Members’ Meetings
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, at Knutsford Methodist Church, at the starting time of 2.15pm.
| Date | Speaker | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| November 13th | David Briggs | “There’s no History in Wilmslow” David, who is Chair of the Wilmslow Historical Society, will present a slide show and virtual walk around the centre of Wilmslow reflecting on the history that is not normally known or seen. From Bronze Age burials, bog bodies, through Anglo Saxon settlement to mediaeval deer parks, Civil War murders, textiles, railways, WW2 and even modern music icons - all in a mile's walk! |
| December 11th | Jean Finney | “An interlude with Joyce Grenfell” The history of the great singer and actress, her career, songs and monologues. |
| 2026 | ||
| January 8th | Paul Blakey MBE | Street Angels and Beyond The speaker is the founder of "Street Angels", a project which, with the help of an amazing team of volunteers, has made a massive difference in over one hundred towns and cities across the UK and overseas. Founded in November 2005 the scheme has seen violent crime and sexual assaults reduce drastically in many of the communities where the projects work. Their work has expanded to inside pubs and clubs, at music festivals, in communities and at train stations. Paul's contribution to community safety was recognised when he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. |
| February 12th | Joanna Williams | Manchester’s Radical Mayor – Abel Heywood Known in his day as the man who built the Town Hall. Abel Heywood a leading Publisher who entertained royalty at his home and twice became Mayor of Manchester. A campaigner for votes For all and social reform. Heywood attempted to enter Parliament twice, but his working-class origins and radical ideas proved an insurmountable obstacle. As councillor, alderman and mayor, he worked passionately and tirelessly to build road, railway and tram systems, develop education, improve the provision of hospitals, museums and libraries, better the living conditions of the poor, and make Manchester a great city. Going beyond the experiences of one man, this talk explores the wider political, cultural and class context of the Victorian city. It is an honest tale of rags to riches that will appeal to all who wish to discover more about the dramatic history of industrial Manchester and its people. |
| March 12th | Mark Llewellin DL | On the Cobbles The speaker is a Coronation Street aficionado who has been involved the ITV series and its cast for over 30 years. In his talk he will share lots of insider details and tales from the early days of those famous Weatherfield cobbles. The talk covers Granada TV, show creator Tony Warren and the first 40 years of the world’s longest running TV soap, and is suitable for those who watch - and those who don’t! He will bring some original Memorabilia from the show including Bet Lynch’s leopard print coat, and Hilda Ogden’s nose-diving flying duck. Mark has worked with everyone from Ken Dodd to Kim Woodburn, Postman Pat to Barbara Knox, Angelina Ballerina to a team of very friendly, real reindeers….. He is also involved with a number of charities - including Willow Wood Hospice, Guide Bridge Theatre, Highgate Cemetery, and Your Manchester CIC. |
| April 9th | David Maidment | The Railway Children The speaker is the founder of "The Railway Children". This charity works with children on the streets who face many dangers - from violence, abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Many are at risk from the very people who should be keeping them safe. Working in the UK, India and Tanzania, the charity helps children work through the issues that have led them to the streets. |
| May 14th | Neil Hanson | Inn and Out at the Top |
| June 11th | Nina Smith | Mercy Ships |
Loop System
Just to remind members attending general meetings who are hard of hearing that a loop system is in place at Knutsford Methodist Church. This is activated when the sound system is in use and hearing aids should be switched to the ‘T’ position. Please contact the Technical Team if you experience any problems.