Talks are held at the Ashcroft Church, Ashcroft Road, Cirencester GL7 1RA unless indicated otherwise. (See the red dot in the adjacent map.)
Talks start promptly at 7:30pm.
Lectures & Meetings Programme
Autumn 2025 – Summer 2026
Lectures are held at
Ashcroft Church, Ashcroft Road, Cirencester GL7 1RA unless indicated otherwise.
Lectures start promptly at 7.30pm.
membership@cirenhistory.org.uk
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Wednesday 24th September 2025
Before Time Team
Peter Grace
Peter Grace is well known as a Cirencester historian and as a curator of the Living Memory Historical Association in Cirencester. In this talk he reminisces about the archaeological excavations that took place in Cirencester in the 1960s and 1970s.
Wednesday 29th October 2025
Teenage Time Travel
Julian Richards
As our contribution to Cirencester History Festival, we are pleased to welcome Julian Richards, archaeologist and TV presenter, exploring life as a teenager at different times in the past. Created especially for 11-16 year olds, there will be 40 places free to CAHS members and younger family from 5th September by email cahs@cirenhistory.org.uk . . . or otherwise should be booked through Cirencester History Festival.
Wednesday 26th November 2025
The Stroud Valley Railway
Mike Fenton
Railway author Mike Fenton, who is currently researching the history of the Stroud Valley railway (Kemble to Stonehouse), will talk about his latest research. This will include some little-known stories relating to the Kemble to Cirencester branch as well as the story of the mysterious Tetbury Road.
Wednesday 14th January 2026
Technology Underpinning Roman Wine & Oil Production
Emlyn Dodd – University of London
Sir Emrys Jones lecture theatre, Royal Agricultural University
A joint meeting with Cirencester Science and Technology Society.
Please note: This is earlier in the month than our usual meeting and at a different venue.
Wednesday 25th February 2026
Local Places and the Arthurian Tradition
Dr. Mary Bateman
The Annual Croome Lecture – PARISH CHURCH, 7.30pm
Dr Bateman’s recent book – ‘Local Places and the Arthurian Tradition in England and Wales, 1400-1700’ – traces the history of the important role played by local places in the development of the stories of King Arthur. In a talk written specifically for the Croome Lecture, she considers the significance of Cirencester in the Arthurian legend.
Wednesday 25th March 2026
The Early History of the WI
Sheila Rowley
Sheila Rowley, Archivist for the Gloucestershire Federation of WIs, will talk about the early history of the WI, including the formation of the first Gloucestershire WI in Cirencester. She will explain the work involved in looking after the archives and will reveal some of the stories she has uncovered from minute books and scrap books.
Wednesday 22nd April 2026
The History of Gloucestershire Constabulary
Sue Webb
Gloucestershire Constabulary is the oldest county force and has a rich and varied history. Sue Webb, Gloucestershire Constabulary Archives Officer, will talk about the history of the force, making particular reference to Cirencester where possible. Sue will also be bringing along Cirencester constabulary diaries from the 1800s that have yet to be transcribed.
Wednesday 27th May 2026
Annual General Meeting followed by
RAF Brize Norton – Over 80 Years of Flying Operations
Trevor Jackson
This talk covers the history of RAF Brize Norton from its first inception in the 1930s, through World War II, the Cold War and various modern conflicts up to the present day. Trevor Jackson served in the RAF for 29 years – 17 years in the ranks and a further 12 years as a Commissioned Officer.
Officers & Committee 2025-2026
Chair Anne Buffoni
Vice Chair Aileen Anderson
Minutes Secretary Karen Mogridge
Treasurer Lynton Mogridge
Membership Secretary Karen Mogridge
Programme Secretary Alison Wagstaff
Social Media Secretary Sylvia Warman
Website Manager Martin Ling
Committee Members Andrew Chapple
Martin Graebe
Honorary Editor/Archivist David Viner
Honorary Examiner Philip Twentyman
The Society is a registered charity – No 287289
CAHS Subscription Rates:
Single membership £11.00 (£10 by standing order)
Joint membership £17.00 (£15 by standing order)
Lectures are free to members and students in full-time education.
Non-members – £5
Visitors are always welcome.