Quarterly, we hold stimulating and informative presentations led by experts on a variety of interesting topics. These talks are open to the public and we invite all to attend.
Location: Kennet Valley Hall near Lockeridge, SN8 4EL
To receive an invitation to attend, please Contact Us.
Next Kennet u3a talk
Wednesday 12th February 2025
More details to follow.
Previous Kennet u3a talks
Wednesday 30th October 2024 – Marlborough Underground, with Bob Holman
Our 2024 AGM was followed by tea and cakes and the Kennet Talk, which was presented by Bob Holman on the subject of ‘Marlborough underground’. Bob is well known in Marlborough as a photographer and the Founder of The Food Gallery, and he enlightened us with an illustrated talk about his recent exploration of the cellars under properties in the High Street.
Wednesday 24th July 2024 – Ghosts of Hampton Court with Sarah Slater
We were treated to a fascinating talk on ‘Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court’ presented by Sarah Slater, a guide lecturer with the Historic Royal Palaces. Sarah has a wealth of experience and knowledge about Hampton Court which she shared with us.
Wednesday 10th April 2024 – ‘Should Have Taken the Medicine’ with Terry Bracher
Terry Bracher is the Heritage Services Manager for Wiltshire Council, based in Chippenham at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. Through a selection of archives, he provided an insight into some aspects of the history of medicine from medieval times to the early nineteenth century, particularly in Wiltshire. Terry was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2021 for his work on services to Heritage and Public Libraries in Wiltshire. He provided some advice and training for those u3a in Kennet members who were involved in the Kennet Valley Oral History Project 2020.
February 2024 – The History of Punch and Judy with Alix Booth
Alix Booth is one of our members, and has a wealth of knowledge about Mr Punch, having over 30 years’ experience in telling the story here in the UK and overseas. Alix and Mr Punch took us through his life journey. Representing the common man. Mr Punch takes on life’s battles through the well-known and well-loved stories which originated in the eighteenth century, and which we remember often from the seaside shows of our childhood.
October Kennet u3aTalk – Great Musical Moments presented by Robin Nelson.
Robin is the Musical Director of the of the Swindon Choral Society and formerly Head of Music at Marlborough College. He is a renowned composer and ornithologist too. His presentation helped us to consider how music evokes our emotions and he focussed on a selection of composers and pieces such as the final top note in ‘Nessun dorma’.
July Kennet Talk – Dams and the World Water problem by Jonathan Hinks.
Jonathan is the Technical Director at HR Wallingford and has considerable experience in this increasingly important field as the effects of climate change become more apparent. The recent damage to the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine raised awareness of the many issues associated with water management. We also heard about dam construction and the associated challenges including population resettlement.
An associated document, ‘A Fresh look at Earthquakes and Reservoirs’ can be found below.
To see some of our previous talks, click here.