Here are some talks that have been heard previously at the Society.
Part of Talks programme for the 2005/06 season
10 Mar 2006 The Work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission TBA
21 Apr 2006 There were no butterflies Brigitte Mitchell
German attitudes on WW1.
12 May 2006 Emily's Diary - 1853 Ken Pearce
Tales from the Uxbridge archives.
9 Jun 2006 AGM followed by: An Archaeological Journey through Syria Richard Orton
Overview and slides of the main historical sites in Syria.
Talks programme for the 2006/07 season
8 Sep 2006 Mothers flew Spitfires: the amazing story of the ATA Richard Poad
An unexpected story of WW2 from Maidenhead.
13 Oct 2006 The History of Stoke Court, Stoke Poges Patricia Lindsey
The different houses and the tenants who lived there including the uncle of the poet, Thomas Gray.
10 Nov 2006 Let's look at Inland Waterways Mike Timms
A pictorial introduction to Britain’s canals and rivers, their history, geography and characteristic features.
9 Dec 2006 (Sat!) Social event, St. Andrew's Hall, Stoke Poges. 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Food, Quizzes and Raffles
12 Jan 2007 The English Romanies and their crafts Stuart King
The English Romanies left India 1000 years ago and arrived in England 500 years later. To most people, they remain a mystery.
9 Feb 2007 Burnham Beeches and the Farnhams Judy Tipping
More pictures illustrating the history of these local villages. Note: This talk had to be cancelled at short notice and was replaced by a talk on the Special Operations Executive.
9 Mar 2007 Recent Developments at Silchester Amanda Clark
A report on recent excavations.
13 Apr 2007 Tales of Old London, 1666 - 1851 Colin Oakes
A continuation of the tales collected by Colin as a London Guide.
11 May 2007 Hailstones and other Happenings Ken Pearce
Incidents extracted from the Uxbridge archives.
8 Jun 2007 AGM followed by: An Archaeological Journey in search of the Sea Peoples Richard Orton
Talks programme for the 2007/08 season
14 Sep 2007 Echoes of Old Village Life Stuart King
Life in the old Chiltern village of Holmer Green with some local humorous readings.
12 Oct 2007 Burial Grounds of London Leslie Grout
Well known for his talks about Windsor, Leslie has explored London and some of the ancient sites used for burials.
9 Nov 2007 Charles Knight: philanthropist and professional publisher Valerie Gray
Charles Knight founded our oldest local paper, the Windsor Express, and was a well-known Windsor resident.
11 Jan 2008 The Knights Templar Richard Bland
Richard has not only studied the background of the Templars but has also considered local sites used by the Order.
8 Feb 2008 Note: CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL PROGRAMME:-
8 Feb 2008 Stoke Poges and the First World War Lionel Rigby
Lionel has written a number of books on Stoke Poges and has researched particularly its links with the Great War.
14 Mar 2008 A History of Boots the Chemist Owen Rigby
The familiar High Street shop has a long and interesting history. Owen has studied its origins and the place it has held in our lives.
11 Apr 2008 Tales of Old London, 1851-1999 Colin Oakes
Still more of the entertaining tales collected by Colin as a London Guide.
9 May 2008 A Barnardo Childhood Dennis Sloan
Dennis's experiences as a Barnardo Boy were not as unhappy as one might have expected.
13 Jun 2008 AGM followed by: The Nile Roland Bailey
Roland has a keen interest in Africa and has worked in various parts of the continent.
Talks programme for the 2008/09 season
12 Sep 2008 A history of Mr Punch Bob Sacco
Bob recounts the history of the character, and shows his collection of puppets one by one. He talks about the 'swazzle' and illustrates its use. His talk is serious, but is very entertaining.
10 Oct 2008 The Magic Circle experience Jean Purdy
Jean has studied 'magic' for many years, and has been made a member of the Magic Circle, an honour not usually offered to lady magicians. She was the first to be so honoured.
14 Nov 2008 A career in archaeology - a life in ruins Colin Oakes
Colin has completed a series of talks about London, but this time he tells about his early archeological experiences.
