DUNSTABLE AND DISTRICT
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY
EVENTS
Jack Train, star of Itma, at Houghton Regis Gymkhana
The story of Leyland Coaches
Mike Sutcliffe specialises in restoring these old vehicles at his base in Totternhoe.
His talk follows the society's annual general meeting.
The history of Chew's House
This beautiful building, originally a charity school, is one of the gems of Dunstable. Hugh Garrod tells its story.
Houghton Regis Memories.
Pat Lovering's vast collection of Houghton photos was the basis for a hugely popular meeting in 2009.
Pat is back by popular demand!
Outing No.1 - London Gliding Club
This is a private visit by the history society to the National Museum of Tring.
We have hired our own guide for a special coach tour of London's old docklands, travelling around the isle of Dogs, Spitalfields and what remains of the haunts of Jack the Ripper.
In Search of Convict Ancestors
Judy Davies tells of her quest to unravel the story of three men from Houghton Regis and Stanbridge who were sentenced to transportation at Bedford Assizes in 1849.
GBS and Me
Terry Mills of Luton, a volunteer guide at Ayot St Lawrence, talks about George Bernard Shaw and the playwright's home at Shaw's Corner.
Officers in Albania
Neil Rees, whose talk about King Zog of Albania was so well received last year, relates further tales about our local connections with that little-known country.
More stories of Mechanical Music
By special request, Terry Pankhurst returns with more working replicas of medieval organs. It makes an appropriately seasonal meeting and tuneful demonstration. There'll be seasonal food and drink too. This meeting is for MEMBERS ONLY, tickets to be purchased in advance.
Chasing Steeples
An exploration into the origins of English steeplechasing by the Rev Stephen Williams, Vicar of Harlington parish where cross-country horse racing all began
Castles in Bedfordshire
Tony Woodhouse presents an illustrated talk about the fortifications at Totternhoe, Toddington and beyond, which once dominated and controlled our local area.
Who Was Who At The Hoo
Felicity Brimblecombe features the lives of Luton Hoo's former gardeners, gamekeepers, policemen and, of course, its owners. Her talk follows the society's annual general meeting.
Time Flies at Old Warden
Alan Reed talks about the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage aircraft, housed in the aerodrome near Sandy.
Exploring Blow's Downs
Roger Pepworth produces a few edible surprises during his description of the flora and fauna found at one of Dunstable's least-known beauty spots.