Monthly Meetings
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am at Dagnall Street Baptist Church, Cross Street, St Albans AL3 5EE.
The doors open at 10.00am when members can get together, enjoy refreshments, visit the book swap table, see details of the latest planned trips and holidays, and discuss joining activity/interest groups, before the meeting starts.
2026
11th August 2026 – no talk Summer Break
8th September 2026
Jon Mein – Room at the Inn
Jon is a semi-retired IT specialist and a local historian based in Hertfordshire with a general interest in changing attitudes to alcohol over the last 500 years. He has co-authored several books on this subject.
At this meeting Jon will give his talk titled ‘Room at the inn: travelling through Georgian Hertfordshire’. Drawing on original research, he will look at some of the many inns in the county in the century before the development of the railway network. What services did they provide to the many thousands of people who headed to and from London every day? Who stayed at these inns? Did any offer the equivalent of 5* accommodation?
13th October 2026
Robert Brewer – Being a TV/Film Extra in Retirement
Robert is an ex-Soldier and a retired Policeman. He fell into the TV/Film industry as an Extra after a visit to his local library. Over the past 6 years has been on over 40 different features, from Hollywood Blockbusters (Batman, Bond, Wonder Woman) low budget films (Blinded by the Light) to TV dramas, soaps and comedies and even a couple of adverts.
His talk will cover some the productions that he has been in and he will explain how he became involved in the industry and how anyone can do it.
10th November 2026
Tony Tutton – The Words and Music of Bob Dylan
Tony was born in Walthamstow in 1947 (a “Baby Boomer”), His working life was in the Fire & Security industry, but his first love was music. He gave his first performance on stage at the age of six. He joined a skiffle group at the age of 10 and has continued to perform as a drummer, guitarist, and lead singer. Tony celebrated 70 years in the music business in 2023
Tony gave us a fascinating talk on The Life Music & Influence of Buddy Holly in March 2025 and returns this time to talk about the life and music of Bob Dylan. His presentation will be a visual & audio feast of the lyrics and music of Bob Dylan featuring artists such as Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Adele, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, The Hollies, Manfred Mann, Peter Paul & Mary and many, many others.
8th December 2026
Michael Buck – Michael’s Merry Santa 2026
Michael lives locally and trained at a top London Drama College and has many years of improvisational performance experience. His unique shows are aimed at older audiences to reminisce, bring laughter and engagement.
Michael will present his Merry Santa 2026 performance which will include traditional sing-along songs, cracker jokes, Christmas games with lots of fun & laughter. Just perfect for our Christmas meeting.