Events and Meetings
The following meetings are planned for the 2026 to 2027 season. All are planned to be at Macclesfield Library as usual. All meetings start at 7.30 pm.
Meetings are usually open to both members and non-members; however non-members pay a £5 fee. 18s and under are normally admitted without charge.
Thursday, 8th October 2026
The Haunted Hills—History Becomes Folklore in Cheshire's Pennine Borders
Eli Lewis-Lycett will explore the connections between the Rainow Witches, Jenkin Chapel and the folklore of the immediate region. Eli is a history writer and podcaster, a Cheshire Life Magazine history columnist and has been described by the BBC as "one of the definitive voices on Cheshire and Staffordshire folklore".
Tuesday, 20th October 2026
Why Plato Matters Now
Angie Hobbs is Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy Emerita at Sheffield University. She works in a number of policy sectors and contributes regularly to radio and TV programmes. She has appeared a record 27 times on Radio 4's In Our Time. The AGM will follow the talk and discussion
Thursday, 19th November 2026
Do-It-Yourself Surgery
Retired surgeon Peter Sykes shares a few light-hearted medical tales whilst demonstrating the intricacies of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. There is significant audience participation 😊.
Tuesday, 12th January 2027
The Bronze Age West
Rachel Pope is Professor of European Prehistory at the University of Liverpool. She is an expert in Late Bronze Age and Iron Age Europe. This talk surveys new evidence from recent work near Wrecsam, and Eddisbury (Cheshire) and Penycloddiau hillforts — as seen on Digging for Britain with Alice Roberts.
Thursday, 18th February 2027
The Disreputable Exploits of the Rat
Joe Shute has visited some of the most rodent infested cities on earth to examine how rats have shaped human history, the hidden world they inhabit and their role in natural ecosystems. In this talk, he explores our complex relationship with the rat and the secrets of their extraordinary lives.
Thursday, 11th March 2027
Talking in Clichés
Derek Bousfield is Reader in Pragmatics and Communication at Manchester Metropolitan University and Co-Director of The Manchester Centre for Research in Linguistics. Recent work has been on "Gaslighting: Using Language in Coercion and Control".
Thursday, 15th April 2027
Climate Change and Disease in Ancient Egypt
Rosalie David is Emeritus Professor of Egyptology at Manchester University, where she was the founding Director of the KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology. She was director of the International Mummy Database. She has appeared in several film and TV shows about Egypt.
Tuesday, 18th May 2027
Josephine Baker's Secret War
Josephine Baker was an American-born French dancer, singer and actress. During the Second World War she was also a spy for the French Resistance. In this talk, Hanna Diamond, Professor Emerita of French History at Cardiff University, tells her story.