During 2025 Upwey saw the return of regular talks which took place in The Old School Village Hall.  We started slowly to gauge whether they would be popular and chose a variety of subjects to appeal to a wide audience.  

We began with an exhibition by local historian Sue Virgin on the Upwey Flood.  This took place on Open Gardens weekend and saw lots of visitors popping in to the School Hall.  Some to find out what happened, some to remember and for a few to remember the tragic loss.  

In September Luke Mouland gave an engaging talk on Nursing in Dorset During the First World War.  The audience was fascinated by the part played by, mainly, local women during the war. To some extent a forgotten part of our history.

In October locals, Sheonagh and Pat, delighted a packed house with their motorbiking adventures on a trip from Panama to Cambodia.  Lots of laughter and some photos with one of their beloved bikes, which also came along for the evening.  An inspiring couple. 

Lastly, in November Paul Atterbury gave a fascinating account of how an inventive and memorable garden was created from a narrow, sloping half acre of meadow in Eype, near Bridport. It was certainly challenging, it was expensive and took about five years, but the result was magnificent.  I am sure it left the audience with lots of ideas to take home. 

Look out for more talks during 2026.