6 Dec 2008 (Sat!) Social event, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
9 Jan 2009 The story of the English seaside Hester Davenport
13 Feb 2009 The River Thames Richard Poad
The River Thames from Cotswold to the sea.
13 Mar 2009 Cardinal Wolsey Richard Bland
Henry VIII's chief advisor, often depicted as an alter rex (other king). His main legacy is Hampton Court Palace.
17 Apr 2009 An ABC of churches Leslie Grout
A look at some interesting churches in England
8 May 2009 A Victorian Bobby's notebook Christine Weightman
This talk is based on the original notebook of the village Bobby in Sunninghill in the 1840's, when police coverage was not nationwide, and some years before the establishment of county forces in 1856.
12 Jun 2009 AGM followed by: Jordan: Petra and Jerash Mac and June Gollifer
Mac and June will tell us about these intriguing places and show slides from their various visits.
Talks programme for the 2009/10 season
11 Sep 2009 Slough Booms: the inter-war years Tony Pilmer
Tony is the Local History specialist in Slough Library, helps maintain the website www.SloughHistoryOnline.org.uk and also leads various walking tours of the area.
9 Oct 2009 Chairmaking in the Chilterns Catherine Grigg
Dr Grigg is a curator of Wycombe Museum and has made a special study of this local craft.
13 Nov 2009 Street furniture Paul Bradley
We use street furniture all the time, from pillar boxes to sign posts.
12 Dec 2009 (Sat!) Social event, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
8 Jan 2010 CANCELLED The curious disappearance of Glenn Miller Tony Eaton
Major Glenn Miller’s aeroplane disappeared in mysterious circumstances – there have been many theories put forward as to its fate.
12 Feb 2010 Victorian lady travellers Hester Davenport
Victorian ladies often undertook long and hazardous journeys and suffered many privations.
12 Mar 2010 Sir Christopher Wren Mr & Mrs J Brewster
His life and his works.
9 Apr 2010 Windsor Great Park, past and present Barbara Askew
The Park, founded as a Royal hunting ground, now occupies only a fraction of its former area.
14 May 2010 Archaeology in and around Marlow John Laker
John Laker reports on the successes of Marlow local digs.
11 Jun 2010 AGM followed by: The History of Allotments by Roland Bailey
Roland, one of our members, will give this illustrated talk.
Talks programme for the 2010/11 season
10 Sep 2010 Healthcare and Hospitals in Windsor during the 19th century Brigitte Mitchell
8 Oct 2010 The Wedding of the Century: 1468 Christine Weightman
The wedding between Margaret of York and Duke Charles of Burgundy.
12 Nov 2010 The curious disappearance of Major Glenn Miller Tony Eaton
This is the talk postponed from January 2010.
11 Dec 2010 (Sat!) Christmas Social, at St. Andrew's Hall, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
14 Jan 2011 The Rudolf Hess Cover-up Tony Eaton
11 Feb 2011 Animal Heroes and Villains Edward Dixon
11 Mar 2011 A History of British Gardens Barbara Askew
8 Apr 2011 Shakespeare's Life and Works Roger Askew
13 May 2011 Nell Gwyn and her Windsor Family Hester Davenport
10 Jun 2011 AGM followed by: An African Safari by Jean Porter
A talk with photographs of Jean's recent safari in Kenya.
Talks programme for the 2011/12 season listed below.
9 Sep 2011, 7:30pm: History beneath our feet Colin Hennell
Hear about the ways in which a metal detector can help us discover some of our history, the legal position, and examples of what can be found.
14 Oct 2011, 7:30pm: A picture of Windsor in the 2nd World War 1939-1945 Brigitte Mitchell
11 Nov 2011, 7:30pm: An evening talking about the history of Slough Nick Yarrow.
PLEASE NOTE that this will be held at:
The Chapel, St Andrew's Church Centre, Roger's Lane, Stoke Poges, SL2 4LN.
17 Dec 2011 (Sat!) Social event, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
13 Jan 2012, 7:30pm: The mysterious disappearance of Leslie Howard and Amy Johnson Tony Eaton
10 Feb 2012, 7:30pm: Painting the War Edward Dixon
Learn about the vivid Great War paintings of Spencer, Nevinson, Paul Nash and others. This fully illustrated talk will explore different styles and pro/anti war attitudes, and also reveal many hidden meanings..
