About the Society
Founded in 1983, the society exists to enable its members to share fellowship and pleasure in the life and work of William Barnes.
Its membership includes scholars and laymen, those chiefly interested in poetry and others who drawn by his connection with Dorset history and dialect.
The Society organises readings, lectures and walks in William Barnes country.
See also
Dorset Dialect
"Vuz / Vuzzen"
Plant: Furze, gorse, Ulex europaeus
Society events

From 22/02/2026 until 22/02/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes

From 20/03/2026 until 20/03/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes

On 26/04/2026
11:00 till 12:30
Annual Service of Thanksgiving of William Barnes
11:00 till 12:30
Annual Service of Thanksgiving of William Barnes

On 04/05/2026
Starts 00:00
Cerne Abbas Festival - William Barnes' Poetry Readings
Starts 00:00
Cerne Abbas Festival - William Barnes' Poetry Readings

On 31/05/2026
13:00 till 15:00
Wreath Laying at the William Barnes Statue
13:00 till 15:00
Wreath Laying at the William Barnes Statue

On 30/08/2026
10:00 till 17:00
William Barnes at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair 2026
10:00 till 17:00
William Barnes at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair 2026