Photos of most of these events can be viewed on the Photogallery page.
There are also lots of photos of events and of a wide range of Cobbett / Library activities, personalities and topics on Facebook.
There are also lots of photos of events and of a wide range of Cobbett / Library activities, personalities and topics on Facebook.
Events and Talks Archive 2018
79th Birthday Party
As usual, we celebrated Cobbett's birthday on a Saturday near May 16, this year that was May 12. The theme of the party was plants and gardens. As well as a plant stall, we had Southampton Seed Swap, the Southampton Allotments and Gardens Association, craft activities, locally-produced greetings cards featuring flowers and plants, plus a display of selection of Library books about plants and gardens. The Community Room was further brightened up by floral and ladybird balloon sculptures by Creative Capers, while our usual refreshment stand was complemented by real coffee offered by EsspressoPedia.
Our thanks to everyone who contributed to this busy and enjoyable event.
Our thanks to everyone who contributed to this busy and enjoyable event.
Celebrating 100 Years of Women's Suffrage
On Saturday April 7 we joined the long list of organisations celebrating the centenary of explicit legislation granting British women the vote.
From 1030 to 1230 we hosted an exhibition of suffrage-related artworks, displays, greetings cards,historical artefacts and more. The Women's Social and Political Union colours of white, purple and green were much in evidence.
The ladies of Bevois Mount History group gave presentations about the suffrage movement in Southampton, and prominent suffragettes and suffragists from and connected with Southampton.
There were craft activities for children, and the usual Friends' light refreshments - including some with in WSPU colours.
From 1030 to 1230 we hosted an exhibition of suffrage-related artworks, displays, greetings cards,historical artefacts and more. The Women's Social and Political Union colours of white, purple and green were much in evidence.
The ladies of Bevois Mount History group gave presentations about the suffrage movement in Southampton, and prominent suffragettes and suffragists from and connected with Southampton.
There were craft activities for children, and the usual Friends' light refreshments - including some with in WSPU colours.
Jane Austen and Southampton
Our first Friday evening talk of 2018 was on March 9. Local historian Dr Cheryl Butler spoke about Jane Austen and Southampton. More than two dozen people heard about this famous author's connections with our city (then a town, of course!)
The Friends have bought a signed copy of Dr Butler's book Jane Austen & Southampton Spa for the Cobbett Library stock - available for loan.
The Friends have bought a signed copy of Dr Butler's book Jane Austen & Southampton Spa for the Cobbett Library stock - available for loan.
Events and Talks Archive 2017
Xmas Fayre 2017
Exactly a month before Christmas Day, our usual Christmas Fayre proved very popular, keeping all the stalls and activities busy. As well as bringing seasonal cheer to many children, Father Christmas presented Rachel and Kevin with presents to mark our appreciation - they have finally stood down from office, after for more than a decade of hard work and stress as our Secretary and Chair.
Seasonal music added to the atmosphere, thanks to the generosity of Jon Sayles.
Seasonal music added to the atmosphere, thanks to the generosity of Jon Sayles.
A Regency Tea Party - With a Twist!
Although October 21 was Apple Day, Southampton's SO: To Speak festival meant the city was celebrating all forms of words so we decided to have an event tied in with the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death, having a Regency theme and celebrating her connection with Southampton. A range of teas were on offer, as well as cake, biscuits, coffee and squash. To our delight, as well as some Friends who came in costume, Amy and Shirley were in fully authentic Regency dress, and led us through some hilarious period dances - the performance led one Friend to suggest to a local politician that he shouldn't give up the day job!
What was the twist? In Jane Austen's time, pineapples were extremely expensive and valuable. Sought after to decorate the tables at social events, these costly items were either carefully put away for the next occasion, or returned to the entrepreneur who had rented them out. Ours were given away as prizes in the quizzes.
What was the twist? In Jane Austen's time, pineapples were extremely expensive and valuable. Sought after to decorate the tables at social events, these costly items were either carefully put away for the next occasion, or returned to the entrepreneur who had rented them out. Ours were given away as prizes in the quizzes.
