WAS there ever a William Barnes society, commemorating the Dorset dialect poet, that was based in Poole?

That's the question being asked by members of the current William Barnes Society.

Canon A J Butler, of Wimborne Minster, an admirer of Barnes's poetry since the 1940s, raises the matter in the latest society newsletter.

The current society is aware of one earlier society that was formed in 1950 or 51 and whose secretary lived in Shaftesbury. It later folded but it is possible there may have been another.

Canon Butler attributes his dedication to the poems to attending, in his youth, recitations of the poetry that were given in the Poole area by Alderman Herbert Carter and a founder member of the current society, Douglas Ashdown, also believes Alderman Carter was a Barnes fan.

Former Poole Grammar School student Mr Ashdown is the author of a paperback entitled An Introduction to William Barnes, published by Devon publishers Halsgrove. (Copies, costing £5 including postage and packing, are available from the author, who can be contacted on 01305 269037.)

William Barnes was born in 1801 at Bagber near Sturminster Newton. After becoming a schoolmaster he married Julia Miles but her death in 1852 affected him deeply. After his ordination he eventually became rector of Came Down, near Dorchester, where he died in 1886.

His multitude of scholastic achievements in the fields of priest, teacher, artist, linguist and antiquarian were, however, overshadowed by his success as a poet both in national English and the Dorset dialect. Among his admirers during his life was the poet laureate, Tennyson. He also helped to found the County Museum in Dorchester.

The William Barnes Society, which was formed in 1983 in preparation for the centenary of his death, celebrates the poet's life and works and today has members from all over the country. Last year it celebrated the bicentenary of his birth.

Events planned for next year ahead include a talk on the Flowers of William Barnes by the society chairman Alfred Barrett on Thursday, February 20 followed by a talk by county archivist Hugh Jacques on The World of William Barnes on March 20. Both take place at the United Church premises in Dorchester.

And arrangements are being made to hold a joint meeting of the Wiliam Barnes Society, the John Clare Society and the Thomas Hardy Society to explore the affinities of the poets' works.

Membership of the William Barnes Society costs £8 a year (or £10 for two people at the same address). Contact the chairman, Alfred Barrett, at 58 Mellstock Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2BQ.