Past Events

2023  ||  Past Events  ||  Archive:

Decorated Tractor Run 2023
Sunday, 10 December, 2023
Through Tolpuddle approx 7.30 pm
In aid of #Willdoes charity to support the bus in its pursuit to provide a safe space for young people in Dorset
Follow on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10223234966170828&set=p.10223234966170828&type=3

St John's Carol Service
Sunday, 10 December, 2023 at 17.30
All Welcome

Christmas Wreath Workshop
Saturday, 9 December, 2023
at Tolpuddle Old Chapel  ||  10.30 - 13.00
Cost £20 to cover materials

Martyrs Inn Shareholders Meeting
Thursday, 7 December, 2023 at 7pm  ||  Tolpuddle Village Hall
This is an event for shareholders of the Martyrs Inn.  

This meeting will be virtually one year after the whole venture got under way and around six months after the pub officially re-opened.  An update on the pub’s trading performance to date, the challenges we have faced, the changes we have made and the prospects over the next period will be provided.  We look forward to getting your feedback on how things have gone and how, together, we can help embed the long term viability of this community enterprise.
Barrie Lovelock

Children's Christmas Tree Decoration Morning
Saturday, 2 December, 2023  ||  The Martyrs Inn

An Afternoon Music Recital
Saturday, 2 December, 2023  ||  Tolpuddle Old Chapel  ||  2.30pm

Dorset Button Making
Tolpuddle Old Chapel  ||  10.30 - 12.30
(Saturday, 7 October, 2023)
(Saturday, 18 November, 2023)
Saturday, 2 December, 2023

Quiz Night
Thursday, 30 November, 2023  ||  Martyrs Inn  ||  Quiz starts 8pm

Evening Class - Christmas Themed Pottery

Thursday, 9 November  ||  Tolpuddle Village Hall  ||  7.30 pm

Using a handbuilding grogged clay you might like to make a Christmas tree shaped tealight, decorations or elf door.  £25 includes kiln firing.  Pieces will be returned 2-3 weeks later. 

Pre booking only.  Please email creativeclayforall@yahoo.co.uk to book your space.

Tolpuddle Tidy and Litter Pick
Sunday, 29 October, 2023   ||  10.00 to 12 noon  ||  Orchard Meadow
Wondering what to do with the extra hour when the clocks go back?  Why not join us for the Tolpuddle Tidy and Litter Pick meeting outside Orchard Meadow at 10 am.
All equipment including high vis jackets will be provided but please wear appropriate footwear.
Although many villagers litter pick as they walk, it's surprising how much litter we collect as a group on these occasions.  Children are very welcome accompanied by an adult.
Julia Johnstone

Ring the Changes  ||  Poetry Writing Workshops at Tolpuddle Old Chapel
3 Sessions Workshop
Thursday 19 October 2023        Each workshop at 7:00 – 9:00pm
Thursday 26 October 2023        Cost £75
Thursday 2 November 2023
If you have ever wanted to have a go at writing a poem or if you have been writing poems but fancy a little inspiration, come along to Beth Brooke’s poetry workshops.  You only need to bring a notebook and a pen (or laptop/tablet if you prefer.  Please note there is no internet or wi-fi in the Chapel).  The broad theme will be change, be that the change of the seasons, the changes as we age, the changes in the world and changes in feelings.   To book your place, please email:  deliverymanager@tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org
About Beth Brooke  ||  Beth is a retired teacher and has had poetry published in a number of print and online journals as well as in several print anthologies.  Her debut collection, A Landscape With Birds was published by Hedgehop Poetry Press in 2022 and her new collection Transformation is due out imminently.

Harvest Supper  ||  Saturday, 7 October, 2023 at 6.30pm  ||  Village Hall
As always the Harvest Supper was a brilliant evening.  The village hall looked beautiful, with lovely autumnal flow arrangements by Marion and Jane, tables looking elegant and soft lighting to set the mood!  Delicious homemade food was provided by our excellen village volunteer cooks, including the traditional "sheaf of corn" bread baked by Lionel.  The raffle had some super prizes and as always there was a head-scratching brain teaser to keep us occuplied between courses.  Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes and especially to Hilly for organising the whole thing!    
Raffle / Pay Bar / Table Quiz  ||  Tickets £12

The Buffalitos Blues Band  ||  Live Music in Tolpuddle Village Hall  ||  Beer, Blues and Cocktails
Saturday, 30 September, 2023   ||  Doors open:  19.00
A good time Rhythm and Blues Band with hints of Cajun, Mambo and Mardi Gras.  Tickets from:  wegottickets.com/event/584661  £12
Any queries  to Simon 07767 344303.  A "Not for Profit" S&S Music Event (any proceeds go to Tolpuddle Village projects)

1st Pub Quiz Night  ||  Thursday, 28 September, 2023
Hugely successful quiz night with a packed out pub.  Thanks to Anna for organising and for being an excellent Quiz Master

Tolpuddle Village Meeting  ||   Tuesday, 26 September, 2023 at 7pm in the Village Hall
All welcome.  Come along to this important biannual meeting to discuss all things Tolpuddle.

