december 2017 th saturday 9th december at 3.30pm mince...

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Saturday 9th December 1.30 for 2.00pm Moordown Community Centre, Coronation Avenue, BH9 1TW

Shelley – a Humanist out of Time

A presentation by songwriter and publisher John Webster.

While he is perhaps most celebrated as one of our greatest romantic poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley was also an idealist who

passionately advocated social reform. In this literary and musical presentation, Shelley expert John Webster will reveal how modern humanist ideals inspired much of the revolutionary poet’s work.

John will begin with an introduction highlighting Shelley's relevance to contemporary humanism, following which he will present many of Shelley’s verses in a cycle of specially composed songs from his 'Shelley's Golden Years in Italy' DVD. These musical adaptations of Shelley’s poems feature introductory explanatory narrations recorded by the poet Benjamin Zephaniah and are illustrated with an eclectic selection of images featuring Shelley-related locations in Italy.

Saturday 9th December at 3.30pm

Mince Pies and Flying Spaghetti Monsters Join us after the main meeting on for our traditional festive mince pies and mulled wine. These refreshments are provided free of charge but please give generously to our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal – see inside for full details.

Knit and crochet designer Ruth Haydock will be displaying some of her whimsical humanist knitted and crocheted items at our December meeting. Her

designs are inspired by her awe of the universe. She chose the name ‘Knittwittowo’ for her business because she tends to have her most creative moments at night, like a night owl. Her fabulous collection includes Knitted Globes, Knitted Solar System, crocheted whales, retro style supernova crocheted tea cosies, and her world famous Knitted Flying Spaghetti Monster. 5% of sale proceeds will be donated to our Winter Appeal.

Ruth spoke to Dorset Humanists earlier this year about her journey from faith to humanism. The Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) is the deity of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Pastafarianism. Pastafarianism promotes a light-hearted view of religion and opposes the teaching of intelligent design and creationism in public schools.

December 2017

http://dorsethumanists.co.uk/



Pub socials Thursday 7th and an extra festive social on Wednesday

20th December 7.30pm and every first Thursday evening of the month at Moon in the Square, Exeter Rd, BH2 5AQ.

Enjoy stimulating conversation over a drink or two at our pub social evening. Look out for the Dorset Humanists signs on the table. We warmly welcome regulars and newcomers.

Dean 07713 858773

Sunday Walks 17th December ‒ Stour Valley Way. A relatively flat walk

along the beautiful River Stour, looking out for kingfishers and wading birds.

All walks are between about 6 and 9 miles and will usually have an optional short cut. Please check Meetup for further details and any l ast minute cancellations due to weather conditions. Phil 07817 260498 Monday 18th December 12.30pm Day’s Chinese Buffet Restaurant, St Peter's Rd, BH1 2AD. £9.00 per head/pay on entry.

Santamas lunch Join other humanists for a jolly Santamas lunch! It would be helpful for planning if you

could please sign Lyn’s sign-up sheet at forthcoming meetings.

Short Talks Tuesday 19th December 7.30pm Green House Hotel,

Grove Road, BH1 3AX. £2.00-3.00 donation requested.

Humanists in the Forces Our short talks this month will be given by Simon Whipple and Aaron Darkwood. Simon was a junior army officer for five years from 1979 to 1984. He saw service in

Northern Ireland and the Falklands war. He will talk about the ethical and spiritual issues he faced on active service.

Aaron trained with the Royal Observer Corps, and one evening every week rehearsed actions to be taken in the event of a nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union. What was it like in a 15 x 7 foot concrete coffin buried deep underground?

Each talk is around 20 minutes followed by questions and discussion. See Meetup for further details.

Future dates for your diary…

Saturday 13th January 1.30 for 2.00pm Moordown Community Centre

Hidden Knowledge with sociologist and author Dr Sarah D Goode. Tackles the taboo subject of adult sexual attraction to children. Dr Goode is currently acting CEO of StopSO (Specialist Treatment Organisation for the Prevention of Sexual Offending) which trains therapists to work with actual or potential sex offenders. Wednesday 24th January 7.30pm Green House

Money and Banking with Lucy Thom and David Moon from Positive Money. A radical solution to the problems of money and debt.

Saturday 10th February 12.00 noon Bournemouth International Centre

Darwin Day – book now! What Next for Humans in an Age of Machines? Darwin Day celebration with our speaker guest speaker Dr Kate Devlin who lectures on artificial intelligence.

Lunch & Talk Ticket (12.00pm start): £25 including welcoming glass of wine or soft drink, followed by a 3-course Italian buffet lunch. (£5 discount for paid-up members booking lunches by 9th December). Talk only Ticket (2.00pm start): £3 includes coffee or tea on arrival.

