A brief report of past lectures
A brief report of past lectures will be posted here. Please re-visit throughout the season.
Be a part of Your Society. Be a guest Blogger. The society would love to hear from any member who would like to write a two to three hundred word summary of a lecture. If you would like to write a blog and have it published here please send an email to blog@hull-litandphil.org.uk in advance of your chosen lecture(s) to register your interest. A big thank you to all of you who have read the blogs and for your pleasant comments.
Please mail feedback to johnfagge@aol.com
1st March 2016 Speaker: Jon Cannon
1000 Years of History in Cathedrals
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
There is little else quite as breathtakingly beautiful as an English Medieval Cathedral. This week the Society was very happy to welcome Mr Jon Cannon to speak at its last meeting of the season.
Jon explored a previously unconsidered view of these rather extraordinary creations as constantly evolving structures created by personalities, politics and ancient ritual beliefs creating a very interesting and informative living window into the past, accompanied by a wide variety of exquisite images to enable us to gain a full and rounded insight into these giant structural works of art.
English Medieval Cathedrals truly are functional time machines and each and every one of them depicts sacred scenes and visual culture through stained glass, rich exuberant tapestries and beautiful sculptures. Visual history at its best!
English Medieval Cathedrals truly are functional time machines and each and every one of them depicts sacred scenes and visual culture through stained glass, rich exuberant tapestries and beautiful sculptures. Visual history at its best!
Jon paid respectful homage to those who laid down stone during the creation of these beautiful works of architecture.
A delightful and fitting closure to what has been a most successful and enjoyable season for the Hull Literary & Philosophical Society.
A delightful and fitting closure to what has been a most successful and enjoyable season for the Hull Literary & Philosophical Society.
23rd February 2016 Speaker: David Chandler
Dragons & Damsels: Spectacular Predators of the Insect World
Report by Mr Steve Hardy - Guest Blogger
If you are confused between a Damsel Fly and a True Dragon Fly or struggle to tell a Common Darter from a Brown Hawker then an hour in the company of David Chandler will result in you being considerably wiser.
Rising from an interest in bird watching, David realised that the attraction of these wonderful insects not only presented a new challenge in terms of study and photography but also proved more pleasurable insomuch as dragonflies tend to be active when the weather is warm and sunny and not at dawn on a cold winter day!
There are around 6,000 species of dragonflies in the world which, fortunately for all concerned, David resisted the temptation to bombard us with by identifying what would amount to around a hundred a minute and instead concentrate on some of the common traits, identification tips and global statistics relating to these insects. For instance, before this lecture few of us would have known that larvae can spend one or two years underwater or even ice before emerging into the adult creatures.
There are around 6,000 species of dragonflies in the world which, fortunately for all concerned, David resisted the temptation to bombard us with by identifying what would amount to around a hundred a minute and instead concentrate on some of the common traits, identification tips and global statistics relating to these insects. For instance, before this lecture few of us would have known that larvae can spend one or two years underwater or even ice before emerging into the adult creatures.
During the talk, David gave us a fascinating insight into the structure, life cycle, habitats, breeding and hunting and eating habits of these insects illustrated by some stunning close-up and macro photography from not only around the world, but closer to home, quite literally, as some shots were actually taken in his own back garden.
Thanks to David, a summertime stroll alongside water will present new observation opportunities armed with this expanded knowledge.
Thanks to David, a summertime stroll alongside water will present new observation opportunities armed with this expanded knowledge.
16th February 2016 Speaker: Professor Neil Sinyard
J Arthur Rank: From Flour Magnate to Film Mogul (and back)
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
Hull born J Arthur Rank established himself not only as a vitally significant presence in the British Film Industry but as someone who was extremely crucial to its future.
This evening the Society was delighted to welcome Professor Sinyard who captivated us with Arthur Ranks contribution to British film from its origins in the mid 1930’s through to its peak following the immediate post-war years due to the support of Rank that gave rise to some of the greatest films to ever grace the screens of our national cinema.
This forgotten British genius who managed to beat Hollywood at its own game took it upon himself to rebuild the British film industry.
A man of deeply conservative opinions with a religious passion believed he was being guided by the hand of God. Even at the height of fame he still found time to teach a Sunday Methodist class.
