We are a friendly democratic group with a relaxed and flexible view of history. We start each session with a coffee.

At the first meeting each year we decide which period in history we wish to examine in detail during the coming year. We then look at our chosen period in great detail over the ensuing months, with each member taking responsibility for a different aspect of it, political, economic, social etc. We then devote a session, or sometimes more than one session, to each of these aspects, with a group member starting the proceedings with a presentation detailing his/her research, after which there is a general discussion.

This popular group is currently following a more or less chronological approach to English History though in earlier years other aspects of world-wide history have been studied.

We meet for an hour and half. Usually the time is divided between two speakers who contribute on separate topics. We have been looking at political, social and economic aspects of the periods under consideration. The topics are usually chosen by members selected from a list suggested by the group or may reflect an individual member’s interest.

This is a sociable group who usually finish each session with tea and biscuits being available. We also meet for a Christmas lunch and hold a field visit in the wider region each summer which usually revolves round lunch.

We have vacancies for a couple more people who are willing to contribute to the group.

We have studied the history of the Indian sub-continent, and then moved to the middle east, country by country. In 2008 we tried - perhaps not entirely satisfactorily - to do justice to the history and civilisation of China. Then in 2009 and into 2010 we looked at central america and the caribbean. Whilst considering our next project members have taken turns at surveying the lives and times of favourite historical figures. We have now decided to make a start on eastern europe ( loosely defined) the Balkans and the near east.

New members willing to pitch in and make a contribution would be welcome.