The Society was founded in 1952 with the aim of providing entertaining and informative speakers and events for its members and guests. The talks are programmed from October to the following March; followed by film nights in March and May and a visit to a place or event with historical and/or literary connections in June. The full list of talks programmed for the 2018 -2019 season is available on the Society's website (see link below) ‚¬¦ and what a season so far! Already members have been gripped by accounts of the development of plastic surgery techniques on WW1 soldiers, of family life in the 20th century and tales of schoolchildren coping with lessons and life in WW2. The stories of a sixteen-year-old Nigerian lad, who survived the gruelling experience of front-line warfare in Burma (now Myanmar) and then the story of the romantic relationship between an Emperor and his wife have all provided enjoyment, entertainment and moments of reflection in equal parts.