Evening Class - Botanical Clay  ||  Run by Debbie at Creative Clay for All

Thursday 21 September 2023

Tolpuddle Village Hall  ||  19.30 to 21.30

A relaxed class for all abilities. We will explore textures and use a variety of leaves and grasses. You could make an owl, autumn botanical tile, green man, hedgehog or peacock. £25 including kiln firing.
Pre book by emailing creativeclayforall@yahoo.co.uk

Music in the Meadow
Saturday, 9 September, 2023  ||  Orchard Meadow
Enjoy the end of summer with live music, party line dancing, bar and good food.  All welcome.  Free Entry.  Pay Bar.  Pay BBQ and Curries.

Ride and Stride 2023
Saturday, 9 September, 2023
Raising funds for DHCT (Dorset Historic Churches Trust)
Ride and Stride is an annual event during which supporters raise money for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust and for their own church by riding, cycling or walking between our beautiful and interesting chapels.   

DHCT has been generous to us in the past, helping finance our new kitchenette and lavatory so that our dear historic church is more usable through the week as well as offering overnight accommodation through AirBnB. 

If you would like to participate please get in touch with Hilly Cobban to find out more:  hlcobban@gmail.com 

If you would like to donate or sponsor Team Tolpuddle, please contact Hilly.

Wessex Morris Men
Monday, 4 September, 2023 at 7.30 pm at the Martyrs Tree
The Wessex Morris Men came to Tolpuddle on the evening of Monday 4 September to dance under the Martyrs Tree.  It was a lovely warm summer's evening and people gathered to watch this great rural tradition on their last outing of the year.  After entertaining us they retired to the Village Hall for refreshments and a play-and-sing, to which we were all invited.  Grateful thanks to all concerned for arranging this lovely traditional event in our village.  I hope they return here next year but meanwhile you can  catch them on Boxing Day, dancing and doing a Mummers Play at midday in Cerne Abbas village square.  Click here to go to the News page for photos and video.

Come and Support the Lionesses!
Sunday, 20 August, 2023
Tolpuddle Village Hall will be open from 10.30am this Sunday (20th) to show the Women’s World Cup Final on the large screen - featuring, of course, our own very gallant lionesses.   Come along and support them. Bacon baps, teas and coffees will be available. Bring your own “harder” stuff if you want.

CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER 
Martyrs Festival Weekend   -  go to the Tolpuddle Martyrs site for full festival information
Friday, 14 July to  Sunday, 16 July, 2023
Breakfasts WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY MORNING FROM 9 AM - even though the Festival is cancelled.  Come along to the field and enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast provided by Tolpuddle Village   ||   from 9.00 am
CANCELLED  Monday, 17 July, 2023:  Bacon Rolls on the Festival Field
CANCELLED   Sunday Refreshments 16 July, 2023  in the Village Hall
Full details about the Festival itself can be found on the Martyrs website

Reopening of the Martyrs Inn
7 / 8 July 2023:  please see the Martyrs Inn page for full info

Jez Hellard  ||  Saturday, 8 July, 2023
Doors open:  19.00  ||  Music starts:  20.30
Tickets £12 plus £1.20 booking fee = £13.20 through We Got Tickets  
Jez Hellard is a singer of potent songs, teller of gripping tales, fine guitarist and simply stunning harmonica player who has spent the past 20 years travelling the world performing.  His band, The Djukella Orchestra, play traditional and contemporary folk music, from jigs, reels and rebel ballads to tango, rhumba, reggae and pretty much anything in between.  In the past decade they’ve played well over a thousand gigs;  from Glastonbury Festival to the North Country Fair, New York to Taipei, Union Chapel to Extinction Rebellion.  Featuring Nye Parsons, one of the most captivating double-bassists you're likely to witness, and some of the finest instrumentalists on the folk scene, their blend of virtuoso musicianship, witty political comment and a deep repertoire of powerful songs never fails to turn heads.
www.jezhellard.net
A "Not for Profit" S&S Music Event (proceeds to go to Tolpuddle Village projects)