Macmillan Afternoon Tea
Macmillan raise much of their funding from their World's Biggest Coffee Morning. The Friends have supported this since 2014. Because the Community Room is used on Friday mornings by the Cobbles Toddler group, we hold an Afternoon Tea instead. This year, we raised a total of £130 - some of which was Gift Aided.
Thunderstruck
The Ali Sparkes event on June 17 was great fun for all ages and included weird and wonderful facts about all sorts of things from lightning strikes, to childhood sweets and dolls and heatwaves!!!
We officially welcomed Ali as our Patron with a bunch of flowers and Ali presented the Friends with a copy of 'Thunderstruck' for the library.
We look forward to having Ali back again soon.
We officially welcomed Ali as our Patron with a bunch of flowers and Ali presented the Friends with a copy of 'Thunderstruck' for the library.
We look forward to having Ali back again soon.
Discovery Morning
From 10:30am to 12:30pm on Saturday May 13, the Friends hosted an opportunity for the many groups which use Cobbett to meet anyone who might have been interested in joining in, or was simply curious about what goes on as well as the standard Library services of books, audio books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, Internet access, etc.
The Friends provided our usual light refreshments (tea, coffee, squash, biscuits, cakes) and a plant sale. Not all the plants sold - the rest are available for sale in the Community Room.
If you have ever thought about joining a language class, drama group, book club, art group, Tai Chi session, parent/toddler group, coffee morning, after-school group, home-educators or any other group activity, and didn't come on Saturday, you can always ask about any group at the main desk. If there's nothing which tickles your fancy, why not start your own group?
The Friends provided our usual light refreshments (tea, coffee, squash, biscuits, cakes) and a plant sale. Not all the plants sold - the rest are available for sale in the Community Room.
If you have ever thought about joining a language class, drama group, book club, art group, Tai Chi session, parent/toddler group, coffee morning, after-school group, home-educators or any other group activity, and didn't come on Saturday, you can always ask about any group at the main desk. If there's nothing which tickles your fancy, why not start your own group?
Fish Supper & Quiz Evening
On Friday March 31, the social evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, with a fish supper and a fun quiz, was good fun. Around £150 was raised from this initiative by Claire.
Events and Talks Archive 2016
Our usual Christmas Fayre on Saturday November 26 was enjoyed by people of all ages, from 8- months to 80+ years.
As in 2014 and 2015, the Friends held an Afternoon Tea and plant sale as part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, raising over £100 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Open Day
SCA and UP held an Open Day on Wednesday June 1 to mark their takeover of Cobbett Road Library operations, and the building's redesignation as Cobbett Hub and Library. As well as some speeches and lots of refreshment, there were performances by Noisy Oyster of their mime and puppet entertainment Plain Bob.
SCA and UP held an Open Day on Wednesday June 1 to mark their takeover of Cobbett Road Library operations, and the building's redesignation as Cobbett Hub and Library. As well as some speeches and lots of refreshment, there were performances by Noisy Oyster of their mime and puppet entertainment Plain Bob.
A Celebration
On the afternoon of Saturday April 2, we had a cream tea to celebrate Cobbett Road Library's 77 years of Council service to the community. This was attended by many friends, including Librarians current, previous and retired.
On the afternoon of Saturday April 2, we had a cream tea to celebrate Cobbett Road Library's 77 years of Council service to the community. This was attended by many friends, including Librarians current, previous and retired.
The Future of the Public Library
A talk by Ronan O'Beirne
Head of Library and Learning Services,
Southampton Solent University
Friday February 19
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster.
On Saturday February 6th, we celebrated National Libraries Day. Children enjoyed storytelling by Sandra Horn, balloon sculpture and making a book, the adults enjoyed a great deal of chat - including with several Councillors who came along. There were refreshments for everyone, and many took advantage of the opportunity to put their thoughts on the future of the Library onto Post-It notes, used to inform the people who are hoping to take over running operations at Cobbett Road from the Council. There was even live music! There is a report in the Daily Echo and another on bitternepark.info. Thanks to everyone who contributed and attended.
