19^th October 2026

1549 Oxfordshire Rising
Tim Guile

The Oxfordshire Rising of 1549 was a significant Tudor-era popular rebellion against enclosure and economic hardship. It was part of wider unrest during Edward VI's reign. Tim Guile is chairman of the English Catholic History Association.

16^th November 2026

1918 - Peace & Remembrance in Bicester
Nigel Walton

This talk will look at the events of 1918 leading up to the Armistice, and how the news of the end of the war was received in Bicester.  It will consider the aftermath of the war and how Bicester decided to honour the returning soldiers and remember its fallen.

21^st December 2026

A 17th Century Christmas
Tim Healey

15^th February 2027

Cold Comforts: The Hidden Ice Houses of Britain
Melanie King

Join social historian and author Melanie King on a journey into the secret world of Britain’s ice houses. Discover how these remarkable structures worked, where their precious ice came from, and why wealthy families were prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to keep it frozen. From frozen lakes and winter ice harvesting to underground chambers and elaborate Georgian entertainments, Melanie reveals a world in which ice was not simply a convenience but a luxury, a status symbol and a technological marvel. Along the way, we will discover how ice houses helped transform the way people ate, drank and entertained - making possible exotic and out-of-season delicacies that would have seemed almost magical to earlier generations.

15^th March 2027

Women in the First World War
Stephen Barker

Women in the First World War Women played many roles in the First World War, including in the military, on the home front, and in factories. This talk aims to highlight these well-trodden paths, but also some lesser-known themes. As well as increased financial independence, women also enjoyed a greater social freedom. For the first time, young single women could openly visit pubs, cinemas, and other public places unaccompanied by men. Not all of these freedoms were welcomed by all however, societal concerns about ‘morality’ often resulting.  The talk also highlights the impact of the war on women’s health and well-being, relationships and child rearing. It looks also at the challenges faced by housewives on the Home Front, charitable giving and what happened when the Armistice had been signed. Fully illustrated, and with film clips.

19^th April 2027

Jericho: Oxford's 'Dangerously Hospitable' First Planned Suburb
Mark Davies

In 1825, streets of houses began to replace the lush meadowland running down to the Oxford Canal. Mark Davies explores how Jericho’s subsequent unsavoury and controversial reputation contrasts with its association with cultural icons such as the Pre-Raphaelites, Thomas Hardy, Inspector Morse, Philip Pullman, & Alice in Wonderland.

17^th May 2027

The Oxfordshire Blue Plaque Scheme
Robert Evans

The Oxfordshire Blue Plaques Board has during the past 25 years unveiled over 150 plaques to people, events and institutions across the city and county which deserve to be commemorated. Robert Evans, chair of the Board since 2013, will introduce the scheme and then concentrate on the plaques which are located nearest to Bicester, in Cherwell district.

21^st June 2027

Reading the Countryside
John Tyler

Once you learn how to spot the clues, a walk in the countryside can reveal so much more about its wildlife, history and prehistory. There are even signs that will help you to find your way and to forecast the weather!

20^th September 2027

AGM & talk tba

18^th October 2027

Canary Girls
Dale Johnson

Banbury's First World War munitions filling factory site is scheduled as a site of national and international significance. This talk explains its importance, explores the role of the ‘canary girls’ who worked there, and shares some of its dark secrets.