St Mary's Street Shops - Wallingford
Programme
If you would like to suggest a speaker, please complete this form and send to the Programme Secretary : [email protected]
February 1st, 2023 ‘The Great British Poster Artists: The Golden Age of Posters in Britain’ – Graham Twemlow
Poster art in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s was a thriving industry enabled by enlightened clients such as Shell-Mex, the London Underground, and the four railway companies. Many other organisations, including department stores such as Bobby & Co, Derry & Toms and Heal’s followed this lead and advertised their products or services via illustrated posters. This talk will explore the works of the pioneers of British poster art – artists include Tom Purvis, E. McKnight Kauffer, Paul Nash and Graham Sutherland.
Poster art in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s was a thriving industry enabled by enlightened clients such as Shell-Mex, the London Underground, and the four railway companies. Many other organisations, including department stores such as Bobby & Co, Derry & Toms and Heal’s followed this lead and advertised their products or services via illustrated posters. This talk will explore the works of the pioneers of British poster art – artists include Tom Purvis, E. McKnight Kauffer, Paul Nash and Graham Sutherland.
March 1st, 2023 ‘To the Roof of Africa: Climbing Kilimanjaro' - Graham Horn
We are familiar with the iconic view across the African plains of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. But what about the scenery and flora on the mountain, and what is it like to do the walk and stand on the top? Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn will show us the pictures and tell the stories.
We are familiar with the iconic view across the African plains of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. But what about the scenery and flora on the mountain, and what is it like to do the walk and stand on the top? Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn will show us the pictures and tell the stories.
April 5th, 2023 ‘Digging for Gold: Blooming Hard Work!’ – Janet Hurst and Stephanie Bridle
At a glittering ceremony in the RHS Lindley Hall in London on 25 October 2019, Goring-on-Thames in Bloom received not only a gold award, but a trophy as Best in the Small Town category from across the UK. The volunteer team which put in all the hard work was led by Probus members Janet Hurst and Stephanie Bridle. In this talk they will tell us how the Bloom activities developed from hanging baskets in 2007, through colourful containers around the village and the greening of 'grot spots', to a project to beautify the whole of Goring & Streatley railway station with permanent, sustainable planting. They will also describe the work that goes on in the background to underpin their success, not forgetting many of the pitfalls encountered along the way.
At a glittering ceremony in the RHS Lindley Hall in London on 25 October 2019, Goring-on-Thames in Bloom received not only a gold award, but a trophy as Best in the Small Town category from across the UK. The volunteer team which put in all the hard work was led by Probus members Janet Hurst and Stephanie Bridle. In this talk they will tell us how the Bloom activities developed from hanging baskets in 2007, through colourful containers around the village and the greening of 'grot spots', to a project to beautify the whole of Goring & Streatley railway station with permanent, sustainable planting. They will also describe the work that goes on in the background to underpin their success, not forgetting many of the pitfalls encountered along the way.
May 3rd, 2023 Piano Recital – Janet Pound
Probus member Janet Pound, who became a concert pianist in her teens and has continued to delight audiences throughout her long career, will give a short recital of varied pieces suitable for a spring day.
Probus member Janet Pound, who became a concert pianist in her teens and has continued to delight audiences throughout her long career, will give a short recital of varied pieces suitable for a spring day.
June 7th, 2023 ‘The Corn Exchange, Wallingford' - Mike Baker
July 5th, 2023 ‘The Mitfords in the Cotswolds’ – Muriel Pilkington
The main base of the Mitford family was and still is in Northumbria. However, a branch of the family came south to London in the mid-17th century and also built a country house in Exbury near Lymington. It was a member of that Exbury family, John Mitford, the first Lord Redesdale, who in 1804 inherited Batsford House near Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds – hence the title of the talk. The famous six Mitford sisters were his descendants. The four elder girls and their brother grew up at Batsford until the house was sold in 1919. Then they moved to the Windrush Valley near Burford where the family lived until 1936, and where Jessica and Deborah were born. Most of the talk focuses on the childhood, adolescence and subsequent lives of these seven remarkable people.
The main base of the Mitford family was and still is in Northumbria. However, a branch of the family came south to London in the mid-17th century and also built a country house in Exbury near Lymington. It was a member of that Exbury family, John Mitford, the first Lord Redesdale, who in 1804 inherited Batsford House near Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds – hence the title of the talk. The famous six Mitford sisters were his descendants. The four elder girls and their brother grew up at Batsford until the house was sold in 1919. Then they moved to the Windrush Valley near Burford where the family lived until 1936, and where Jessica and Deborah were born. Most of the talk focuses on the childhood, adolescence and subsequent lives of these seven remarkable people.
August 2nd, 2023 ‘Women with Wings’ - Carolyn Kirby
This illustrated talk tells how author Carolyn Kirby came to write her gripping second world war thriller When We Fall, which was inspired by the amazing women of the Air Transport Auxiliary, who overcame many barriers to fly warplanes from factories to RAF airfields. The focus is on three of these women, including Amy Johnson, highlighting the glamour, excitement and daily dangers they faced in the skies above wartime Britain.
