Weymouth Civic Society visits Wey Valley

On Friday a group of Year 8 students welcomed Chris Moyle and Graham Perry from Weymouth Civic Society to discuss some of the historical buildings in the town and the heritage that surrounds them. Chris and Graham explored ‘The Rectory’ building and the links with famous local writer J. Meade Falkner who penned Moonfleet (1898). Throughout the session the students asked intelligent questions and this aroused their curiosity. Ian Gosling, Chairman of the Dorchester Civic Society, then explored the historical importance of buildings such as ‘Moule House’ in Trinity Street and Shire Hall in High West Street. Ian discussed the importance of protecting our heritage and the character of the County Town. Dorchester was called Durnovaria by the Romans and then Hardy named it Casterbridge in his fictional narrative The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886). Mr Gosling said, ‘the behaviour of the students was excellent and their thirst for further information impressive’. One student said ‘I found the afternoon to be inspiring and this has helped me with my studies in History’. Mark Chutter, Head of Performing Arts and leader of the Guest Speaker Programme, said ‘ my thanks to Chris, Graham and Ian for such a collaborative venture and presentation concerning the heritage of the local community’.