Lectures

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A balanced view of the American Revolution (by the presenter who has lectured on the subject in the U.K. and the U.S) but largely from a European perspective rather than an American patriotic one.

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.

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 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.

This will consist of a presentation of 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.

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