
October 2019
Coleshill’s Secret History – The Auxiliary Units
Liza Dibble from the National Trust will run through the history of the Auxiliary Units, how Coleshill became the GHQ, what the training consisted of and how it was all kept top secret. Also, what there is to see now and the walks that the National Trust have at Coleshill. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »November 2019
Northleach
Peter Dawson presents this talk about the Cotswold village of Northleach. He outlines its history, prominent buildings and the burgage plot system allowing the local residents a parcel of land to grow food for themselves. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG
Find out more »February 2020
George E Hobbs – Poet, Preacher and Polymath
Graham Carter and Noel Ponting tell the story of a Rodbourne man who was a devout Wesleyan Methodist, Swindon Advertiser columnist, poet, astronomer and respected GWR foreman. Their publication titled "A Swindon Wordsmith" will be available to purchase after the presentation. Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »March 2020
Our Boys: Family at War
Paul Gentleman, Caroline Black and Noel Beauchamp will tell the incredible and true story of three men who took to the skies to defend Britain and take the fight to Germany. From the greatest air battle to take place, the Battle of Britain, to one of the most incredible stories to come out of the war, to the front line line fighting Hitler’s terror weapon and last desperate attempt to avoid defeat. PLEASE NOTE:- DUE TO THE CORVID 19 VIRUS…
Find out more »June 2020
Revolting Marlborough – Episodes from the Town’s Turbulent Past
Nick Baxter tells us that the image of the town having a quiet history hides its radical past. Just how revolting was Marlborough? This talk explores the themes of Medieval Mayhem, Tudor Ruffians, 17th Century Crisis, and the Reform Bill Riots of 1831 when the town's MPs were burnt in effigy by an angry crowd. * This talk may be postponed to preserve social distancing* Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »July 2020
Edith Cavell’s story in Belgium 1914
Gerry Churchard’s talk details Edith Cavell’s early life in Norfolk and her motivation to become a nurse - how she ended up in a private hospital in Belgium as Matron prior to the outbreak of WW1 - her involvement with Belgian resistance and subsequent execution - exhumation after WW1 and her body returned to England. Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »August 2020
History of Punch and Judy
Phil Collins gives a fun talk on the history of Britain’s most famous hand puppets. Phil, aka Professor Collywobbles, takes you through the journey from Mr Punch’s humble beginnings in Italy to his arrival in England over 350 years ago. Punch & Judy shows became commonplace in many large seaside resorts throughout the land. The professor also gives you an insight into what goes on behind the scenes of his traditional show. Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »September 2020
The House – Highworth and Swindon Poor Law Union
Presented by Paul Wilkins, the talk will explore how this institution came about and what life as an 'inmate' of the Union Workhouse was really like. It will also reveal its greatest legacy and how this continues to benefit many today Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »October 2020
A Narrow Boat Odyssey
Richard and Sue Pracy tell their story of the realisation of a retirement dream and of a journey through England’s beautiful inland waterways. Admission: Members £1 Guests £2
Find out more »November 2020
Our Boys-A Family’s War
Paul Gentleman, Caroline Black will tell the incredible and true story of three men who took to the skies to defend Britain and take the fight to Germany. From the greatest air battle to take place, the Battle of Britain, to one of the most incredible stories to come out of the war, to the frontline line fighting Hitler’s terror weapon and last desperate attempt to avoid defeat. Admission: Members: £1 Guests £2
Find out more »
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