Spring Programme

21st Jan Albania: A Secret Land Revealed – Prof. Joyce Hill

For much of our lifetimes, Albania was a secret land under the autocratic power of Enver Hoxha; inhabitants could not leave, and foreigners could not enter. Yet, in classical times it was at the heart of the Roman Empire, with a great highway connecting Rome to Constantinople, and the whole Byzantine Empire.

In this talk, Joyce explores the contrast between Albania’s recent oppression and isolation, with its glorious past and rich archaeological legacy.

4th Feb Fred Dibnah: By His TV Producer & Biographer – David Hall

As a Producer and Director of network television programmes, David worked for several years at both Yorkshire TV and the BBC, as well as making documentaries for Channel 4 and the History Channel.

During his time at the BBC, David produced 50 iconic programmes with Fred Dibnah, leading to a lifelong friendship and the publication of numerous books celebrating Fred’s life and interests.

18th Feb Hull 1968: A Winter of Woe – Malcolm Johnson

Malcolm’s talk brings us a real piece of Yorkshire social history. Three trawlers out of Hull’s fishing port sunk in treacherous winter seas off the coast of Iceland during Jan and Feb1968, with all men lost bar one. Out of this tragedy came an extraordinary campaign led by trawlerman’s wife, Lillian Bilocca, demanding better levels of safety.

Dubbed “The Headscarf Revolutionaries” by the press, it saw Lillian head to London with other wives and mothers, and handing in a petition with their demands to the Government. Ultimately, the official Inquiry brought about wide-reaching changes to the fishing industry, with the long overdue regulation of trawler construction, legal standards for radio and safety equipment, and much more. A revolution indeed.

4th March The Life of John Smythe QC, MBE, OBE – Eddy Smythe

Born in Sierra Leone, Johnny volunteered when the RAF appealed to the British Empire for assistance in WW2. On completing training, he joined Bomber Command as a Navigator. In 1943, he was shot down but made a successful parachute jump, only to be captured and sent to a GermanPOW camp.

After the war he was seconded to the Colonial Office where he would play a pivotal role on board the Empire Windrush. He then went on to study at the Inns of Court qualifying as a barrister, before returning to Sierra Leone where he would later become Attorney General.

Eddy’s research into his father’s life, has been featured on the BBC Sounds podcast ‘History’s Heroes’.

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18th March Murderous Anaesthetists – Alan Kershaw

Alan retired from a career in Anaesthesia in 2017. During the 10 years prior to his retirement, he volunteered with the charity, Mercy Ships International, which provides surgery without payment to some of the world’s poorest populations.

So, given such an interesting and worthy career, why is he going to tell us all about “murderous anaesthetists”? Well, Alan’s talk will tell the stories of some practitioners who have failed to follow the Anaesthetist’s Motto - Primum non Nocere (First Do No Harm) – or at least those who have been caught!

1st April Social afternoon with Quiz

15th April Pickering’s Harem: The Women who Measured the Stars - Roy Gunson

Annie Jump Cannon developed the “Classification of Stars” still in use today, and was the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate in Science from Oxford University. Henrietta Leavitt’s work paved the way for Edwin Hubble to determine the size of the Universe.

These are just 2 of the many notable female astronomers hired by Charles Edward Pickering between 1880 and 1919, and to be referred to as “Pickering’s Harem”. Roy’s talk will introduce us to them and give an insight into their remarkable determination to succeed.