9 Mar 2012, 7:30pm: Two decades of archaeology in Slough and its suburbs Dr Steven Ford
13 Apr 2012, 7:30pm: Dickens - The Great Performer Roger Askew
Born 200 years ago this year, Dickens is one of the greatest of British writers.
11 May 2012, 7:30pm: The Olympic Games: Past and Present Barbara Askew
8 Jun 2012, 7:30pm: AGM followed by: Views of New Zealand Jean Porter
Talks programme for the 2012/13 season listed below.
14 Sep 2012, 7:30pm: Duties of Ward Beadle Lesley Grout
In the medieval universities beadles were students chosen by instructors to act as assistants, carrying books, taking attendance, and assisting in classroom management.
12 Oct 2012, 7:30pm: Out of the Blue Jim Cummings
Why he chose to be a Policeman and how he became involved.
9 Nov 2012, 7:30pm: The Gunpowder Plot Colin Oakes
Discover what Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators hoped to achieve with the Gunpowder plot. Why did their plan fail.
15 Dec 2012 (Sat!) Christmas Social event, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
11 Jan 2013, 7:30pm: Magic Lanterns Tony Brown & Gordon Case
The history of the Magic Lantern includes many facets and several branches of science and history. In Victorian times, the magic lantern was at its peak as a popular form of entertainment.
8 Feb 2013, 7:30pm: Taplow Mound Barbara Askew
Current Archaeology has an article on this 7th century Saxon burial mound and iron age hillfort at Taplow Court. Artefacts found when the burial mound was excavated are in the British Museum.
8 Mar 2013, 7:30pm: Bayeux Tapestry Peggy Verall
One of the most important historical events of the Medieval era is the Norman conquest and the Bayeux Tapestry celebrates the story of William the Conqueror, and the Battle of Hastings.
NEW DATE: 19 Apr 2013, 7:30pm: History of Whitefriars Glass Mike Beech
James Powell & Sons were not only Britain’s longest running glass house; they were the most productive and by far the best. Their glass always reflected the fashion of the day and in many cases actually made the fashion possible.
10 May 2013, 7:30pm: History of London Sally Botwright
Sally will give a talk on the History of London which promises to be very interesting.
14 Jun 2013, 7:30pm: AGM followed by: More Experiences of Africa by Roland Bailey
Talks programme for the 2013/14 season listed below.
Fri 13 Sep 2013, 7:30pm: Pirates, Pressgangs, and Smugglers Colin Oakes
Tales of the darker side of the lives of Dockers and their families.
Fri 11 Oct 2013, 7:30pm: Victorian Dresses Anne McWhirter
We are in for a treat this evening with our speaker, who hopes to bring along a small selection of clothing from Victorian times.
Fri 8 Nov 2013, 7:30pm: Victorian Windsor Lesley Grout
Have you ever wondered what it was like in Windsor in times past? Our speaker will enlighten us in this talk.
Saturday 7 Dec 2013 Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
Fri 10 Jan 2014, 7:30pm: Magic Lanterns Tony Brown & Gordon Case
This is part two of last year’s talk and demonstration and will comprise a new set of slide shows.
Fri 14 Feb 2014, 7:30pm: The Queen Reigns Supreme Sister Mary Chris
This talk will show how worker bees look after their queen and how she controls them, or does she?
Fri 14 Mar 2014, 7:30pm: London and its Theatres Colin Oakes
A few of the many stories of the life and times of the actors and singers in the world of entertainment.
Fri 11 Apr 2014, 7:30pm: Suffragettes Edward Dixon
The story of the fight for votes for women, and the lengths they were prepared to go to to achieve this.
Fri 9 May 2014, 7:30pm: How our Language Evolved Hugh Granger
Our speaker tonight will explain, in a clear and entertaining way, the main stages in the development of the English language.
Fri 13 Jun 2014, 7:30pm: AGM followed by: A Glimpse of Mediaeval France by Jean Porter
Talks programme for the 2014/15 season listed below.
