St Mary's Street Shops - Wallingford
Programme Past
5th March 2025 Lizzie Rowe
'John Piper, his life and work'
During his long and immensely productive life, John Egerton Christmas Piper (1903-92) created paintings, drawings, photographs and prints, designed stained-glass and sets for both operas and plays, made ceramics and wrote extensively about the landscape and the arts. From an early age he was particularly fascinated by churches, cycling around Surrey as a boy to sketch them, and this interest in places and spaces lasted for the rest of his life.
His home for many decades was Fawley Bottom Farmhouse near Henley-on-Thames. The house is located at a spot where three counties meet and, appropriately enough, became a meeting place for many of the most famous and cultural luminaries of the day. This talk will aim to bring together all the disparate strands of Piper’s life and work, presenting you with many memorable and beautiful images.
Lizzy is an art historian who studied Classics at Oxford University before completing an MA in Classical and Byzantine Art at the Courtauld Institute in London. Initially an editor in book-publishing, she also worked at English Heritage as a guidebook editor. She currently lives in Oxford where she teaches Art History in primary schools and gives guided tours and talks.
'John Piper, his life and work'
During his long and immensely productive life, John Egerton Christmas Piper (1903-92) created paintings, drawings, photographs and prints, designed stained-glass and sets for both operas and plays, made ceramics and wrote extensively about the landscape and the arts. From an early age he was particularly fascinated by churches, cycling around Surrey as a boy to sketch them, and this interest in places and spaces lasted for the rest of his life.
His home for many decades was Fawley Bottom Farmhouse near Henley-on-Thames. The house is located at a spot where three counties meet and, appropriately enough, became a meeting place for many of the most famous and cultural luminaries of the day. This talk will aim to bring together all the disparate strands of Piper’s life and work, presenting you with many memorable and beautiful images.
Lizzy is an art historian who studied Classics at Oxford University before completing an MA in Classical and Byzantine Art at the Courtauld Institute in London. Initially an editor in book-publishing, she also worked at English Heritage as a guidebook editor. She currently lives in Oxford where she teaches Art History in primary schools and gives guided tours and talks.
5th February 2025 Steve Capel-Davies
'Ways over water: a history of Thames crossings'
This talk will look at, ferries, bridges and a couple of tunnels from Roman times, presenting us with examples from the whole River Thames but also including items of local interest.
Steve has had a lifetime of working on the Thames, starting nearly 50 years ago with the Thames Conservancy before moving into private practice with Peter Brett Associates based in Reading. He has a real interest in, and deep knowledge of the history of the Thames. He is now Chair of The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society (TWHAS).
'Ways over water: a history of Thames crossings'
This talk will look at, ferries, bridges and a couple of tunnels from Roman times, presenting us with examples from the whole River Thames but also including items of local interest.
Steve has had a lifetime of working on the Thames, starting nearly 50 years ago with the Thames Conservancy before moving into private practice with Peter Brett Associates based in Reading. He has a real interest in, and deep knowledge of the history of the Thames. He is now Chair of The Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society (TWHAS).
Tuesday 7th January 2025 Mark Hines
'The story of Broadcasting House: Home of the BBC'
Broadcasting House was built in 1932 to house the headquarters of the BBC. The building quickly became an architectural icon, a symbol of broadcasting recognised around the world. It was recently rescued from obsolescence, refurbished and expanded to refit it for life in the digital age. Mark was the project architect responsible for the £1.4bn conservation and remodelling work and he will tell us the complete story of the BBC from its early years through to the present day.
'The story of Broadcasting House: Home of the BBC'
Broadcasting House was built in 1932 to house the headquarters of the BBC. The building quickly became an architectural icon, a symbol of broadcasting recognised around the world. It was recently rescued from obsolescence, refurbished and expanded to refit it for life in the digital age. Mark was the project architect responsible for the £1.4bn conservation and remodelling work and he will tell us the complete story of the BBC from its early years through to the present day.
4th December 2024 'Old Time Christmas' Mike Hurst
Mike is a local historian from the Goring Gap Local History Society. He will present a light-hearted review of the social history of Christmas followed by a nostalgic look at the minutia of Christmas at home in Britain in the mid 20th century.
“We had one of those” comments’ are distinctly possible!
Mike is a local historian from the Goring Gap Local History Society. He will present a light-hearted review of the social history of Christmas followed by a nostalgic look at the minutia of Christmas at home in Britain in the mid 20th century.
“We had one of those” comments’ are distinctly possible!
6th November 'A Passion for Fashion - 300 Yers of Style at Blenheim Palace' Antonia Keaney
Antonia, Blenheim’s own social history researcher at the Palace, will look at the clothes, underclothes, shoes and accessories
which would have been worn by some of the more colourful characters in the Palace’s 300-year history – as well as a look at the House of Dior’s continuing special relationship with Blenheim Palace. The part that arsenic, lead, mercury and mousetraps played in the trends of the day is considered and how, then as now, people went to the most extraordinary lengths to keep abreast of fashion. Metre high wigs, killer cosmetics and fabric dyes which would cause permanent damage to the wearer were not unusual – nor was the involvement of mice in what had to be one of the most bizarre moments in 18 th century fashion!
Antonia, Blenheim’s own social history researcher at the Palace, will look at the clothes, underclothes, shoes and accessories
which would have been worn by some of the more colourful characters in the Palace’s 300-year history – as well as a look at the House of Dior’s continuing special relationship with Blenheim Palace. The part that arsenic, lead, mercury and mousetraps played in the trends of the day is considered and how, then as now, people went to the most extraordinary lengths to keep abreast of fashion. Metre high wigs, killer cosmetics and fabric dyes which would cause permanent damage to the wearer were not unusual – nor was the involvement of mice in what had to be one of the most bizarre moments in 18 th century fashion!
2nd October 2024 'Victorian Scientists and Scandals: The story behind The Conviction of Cora Burns' Carolyn Kirby
Carolyn, a successful local author, is back by popular demand to tell us about her first novel, longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown Award and shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Fiction Award.
Set in 1880s Birmingham, The Conviction of Cora Burns tells the story of Cora, a young woman born in a prison to a convicted criminal she never knew but from whom she fears she has inherited a violent nature. Cora was born in gaol, but is this where she belongs? Carolyn’s talk reveals the real people and events underlying the fictional narrative of her novel, focussing on three
controversial Victorians: Arthur Munby, WT Stead and Francis Galton.
Members can buy copies of the book at the meeting.
Carolyn, a successful local author, is back by popular demand to tell us about her first novel, longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown Award and shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Fiction Award.
Set in 1880s Birmingham, The Conviction of Cora Burns tells the story of Cora, a young woman born in a prison to a convicted criminal she never knew but from whom she fears she has inherited a violent nature. Cora was born in gaol, but is this where she belongs? Carolyn’s talk reveals the real people and events underlying the fictional narrative of her novel, focussing on three
controversial Victorians: Arthur Munby, WT Stead and Francis Galton.
Members can buy copies of the book at the meeting.
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/
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
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 7th, 2023 ‘The Corn Exchange, Wallingford' - Mike Baker
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.
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.
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.
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.