Directory of Previous Talks

Richard, who initially studied Chemical Engineering, but now with his own company, had a full house to hear his talk about the bridges built on the site of the present London Bridge, of which there have been at least 4, and which had fascinated him both for their Engineering and social history. The Romans built … Read more

Michael began to learn about Taiwan when his daughter, son-in-law and their three children moved there in 2011. Many people know that Taiwan: is an island was called Formosa produced cheap, tatty goods is wanted by China In fact, Taiwan is now a manufacturer of very high tech electrical goods and the tension with China … Read more

John Wallace gave Stumperlowe Probus Club a most interesting and entertaining talk, together with a medley of songs and jokes which would have graced the eras of Music Halls and Varieties. The beginnings of music hall was thought to be around 1780 in the taverns of Lambeth where men drank and sang to entertain each … Read more

Hugh said that the digital age started at Bletchley Park. Many of the machines were operated by WRENS where the work force was three women to one man.  Sixty per cent were uniformed personnel and forty per cent were civilians.  Rank/status within the uniformed ranks didn’t matter, so if any army private was intelligent and … Read more

Peter certainly knew his facts and presented them in a very colourful and entertaining way. Peter has been for the past thirty years, and still is a medieval rein actor.  He came dressed in the clothes of an archer of the 15th century which set the scene. The long bow of the period was about … Read more

This is a sequel to follow Reg’s talk entitled “Rat Catcher” that was given earlier in the year in which he spoke about the early days of chasing benefit fraudsters whilst in the Department of Employment. His subject involved heading a team that had expanded to eleven “chasers” and a typist covering South Yorkshire.  There … Read more