Fri 12 Sep 2014, 7:30pm: Houdini Bob Sacco
Through the years, Houdini gained fame after repeatedly escaping from police handcuffs and jails. Harry was given certificates from various wardens for escaping from their prisons.
Fri 10 Oct 2014, 7:30pm: Berkshire Folk Tales David England
History, Myth, and Mystery in a collection of stories.
Fri 14 Nov 2014, 7:30pm: Russia Past & Present Mike Beech
We will be looking at the many beautiful buildings in Moscow and St Petersburg including the opulence of the Kremlin and the Hermitage, contrasted with the poverty in the countryside.
Saturday 13 Dec 2014 Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN. 7:30pm to 10:00pm.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
Fri 9 Jan 2015, 7:30pm: War time Poets and Poems Edward Dixon
Come and hear about some of the Poetry that was inspired by the Great War.
Fri 13 Feb 2015, 7:30pm: The Reeve’s Tale Hugh Granger
How the majority of folk lived, in a typical village of 1450: the housing, food, work, and customs.
Fri 13 Mar 2015, 7:30pm: The Electroscope to the Swan Theatre Mike Dewey
A history of public entertainment in High Wycombe between 1900 and 1990.
Fri 10 Apr 2015, 7:30pm: Stone Age Thugs Colin Oakes
Awful Archaeology about life back in the times when things were very tough.
Fri 8 May 2015, 7:30pm: Battersea Home for Dogs & Cats Jackie & Anne
The history of the dogs and cats home and its work today.
Fri 12 Jun 2015, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: A Career with Maps... and an important mapmaker's bicentenary by Bev Travess
Talks programme for the 2015/16 season listed below.
Fri 11 Sep 2015, 7:30pm: History of Medicine Tony Masey
How it all started, and why?
Fri 9 Oct 2015, 7:30pm: Thirty years in the Fire Service David Richards
An account of his training and action in the fire brigade. Experiences in dealing with amusing and sad situations. An insight into how the service was organised and how it is run today.
Fri 13 Nov 2015, 7:30pm: Architects of Remembrance Edward Dixon
The Story of Great War Memorials.
Saturday 5 Dec 2015, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
Fri 8 Jan 2016, 7:30pm: History of Boulters Lock Richard Poad
Maidenhead Heritage Centre will give us an insight into this beautiful area.
Fri 12 Feb 2016, 7:30pm: Local History Judy Tipping
Farnham Common, Farnham Royal, Burnham Beeches.
Fri 11 Mar 2016, 7:30pm: Digging for Victory Colin Oakes
Allotments and Gardens in War.
Fri 8 Apr 2016, 7:30pm: Norway in a Nutshell Jean Porter
A look into another of Jean’s wonderful holidays.
Fri 13 May 2016, 7:30pm: Secret London Mike Beech
Due to its strategic location on the River Thames, London has been at the centre of British life from Roman times right through to the present day. Given its importance and existence for over 2,000 years, there are bound to be numerous stories and many secrets.
Fri 10 Jun 2016, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: An unexpected Bronze Age discovery in South Wales by Caryl Travess
Talks programme for the 2016/17 season are listed below.
Fri 9 Sep 2016, 7:30pm: Defiant Saxon Queens David England
This talk is about the history and myths surrounding powerful queens in the Anglo-Saxon period, including Queen Emma of Normandy, who was queen to two kings and mother to two kings.
Fri 14 Oct 2016, 7:30pm: London City Safari Sally Botwright
Sally will take us on a safari in the comfort of our seats and give us a little look into London history.
Fri 11 Nov 2016, 7:30pm: Titanic the true Story David Richards
An alternative take on the familiar story of the Titanic and its fatal encounter with an iceberg.
Saturday 3 Dec 2016, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
Fri 13 Jan 2017, 7:30pm: Miss Dove and the Campaign in Wycombe Colin Cartwright
In High Wycombe the most prominent member of the suffragists’ movement was the founder and Headmistress of Wycombe Abbey School for Girls.
Fri 10 Feb 2017, 7:30pm: The Life and Voyages of Captain Cook Stephen Palmer
Come and hear more of Captain Cook - explorer, navigator, cartographer.
