Programme of Talks

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See below for our forthcoming programme of talks

~ 2024 ~

January 16th - Alan Powell - The Magnificent Seven

February 20th - Brian Miller - A Secret Life

March 19th – Stephen Coleman – The Festival of Britain {in Bedfordshire}

April 16th - Social evening with Gill and Barry Goodman

Summer 2024 Programme...

Kimbolton Church – Tuesday May 14th, 2pm

A guided tour of St. Andrew’s Church, located in the village of Kimbolton which has a rich history dating back centuries. The earliest reference to a church and priest in Kimbolton appears in the Domesday survey of 1086. Originally constructed as a wooden structure, it was later replaced with stone around 1200. The church’s external appearance predominantly reflects 14th-century architecture, with additional features added in the 15th century. The churchyard contains an impressive collection of table tombs dating back to the early 18th century. After the tour, we will have tea/coffee and cake. The visit is for a maximum of 25 people and you will need to make your own way there. £5 per person

Panacea Museum – Thursday June 13th, 2pm

A guided tour of the Panacea Museum, Newnham Road, Bedford. This museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a remarkable religious community formed in the early twentieth century. For 90 years, members of the society quietly lived, worked and worshipped God in their community. Although they took care to reveal little about themselves to outsiders, the society’s name became familiar to many people beyond Bedford through their national advertising campaign to open ‘Joanna Southcott’s Box’ a curious cultural icon of inter-war Britain. The tearoom will be open after the visit for refreshments. The visit is for a maximum of 24 people and you will need to make your own way there. £3 per person

Boughton House, near Kettering – Tuesday July 16th, all day

Boughton House & Gardens are located at the heart of England near Kettering, Northamptonshire. This remarkable house, the English home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, is a blend of the intimate and grand drawing its inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. Its village-like Tudor courtyards contrast with its palatial 18th century additions, earning it the title ‘The English Versailles’ which inspired filmmakers at Universal to use Boughton in the latest film adaptation of Les Misérables.

Experience the stunning art collection, history and heritage at the heart of Boughton, exploring various stunning rooms filled with beautiful artworks incorporating almost every aspect of the decorative arts. Highlights of the collection include Van Dycks, El Greco, Sèvres Porcelain and Boulle furniture.

We have booked the Kings Tour which covers 20 rooms, and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The ground floor encompasses many of the major rooms such as the Great Hall and is perfect for those with a general interest in the rich history and art of Boughton. Then we ascend the grand entrance staircase to include the High Pavilion and State Apartments created for the visit of William III.

We will leave Willington about 10am in the morning, and then visit Burton Latimer, where we will have a chance to look around the old town, before having lunch in the Olde Victoria pub. After lunch, we’ll do the short drive to Boughton House for the afternoon, leaving about 5pm to return to Willington.

£35 per person

Please click here to register your interest in any of the above excursions by E-Mail