Fish and Chip Fridays  ||  Next Date  - currently on hold
Village Hall  ||  All welcome
From 17.30.   Fish and Chips arrive about 18.30 - 19.00
Join the social evening and enjoy Fish and Chips every second Friday of the month with friends and neighbours.  Or just come along and enjoy the evening without food.  
If eating, please order and pay in advance .
Make your choices from the menu below and contact jonathan@vanbaars.co.uk or 07887 657256 with your order and payment by the evening of Wednesday, tbc at the latest please.

Large Cod £7.80
Medium Cod £6.50
Medium Haddock £6.80
Scampi £5.50
Chicken Nuggets £3.40
Small Chips £2.20
Medium Chips £3.00
Large Chips £4.20
Mushy Peas £1.60
Curry Sauce £1.80

All welcome.  Bring your own drinks and £1 per person (children free) towards the hire of the Hall.

Friday:  30th June, 2023 - Final One before the Pub reopens!!
Friday Evenings Social in the Village Hall
5.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Everyone welcome.  Until the pub reopens, there is a social evening in the Village Hall from 17.30 to 19.30 every Friday to try and fill the gap.  Come along and meet others, make new friends.  Everyone welcome.  Bring your own drinks and nibbles.  £1 per person to cover cost of Hall hire.
1 July, 2023:  With the reopening of the Martyrs Inn the social evenings on Fridays have now ended.  

Tolpuddle Village Hall Annual General Meetings of Charities Numbered 257403 and 1195647

7pm on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023 at the Village Hall
All in the community are cordially invited to these annual general meetings at which the Annual Report and Accounts for the 2022-23 will be presented.  Please click here for the Agenda and further information.

Tolpuddle and Southover Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III
Friday, 5 May to Sunday, 6 May, 2023
Just one event dominated in the TEC team in April/early May, and this was planning for the Coronation celebrations in Orchard Meadow.  We eyed the weather forecast with concern in the week leading up to the big weekend, but we needn’t have worried as the rain stayed away. On the Friday night was our Barn Dance and BBQ held in Orchard Meadow - Murphy's Lore played brilliantly and we danced our socks off! 

Then on the Sunday the sun shone on our family day, with picnic lunches followed by a riotous game of Taskmaster presided over by the Vicar Sarah Hillman and Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm. What a great double-act! The window dressing competition was won by The Old Post Cottage. Then there was a village photo shoot (soon to be displayed in the Village Hall), followed by admiring and eating the fabulous cakes made by Elaine and Liz. Traditional children's games followed with a few for adults which were huge fun.  Coronation Commemorative Wildflower seedpackets were given to all the children and ice creams were distributed.  Our thanks go to all our hardworking team lead by Ian Cray and Sue Van Baars.
A wonderful celebration for the whole community.

See below for photos, window competition and video of the barn dance...........

Martyrs Inn Village Meeting
Thursday, 23 March, 2023 at 7pm in the Village Hall
click through to the Martyrs Inn page for more info

Sunday, 5 March, 2023
Tolpuddle Tidy and Litter Pick  ||  10.00 - 12.00
Meet:  outside Orchard Meadow

Please join us for the Tolpuddle Tidy and Litter Pick.  We will meet outside Orchard Meadow. 
All equipment including high vis jackets will be provided but please wear appropriate footwear.  Although many villagers litter-pick as they walk it's surprising how much litter we collect as a group on these occasions. 
Children are very welcome accompanied by an adult.
Julia Johnstone

Padraig Lawlor and Henry Marten's Ghost
Saturday, 18 March, 2023
Doors open:  19.00  ||  Music starts:  20.30
Tickets £12 plus £1.20 booking fee = £13.20 through We Got Tickets  

A traditional Irish music night with one of the countries leading Irish Party bands, led by the enigmatic Padraig Lawlor.  A chance to sing along to all your favourite Irish tunes with four of the best musicians on the circuit.