This illustrated talk tells how author Carolyn Kirby came to write her gripping second world war thriller When We Fall, which was inspired by the amazing women of the Air Transport Auxiliary, who overcame many barriers to fly warplanes from factories to RAF airfields. The focus is on three of these women, including Amy Johnson, highlighting the glamour, excitement and daily dangers they faced in the skies above wartime Britain.
September 6th, 2023 ‘C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein’ - Alistair Lack
C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein came from very different backgrounds (Northern Ireland and South Africa), but they knew and socialised with each other for some forty years in Oxford. And they became two of the most famous and influential writers of the twentieth century. Alastair Lack will investigate what shaped them, by following their careers, their close friendship and growing differences, as well as their links to The Inklings - famous for celebrated sessions at the Eagle and Child pub and in Lewis's rooms in Magdalen College.
C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein came from very different backgrounds (Northern Ireland and South Africa), but they knew and socialised with each other for some forty years in Oxford. And they became two of the most famous and influential writers of the twentieth century. Alastair Lack will investigate what shaped them, by following their careers, their close friendship and growing differences, as well as their links to The Inklings - famous for celebrated sessions at the Eagle and Child pub and in Lewis's rooms in Magdalen College.
October 4th, 2023 ‘Frank Sinatra and the Mafia’ - Brian Greenan
In the 1920s the Mafia took control of crime across the USA, and part of their plan was to use major celebrities to draw high rollers into their casinos. So, was Frank Sinatra a member of the Mafia? Back by popular demand following his 2022 talk on the Brinks Matt Robbery, former Scotland Yard detective Brian Greenan takes us through the evidence: the ‘family’ wars, the movie stars, the ‘boss of bosses’, the drugs and casinos, and the godfathers.
In the 1920s the Mafia took control of crime across the USA, and part of their plan was to use major celebrities to draw high rollers into their casinos. So, was Frank Sinatra a member of the Mafia? Back by popular demand following his 2022 talk on the Brinks Matt Robbery, former Scotland Yard detective Brian Greenan takes us through the evidence: the ‘family’ wars, the movie stars, the ‘boss of bosses’, the drugs and casinos, and the godfathers.
November 1st, 2023 ‘A Honey Masterclass’ - Rowse Honey
Two representatives from Wallingford-based company Rowse Honey will give a presentation about Rowse, bees, and honey in general, followed by a tasting session where you will learn the difference between honeys.
Two representatives from Wallingford-based company Rowse Honey will give a presentation about Rowse, bees, and honey in general, followed by a tasting session where you will learn the difference between honeys.
December 6th, 2023 ‘A Christmas Miscellany’ - Mike Brook
Retired chief librarian Mike Brook, who has been involved for over 30 years with drama groups in York and West Berkshire, will present a selection of seasonal readings including an eight-minute potted pantomime for six volunteers. Many of the poems and prose pieces are humorous, and many will probably be new to most listeners. The addition of some Betjeman and T. S. Eliot’s ‘Journey of the Magi’ make for an entertaining and meaningful recital.
Retired chief librarian Mike Brook, who has been involved for over 30 years with drama groups in York and West Berkshire, will present a selection of seasonal readings including an eight-minute potted pantomime for six volunteers. Many of the poems and prose pieces are humorous, and many will probably be new to most listeners. The addition of some Betjeman and T. S. Eliot’s ‘Journey of the Magi’ make for an entertaining and meaningful recital.
January 3rd, 2024 ‘Cylinder Music Boxes: History, Restoration and Rejuvenation’ - Bernard Novell
Music box enthusiast Bernard Novell will tell us about the history of cylinder musical boxes and how he finds, purchases, restores, and makes them. He will bring along several examples for us to see and hear.
https://www.bernysmusicboxes.co.uk
Music box enthusiast Bernard Novell will tell us about the history of cylinder musical boxes and how he finds, purchases, restores, and makes them. He will bring along several examples for us to see and hear.
https://www.bernysmusicboxes.co.uk
7th February 2024 'Child labour in 19th century Oxfordshire' - Liz Woolley
Liz is a local historian specialising in aspects of the history of Oxford and Oxfordshire. She will tell the story of our county’s child workers, many of whom started work part-time at the age of six or seven and, until the compulsory school legislation of the 1870s, left education for good by the age of ten to become permanently employed.
http://lizwoolley.co.uk/
Liz is a local historian specialising in aspects of the history of Oxford and Oxfordshire. She will tell the story of our county’s child workers, many of whom started work part-time at the age of six or seven and, until the compulsory school legislation of the 1870s, left education for good by the age of ten to become permanently employed.
http://lizwoolley.co.uk/
6th March 2024 'Climate Change' - Professor Sir Brian Hoskins
Sir Brian Hoskins is one of the world’s most respected meteorologists, a modeller, interpreter and communicator of climate change and the impact of global warming on the world. Throughout his career, he has played a leading role in shaping public policy on this important subject and we are privileged to welcome him to speak to us.
