DUNSTABLE AND DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY EVENTS

The British Civil Wars, 1642-51, In Art

The Civil Wars, which had a significant impact on Dunstable, have been the subject of numerous works of art, some well-known and others largely forgotten. Stephen Barker, a heritage advisor who is trustee of the military museum at Buckingham, talks about some important moments in the conflict as illustrated by paintings made at the time and in the Victorian era.

The Lady Mountaineer

In a time when ladies were supposed to stay at home and take tea, Elizabeth Hawkins-Whitshed bucked the trend. Married three times, she climbed mountains, wrote books and was a pioneering photographer and filmmaker. The life of this adventurous Victorian woman who shocked society is described by Julie Chandler. Julie's previous talk to the society, about the extraordinary exploits of Col Fred Burnaby, of Bedford (Elizabeth';s first husband), was particularly popular.

The Ampthill Menagerie

Guests at Ampthill House, from Edwardian times to the 1930s, could look forward to riding on some of the animals kept at Sir Anthony Wingfield's private zoo. Janice Tuckett tells the story of one of the country's most unusual stately homes.

Puzzle pictures from Dunstable's past

A box of unidentified local photos, stored in a cupboard in the Dunstable Gazette's old offices in Albion Street and transferred to various other locations over the years, has now been “rescued” by the history society. John Buckledee screens some examples, plus some other unusual Yesteryear items including a tv film recording the discovery of the famous Swan jewel on the site of Dunstable Friary. A buffet of festive food and drink will be served during the evening so, as usual for the December meeting, admission is by ticket only, purchased in advance.

The Life and Times of the original Jack In The Box

Why is the pious John Schorne, 12th-century Rector of North Marston, associated with the famous children's toy? Stephen Williams explains the connections and why Sir John's church near Dunstable became a place of pilgrimage.

The R101 Disaster

Alastair Lawson, chairman of the Airship Heritage Trust, talks about the history of the giant airship hangars at Cardington and the ill-fated flight of the R101 from Bedfordshire in 1930.

Wings and Things

Some off-beat tales about Dunstable, ranging from local radio broadcasts and vintage glider to memories of Chiltern Road School, in a Q and A session with Dave “The Thatch” Underwood. The society's annual general meeting will follow.

Dunstable's Sound of Music

The town's Amateur Operatic Society, now renamed Dunstable Musical Theatre Company, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Memories of shows ranging from The Pirates of Penzance to The Little Shop of Horrors are recounted by company members.

Alice Chaucer and Leighton's Market Cross

The extraordinary story of the area's richest lady, grand-daughter of the “Canterbury Tales” poet, and how puzzles about the construction of Leighton's town-centre landmark have been solved.

June, July, August. The society's summer break.