27th Jan  - AGM & Social evening with pot luck supper!

24th Feb - Ted White - Was Francis Viscount Lovel buried in Gedling Church?

Francis Lovel was an important person and a close ally of Richard III but disappeared at the age of about 30 and was never heard of again. An alabaster slab discovered in Gedling church may have marked Lovel's grave. The talk describes Lovel's career and offers a conjecture as to how he may have travelled from the battlefield to Gedling and died there.

23rd March  -  Brian Howes – The Inns & Beer Houses of Old Nottingham.

A talk about some of the famous and not so famous old Inns and beer houses of Nottingham, once famed for the quality of its fine ales. Hear about some of the interesting old pubs that have been lost in time and the fascinating histories of some of those still open. How the beer house act of 1830 created some fascinating bohemian drinking establishments.

27th April - Brian Lund – Edwardian Nottingham in colour.

An illustrated talk featuring a postcard series published between 1904 and 1912. Brian and Rob from Reflections of a Bygone Age will share their adventures in recreating the 125 scenes on which their book Edwardian Nottingham in colour is based. Photography secrets will be shared!

17th May - Bygone Shops of Nottingham walk with Chris Weir

A stroll around Nottingham remembering the old Burtons shop, Griffin & Spalding, Boots, the Co-op...and smaller stores and cafes that people may remember eg. SelectaDisc.

13th June - Tour of Woodthorpe Grange Park and Gardens with Paul Swift

A walk round the park and gardens looking at its history including the railway, the old farm, the Grange and the existing nurseries.

21st July - Visit to the Newark Heritage Barge “The Leicester Trader” with Les Reid

Les will show us round the barge moored at Newark Riverside park and give a talk on its history and his exciting life afloat.

28th Sept  - Ruth Imeson – The Story of Lt Ted Ward

A Sherwood Forester and one of the creators of the satirical ‘Vipers Times’ trench newspaper, he was loved by the soldiers but caused much consternation amongst the British High Command.

26th Oct - William Ruff – The Gunpowder Plot.

This talk tells the story of a small brass box (which William owns and will bring along with him) made in 1606 commemorating the 'miracle' of Garnet's Straw. It incorporates 16th century Catholic persecution, the Gunpowder conspiracy, the life, trial and death of Father Henry Garnet - and the use of priest-holes in such National Trust houses as Baddesley Clinton and Coughton Court.

23rd Nov  - Michael Harrison - Secrets Below-Underground with Britain’s WW2 War Effort. Explore the underworld created in Britain to sustain the fight against nazi Germany. Hear the story of the men and women who toiled relentlessly to ensure that the flow of vital war material reached the fighting services; thereby making a massive contribution to ultimate victory.’

All talks take place at Lowdham WI Hall, start at 7.30 and are followed by tea or coffee afterwards. New members and guests always welcome.