Despite knowing virtually nothing about films and being a man who rarely ventured out to the Cinema, by the end of WW2, Rank had become the most powerful man in the British film industry. This he managed by building his empire on the principles of manufacturing, from the importance of presentation and packaging to the laws of supply and demand.
This forgotten British genius who managed to beat Hollywood at its own game took it upon himself to rebuild the British film industry.
A man of deeply conservative opinions with a religious passion believed he was being guided by the hand of God. Even at the height of fame he still found time to teach a Sunday Methodist class.
Despite knowing virtually nothing about films and being a man who rarely ventured out to the Cinema, by the end of WW2, Rank had become the most powerful man in the British film industry. This he managed by building his empire on the principles of manufacturing, from the importance of presentation and packaging to the laws of supply and demand.
Not bad for an individual who was primarily a Miller who started his own working life sweeping floors and carrying flour sacks. Arthur’s father, through hard work and discipline had built up the largest flour business in the country. Arthur himself by the age of 21 through hard work and determination was in charge of his own mill.
No one could have possibly predicted Ranks future impact on popular culture given that he was perceived as a quiet uninteresting figure living quietly in Surrey, the soul of comfortable middle class respectability.
This evening Professor Sinyard enlightened us to how this unassuming individual became the most powerful and charismatic presence Hollywood and the British film industry had ever known.
Not bad going for a local lad of the City of Hull.
No one could have possibly predicted Ranks future impact on popular culture given that he was perceived as a quiet uninteresting figure living quietly in Surrey, the soul of comfortable middle class respectability.
This evening Professor Sinyard enlightened us to how this unassuming individual became the most powerful and charismatic presence Hollywood and the British film industry had ever known.
Not bad going for a local lad of the City of Hull.
9th February 2016 Speaker: Mr Paul Harris
Chinese Porcelain: Fakes Forgeries and Reproductions
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
Over recent years prices to acquire these rather beautiful items of Chinese art, especially paintings and porcelain have sky rocketed.
This evening we had the pleasure of the company of Paul Harris to explain to the attending members of this evening’s lecture, some of the pitfalls in seeking to purchase these striking objects of desire.
Forgers are becoming every increasingly able to deceive auction houses and those who are considered experts within their field that many millions have been exchanged fraudulently within this particular market to date.
There is however a specific test that is being increasingly used to determine the date of these desirable objects of art (give a hundred years or two) that will hopefully help to stem the somewhat uncontrollable flow of such works being passed off as 18 century originals that are so much sought after by collectors as prized liquid assets.
Forgers are becoming every increasingly able to deceive auction houses and those who are considered experts within their field that many millions have been exchanged fraudulently within this particular market to date.
There is however a specific test that is being increasingly used to determine the date of these desirable objects of art (give a hundred years or two) that will hopefully help to stem the somewhat uncontrollable flow of such works being passed off as 18 century originals that are so much sought after by collectors as prized liquid assets.
Paul very kindly brought along several pieces from his collection for us to view, reproductions of course but rather beautiful ones at that.
Paul Harris operates the Coldingham Gallery in Scotland, which specialises in Chinese paintings, porcelain and decorative objects of art.
For those of you who may want to explore this area of interest further you may be interested to know that he also operates a news website and blog: ChineseArt.co.uk
Paul Harris operates the Coldingham Gallery in Scotland, which specialises in Chinese paintings, porcelain and decorative objects of art.
For those of you who may want to explore this area of interest further you may be interested to know that he also operates a news website and blog: ChineseArt.co.uk
2nd February 2016 Speaker: Professor Tom Kirkwood CBE
What Price Immortality
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
The ongoing increase in life expectancy for humans is considered as being one of the greatest changes to affect humanity within the last two hundred years.
The fascination and to some extent obsession has continued to increase as human beings are living productive and longer lives well into their Eighties and beyond, the 85-plus generation is fast becoming the norm as opposed to the exception.
Professor Tom Kirkwood, tonight’s guest speaker, left us by the end of the evening much to ponder over as he launched into this rather predominant subject matter, given that as a Society, many members are into retirement and leading healthier and much more fulfilling lives than previous generations did.
