We hold our monthly meetings at Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre on alternate Mondays and Tuesdays, so please put the dates in your diaries now.
The talks at our meetings are on a wide range of interesting topics, and are given by experts in their fields. Click on a blue title to see more information. A summary of each month's talk is given in our regular monthly newsletter.
We serve tea and coffee so that you can mingle before and after the talk with other members in an informal manner.
You can download a list of 2026 talks here.
Bookings are now open for the December meal.
Please see Groups pages for details of each Group activities.
Click to see the calendar for regular Group events.
Forthcoming events
Speaker: Martin Hannant
Topic: : The History of Pantomime Dames
Martin’s talks all centre around comedy and entertainment in the 1940s to 1970s. This one is on pantomime dames. Arthur Askey and Stanley Baxter immediately pop into my head. How about you.? Did you ever shout “He’s behind you!” ? Expect a morning of laughs or wry smiles ?Speaker: Peter Gill
Topic: Musical Satire of the 20th Century
You may remember Peter from 2024 when he gave an outstanding talk on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, This time Peter will shine a spotlight on musical satire. Who will we hear about?…Noel Coward ?; Flanders and Swan?; Tom Lehrer? Expect a treat!
Speaker: Stewart Linford
Topic: The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill
Stewart, who bears a striking resemblance to the great statesman, Winston Churchill, will talk to us on the topic of The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill.Speaker: Joanna McKerlie
Topic: Humorous Poems & Readings
Joanna will be entertaining us with a selection of Humorous Poems & Readings. Through wit, clever observations, and a delightful sense of fun, Joanna will bring to life a collection of pieces guaranteed to raise a smile and perhaps even provoke a hearty laugh.Speaker: Wayne Sterling-Parker
Topic: Lost Pathways and Deserted Villages of North Cotswolds
Wayne’s talk on the Lost Pathways and Deserted Villages of North Cotswolds offers a captivating exploration of a landscape shaped by centuries of human activity, migration, and change.Speaker: Neil Smart
Topic: Medical Detection Dogs
Neil will be sharing insights into the remarkable work of Medical Detection Dogs, including the possibility of meeting an ‘Ambassador Dog’. This pioneering charity trains dogs to detect the scent of human diseases and health conditions, often identifying changes that are undetectable by current medical technology.Speaker: Lizzie Adkins
Topic: There's No Business Like Amateur Show Business
We are pleased to welcome Lizzie Adkins, who will be taking us on a fascinating journey into the world of entertainment with her talk, There's No Business Like Amateur Show Business. From the glamour of the stage to the stories behind the spotlight, Lizzie will share her experiences and insights into an industry that has captivated audiences for generations.
Speaker: Jenny Mallin
Topic: Serendipity Follows Me
Jenny, award-winning author, researcher, and accomplished speaker, will be sharing her fascinating talk, Serendipity Follows Me. Through a captivating blend of family history, personal discovery, and extraordinary coincidences, Jenny takes us on a journey spanning generations and continents.Speaker: Gail Boyle
Topic: 946 and all That. Chapters in a Parish History
Gail is an archaeologist, historian, and former Senior Curator of Archaeology & World Cultures with Bristol Museums. Drawing on decades of professional experience and extensive local research, Gail will present ‘946 and All That: Chapters in a Parish History’.
Speaker: Vanessa Berridge
Topic: The Princess's Garden: Royal Intrigue and The Untold Story of Kew
Vanessa is an acclaimed historian and author, who will be speaking to us about The Princess's Garden: Royal Intrigue and the Untold Story of Kew. .
Speaker: Marc Allum
Topic: My Passion for Antiques
We are delighted to welcome Marc Allum, writer, broadcaster, auctioneer and passionate collector. Marc has spent more than 25 years uncovering the stories behind fascinating objects and helping people connect with history through the treasures they own..
Speaker: Ashley Jones MBE
Topic: The British Honours System
We are delighted to welcome Ashley Jones MBE, who will be speaking to us about The British Honours System. Drawing on both his own experience as an honours recipient and his extensive research into the subject, Ashley will guide us through the fascinating history and traditions behind one of Britain's oldest forms of public recognition. .
Speaker: Robin Burton
Topic: The History of Christmas & Wassailing
This talk looks at what Christmas used to be like before the
Victorians messed it up for all of us. Find out why the Puritans banned it. And find out the history of many of the elements of Christmas which we think of as "traditional" today.