Lyn Glass 01202 767323 [email protected]


https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/242708002/

https://www.meetup.com/Dorset-Humanists/events/243456362/

mailto:[email protected]



Other events of interest…

Sunday 10th December 10.00-3.00pm Triangle, Bournemouth

World Human Rights Day A variety of local groups and organisations will be promoting Human Rights. Organised by Dorset LGB&T Equality Network.

Wednesday afternoons and Sundays Beach and other locations – dates, times and exact locations to be arranged.

January Fitness Challenge January is the month when you may have eaten too much, put on weight, and as the weather is less than inviting you may not want to go out and exercise. So for the month of January, Phil Butcher and Aaron Darkwood are inviting you to join them in a fitness challenge. Every Wednesday afternoon there will be an hour on the beach working out and doing fitness. Then on Sundays we will be doing a walk and this will run throughout January. If you are already fit, then come along and help encourage those who may not be. This is aimed at all levels, shapes and sizes.

If in any doubt, consult your doctor before any fitness activity. This is a member run initiative and Dorset Humanists cannot accept any liability.

[email protected]

Our schools team is continuing to inform local school pupils about Humanism. David Warden recently visited Avonbourne School and did a joint presentation with a Christian schools worker in order to compare and contrast Humanism and Christianity. Feedback was very positive and David has received two return invitations in December.

Humanism at local interfaith gathering David Warden spoke about Humanism at an interfaith week event at the Bournemouth Reform Synagogue. The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress and was given extensive coverage in the Echo.

Speakers were limited to just five minutes and David took the opportunity to talk about the difficulties faced by some people when they lose their faith and want to leave their religion. He said that Dorset Humanists is home to many people who have left their faith including evangelical missionaries and, some years ago, a former Roman Catholic bishop.

Rabbi Maurice Michaels of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, who is honorary treasurer of the Interfaith Network, said the event had been a massive success and encapsulated the aims of Inter Faith Week.

Dorset Humanists at the Bournemouth Remembrance Service

For the fifth year running, David Warden spoke about peace at the Bournemouth Remembrance Service. Vice Chair of Dorset Humanists Lyn Glass joined the Mayoress’s Party. David and Lyn were extremely grateful to members of Dorset Humanists who came along to give their support.


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Dorset Humanists ‘Jane Bannister Winter Appeal’

Members voted for ‘no change’ to our Jane Bannister Winter Appeal which will therefore be in support of Michael House and Mosaic. We hope you will give what you can to these two very worthwhile local charities. Our Winter Appeal has raised thousands of pounds in previous years. The appeal is named in memory of Jane Bannister who was Chair of Dorset Humanists until 2009.

Mosaic is a Dorset-wide charity offering a pathway of support to bereaved children, young people and their families. They also work with young people who are facing the death of a loved one.

Mosaic provides individual, family and group support. Every child has the opportunity to attend our residential weekend programme where they can meet others and share their experiences. Dorset Humanists’ donation last year went specifically to support this wonderful residential weekend at Leeson House near Swanage.

The charity receives 30% Local Authority funding allocated to support for bereaved children in Dorset. All other money has to be raised through applications to The Big Lottery, Children in Need, charitable trust grants, fundraising, corporate sponsorship, individual support, and donations from local groups.

Michael House is more than just a hostel; it’s a home and our mission has always been to help anyone who is vulnerable. We are a dry house, offering supported accommodation to both male and female residents.

Michael’s Mission

To provide emergency and longer-term accommodation to homeless people and provide related day services.

To provide encouragement, advice and support to our clients in an environment which enables them to gain a greater sense of self-worth and to move towards a more independent life.

To work in co-operation and a collaborative way with the relevant statutory agencies and with other voluntary organisations.

£250.00 will provide care and support for one homeless person for one month.

Homelessness has been a major problem in the Bournemouth area over the last twenty years and we always operate to full capacity. Official Rough Sleeper Counts, which tend to minimise the situation, are consistently in double figures. Soup kitchens have been crowded throughout this period. By providing respect, care, and support to all residents, we aim to restore self-esteem, assist with life skills, access further education, facilitate training for employment to enable individuals to rebuild their own lives and reintegrate back into the community. Michael House is a place where our residents feel “safe, warm and inspired”.

Please consider gift aiding your donation. Forms available at our meetings or from John 07766 473728.

Please donate at our meetings or send a cheque made payable to ‘Dorset Humanists Winter Appeal’ to John Kingston, 90 Lowther Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8NS. Closing date end of February.




