History Group Speakers and Meetings 2027

We have a varied and very interesting programme of speakers at our meetings in 2027.

All are very welcome to come, you do not need to be a history group member. Full details of the venue, times, etc. are at the bottom of the page.

We are also very happy to offer local history and heritage walks. If you would like to explore the village, or have a particular theme in mind, please message us via the Contact Us page.

Wednesday 3rd March

AGM AND SOCIAL**MEMBERS ONLY **7PM**

Our annual general meeting and social is a good opportunity to discuss the general running of the history group, elect the officers, etc…. and the social aspect is a lovely chance to enjoy refreshments, cakes and chat to each other. This is for members only. If you would like to become a member before the AGM, please join at the November 2026 talk.

Tuesday 9th March THE REAL DAD’S ARMY

Speaker: JED JAGGARD

We all know the TV show, but do we know the real Home Guard?

Let's talk about some of the myths, truths and adventures of the volunteers who came forward in their country's darkest hour. Jed Jaggard of UP AN’ AT ‘EM! HISTORY will present a hands-on experience as we travel back to World War Two and tell the story of the Dad's Army.

Tuesday 11th May

THOMAS COOK

Speaker: DR SUSAN BARTON

We have all heard of Thomas Cook – but WHO was he???

This talk by Leicester historian Dr Susan Barton will look behind some of the popular myths about him. Using his own words and those of some of the people who travelled with him, it will explore how Cook’s social activism and altruism had led to the creation of the world-famous international travel company by the time his son took over the business.

Tuesday 20th July & Thursday 29th July – 2pm & 7pm

VILLAGE WALK (Theme TBC)

Tuesday 14th September

KATHLEEN KENYON AND THE JEWRY WALL

Speaker: MATHEW MORRIS

The Jewry Wall is a remarkable, 1,800-year-old survival of Roman Leicester. Today, thanks to the 1930s excavations by Kathleen Kenyon, we know it was part of the Roman city's public baths. This had not always been the case, however, with hundreds of years of heated debate about its purpose, from Roman temple to town hall, or even one of the town's gates.

We once again welcome renowned archaeologist Mathew Morris, to discover the remarkable story of Britain’s largest surviving piece of Roman civic masonry and the pioneering archaeologist who excavated it.

Tuesday 9th November

SHUTTLEWOOD CLARKE – DAVID CLARKE

Speaker: ALAN ROCKEY

Some folks may have heard of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation and may have visited the wonderful Ulverscroft tea rooms or the impressive model railway there - but do you know who founded this charity and why???

David Clarke was best known as a Ferrari collector and founder of Graypaul Motors and a man of diverse talents. During the 1950s he was a successful racing driver in everything from a 500cc single seater to Bob Gerard’s Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica. A film maker who even drove buses and hearses for a local transport company.

He was also a great philanthropist. The influence and generosity of this remarkable man went, and continues to do so, far beyond the small world of classic cars. The story and history of David, Ulverscroft Manor, the Grange and the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation tells so much more.

Alan Rockey, our speaker, is a trustee of the Foundation.

Meeting Venue

Meetings are held at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) LE67 9WD, starting at 7.30pm. The Church is fully accessible and has lots of seating. Advance bookings are not usually taken.

Light refreshments are served afterwards at no extra charge, with the opportunity to chat with other people and the speaker.

Car parking is available around The Green, please be considerate to residents.

The Arriva 29A bus service Leicester/Coalville/Swadlincote and the LC15 service both stop at The Green. The 29 stops near the top of Main Street, a 5-10 minute walk.

Please note that children aged under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Charges

Group members attend meetings at no extra charge.

The annual membership subscription is £8 for individuals and £14 for joint members. The membership subscription runs from one Annual General Meeting to another. New members are welcome to join at any meeting and their membership will then continue until the next AGM.

Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each meeting, which includes light refreshments after the talk.

There is no charge for under 18s. Children aged under 16 must be accompanied. Please note that our meetings are generally not suitable for younger children, unless otherwise advertised.