Category: History Talks

The History of Christmas by Allison O’Brien A welcome drink and slice of Stollen to get you in the mood, followed by Ally showing a film on the History of Christmas…..pagan onwards….and a short talk about Christmas traditions round the world.  Arrive at 10.30am for a prompt start at 11am. Cost 2€ per person for…

by Keith Smith Seven centuries of Moorish rule left an indelible stamp on Spain, and helped shaped its´history, language, culture and traditions. The general history of the occupation has beenwell documented and researched. Little however is known about the Moorish period inthe area around us, the Marina Alta. In 1232 Jaime 1 of Aragon began…

How it all began by Allison O’Brien What are the stories behind some the famous products?  Birds Custard and Royal Baking Powder were both invented because Alfred Bird’s wife was allergic to yeast and eggs.  “Marriage is a lot more harmonious when one’s wife can satisfy her sweet tooth”!!!  Why is there no sugar or…

by Peter Atkinson The presentation will start with a review of the events and ideas, principally tax-related, that led 13 colonies to rebel against the Crown and resulted in the founding of the United States of America.  We’ll follow the course of the war, focusing on the main strategic and political threads rather than on the detail of individual…

Rosalind will be giving the second part of her talk given in March about the four-year sail that she took around the western Pacific on her small yacht many years ago.  All history now!  You don’t have to have heard the first part to enjoy this one.  Rosalind had talked about the start of her sailing…

by Alan Hunton In the latter part of the Eighteenth century, George III and the British government suddenly becameinterested in the Breadfruit tree and in particular to the large fruits of this tree which were thestaple diet of many peoples living in tropical Pacific islands. The tree had been spotted by James Cook and Joseph…