Tolpuddle is famous for its six farm workers who in 1834 became known as the "Martyrs", when they formed a union to protest peacefully about their low pay, and were prosecuted and transported to Australia.  The village has a small museum devoted to their story, and trade unions gather each July to parade through the village's main street. The village hall, pictured left, was formerly the village school, and is the venue for the art group's monthly meetings.

Tolpuddle's art group

For the information of  prospective new members,  the Tolpuddle Art Group (TAG) was set up in April 2008 with the intention that it would cater principally for amateur artists residing mainly in the Tolpuddle area who wished to get together once each month to practice their drawing and painting in a friendly and sociable environment.  It was not intended to be "in competition" with the well-established DORCHESTER ART CLUB (which meets much more frequently both indoors and outdoors depending on the season, as described elsewhere on this website), nor was it planned as a"class", but since the core group of members at the outset proved to comprise principally beginners or 'improvers', it was decided that most people would like some guidance to get them going, and the format evolved into a series of meetings during which John Grant would suggest subjects or themes, and offer help with techniques and materials.  In place of the planned inaugural system of working (which envisaged that members would merely share the cost of hiring the village hall), it was decided that a somewhat higher charge would be introduced which would cover miscellaneous expenses (provision of guidance material, occasional materials or supplies, and refreshments) in addition to the hall hire element.  It was agreed that each member would pay £10 for every three meetings attended (with an occasional supplementary levy of a pound to cover electicity for heating during the colder winter months).   This seems to have worked well, and with some inevitable departures of a few of the inaugural group of members, about a dozen regulars remain with the group.   Since the hall can accommodate up to about twenty, there are vacancies for new members should anyone wish to join us.

The TAG meets once a month, normally on the second Friday, from 10 am to 12 noon, in Tolpuddle Village Hall.  There are no problems with parking, and the current members are drawn from Tolpuddle itself, with others who live in Puddletown, Briantspuddle and Higher Bockhampton.  The group has been offered opportunities to visit locations in the area, but unfortunately uncertainties about weather conditions have made it difficult to take up such invitations so far.  We hope to diversify our activities in thsi way when conditions make it possible.  

Bookings for the village hall sometimes make it necessary to rearrange meetings to an alternative Friday in each month, but subject to this, it is expected that the final two meetings of 2009 will be on 12th November and 10th December.  These dates will be confirmed in due course.

Note that any member unable to attend a particular meeting need not advise me (John Grant) in advance, although if a particular theme involves preparation of material for attendees, then a brief email (to jaybgee@btinternet.com) will be appreciated.   Payment of the "3-meeting charge" of £10 will automatically extend the prepaid sequence whenever non attendance occurs.  Membership of TAG carries entitlement to a discount on purchases at Frank Herring & Sons, artists' suppliers, of Dorchester. 

THE WOLFETON ART GROUP
From the beginning of January 2010, members of an existing art group, which meets at Wolfeton Farm, near Dorchester, have become affliliated members of TAG, with entitlement to attend meetings of TAG and to enjoy any benefits it offers.

The Wolfeton Group continues to meet at fortnightly intervals, with breaks during the main holiday seasons.  

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS of TAG

Since the hall can accommodate up to about twenty, there are vacancies for new members should anyone wish to join us.  If you are interested, contact John Grant on 01305 848165 or email to jaybgee@btinternet.com.

THE WEBSITE PAGES FOR TAG

To assist membvers of the group, the "TUTORIAL 1" section contains some of the notes provided during meetings, offering basic guidance and information on materials, techniques and other aspects of painting and drawing.  The ""GALLERY" section is intended to provide members with an opportunity to display their work, while the "NEWS" section will provide details of plans for  forthcoming meetings, with a brief summary of the subjects covered by the last group meeting, for the benefit of those unable to attend.

 PLEASE CONSULT THE "NEWS" SECTION FOR THE LATEST PLANS FOR  FORTHCOMING MEETINGS.