The Thomas Hardy Society are organising a series of events to celebrate the famous author’s birthday on Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 June.

Saturday, 10.30am
Return of the Native walk
A 3-4 mile walk, led by Tony Fincham, on Egdon Heath in the footsteps of Eustacia Vye, visiting Rainbarrow, Mistover Knap & Blooms-end. The walk is free, but the Society would like to know numbers in advance.
Meet at Thorncombe Wood Car Park (map ref: NGR SY 725921)

3.30pm
Council Chamber, County Hall, Dorchester.
The Birthday lecture will given by Dr.Simon Gatrell, Professor of English at the University of Georgia, USA. (Title of Lecture to be confirmed)
Tickets: £6 (members £5), Students free

4.45pm
Tea in Members’ Room at County Hall

5.15pm
The Dorchester Town Band will play, followed by a short entertainment by the New Hardy Players.

5.45pm
Thomas Hardy Statue, Top o’ Town Wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Mayor and Dorchester Town Council.

6.15pm
The Dorford Conference Centre, Top o’ Town, Dorchester
Talk/song recital by Gordon Pullin (tenor)
Early settings of Hardy poems, including those by Vaughan Williams, Boyton Smith, Rutland Boughton and some amateurs.
Tickets: £5 (members £3)

7.30 for 8pm
Birthday celebration Dinner
King’s Arms Hotel, High East Street,
Dorchester Two-course meal
Tickets: £14 (members £12.00)

Sunday, 8 June,11.15am
Matins at St. Michael’s Church, Stinsford.
Following the service a wreath will be laid on Thomas Hardy’s grave.