Programme
If you would like to suggest a speaker, please complete this form and send to the Programme Secretary : [email protected]
Note: Red links will take you to the speakers website.
Note: Red links will take you to the speakers website.
7 August 2024 Andy Kempe, Emeritus Professor, University of Reading Institute of Education
'The Curious Case of the Commons'
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.
'The Curious Case of the Commons'
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.
4th September 2024 Haley Scott
'A day in the life of a Metropolitan Police Crime Scene Investigator'
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.
'A day in the life of a Metropolitan Police Crime Scene Investigator'
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.
2nd October 2024. Carolyn Kirby
'Victorian Scientists and Scandals: The story behind The Conviction of Cora Burns'
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.
'Victorian Scientists and Scandals: The story behind The Conviction of Cora Burns'
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.
6th November 2024 Antonia Keaney
'A Passion for Fashion - 300 Years of Style at Blenheim Palace'
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 18th century fashion!
'A Passion for Fashion - 300 Years of Style at Blenheim Palace'
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 18th century fashion!
4th December 2024 Mike Hurst
'Old Time Christmas'
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!
'Old Time Christmas'
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!
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.