Click this box for our downloadable programme 

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All our talks are free of charge and we're always delighted to welcome new visitors. Event details accurate at time of going to press but please check village noticeboard and the Witham Friary Village page on Facebook nearer the time to confirm.

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Thursday 25th September

The life and times of a kenspeckle man: Peter Forbes Lees 1898 – 1968 - Ian Messider.

Ian’s talk covers both world wars and also events from the seventeenth century, the oil

industry, central Scotland, social changes and the first aircraft and space flight. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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Thursday 16th October

The history of Maiden Bradley  - Celia Blay

Celia will talk about the early history of Maiden Bradley, which takes its name from the leper hospital for maidens founded in the 12th century, and about Margaret Bisset, daughter of the founder of the Priory. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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Thursday 20th November

The Golden Age of Posters in Britain - Dr Graham Twemlow

Poster art in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s was a thriving industry enabled by enlightened clients such as Shell-Mex, the London Underground and the four railway companies. Graham is a decorative arts historian and will talk about poster artists of the time, including Tom Purvis, E. McKnight Kauffer, Paul Nash and Frank Newbould. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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Friday 12th December 

Christmas quiz

Our traditional annual evening of seasonal fun for everyone.  Not at all serious! Village Hall 7.30pm.  Entrance £3 per person.  Raffle (donations welcome). Please bring your own refreshments. 

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Thursday 22nd January

Pictures out of darkness - David Heath

A welcome return of popular speaker. An intriguing story about Alice Seeley Harris, a missionary who lived for many years in Frome. Her photography and campaigning helped expose the atrocities in the Congo Free State run by the King of the Belgians, Leopold II. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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Thursday 19th February 

4000 years of plague Mike & Marcia Gorman

What links skeletal remains found in a cave at Charterhouse Warren on the Mendips and a grainy photograph taken in India around 1900?  Mike and Marcia will recount the history of plague over time and the extraordinary story of the search for a vaccine. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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Friday 20th March

Bumper spring quiz

Put a spring in your step at our annual March quiz.  Everyone welcome!  Village Hall 7.30pm.  Entrance £3 per person.  Raffle (donations welcome). Please bring your own refreshments.

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Thursday 23rd April

The Monmouth Rebellion Gary Kearly

In the summer of 1685 Somerset found itself at the centre of the Duke of Monmouth’s attempt to take the throne of England from his uncle James II. This illustrated talk by local historian and author Gary Kearley will lead the audience through the rebellion and its gristly aftermath with particular emphasis on Somerset’s involvement. Village Hall 7.45pm.

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