Regular Activities and Classes

The Tolpuddle Old Chapel History Group
meeting every other Monday morning 10 - 12 in the Old Chapel
please see below for information regarding enquiries and further information.

The History Group runs as a series of informal conversations, discussions and exchanges for anyone interested in the history of Tolpuddle, the Piddle Valley, and surrounding areas.  Whether you are an experienced local historian, or a beginner, you will be made most welcome. Our endeavour is to ‘imagine history’. Above all we don’t intend to duplicate formal historical accounts: rather, we want to make our own heritage out of local stories, family memories, and the many easily overlooked scraps of information about what life was really like for the rural poor and those who lived and worked on the land in these valleys.  We work as part of the Tolpuddle Old Chapel Trust, with the broad aim of enhancing the heritage value of the Chapel and the village, setting those in a range of historical contexts.  

There are many ways to approach the making of this kind of history. One way is to ask basic questions ranging across time periods, such as what did people eat, how did they look after their children, how did they sleep, keep warm, tell the time, stay dry, light a fire? Another is to exchange family stories that have come down through the generations, and to use shared personal memories as a means of imagining the past. Yet another is to consider periods of great change in which villages like Tolpuddle were transformed, for example through enclosures, or the mechanisation of agriculture, or the opening or closing of certain trades and services in the villages, the diversion of roads, the provision of mains water – and so on.

We conduct our own research, and currently we are studying the origins of the Chapel by examining the Deeds of 1818 in detail in the hope that they will reveal more about the coming together of the Martyrs and their families as a newly emerging community of Methodists.  Each year, we aim to produce an exhibition coinciding with the Tolpuddle Festival, and we are keen to develop more activities of this kind.  Our meetings are shaped by a sociable spirit and by finding ways of pursuing shared interests and enquiries that people bring.  We endeavour to establish common ground for our enquiries and discussions, so that we have a focus and a purpose. We are also open to creative opportunities that these interests promote.

Sessions are convened by Philip Martin (former Chair of TOCT), from whom further details are available.   Please mail info@tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org or drop a note into the Chapel addressed to Philip if you are interested in hearing more.

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Iyengar Yoga
Village Hall  ||  Wednesdays throughout the year
Wednesdays  ||  11.00 - 12.30
Wednesdays  ||  19.00 - 20.30

(Additional class at Milborne St Andrew First School  ||  Tuesdays  ||  18:15 -  19:45) 

All classes are mixed ability and suitable for everyone of all ages - flexibility is not a requirement!  
Iyengar yoga focuses on correct alignment, with clear demonstration and instructions that allow students to learn the poses (asanas) at their own pace.  Props are used to help students if a pose initially proves difficult to achieve. Over time and with regular practice, students develop a deeper understanding of these poses, gain strength and freedom in the body and awareness of the connections between the body, breath and mind.   The classes end with 10 mins relaxation.  
£8 per session if paying for whole half term  ||  £10 per session pay as you go

More information can be found at www.dhiy.org or www.Iyengaryoga.org.uk

Please contact Sue Chapman for more information:  01305 848053

Talk, Sip and Supper at the Martyrs Inn
Third Wednesdays of the Month at 7pm
An invited speaker and supper.  Cost for each evening will be £12 which includes the talk and supper, £1 of which will be donated to  the charity the pub supports:  the British Homeless Veterans Fund.
Pre booking essential.

Contact  Annette 07977 421336 or the Martyrs Inn to book 01305  602115

Tolpuddle Old Chapel Open Mornings 2026
The Old Chapel is now open on Thursday mornings from 10 am til 12 noon during the summer season.
Private group visits can be arranged by emailing info@tolpuddleoldchapeltrust.org
For more information please visit the Old Chapel website........

Knit and Natter at the Martyrs Inn
Second Thursdays of the month at 7pm Martyrs Inn
Held second Thursday of each month.
All welcome.  Bring crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, tapestry - what you like - or just come along and enjoy a drink and a chat.

Quiz Night in the Martyrs Inn
Quiz Nights held last Thursday of the month.  Teams of 6.   7.30 pm
It gets booked up very quickly so book your table asap 01305 602115

The 100 Club
Monthly Draw on the last Friday of each month at the Martyrs Inn at around 18.00
Results on the 100 Club page on this website.