Professor Tom Kirkwood, tonight’s guest speaker, left us by the end of the evening much to ponder over as he launched into this rather predominant subject matter, given that as a Society, many members are into retirement and leading healthier and much more fulfilling lives than previous generations did.
With thanks to a ground breaking study into the health of more than 1,000 individuals belonging to the 85 plus generation, Tom has been able to obliterate a string of previous misconceptions about the ageing process and discuss with us the fascinating science of how and why our bodies age.
Tom left us all with a rather intriguing question to ponder over, as his rather interesting lecture came to a close, “Could life be serious or meaningful without the limit of mortality?”
Would human beings really want to live forever given the opportunity? Would you?
Tom left us all with a rather intriguing question to ponder over, as his rather interesting lecture came to a close, “Could life be serious or meaningful without the limit of mortality?”
Would human beings really want to live forever given the opportunity? Would you?
26th January 2016 Speaker: Liam D'Arcy Brown
Chusan Island
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
Before the Union Jack ever flew over Hong Kong, it had been raised over Chusan.
Mr Liam D’Arcy Brown introduced the Society this evening to the all but forgotten tale of how the British wrestled Chusan from the Qing Dynasty during the early 1800’s, not once, but three times, only to hand it back again for the sake of the honour of Queen Victoria and Britain's national prestige in 1846, the end of the first Opium War.
Liam, an accomplished Author, previously studied Ancient Chinese History in Shanghai, talked us through the very intriguing history of how the first Opium war came about and how Britain came to raise her flag over this very beautiful Island.
Liam, an accomplished Author, previously studied Ancient Chinese History in Shanghai, talked us through the very intriguing history of how the first Opium war came about and how Britain came to raise her flag over this very beautiful Island.
A very informative and pleasant evening was had by all, I feel it safe to say, if the complementary remarks made by those seated around me were anything to go by.
Chusan Island, also known as Zhoushan Island, is the main island of the archipelago-city in Zhejilang, china.
Today Chusan is a coastal economic open zone. Tourism and its related services have risen to the point of becoming a very important sector of the municipal economy with an ever increasing tourism revenue now in excess of 26 Billion Yuan.
Chusan Island, also known as Zhoushan Island, is the main island of the archipelago-city in Zhejilang, china.
Today Chusan is a coastal economic open zone. Tourism and its related services have risen to the point of becoming a very important sector of the municipal economy with an ever increasing tourism revenue now in excess of 26 Billion Yuan.
19th January 2016 Speaker: Russell Bowes
The Tale of the Tulip
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
This week the Literary and Philosophical Society was regaled by the tale of a beautiful exotic visitor who charmed, captivated and mesmerised all whose eyes fell upon her colourful veils of glistening silk appearance, who made her entrance for the first time upon European soil back in the 14th century. This charming visitor being, the Tulip.
Russell Bowes introduced us to the rather fascinating history of the tulip this evening that began with the first introduction of the bloom that thrived exceedingly well due to its ability to be able to cope with extremes of temperatures.
Despite the flower being referred to as a useless beauty that could not be used as a food source, clothing dye, for medicinal purposes and was somewhat lacking in fragrance the tulip became a great source of delight gracing many a garden and indoor flower arrangement as well as being depicted on canvas and pottery.
Despite the flower being referred to as a useless beauty that could not be used as a food source, clothing dye, for medicinal purposes and was somewhat lacking in fragrance the tulip became a great source of delight gracing many a garden and indoor flower arrangement as well as being depicted on canvas and pottery.
The tulip was considered to be a very rare exotic beauty, one that over time was able to mutate to the extent that it could re design its appearance seemingly at will. Although in reality this was actually due to virus introduced to the flower by Aphids.
Quite sadly such a thing of sheer beauty over time sadly became a representation of vanity, financial speculation and greed as the Tulip Price Index between 1636-1637 dramatically and unexpectedly plummeted.
Thankfully today we are still able to enjoy and admire these beautiful blooms that somehow managed to avoid a catastrophic demise through the sheer greed of man.
Quite sadly such a thing of sheer beauty over time sadly became a representation of vanity, financial speculation and greed as the Tulip Price Index between 1636-1637 dramatically and unexpectedly plummeted.
Thankfully today we are still able to enjoy and admire these beautiful blooms that somehow managed to avoid a catastrophic demise through the sheer greed of man.
