This talk explores why the River Thames was such an important strategic feature in World War II and its role in the defence of the country. Bill describes how the river would have served as a major defensive feature, and the way the industry along the Thames was adapted to serve the country in its hour of need, including airfields, aircraft production and boatbuilding.

Mary, Queen of Scots. An illustrated talk by Dr.Gill White 

Mary became a monarch at six days old, and by the age of twenty-five she had lost three kingdoms, three husbands, and would never see her only child again.   Whether she is to be seen as a murderous adulterer or the innocent victim of all that befell her, Mary’s life is undoubtedly wrapped in tragedy.   Gill White explores her remarkable story and looks at the causes of the failure that led to her execution.

The November meeting is arranged for Wednesday19 November in the village hall at 7:30 p.m. for an illustrated talk by Marie-Louise Kerr on the 12th century woman who would be queen –  who could have been the first woman to be the English queen in her own right.

Matilda was the  daughter and heir to King Henry I, and a grand-daughter of William the Conqueror.   Her claim to the English throne was challenged by her cousin, Stephen of Bloise.   Civil war, known as The Anarchy, raged up and down the country for years.   Noblemen changed their allegiances several times.   Matilda was besieged at Oxford Castle, and has several  and varied connections with this part of the country.

A light-hearted examination of what the articles to be found around the average home tell us about the Industrial Archaeology of Britain. 

As materials and technology advance, each era can be defined by its products and devices. They surround us in our everyday lives - but we don’t necessarily identify them as such or recognise the improvements they make to society. 

Lord and Lady Bearsted at Upton House were 1930s millionaires, earning their money through the family founding the Shell Oil Company.  In addition to local philanthropic works, they spent their money on a magnificent collection of paintings and china for their weekend retreat.  The artists collected ranged through Bruegel, El Greco, Canaletto, Hogarth, Stubbs and Gainsborough.   The china collection is 18th century English porcelain from the Chelsea, Bow, Derby and Worcester factories, and from Vincennes and  Sèvres in France.

Tonight Tony will show the highlights of his favourite pieces, tracing their history and their place in the collection.   Upton House is now in the care of the National Trust.

An illustrated talk by Dr Gillian White

John Churchill successfully navigated the torrid world of late Stuart politics, achieved huge success for his country on the battlefield, and was then toppled as the political sands shifted. We’ll meet a strategist who manoeuvred troops with confidence and audacity, a man of conscience who committed treason for his faith, and an ambitious gambler who played the game of court politics with flair and determination. We meet the women who helped and supported him: a sister, a lover, a wife and a queen. 

A national hero but no saint

Father-and-son team Thomas and George are known over the world as Thomas and George Violin Makers, with workshops in Williamscot. They have a long tradition of making, restoring and dealing in all things double bass. Tom is also an internationally renowned soloist and orchestral player. Together they reveal the traditions and techniques involved in this centuries-old and skilled craft. How do double basses work? Who made the best ones? What tools are used? How do different woods sound? Do different ways of making affect the sound?

Gill White, Bess of Hardwick and Hardwick Hall.

Bess of Hardwick is one of the most fascinating women of the 16th century, and her most famous building, Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, survives as a fine example of Elizabethan creativity, magnificence and pride.  This talk outlines Bess’s remarkable life and then explores the architecture and contents of Hardwick Hall , surely her lasting monument.