Summer Programme: At-A-Glance

Summer Programme: In Detail

29th April - The Myths of Time - Neil Hanson

This talk examines the myths and legends that have grown around some of the most significant events in British history – such as the Spanish Armada, the Great Fire of London, the two World Wars and the Cold War, the “Special Relationship” with the United States, and even the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. These legends are widely believed but often give a wholly inaccurate picture of what was really going on, and Neil will look at these events with fresh eyes.

13th May - The Crimes of Dr Gramshaw - Rosemary Cook

Dr Gramshaw was a successful family doctor in Yorkshire for 35 years, until in 1908, his final desperate actions brought his professional and personal life crashing down around him. Rosemary will reveal the fascinating and shocking story of love and lust, success and deceit, crimes and lies.

27th May - Travelling Blind - Andrew Elliker-Reeve

Just prior to the Covid pandemic in 2020, Andrew went to hospital for some straightforward elective surgery – 10 days later he came out of a coma with no colon and he was blind. Andrew shares the story of how with the help of family and friends he fought his way back to health and hopes to entertain you with some of the hilarious and often totally stupid experiences he has had in recent times, learning to be blind.

10th June - George Cruikshank: Victorian Illustrator & Caricaturist - John Gibbins

George Cruikshank was the pre-eminent caricaturist of his day. He was a friend of Charles Dickens - until a “falling out” - and notably illustrated Oliver Twist. John’s talk will highlight ‘Tom & Jerry’, two overblown characters who Cruikshank uses to reveal the extremes of high and low society in 19th century London.

24th June - Annual Educational Trip to Beamish Museum

8th July - The Founding of the Modern World - Philip Ashe

The story of the Industrial Revolution and how it could only have begun in England, but also how it could have begun a century earlier!

22nd July - Sunday Night at the London Palladium - Bernard Bale

Who can forget those amazing Sunday nights when 10 million viewers were glued to the TV waiting to see major stars performing on the stage of the London Palladium. This talk is all about those fantastic stars, the hosts of the show. Beat The Clock, and the times when it went wrong.

5th August - Social with Quiz

19th August - Social/Book & Jigsaw Exchange