Bring and share
Dec
3
7:30 PM19:30

Bring and share

In addition to the festivities of the Christmas Bring and Share, Victoria Kent will give a short talk about setting up her charity, Ability Bow.

She started the charity in 2006 and, with its 20th anniversary coming up next year, is still passionate about its purpose. She knows how tough it can be for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions to take part in exercise, and she set up Ability Bow gym to break down those barriers.

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'Concrete citizens’: the post-war London County Council’s sculptures on housing estates by Rosamund West
Jan
7
7:30 PM19:30

'Concrete citizens’: the post-war London County Council’s sculptures on housing estates by Rosamund West

Between the late 1940s and 1965, the London County Council (the LCC) installed artworks in parks, schools, colleges and housing estates, which became known as its ‘patronage of the arts programme’. 

This talk, delivered by Dr. Rosamund Lily West, will concentrate on the LCC’s housing estates with sculptures of people to examine why the LCC, tasked with an immense housing shortage after the war, installed sculptures of residents on housing estates.

Franta Belsky, The Lesson, installed on the Avebury estate in 1959 © The London Archives

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The Duchess of Windsor's Jewels by Janie Ramsa
Jul
1
7:30 PM19:30

The Duchess of Windsor's Jewels by Janie Ramsa

Janie Ramsay, worked for Sotheby’s during which time they sold the possessions of this most iconic and controversial couple. This talk will introduce you to the Duchess’ magnificent jewellery, designed by the 20th century’s most renowned jewellers.

Selling for exceptional prices, many of these unique pieces have come to auction since that record breaking original sale and have acquired even greater status and provenance partly due to the world famous stars who wanted to possess them.

The talk also touches on the abdication crisis that shocked the world, as well as the famous designers who helped Wallis become one of the most photographed women of the world in her time leading a film star lifestyle. And just where did all the money come from?

Opening her first Antique Shop in Tunbridge Wells in the early 1970s, a second shop was opened on the Pantiles in 1981. Specialising in Georgian and Regency items, jewellery, silver and fans.

As a member of LAPADA, Janie also sold at numerous Antique Fayres in London and was invited to help judge stalls prior to their being open to the public to maintain standards.

She later joined Sotheby’s at their Head Office in Bond Street, becoming a Director in 1998. On her retirement in 2008 from full time, she was invited back as a consultant until December 2014 when finally handing in her pass.

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A funny thing happened on the way to the Old Bailey by Chris Truran
Aug
6
7:30 PM19:30

A funny thing happened on the way to the Old Bailey by Chris Truran

This covers the stupid things that criminals do to get themselves arrested. Many anecdotes include were from examinations that I made and other added disasters that have befallen them.

It is unbelievable how stupid criminals can be. While Fingerprints and Forensics capture many there are plenty of times when they have brought about their own downfall.

Very much a light hearted look at the world of the stupid criminal.

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Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Science: the first eleven women to be elected Fellows of the Royal Society, 1945-1954 by Dr Stella Butler
May
7
7:30 PM19:30

Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Science: the first eleven women to be elected Fellows of the Royal Society, 1945-1954 by Dr Stella Butler

In March 1945, the crystallographer, Kathleen Lonsdale, became the first woman Fellow of the Royal Society, the UK’s most elite scientific institution. In the following nine years a further nine women also achieved this ultimate accolade. Their journey to election as FRSs involved foreign adventures, political persecution and the inevitable exhausting hours at the coalface of science. Several faced significant obstacles as they tried to establish themselves in professional careers. Their inspirational contributions opened doors for later generations of women to work in areas traditionally dominated by men.

Stella has a PhD, has worked in university libraries and science museums. She began her research career investigating the history of hospitals and, more recently, has published articles on the crystallographers, Kathleen Lonsdale and the Nobel Laureate, Dorothy Hodgkin.

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 SERV Kent Bloodrunners by Trevor Sayer
Feb
5
7:30 PM19:30

SERV Kent Bloodrunners by Trevor Sayer

Every day, emergency medical services rely on the timely transport of essential supplies, from blood and plasma to urgent medical samples. SERV Kent, a dedicated volunteer organization, plays a crucial role in ensuring these deliveries reach hospitals and patients swiftly and safely—free of charge. In this talk, Trevor will share his experience as a volunteer driver for SERV Kent.

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Women’s empowerment by Jeanette Marr
Oct
2
7:30 PM19:30

Women’s empowerment by Jeanette Marr

Your mind is your best friend and also your worst enemy. An introduction to your 10 saboteurs (creating stress and negativity) and your Sage mind (positivity and creativity). Bringing a shift from a negative mindset to a positive mindset leading to change in your relationships, health/wellbeing and performance.

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Chocolate Tasting
Oct
4
7:30 PM19:30

Chocolate Tasting

Chocolate Tasting

Speaker: Isabelle Alaya

Artisan chocolatier Isabelle Alaya founded the Melange Chocolate Shop in Peckham in 2008. She has a reputation for making speciality award winning hand-made chocolate bars and truffles which are characterised by and eclectic combination of fruits, herbs and spices.

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Wren 300.
Sep
6
7:30 PM19:30

Wren 300.

  • Sunfields Methodist Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Speaker: Sarah Compton ( London Guide)

Celebrating the works of Sir Christopher Wren in the tercentenary of his death with particular note of the traces he left in Greenwich.

Further details tbc.

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Origami with Drew Sinclair
Jul
5
7:30 PM19:30

Origami with Drew Sinclair

Origami

Speaker: Drew Sinclair

Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, is making a comeback. While some of the oldest pieces of origami have been found in ancient China and its deepest roots are in ancient Japan, origami can make an impact in today's education too. This art form engages students and sneakily enhances their skills. One of the amazing things about origami is that you can take a flat piece of paper and turn it into a three-dimensional object. This type of manipulation helps people understand spatial reasoning. When you practice origami, you are activating your whole brain. It has long been known that origami has many benefits such as developing eye-hand coordination, sequencing skills, memory, attention skills, patience, math reasoning and it is also just plain FUN !

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Advanced Driving
May
3
7:30 PM19:30

Advanced Driving

Advanced Driving

Speakers: Steve Ewing and John Biggs from The Institute of Advanced Motorist ( South Eastern Group)

Our speakers will be talking about the history of advanced motoring, the local Group, and their own connection with it. They will also outline what is involved in the advanced test and the various schemes they run, including a free taster session that you may find of interest. There will also be a short quiz on the highway code, just for fun of course !

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From One to a Thousand - A Photographic Journey.
Apr
5
7:30 PM19:30

From One to a Thousand - A Photographic Journey.

From One to a Thousand - A Photographic Journey

Speaker : Photographer Richard Winston.

Richard will speak about how he ' got into wildlife photography 15 years ago’. This talk will be supported by lots of photos of birds and animals from around the world. There is also a look at "bird families" and an audience participation quiz , followed by images of the many animals and birds encountered on a recent safari trip to the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

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British Sign Language
Mar
1
7:30 PM19:30

British Sign Language

Refreshingly funny and a little bit quirky, Lindsey Barrell has a wealth of knowledge to share from her varied experience of teaching Burlesque to the WI and from her work in sensory and wellbeing. Mindfulness Teacher, Reiki and NLP Practitioner and Dance and Life Coach; Lindsey is a confident and humorous speaker who has been described as ‘speaking from the heart’ and ‘the best speaker we have ever had!’ From Burlesque to BSL (British Sign Language) and Mindfulness to Motivation; Lindsey is a speaker not to be missed.

 

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