The group was formed in 1971 in order to provide a setting in which local people could meet and enjoy a wide variety of talks which would provide interest and entertainment throughout the winter months. We meet at 8.00 pm on the first Thursday of each month from October until April in the Gladstone Village Hall. After each talk, there are refreshments, with an opportunity to meet and chat with other members.
New members are very welcome. Contact Renee Syme on 336-5852.
Membership fees for 2022: £5. Visitors: £2 per meeting.
2022-2023 Programme
6 October: Bidston Lighthouse
First built in 1771, the lighthouse was furthest from the body of water which it lit than any other in the world. Dr Stephen Pickles takes us through its history since then.
3 November: An Embroiderer’s Tale
Tina Saunders talks about her career as an embroiderer to one of Her Majesty the Queen’s dress-makers.
1 December: Christmas Special
Burton Reads presents a staged reading of A Spy With a View by Robert Scott.
David and Vicky are on holiday, but the weather has trapped them in their hotel room. The monotony is broken by the delivery of a mysterious briefcase, with a recording that self-destructs!
A one-act comedy by arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts
Accompanied by mince pies and a glass of wine. (Ticket only)
5 January: The Jubilee Tower
Built to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of King George lll in 1810, David Shiel discusses its place in the physical and cultural landscape of North Wales
2 February: Hedgehog Awareness
Greer Lacey introduces us to the world of hedgehogs, why they need our help and talks about the work of the hedgehog centre.
2 March: Slave Ships of Neston and Parkgate
Anthony Annakin-Smith takes a look at this area’s many links to the slave trade and extraordinary accounts of the voyages of many of the locally connected ships involved in the triangular trade.
To be followed by a short Annual General Meeting
6 April: The High Sheriff of Cheshire
This office is the oldest secular office in the UK after the crown, dating from Saxon times. The current holder Jeannie France-Hayhurst gives us her perspective on the role, the duties and the experience it has been for her.