This is the first event of the 2022-2023 season. More details for future events will appear on this page in due course:

Sir Ernest Shackleton was the epitome of a polar explorer. His first expedition was with Captain Scott who in 1903 sent him home resulting in a rift between the two men. He made an unsuccessful attempt for the South Pole in 1907, then returned to the Antartic in 1914 to lead an ambitious expedition to cross the Antarctic. His ship Endurance became trapped in ice resulting in the most incredible struggle for survival. Shackleton would lead 28 men to safety after an 800-mile voyage in a lifeboat. Presenter, writer and broadcaster Andrew Lound tells Shackleton’s story accompanied by music, images, video and sound effects. All the drama and fight for survival is here in an uplifting retelling of the famous voyage.

Photo: The South Pole party: Frank Wild, Shackleton, Eric Marshall and Jameson Adams

The title of Dorothy Nicolle’s talk, ‘Ludlow - probably the loveliest town in England’, is actually a quote from John Betjeman. Her talk will give us a brief history of the town in a way that Dorothy hopes will encourage people to visit and explore for themselves. Dorothy, who lives in Shropshire, is a lecturer and writer with a fascination for Britain’s history - particularly that of her home county. She has been a Blue Badge Guide for the Heart of England region for over 20 years and is also a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Click here to visit her website.

In this lecture, Dr Roger White (pictured) will explore the artistic and cultural impact of Wroxeter Roman City, through the artists, poets and writers associated with the site over the centuries. These were responding to the evolving archaeological story as it was uncovered, whose interpretation inspired the image of Wroxeter as an abandoned Roman city.

Roger is an archaeologist researching the late Roman to early mediaeval transition in the UK. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and a past member of the Historic England Advisory Committee (2011-17). He has carried out extensive research into Wroxeter over the years and has worked as consultant for English Heritage writing conservation plans for Wroxeter.

You can find out more about Dr Roger White and his work here.

The inside story of its “removal” and restoration by David Burton-Pye, fomer head of Conservation Design and Tourism at South Staffordshire District Council, where he worked from 1974-2011. It was a Sunday in June 2005 when a crane crashed into the historic footbridge on Codsall Station leaving it heavily damaged and leaning over the railway track beneath. It could not have happened at a worst time - it was the day of Cosford Air Show and the trains were packed with people desperate to get there.

In the aftermath, David was embroiled in a struggle with the insurers who wanted to replace it with a modern steel structure and the conservationists who wanted a faithful reproduction of the original wrought-iron bridge. Come and find out what happened.

In Victorian Wolverhampton, Caribee Island – just off Stafford Street – was considered the most notorious, unhealthy and dangerous neighbourhood in the town. Much of this was based on its population, many of whom were Irish – a group held in low regard during this period. Simon Briercliffe, a social and cultural historian and geographer, has conducted extensive research into this area for a PhD. He explains how it came to gain such a reputation, and how the Irish of Caribee Island fared in a British industrial town. You can find out more about his work on his website: uptheossroad.wordpress.com

Phil Clayton returns with another talk - this time about exploring the past while walking. Phil takes a look at our past, from a walker’s viewpoint, finding Stone Age tracks, Roman ways, packhorse routes and turnpike roads in the present landscape.

THIS TALK HAS REGRETTABLY BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE ONGOING SURGE IN COVID CASES

REGRETTABLY, THIS TALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE SURGE IN COVID CASES.

Sir Ernest Shackleton was the epitome of a polar explorer. His first expedition was with Captain Scott who in 1903 sent him home resulting in a rift between the two men. He made an unsuccessful attempt for the South Pole in 1907, then returned to the Antartic in 1914 to lead an ambitious expedition to cross the Antarctic. His ship Endurance became trapped in ice resulting in the most incredible struggle for survival. Shackleton would lead 28 men to safety after an 800-mile voyage in a lifeboat. Presenter, writer and broadcaster Andrew Lound tells Shackleton’s story accompanied by music, images, video and sound effects. All the drama and fight for survival is here in an uplifting retelling of the famous voyage.

Photo: The South Pole party: Frank Wild, Shackleton, Eric Marshall and Jameson Adams

We all think we know about the Gunpowder Plot, but how much do we know of the secret meetings beforehand? Was it Catesby et al who planned the plot or did Sir Robert Cecil and the government have a nefarious hand in it? David Tordoff (pictured) will explain all. David says he is amazed that over 400 years later, we in England still celebrate an event which was in essence a great failure. His presentation will cover why there was a need for a plot, who participated, how the plotters intended to succeed and what happened to them. And most importantly, which is the true story?

Following a short AGM, Tony Noble will give an illustrated talk of approximately 40 minutes about the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Tony Noble joined the Royal Navy at the age of fifteen, serving first on HMS Ganges. During his 17-year career he was privileged to serve on board the Royal Yacht and will provide us with his first-hand account of that experience.

Photo: The Britannia departing Cardiff for the last time, taken by Ben Salter of Wales.