Welcome to a new year of Grange Lecture Society. In October we will start our 117th year. Our new Ten Talks programme for 2025-2026 has a range of different subject areas and, we feel, a good appeal to a wide audience of all ages.

We have recruited a magician, a geologist, an ichthyologist (fish expert), a geographer, and an historian of the far east who will talk on Japanese gardens. Other speakers will tell of women’s WWII railway work, another will sing and tell us the story of Christmas traditions, one will explain the history of walking and another will describe the inspiring social achievements created by choir singing. We also have the history of local roads and the tale of how the Ordnance Survey named places in Cumbria 160 years ago.

Once again we will offer two free talks this year. The free open introductory and informal gathering is on Tuesday 19 August at 7pm for 7.15pm and is given by our own Professor Philip Helliwell. All You Wanted to Know About Arthritis. It is accompanied by drinks and nibbles allowing the audience time to meet the committee, sign up (card machine or cash/cheques) and meet old friends. On Tuesday 23 September there is a FREE TALK by Stephen Trotter, in association with the excellent Grange Natural History Society. Our Ten Talks programme will then begin on Tuesday 14 October.

Our fee remains £46 (otherwise £10 per talk at the door). At £4.60 per talk, that’s less than a glass of wine for highly informative entertainment. Why not ask friends or a new neighbour to come along, perhaps to the FREE TALK, or treat someone to membership for their birthday? Introducing friends helps boost our numbers and so protects our Society for all the community to enjoy.

If you would like to get involved, we welcome anyone who can pitch in. The society has remained relevant for over 117 years through volunteers inputting fresh ideas. It’s important for Grange and Victoria Hall that we keep it up. Please seek any of us out for a chat. My phone number is 07973 122 017. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Kind regards,

Peter Ratcliffe