Fri 10 Mar 2017, 7:30pm: Swan Support Wendy Hermon
From saving cygnets to looking after the parent swans. A look into how they manage to help as many as they can.
Fri 7 Apr 2017, 7:30pm: Comedy Greats of Variety Bob Sacco
We'll hear about a selection of comedians from the Golden Age of Music Halls and later. Warning: may contain jokes.
Fri 12 May 2017, 7:30pm: Chesham - a Bucks village Colin Oakes
This pretty village is full of history and enchanting stories; come along and hear some of them.
Fri 9 Jun 2017, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: The History of the Aquatic Chicken by Roland Bailey.
The talk will be illustrated by some of Roland’s personal experiences.
Talks programme for the 2017/18 season are listed below.
Fri 8 Sep 2017, 7:30pm: Swan Support Wendy Hermon
As Wendy had to cancel last year, she’s back to tell us how they manage to look after the beautiful swans.
Fri 13 Oct 2017, 7:30pm: Barnes Wallis’s Amazing Career Hugh Granger
The story of the designer of R100 airship, the Wellington bomber, Tallboy, also Bouncing Bombs and Swing-Wing aircraft.
Fri 10 Nov 2017, 7:30pm: Isambard Kingdom Brunel David Richards
An insight into his family life, and a look at his notable projects in civil engineering, railways and shipping.
Saturday 2 Dec 2017, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN.
Food, Quizzes and Raffles.
Fri 12 Jan 2018, 7:30pm: The lesser-known Grand Houses of South Bucks Mike Dewey
We don’t know which houses he will pick so come along and be surprised with us.
Fri 9 Feb 2018, 7:30pm: Gutsy Women Colin Oakes
A History of Women’s Achievements in London.
Fri 9 Mar 2018, 7:30pm: The New Camelot - Edward III’s Windsor Castle Barbara Askew
We'll hear how Edward III set out to transform Windsor Castle from a battle-scarred fortress into a splendid fortified palace.
Fri 13 Apr 2018, 7:30pm: Bacon & Bagels Jeff Rozelaar
An autobiographical account of post war East End.
Fri 11 May 2018, 7:30pm: History of Four Georges Jamie Carter
Jamie has researched and followed the lives of several historical royal figures and for this talk will give us an insight in to the lives of four of the King Georges.
Fri 8 Jun 2018, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: And the wall came tumbling down by Marian Payne
"I was fascinated by the news of the fall of the Berlin Wall and wished I could take off immediately for Berlin. The first opportunity I had to have a look was in February 1990 and this is what I saw and experienced."
Talks programme for the 2018/19 season are listed below.
Fri 14 Sep 2018, 7:30pm: Codes - a brief history Anthea Wright
This talk looks at a number of different codes and some specific examples of where they have been used in the past and the outcomes.
Fri 12 Oct 2018, 7:30pm: Barnes Wallis’s Amazing Career Hugh Granger
The story of the designer of the R100 airship, the Wellington bomber, Tallboy, Bouncing Bombs, and Swing-Wing aircraft.
Fri 9 Nov 2018, 7:30pm: The Blackfriars Road Colin Oakes
(Note: this is change from original programme)
Theatre, Church and Commerce.
Saturday 8 Dec 2018, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN.
Food, Quizzes, and Raffles.
Fri 11 Jan 2019, 7:30pm: The Vikings Barbara Askew
This talk will explore the world of the Vikings: who they were, where they came from, and their roles as raiders, traders, and invaders, with special emphasis on the Viking settlement of Britain. The talk examines Viking life and culture, arts and technology, ships, burial, hoards, and jewellery.
Fri 8 Feb 2019, 7:30pm: The Lady with the Lamp Paul Whittle
The amazing achievements of a truly remarkable Victorian lady.
Fri 8 Mar 2019, 7:30pm: The Use of Deception in World War 2 Hugh Granger
(Note: this is change from original programme)
How we faked maps, bomb damage, lorries, tanks, parachutists, harbours, airfields and even entire invasions.
Fri 12 Apr 2019, 7:30pm: Marylebone Colin Oakes
More than just a station.
