Monthly meetings take place on the last Monday of each month, but there are no meetings in July, August and December. (The May meeting takes place a week earlier, as the bank holiday is usually on the last Monday of that month). Meetings are held in the Ludlow Assembly Rooms and start with coffee and tea at 1030 in Oscars. The meeting itself starts at 1100 in the auditorium.
Meetings provide an opportunity for members to meet and chat, to talk to committee members and to hear a talk given by a guest speaker.
If you are not a member, but are interested in Ludlow u3a, please come along and say hello.
29 April 2024
America - As time goes by
Ian & Hilary Templeton
An Audio/Visual tour of aspects of America, from the Revolution to the present day, chosen to inform, entertain and amuse. Ian and Hilary have raised over £44,000 for the Air Ambulance service through their presentations. Here they return to take us on a trip which includes:- Lewis & Clark; Lincoln; Freedom's Frontier; All aboard and The White House - but it might not be what you think!
America - As time goes by
Ian & Hilary Templeton
An Audio/Visual tour of aspects of America, from the Revolution to the present day, chosen to inform, entertain and amuse. Ian and Hilary have raised over £44,000 for the Air Ambulance service through their presentations. Here they return to take us on a trip which includes:- Lewis & Clark; Lincoln; Freedom's Frontier; All aboard and The White House - but it might not be what you think!
20 May 2024
Full Steam Ahead
Jenny Mallin
The opening up of a country, which, before the introduction of the railway was only possible by bullock cart due to the varied landscape, climate, and conditions of the roads. Jenny Mallin, author of A Grandmother’s Legacy, draws on her considerable research of her ancestors in India during the Raj to bring us this illustrated presentation highlighting the major obstacles that were overcome, through civil engineering achievements, to bring steam trains to India. Jenny will also tell us about the lives of the people who worked on and for the railways
Full Steam Ahead
Jenny Mallin
The opening up of a country, which, before the introduction of the railway was only possible by bullock cart due to the varied landscape, climate, and conditions of the roads. Jenny Mallin, author of A Grandmother’s Legacy, draws on her considerable research of her ancestors in India during the Raj to bring us this illustrated presentation highlighting the major obstacles that were overcome, through civil engineering achievements, to bring steam trains to India. Jenny will also tell us about the lives of the people who worked on and for the railways
24 June 2024
Charles Augustus Howell – The Worst Man in London?
Stuart Currie
Howell acted as agent, secretary, and general factotum to some of the principal artists in and around the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood including John Ruskin, Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Burne-Jones. Described contemporaneously as ‘the vilest wretch I ever came across’ and ‘the wonderful man, the genius, the superb liar…the Robinson Crusoe hero’, whatever one’s experience, all agreed Howell was the best imaginable company, even at an exhumation. Recently retired university lecturer, Stuart, attempts to unravel some of Howell’s tangled dealings and offers a unique view of the private lives of the PRB and the rapidly changing Victorian art market.
Charles Augustus Howell – The Worst Man in London?
Stuart Currie
Howell acted as agent, secretary, and general factotum to some of the principal artists in and around the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood including John Ruskin, Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Burne-Jones. Described contemporaneously as ‘the vilest wretch I ever came across’ and ‘the wonderful man, the genius, the superb liar…the Robinson Crusoe hero’, whatever one’s experience, all agreed Howell was the best imaginable company, even at an exhumation. Recently retired university lecturer, Stuart, attempts to unravel some of Howell’s tangled dealings and offers a unique view of the private lives of the PRB and the rapidly changing Victorian art market.
30 September 2024
The Sea Route to India
Fran Sandham
Author and lecturer Fran Sandham’s illustrated presentation tells the extraordinary story of how the fifteenth-century Portuguese explorers braved everything from natural obstacles to superstitious dread in order to discover a sea route around Africa to reach the rich spice markets of the East. Fran also explains how their journeys were originally inspired not so much by commerce but by the quest to find the mythical Christian emperor Prester John.
The Sea Route to India
Fran Sandham
Author and lecturer Fran Sandham’s illustrated presentation tells the extraordinary story of how the fifteenth-century Portuguese explorers braved everything from natural obstacles to superstitious dread in order to discover a sea route around Africa to reach the rich spice markets of the East. Fran also explains how their journeys were originally inspired not so much by commerce but by the quest to find the mythical Christian emperor Prester John.