12th January 2016 Speaker: Jane Tapley
The History of Pantomime
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
The Societies first lecture of the New Year was given by Jane Tapley who enthralled and delighted us by all by taking us on a most delightfully nostalgic trip down memory lane to share the laughter, thrills and awe of the mystical, complex and fascinating world of pantomime.
Jane shared her rather vast knowledge base with us of how pantomime developed out of its Greek and Roman roots through the religious plays of the Middle Ages through to the Italian Commedia Dell’Arte that we can more readily identify with today.
As paying audience waiting to be entertained by the cast of the Pantomime I wonder how many of us actually paid much attention to the tradition that there is always a ‘mask’ and ‘skin part’, such as the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wolf in Little Red riding Hood, the Cat in Dick Whittington etc……
As paying audience waiting to be entertained by the cast of the Pantomime I wonder how many of us actually paid much attention to the tradition that there is always a ‘mask’ and ‘skin part’, such as the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wolf in Little Red riding Hood, the Cat in Dick Whittington etc……
Pantomimes would always stay true to the common theme of Good versus Evil that was always cleverly woven into the scripts as an element of morality and from the 18th Centaury onwards always included a Dame and Principle Boy as the prominent cause of the slapstick element that to this day continues to be a great cause of delight throughout family generations, and hopefully by its very nature will continue to do so for many generations to come.
1st December 2015 Speaker: Margaret Imrie
Our Society: The Story of the Hull ‘Lit & Phil’
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
The last lecture before the Christmas interval was undertaken by the Society's very own Margaret Imrie and what an intriguing, revealing and amusing evening it was too!
The Literary & Philosophical Society apparently has a history filled with incident that I feel we can be certain that Presidents of a bygone age would rather have hoped would be brushed under the carpet never to be spoken of again in the hopes of the Society maintaining its dignified image, where like minded and well educated gentry of the day would meet and converse.
Many years ago, Margaret, along with her friend and colleague Julia Walsh, decided to write a factual booklet about the history of the Society and during their vast amount of research managed to unfold a vast array of intriguing facts and figures.
This evenings attendees were treated to a wonderful evening of enlightenment of how a group of gentlemen back in 1822 met in The Dog and Duck Public House with a mind to setting up a sociable society of enquiring minds in the hopes to educate the people of the city, evolved into what is now the City of Hull’s oldest cultural organisation despite its somewhat rocky start, inclusive of fighting during meetings, exploding gas lamps, dangerous gas leaks from the newly installed gas lighting, the dramatic destruction of venues, an alcoholic president, a non too gentlemanly treasurer who embezzled the societies funds that led to near bankruptcy.
Thankfully, the Society has experienced many an occasion that has been the cause of great pride and accomplishment, such as the Royal visit of Queen Victoria and Albert, the demonstration of the telephone that was the first outside of London, involvement with the College of Music.
Many years ago, Margaret, along with her friend and colleague Julia Walsh, decided to write a factual booklet about the history of the Society and during their vast amount of research managed to unfold a vast array of intriguing facts and figures.
This evenings attendees were treated to a wonderful evening of enlightenment of how a group of gentlemen back in 1822 met in The Dog and Duck Public House with a mind to setting up a sociable society of enquiring minds in the hopes to educate the people of the city, evolved into what is now the City of Hull’s oldest cultural organisation despite its somewhat rocky start, inclusive of fighting during meetings, exploding gas lamps, dangerous gas leaks from the newly installed gas lighting, the dramatic destruction of venues, an alcoholic president, a non too gentlemanly treasurer who embezzled the societies funds that led to near bankruptcy.
Thankfully, the Society has experienced many an occasion that has been the cause of great pride and accomplishment, such as the Royal visit of Queen Victoria and Albert, the demonstration of the telephone that was the first outside of London, involvement with the College of Music.
The first Lady President, Mrs Julia Walsh, took office in 1990. Quite an achievement for womankind as it was not until 1872 that women were finally able to join the Society in their own right after an ongoing battle over the admission of ladies since 1831.
The Society has over the years acquired a rather impressive listing of well known and accomplished speakers and authors, such as: Oscar Wilde, Sir David Bellamy, John Pilkinton, Horris Dobbs and Lucinda Lampton.
