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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...