Lectures

In this illustrated talk established author, Michael Barry, tells the story of the rise and fall of al-Andalus, its rise to splendour and sophistication in the Iberian Peninsula. The Kingdom of Granada represented the final 250 years of Islamic presence. Michael describes the Alhambra, seat of the Nasrid dynasty and the most magnificent example of a medieval Islamic palace-city, which is, uniquely, located in Western Europe.

The talk explains why it is warmer downwind of a mountain, why air does not flow from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure, why an offshore breeze  turns into an onshore breeze and lots more.

One fateful day in the past, a massive volcanic explosion equivalent to hundreds of thousands of Hiroshima bombs, and the likes of which man has never come close to witnessing, tore Yellowstone apart. Many believe that another is now due.”What are these ‘supervolcanic’ beasts anyway; where are they; when were they; and what are the chances of another one anytime soon – and with what consequences ?

How Wesley and the Methodists changed the ‘wild men’ of Europe into industrious, God-fearing folk and how important this was to the Industrial Revolution. Without them it might not have succeeded.

The Speaker is a former Chief Economist to the International Labour Office (ILO) in Geneva and his topic is of general interest covering the effect that advancement of new technology, computerised and robotic, is having in our work place today and into the future.

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD there was no longer an obstacle to the great movement of people called the Goths around Europe. The Monastic orders and the Church flourished eventually producing the main examples of the Romanesque style some five hundred years later.

All the latest news including telescope viewing. ‘Eclipses are often deeply moving, once in a life-time events for observers. But they also serve extensive scientific purposes. Learn about what scientists hope to discover and how eclipses of various kinds are being used to understand our universe. 

Past life regression has the potential to resolve many life issues. Hypnosis is used to go back in time to one’s earliest memories and also previous lives. Experiences that have formed the roots of current fears and phobias can be examined and often those fears will disappear. Physical problems can also be healed.

A valuable talk and discussion on how to minimize, the trials, tribulations, and pitfalls of initial and general living in Spain. The presenter will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Residency compared with Non-Residency, the necessity of completing the Padron registration, access to Spanish healthcare, obtaining Spanish driving licenses, and the regulations concerning the use of foreign number plates

This presentation focuses on one place – somewhere close to hand, Málaga – and on a specific time, February 1937. This was known as the Battle of Málaga. Using first-hand accounts from the period and research she did for her novel Spanish Lavender Joan Fallon will talk about what happened and why the battle for Málaga was not so much a pitched battle but more a massacre.

Many members have already enjoyed Parts 1 and 2 of Ragnar’s lectures and this final one promises to be no exception. Ragnar’s work experience and overall interest in the region provides him with a wealth of knowledge of the area. On this occasion he will be focussing on the events following the Arab Spring.

The Gothic style is widespread and has beautiful examples in most cities around Europe. This presentation will indicate the technical achievements of the Gothic masons and how they broke away from the Classical tradition of Greece and Rome. A During this particular analysis of the period there will be an outline of the examples in its place of origin, France.

All of life is interwoven into a living system of cycles. Just like the tides and the moon phases, both women and men have biological cycles of active growth and quiet renewal, led by their hormones. By understanding how everything in life moves in cycles, one can become more aware of and comfortable with one’s own cyclic nature, something that has been forgotten by the modern world’s linear views of time.

An analysis of how technical innovation, combined with population growth and financed out of the money paid out to ex-slave owners, brought about the greatest change ever in human society.

The Gothic style is widespread and has beautiful examples in most cities around Europe. This presentation will indicate the technical achievements of the Gothic masons and how they broke away from the Classical tradition of Greece and Rome. Regional characteristics developed as the style expanded throughout Europe and during this particular analysis there will be an outline of the examples in England and Western Europe.

An analysis showing how it developed, the challenges if had to face, and the effect both the formal empire and the ‘informal empire’ on Britain’s role in the world.

How British society changed from an agrarian oligarchy to a modern democratic state, what challenges the reformers had to face, and how they were able to succeed.

From the mid 19th century to 1928, showing how the emancipation gradually happened, the violent opposition to it, and the eventual success of it when Britain finally became a functioning democracy when the female half of the population were enfranchised.

A much requested repeat of this very popular presentation which demonstrates how Islamic architecture developed together with an analysis of its particular spatial articulation. The main characteristics of this style and its surface treatment makes it unique in the History of architecture.  The origins and movement of the peoples involved play an important role. An overview of the magnificent examples that remain in Spain will take place with reference to emblematic buildings in the rest of the world.

The Christian kingdom’s conquering of territories from Al-Andalus took several centuries throughout the entire peninsula. The architecture that developed during the years of the ‘Reconquista’ show the influence of both Islamic Spain and northern France with the fully-fledged Gothic style. The blend of styles makes this period of the architectural development of Spain unique from the rest of Europe.

In 1914 Britain had largest empire, greatest naval power and also the greatest wealth of all the major nations. But all of this was shattered by the war and we never recovered from it economically, militarily, or diplomatically.

The closeness and importance of this relationship has always been disputed, and the question today is “Will it survive Trump?”

A war the British did well to survive though a terrible price was paid. The event changed Britain from one of the world’s foremost powers to a second rank power

Since the Reformation Britain has always been the ‘odd man out’ in Europe. This was improved over the last 44 years by being part of the EU. Now this country is in the process of retreating once again into Splendid Isolation.

The Renaissance revival began in Florence as early as 1420 with the work of Filippo Brunelleschi and continued in Rome and northern Italy with the work of Leon Battista Alberti. These two masters of the Early Renaissance set the path for the development of the style that in the following years became known as High Renaissance and Mannerism.

Some really complex stuff.

eh.