Events and Talks Archive 2015
The Christmas Fayre on Saturday December 5 attracted the usual good turnout. A range of craft stalls did brisk business, as did the home-made cakes and biscuits on the refreshement stand. Father Christmas entertained the children, who also had a chance to win a prize for the best attempt to stick a red nose on Rudolph the Reindeer. Despite being blindfolded, that challenge was probably easier than Lindsi's fiendish Christmas Literary Quiz!
Genius Friend
A talk by Professor Edward Chaney
Tuesday November 10th
7:30pm
A Guernsey Library has a half-hour podcast of Professor Chaney being interviewed about his book on G B Edwards.
Download the A4 poster.
A talk by Professor Edward Chaney
Tuesday November 10th
7:30pm
A Guernsey Library has a half-hour podcast of Professor Chaney being interviewed about his book on G B Edwards.
Download the A4 poster.
Wind and rain on the morning of Saturday November 7 might have been inauspicious, but the return of Southampton's Repair Café brought out plenty of customers to have jewellery, clothes, a bike an umbrella and other items attended to by the team of volunteer repairers.
At the same time, Cobbett Road Library hosted a session for Choral Clans, with singers of all ages enjoying themselves and working together in four-part harmony.
On Saturday October 24, a 10:30 to 12:30 Tea Party to celebrate 150 years of Alice in Wonderland was a great success.
This event formed part of Southampton's SO: To Speak Literary Festival.
As in 2014, the Friends held an Afternoon Tea on September 25 as part of the Macmillan Cancer Support's World's Biggest Coffee Morning. (No, we're not behind the times, just recognising the regular use of the Community Room by Cobbles toddler group on a Friday morning). Almost £100 was raised and all concerned had an enjoyable time. Thanks to everyone who came along and to those who generously donated food and drink to this event.
As part of our campaign to keep Cobbett Road Library open, the Friends held an Open Meeting in the Ascension Centre on Monday February 23.
Local Website bitternepark.info has a report on the meeting, including pictures and an audio download with a selection of the views expressed.
Local Website bitternepark.info has a report on the meeting, including pictures and an audio download with a selection of the views expressed.
Cobbett Road Library is fortunate to have the support of many people from all walks of life, and on February 19 naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham gave a talk in the Library's packed Community Room. As well as showing and talking about some of his superb photographs from the Arctic, Antarctic and New Forest, he spoke of how he had spent a great many hours in Cobbett Road Library in his youth, and how important that had been to him. We are very grateful for his passionate support, and for the funds raised for our campaign by this event.
The Echo has a report about Chris Packham's involvement.
The Echo has a report about Chris Packham's involvement.
Saturday February 7 was National Libraries Day, an opportunity to celebrate our wonderful Library. As usual, from 10:30 to 12:30 there were activities for young children, cakes and drinks for everyone.
This year, as a special treat, award-winning local author Ali Sparkes gave one of her barnstorming interactive presentations, including how much Cobbett Road Library has meant to her throughout her life.
Events and Talks Archive 2014
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Christmas Fayre 2014 Saturday November 29, 1030 to 1230 For our final event of the year, the weather was glorious (unlike most of this soggy November). This seems to have reduced the turnout somewhat, although this was still an enjoyable and worthwhile morning. |
Visit to the Sherpas
A talk by Jennifer Bourdillon
Friday November 21st
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster
A talk by Jennifer Bourdillon
Friday November 21st
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster
God's House Hospital
A talk by Geoffrey Watts
Friday October 25th
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster
A talk by Geoffrey Watts
Friday October 25th
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster
1940s Week - October 20th to 25th
The Library ran a series of events with a 1940s theme, including dancing lessons, a Tea Dance, "Make Do and Mend", an Old Fashioned Tea Party, a talk by local historian about 1940s Southampton, culminating in a Bring and Share Indoor Street Party. Many 1940s posters were on display, and there was a recreation of a Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Library ran a series of events with a 1940s theme, including dancing lessons, a Tea Dance, "Make Do and Mend", an Old Fashioned Tea Party, a talk by local historian about 1940s Southampton, culminating in a Bring and Share Indoor Street Party. Many 1940s posters were on display, and there was a recreation of a Citizens Advice Bureau.
