Upwey Society

03/11/2026

The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director, of the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth, on Friday 13th November at 7:00 pm.

In this talk Mark will explore ‘the return’ motif in Hardy’s writing. He will be touching upon some of Hardy's most well-known novels such as The Return of the Native, Far from the Madding Crowd (my personal favourite), The Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Mark will consider how the past histories of the characters are inextricably linked to place and how their ‘return‘ results in the ultimate demise of their character. Of course, Hardy the writer also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate.

Come and join us for this innovative Thomas Hardy Birthday Lecture. Tickets are £5 each, which includes a complimentary glass of w**e, b**r or soft drink on arrival. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

Tickets are now available for The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth on Fri 13 Nov 2026 at 7:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

01/11/2026

The Return in Hardy - a Thomas Hardy Birthday Lecture by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society.

Come along and join us for this innovative lecture by Mark at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth, on Friday 13th November at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6.30 pm).

In this talk Mark will explore ‘the return’ motif in Hardy’s writing. Clym Yeobright in ‘The Return of the Native’ leaves his life in Paris as a diamond merchant and returns to his native Egdon Heath. Previously assumed dead, Sergeant Francis Troy returns in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. Susan Henchard returns and so does Lucetta Le Sueur in ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ both searching for Michael Henchard. Tess returns home and makes many journeys across the Wessex landscape in search of happiness. Mark will consider how the past histories of the characters are inextricably linked to place and their ‘return‘ results in the ultimate demise of their character and tragedy ensues. Of course, Hardy the writer also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate.

Tickets are £5 each which includes a complimentary glass of w**e, b**r or soft drink on arrival. Tickets can be purchased online via the link below:

Tickets are now available for The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth on Fri 13 Nov 2026 at 7:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

30/10/2026

Don’t forget the Members only EGM tomorrow at 10.30am at The Old Ship Inn, Upwey

30/10/2026

Come along and join us on Friday 13th November for a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society - The Return in Hardy.
Talk starts at 7:00 pm, with doors open at 6.30 pm.

In this talk Mark will explore ‘the return’ motif in Hardy’s writing. Clym Yeobright in ‘The Return of the Native’ leaves his life in Paris as a diamond merchant and returns to his native Egdon Heath. Previously assumed dead, Sergeant Francis Troy returns in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. Susan Henchard returns and so does Lucetta Le Sueur in ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ both searching for Michael Henchard. Tess returns home and makes many journeys across the Wessex landscape in search of happiness. Mark will consider how the past histories of the characters are inextricably linked to place and their ‘return‘ results in the ultimate demise of their character and tragedy ensues. Of course, Hardy the writer also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate.

Tickets £5 each which includes a complimentary glass of w**e, b**r or soft drink on arrival. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

Tickets are now available for The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth on Fri 13 Nov 2026 at 7:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

20/10/2026

14/10/2026

The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth, DT3 5QE on Friday 13th November at 7:00 pm.

In this talk Mark will explore ‘the return’ motif in a number of Hardy’s novels including: The Return of the Native, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Mark will consider how the past histories of the 'returning' characters are inextricably linked to place and their ‘return‘ results in the ultimate demise of their character and tragedy ensues. Of course, Hardy the writer also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate.

Come and join us and Mark for this innovative Thomas Hardy Birthday Lecture.

Tickets are £5 each, which includes a complimentary glass of w**e, b**r or soft drink on arrival. Tickets can be purchased via the link:

Tickets are now available for The Return in Hardy - a talk by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society at Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth on Fri 13 Nov 2026 at 7:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

11/10/2026

2026: A Year of Upwey in Pictures
It's a bit cloudy, but still a great day for wandering around the village and taking a photo for our "A Year of Upwey in Pictures" exhibition. It could be
your favourite spot in the village, something that showcases nature, local buildings, changes in seasons, activities and events that take place, or something associated with our village life. Please remember, Upwey is not just “old Upwey” so we would love to see a range of photos from all over the village.
We will be displaying as many of your photos as we can in an exhibition, open to the public, early in 2027 in the Old School Village Hall. If you want to take part, we are asking you to submit your autumn photos, which should be taken between Tuesday 1st September and Monday 30th November 2026. Please note that there is a maximum of 2 photos per individual per season.
Autumn photos need to be in high resolution and emailed to [email protected] by Monday 14th December 2026. Please include your name (which will be displayed alongside your photo), when and where the photo was taken, a title or caption and any further information regarding the photo that you wish to include.
Full terms and conditions can be found on our website: https://www.upweysociety.org.uk/2026-a-year-of-upwey-in-pictures/
Please enjoy walking round the village and we look forward to seeing your photographs.

Are you a keen amateur photographer, or someone who just enjoys taking a snap when you are out on a walk! If this sounds like you, you may want to be part of The Upwey Society’s Photography Exhibition “2026: A Year of Upwey in Pictures”.  You may want to take a photo of your favourite […]

09/10/2026

The Return in Hardy - Lecture by Mark Damon Chutter from the Thomas Hardy Society on Friday 13 November at 7.00 pm.

Upwey Old School Village Hall, Weymouth, DT3 5QE

In this innovative lecture Mark will explore ‘the return’ motif in Hardy’s writing, touching on a number of Hardy’s novels including: The Return of the Native, Far from the Madding Crowd, The Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess of the D’Urbervilles as well as Hardy, who also ‘returned’ to his beloved Casterbridge and designed his home, Max Gate.

All tickets £5, which includes a complimentary glass of w**e, b**r or soft drink on arrival. Tickets can be purchased via link below:
https://www.ticketsource.com/upwey-society/t-plogjqa