28 October 2024
An Ancient Hatred – Roots and Branches
Peter Bradley
In November 1941 the grandparents of author and former MP Peter Bradley were deported from their home in Bavaria to their deaths in Latvia. His father eventually escaped to England. This talk is based on Peter’s book, The Last Train, which is not only a moving homage to his family but an attempt to understand how and why these things could happen. In his quest for answers Peter explores the origins and evolution of an ancient hatred and the struggles against it of each generation of his family, from the Reformation, through to the modern era and he asks: how do we see ourselves in events of our own times - are we perpetrators, bystanders, or resisters?
An Ancient Hatred – Roots and Branches
Peter Bradley
In November 1941 the grandparents of author and former MP Peter Bradley were deported from their home in Bavaria to their deaths in Latvia. His father eventually escaped to England. This talk is based on Peter’s book, The Last Train, which is not only a moving homage to his family but an attempt to understand how and why these things could happen. In his quest for answers Peter explores the origins and evolution of an ancient hatred and the struggles against it of each generation of his family, from the Reformation, through to the modern era and he asks: how do we see ourselves in events of our own times - are we perpetrators, bystanders, or resisters?
25 November 2024
Quiz
In Oscars
Bring your little grey cells and your friends – make up a team of four or come along and join other members to make up a team. Enjoy socialising and testing your knowledge at the same time. Bowing to popular demand we promise the questions won’t be quite as challenging this year!
Quiz
In Oscars
Bring your little grey cells and your friends – make up a team of four or come along and join other members to make up a team. Enjoy socialising and testing your knowledge at the same time. Bowing to popular demand we promise the questions won’t be quite as challenging this year!
29 January 2024
The History of Walled Gardens
Richard Rallings
In this talk Richard, from Mynd Hardy Plants, traces the development of walled gardens from their origins in Persia to the current day. He examines the factors that determined their size and shape; their location on the estates which they served; and how they were influenced by the Baroque gardens within Europe and the landscape movement at home. The talk concludes with a discussion on the future of walled gardens and what role they will play in the community.
The History of Walled Gardens
Richard Rallings
In this talk Richard, from Mynd Hardy Plants, traces the development of walled gardens from their origins in Persia to the current day. He examines the factors that determined their size and shape; their location on the estates which they served; and how they were influenced by the Baroque gardens within Europe and the landscape movement at home. The talk concludes with a discussion on the future of walled gardens and what role they will play in the community.
26 February 2024
The Lower Mekong, Water, War, Watts
Jim Holmes
Flowing between Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, once warring states, the Mekong is one of the world’s longest rivers and supports traditional cultures and rich biodiversity. As the Mekong flows through stunning landscapes it brings nutrition, transport and energy potential in equal measure, enriching both ancient kingdoms and modernising states. Explore this rich tapestry of life from the mountains of northern Laos to the rice paddy fields of the delta in Vietnam, and learn how this delicate balance may now be at risk from vast hydropower dams.
The Lower Mekong, Water, War, Watts
Jim Holmes
Flowing between Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, once warring states, the Mekong is one of the world’s longest rivers and supports traditional cultures and rich biodiversity. As the Mekong flows through stunning landscapes it brings nutrition, transport and energy potential in equal measure, enriching both ancient kingdoms and modernising states. Explore this rich tapestry of life from the mountains of northern Laos to the rice paddy fields of the delta in Vietnam, and learn how this delicate balance may now be at risk from vast hydropower dams.
25 March 2024
AGM followed by The History of Hauntings
Jo Evans
A belief in ghosts has existed within society from prehistoric times and in ancient civilisations. Throughout time there has been a desire to reach out to the ‘other side’ or explain away strange happenings. This talk aims to explore ancient beliefs, folklore, spiritualism, and modern culture. Jo Evans is an Ancient History and Civilisation graduate with experience of archaeology and work at the British Museum. She now gives talks and tours for the heritage department at Tanners Wines in Shrewsbury.
AGM followed by The History of Hauntings
Jo Evans
A belief in ghosts has existed within society from prehistoric times and in ancient civilisations. Throughout time there has been a desire to reach out to the ‘other side’ or explain away strange happenings. This talk aims to explore ancient beliefs, folklore, spiritualism, and modern culture. Jo Evans is an Ancient History and Civilisation graduate with experience of archaeology and work at the British Museum. She now gives talks and tours for the heritage department at Tanners Wines in Shrewsbury.