https://royalsociety.org/people/brian-hoskins-11648/
Sir Brian Hoskins is one of the world’s most respected meteorologists, a modeller, interpreter and communicator of climate change and the impact of global warming on the world. Throughout his career, he has played a leading role in shaping public policy on this important subject and we are privileged to welcome him to speak to us.
https://royalsociety.org/people/brian-hoskins-11648/
3rd April 2024 'The work of the Woodland Trust' - Janet Widdows, The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust creates havens for wildlife by planting millions of trees every year, campaign for new laws to protect ancient woodland and restore damaged ancient woods so they can breathe again. They care for over 1,000 woods and open up access to them to thousands of visitors every year for free.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
The Woodland Trust creates havens for wildlife by planting millions of trees every year, campaign for new laws to protect ancient woodland and restore damaged ancient woods so they can breathe again. They care for over 1,000 woods and open up access to them to thousands of visitors every year for free.
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
1st May 2024 'At Home with Agatha Christie: the Wallingford and Cholsey connection' - Judy Dewey
Judy is the Curator of Wallingford Museum and has recently researched the life of ‘The Queen of Crime’, particularly the 42 years spent at Winterbrook House with her archaeologist husband, Max, until her death in 1976. Many of Agatha Christies’ novels were written there, but she led a very private life in the town where she was known as Mrs Mallowan. What can we learn about her life and work? Judy and Tony Rayner have recently published a well-illustrated book “At home with Agatha Christie” and we hope she’ll bring some copies to sell.
https://www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk/
Judy is the Curator of Wallingford Museum and has recently researched the life of ‘The Queen of Crime’, particularly the 42 years spent at Winterbrook House with her archaeologist husband, Max, until her death in 1976. Many of Agatha Christies’ novels were written there, but she led a very private life in the town where she was known as Mrs Mallowan. What can we learn about her life and work? Judy and Tony Rayner have recently published a well-illustrated book “At home with Agatha Christie” and we hope she’ll bring some copies to sell.
https://www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk/
5th June 2024 'The History of Huntley and Palmers' - Richard Marks
Huntley and Palmers were not only one of Reading’s major employers but an institution within the town and a global brand familiar to many tables across the world. In this talk, find out how the company began, and why it grew to the huge corporation it became. Huntley and Palmer were a prime user of railways and used the great Reading’s position as a transport hub to export its products across the globe, find out how in this talk. Richard Marks will also explore what it was like to work for the company across the decades.
https://industrypast.co.uk/
Huntley and Palmers were not only one of Reading’s major employers but an institution within the town and a global brand familiar to many tables across the world. In this talk, find out how the company began, and why it grew to the huge corporation it became. Huntley and Palmer were a prime user of railways and used the great Reading’s position as a transport hub to export its products across the globe, find out how in this talk. Richard Marks will also explore what it was like to work for the company across the decades.
https://industrypast.co.uk/
3rd July 2024 'The world-wide role of CABI, our neighbour in Wallingford'
Carole McNamara, Chief Commercial Officer, CABI
As you drive round the south Wallingford by-pass do you wonder what goes on in that wonderful new building with the green roof? This is the home of CABI, or the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. It’s a non-profit intergovernmental development and information organisation focusing primarily on agricultural and environmental issues in the developing world, and the creation, curation, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Carole McNamara will tell us about its world-wide role.
https://www.cabi.org/
Carole McNamara, Chief Commercial Officer, CABI
As you drive round the south Wallingford by-pass do you wonder what goes on in that wonderful new building with the green roof? This is the home of CABI, or the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. It’s a non-profit intergovernmental development and information organisation focusing primarily on agricultural and environmental issues in the developing world, and the creation, curation, and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Carole McNamara will tell us about its world-wide role.
https://www.cabi.org/
7 August 2024 'The Curious Case of the Commons'
Andy Kempe, Emeritus Professor, University of Reading Institute of Education
What was Noah's Ark doing on Greenham Common? Who was No Bones Billy? Why was the Millennium Falcon here? These and other questions will be answered in a lively illustrated canter through the curious history of Greenham Common from prehistory to today.
Andy Kempe is Emeritus Professor of Drama Education at the University of Reading where he led the Post Graduate Certificate of Education Secondary Drama course.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andy-Kempe
Andy Kempe, Emeritus Professor, University of Reading Institute of Education
What was Noah's Ark doing on Greenham Common? Who was No Bones Billy? Why was the Millennium Falcon here? These and other questions will be answered in a lively illustrated canter through the curious history of Greenham Common from prehistory to today.
Andy Kempe is Emeritus Professor of Drama Education at the University of Reading where he led the Post Graduate Certificate of Education Secondary Drama course.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andy-Kempe
4th Sept 2024 'A day in the life of a Metropolitan Police Crime Scene Investigator' - Haley Scott
Have you ever wondered what happens beyond the crime scene tape? Hayley is a former Crime Scene Examiner with over 14 years of experience working with the Metropolitan Police. She will help us to delve into the world of forensics.
https://forensicexperience.com/
Have you ever wondered what happens beyond the crime scene tape? Hayley is a former Crime Scene Examiner with over 14 years of experience working with the Metropolitan Police. She will help us to delve into the world of forensics.
https://forensicexperience.com/