Fri 10 May 2019, 7:30pm: The Saxon Era Anthony Poulton-Smith
A revealing look at the so-called Dark Ages: why they were anything but 'dark' and gave us a language, a system of government, many of the imperial measurements, and much, much more.
Fri 14 Jun 2019, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: Women in Mathematics by Anthea Wright
A look at the lives of some women before 1900 who were interested in Maths, but whose names are probably less well known than their male contemporaries.
Talks programme for the 2019/20 season are listed below.
Fri 13 Sep 2019, 7:30pm: Spymaster Helen Fry
The Secret Life of Colonel Thomas Kendrick.
Fri 11 Oct 2019, 7:30pm: The Great British Poster Artist Graham Twemlow
The Golden age of British Poster art during the 1920s and 1930s was a thriving industry enabled by enlightened clients such as Shell-mex and London underground.
Fri 8 Nov 2019, 7:30pm: The Slums of Victorian London Colin Oakes
Old Nichol, Dorset Street, and Seven Dials.
Note: Change of venue: for this talk only, we will be in the Hastings Room at St. Andrews Centre - behind the Coffee Shop between the Main Hall and New Hall.
Saturday 7 Dec 2019, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, Hastings Room, St. Andrew's Church Centre, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges SL2 4LN.
Food, Quizzes, and Raffles.
Fri 10 Jan 2020, 7:30pm: Nancy Astor and the Cliveden Set Nigel Smales
When Nancy married Waldorf Astor, they acquired Cliveden as a wedding present from his father. In the 1930s she invited many politically influential figures to Cliveden including the editor of The Times and Lord Halifax. It remains controversial to what extent this Cliveden Set were pro-German and influenced appeasement.
Fri 14 Feb 2020, 7:30pm: History and Humour, the wit of Winston - Part 1 Jeff Rozelaar
This is a biographical account of the great man’s life from birth until the early 1930’s. It covers his early military career and the beginning of his life as journalist and writer.
Fri 13 Mar 2020, 7:30pm: History and Humour, the wit of Winston - Part 2 Jeff Rozelaar
This covers the dramatic period leading up to and through the Second World War, the election of 1945 and his warning about “The Cold War”. It deals with his second and last period as Prime Minister in the early 1950’s, and his life during retirement.
Fri 17 Apr 2020, 7:30pm: Gothic Colin Lomas CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
This talk traces the connection between the 5th century Gothic warriors, Gothic Cathedrals, and the Gothic novels.
Fri 8 May 2020, 7:30pm: The Anniversary of VE Day Colin Oakes CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
A timely talk on the VE day bank holiday itself.
Fri 12 Jun 2020, 7:30pm: AGM followed by a talk: Cholesterol: Not as bad as you think Geoff Gibbons CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
Geoff will give a brief history of cholesterol.
Talks programme for the 2020/21 season ?
The talks from Sept 2020 through to June 2021 were all cancelled or postponed due to the continuing Coronavirus restrictions.
Talks programme for the 2021/22 season are listed below.
Fri 10 Sep 2021, 7:30pm: Forgotten Stories of WWII Simone Balani
How many animals were awarded medals for gallantry and devotion to duty during the Second World War? Which wartime leader had a penchant for collecting porcelain pigs? What inspired the Royal Navy to name some of its formidable warships HMS Buttercup, Coriander and Tulip? The history of WWII is woven into the fabric of our national identity, but this talk aims to demonstrate that there are always more WWII stories - sometimes uplifting, sometimes uncomfortable - to unravel!
Some of these tales are taken from Simone's podcast - The Timely Historian.
Fri 8 Oct 2021, 7:30pm: AGM 2021 followed by a talk: The History of Seer Green Alan Kell
Fri 12 Nov 2021, 7:30pm: The History of the Kennet and Avon Canal Graham Horn
The origins and restoration of John Rennie’s engineering legacy.
Saturday 04 Dec 2021, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event, - CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
It was thought unwise to have a sharing buffet while the coronavirus is still quite widespread.
Fri 14 Jan 2022, 7:30pm: Gothic Colin Lomas - CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
This talk traces the connection between the 5th century Gothic warriors, Gothic Cathedrals, and the Gothic novels.
