The Society’s 2025-26 Programme of Talks
Thursday 2rd October 2025 7.30 p.m.
Ralph Jackman: How to become a Roman Emperor
Accomplished author, Ralph, explains the intrigues and conspiracies which were needed to secure the elevated position of leader of ancient Rome
Thursday 16th October 2025 7.30 p.m.
Richard Hart: Cold War Spies
Richard tells us about post WW2 Berlin and gathering intelligence in the Russian sector
Thursday 30th October 2025 7.30 p.m.
Wally Webb: Ghosts of the Broads
Well known broadcasting personality, Wally Webb, returns, this time to talk about his experiences travelling the Broads in the various boats he has purchased over the years
Thursday 13th November 2025 7.30 p.m.
Matt Champion: Raising the roof at Oxburgh Hall
Local historian Matt Champion tells us of the exciting and unexpected finds that materialised when the National Trust set about repairs to the roof at their Oxburgh Hall property
Thursday 27th November 2025 7.30 p.m.
Dr Alison Dow: Thomas Buxton’s fight against the Slave Trade
Norwich was the home of one of the most prominent anti-slave trade fighters and Dr Alison Dow looks at his life and how the people of Norwich and Norfolk supported him
Thursday 11th December 2025 7.30 p.m.
Gary Powell: Death in Disguise
Former London detective and history buff, Garry Powell, invites us to be the jury at a true Victorian murder trial. Guilty or Not Guilty – you decide
Thursday 8th January 2026 7.30 p.m.
Greg Powles: A talk with James Stewart
Appearing in character, Greg gives his highly acclaimed talk as James Stewart describing his life, films and wartime experiences
Thursday 22nd January 2026 7.30 p.m.
Jim Stebbings: The magnificent Seven
The music, lives & stories of the American songwriters largely responsible for the “American Songbook”. Inc: Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, illustrated with musical extracts
Thursday 5th February 2026 7.30 p.m.
Dr Jill Hussleby: Queen Elizabeth 1st East Anglian Progress
Hear about the huge extent of the visit of Queen Elizabeth 1st to our region in 1578
Thursday 19th February 2026 7.30 p.m.
Sue Parry: The Druce Portland Affair
Over 30 years after the funeral of T. C. Druce, his daughter-in-law claimed his death in 1864 had been faked. Sue tells us about this extraordinary story that filled newspapers for 9 years
Thursday 5th March 2026 7.30 p.m.
Mark Glaister: Life and Times of Langham Dome
Come and hear Mark Glaister, one of Langham Dome Museum’s Archivists, as he unveils the hidden past of one of our local attractions
Thursday 19th March 2026 7.30 p.m.
AGM followed by Neville Lunness-Barnes: Who Do You Think You Are
After the rigours of the AGM, our chairman will entertain us with stories from his life and career in an almost interactive talk