Our regular Autumn Fayre on Saturday October 18 was very popular.
Adults and children enjoyed a range of activites, displays and stalls.
Our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon on Friday September 26 (which also served tea, squash and a selection of cakes!) raised over £170
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped towards this excellent result.
My Year as Mayor
A talk by Bitterne Park Councillor Ivan White
Friday September 12
7:30 pm
Download the A4 poster
A talk by Bitterne Park Councillor Ivan White
Friday September 12
7:30 pm
Download the A4 poster
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Origins of Photography Thursday July 24 1:30 to 2:30 Tony Willey talked about the discoveries, inventions and developments which gave us Kodak, Leica, and more. He also showed, and let us handle, some of his cameras. |
The Library's
75th Anniversary
was celebrated
on Saturday May 17th
10:30 to 12:30
You can download the A4 poster
75th Anniversary
was celebrated
on Saturday May 17th
10:30 to 12:30
You can download the A4 poster
Children's Easter Holiday
Craft Session
Wednesday April 16
10:30 to 12:00
Craft Session
Wednesday April 16
10:30 to 12:00
From Churches to Cruise Ships:
Studies in Watercolour
A talk by Peter Jarvis
Friday March 28
7:30pm
Download the A4 poster
National Libraries Day
Saturday February 8
10:30am - 12:30
A fun morning with activities for children, quizzes, a Children's Book Swap, face-painting.
Plus free cake and refreshments!
Saturday February 8
10:30am - 12:30
A fun morning with activities for children, quizzes, a Children's Book Swap, face-painting.
Plus free cake and refreshments!
Events & Talks Archive 2013
Christmas Crafts
Saturday 7th December 10:30 to 12:30
Robins, Stars and Holly!
Saturday 7th December 10:30 to 12:30
Robins, Stars and Holly!
Christmas Fayre
Saturday 30th November 10:30 to 12:30
Charity Stalls, Small Gifts
Christmas Cards,
Coffee, Tea, Mince Pies and Seasonal nibbles
Special Story Telling for Children
Featuring – Children’s Lucky Dip
with Santa at the tree
Download the A4 Poster
Saturday 30th November 10:30 to 12:30
Charity Stalls, Small Gifts
Christmas Cards,
Coffee, Tea, Mince Pies and Seasonal nibbles
Special Story Telling for Children
Featuring – Children’s Lucky Dip
with Santa at the tree
Download the A4 Poster
From ‘Lammas Lands’ to ‘Keep Off the Grass!’
a talk on the History of Southampton’s Central Parks
by Vicky Green
Friday 25th October 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Download the A4 Poster
a talk on the History of Southampton’s Central Parks
by Vicky Green
Friday 25th October 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Download the A4 Poster
Apples, pears, honey and more
Our annual autumn celebration with produce, information, art, craft and a general get-together
Saturday 19th October 10:30am to 12:30pm
Download the A4 Poster
Our annual autumn celebration with produce, information, art, craft and a general get-together
Saturday 19th October 10:30am to 12:30pm
Download the A4 Poster
New Forest Fungi
a talk by Geoffrey Sturgess
Friday 20th September 2013 at 7.30pm
a talk by Geoffrey Sturgess
Friday 20th September 2013 at 7.30pm
Researching Family History
An introduction to compiling your Family Tree by Sandra Naish
Friday 28th June at 1:30pm
Download the Poster here
An introduction to compiling your Family Tree by Sandra Naish
Friday 28th June at 1:30pm
Download the Poster here
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The Trinity, The Angel & The Elizabeth’
a talk on Tudor Southampton’s privateers and the War with Spain from Cheryl Butler Friday 17th May 2013 at 7.30 p.m. Download the POSTER here |
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“My Top Ten Favourite Paintings at Southampton City Art Gallery”
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General Stibbert of Portswood
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© Lt Gen Giles Stibbert, Museo Stibbert, Florence
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9th February NATIONAL LIBRARIES DAYSaturday 09 February 2013 is National Libraries Day, a culmination of a week’s worth of celebrations in school, college, university, workplace and public libraries across the UK.
