FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Paul Dyson – Travels and Adventures Up to 2016
Join us for a fascinating talk as Paul Dyson takes us on a journey through
his travels and wildlife adventures—from trekking in the Himalayas in
search of elusive snow leopards, to tracking tigers in India, encountering
gorillas in Uganda, and exploring African and UK wildlife. Inspiring,
insightful, and unforgettable.
 

FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER
John Whitfield – The Queen’s Prime Ministers, 1952–2010
A captivating exploration of the thirteen Prime Ministers who served
Queen Elizabeth II—from Churchill to Brown—examining personalities,
achievements, and relationships with the monarch, and how Britain’s
leaders shaped the nation.
 

FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER
Dennis Apple – Picasso: A Journey Through Art
Discover the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th
century. From his early Blue and Rose periods to the bold innovations of
Cubism and beyond, this talk explores Picasso’s ever-evolving style, his
inspirations, and the stories behind his most iconic works — a fascinating
journey through a lifetime of creativity and revolution in art.
 

FRIDAY 24TH OCTOBER
Dr Mark Barnard – Louis XIV: The Sun King and His Legacy
“I am the state,” declared Louis XIV, the self-styled Roi-Soleil. Admired
and despised across Europe, his reign shaped politics, culture, and
power. Dr Barnard explores why Louis was feared, how his reign faltered,
and the mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask.
 

FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER
Ann Featherstone – Ghostly Tales
As the nights draw in and Halloween approaches, enjoy a delightfully
spine-tingling morning of supernatural storytelling. Blending
atmospheric poetry, dramatic monologue, and eerie stories—some
whispered to be true—this session promises chills, charm, and
captivating tales.