Mrs Margaret Imrie has also been predominantly responsible for the planning and designing of 6 Banners that depict a promotional overview of the history of this great and accomplished Society that were on display to attendees this evening with a view to further promoting the Society as a touring exhibition throughout the City of Hull and the East Riding.
It is hoped that within the near future Margaret will be able to have published a book, co written in part by Mrs Julia Walsh, about the history of this rather wonderful and long standing Society.
The Society has over the years acquired a rather impressive listing of well known and accomplished speakers and authors, such as: Oscar Wilde, Sir David Bellamy, John Pilkinton, Horris Dobbs and Lucinda Lampton.
Mrs Margaret Imrie has also been predominantly responsible for the planning and designing of 6 Banners that depict a promotional overview of the history of this great and accomplished Society that were on display to attendees this evening with a view to further promoting the Society as a touring exhibition throughout the City of Hull and the East Riding.
It is hoped that within the near future Margaret will be able to have published a book, co written in part by Mrs Julia Walsh, about the history of this rather wonderful and long standing Society.
24th November 2015 Speaker: Keith Offord
Land of Geysers and Gyrs: The Scenery and birdlife of Iceland
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
The history of the sub-arctic block of larva known to us as Iceland with its dark winters and far from tropical summers is one of survival and prosperity, settled by Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British Isles back in the 9th and 10th centuries.
Despite the semi-tundra harshness of this North Atlantic Island, it is currently occupied by 313,000 inhabitants. With its rugged mountains, lakes and volcanoes this Island is fast becoming one of the most scenically desirable countries to visit by holiday makers.
This week the Society had the pleasure to welcome Keith Offord who delighted us all with his intriguing and majestic photographic images of the Island of Iceland and the vast array of bird species that during the summer months becomes their breeding ground.
Keith shared with us the many images he had personally photographed of what can only be described as captivating to view of spectacular species such as Red-throated and Northern Divers displaying their vibrant summer plumage, Harlequin Ducks, Whooper Swans, Snow Buntings, Gyr Falcons and a host of Waders and Seabirds depicted either nesting, in flight or caring for their young.
This week the Society had the pleasure to welcome Keith Offord who delighted us all with his intriguing and majestic photographic images of the Island of Iceland and the vast array of bird species that during the summer months becomes their breeding ground.
Keith shared with us the many images he had personally photographed of what can only be described as captivating to view of spectacular species such as Red-throated and Northern Divers displaying their vibrant summer plumage, Harlequin Ducks, Whooper Swans, Snow Buntings, Gyr Falcons and a host of Waders and Seabirds depicted either nesting, in flight or caring for their young.
Society members were regaled by stories of how some bird species travel an estimated 1 million miles during their lifetime to breed and live up to an estimated 30 years such as the Arctic Turns. The Fulmar that has an unusual bill that has a built in mechanism for getting rid of sea salt that is scooped up as it feeds and the Red Wing that apparently sings throughout the night. 12 million pairs of Puffins breed on the island and Gyr Falcons interbreed.
Keith most certainly provided the Society attendees to an evening filled with fascinating facts and mesmerizing photography and a well rounded insight into all this beautiful Island has to offer to those who inhabit it or choose to visit.
Keith most certainly provided the Society attendees to an evening filled with fascinating facts and mesmerizing photography and a well rounded insight into all this beautiful Island has to offer to those who inhabit it or choose to visit.
17th November 2015 Speaker: Professor Callum Roberts
Future Oceans: A sea of hope or despair?
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
Do any of us consider for more than perhaps a fleeting moment when we are stood at the fishmonger's counter, if the fish we are about to purchase is from a sustainable source?
If we are absolutely honest with ourselves we probably give the matter little thought.
However, Professor Roberts with his very candid and thought provoking lecture inviting us to give careful consideration to how human intervention, climate change and industrialisation has impacted quite dramatically upon our oceans to become the cause of great concern to marine biologists and scientists across the globe.
Callum brought to our attention how intensive fishing seriously risks depleting stocks of specific species of fish and has actually wiped out some species such as the spiny dogfish, conga eel and the wolf fish.
How changes in sea levels have arisen due to the fact that oceans absorb 90% of heat build up from greenhouse gas emissions that has had a significant impact upon coral reefs.