A "Not for Profit" S&S Music Event (proceeds to go to Tolpuddle Village projects)

Saturday, 21 January, 2023
Live Music:  Jazz Night with the Scarlet Stone Trio
Tolpuddle Village Hall
Doors 7pm  ||  Cocktails and Canapes:  7.30 - 8.30pm  ||  Performance from 8.30pm  ||  Bar  available 7pm - 11pm  ||  Tickets £10

A really fabulous, sold-out evening  - cocktails, canapes, and the golden age of the 20s and 30s from the brilliant Scarlet Stone Trio performing well known songs from the Stage and Silver Screen and American song book classics with a sprinkling of Swing and Bossa Nova and Latin Beats.
A "Not for Profit" S&S Music Event (proceeds to go to Tolpuddle Village projects)

Puddletown Area Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday, 10 January, 2023  ||  19.00

2022  ||  Past Events  ||  Archive:

Crib Service at St John's Church, Tolpuddle
Christmas Eve at 3.30 pm
Everyone welcome.

Service of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, 11 December, 2022 at 5pm
St John’s Church, Tolpuddle

What shall we do about the Martyrs Inn?

Community Meeting - Friday, 9 December, 2022  ||  7pm  in the Village Hall
Please go to the News page for full information

Saturday, 3 December, 2022
A Christmas Market and Refreshments in the Village Hall were being planned and this has been advertised in December's Parish Magazine but PLEASE NOTE THIS HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.

Community-Owned Pubs  ||  Presentation by the Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation 

7.00 - 8.15 pm, Thursday, 24 November 2022  ||  Village Hall
All Welcome 

With the Martyrs Inn still closed, the feeling has grown in the village that we should find out more about the options for future community ownership. 

James Alcock, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation, has kindly agreed to make a presentation on this to the community on 24 November.  The Plunkett Foundation is a charity specialising in supporting people in rural areas to set up and run a wide range of community owned businesses such as village shops and pubs.  There are many successful examples around, including here in Dorset.  James will be able to tell us more about the models and structures involved and potential sources of financial assistance.  He will also attempt to answer any questions we have.

Tolpuddle Village Meeting
Thursday, 24 November, 2022 at 6pm  ||  Tolpuddle Village Hall
Click here for Village Meeting page and Agenda and draft minutes of last meeting

Sam Lewis  -  now including a support act
Tuesday, 15 November, 2022  ||  Tolpuddle Village Hall
Doors Open 19.00  ||  Note: earlier Start Time of:  20.00
An excellent evening of music from Sam Lewis and supporting act Grizzly Rhys Morgan.

Bonfire and Fireworks Night
Saturday, 5 November, 2022  ||  18.00 to 21.00  - Cancelled due to adverse weather
Martyrs Field by kind permission of the TUC
With huge regret, the Bonfire and Fireworks night was cancelled due to adverse weather.  So disappointing to all but we hope to bring an alternative in the coming months.  Watch this site

Happy Halloween
The Woodland School, Southover Woods | Friday, 28 October, 2022
All things Halloween in Southover Woods!
https://thewoodlandschool-dorset.mailchimpsites.com/whats-on

Wild Willy Barrett's Roaring Touring (Willy Barrett, Jane Williams, Mary Holland)
Saturday, 15 October, 2022
Another evening of fabulous live music brought to Tolpuddle by Simon Sturt.   

Forage for Knowledge
The Woodland School, Southover Woods
Saturday, 15 October, 2022
Join ‘Forage For Knowledge’ this autumn where you will learn all about wonderful wild food and enjoy some with your lunch! Email:  forageforknowledge@yahoo.com

Puddletown Area Parish Council Meeting
Tuesday, 11 October, 2022  ||  19.00
Tolpuddle Village Hall
Click here for more information

Harvest Supper - now Sold Out
Friday, 7 October, 2022
Village Hall

Tolpuddle Events Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 27 September, 2022 at 7pm in the Village Hall
Residents welcome to attend as observers

Bacon Sandwiches - raising money for Pakistan Flood Relief
POSTPONED:  as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II this event is postponed.  New date to be announced in due course.
Sunday, 18 September, 2022  ||  10.30 - 12.00
Village Hall  ||  All welcome
Come to the Village Hall on Sunday, 18 September for giant bacon sandwiches and help us raise some money for the Pakistan Relief Fund.  £3 and as much coffee as you can drink!

Puddletown Area Parish Council Meeting
CANCELLED DUE TO PERIOD OF MOURNING THE LATE QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Tuesday, 13 September, 2022  ||  19.00
Click here for more information

Dorset Historic Churches Ride and Stride
Saturday, 10 September, 2022
Ride and Stride is an annual event during which supporters raise money for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust and for their own church by riding, cycling or walking between our beautiful and interesting chapels.   

