: Wicked Wessex Tour: The Cat O’Nine Tails
When: Ongoing July 20th to October 5th.
More info: Learn about the dark history of Wicked Wessex. The cat-o’-nine-tails was a type of whip used in the Royal Navy. A sailor could be flogged for anything from drunkenness to desertion. Each of the cat’s ‘tails’ was knotted to increase the pain of the lashes. Free with valid Museum Annual Pass. Find out more at shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
September
What: Desire, love, identity: exploring LGBTQ histories
When: Saturday, September 21, until Sunday, November 17.
More info: Same-sex love and desire and gender diversity are an integral part of human experience. The way they have been expressed culturally has varied widely globally and over time. Based upon Professor Richard Parkinson’s award-winning book, ‘A Little Gay History’, this exhibition offers glimpses into LGBTQ experience through the British Museum’s collection. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Drinks in the Clink: Cider Riot
When: Friday, September 27th at 7pm
More info: A brief history of Cider – how to make it and how to drink it. Starting with an introduction to cider and its place in history, then moving on to a look at the types of apples used in its production, the equipment required and finish with a taster and ploughman’s nibbles. Run by Nick Poole of the West Milton Cider Co. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
October
What: Jewellery making workshop with Caroline Parrott
When: Saturday, October 19th 10am-4pm
More info: Caroline creates beautiful, colourful jewellery using hand printed and coloured aluminium.
This is an exciting opportunity join her and create your own unique jewellery, using anodised aluminium that you hand print and dye as part of the workshop. Students typically create 5 different pieces in a day including, earrings, bangles and pendants.
Suitable for beginners and those with experience of jewellery making. Please bring and apron and wear old clothes as dyes can stain permanently. Lunch is included in the price and tickets are £65 each. If you have any queries about the workshop, please call Abbie King on 01305 261849
What: Half Term Halloween – kids go free when dressed up!
When: Saturday, October 26th to November 2nd.
More info: Youngsters and the young at heart will be able to take part in a host of spooky activities from October 28 to November 1 from 10am to 4pm. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can follow the free witch’s potion trail around the museum, and during the week slime making will take place in the cells (*£2 supplement per child.)
There will also be tasty autumnal treats in the café, gruesome touchy-feely guessing games to take part in and spooky storytelling throughout the week. Up to two children in Halloween fancy dress go free when accompanied by a full paying adult. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Drinks in the Clink: Spells in the Cells
When: Thursday, October 31st, 7pm
More info: A brilliant and unique night out for any school of wizardry fan….
The evening begins with a serving of Butterbeer, a truly tasty beverage straight from the books. From there, things get even boozier with just a swish and a flick. We invite you to try your hand at mixing potions, and yes, they are whipped up in a cauldron. Using a set of ingredients sourced from ancient magick textbooks, you’ll chop, grind, and mix up concoctions such as the Transfiguration Tonic, which you will then proceed to drink. Practical magic, indeed.
No witches or wizards under the age of 18. Dressing up strongly encouraged! Booking is essential and tickets are £30 each. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
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Additional ‘Desire, love, identity: exploring LGBTQ histories’ exhibition events on from September 21 to November 17.
What: Play: ‘Indecent Acts’
When: Saturday 5 Oct
More info: An original play by local Roni Neale, featuring the Dorset LGBTQ+ heroes. Tickets are £10 per person. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
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What: ‘Pride’ film screening, with Q&A with David Donovan. Sponsored by UNISON LGBTQ+
When: Thursday 10 Oct 7pm (Doors and bar open from 6pm)
More info: It’s the summer of 1984 – Margaret Thatcher is in power and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is on strike. At the Gay Pride March in London, a group of gay and lesbian activists decides to raise money to support the families of the striking miners. The activists set out to Wales to make their donation in person. And so begins the extraordinary story of two seemingly alien communities who form a surprising and ultimately triumphant partnership. £6.50pp (includes drink on arrival.) For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
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What: Talk – The Exiled Collector by Anne Sebba
When: Sunday 3 Nov at 1pm
More info: On August 30th 1841 William John Bankes, former Tory MP, pioneer Egyptologist and renowned traveller, was caught in compromising circumstances with a guardsman in London’s Green Park. Faced with the death penalty, he fled to exile in Venice, leaving forever his beloved house, Kingston Lacy in Dorset. It was the vicarious embellishment of this house that was to be his only enduring passion. £10 per person. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
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ONGOING: Oral history recording sessions
The Dorset History Centre is determined to add LGBT+ memories to the County’s interview collection.
Skilled volunteers from the LGBT+ community are currently recording a range of people and perspectives. The team would love to hear more stories, please email:[email protected]
