Programme 2026
Thursday 6th August 2026
Visit to:
Guided tour Stratfield Saye house, gardens & funeral carriage
A guided tour of Stratfield Saye, the 9th Duke of Wellington’s house and garden. The house contains many of the First Duke’s possessions and cast iron bronze funeral carriage made from melted down bronze French cannons captured after the Battle.
Self-drive or car share. – around 40 mins.
This event is now fully booked. If you would like to go on a waiting list for any possible cancellations please leave a message on the contact us page.
Saturday 5th September 2026
Visit to:
The Purcell Club, Westminster. Choral music & guided tour of the Abbey.
A private, evening guided tour of Westminster Abbey (when the abbey is closed to the public) with choral music performed by former choristers of the Abbey, known as The Purcell Club commencing promptly at 6.45pm.
After the first piece of sacred music, the speaker will describe the history and architecture of the Abbey then moving on to see the Quire, Sacrarium, High Altar, the Cosmati Pavement (unique in this country), St Edward the Confessor’s Shrine, Henry VII Chapel and Poets’ Corner.
At various points there will be a pause for members of the Purcell Club to sing appropriate musical items ranging from the 16th to 21st centuries. Returning to the Nave, for a short and moving piece played by one of the Abbey’s current organists to demonstrate its majesty. The tour ends with the choir singing… as the lights slowly dim and the evening concludes.
The Cellarium Cafe will open serving pre-tour light suppers. We have a reservation booked at 5.15pm if you wish to join others prior to the tour.
Individual travel by train to London
Cost £52.00 excluding rail/bus/taxi fares.
Please click the new BOOKING & PAYMENT FORM
where you can make your booking and will be
asked to make your payment by credit or debit card.
Please have your card ready.
Tuesday 8th September 2026
AGM followed by:
Now you see it, now you don't
The Art of Visual Deception
Presented by Bertie Pearce
This is one of the quirkiest lectures you will ever hear. There is a universal delight in being deceived and
This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.
Tuesday 13th October 2026
An ideal partnership:
Lutyens and Jekyll
Presented by James Bolton
The last two decades of the C19th reverberated with the row amongst gardeners and architects. At a stroke, the problem was solved by the partnership between Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. A house by Lutyens with a garden by Jekyll, became an Edwardian ideal. Together they designed gardens with a strong architectural background, softened by luxuriant planting.
This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.
Tuesday 29th October 2026
Special Interest Day
The History, Art,Theatre & Scandal of Covent Garden
Presented by Simon Whitehouse
Anyone who has ever been on one of Simon’s walk-abouts around London during which he uncovers its treasures and divulges tales & titbits about its past will know this Study Day should not be missed.
This special interest day will be held at: Beech Village Hall, 1 Wellhouse Road,
Alton GU34 4AQ CLICK HERE to see directions.
Doors open at 10:00am for 10:30am start.
Tuesday 10th November 2026
Osborne, Pinter and Co; Post War British Theatre
Presented by Giles Ramsey
In 1956 British theatre audiences heard a harsh new voice in John Osborne's play "Look Back in Anger". Within two years Pinter's extraordinary play "The Birthday Party"....
This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.
Tuesday 8th December 2026
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
The story of the world-renowned Christmas carol
Presented by Peter Medhurst
The Austrian carol Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht - Silent Night, Holy Night - came into being just over 1800 years after the birth of Christ, and....
This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.
