Paul Medforth is closely associated with the glass workers of York Minster and his fascinating talk will take us through the history of glass making before going on to show us some of the detail in the amazing medieval glass of the Minster, some dating from 1170

Ron Pickering will discuss the design of postage stamps, a rather more complex topic that you might at first think

Rowena Moir is a volunteer with the National Trust and will explore Nidderdale and its history.  For example, did you know that the dale was a centre for iron working from pre-Roman times up to the medieval period?

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