Upcoming 2026 Talks

September 1939 saw Hitler invade Poland from the West on the 1st, Britain and France declaring war on the 3rd and Stalin attack Poland from the East on the 17th. Rob's talk will cover the early stages of WWII  

Bryan will present the story of how the cutting and polishing of precious diamond stones was “mechanised” in Halifax during the 2nd World War.

…. Tsingtao to Skipton. Anne will recount the story of a German naval officer captured after the Siege of Tsingtao in China in November 1914, who time and five thousand miles later arrived in Skipton's P.O.W. Camp

Steve will give an account of his visit to a famous WW1 battlefield in France which became known as ‘’ The Meat Grinder’’. Aided by holiday snaps.

 ...in the Indian Territory 1861-1865. The scene of numerous skirmishes and seven officially recognized battles involving both braves allied with the Confederacy and the Union's regiments of the Indian Home Guard 

This talk examines the atrocities committed in Belgium in August 1914. It looks at the questions of

who was responsible, why did they happen and what propaganda was made of them

…. 1769-1852 – A Life in Pictures. David's presentation will cover Arthur Wellesley's birth in Dublin, his life as a British Army officer, his political career including as Prime Minister, through to his death and state funeral

Summer break

Now located at Salt's Mill, Saltaire, the talk will cover the history, goals, and work of the museum which aims to tell the story of peace movements.

Mike will focus on War Memorials in the Calderdale area, covering the motivation for and the response to their funding, building, and opening

…. How General Slim Conjured Triumph From Disaster. The curator of York's Kohima Museum will recount the story of the commander of the Fourteenth Army in Burma during the Second World War.

Plenty of Food, Something to Drink, & Lots of Conviviality bring our 2026 season to a close