Friends of Cobbett Road Library are organising a small celebration at Cobbett Road Library ... Join us on the 9th of February from 10.30 |
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Events & Talks Archive 2012
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 1st December
Friends of Cobbett Road Library invite you to a CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 1st December
10 a.m.– 12.30
Community Room Cobbett Road Library
TRAIDCRAFT and Charity Stalls; Small Gifts; Christmas Cards; Quiz with prize
Coffee and mince pies; Seasonal nibbles Featuring – Santa’s 50p Lucky Dip
Download the POSTER here
10 a.m.– 12.30
Community Room Cobbett Road Library
TRAIDCRAFT and Charity Stalls; Small Gifts; Christmas Cards; Quiz with prize
Coffee and mince pies; Seasonal nibbles Featuring – Santa’s 50p Lucky Dip
Download the POSTER here
Peter Jarvis - An Illustrated Talk
Southampton View, by Peter Jarvis
FRIENDS OF COBBETT ROAD LIBRARY
Invite you to attend an illustrated talk presented by
PETER JARVIS
MPhil (RCA) FSAI Cert Ed.,
Friday 9 November 7.30 p.m.
Peter, Senior Lecturer in Design at Southampton Solent University, will be showing a selective number of works from his recent solo exhibition held at the Concourse Gallery Solent University. (No entrance charge; refreshments available.)
An exhibition of his artwork will be on display in Cobbett Road Library’s Community Room from Monday 5th November
Download the POSTER here
Invite you to attend an illustrated talk presented by
PETER JARVIS
MPhil (RCA) FSAI Cert Ed.,
Friday 9 November 7.30 p.m.
Peter, Senior Lecturer in Design at Southampton Solent University, will be showing a selective number of works from his recent solo exhibition held at the Concourse Gallery Solent University. (No entrance charge; refreshments available.)
An exhibition of his artwork will be on display in Cobbett Road Library’s Community Room from Monday 5th November
Download the POSTER here
Autumn Art Exhibition
On the farm - Dianne Wiles
The Cobbett Road Library Art Group are holding their Autumn Exhibition in the Community Room
from Saturday 20th October until
Saturday 3rd November.
Visitors welcome at any time during Library opening hours, even when we are painting on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
from Saturday 20th October until
Saturday 3rd November.
Visitors welcome at any time during Library opening hours, even when we are painting on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
An Italian Evening ...
7.30 p.m. Friday 14th September
Roberta Comunian – a Friend of Cobbett Road Library - will talk about the history of the Italian language and its dialects. You will have the chance to learn and practise a few Italian words and ask questions about Italy and its traditions.
Italian themed food and refreshments available (50p donation appreciated)
Download the POSTER here
Roberta Comunian – a Friend of Cobbett Road Library - will talk about the history of the Italian language and its dialects. You will have the chance to learn and practise a few Italian words and ask questions about Italy and its traditions.
Italian themed food and refreshments available (50p donation appreciated)
Download the POSTER here
Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Indoors Street Party with music in the Library’s Community Room to.... Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in a 1950’s theme
Saturday 2nd June at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· Displays: – please bring along your 1950s/Coronation photographs and memorabilia
· Puzzle and 1950s games to play
Download the POSTER See photos of the event
Saturday 2nd June at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
· Displays: – please bring along your 1950s/Coronation photographs and memorabilia
· Puzzle and 1950s games to play
Download the POSTER See photos of the event
Celebrate World Book Night
World Book Night 2012 will take place on the 23rd April, UNESCO’s International Day of the Book and Shakespeare’s birthday.
Cobbett Road Library 23rd April 2012 between 5 and 7 p.m.
There will be biscuits and cold refreshments, plus 24 copies of ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, a book by Audrey Niffenegger, will be given away for free.
