LIBRARY TALKS & EVENTS 2026

All talks start at 2pm in the library unless otherwise indicated

THURSDAY 16TH APRIL AT 2PM

MARIE CURIE – A RADIOACTIVE LIFE!

Long before the term 'glass ceiling' was coined, Marie rose to the highest levels of the male dominated scientific community and was regarded as a peer by many of the greatest scientists of the early 20th century.

Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, the only woman to win in two fields, the only person to win in multiple sciences, first woman to obtain a doctorate, first woman professor at University of Paris.  

But she was more than just a great scientist.  Her actions during the First World War probably saved thousands of lives.

Although she achieved great things, her life was not easy and she had to endure more than her fair share of tragedy.

This is the amazing story of an extraordinary woman.

Forthcoming talks in the library for 2026

Thursday 18th MARCH 2pm  -  Q&A with local author Gill Calvin-Thomas

“Vex not her ghost” & “Sister Olive wouldn’t hurt a fly” are both partially based in Purbeck!  Find out from Gill about the process of writing two successful novels and how to get published!

Thursday 16th APRIL 2pm  -  “The Radioactive Life of Marie Curie” with Alan Neal

Marie Curie revolutionized scientific understanding of radioactivity, discovered the elements polonium and radium, and became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.   Join Alan for a fascinating insight into the life of this incredible woman.

Thursday 21st May 2pm  - “From Beds to Burials” with Lynn Feagan

Lyn shares her uplifting experience of being a family celebrant, taking funerals, weddings and more.

THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY - 2PM

"ON THE TRAIL OF THE SNAIL"

The hunt for Purbeck Marble in the Gardens of Corfe Castle

Purbeck marble was quarried and worked extensively in medieval times.   You can still find highly polished Purbeck marble columns, ornate fonts, tombs and grave slabs in many of the greatest cathedrals and churches across much of England.  Carving all these prestige products produced a lot of waste chippings – so where did all those end up?  In your garden?

Join Richard Caldow for a fascinating talk to hear about the story told by the stones in the village soil, and learn whether you might have medieval Purbeck marble chippings in your garden and how they might have got there.

JANUARY 29th 2PM  - Bill Carter Room, Corfe Village Hall

Our first talk for 2026 is the "History of Swanage Pier" with Cathy Evans.

This will be preceded by a very short AGM.

Free Event - All welcome - donations gratefully received for library funds.