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A Wonderful Day in Blandford!
Social Gathering in Blandford Forum
Thursday 2nd October 2025
Starting the Day at the Crown Inn
We kicked things off at the Crown Inn with tea, coffee, and delicious pastries—a perfect chance to reconnect and share updates on the NEU’s local activities. You can view the minutes of the meeting by clicking the link below.
Exploring Blandford’s Historic Church
From there, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the church for a fascinating guided tour. We learned that the church was rebuilt after the devastating Great Fire of Blandford in 1731, as part of the town’s ambitious reconstruction. Its design replaced the cramped medieval building with a modern structure—a bold statement of optimism for Blandford’s future.
The Bastard Brothers’ Legacy
The rebuilding was largely the work of the talented Bastard brothers, renowned joiners who earned a reputation as “master builders and architects.” Their craftsmanship shaped much of the post-fire town, and their influence is still evident today.
Inside the Church: Surprising Details
Inside, the wooden box pews caught our attention—complete with panelled ends and hinged doors! Among them sat the Mayor’s Chair, a subtle reminder that civic pride was on full display during worship. A delightful surprise!
Climbing the Tower and Beyond
The highlight of the visit was climbing up the tower and exploring the roof space above the nave. The intricate network of joists and beams was truly impressive—a testament to the Bastard brothers’ skill. We even stepped out onto the roof for breathtaking views over Blandford and the surrounding countryside. (See photo!)
A Knowledgeable Guide and a Tasty Finish
Our guide was outstanding—knowledgeable and engaging—making the experience even more memorable. The tour ran longer than expected, so we headed straight to the pop-up café at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion for a well-earned bite to eat.
Next Up: Wimborne Minster
Join us on Wednesday, 10th December in Wimborne for coffee, panettone, and a visit to the historic Wimborne Minster, including its famous Chained Library.
Got questions?
Drop us an email at retiredmembers.dorsetneu@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear from you!
Mist, Sunshine, and Coastal Charm: Our June Adventure
Worth Matravers Social Gathering
Wednesday 11th June 2025
A Misty Surprise to Start the Day
Our journey began on a glorious sunny morning, but as we approached Worth Matravers, we were greeted by an unexpected blanket of mist covering the village and surrounding hills. It was a surprise—but thankfully, the air was warm, and by the time we set off for our walks, the mist had lifted to reveal stunning views.
Two Walks, Two Adventures
We split into two groups for the day’s walks:
The Gentle Stroll:
This route followed a ridge with no steps or steep inclines, offering delightful views of Worth Matravers and the surrounding countryside. The highlight? A bench with a commanding view of the sea and the Jurassic Coast—a perfect spot to relax and even try (unsuccessfully!) to shout greetings to the other group below.
The Longer Walk:
This group ventured down the valley to Winspit before tackling the 70 steps up to Seacombe. The climb was rewarded with spectacular views of the Jurassic coastline stretching toward Anvil Point Lighthouse. The scenery was so captivating that the shouts from above went completely unnoticed! After another set of steps down near Seacombe, the group made their way back up the valley toward Worth Matravers—one last short flight of steps before reaching the finish line.
Lunch at The Square and Compass
After a warm and invigorating morning, everyone gathered at The Square and Compass for lunch outdoors. The menu featured hearty pies and pasties, washed down with a beverage of choice. A few adventurous souls even sampled the pub’s own cider—a bold move that paid off!
Next Stop: Blandford Forum
Mark your calendars for Thursday, 2nd October! We’ll be heading to Blandford Forum to explore the Local Museum, Fashion Museum, and the historic church—all conveniently located in a close triangle.
Got questions?
Drop us an email at retiredmembers.dorsetneu@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear from you!
Get in Touch with Dorset NEU Retired Section
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Alternatively, you can contact Dorset NEU's Retired Officers Mark Oliver on xxx@xxx or Peter Parsons on xxx@xxx.