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PROGRAMME 2026
Thursday 19th February 2026
2:00 for 2:30pm
Jane Austen's Seaside Follies
Presented by Michael and Louise Biddiss
This talk with readings will focus on the historical and literary significance of Jane’s final and uncompleted novel, whose humorous treatment of the cult of seaside health during the Regency period.
Women swimming in the sea at Brighton. Coloured etching by W. Heath. Wellcome Collection.
Thursday 19th March 2026
and Spring Lunch
12:30pm for 1:00pm lunch
Confessions of an Am-Dram Tart
Presented by Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones is a well-known public speaker and former Town Crier for Farnham, Surrey. He retired from his role as Town Crier in 2019 after nearly 17 years of service. He has built a career as a public speaker and performer, giving talks and dramatic readings on a variety of topics, often with a literary or historical focus. His talks are frequently delivered at local clubs and societies, including a number to us in past years. We are delighted to welcome him back to entertain us with stories from his past.
Jonathan has also performed at literary festivals and special events, and he has a YouTube channel where he shares some of his readings. His background is in IT, Quality Assurance, and Process Improvement, and he took up public speaking after retiring from that career.
Spring Lunch
Spacing out our social events, we are going to continue to have a SPRING LUNCH. Having already experienced her excellent fare, we shall once more use the services of Nicola Leonard, from whom we shall order two choices of main dish and two desserts, and a vegetarian option, which you will be asked to select later after you have booked. Water will be provided on the tables, but please bring your own drink and glasses (wine is allowed) to accompany the meal.
​To make a booking please click on the BOOKING FORM button below. This form can be used to reserve places for 1 or 2 Members (or Non-members) only.
When you have completed your Booking Form via the link button above please complete you Menu choices via the link to the MENU FORM below. You will need to complete a MENU FORM for each of the Members (or Non-members) that you have made a booking
** A Google Account is required to complete the online Booking Form.
Please CLICK HERE for details of how to get a Google Account.
Thursday 16th April 2026
North Hampshire National Trust Centre
Annual General Meeting
Monday 14th to Friday 18th September 2026
The Historic Houses & Heritage of North Wales
Including Wightwick Manor, Welsh Highland Narrow Gauge Railway, Portmerion, Caernarfon Castle, Plas Newydd Country House & Gardens, Bodnant Gardens, Penrhyn Castle, Powis Castle & Gardens
A number of members indicated on our recent questionnaire that they would be interested in a coach 'holiday' to North Wales. We are accordingly planning to use the services of the excellent 'Tailored Travel' to organise a five day break, starting on 14th September, to The Historic Houses, Gardens and Heritage of North Wales.
Before we confirm arrangements with the company, who need a minimum number of 'takers', we need to assess the viability of the 'holiday', so would you please review the proposed Itinerary and let us know if this would be a visit that you may like to join. Please click on the ITINERARY button below for the full details and then click on the LET US KNOW button if this is of interest to you. We just need a simple YES or NO or MAYBE responses. Oh and this is URGENT please.