Wessex Humanists David Warden and Aaron Darkwood attended the inaugural meeting of Wessex Humanists on Saturday 4th November. This is a network of humanist groups in the region including Dorset, Reading, Guildford, Basingstoke, Farnham, Isle of Wight, and South Hants. Catriona McLellan from Humanists UK stood in for Teddy Prout who has responsibility for humanist groups at Humanists UK. The aims and objectives of Wessex Humanists have yet to be determined but suggestions include regional collaboration on events such as Darwin Day, World Humanist Day, and pride events, and planting new groups in cities like Salisbury and Winchester.

Humanism Society at Bournemouth University launched The Humanism Society at Bournemouth University launched in November with a guest speaker from Humanists UK. Sean Turnbull spoke about what Humanism is and why we need it, as well as introducing the work of Humanists UK. Dorset Humanists helped with Freshers’ Fair in October.

Life School Happiness Course Sixteen people ‘graduated’ from our Life School Happiness course in November. Our course handbook was Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky’s The How of Happiness which is based on scientific research into what happiness strategies actually work.

“Group discussions very uplifting”

“Very well thought-out course”

“A good positive atmosphere”

“My first course with Dorset Humanists – I found the group friendly and supportive and the course professional and helpful”

What’s happiness got to do with Humanism?

The international symbol of Humanism is the ‘Happy Human’ – adopted in the 1960s to symbolise ‘reaching our potential’. Happiness, understood as wellbeing or flourishing, is at the heart of the humanist project. Humanists can learn about happiness from philosophy, psychology, science, and some religious traditions.

Happiness is good for you and good for society

Happy people live longer, have stronger immune systems, are less likely to catch

Wessex Humanists: Back row left to right - Alan Bartlett, Simon Bligh, Alan Montgomery, David Warden, David Simmonds (tall), David Bodrell, Charlie Yianoulou, David McKnight, Bodhi Shapiro; Front row left to right - Aaron Darkwood, Tamia Hart, Glynn Gomes, David Brittain (inset), Catriona McLellan




colds and other illnesses, stay married longer, commit fewer crimes, produce more creative ideas, work harder and better, make more money, and help others more. Shouldn’t we be doing more to cultivate genuine happiness in ourselves and in society?

What is happiness?

Sonja Lyubomirsky’s definition of happiness is twofold: joy, contentment, and positive emotions combined with a sense that your life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile. Happiness is the activation of positive emotions in the left prefrontal cortex and other areas of the brain such as enjoyment, interest, stimulation, elation, fun, optimism, contentment – a general feeling of wellbeing. Unhappiness is the activation of negative emotions in the right prefrontal cortex and activity in the amygdala such as fear, anxiety, boredom, pessimism, shame, guilt and so on.

“Really enjoyable – wish we could do it every week”

“I will be revisiting the ideas we discussed as a group and have already identified areas I will be working on to increase my happiness and wellbeing, including attending more Humanist activities!”

“Many thanks again for a delightful 6 weeks of thinking/breathing and being HAPPY.”

Is there a secret to happiness?

There are several! Maintaining a zest for life, being engaged, interested, and connected with others, managing your brain chemistry and improving neural pathways, becoming more aware of your emotions and being able to tolerate negative states until they dissipate, a sense of humour.

For more information visit the Action for Happiness website. Books by Martin Seligman, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Jonathan Haidt and many others contain a wealth of scientific information about the psychology of happiness and ‘optimal human functioning’.

David Warden has been invited to give a talk on The Science of Happiness to Basingstoke Humanists on 18th April 2018.

Humanist of the Year David Warden and Susan Bryson attended a Humanist of the Year event at Conway Hall in London on 25th November.

In announcing the recipient of this year’s award, Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson spoke of Joan’s life-long dedication to promoting humanist values, not just in Parliament (where she has made over 140 speeches on progressive causes since 2011) but also through her long career in public broadcasting. Joan’s history of programme-making for the BBC includes a number of eye-opening documentaries that challenged, informed, and stimulated the British public, including on subjects like sex, race relations, religion, and the death penalty.

Joan is Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, working in partnership with Conservative Party MP Crispin Blunt to coordinate work across both Houses of Parliament. After a rousing speech on the value of free thinking and humanism, she concluded, ‘I hope I represent you well. Humanists are people of principle and courage leading good lives, and I hope to be your voice in Parliament.’

Boyd Sleator, Development Officer for Northern Ireland Humanists also spoke about the challenges of being a humanist in Northern Ireland where it is still illegal for women to have an abortion.