Fri 11 Feb 2022, 7:30pm: Chiltern Thrills: Making Crime Pay Dave Sivers - CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus.
This talk covers his 'writing journey' and how the digital revolution helped turn a lifelong scribbler into a minor best seller; the ever-changing publishing landscape; and the challenges of setting gritty crime fiction in a pleasant rural area (the Chilterns).
Fri 11 Mar 2022, 7:30pm: The Anniversary of VE Day Colin Oakes
Last year, it gave us a bank holiday, but this talk had to be postponed till now.
Fri 8 Apr 2022, 7:30pm: The Gerrards Cross Cowboy Denise Beddows
This talk is about a real cowboy adventurer and writer who achieved enormous fame and wealth in his day, but who is unheard of today.
Fri 13 May 2022, 7:30pm: Operation Hillside Fritha Irwin
The Secret Life of Hughenden in WW2.
Fri 10 Jun 2022, 7:30pm: AGM 2022 followed by a talk: Roland's Africa Roland Bailey
Roland will tell some anecdotes from his time working in East and West Africa set in a personal and international historical setting.
Talks programme for the 2022/23 season are listed below.
Fri 9 Sep 2022, 7:30pm: The Royal Wives of Windsor Graham Horn
The story of our Queens’ Consort, the wives of our kings - and their role in shaping the monarchy and beyond.
Fri 14 Oct 2022, 7:30pm: Halloween: its Archaeology and History Colin Oakes
Halloween goes back as a tradition to at least The Iron Age. The talk looks at how it is represented archaeologically with Samhain and Samain, Celtic religious celebrations and even "Witch Bottles", we go on to look at how Samain became All Hallows, then Halloween itself with all it historical traditions.
Fri 11 Nov 2022, 7:30pm: Two Mansions: Chenies and Chalfont Park Denise Beddows
The story of two mansions. At Chenies: a Civil War skirmish; an adulterous queen and a camel, and Chalfont Park was built on the backs of slaves and was the haunt of a major fraudster and a couple of perfect spies.
Saturday 03 Dec 2022, 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Christmas Social event.
A sharing buffet, quizzes, etc.?
Fri 13 Jan 2023, 7:30pm: Ring in the new Colin Oakes.
Celebrating the New Year through History.
(Note: this is a change: We hope to have "Gothic" by Colin Lomas later in the year.)
Fri 10 Feb 2023, 7:30pm: Chiltern Thrills: Making Crime Pay Dave Sivers.
This talk covers his 'writing journey' and how the digital revolution helped turn a lifelong scribbler into a minor best seller; the ever-changing publishing landscape; and the challenges of setting gritty crime fiction in a pleasant rural area (the Chilterns).
Fri 10 Mar 2023, 7:30pm: Bucks down the Ages Brian Withington
Landscape and Peoples, from pre-history to Saxon era.
This talk tracks the arrival of the Beaker folk and then Belgic immigrants; linking them to the Roman invasion when South Bucks ‘took-off‘ and first became a commuter zone!
Fri 14 Apr 2023, 7:30pm: Fleeing in Fiction Simone Balani
What do Paddington Bear and Albert Einstein have in common? What links Superman and Gloria Estefan? The stories of so many nations and periods in history are the stories of refugees - but their voices are often lost in the clamour of conflict. They do, however, have a chance to speak through fiction. This talk will explore the experiences of fictional refugees of the last century, and the lessons we can take from their tales. ...
Fri 12 May 2023, 7:30pm: A Brief History of Ukraine Bernard Foot
A look at the history of the area that is now the country of Ukraine, covering the period up to the end of 2021 (i.e. ending before the Russian invasion of 2022, which will already be familiar to the audience). It covers the periods under the Viking Rus’, Mongols, Tartars, Lithuanians and Poles, Cossacks, Russia, and Austria-Hungary, and then goes on to look at the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Second World War, the relationship with Crimea, independence from the USSR, and the Russian land-grab of 2014.
Fri 9 Jun 2023, 7:30pm: AGM 2023 followed by: Gothic Colin Lomas
This talk traces the connection between the 5th century Gothic warriors, Gothic Cathedrals, and the Gothic novels.