Events
Once again, this year we have an interesting and varied programme of speakers for our
monthly meetings so hope that there will be something to interest everyone. Our monthly meetings are held in the St Mary's Hall, Overton on the 3rd Wednesday in the month (no meeting in July and August) The meetings run from 10am to around 11.30 am (doors open 9:45). Free to members (including tea, coffee and biscuits) Non-members £3
Members Outings: We normally organise an outing in July. Over the years members have enjoyed visits to a range of interesting places. We would welcome volunteers to organise outings and suggestions of places to visit.
Wheelchair Access
There is wheelchair access at the side of the hall through the side gate - which will be open for all our meetings. This door needs to be opened from the inside so please ask for assistance.
For information or enquiries please contact the Events Co-ordinator by clicking on the Blue Bird
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To print a copy of the events please click on the "printable" link
| Dates for your Diary | |
|---|---|
| Meetings | |
| Wed May 15th | Tony Harris King Henry VIII Tony Harris is a professional comedian, raconteur and actor who specialises in historical talks with an hysterical twist. Tony returns us by popular acclaim following his wonderful presentation of Winston Churchill to give us a portrayal of Henry VIII |
| Wed Jun 19th | Fran Sandham The Sea Route to India The extraordinary story of how the fifteenth-century Portuguese explorers braved everything from natural obstacles to superstitious dread in order to discover a sea route around Africa to reach the rich spice markets of the East, and how their journeys were originally inspired not so much by commerce but by the quest to find the mythical Christian emperor Prester John. |
| Wed Jul 17th | Summer Outing to Longleat Safari Park Explore the Safari Drive-through (on the coach) across continents observing a range of carnivores from the big cats to the hyenas and wolves as they roam free in their open enclosures creating close encounters you’ll never forget. Our coach will drive us around the park, but won't drive through the monkey enclosure (because they could pull off the wipers) The drive through can take up to 2 hours, so there will be plenty to see. After the drive through you can explore the grounds and meet some other animals on foot or on the safari boat (included in day pass). Longleat House entry is an extra £4.95 for a guided tour lasting an hour. Price £32 plus coach cost. The final ticket price will be announced shortly |
| Wed Aug 21st | SUMMER TEA PARTY There will be a Summer Tea Party with Tea, Drinks and Cakes - a lovely chance to gather, chat and relax. We will be at St Marys Hall starting at 2pm |
| Sat Sep 14th | Last Night at the Proms We are organising a screening of the BBC live broadcast. This will be held in St Mary’s Hall This is a TICKET ONLY free event for members, their families and friends. It is ticket only as we have limited space. The will be an bar and you can bring your own food for the interval. Further details on tickets and timings will follow |
| Wed Sep 18th | Colin Van Geffen Flying Boats of Southampton Colin gave us a great talk in March "The Lady who saved the Nation" We are delighted that he is returning with one of his most popular talks. The FLYING BOATS of Southampton (Ships of the Sky) recalls the Golden Years of the commercial flying boat era, when Southampton and its Empire flying boats led the world. From the beginnings in 1913 to the swansong in the 50s and later |
| Fri Sep 20th | Newbury Races After the success of our visit to Newbury Races we are going to have a 2nd visit to the Dubai Duty Free International Friday afternoon meet. Full details to follow. |
| Fri Oct 11th | Barn Dance Following last year's successful event we have had many requests for another. We have managed to secure the highly acclaimed group the Banter Band to perform again with Tim leading the event. Further details to follow. |
| Wed Oct 16th | Dr James Taylor Brilliant British Humour in the Forgotten Art of the Picture Postcard: 1840-1950s Artist-drawn postcards were the most popular art-form from the Edwardian era to the outbreak of World War II. They entertained, inspired, instructed, motivated, persuaded and lifted up the spirits. Discover the popular subjects and styles by the masters of the medium such as Mabel Lucie Attwell, Donald McGill and Fred Spurgin, and the reasons why their popularity waned with the British public. |
| Wed Nov 20th | Darren Gowers Journeys in Biology 11 - DNA and Who you are Dr Darren gave us a fascinating talk in April 2023. We were spellbound by his explanations of a really complex subject and his enthusiastic clarity which captured us all. We are really looking forward to Part 11 |
| Wed Dec 18th | Ian Porter Young Dickens and how he came to 'invent' Christmas Dicken's life before he became a star. And then once he became well known how he came to need a money-spinner and how this led to A Christmas Carol and other things we now associate Ian is an historian, novelist, and public speaker. This time he delivers a most apt talk just 7 days before Christmas and before the mince pies and mulled wine served after the talk. |
| Wed Jan 15th 2025 | Jonathan Jones "The Role of a Town Crier: Something to Shout About" This is Jonathan's second visit having given us his acclaimed Christmas talk "A Christmas Cracker" He will return in full regalia providing information and anecdotes of is 19 years in the office as Town Crier, and conclude with a 'shout'. |
| Wed Feb 19th 2025 | Jacqueline and Brian Sutton It started with a kiss…………..the life and times of Dylan Thomas It really, really, really did start with a kiss! Come along and find out! Dylan Thomas was both a famous and infamous Welshman. As a poet/writer will always be remembered for his ground breaking work ‘Under Milk Wood’. However, his life became one long drink at the bar encouraged by his exhibitionist wife, Caitlin, and his friend and fellow drinking companion, Augustus John. Dylan died aged 39 in 1953 leaving behind him a dysfunctional family, a pile of debts and lyrical writing that has become part of our heritage. |
| Wed Mar 19th 2025 | Susan Howe History minus the boring bits Why does Charles II keep popping out of his coffin and which of his ladies preferred her parrot to the King's attentions? Which stately home has a ghostly dog who shows you to your room and then walks through the wall? Why was Henry V's queen not buried for more than 200 years? |
| Wed Apr 16th 2025 | Paul Whittle Treasures of the Nile Egypt’s recorded history goes back over 5,000 years and thanks to hieroglyphics we can read much about it. In all that time the mighty River Nile has been a vital provider of transportation, irrigation and latterly hydro-power. The talk outlines Egypt’s history and visits sites including the great pyramids of Giza and the temples at Abu Simbel, Alexandria and the battlefield cemeteries at El Alamein. |
| Wed May 21st 2025 | Tony Harris Kiss me goodnight Sergeant Major One of the highlights of the year - Tony returns after giving us a truly fabulous talk on Winston Churchill and the much anticipated Henry VII, to provide his much acclaimed "Kiss me goodnight Sargent Major" performance. |
| Wed Jun 18th 2025 | Andrew Negus Winchester 3½ Cathedrals Part 2 This is part 2 of Andrew's historic guided tour. We all really enjoyed Andrew's Part 1 talk and look forward hearing further how bishops, architectural style, religion and historic events changed Winchester’s 2 Saxon Minsters into the magnificent cathedral that we have today. In doing so we get the chance to look at some of the fabulous artistic treasures that are present today. |