However, Professor Roberts with his very candid and thought provoking lecture inviting us to give careful consideration to how human intervention, climate change and industrialisation has impacted quite dramatically upon our oceans to become the cause of great concern to marine biologists and scientists across the globe.
Callum brought to our attention how intensive fishing seriously risks depleting stocks of specific species of fish and has actually wiped out some species such as the spiny dogfish, conga eel and the wolf fish.
How changes in sea levels have arisen due to the fact that oceans absorb 90% of heat build up from greenhouse gas emissions that has had a significant impact upon coral reefs.
Ocean acidity has increased by 30% since the pre-industrial age.
Currently, seafood is a main source of protein for over 1 billion people living within a world of unprecedented change, Callum proceeded to inform us of the changes that are currently in motion, and of others that will be set in place for the not too distant future to enable a level of sustainability, such as; setting up more marine protected areas and reserves, less intensive fishing methods using less destructive equipment and industries that are more mindful of the impact they have upon the natural world.
This obviously provokes food for thought, quite literally!
Currently, seafood is a main source of protein for over 1 billion people living within a world of unprecedented change, Callum proceeded to inform us of the changes that are currently in motion, and of others that will be set in place for the not too distant future to enable a level of sustainability, such as; setting up more marine protected areas and reserves, less intensive fishing methods using less destructive equipment and industries that are more mindful of the impact they have upon the natural world.
This obviously provokes food for thought, quite literally!
10th November 2015 Speaker: Major Gordon Corrigan MBE
Waterloo: The Battle for Europe
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
Most of us are all too familiar with the story of how on a bloody battlefield in Belgium on 18th June 1815, Blucher and Wellington were finally able to celebrate their victory of halting Napoleon’s relentless march towards European domination thus securing Britain’s role as a key player in Europe.
After almost 22 years of unrelenting warfare, for the time being, there could finally be peace in Europe
As for the heroic victor, Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, (1st Duke of Wellington), he secured a peace deal with France and became Prime Minister in 1828 and became one of the leading military and political figures of 19th - century Britain.
It was a great pleasure for society attendees to welcome this week, Major Gordon Corrigan MBE, formally an officer of the permanent cadre of the Royal Ghurkha Rifles, currently a professional historian and writer.
As for the heroic victor, Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, (1st Duke of Wellington), he secured a peace deal with France and became Prime Minister in 1828 and became one of the leading military and political figures of 19th - century Britain.
It was a great pleasure for society attendees to welcome this week, Major Gordon Corrigan MBE, formally an officer of the permanent cadre of the Royal Ghurkha Rifles, currently a professional historian and writer.
Gordon’s lecture of Waterloo took us back through history, but not to regale us with an overview of this already familiar historical battle, but to examine the final campaign by placing it within the Social, Political, Economic and Military context of its time before preceding to analyse the personal abilities and characters of the men that led the various armies and the tactical manoeuvres deployed that led to the victorious outcome for Britain.
A very welcomed alternative and analytical approach to what has to be one of the most significant battles within British history.
A very welcomed alternative and analytical approach to what has to be one of the most significant battles within British history.
3rd November 2015 Speaker: Jerry Stone FBIS
The Next 50 Years in Space
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
This week attending members of the society were catapulted beyond the stars and earths orbit into deep space, metaphorically speaking of course.
The society’s guest lecturer of the evening Mr Jerry Stone, a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society and Author of ‘One Small Step’ took us on a figurative journey into the future of space travel where the seemingly impossible was anything but.
Consider if you please, space elevators that would allow access to space without the need for rockets. Colonies that could be built onto to create living space where the people of tomorrow in their millions, could live and procreate in a safe habitable environment much the same as we currently experience here on planet Earth.
Missions to Mars.
Giant solar powered satellites providing Earth with electricity thus helping to resolve energy shortages.
Although living in space is at present the stuff of science fiction, scientists believe it to be feasible that space colonies could provide a new living world for potentially millions of people.
Consider if you please, space elevators that would allow access to space without the need for rockets. Colonies that could be built onto to create living space where the people of tomorrow in their millions, could live and procreate in a safe habitable environment much the same as we currently experience here on planet Earth.
Missions to Mars.
Giant solar powered satellites providing Earth with electricity thus helping to resolve energy shortages.
