All meetings are held at Claygate Village Hall, typically on the second Thursday of the month.
Our Meeting and Speaker Programme 2026
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January 8Bollywood Dancing - Annabel Brash
Start the New Year by learning to Bollywood dance with fitness and dance expert Annabel Brash. Suitable for all abilities - and what better way to celebrate our WI birthday month! |
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February 12Tulips & Turbans - Cherrill Sands
Hear the story of how the tulip came to Europe and subsequent 'Tulip Mania' in this welcome return visit for garden historian Cherrill Sands (Follies 2022). Learn about the tulip craze in Turkey - and maybe get ideas for what to plant in your own garden. |
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March 12Dining with History - Jessica Thurtell
Starting in the Middle Ages Jessica Thurtell will share with us her knowledge about the evolution of food through to the present day. Hear about the food phrases that have entered into our language - and find out exactly what ‘bed and board’ means! |
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April 9The scandalous Queen Caroline - Colin Parrish
Following a disastrous marriage in 1795 to the Prince of Wales (later George VI) historian Colin Parrish will share with us Caroline’s life until her death in 1821. With wild rumours circulating at the time, join us to hear the truth of her scandalous life. |
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May 14Adventures of a Motorbike Virgin - Louise Bradley
Middle-aged? Motorbike mad? Yes! Louise shares her fascination with motorbikes and how she learned to ride a bike in middle age - and then ventured around the UK and across Europe on holiday. |
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June 11The Pearly King - Chris Cohan
Bromley’s very own Pearly King, Chris Cohan, shares with us the history of the Pearly Kings and Queens in the 19th century, how he became a Pearly King, and what the Pearly Kings and Queens are doing in the modern age. |
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July 9The Secret Women of Word War 2 - Louise Morrish
Louise Morrish is an author, bookseller, creative writing tutor, and historical speaker inspired by the lives of women in the past, who achieved extraordinary things, but whom history has forgotten. Come and hear Louise speak about the female secret agents of the Special Operations Executive, whose brave exploits helped win World War II. |
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August 13Songs from West End Shows - Olly Manley
Join us for a summertime concert of live music, over a glass of Pimms, with entertainment from Olly Manley including songs from Jersey Boys and Hairspray. |
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September 10A Day in the Life of a Metropolitan Police Crime Investigator- Hayley Scott
Hear all about the life of a real ‘Crime Scene Investigator’ when Hayley Scott shares her experiences working for the Metropolitan Police for 14 years as a CSI. Here’s your chance to discover what actually happens behind the crime scene tape, the science involved and how DNA and fingerprints play their part. |
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October 8Blood, Guts & Gore: True Murder in Victorian England! - David Allen
It’s a welcome return from David Allen who this time will take us on a gripping journey through the world of plots, deadly poisons - and the occasional chopped up body! |
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November 12Annual meeting
The first half of our Annual Meeting will include voting for our president for the coming year and introducing our committee. Other details to follow. |
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December 10Christmas Party
Our WI Christmas Party this year will include party food, a glass of wine, festive music and a fun visit from balloon artist Rob Driscoll. Known as The Bowtie Balloon Guy, Rob has a portfolio of unique, bespoke and highly original balloon creations - this time with a festive twist! |
