Thomas Hardy Society Birthday Weekend

Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend The Saturday will start at 11am from Hardy’s Statue at the Top O’ Town in Dorchester, with a walk by Mark Damon Chutter called ‘Victorian Dorchester and Hardy’. This will be followed by a talk called ‘The influence of the Moule family on Thomas Hardy’ from 3 - 4:30 pm by Mark Damon Chutter (in the Casterbridge Room at the King’s Arms).

We will then have the laying of the wreath at Hardy’s Statue from 5pm, followed by a wreath laying at the statue of William Barnes.

There will then be served a three-course meal (booking essential) at the Casterbridge Room, King’s Arms, Dorchester. £35 for three-course meal - please contact the King;’s Arms, Dorchester 01305 238238
On the Sunday there will be a 10am service at Stinsford Church.

Birthday Lecture

Tickets: £10

Please book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thomas-hardy-society-birthday-weekend-tickets-707738734607

The King’s Arms in Dorchester will offer Thomas Hardy Society members only a room for £100 per night for all events ( the deal does not include breakfast - room only ). Please contact the hotel to book your accommodation directly :
01305 238238

Schedule of Events

Saturday 1st June

11 am Meet at the Thomas Hardy Statue for a walk around Victorian Dorchester and Fordington through the lens of Hardy. Lead by Mark Damon Chutter

3-4.30 The Birthday Lecture - Mark Damon Chutter: ‘The influence of the Moule family on Thomas Hardy’ in the Casterbridge Room, King’s Arms, Dorchester

5 pm Laying of the Wreath at the Thomas Hardy Statue followed by a wreath laying at the William Barnes Statue

6-7 pm Poetry and prose readings from Hardy by members, in the Casterbridge Room

7 pm Three-Course Meal served in the Casterbridge Room (please book directly with the King’s Arms £35) 01305 238238

Sunday 2nd June

10 am Service at Stinsford Church