History - National and International

 

by Ron Cotton and Ken Foy

The group meeting of our twelve people each month takes place around our small dining table,  a different member leads with a prepared talk for about an hour, a break for tea, followed by discussion and questions.

 

Since September 2011, members have enjoyed talks on "The Last Will and Monument of Henry VIII", "The Caesars, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero", "Some Polar Explorers, I and II" and local (Pyford) hero "Flight-Lieutenant Gordon Brutell, DFC".  Still to come are "The Time of Agincourt", "The Causes and Consequences of World War One" and "The Boyhood and Youth of Adolph Hitler." 

 

New members are always welcome to talk, to discuss, to listen and /or simply to enjoy.


Other topics chosen by speakers have been: 

  • The three King Richards of England - their wars, government, evil and benevolent
  • The Cinque Ports of Kent and Sussex - used for defence and communication.
  • Malaya under British rule, Japanese occupation and Independence.
  • The English novel from early printing until today, with comment upon local authors.
  • Alfred the Great - Wessex and his defence against the Danes.  (We had burnt cakes for tea !)
  • Tudor times - the life of people as well as monarchs.
  • The American War of Independence and its impact upon Britain, Europe and USA.
  • Our English language as it developed from various sources to become a world wide language.

Members are self-disciplined and find the round table conference to their liking.  However, space limits our numbers and there is a waiting list.