Download the Poster here
Cobbett Road Library 23rd April 2012 between 5 and 7 p.m.
There will be biscuits and cold refreshments, plus 24 copies of ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’, a book by Audrey Niffenegger, will be given away for free.
Download the Poster here
'Southampton in the 20th Century'
The next talk organised by the Friends of Cobbett Road Library will take place on the 13th of April 2012 at 7.30pm.
Jake Simpkins will talk about 'Southampton in the 20th Century'.
Download the POSTER here
Jake Simpkins will talk about 'Southampton in the 20th Century'.
Download the POSTER here
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17th February 2012
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‘By Royal Appointment'An illustrated talk by Mr. GEOFF WATTS Southampton Green Badge Tourist Guide, on the story of Garret and Haysom, Southampton Stone Masons, including a number of the many local memorials they were commissioned to make.
Download the information poster here |
Events & Talks Archive 2011
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3rd December 2011
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Cobbett Road Library Christmas FayreMany friends and families joined us for some Christmas celebrations with stalls, crafts, quiz and Father Christmas and Seasonal refreshments |
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4th November 2011
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Eric Ravilious, Designer and WatercolouristAn illustrated talk presented by Christine Clearkin
As part of our talks series, local art historian and researcher Christine Clearkin delivered an interesting and insightful account on the life and work of artist Eric Ravilious |
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15th October 2011
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Cobbett Library Art Group 'Dabble Day'Cobbett Road Library Art Group launched their new two-week exhibition on Saturday, October 15 from 10am-12.30pm.
Children and adults contributed painting a leaf to add to the colourful tree still on display in the library. |
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8th October 2011
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Apple Day 2011On the 8th of October the Friends of Cobbett Road Library hosted a very successful Apple Day! We celebrated the wonderful world of apples as well as swapping or sharing fruits. Sample recipes, displays, childen's activities and a contest to tease the little grey cells took place between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Children's storytime wasat 11am. The day included delicious apple cakes and pies. Heritage Apples of Durley supplied unusual apple varieties.
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17th September 2011
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Scarecrows and Greyhounds
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30th June 2011
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“You Be The Judge!”Free afternoon talk presented by a local magistrate, Mrs J. Barnes J. P. |
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25th March 2011
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Votes for Women - Campaigning in Southamptonllustrated talk on the Suffragette Movement, with particular emphasis on local women involved in the struggle, presented by Roger Otterwill |
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21st January 2011
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Bitterne, Then and NowBitterne, once a small rural village, has been transformed into a populous Southampton suburb. This talk covered a journey charting some of the changes, in the knowledgeable company of. Mr Keith Marsh from the Bitterne Local History Society |
Events & Talks Archive 2010
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16th October 2010
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Cobbett Road Library Art ExhibitionCOBBETT ROAD LIBRARY ART GROUP launched their latest art exhibition with recent works from its members. |
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15th October 2010
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William Cobbett’s Botley
We travel back in time to explore the village of Botley and its connections with William Cobbett, who wrote Rural Rides, a book still in print. Mr Geoff Watts, Green Badge Tourist and Heritage Guide, will give an illustrated talk on this famous author, politician, and journalist |
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9th October 2010
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Apple Day 2010Bring your spare apples, pears and plums to share or swap
Tea Coffee Apple Juice Apple Cake Recipes Displays Longest Peel Contest Children’s Storytime 11 a.m. |
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12th February 2010
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Mysterious Big Cats
Dr. Darren Naish (University of Southampton), scientist, wildlife expert, and extensively published author of books, articles and material on natural history, presented an illustrated talk on 'Big Cats'. He dispelled many myths, but explained that among them there is also documented evidence of their existence in some places in the UK . |
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29th January 2010
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Richard Eurich, Visionary Artist
An illustrated talk presented by Christine Clearkin
Christine Clearkin co-author of the critically well-received book, Richard Eurich (1903-1992) Visionary Artist (2003), delivered an interesting and insightful account on the life and work of artist Richard Eurich. She is currently working upon a catalogue raisonne of the artist’s work with a view to publication in late 2012. |
