Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 2pm The Hidden Rivers of London We are all familiar with “Old Father Thames”, but of course, every river has its tributaries that feed in to them. Alan Fitzgerald has investigated these sources, many of them hidden from view, with their own fascinating stories. Alan will enlighten us about the … Read more
Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 2pm Local Astronomy Past and Present Stewart Coulter will tell us about Astronomy, and in particular, our local Astronomy group, including; intriguingly, how the first telescopic observations of the moon took place nearby! Stewart will also let us know how we, the general public, can visit observatories and public observation … Read more
Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 2pm Grandfather’s Somme experience Tony Ferguson recalls the life of his Grandfather Andy Symington. Volunteering to join the Irish Fusiliers, he went on to participate in the Battle of The Somme, the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. His story continues as we discover the impact of … Read more
Wednesday 11th December 2024 at 2 pm A Victorian Christmas Our very own author, Denise Beddows, has been researching how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times. She will be looking at traditional foods, decorations, parlour games and other celebrations, as well as how the German traditions gradually took over (influenced by Prince Albert). We’ll have … Read more
Wednesday 13th November 2024 at 2 pm Sing with Mandy – an afternoon of folk songs Amanda Shora will come to play and sing some folk songs, and we’ll have some audience participation in well-known folk songs with a wide selection from light-hearted to melancholic, including sea shanties. Amanda has played at many folk clubs … Read more
Wednesday 9th October 2024 at 2 pm Winter Visitors Redwings, Fieldfares and Whooper Swans are among the many birds that call Britain home in the Winter, arriving from further North to enjoy our milder weather. Ailsa Claybourne will talk about many of our visiting birds, and explain how to identify Winter migrants in your garden and … Read more
Wednesday 11th September 2024 at 2 pm The Falklands Conflict: a first-hand perspective You may remember that Jim Ellis talked to us about memory in November last year. He is coming again to see us, to talk about the Falklands conflict. He’ll recall some of the key events amidst the wind, rain, mud and cold … Read more
Wednesday 14th August 2024 at 2pm Guide Dogs – Make Every Day Count We will be joined by Marilyn Fisher, Jeanne and the lovely service dog Breck. Marilyn will discuss how they breed, train and partner their dogs, and the positive impact these guide dogs have on their owners. This is a “face to face” talk … Read more
Wednesday 10th July 2024 at 2:30pm (after the AGM) Estate Planning Lucy Goldsman is from Co-op Legal Services. She will talk to us about Estate Planning matters, such as Wills, Power of Attorneys, Inheritance Tax and Trust Wills. She’s promised that it’ll be informative, with no “hard sell”, so a good time to get answers … Read more
Thames Valley Air Ambulance Wednesday 12th June 2024 at 2pm Aimee Lewis will talk to us about the work of our local Air Ambulance – how they are helping to save lives in emergency situations, including a look at their crews, the helicopter and critical care response teams. This is a “face to face” talk … Read more