Although living in space is at present the stuff of science fiction, scientists believe it to be feasible that space colonies could provide a new living world for potentially millions of people.
As for space elevators, technical studies already conducted consider that such a feat could essentially be achievable.
Missions to Mars are now potentially achievable at a lesser cost and shorter flight time then ever thought possible thanks to the ever increasing technological advancements.
With gratitude to Gerry for his insightful and fascinatingly tangible view of the future, we may now gaze up towards the stars and imagine the endless potentially achievable possibilities of future generations of the human race, being born and living out their lives without ever having lived on Planet Earth travelling to and from deep space via an elevator.
Missions to Mars are now potentially achievable at a lesser cost and shorter flight time then ever thought possible thanks to the ever increasing technological advancements.
With gratitude to Gerry for his insightful and fascinatingly tangible view of the future, we may now gaze up towards the stars and imagine the endless potentially achievable possibilities of future generations of the human race, being born and living out their lives without ever having lived on Planet Earth travelling to and from deep space via an elevator.
27th October 2015 Speaker: Dr Simon Werrett
Incendiary History: The Story of Fireworks
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
We are all too familiar with the history of Guy Fawkes, who due to his expertise with gun powder, was invited by Thomas Wintour to join what is now infamously known as the failed Gun Powder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
Fawkes was arrested at midnight on 4th November 1605 and sentenced to the traditional traitors’ death of being hanged drawn and quartered, thus instantly becoming a national embodiment of Catholic extremism.
From the 19th Century to this day effigies across the country are placed onto bonfires to be lit, commemorating the failure of the plot to kill the king during the undertaking of opening parliament on 5th November 1605. Fireworks fill the skies as representational explosions that would have occurred had the plot been successful.
Fireworks, consequently, are primarily associated with Guy Fawkes and most of us could be forgiven for giving little thought to any other function that they may have other than to fill the skies with celebratory and entertaining explosions of colour.
Thanks to Dr Simon Werrett, who visited our Society this week, we are now able to consider the many other functions past and present that fireworks (pyrotechnics) have by sharing with attending society members his widespread knowledge of the history and development of them from the middle ages in China to present date.
From the 19th Century to this day effigies across the country are placed onto bonfires to be lit, commemorating the failure of the plot to kill the king during the undertaking of opening parliament on 5th November 1605. Fireworks fill the skies as representational explosions that would have occurred had the plot been successful.
Fireworks, consequently, are primarily associated with Guy Fawkes and most of us could be forgiven for giving little thought to any other function that they may have other than to fill the skies with celebratory and entertaining explosions of colour.
Thanks to Dr Simon Werrett, who visited our Society this week, we are now able to consider the many other functions past and present that fireworks (pyrotechnics) have by sharing with attending society members his widespread knowledge of the history and development of them from the middle ages in China to present date.
Simon enlightened the Society as to when the first explosive rockets were used in 1380 and that fireworks were predominantly used in churches as representations of the descending Holy Spirit and also by royalty to demonstrate their extreme power and extent of their wealth
Simon also touched upon how fireworks inspired the invention of weapons, balloon flight and the quite remarkable fact that a greater understanding of what electricity (referred to in the 1800’s as Electric Fire) was, borne out of observing an exploding firework.
The society attendees were treated to a short chemistry lesson as to how colour was initially added to fireworks and how over time the technology advanced to provide the very beautiful and vibrant pyrotechnic displays we continue to enjoy today.
This week's lecture was brought to a grand finale by a short movie clip of a grand scale display of fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge in celebration of the Millennium, a most agreeable way to end a very captivating evening in the company of Dr Simon Werrett.
Simon also touched upon how fireworks inspired the invention of weapons, balloon flight and the quite remarkable fact that a greater understanding of what electricity (referred to in the 1800’s as Electric Fire) was, borne out of observing an exploding firework.
The society attendees were treated to a short chemistry lesson as to how colour was initially added to fireworks and how over time the technology advanced to provide the very beautiful and vibrant pyrotechnic displays we continue to enjoy today.
This week's lecture was brought to a grand finale by a short movie clip of a grand scale display of fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge in celebration of the Millennium, a most agreeable way to end a very captivating evening in the company of Dr Simon Werrett.
