This informative and fascinating presentation explains how the present Spanish democratic system arose as well as exploring the mysteries of proportional representation and pacts. Additionally, it provides an overview of the political parties from Vox to Podemos and the Catalan Nationalists. For over 30 years, Francis Jacobson has lived in Spain and has assiduously followed Spanish politics.

The 1600’s architecture in Rome is dominated by two of the greatest architects of the 17th century, and a lifelong rival. The sculptor-architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the architect Francesco Borromini. A detailed description of their architectural projects will be given along the background information about their patrons. In Rome during the Baroque period the Popes were responsible for commissioning major projects, therefore the presentation will also include a timeline of the development of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

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, Dr Manniello will provide his own explanation of steps required to enhance health, quality of life and longevity.

Paddy O’Farrell discusses his books about a village twinned with Shangri La and Brigadoon and the villagers who don’t get out much but when they do create absolute international havoc causing confusion, hilarity and heartaches. He talks about his inspirations, and the trials and tribulations of publishing.

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 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.

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.

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.

……………..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.

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.