“Bananas, Past, Present and Future”    Pat Heslop-Harrison 16 August 2021

Pat Heslop-Harrison is Professor of Genetics at the University of Leicester, an institution famous for its impact on medical and biological science through such world leading research as the Human Geno project and the DNA structures of animal and plant life.  Perhaps less well known is the research going on into the applications of such … Read more

The flora and wildlife of a Peak District garden and its environs – Peter Bull – 19 July 2021

Peter Bull is a retired ENT Surgeon.  He practised in Sheffield but now pursues a passion for photography.  He lives on the western edge of Hathersage overlooking the Hope Valley, Stanage Edge and Hathersage Moor.   Peter has a gift for taking superb photographs of wildlife and flora.  His display of over one photographs included … Read more

How far is a bridge too far? Matthew Gilbert PhD 5th July 2021

This was every bit an informative talk laced with some quite challenging mathematical concepts which inform on best bridge design. Computational modelling and optimisation are able to predict how a bridge’s components and structures will behave under specific conditions, and thereby improving design, efficiency and manufacturing technique e.g. with 3D printing What are the span … Read more

Hyperscale Data Centres – 10th May 2021

Our speaker this week, who wished to remain anonymous due to commercial sensitivities, addressed us directly – courtesy modern technology – from a location in the western US.  He is currently working as a Construction Manager with one of the World ‘Premier League’ (Amazon, Facebook, IBM, Microsoft, etc.) of ‘High Tec’ Corporations, commissioning a new … Read more