20th October 2015 Speaker: Jeremy Barlow
Dance : Manners, Morals and Class. A Social History of Dancing from the Renaissance to the Romantic Era
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
A social history of dancing from the Renaissance to the Romantic Era was introduced to the attending members of the Society this week by Mr Jeremy Barlow who specialises in English popular and dance music from 1550-1700’s.
It was Jeremy's particular interest in social dance through the ages that was the central theme of his lecture, delivered with poise, flair, and an underlying element of fun.
Jeremy enlightened us all with his charming visual images depicting the varying styles of dance from Court, country and Baroque, through to the emergence of the Waltz as well as delighting us with stories of expected codes of behaviour, etiquette, dance floor decorum (and at times the apparent lack of it) thus building up to a vibrant portrayal of social dancing and societies changing and evolving attitudes towards it.
Jeremy enlightened us all with his charming visual images depicting the varying styles of dance from Court, country and Baroque, through to the emergence of the Waltz as well as delighting us with stories of expected codes of behaviour, etiquette, dance floor decorum (and at times the apparent lack of it) thus building up to a vibrant portrayal of social dancing and societies changing and evolving attitudes towards it.
Most of the Society members, if not all, by the closure of the evening felt quite confident within their ability to be able to distinguish the difference between the rather robust country dancing (enjoyed by the lower ranks of society) and the more elegant court dances (favoured by the upper classes) during the Renaissance Period as well as be able to relate the rather flamboyant and theatrical Baroque style of dancing to an amalgamation of ballroom and ballet.
In the words of Lord Byron: ‘On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined’
In the words of Lord Byron: ‘On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined’
13th October 2015 Speaker: Professor Elizabeth Graham
The Maya - Masters of Time
Report by Mrs Erica Hardy. BSc (Hons) - Society Blogger
The new presiding President for the 2015/16 Lecture Programme, Mr John Fagge, officially opened the 194th season by welcoming and introducing Professor Elizabeth Graham to the Society.
Our speaker proceeded without delay, to introduce the Maya Civilization of Central America to an eagerly anticipating audience by launching into a rather complex but equally intriguing account of how these Masters of Time developed accurate time keeping systems, complete with illustrated slides to guide us through this rather complicated system.
We were assured this system was quite easy to understand, once the basic concept had been grasped. (We’ll take your word for that Elizabeth). Elizabeth skilfully combined humorous wit with intriguing facts and figures surrounding the Maya’s rather complex cultural rituals, customs, social engagement and welfare systems, many of which continue to exist today.
Long standing myths surrounding human sacrifice were dispelled by Elizabeth as being more to do with cultural differences relating to how
We were assured this system was quite easy to understand, once the basic concept had been grasped. (We’ll take your word for that Elizabeth). Elizabeth skilfully combined humorous wit with intriguing facts and figures surrounding the Maya’s rather complex cultural rituals, customs, social engagement and welfare systems, many of which continue to exist today.
Long standing myths surrounding human sacrifice were dispelled by Elizabeth as being more to do with cultural differences relating to how
rituals of warfare are carried out, as opposed to direct and intentional human sacrifice as we know it.
Elizabeth also touched upon the never to be forgotten Doomsday prediction of 2012, borne as a result of a broken Maya slab’s that upon translation read ‘It will happen,’ as well as giving direct reference to the Maya’s God, Bolon Yookte K’uh who is often associated with the afterlife and the now infamous date of 21/12/2012. There was little doubt as I glanced around the room, as to how this rather accomplished Professor had managed to captivate her audience’s imagination, and I expect, leaving them wishing there was more time to explore more aspects of this intriguing and multifaceted civilisation.
All in all a very successful start to the season!
Elizabeth also touched upon the never to be forgotten Doomsday prediction of 2012, borne as a result of a broken Maya slab’s that upon translation read ‘It will happen,’ as well as giving direct reference to the Maya’s God, Bolon Yookte K’uh who is often associated with the afterlife and the now infamous date of 21/12/2012. There was little doubt as I glanced around the room, as to how this rather accomplished Professor had managed to captivate her audience’s imagination, and I expect, leaving them wishing there was more time to explore more aspects of this intriguing and multifaceted civilisation.
All in all a very successful start to the season!
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