Wharf Talks
TEA TIME TALKS – MONDAY AT 2PM08/09
2022 TICKET PRICE £5 - Price includes cuppa and cake
SEPT 12th THE “BABY MAKING” TECHNOLOGIES: WE CAN DO IT: BUT SHOULD WE? By Peter Brinsden
Peter, as a retired Consultant Gynaecologist and specialist in Fertility and ~Assisted Reproduction describes the early years leading up to the birth of Louise Brown, the world’s first test tuber baby.
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SEPT 19th DEVON AIR AMBULANCE – All About Us By Becky Trout
How they work, fund raising etc
SEPT 26th THE ENGLISH RIVIERA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK By Malcolm Hart
The area covers 3 towns – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and consists of marine Devonian strata with Middle Devonia characterized by coral-rich, fossiliferous limestones. Within the territory of the Geopark there are a range of “fossil” climate signals such as raised beaches, submerged forests, terrestrial cave deposits as well as fauna and hominin remains.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCT 3rd DAFFODILS AND DOCK DUNG By Jackie Young A look at the History of Tamar Valley and the close links with sustainable production over time. From plight of the Devon Dock Dung Diggers to the deadly social impact of arsenic mining, the valley provides an inspirational backdrop to what has become modern living.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCT 10th SEAHORSES By Douglas Herdson A fish, but one unlike any other animal. Find out more about their strange lives and why they are endangered. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OCT 17th GREAT FLOOD OF FLORENCE By Jan Diamond
In 1966 Italy and the world nearly lost the Renaissance city of Florence when overnight the river Arno burst its banks in the worst flood Florence has known since 1333; sending torrents of filthy, contaminated water racing through the ancient heart of the city and its priceless collections in churches, libraries, galleries and museums. Thanks to an incredible worldwide response, the city and many of its wonders we saved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OCT 24th TAMAR VALLEY VINEYARD: who's clever idea was it to plant a vineyard? By Emma Williams
Find out how a sleepy patch of Devon soil was transformed into a working vineyard in 2016 by the Williams family. Hear about the long list of jobs that need to be done throughout the year to turn grapes into wine! In particular discover the history and nature of the valley and the vineyard site itself. Then, most importantly enjoy a taste of the award-winning sparkling wine they have created.
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OCT 31st REMEMBER, REMEMBER By Barry Hamblin The story of the Gunpowder Plot. There is far more to it than Guy Fawkes and a few barrels of gunpowder! The talk explores why it happened, what happened, who really made it happen and what made Barry research this even in history.
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NOV 7th LENIN IN LONDON By John Dobson
London played an important role in Lenin’s development of his Bolshevik Party, largely unknown to the general public. This talk covers Lenin’s early life, including his time in London, up to the moment he grabs power in Russia.
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NOV 14th THE PRINCETOWN RAILWAY By Chris Burchell
Although not a victim of Beeching closures of 1963, the Princetown railway was closed in 1956 by British Rail as unviable. Now a popular cycling and hiking track, many would love to see the line open once again to encourage tourism. Chris’ slide talk explores the fascinating history of the branch line’s development from a quarrying track to passengers and freight for the Army and the Prison to its demise
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NOV 21st CAPTAIN EDWARD HAWKINS : Superintendent of Prisons and Prison ships By Barbie Thompson During the Napoleonic Wars Hawkins was appointed to the above position, juggling with rations, complaints about food, corrupt suppliers, forgery, plots and escapes. From June 1808 to 1813 his headquarters was the prison hulk BRAVE which housed Danish POW and Hawkins also lived on board.
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NOV 28th BERYL COOK By Hilary Bracegirdle
Hilary worked with Beryl Cook’s family to curate the recent exhibition for Plymouth City Council, which was joyfully received by visitors. She will be showing how Beryl was inspired by her family, pets and friends, and will include plenty of fun and gossip. She will also compare the paintings with those of other self-taught artists.
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DEC 5th GALAPAGOS: THE ENCHANTED ISLANDS By Peter Brinsden
In 1835 Charles Darwin was inspired and developed his theory of evolution. Peter describes his personal journey around the Galapagos Islands describing his journey and some of the dramatic wildlife
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DEC 12th THE JOY OF ARCHIVES By Felicity Goodall
A romp through some of the stories unearthed in archives all over Britain.
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DEC 19th TO BE CONFIRMED By Claire Casely
…A TASTE OF WHAT’S COMING IN 2023…
JAN 30th TALES OF A DARTMOOR GUIDE By Paul Rendell
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FEB 6th TIME GENTLEMEN, PLEASE By Barry Hambin
The history of the measurement of time. The origins of our calendar, why there are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute. Investigating the agricultural lunar calendar.
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FEB 13th A VALENTINE CELEBRATION By Adrienne Hesketh
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FEB 27th PIXIES - from her book By Claire Casely
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MAR 13th HAUNTED PUBS IN DEVON By Richard Hesketh
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MAR 27th THE FAIR ARM OF THE LAW By Simon Dell
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APR 24th St GEORGE/SHAKESPEARE THEMED..so English! By Adrianne Hesketh
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MAY 15th LOST DEVON Felicity Goodall
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JUN 12th THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER By Barbie Thompson
The people in the USA celebrate Flag Day o9n 14th June each year but not many of us in the UK know the story that lies behind the adoption of the flag, also known affectionately as the Stars and Stripes and Old Glory. The flag has become a powerful symbol of Americanism. Proudly flown on many occasions – a barometer of public opinion accurately reflecting the current mood of the country.
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JULY 3rd DEVON PLACE NAMES By Robert Hesketh
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JUY 10th THE SECRET WILDLIFE ON DARTMOOR By Paul Rendell
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JULY 24th DON’T PUT YOUR DAUGHTER ON THE STAGE By Francis Burroughs
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SEPT 25th TALK ON MYANMAR By Felicity Goodall
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OCT 23rd A HALLOWEEN DELIGHT By Adrienne Hesketh
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OCT 30th Black Dogs, Witches and Hairy Hands By Paul Rendell
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NOV 6th CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS By Felicity Goodall
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DEC 11th HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS CAROL By Andrienne Hesketh
History of the Christmas carol, Christmas music and poetry.
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