Month |
Summary |
Sept 20
|
Marie Corelli: The Life, Literature and Legacy of Stratford’s ‘Great Little Lady’. 2024 is the 100th anniversary of Marie Corelli’s death. In her day she was a best-selling author, now largely forgotten. This talk reveals her colourful life and work. Speaker: Nick Leigh Birch |
Oct 18
|
The Medieval Wall Paintings in Stratford-upon-Avon’s Guildhall New light has been thrown on one of the most significant buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, following a study of its medieval symbolic decorations. Speaker: Lindsey Armstrong. General Manager, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall |
Nov 15
|
The Gunpowder Plot 1605 A history of the plot and local connections through personalities and places. Speaker: Graham Sutherland |
Dec 20 |
Christmas Songs Through the Ages: From Boar’s Head to Bing Crosby A lively musical presentation of the history of Christmas songs. Speaker: Dr Richard Churchley |
Jan 17
|
The Phoenix Rises: History of Coventry A brief look at how the different industries in Coventry have evolved out of each other from its 13th century trade in wool to being a centre for innovative design in the automotive industry in the 21st century. Speaker: Verity Tiff |
Feb 21
|
Stalag Luft 111 1942-1945: The Great Escape The Great Escape took place in March 1944 from Stalag Luft 111. Alistair Price tells the story of his father, Kenneth Price’s involvement in that daring plan and his life in a POW camp. Speaker: Alistair Price |
Mar 21
|
The Battles of Imphal and Kohima 1944 Between March and July 1944 British and Indian forces were locked in a desperate battle against the Japanese army. The struggle would be decided by two of the most decisive battles in British history: Imphal and Kohima. This lecture tells the story how the armies of the British Empire turned the tide of war in the Far East. Speaker: Dr Spencer Jones - Wolverhampton University |
Apr 18
|
Bruce Bairnsfather – Stratford’s Own Cartoonist TA talk giving an insight into the life and career of the WW1 cartoonist Bruce Bairnsfather and his strong associations with Stratford on Avon and district. Speaker: Mark Warby |
May 16
|
The Railways of South Warwickshire A look at the history of the railways of the Alcester and Bidford area. Speaker: Stephen Godfrey |
June 20 |
1816 - The year without summer 1816 The year without summer – If you think it won’t happen again, think again. Speaker: Dr G P Morse |