The Woolton Society




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Talks arranged by the society

Please note that the society has the use of St Mary’s hall from 2.30 to 4.30 on Thursdays, & from 7 to 9 pm on Wednesdays, to allow for setting up and clearing away. Early attendance by members is appreciated to enable to allow the talks to start promptly at 3pm or 7.30pm. The hall has step-free access and a large adjacent car park, with bus stops nearby on Church Road. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the afternoon talks from 2.30pm.

Membership forms, if required, are available via the website. If you have any suggestions for speakers, or would be willing to speak on a topic of interest yourself, please contact us by emailing info@wooltonsociety.org.uk

  As usual the talks in February, March & October will be held on Thursday afternoons, starting at 3pm, so avoiding the dark evenings.

The talks in April, May & September, the Quiz Night in June & the AGM in November will be on Wednesdays starting at 7.30pm.

Fuller details of talks later in the year will be in newsletters 374 (March) & 375 (June), on the website, Instagram, and on the notice board in the village centre beside the former Coast café.

Thursday 20th February at 3pm, Judy Kinnin: The forced repatriation of Chinese seamen in 1945/6
In a talk postponed from last September, Judy Kinnin will be speaking on her life-long search for information about her father. He disappeared from her life when she was only eighteen months old, with no explanation given to his wife, along with hundreds of other Chinese seamen who had worked for the British navy during wartime. The truth about his disappearance is shocking, and was featured in a BBC television programme: “DNA Family secrets.”

Thursday 20 th March at 3pm, Martin Land: The Mersey Tidal Power Project
Developing the tidal force of our river could mean generating enough power for thousands of homes and the creation of many local jobs. The region could become a worldwide centre of excellence in a vital 3 industry of the future. Martin Land will be speaking on the chance to deliver a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.

Wednesday 16 th April at 7.30pm, Ken Pye: Beer, Bars & Boozers
The popular speaker and local broadcaster Ken Pye will be returning to speak on Liverpool’s numerous pubs, bars & alehouses. He will be bringing a selection of his own books for sale.

Wednesday 21st May at 7.30pm, Paul Wilkie: Liverpool, Home of Citizens Advice.
Paul is the society’s long serving deputy chairman and secretary. He is also vice-chairman of the local CA and will be speaking on the history of the organisation and vital role it plays.

Wednesday 18th June at 7.30pm, Quiz night
The seventh annual quiz night will see the 2024 and 2023 champions The Fantastic Four defending their title. All members are invited to take part and challenge the current holders of the coveted Quiz Cup. There will be prizes!

Summer outing
An outing is being planned for July, with details in the next issue of the newsletter.

Summer break in August

Wednesday 17th September at 7.30pm, Eric Cohen: The history of the Princes Road Synagogue
Liverpool once had a large and vibrant Jewish community largely based in the city centre, with this synagogue built in 1874. However, in the twentieth century the community started to move away to the suburbs, such as Childwall and Mossley Hill, with new synagogues built there. The shul on Princes Road has recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a programme of talks and events. Synagogue elder and guide Eric Cohen will be taking us on a virtual tour of this breathtaking building, built in the Moorish Revival style by architect George Audsley.

Thursday 16th October at 3pm, Alastair Baker: The work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission The CWGC is concerned with the care and upkeep of many thousands of war graves, with several in Woolton cemeteries. It honours and cares for the graves of the men and women of the commonwealth forces who died in wars, ensuring that they will never be forgotten.

Wednesday 19th November at 7.30 pm: the fifty second annual general meeting. All society members are invited to the AGM. There will be refreshments after the business of the evening is concluded. Members of the society are also entitled to attend talks given by the Merseyside Civic Society.