Summer Programme 2026
Unless otherwise indicated, all talks take place at the New Life Church (Tape Street, ST10 1LH) and start at 7.30pm. Annual membership is £10, visitors are welcome at meetings for a fee of £3.
Participants join any of these visits on the understanding that in public places, neither the Society nor our guides can accept any liability for injuries incurred. Particularly when outdoors, participants are responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and those in their care. Please take note of any safety-related information given below and/or at the visits.
May 21st [Talk]: King Richard III - A talk by the Reverend Dr. Harry J. Tomkinson
Harry specialises in the medieval period, and in particular that of Edward IV and Richard III. He has worked at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester, working alongside Philipa Langley, who was instrumental in the finding of Richard III. He travels extensively doing lectures, talks and tours, and is an active member of The Richard III Society and The Plantagenet Alliance.
We are extremely lucky that Harry has found time to visit our society. His recently published book “Alton Towers, From Iron Age Fort to Worldwide Fame", is now in a second print run.
June 18th [Talk]: Travelling the Knotty Way - A presentation by Mark Smith
The North Staffordshire Railway was formed in 1845, serving Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire.
July 16th [Visit]: Stoke Minster
We are fortunate to have a guided tour at 12.00 Noon. How many times have we driven past, but never visited? Bring sandwiches if you wish, relax in the grounds for a while and enjoy the exterior architecture of this superb building.
August 16th [Visit] : A walk around Cheadle Town
Meet at the bottom of Greyhound Walk off Tape Street car park, at 1.45 pm for a 2pm start. This will take approx. 1 to 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Please note, we will never be more than 10 minutes from the car park. A chance for us to introduce new residents, neighbours and friends to the heritage of our wonderful town. Comfortable shoes and a bottle of water are recommended. Please let Mike Plant know if you wish to attend via e-mail: mikeplant1138@gmail.com
August 20th [Talk]: The Nuns of Oulton (near Stone), Abbey - An illustrated talk by Chris Westwood
Entering a convent, becoming a nun, and life in a convent was probably not as we imagine.
Unless indicated otherwise, non-members are welcome to join us on paying a visitor fee of £3 each. If you require transport to any of the above meetings, please make arrangements with other members of the Society.