Come along to hear Martin Collison talk about Carrots, Culture and Courtisans followed by our AGM. This presentation includes the early history of Covent Garden, its “change of use” from the centre of the Bawdy & Bagnio houses catering for the rakes in Georgian England to its current position as a premier tourist meeting place for street entertainment. It will also include the cultural aspects of the area, particularly the nearby Royal Opera House. There is one slightly “racy” slide…

The Revd. John Railton's talk is about the genesis and development of the concept of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the brainchild of one of his forebears, Revd. David Railton, who served as an Army Chaplain in the First World War. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG

Gordon Shaw presents two videos. The first is about the Swindon Advertiser and was made by reporter Flicky Harrison illustrating the printing of the paper and the retired printers reminiscing about their life in the print. The other video follows the life of a countryside-based District Nurse in the 1930’s. Venue: Jennings Street Community Centre, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, SN2 2BG

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

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