Directory of Previous Talks

After telling us how he found a gravestone with his name on it in St. Keys graveyard, Stephen began his story of the Redruth and Chasewater Railway beginning near Truro. His talk was accompanied by wonderful photographs that he has taken on his travels. He showed us Devoran Village Hall, which was once an engine … Read more

We all knew that Oscar Wilde was a bit of a lad, and those of us who enjoyed Mike Collins’s enthralling talk about the Irish poet and playwright now also know that he was something of a chip off the old block. For while Oscar played a central part in the story, Mike’s presentation – … Read more

This was local historian Ian Morgan’s third visit to us in consecutive years and, as somebody who was born and raised virtually on the Great North Road, I had a certain affinity with his latest offering. Ian specialises in crimes and punishments from times past – most of us will remember his talk entitled Inspector … Read more

We are lucky to live on the edge of one of the most beautiful parts of the country.  Many  members who enjoy walking, biking or just motoring through the Peak District were familiar with the Edale Mountain Rescue team (EMRT) facility located at the foot of Stanage but knew less about its origins, activities and … Read more

Ian Rotherham is Professor of Ecology and Geography at Sheffield Hallam University.  He is an authority on cultural and historical aspects of landscapes, especially peat bogs and fenlands.  He writes and broadcasts on environmental issues.  He has many books to his name and is an excellent speaker. His talk centered around the wetlands of Yorkshire … Read more

Dave began with the ‘magic’ cup-and-ball trick, which he said was known to the Romans and Ancient Greeks.   Even though I knew (or suspected) how it was done I could not see how he moved the balls- he was too proficient.  He followed this with a 5-card trick too fast for us to really … Read more