What a fascinating talk this was! Mildred Freeman, aka The Lady Historian and dressed in full Victorian costume walked us through the history of gin. Starting in the early 1100s and traveling through to our modern gin revolution she regaled us with tales of bravery,...
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart is set in 1980’s Glasgow. The background of poverty, unemployment, run down housing estates and life on benefits, as mines and shipyards close, is brilliantly drawn and the group appreciated the writing style. This is the story of...
Places are like people…they have a history that shapes their character and every one is different. That’s what makes travel so interesting. It was this passion that led Hazel Griffiths to change direction in her life. It was fascinating to hear about...
In overview, Hamnet, by Maggie O’Farrell, is the tale of Shakespeare’s son, who died of the plague, aged 11. However, the book is so much more than that. The story is told from the perspective of his mother, Agnes (or Anne) Hathaway, a healer and herbalist who has...
The history behind Kew Gardens Sarah Oldridge, Adult Education Co-ordinator at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for over 20 years, talked to us about the history and the secrets of Kew Gardens. It’s on our doorstep … we’ve all probably been there at least...
Alan Blower’s talk on the history of the Royal parks, gardens, palaces and houses close by the Thames between Kew and Hampton Court was fascinating. It certainly whetted our appetites for the Spring and Summer when we might be able to explore in person! ...
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