Christine Longden will speak to us about the “Lancashire Cotton Famine” of 1861-65 a major depression in the fabric industry of the North West that caused great suffering among the workforce and had far-reaching social effects

The former Harrogate & Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, will talk to us about his experiences of Parliamentary life.  This is the talk that was originally scheduled for 8th Jan 2025 but had to be cancelled because of the very icy conditions

This is the talk originally scheduled for 18th June

Steve Ward, who has a PhD in Social History from the University of Hull, is an authority on the social and cultural history of the circus and will be sharing some of his knowledge with us.

Our own Peter Rix will return, this time to talk to us about a major element of the golden age of air travel

Yes, we were all there then!  Derek Shelmerdine will refresh our memories of that magical time

Jamie Nicholson-Ruther will tell us about Harrogate Neighbours, which is is an elderly care service in Harrogate, working incredibly hard to make sure as many elderly people as possible that need help are given it.  Don’t knock it – we may all need their help at some point!

David Banks is a member of the National Trust volunteer speakers group and specialises in talks about different aspects of Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal and the immediately surrounding area.  His talks are always professionally-presented and interesting

David Glover is President of the Halifax Antiquarian Society and will be talking to us about the last Tsar Of Russia.  In 1917, tumultuous events gripped Russia. The House of Romanov which had ruled the country for 300 years, was overthrown, and Tsar Nicholas II imprisoned, to be executed in 1918. He will look at the life and character of this complex man, detailing the revolutions he faced, and telling the story of his final days. Decades later came the rediscovery of the Romanov bones…