This question can have a very simple answer: we are here because the universe is the way it is. But can science explain the extraordinary fact that the universe appears to be so spectacularly well designed for our own existence? This talk will try to outline the current approaches to this fundamental question from the physical and cosmological points of view.

This lecture concerns the early stages of Picasso’s life beginning in Malaga in 1881 and travelling to the north of Spain and then on to Paris. The presenter will explore with the audience his changing and developing style and the circumstances which will take him out of Malaga and on to the world stage.

The speaker will present his views on illness, why it occurs and how it affects the body, exploring the impacts of factors such as nutrition, contamination, lifestyle and emotions. Drawing upon his education, research and experience, he will provide his own explanation of steps required to enhance health, quality of life and longevity.

What does a bee, traumatic events, a troubled teenager, hypnosis and career all have in common? Can a lifetime of key memories, decisions, values, beliefs and conflicts be updated? Can a person step out of time and revisit, re-live, re-decide in comfort? The lecture will cover all this, the speaker’s personal journey, some interactive useful tips for everyday life to shift mental focus to where preferred.

Ismakogie is a training of posture and invisible movement which originated in Vienna, Austria. It is especially for people who don’t like heavy physical exercise, but who still want to be fit and vital, have more energy and always feel fantastic. It is a special way of living to stay fit without a heavy-duty fitness regime.

During the reign of the Bourbon kings, specially Louis the Sun King, Louis XIV, France reaches a period of splendour known as the Classical Period.  His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any monarch of a major country in European history. A detailed explanation of the uniqueness of the French Style will be given with several examples of its development which culminates in the construction of the palace of Versailles . Along with architectural information there will be references to the historical timeline of the House of Bourbon.

Exercise and being ‘fit’ is important at every stage of one’s life. However, exercise takes on a particular level of importance as it fulfils a different purpose – preventing injuries and cardiovascular illnesses. Exploring new research and rehabilitative exercises that are most beneficial will be the main focus if this lecture.

For those who thought moving to Spain was a challenge, how about moving to Zambia in 1980 with 3 small kids with no idea of what to expect! Imagine moving to the middle of Africa without the benefit of internet research?  Ann Patras reveals all (well nearly all) about their escapades, which are to be found in her Africa Series books.

The UK is currently preparing for another General Election – and Brexit is, once again, the central issue. By February 2020, the result will be out and the current Brexit departure date will have passed. The UK’s potential departure will mean change and Spanish taxation, retirement planning and currency management issues will have financial implications for individuals in Spain. Delivered by professionals with local expertise and understanding, this session explores arising issues, options and opportunities for consideration by everyone -irrespective of the outcome! of Brexit.

The history of Spain under the Habsburg kings culminating in the transition to the House of Bourbon gives Spain the special character of its architecture.  Several examples of the period in Spain and Portugal will be given with detailed explanations of the elements that make the Baroque in the Iberian Peninsula different from the rest of Europe.

This Technique uses light pressure on specific points of the body in certain sequences which promotes a relaxation and healing response in the muscles and soft tissue. It can address pain, improve mobility, flexibility, reduce stress, improve lymphatic drainage, balance and a whole lot more! It is suitable for all age groups from babies, sports enthusiasts and the frail and elderly.

……………..AND THE FUTURE OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES. Will knowledge of the head and/or the heart command most value in future? Alan Burton-Jones discusses the impacts of technological change on medical, legal and other professional jobs versus the jobs of nurses, beauticians and other personal carers – and comes up with some possibly surprising conclusions.

Peter Claesson founded “Art for All in the World” www.artforallintheworld.org bringing artists from around the world to paint street walls and make sculptures for underprivileged communities, to enhance tourism and the economy and empower the communities. In this way he has brought new life to 6000 street children, mostly in South and Central America

In this talk, author and book artist Joan Burton-Jones describes how the art and craft of book design and production is reemerging through the medium of Artists Books. These unique, personally designed and hand produced works, combine traditional and modern methods including narrative, poetry, printmaking, graphic design and bookbinding

The Stuarts were monarchs of the British Isles until the death of Queen Anne in 1714, except for the period of the Commonwealth between 1649 and 1660. During the turbulent years that led to the Restoration of the Monarchy the architectural framework of the British Isles undergoes a gradual transformation towards the Baroque Style and Palladianism.

Certainly, since the early part of 20th Century, cannabis has been demonized. However, recent medical research suggests that cannabis use could positively support some aspects of health care. Looking at the possible applications, their pros and cons, can help in making informed personal enquiries and decisions.

This lecture focuses on the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a World Heritage site considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Built in four stages over 200 years, it is the prototype for most Moorish and Mudejar architecture on the peninsula and beyond.

The architectural character of Central Europe is defined by the many countries that form this vast region and their diverse political structure.  Regional differences affect the development of the Baroque architecture in this area and lead to the adaptation of Italian models to suit the idiosyncrasies of each culture.