Thursday 23rd October 2025. The Richard Kelsall Lecture – Step into the World of the Roman Army! Ever wondered what life was like for a Roman soldier? Join us for an exciting journey back in time as we meet a soldier from the XX Legion, based at the Legionary Fortress in Deva (Chester). He’ll share what it was like to serve, the challenges he faced, and his future plans. He will demonstrate authentic Roman armour and equipment. Don’t miss this rare chance to learn about one of the world’s most formidable military forces.
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Thursday 20th November 2025 – Judy Popley - Maurice Egerton: Tatton Park’s last Baron Egerton Everyone knows of Tatton Park, but how much do we really know about the last of the Tatton Egertons? Maurice was described as a quiet shy man who didn’t mix well but loved the wilds of the world, including the Klondike, British Columbia and Alberta and of course, his real home, Kenya. Judy Popley peels back the stories and myths of this amazing gentleman.
Thursday 11th December 2025 – Clive Brookes - Robert Smith Barry of Marbury: The Man Who Taught the World to Fly Robert was the last dynastic owner of Marbury, selling it to pay death duties. Educated at Eton and Cambridge, he briefly served as honorary British consul in Istanbul. After pursuing a career as a concert pianist, he was drawn to fast cars and flying, eventually becoming a flying instructor and a founding member of the Royal Flying Corps. Shocked by the air combat carnage in France, he set up a training school for instructors, revolutionizing flight training and drastically reducing aircrew losses, with his methods adopted worldwide.
Thursday 22nd January 2026 – Stephen Shakeshaft – Chester Uncovered Stephen, a registered Guide for nearly 20 years, will take you on a informative and light-hearted virtual walking tour of the City of Chester. He will show you places and tell the stories behind the features, some of which you will never have seen.
Thursday 26th February 2026 – Dave Thomas – Forties Farming Folk. This talk, from the 2017 Field to Fork project, concentrates on the people who worked at the farm at Tatton Park during the 1940s. Dave is one of the Learning and Interpretation Volunteers, wearing the costume of Teamsman, working with the heavy horses. Dave will be accompanied by one of the other costumed characters.