Humanist of the Year Joan Bakewell with Humanists UK CEO Andrew Copson




Letters & Emails It’s your column…

From Frances Usher

‘We meet in the presence of God.’ So went the opening sentence that greeted a group of Dorset Humanists as we joined the large gathering around Bournemouth War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. And, as is customary, it was followed by prayers, hymns and readings by a selection of speakers from a variety of local religious groups. If we couldn’t join in those, we could at least observe the two minutes silence, and that was solemn and moving.

And it wasn’t all religious. For the fifth year running David Warden spoke, not only for us, but also on behalf of Defence Humanists, who represent non-religious people in the armed services. He spoke about peace, and some of its requirements: respect, humility, compromise and justice. At the end he said: ‘... let our tribute to those of all beliefs who have suffered and died in conflict be our resolve for peace.’ It was right, and we were proud of him.

From Chris Smith via Meetup

Compared with other remembrance ceremonies I have attended over the years, this was most inclusive. Not least because David was able to take an active part. It is very likely that his secular approach was more meaningful to a majority than the directly religious prayers and hymns. There were perhaps a dozen Dorset Humanists in our group, maybe others were elsewhere. Meanwhile where were the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and other representatives? The music was well played, the gun (at the start and end of the two minute silence) was loud, the rain kept off except for a flurry. It was good to see some young families there. At the other end of the age range the very few frail elderly ex-servicemen touched me deeply.

Enjoy Dorset Humanists? But haven’t joined yet?

Unlike many groups, Dorset Humanists doesn’t artificially inflate its membership figures by counting online subscribers. This is because we highly value our subscribing members who, year after year, show their support for what we do and what we stand for by paying just £15 (concessions available).

For just £15 a year you can enjoy all the benefits of full membership of Dorset Humanists: a greater sense of belonging, knowing that your membership counts, the right to vote on how our group is run, and special discounts to events and courses.

“Finding a group to belong to can be very difficult … I felt the need in my life to carry on having interaction with people, and belonging to in a sense, yet the only options I knew about were churches. This is where for me the Humanist group comes in.” Nick

Dorset Humanists is a charity funded entirely by member subscriptions and donations. If you haven’t joined yet and would like to, pick up a membership form at one of our meetings or join online. It’s really easy and you can help us even more by paying by Direct Debit. This cuts down enormously on our admin workload which is done entirely by volunteers. Together, we can make our Humanist voice heard in Dorset. Thank you!

Dorset Humanists with Humanists UK President Shappi Khorsandi at Lighthouse




Dorset Humanists

Chairman’s View December 2017

he story of religion is to a large extent the story of human dissatisfaction with

this life and the hope of a better life to come. Belief in spirits arose naturally in

the minds of Homo sapiens when relatives died. There was a feeling that

somehow they were still around and influencing affairs on earth. Unseen forces were

personified into gods and it was a logical progression to conceptualise a top God. A

huge amount of energy and material resources were invested in religious cults with

spectacular results in architecture, music, art, costume, and theological speculation.

Today, huge new temples are still being built to house the gods. So where does all the

humanist energy go? It goes into life, this life. When painters turned their attention

away from insipid religious subjects we witnessed an explosion of creative energy

being poured into representations of ordinary life. If you want humanist art look at

Monet or Van Gogh. The Olympic Games were closed down by the Emperor

Theodosius in 393CE because they were thought to be a pagan cult which, moreover,

encouraged athletic nudity. The modern return of the Olympic Games is a return to

humanist values. Universities were, at first, Islamic and Christian establishments but

the modern explosion of knowledge, unfettered by religious dogma and given impetus

by the Enlightenment Encyclopedie (1751 – 1772), is a humanist achievement. Theatre,

novels, and even soap operas are humanist expressions.

Humanist groups can’t compete with churches because a humanist group is not a cult

and we don’t attract the same kind of devotional investment. But humanist groups and

the humanist movement nationally and internationally, whilst they do not represent the

totality of Humanism in the world today, help to make Humanism an explicit and

recognisable worldview and philosophical choice: living a good life and helping to

create a good society. We are placing that choice in front of children when we go into

local schools to inform them about Humanism. We take part in civic events like the

Bournemouth Remembrance Service in order to make local people aware of

Humanism. We are hoping to team up with a regional humanist grouping – Wessex

Humanists – in order to support and encourage humanist groups in other towns and

maybe even to plant new humanist groups in towns currently without one. Joan

Bakewell, Humanist of the Year, is representing Humanism with others in Parliament.

We wish all of our members and supporters a happy humanist midwinter festival.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.

T


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