DHCT has been generous to us in the past, helping finance our new kitchenette and lavatory so that our dear historic church is more usable through the week as well as offering overnight accommodation through AirBnB. 

If you would like to participate please get in touch with Hilly Cobban to find out more:  hlcobban@gmail.com 

If you would like to donate or sponsor Team Tolpuddle, please go to the JustGiving page by clicking here

23 July, 2022
Village Hall
John Devine
An evening of music with John Devine hosted by Simon Sturt.  Launching new album "Notions":  cross genre music steeped in Irish tradition.  A great evening.

15 - 17 July, 2022
Martyrs Festival
Numbers were down overall due to very hot weather and covid possibly.
Breakfasts:  Saturday, Sunday and Monday:  Saturday low numbers but Sunday and Monday very good demand.
Car Parking:  number of cars about a third of normal number.
Village Hall:  numbers very much down on previous years.
Contributions of food and time from residents was as usual fantastic and despite lower footfall a healthy surplus was made for Village Hall and Church funds.

2 - 5 June 2022
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Thursday and Friday:  Exhibition of Coronation memorabilia in the Church
Saturday:  Evening:  BBQ at the Village Hall with a Bar.  Jubilee concert shown on the large TV screen.
Sunday:  2pm Street Party Tea followed by tree planting, children's games and cake cutting in Orchard Meadow.  The community photo after the tea had to be abandoned due to rain.  Luckily we had the marquee in Orchard Meadow and the celebrations were able to continue in the dry.

May 2022
Cream Teas at the Old Mill 2.30 - 4.30
to raise money for the Church and Ukraine.  Very well attended and lovely weather.  

24 March 2022
Village Hall - Music
John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett
Very successful concert brought by Simon Sturt.  A mix of live music and irreverent comedy.  Thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

March 2022
Village Bake Off
A great success and well attended.  £225 profit was made which will go towards purchasing Jubilee mugs for the children of the village.

2021  ||  Past Events  ||  Archive

December 2021
Christmas Hampers
The Christmas Hampers were a great success, despite not being able to hold the Party for Covid reasons.  We were able to go ahead with the carol singing around the village which was enjoyed by all those participating.  A very big thank you to those putting the hampers together and those organising the tickets and sales and prize draw, again raising considerable revenue for distribution to the Church and Village Hall.  

November 2021
Bonfire and Fireworks  ||  Martyrs Barn and Field
The Fireworks exceeded all our expectations.  The combination of great weather on the night, excellent food, entertaining music, a bar that just about managed to keep up with the demand, and of course the wonderful firework display and bonfire.  A true team effort with every aspect working so well together.  The numbers attending reaching about 600 was either a result of everyone wanting to celebrate something outside with the family, great advertising, or just luck, it all led to an amazing atmosphere.  

October 2021
Harvest Supper  ||  Village Hall
The Harvest Supper in October 2021 was a great event which sold out quickly.  Many provided wonderful food and entertainment.  Again, raising considerable money because of the well-managed organisation.  

2021 August
Tolpuddle Summer Sizzler

On Saturday, 28 August, 2021 Tolpuddle held its long anticipated Summer Sizzler, a community event to celebrate summer, our new freedoms and the first event under the new Tolpuddle Events Committee (TEC), created early in 2021 to help coordinate events for the village.  The weather was perfect for a very successful event held on Orchard Meadow with a fantastic turnout from Tolpuddle, surrounding villages and further afield.  Our large marquee was set up for the entertainment and an art exhibition by local artists.  Many stalls provided refreshments during the afternoon with delicious cakes and strawberries and cream and, of course, a bar which all proved very popular.  A Junk-o-saurus competition produced some interesting and original ideas.  We were thrilled to have a vintage Fire Engine, as well as two classic cars.  

The Dog Show was extremely popular and much fun with a large turnout of entrants for the many categories and prizes to be won.  Later in the afternoon we were so pleased to welcome dancers from The Studio in Dorchester who entertained us all with a wide variety of dance.  

During the evening BBQ there was live music provided by the Purbeck U3A Ukulele Group followed by ‘Hazzard’, a local band who provided wonderful music and dancing opportunities for all.

We are so pleased that funds have been raised for charities Mencap and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance as well as St John’s Church in Tolpuddle.  We are very grateful to the many local businesses and organisations who supported the Sizzle providing generous donations and our thanks go to them.  Due to the marvellous turnout and great feedback, maybe we could look forward to this becoming a regular summer event for Tolpuddle.